I Applaud the new Healthy Howard Healthcare Access Program

I am excited by the new Healthy Howard Healthcare Access Initiative. This new program is designed to address the challenge of providing affordable healthcare access to working adults who otherwise would fall through the cracks. This program is not a free hand-out, but it is designed to provide a low-cost, means-tested alternative for Howard County’s low income residents to obtain access to healthcare and wellness services. I applaud our government for taking the risk to try a new progressive approach to this problem. This is the type of action that shows government at its best. Here’s hoping that this program can be implemented in a fashion that is both affordable both to those that don’t have access to affordable healthcare and to the Howard County taxpayers in general.

What’s your Sign?

I wasn’t the first homeowner on my street to display an Obama – Biden sign. That milestone was me by my neighbor two doors down. Of course I already knew my fellow Obama supporter had good taste as he was the other Pittsburgh Steelers fan in my neighborhood. As our two signs were the only election banners displayed, for about a week now, I have the pleasure of basking in the fantasy that my neighborhood was demarcated as a little progressive haven. I know all of my neighbors to talk to, and many of my neighbors are close friends with whom I socialize frequently. So, I was aware that a few of my neighbors were more conservative than I. In fact, I know one or two even voted for Bush (at least the first time around). So, I had no real illusion that my little fantasy was true, even though it made me smile. However, that fantasy was shattered yesterday when my neighbor across the street posted, not one, but two McCain – Palin signs in their lawn. I should have known they would be the ones to shatter my fantasy solidarity. These are the same neighbors who repeatedly decline our entrées for participation in our community pot-lucks, barbecues, holiday cocktail parties and such. These are the neighbors who are always quick to yell at the kids if they cut across the corner of their lawn. And, worst of all, they are the neighbors who unleash multitude of cats on the neighborhood to antagonize our dogs and to use our lawns and garden sheds as their collective litter boxes. In short, they are stereotypical Republicans. Now, I know all republicans are not like my neighbors. In fact, as a military retiree working in the defense industry, I actually think more of my friends are Republicans than Democrats, and very few would fit this stereotype. But, it seems to me that the Republican Party certainly appeals to more than its fair share of Dennis the Menace – Mr Wilson types. Heck, now that I think about it, I bet when I was growing up, the old guy who kept our wiffle-balls when they accidentally landed on his front porch was a Republican.

I Love it when a Politician Impeaches Himself with his own Words

I love Hot for Words

Every once and a while, an idea comes along that is so brilliant and captivating that you wish you had thought of it yourself. Well, Hot for Words isn't that thing, but it is extremely entertaining. I mean, what can be better than a cute girl with a foreign accent explaining the etymology of words, their correct usage, and such? It is much like William Safire's On Language column only with a certain innocent sex appeal. You will have to check it out.

I love that we are finally going to get to vote on slots here in Maryland

I think that it is ridiculous that we currently do not have slots at Maryland racetracks. People like to gamble and will either find an illegal venue to gamble locally or travel out-of-state if Maryland does not provide a legal alternative. Legalized slots will provide people another local legal outlet for gambling, it will help shore up the historic Maryland Horse racing industry, and will provide increase State revenues. I think it is silly to prohibit people for risking their money, but I do see the need for government regulation of gambling to ensure the games aren't rigged. Legalizing slots is a welcome step in the right direction. While the ballot measure isn’t perfect, I am encouraging all of my friends to vote Yes on Constitutional question Number 2 this November 4th.

I hate to look at our 401(k) lately

Our 401(k) has been in a tailspin over the past six months, with the most recent financial crisis only seeming to accelerate that trend. I tried to move my money around to different funds to stem the downward slide, but all funds appear to be losing value across the board with the only distinction being the rate of decline. Small US Equity, Large US Equity, Bonds, International, and Emerging Market funds are on a downward trend. In fact, my portfolio has lost more than 16% in value since January. The so called experts say to ride it out by keeping a diversified portfolio consistent with when you want the investments to mature. Well, Laura and I won’t be retiring for 20 years, so we are “in it for the long haul”, but our options seem to be bad or worse. Nothing seems to be a safe haven. Furthermore, these experts say look at the downward slide as an opportunity to purchase bargains that will eventually climb back up when the markets recover. Perhaps that is so, but the constant drop and rebound cycle in the Dow Jones average (and in the market as a whole) over the past few weeks seems to be fueled more by panic than by a reasoned evaluation of the relative earning potential of the underlying corporate entities that issued the stocks. And, if the experts are panicking, what hope is there that a small time investors like myself will make the right choice for their retirement accounts. Remember, these same so called experts were the ones who didn’t see this bank crisis coming. What is really scary to me is that just four years ago, the government was talking about privatizing Social Security. If we had done that, what would the safety net be for someone who loses their retirement savings during one of these panic cycles?

I Love the way Mewelde Moore has stepped up for the Steelers

I thought the Steelers, who have always relied on the run, were really in trouble due both of their primary running backs out this week. Willie Parker will be out for at least another week, and our recent first round pick, Rashard Mendenhall, will be out for the rest of the season. So, I was really impressed with how Mewelde Moore has stepped up to fill the gap left in the Steelers’ offense. Because Mewelde Moore has provided the Steelers with a viable running game, the Steelers were able to play their regular offensive scheme. As a result, the Steelers pulled out a win against Jacksonville. This was despite Big Ben’s interception that was brought back for a touchdown on the third play of the game. But, as usual, the Steelers didn't crumble in the face of this mistake. Instead, the Steelers came right back and stuffed it down Jacksonville's throat. Because of Mewelde Moore (and in the first quarter, a returning Najeh Davenport) the Steelers were able to run their typical game plan, using the run to set up the pass.

The previous two games certainly gave me pause, but tonight the Steelers proved that they are still in the hunt for Super Bowl ring number six. Let’s hope that next week's bye week will give the Steelers a chance to recharge their batteries as they have to go through quite a few quality teams to get to the playoffs. They certainly will need to be a little bit healthier than they have been so far this season