This weeks news of the huge oil spill off the Gulf Coast I started to wonder how this could effect me living in Minnesota. The spill is the largest one in US history and scientist predict the results could be devastating. From the fragile wildlife above and below the surface of the water to the people living in the area the 5,000 barrels a day spilling into the water will have immense repercussions.
The first possible way I will me affected will most likely the increase in gas prices. Even if our reserves can still be unaffected, past incidents prove that oil companies will use this and other incidents as ways to increase barrel prices and ultimately those price will be past to the customer. With a government that is said to be in the recovery process a increase in gas prices, especially during the warmer months when people travel more by automobile, higher prices at the pump may mean less driving.
Also being a lover of seafood I am certain that the availability and the price of seafood will drastically change. When and if indeed the oil spill reaches the shore it could ruin a whole crop of seafood which local people rely on for their livelihood. I regularly go out for seafood and sushi and I can only image that when this does happen there will be a trickle down affect on the entire market.
I am also sure that President Obama's plans that were announced some weeks back for additional offshore drilling will also see some changes. With this disaster the public opinion on drilling more in the gulf coast will most likely see a change. Although additional drilling would provide the US with more oil domestically this spill will be a block in the road to achieving that.
This oil spill in one a huge proportions. The effects it will have will be felt through a variety of ways. Although efforts to contain and minimize the damage, it is just not possible. Although I may live many miles away and can have the ideal that it is not close to me therefore I will not be effected, I know better.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Officer of the Law
Last week I was walking to my car and noticed I had a ticket on it. It was for a fix it ticket for not having my 2011 tabs on the plates. I already had ordered them but they were not yet shipped to my house. Upon getting them I had to go to the Osseo Police department and show the officer that I had remedied the problem. While there I had the opportunity to talk to Sean Hoffman an Officer see what his opinion of the current status of our community.
I ask him what are the current concerns the police department has at the moment. He told me that with the impending school releasing for summer vacation the department has focused alot on in school DARE programs. The Dare program is that teaches youth how to resist drugs and alcohol. He stated that with summer upon us many young people will be left home alone and this is time where they see a increase in experimentation of drugs and alcohol. The department believes with education in school about that dangers of drugs and alcohol they will be able to curve that likelihood of possible situations from accruing.
Also curfew enforcement is a another area the department will be focusing on. Officer Hoffman stated that when the youth break the city's curfew the likelihood that they will end up breaking other laws (vandalism, theft, ect.) increases. Along with patrolling during the summer months, there will be and article in the up coming Osseo City newsletter bringing attention once again to citizens the city's curfew ordinance and who to contact if resident see violations.
We also talked about how the city had experienced a drop in DWIs and DUIs. From last quarter the city has experienced a 40% drop in offenses. The officer credits the departments amped up sober driver campaign and increased patrols to the drop.
The Officers of the law are some of the most important community leaders within our community. Without them the community would be able to run wild and the destruction of it would ensue. With there duty to protect and serve our community can benefit greatly from our officers of the law
I ask him what are the current concerns the police department has at the moment. He told me that with the impending school releasing for summer vacation the department has focused alot on in school DARE programs. The Dare program is that teaches youth how to resist drugs and alcohol. He stated that with summer upon us many young people will be left home alone and this is time where they see a increase in experimentation of drugs and alcohol. The department believes with education in school about that dangers of drugs and alcohol they will be able to curve that likelihood of possible situations from accruing.
Also curfew enforcement is a another area the department will be focusing on. Officer Hoffman stated that when the youth break the city's curfew the likelihood that they will end up breaking other laws (vandalism, theft, ect.) increases. Along with patrolling during the summer months, there will be and article in the up coming Osseo City newsletter bringing attention once again to citizens the city's curfew ordinance and who to contact if resident see violations.
We also talked about how the city had experienced a drop in DWIs and DUIs. From last quarter the city has experienced a 40% drop in offenses. The officer credits the departments amped up sober driver campaign and increased patrols to the drop.
The Officers of the law are some of the most important community leaders within our community. Without them the community would be able to run wild and the destruction of it would ensue. With there duty to protect and serve our community can benefit greatly from our officers of the law
Monday, March 29, 2010
Does a Dime make a Difference?
While reading The Star Tribune this past Sunday I came across an editorial that was very intriguing. It posed the ideal that an dime tax increase in alcohol would be beneficial to the state of Minnesota. The author Stephen Simon, stated that excessive alcohol consumption costs the state $4.6 billion dollars each year. By raising the tax from where it is currently beer and wine at one cent and six cents of liquor, he believes that it will provide the state with the funding that would save lives.
The article brings up some very good points: 10% of the the drinkers in MN consume 60% of the alcohol, DWI penalties do not deter citizens from driving while intoxicated and the average person drives 50-100 times before being caught. Driving while intoxicated I agree is a burden to society.
I find it hard to believe that a dime increase would cure any of the plagues that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with. True, that the tax increase would provide the state with $260 million dollars in revenue each year. But I hardly believe the case study in the article stating, increasing tax reduces the number of deaths and decreases consumption.
Increasing the tax would not decrease consumption. If people wanna have a drink they will. Having to pay a mere ten cents more would not be the deciding factor on whether or not one drinks. As for the increase in revenue it would provide the state with funding that may be able to what? Catch a few more drunk drivers each year potentially stopping a accident that might result in a death.
This tax increase is just another example of the burdens the government is putting on its citizens. Instead of this tax increase, the state should hold establishments who over serve these individuals who feel that is ok to drive under the influence more responsible. Working in a large bar I had to and have too each year take a serve safe class. This class teaches how to responsibly serve alcohol. This is where responsible serving of alcohol and thus responsible consumption should start. If establishments do not allow their patrons to drink to the level where they are a hazard to the public, drunk driving infractions would decline. This would stop people from drinking at a private residence and then driving, but we already know that DWI penalties themselves do not deter people from getting behind the wheel.
Excess alcohol consumption and people getting behind the wheel after driving will continue to be a issue that we will have to deal with. Although this tax increase may allow for more patrolling of our roads for drunk driver it does not solve the problem of businesses allowing their patrons to become so intoxicated that this situation is a issue to begin with.
The tax should not be enacted. There should be in its place more sever penalties on businesses that allow patron to drink in excess.
View the article @:
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/89299567.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
The article brings up some very good points: 10% of the the drinkers in MN consume 60% of the alcohol, DWI penalties do not deter citizens from driving while intoxicated and the average person drives 50-100 times before being caught. Driving while intoxicated I agree is a burden to society.
I find it hard to believe that a dime increase would cure any of the plagues that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with. True, that the tax increase would provide the state with $260 million dollars in revenue each year. But I hardly believe the case study in the article stating, increasing tax reduces the number of deaths and decreases consumption.
Increasing the tax would not decrease consumption. If people wanna have a drink they will. Having to pay a mere ten cents more would not be the deciding factor on whether or not one drinks. As for the increase in revenue it would provide the state with funding that may be able to what? Catch a few more drunk drivers each year potentially stopping a accident that might result in a death.
This tax increase is just another example of the burdens the government is putting on its citizens. Instead of this tax increase, the state should hold establishments who over serve these individuals who feel that is ok to drive under the influence more responsible. Working in a large bar I had to and have too each year take a serve safe class. This class teaches how to responsibly serve alcohol. This is where responsible serving of alcohol and thus responsible consumption should start. If establishments do not allow their patrons to drink to the level where they are a hazard to the public, drunk driving infractions would decline. This would stop people from drinking at a private residence and then driving, but we already know that DWI penalties themselves do not deter people from getting behind the wheel.
Excess alcohol consumption and people getting behind the wheel after driving will continue to be a issue that we will have to deal with. Although this tax increase may allow for more patrolling of our roads for drunk driver it does not solve the problem of businesses allowing their patrons to become so intoxicated that this situation is a issue to begin with.
The tax should not be enacted. There should be in its place more sever penalties on businesses that allow patron to drink in excess.
View the article @:
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/89299567.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Determined for a better future
Everyday we hear how the economic climate of the United States of America is falling apart. People are losing jobs, businesses are closing and homes are being foreclosed on. This notion of a grim economic future and unstable job market can force sever stress on the modern citizen.
Working in the service industry I am likely to see the direct reflections of the economy. If it is doing well people dine out more often then when it is not. I have notice that there indeed are less people going out then years past. People are just doing what is natural, they are defining priorities and many times going out simply does not meet that criterion.
With less people through the door it gives people like me and my co-workers fewer opportunities to make money. For some they are able to adapt to this and for other it is a struggle fought every shift.
One of my co-workers has this beautiful piece of land right next to the park reserve. It will never get developed, they enjoy unobstructed sunset views every night. They also have a barn on the property where they have six horses, which they ride and enjoy. Each year they for all of the employees host a summer bash. Last year it include a concert, bonfire and a keg stand contest. There home is a beautiful one that they love and enjoy. There is only one problem this is not cheap!
They like many Americas she got approved for a mortgage that they simply could not afford. Then my co-workers husband was laid off and now the family was relying on her income. With the downturn in the economy she was not making the money she had been accustomed too. Even with picking up extra shifts I can remember her confiding in me that she was late on her mortgage payment and needed to have a good shift. I felt both empathy for her. She was trying to support a family all by her self. Many times she told me she was going to quit and find a new job, but nothing became of that.
She often told me of her five year plan as she called it. She currently was in school and was going to get her physical therapy degree. She then was going to work at both jobs, pay off her student loans then work full time as a physical therapist. Through all that she has been through there is this sense of determination I often see in her.
As a nation we have a very strong sense of what we want our economy to be. A strong economy is the backbone of the nation, it is what makes this whole free market system operate. With strong people like the people I work with, our lawmakers and the citizens of our nation we can help in our own way to make the economy stronger.
Working in the service industry I am likely to see the direct reflections of the economy. If it is doing well people dine out more often then when it is not. I have notice that there indeed are less people going out then years past. People are just doing what is natural, they are defining priorities and many times going out simply does not meet that criterion.
With less people through the door it gives people like me and my co-workers fewer opportunities to make money. For some they are able to adapt to this and for other it is a struggle fought every shift.
One of my co-workers has this beautiful piece of land right next to the park reserve. It will never get developed, they enjoy unobstructed sunset views every night. They also have a barn on the property where they have six horses, which they ride and enjoy. Each year they for all of the employees host a summer bash. Last year it include a concert, bonfire and a keg stand contest. There home is a beautiful one that they love and enjoy. There is only one problem this is not cheap!
They like many Americas she got approved for a mortgage that they simply could not afford. Then my co-workers husband was laid off and now the family was relying on her income. With the downturn in the economy she was not making the money she had been accustomed too. Even with picking up extra shifts I can remember her confiding in me that she was late on her mortgage payment and needed to have a good shift. I felt both empathy for her. She was trying to support a family all by her self. Many times she told me she was going to quit and find a new job, but nothing became of that.
She often told me of her five year plan as she called it. She currently was in school and was going to get her physical therapy degree. She then was going to work at both jobs, pay off her student loans then work full time as a physical therapist. Through all that she has been through there is this sense of determination I often see in her.
As a nation we have a very strong sense of what we want our economy to be. A strong economy is the backbone of the nation, it is what makes this whole free market system operate. With strong people like the people I work with, our lawmakers and the citizens of our nation we can help in our own way to make the economy stronger.
Friday, February 26, 2010
City Hangouts
From what I can gather from living in my community of Osseo, MN from only being a resident for 5 months is that there is many places where people get together to socialize and talk about their community and their lives. The places where I have visited thus far and noticed a sense of community would be Dehn's Market, Duffy's Pub and Perkins.
Dehn's Market being the only grocer within the city's boundaries get alot of traffic though it's doors. It is a grocery store of the past. It has the lay out and the smell of a store can only have from being there for quite sometime. Beyond that the store serves its residents who are mostly an older population to bump into neighbors and friends they might not, due to the winter months.
The people are friendly, they bag your food for you and last time I visited I brought so much food they offered to help me carry it to my car for me. I kindly rejected. The thing is the this place is center to the community much like markets in the past they are the heartbeat of the city and without them a sense of community is lost.
If a market is one of the essential places where the community gathers then another would have to be the local pub. Duffy's pub located on main street is an Irish Pub where many local gather. The get together to have a drink get some home cooked food and converse. People of all ages gather and in the winter months football games offer a pack shared experience.
It to has a interesting character to it. It is not flashy but offer some substance. You feel at though you can kick back and not take yourself to seriously. The pubs offers itself and a meeting and gather place where catch up on each other, celebrate and enjoy one another company.
Last week I has breakfast with my cousin and her child and the local Perkins. So having breakfast at much later then normal, around 11:30 is was surprised to see how busing it was. We were sitting to the side and notice in the back room that there was a group of women having a get together. They were all wearing celebrating something. Again we see that local places that we frequent alot can offer residents the chance to get together and become a stronger community.
Dehn's Market being the only grocer within the city's boundaries get alot of traffic though it's doors. It is a grocery store of the past. It has the lay out and the smell of a store can only have from being there for quite sometime. Beyond that the store serves its residents who are mostly an older population to bump into neighbors and friends they might not, due to the winter months.
The people are friendly, they bag your food for you and last time I visited I brought so much food they offered to help me carry it to my car for me. I kindly rejected. The thing is the this place is center to the community much like markets in the past they are the heartbeat of the city and without them a sense of community is lost.
If a market is one of the essential places where the community gathers then another would have to be the local pub. Duffy's pub located on main street is an Irish Pub where many local gather. The get together to have a drink get some home cooked food and converse. People of all ages gather and in the winter months football games offer a pack shared experience.
It to has a interesting character to it. It is not flashy but offer some substance. You feel at though you can kick back and not take yourself to seriously. The pubs offers itself and a meeting and gather place where catch up on each other, celebrate and enjoy one another company.
Last week I has breakfast with my cousin and her child and the local Perkins. So having breakfast at much later then normal, around 11:30 is was surprised to see how busing it was. We were sitting to the side and notice in the back room that there was a group of women having a get together. They were all wearing celebrating something. Again we see that local places that we frequent alot can offer residents the chance to get together and become a stronger community.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Can I check your ID please?
Working as a cocktail server in Maple Grove, I have daily interaction with the public. So when I became aware of how the city of Maple Grove was starting to crackdown on liquor license violators, I was very interested on how with would impact the community. I personally have the responsibility in my job to enforce laws that our government has put in to law and is effected by this news of crackdown of violators.
By talking to people in the community and my fellow co-workers I began to see a very similar concern. All parties agreed that violators should face hefty fines for violations. They believe that fines would in the future deter future offenders and make the community safer. Also that it is each establishments own responsibility to enforce the laws.
So enforcing more strictly the liquor license violations in Maple Grove the community gets to hold on to one of their values, safety. I know that I can make sure on a daily basis when I am at work that I can contribute to that ideal by doing my job properly. By effective monitoring and enforcement the city of Maple Grove will achieve their goals of making it a safer community.
By talking to people in the community and my fellow co-workers I began to see a very similar concern. All parties agreed that violators should face hefty fines for violations. They believe that fines would in the future deter future offenders and make the community safer. Also that it is each establishments own responsibility to enforce the laws.
So enforcing more strictly the liquor license violations in Maple Grove the community gets to hold on to one of their values, safety. I know that I can make sure on a daily basis when I am at work that I can contribute to that ideal by doing my job properly. By effective monitoring and enforcement the city of Maple Grove will achieve their goals of making it a safer community.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The essence of a blog
A blog in many ways is similar to a journal. "Bloggers," as they are know as frequently update these online journals offen in a conversational tone. These online journals can help represent one's individual idea of what their outlook of life is.
Blogs can be really exciting and intriguing. You are able to develop a connection to the ideology of that of the blogger. You can at time become fixed on the notion of having to check to see if your favorite blogger has done a new post and gain you additional out look through their eyes.
I think blogging can become challenging in that you have to give it the time commitment it deserves. Some people can be resistant to the time you have to put in to make a blog, a successful blog. Either way you look at it, blogs and the bloggers that create them offer us the readers with enjoyment.
Blogs can be really exciting and intriguing. You are able to develop a connection to the ideology of that of the blogger. You can at time become fixed on the notion of having to check to see if your favorite blogger has done a new post and gain you additional out look through their eyes.
I think blogging can become challenging in that you have to give it the time commitment it deserves. Some people can be resistant to the time you have to put in to make a blog, a successful blog. Either way you look at it, blogs and the bloggers that create them offer us the readers with enjoyment.
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