http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/chester/nabes/20070506_Call_for_relief_from_property_taxes.html
In Pennsylvania, Governor Rendell proposed "Act 1" last year which is "a law that requires a referendum vote on a proposed partial shift from property to income taxes in every school district in the state outside of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton." Citizens go to vote on May 15th. It looks like it could be a pretty close vote. Several residents are opposed because it will end up costing them more money; even though they would still pay lower taxes on their homes, couples would be paying more for income taxes for the schools. One family's property taxes have gone up more than $600 dollars from when they first moved to Coatsville, Pennsylvania. The only people who seem to benefit would be retired senior citizens and low-income homeowners. Some think it may be the wording on the ballot that will influence people's negative opinions; the ballot uses the words impose and tax (obviously) which most people look at as bad. But the governor's intentions may have been good, according to the school board president in one school district.
"I think we could have made a better version of this, that would seem fairer to a larger number people," said Douglas Doren, school board president in the Kennett Consolidated School District. He applauded the legislature's intentions to lessen the burden for low-income earners, but cautioned, "It's more complicated than that, and the benefits to our taxpayers are not so clear."
I agree that the intentions were good but I think that there could be a better way to go about this so that it's fair for everyone. It's ridiculous that some people's taxes have already gone up so much over the years ($600!!!) and are expected to pay more. It seems like there would be more people put at a disadvantage than there would be people benefiting from the vote. IF it passes, they are going to have a lot of unhappy residents unless they make some revisions.
4.29.2007
Job growth or tough times ahead?
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070429/BIZ0102/704290304/1002&nav_category=
the city of bends, oregon is looking to expand. however, they aren't sure exactly what the results will be like. it will either provide a lot of people with all different kinds of jobs otherwise it is going to cause a large portion of the city (mainly businesses) to get up and move somewhere else. if they choose to stay, it will cost them.
In other words, the city, from Lee's perspective, is "at a crossroads."
"I wouldn't say we are looking at a mass migration," Lee said, "but I would say you are going to see more and more of that in the making - a growing wave of companies that physically can't find a place to be. And, cost-wise, it doesn't really make sense to them to stay."
i think companies are going to have to look at what will benefit them. if staying and being able to employ more people will help them, then they don't need to move. if other companies move to the area as well then that might help bring business to them. but if it they are going to lose money by staying in bends, then it's not worth it. eventually they would go out of business. no one knows what the city's future holds but i don't think they should rush to make any decisions.
the city of bends, oregon is looking to expand. however, they aren't sure exactly what the results will be like. it will either provide a lot of people with all different kinds of jobs otherwise it is going to cause a large portion of the city (mainly businesses) to get up and move somewhere else. if they choose to stay, it will cost them.
In other words, the city, from Lee's perspective, is "at a crossroads."
"I wouldn't say we are looking at a mass migration," Lee said, "but I would say you are going to see more and more of that in the making - a growing wave of companies that physically can't find a place to be. And, cost-wise, it doesn't really make sense to them to stay."
i think companies are going to have to look at what will benefit them. if staying and being able to employ more people will help them, then they don't need to move. if other companies move to the area as well then that might help bring business to them. but if it they are going to lose money by staying in bends, then it's not worth it. eventually they would go out of business. no one knows what the city's future holds but i don't think they should rush to make any decisions.
4.15.2007
Meet Vidal Guerra and his mother, Antonia.
She's turning him into a girl.
That was the title of an article in Marie Claire magazine this past March. (I couldn't find the actual article online, but I can bring in the magazine for anyone who wants to read it; it's quite interesting.) It's not an exaggeration either. In Juchitan, Mexico daughters bring more value to their families than sons do. It's basically the opposite of China where they believe boys are more valuable because they will carry on the family name; whereas girls will just leave the family and live with their husbands family. In Mexico, muxes (the third gender, men transformed into women) very seldom live with lovers but instead stay home and take care of their mothers. Muxes (which is translated to literally mean gay men) do more than take care of their mothers though.
"Muxes work harder than men, and we're more curious an dentrepreneurial than women," says Estrella (a muxe from Juchitan). "We are known for our artistic talent. People seek us out- they like to have their dresses made by muxes."
Muxes normally hold more lucrative jobs than either man or women in this part of Mexico. Because of the economic advantages, women actually encourage their sons to become part of the third gender.
I was very surprised by this article. It is weird to think how much this helps their economy and that that is one of the main reasons so many men agree to making such drastic lifestyle changes. I can't imagine our culture encouraging men to become women to help our economic status. In the article it discusses typical jobs for men, women, and muxes and muxes tend to make about three times what women make in just a month. When other families with several sons see how much income families with muxes bring in, they realize how helpful it would be if one of their sons became a muxe as well. In Juchitan, muxes have basically taken over the design industry in recent years and it shows in their salaries. They are the supporters for their families. It was very interesting to read what these men will do to improve their family's status. Let me know if you want to read the article. :)
That was the title of an article in Marie Claire magazine this past March. (I couldn't find the actual article online, but I can bring in the magazine for anyone who wants to read it; it's quite interesting.) It's not an exaggeration either. In Juchitan, Mexico daughters bring more value to their families than sons do. It's basically the opposite of China where they believe boys are more valuable because they will carry on the family name; whereas girls will just leave the family and live with their husbands family. In Mexico, muxes (the third gender, men transformed into women) very seldom live with lovers but instead stay home and take care of their mothers. Muxes (which is translated to literally mean gay men) do more than take care of their mothers though.
"Muxes work harder than men, and we're more curious an dentrepreneurial than women," says Estrella (a muxe from Juchitan). "We are known for our artistic talent. People seek us out- they like to have their dresses made by muxes."
Muxes normally hold more lucrative jobs than either man or women in this part of Mexico. Because of the economic advantages, women actually encourage their sons to become part of the third gender.
I was very surprised by this article. It is weird to think how much this helps their economy and that that is one of the main reasons so many men agree to making such drastic lifestyle changes. I can't imagine our culture encouraging men to become women to help our economic status. In the article it discusses typical jobs for men, women, and muxes and muxes tend to make about three times what women make in just a month. When other families with several sons see how much income families with muxes bring in, they realize how helpful it would be if one of their sons became a muxe as well. In Juchitan, muxes have basically taken over the design industry in recent years and it shows in their salaries. They are the supporters for their families. It was very interesting to read what these men will do to improve their family's status. Let me know if you want to read the article. :)
3.04.2007
controlling electricity usage
http://money.cnn.com/2007/02/27/news/economy/smart_meters/index.htm?postversion=2007022715
Peak minutes: Buying electricity like phone service
This article discusses the introduction of the new 'smart' meter- a different way to control electricity usage. 'Smart' meters allow customers to see how much they are paying for electricity at certain hours of the day and let them choose when to turn the electricity on or off. It's as easy as setting your spending limit to 20 cents a kilowatt hour for your air conditioning during the day, and having the meter shut when the cost for AC hits 21 cents.
"The hope is the customer will respond to actually seeing the [higher] price," said Kevin Wood, a manager at SCE.
After reading this article I think that this type of control over an elastic good like electricity could be seen as a positive externality. The article points out several benefits of using the 'smart' meter. By being able to have these meters automatically shut off appliances it will lower demand and help prevent pollution. Since people can control how often and how long their appliances run throughout the day, they will also be able to lower their electricity bills and save money. Even though a 'smart' meter is about three times more expensive as a regular meter, I think all of these benefits are worth it. Consumers will be saving money in the long run.
Peak minutes: Buying electricity like phone service
This article discusses the introduction of the new 'smart' meter- a different way to control electricity usage. 'Smart' meters allow customers to see how much they are paying for electricity at certain hours of the day and let them choose when to turn the electricity on or off. It's as easy as setting your spending limit to 20 cents a kilowatt hour for your air conditioning during the day, and having the meter shut when the cost for AC hits 21 cents.
"The hope is the customer will respond to actually seeing the [higher] price," said Kevin Wood, a manager at SCE.
After reading this article I think that this type of control over an elastic good like electricity could be seen as a positive externality. The article points out several benefits of using the 'smart' meter. By being able to have these meters automatically shut off appliances it will lower demand and help prevent pollution. Since people can control how often and how long their appliances run throughout the day, they will also be able to lower their electricity bills and save money. Even though a 'smart' meter is about three times more expensive as a regular meter, I think all of these benefits are worth it. Consumers will be saving money in the long run.
2.18.2007
the average guy spends $154 dollars on his special someone while the average girl spends only $85.
as we all know, valentine's day was this past wednesday. and all that money guys spend typically goes toward things like flowers, candy, cards, and jewelry for this hallmark holiday. maybe the reason they end up spending so much is because the price of all these items increases because of such a high demand for it on valentines day. everyone has to go rush out to buy their significant others a present and since everybody's going to want/need something, producers jack up the prices since consumers will be willing to pay for outrageously priced flowers and cards.
then as soon as it's over, all valentine's merchandise is marked down to clearance prices because the demand drops. no one wants a stuffed animal holding a heart that says "happy valentine's day!" a week after valentines. this happens at every holiday. i used to work at shopko and as soon as christmas is over, ornaments, tree skirts, christmas lights, anything left is incredibly cheap since people aren't going to need that stuff until next year.
working in retail you see this a lot, not just around holidays though. living in wisconsin we have quite a difference between seasons. the same applies for swim suits in summer and winter coats in winter. before the season everybody is looking to buy one, but when it's too cold to swim or you don't need such a warm coat, the demand drops, just like the price.
i'm guessing most of us have figured out, your best bet is to buy seasonal/holiday items right after, when it's at it's lowest price, and save it for next year! so go buy your cheap valentine's candy while it's still here and you can knock off a couple bucks from that $154 or $85 depending on who you are.
then as soon as it's over, all valentine's merchandise is marked down to clearance prices because the demand drops. no one wants a stuffed animal holding a heart that says "happy valentine's day!" a week after valentines. this happens at every holiday. i used to work at shopko and as soon as christmas is over, ornaments, tree skirts, christmas lights, anything left is incredibly cheap since people aren't going to need that stuff until next year.
working in retail you see this a lot, not just around holidays though. living in wisconsin we have quite a difference between seasons. the same applies for swim suits in summer and winter coats in winter. before the season everybody is looking to buy one, but when it's too cold to swim or you don't need such a warm coat, the demand drops, just like the price.
i'm guessing most of us have figured out, your best bet is to buy seasonal/holiday items right after, when it's at it's lowest price, and save it for next year! so go buy your cheap valentine's candy while it's still here and you can knock off a couple bucks from that $154 or $85 depending on who you are.
1.31.2007
competition between markets
About a week before the deadline my good friend Beth Champion found out that Pupil Services failed to send her transcript and ACT score to Beloit College. She was left with a few days to fix the problem. A couple weeks later she found some of the papers Pupil Services was supposed to send out to another college didn't make it either but it was already too late. This has brought some interesting conversation at our lunch time discussion.
One day we were talking about what it would be like if the offices and the cafeteria had competition. Or if public schools as a whole had to compete for students? What would they do to make students go to them and not any other? Offices would have to be more careful when it comes to things like students' college applications. The lunch lines would have to work harder at making the food kids really like, and making enough, especially at reasonable prices. Teachers would have to make sure they're making their best effort at teaching to keep students in their classes. The schools would be more interested in what the students had to say. They would want to get more advice from them about what the budget should be spent on and what classes should be offered.
any thoughts?
One day we were talking about what it would be like if the offices and the cafeteria had competition. Or if public schools as a whole had to compete for students? What would they do to make students go to them and not any other? Offices would have to be more careful when it comes to things like students' college applications. The lunch lines would have to work harder at making the food kids really like, and making enough, especially at reasonable prices. Teachers would have to make sure they're making their best effort at teaching to keep students in their classes. The schools would be more interested in what the students had to say. They would want to get more advice from them about what the budget should be spent on and what classes should be offered.
any thoughts?
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