U.S. Population Growth Counterpoint

U.S. Population Growth Counterpoint 

Since 1960 to 2050 the U.S. Population Growth is expected to go from 179 to 438 million. I have always considered it to be around 200 million until recently I saw it was 306 million. Where did the 100 million come from? And now I find out by the year 2050 there will be another 150 million. As of 2008, the U.S. comprises 4.5% of the World’s population.

 

The U.S. population distribution by race in 2006, of  299 million, as: 

White-66% or 198.1 million

Hispanic-14.3% or 44.3 million

Black-13.4% or 40.9 million

Asian-4.4% or 13.1 million

American Indian or Alaskan native-.68% or 2 million

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander-.14% or .43 million

 

The expected U.S. population by race in 2050, of  438 million, as: 

White-47% or 206 million

Hispanic- 29% or 127 million

Black-13% or 57 million

Asian-9% or 39 million

 

What does this all mean, and how is the U.S. changing?

 

Additional Info:

1. Immigration to Play a Lead Role
2. U.S population by State
3. Black population by State
4. Asian population statistics
5. U.S. Hispanic population to triple by 2050

 

Networking Old Printers on WinME\98, WinXP Host Counterpoint

Networking Old Printers on WinME\98, WinXP Host Counterpoint

 

I have a HP Deskjet 720\722C printer that I am using as the network printer on a desktop WinXP host computer along with a client WinME desktop, and a WinXP wireless notebook computer. I have everything now operating properly on my wireless gateway home network, however it took some time and searching. Perhaps you are doing something similar and are having the same problems.

 

First, I assume everyone has the printer working on each computer when they are set up separately. That means that you are using workable, and hopefully, up to date drivers. The drivers should either be on the OS installation CDs are on updated downloads.

 

Next, I assume everyone has set up a computer network, has it working to the point of sharing an Internet connection and files, and that an older printer is being used. The problem comes in depending on which computer is used to share the printer. If it is put on the client WinME\98 computer there should be no problem. However, if it is put on the host WinXP computer there could be a problem, as I found (a usable driver can’t be found).

 

To use the host WinXP computer printer the WinME\98 client computer must install a printer using the “start\settings\printers\add printer\ADD Printer Wizard”. Following the “Add Printer Wizard” you enter “Next”\select “Network Printer” button\”Next”\ and then select your printer or “Have Disk”. It is at this point there becomes a problem, because if you are like me, you have nothing-even though you try and try and……..

 

You search the Internet looking for a driver. HP and everyone else explains nicely how to install the driver, except it never works. Then ask them how, and get onto forums. No one gives a solution. Finally DriverGuide.com is found, because all roads looking for drivers reach DriverGuide.com, even if it doesn’t appear so.Yep, they list the solution for just this case and others.You download the driver, and it doesn’t work. You ask them why it doesn’t work, and they state the only drivers are the ones as was mentioned above, and even HP doesn’t have any more-why do you want to get another driver? I explained that I can’t print from my WinME\98 client PC with the printer on the host WinXP PC. “So, buy another printer.” I pointed out, “The DriverGuide site, that I referenced above, infers that there is another driver for networks with different OS. What does that mean?”

 

I then researched the Internet for how others have resolved this problem. It was almost hopeless, as no one had this solution. Through persistence the solution was finally found-Networking the HP722C. Hope this has helpful.

 

Financial Stability Plan and Economic Stimulus Package Counterpoint

Financial Stability Plan and Economic Stimulus Package Counterpoint

 

If you are like me the “Financial Security Plan-TARP Reform and Accountability Act”, the “Economic Stimulus Package”, and any other plans have gotten confusing. Below is listed some facts for your consideration and possibly help with understanding.

 

Financial Security Plan-TARP Reform and Accountability Act

 

Here is a summary overview of the Treasury Financial Stability Plan . The plan will do four things:

 

1. To stabilize the system and restore confidence in our markets.
2. To revitalize lending and increase credit flow.
3. To get financial markets working again.
4. To keep people in their homes and curb housing crisis. 

Since 10/28/2008 there are no firm plans in place, speculation is that some of the following ideas are currently on the table:  

 

1. Expanded home buyer tax breaks
2. Further interest rate reductions
3. Bankruptcy law reforms
4. TARP funds for homeowners 

This is a TARP summary tabulation capital purchase transaction report.  

 

This is a map showing the financial institution headquarters receiving TARP money.

 

Secretary Geithner Introduces a new Financial Stability Plan 2/10/2009

 

1. Banking institutions must meet formulized guidelines
2. Establish a public-private investment fund for needed capital
3. Support a secondary consumer and business lending initiative
4. Launch a comprehensive housing program 

The question is what does it mean?

 

Economic Stimulus Package-It’s a deal on the $798B Econ Plan.

 

Senate H.R. 1 PP Act “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 0f 2009”

 

The “Economic Stimulus Package” is not new since it was presented in a 1/08 report, a year before the present presentation.

 

The Economic Stimulus package-Obama weekly address (1/24/09).

 

1. To double renewable energy generating capacity over three years.
2. To undertake the largest weatherization program in history.
3. To computerize every American health record in 5 years.
4. To launch the most ambitious school modernization program on record.
5. To enact largest investment increase on roads, bridges, and mass transit.

 

Hybrid Car Batteries Technology Counterpoint

Hybrid Car Batteries Technology Counterpoint

If you read my “Hybrid Cars Counterpoint” article you noticed it said little about the hybrid car batteries. In part that is because they are made, and the technology is, outside the U.S. Since then there have been many changes, and it now appears that the car battery is a priority for the U.S.. All car manufacturers are now coalescing around hybridization, and the technology and cost for the battery. The announcements of suppliers and developers are being made at the North American Auto Show in Detroit.

Batteries use the following technologies for specific applications:

1.   Nickel-Cadmium

      Conventional car usage, low energy capacity, 3-5 yr life, contains toxic lead

2.      Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH)

      Current Hybrid car usage, higher energy capcaity, 5-8 yr life, expensive due to nickel

3.      Lithium Ion

For small equipment, medium energy capacity, cheaper, plugin required

This battery guide shows the present Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries for the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape, Honda Insight, and Saturn Vue.

There is not one Lithium Ion battery, but several formulations for the electrodes compete:

1.      Cobalt Dioxide is most popular for small cells, but is prone to fire.

2.      Nickle-cobalt-maganese (NCM) is easier to make, and cheaper, but has a shorter life.

3.      Nickle-cobalt aluminum (NCA) is similar to NCM.

4.      Manganese oxide spinel (MnO) offers high power, low cost, but lower energy density.

5.      Iron phosphate (FePo) is inexpensive, has stability and safety, but requires more cells.   

Battery design must consider that total energy determines the car’s electric range, while power determines its acceleration.

Present Hybrid car batteries are in demand. It appears the three main suppliers are Panasonic and Sanyo in Japan, and U.S. based Cobasys.

As was previously noted the present Nickel-Metal Hydride battery is expensive and is the predominate factor for the Hybrid car not being able to compete in the market place. Because of this the market place has decided to develop a cheaper battery-a new lithium battery. This article, “Are the Hybrid Cars Here to stay?”, gives a history of the hybrid cars and the hybrid batteries.

The Lithium-ion systems listed above are now in the experimentation stage by manufacturers. They offer extremely low internal resistance, deliver high load currents, and accept rapid change. The big drawback of these batteries are their durability or life, cost, safety, and availability. Currently Toyota, Honda, and Ford are leading in Hybrid  car technology. Presently, the biggest lithium-ion battery manufacturers are Sony in Japan, Samsung in South Korea, and Johnson Controls in the U.S.

A group of U.S. battery companies just teamed up to boost American manufacturing of Lithium-ion batteries. These aim to compete with the Asian companies that currently dominate the lithium-ion battery market.

 

Johnson Controls unveiled its re3 concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. Johnson Controls is a maker of the Lithium-ion battery and has just jointed up with Saft, a French venture partner, to make Lithium-ion batteries for Hybrid commercial trucks.

The latest development that was announced is that “Johnson gets Ford hybrid deal.”

Other articles on new technology and manufacturers developing the lithium-ion battery are;

MIT powers up new battery for Hybrid cars. (Lithium Nickle Manganese Oxide)

Mercedes Hybrid Car Battery breakthrough “Groundbreaking”

China’s BYD touts battery technology

Lithium Batteries for Hydrid Cars (GM)

In conclusion, the present battery used in Hybrid cars is an expensive Nickel-metal-hydroxide (NiMH) battery. The hope for the future is the development of a cheaper Lithium-ion battery (see above formulations).

 

Toenail Fungus Counterpoint

Toenail Fungus Counterpoint

I have researched, consulted and studied several toenail fungus treatments. The fungus houses itself within the nail bed making it difficult to reach and therefore difficult to kill. Once affected, nails must be treated for a substantial period of time (months to years) to obtain a cure. Oral medications are available, but they are expensive, require physician blood testing maintenance, and may have side effects to body organs. Topical solutions are the safest, but they may be expensive, and tryout is required to determine their effectiveness. Below are listed some articles researched:

Toenail Fungus Warning-Toenail Fungus Cures explained; three toenail treatments considered (ZetaClear, Nail-Rx, Nail Fungus) with ZetaClear recommended.

Fungisil treatment-how it works.

What is the best nail fungus treatment available today? Fungisil, ZetaClear, Nail Rx, MedPure, Pedi-Cure

How can I cure toenail fungus? Use saltwater bathing and ZetaClear topical solution.

Toenail Fungus photos, stories, prevention, and information.

Nail Fungus-MayoClinic.com.

Toenail fungus home remedies.

Toenail fungus-Senior Health.

Toenail fungus pictures.

I also researched the Aetna InteliHealth website and talked to several professionals. They felt the toenail fungus would take a lengthy time period, be expensive, and would stand a good chance of not being successful, or could reoccur. I continued my research and found some home remedies listed below:

Listerine for Toenail Fungus-The People’s Pharmacy.

Listerine and Vinegar Fight Nail Fungus-The People’s Pharmacy.

Listerine Toenail Fungus Treatment.

Grandma’s Wisdom-Will Vinegar Treat Toenail Fungus?

Listerine Toenail Fungus Cure Tips.

I finally tried the 50/50 Vinegar/Listerine mixture and applied it by immersing my toes in it while scrubbing with a toothbrush. I noticed in two weeks time that my toenails were clearing up, and showing improvement. After two months the toenails are showing new growth without the thick fungus. The mixture is reusable, and is replaced about every two weeks dependent on the change in color. I’m slowly trimming away the fungus. At this point the treatment will take at least as long as it takes my toenails to fully grow out. Needless to say, I am satisfied with this treatment for the moment.

 

Convert Music LPs and Tapes to CDs Counterpoint

Convert Music LPs and Tapes to CDs Counterpoint

 

If you have LP records (or tapes) and would like to put them on CDs, then you may find some helpful information from my recent investigations on the subject. You will need an LP turntable that can be connected to your computer (RCA or USB connections), and the software for conversion (I tried several).

 

 Some sources and guides searched and found on the Internet are:

 

1. Transferring LPs to CDR: Some advice.

2. My moments dancing with my USB turntable.

3. Editing audio in Roxio Easy Media Creator 8.

4. Creator 10 LP to CD Tutorial.

5. LP Tape Conversion pdf tutorial.

 

After the investigation, it turns out that I had everything available for making the LPs to CDs conversion. My turntable was suitable for direct connection to my WinXP computer using RCA speaker jacks. I had the Roxio Easy Media Creator 10 software, and used the “Roxio LP and Tape Assistant” to make LP music export tracks for later burning to a CD. I also used “Roxio Easy Audio CD” to burn the CD and to make labels. This turned out to be the easiest and most consistent method of all investigated and tried.

 

The following process is followed:

 

1. Open Easy Media Creator 10 Suite to “Audio”, and then to “Convert LPs & Tapes.”
2. Following the “Recording Setup Guide” for installation of hardware and connection to PC.
3. #1 step-play loud part of record and set Auto audio level and record the music desired.

#2 step-set tag separators and cleanup between music tracks, add tag info, and use the cleanup noise, Enhance music, and Equalizer dependent on the sound performance desired.

#3 step-Burn CD or export tracks to a folder, after checking to add CD text (tags), or to maximize track volumes.

Click “finish” after burning the CD or exporting the tracks to a folder.

4. Open “Easy Audio CD”, click “add music”, click “cancel” if drive comes up, select the files to be added and burned on the CD (from the folder where exported).

5. Check that the tracks are in the correct order and burn the CD.

6. Make a label for the CD by clicking “Label Disc”.

7. #1 step-select “Type of Label” and then click “Next.”

    #2 step-customize label if desired and then click “Next.”

     #3 step-Print, Save, or “Edit in Label Creator.”

8. I edit in “Label Creator” by adding object (for text), place where desired, and Click “Print Label”.

9. Attach label to complete the LP to CD conversion.

Convert LP to CD video tutorial.

 

Pray for the Devil Counterpoint

Pray for the Devil Counterpoint

 

I recently helped with the Ike relief effort in Galveston, Texas as a team member. It involved working with those distressed people, who requested help to get their lives and homes back together. It consisted of showing concern with the homeowner, and mudding-out or patching roofs of the home. Prayer was a component in relieving the distressed homeowner, and strengthening the team dealing with the laborious work and interaction.

 

Some in the Ike relief team discussed the disastrous damage as the result of the weather: inferring to God and the devil. After several days of mudding-out there had been prayers for strength, endurance, understanding, and healing. Then someone mentioned that we might pray for the devil to help ease the situation-after all God is good and loving. Several agreed it might be worthwhile, but no one did.

 

Who is the devil, where did he come from, what is his power, what is his control, and what is his destiny?

 

The devil goes by many names that infers answers: Satan, serpent, Lucifer, evil one, evil, accuser, dragon, liar, deceiver, prince of the world, prince of power of the air, tempter, destroyer, adversary, cursed one, doomed one.

 

I searched the Internet to learn others opinions for pray, prayer, God, devil, evil, Satan, save, defeat:

 

1. I found others that had the same question “A prayer for the devil.”
2. What are others religious beliefs of the devil? And yours?
3. Christians pray and believe the “Lord’s Prayer.”
4. Wikipedia has an article on the concept of the devil.

 

A search through the scriptures of the Bible resulted in the following:

 

1. The devil, Satan, serpent is the craftiest of all created by God (Gen 3:1).
2. Initially the devil was created full of wisdom and beauty, a perfect, holy, righteous being (Ezk 28:12).
3. Pride was the devils downfall as he exalted himself above God-“I will be like God” (Isaiah 14:13).
4. Satan has a throne and is the king of the demons (Luke 11:14).
5. Satan has access to heaven (Job 1:6), and control of the world (earth) (Job 1:7).
6. Satan’s power is limited only by the will of God (Job 1:11).
7. The devil is under the sentence of doom (hell) by God (Isaiah 14:15).

 

A Christian’s prayer for the devil is both useless and inappropriate, because he is the craftiest (evil, tempter, destroyer) of all God’s creatures and is under a sentence of doom by God. If human prayer could “save or change” Satan, God would have let us know-examine Jesus’ encounter and response during the temptations (Matt 4:5-11, see v. 10). We are told to put on the armor of God to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan (Eph 6:10-18).

 

A book for further reference is “The Adversary” by Mark I. Bubeck.

 

News Media Election Coverage Bias Counterpoint

News Media Election Coverage Bias Counterpoint

 

Is there news media bias in news and election coverage? Andrea Mitchell doesn’t think so at NBC, or ABC and CBS.

 

A new study by the Media Research Center, which tracks bias in the media, reveals that positive stories about Obama outnumber negative stories 7-1.

 

Findings from the study:

1. The Media Research Center analysts examined every reference to Obama on the three evening broadcasts, and found a near-absence of the journalistic scrutiny and skepticism normally associated with coverage of national politicians.
2. Only about 1 in 10 volunteers believe that the media is neutral on the Presidential race….When asked to rate the objectivity of media coverage of the campaigns (46 percent more positive toward Obama; 6 percent more positive toward McCain).
3. Analysts found a total of 1,365 news stories and interviews offering at least some discussion of Obama (34% positive spin and 5% negative).
4. A review of the coverage shows the broadcast networks aided Obama with positive publicity at crucial moments of his campaign.
5. It was said, “In some cases, you don’t choose the times, the times choose you. And I believe this time has chosen Barack Obama.”
6. While none of the networks reported any legislative or policy accomplishment by Obama (still none), a slight majority of stories (51%) nonetheless conveyed a positive spin…with a near-perfect media image.
7. As Obama undertook his presidential campaign, network reporters became much stingier in applying the “liberal” tag to Obama.
8. For nearly a year, the networks stayed silent on Wright and Trinity as a possible problem for Obama.
9. While the Wright story is often portrayed as the most damaging media episode for Obama, the record shows that the broadcast networks calibrated their stories to shield the candidate from the toughest questions and refused to air some of the most inflammatory clips of Wright’s preachings.
10. If the media did not actually win the Democratic nomination for Barack Obama, they surely made his road to the White House a whole lot smoother.

 

“The “big three” broadcast networks – NBC, ABC and CBS – remain captivated with Sen. Barack Obama, according to a study of campaign coverage released Tuesday by the Center for Media and Public Affairs at George Mason University.” Numbers tell all: 61 percent of the stories that appeared on the networks between Aug. 23 and Sept. 30 were positive toward the Democratic Party. In contrast, just 39 percent of the stories covering Republicans were favorable.

 

Here are more examples of exposing the media bias daily.

 

Here is another study by the Center for Media and Public Affairs concerning media bias.

 

Another article giving “A Record Blatant Bias.”  This is a listing of many blatant facts that have not been brought up by the media-many can be proven with simple research of the facts. Others have only been mentioned. We still do not know much of the history or belief of Obama, and for what he stands. After my investigation of the facts, I have decided that Obama has changed his stance from his past record. For Obama to do what he now professes he will have to change from his past record. The slogan “Change We Need” should be “Change I Need”, to get elected.

 

The legislative accomplishments of Obama can best be summed up by the MSNBC interview of Chris Matthews. The accomplishments presented were not substantial, most did not get enacted, and they were not mentioned or investigated due to media bias.

 

Readers Digest “How the World Sees Us” Counterpoint

Readers Digest “How the World Sees Us” Counterpoint

 

As you can tell from my other articles, I have been interested in the 2008 election and the facts of the causes for the results. I have also read the Readers Digest article “How the World Sees Us.” My search has concluded that both are the result of no facts or reasoning. I wasn’t able to find much on the world’s reasoning from facts.

 

Here are two articles found:

 

1. How the World Sees Us, and we see ourselves
2. How the World Sees Us

 

The articles stress that Obama is constantly in their press, he is considered cool, he presents himself well, he is different (African-American), and he is perceived that he can make a difference. There are no facts or specific reason. In fact they probably don’t even know Obama, since even most people in the US don’t know Obama (and they live here).

 

The World has become secular; “America’s prestige in the world is central not for grandiose reasons but strictly pragmatic ones.” They go on to say “Every big international problem nowadays must be addressed multilaterally; without global cooperation, none of these issues can be confronted, the United States is “the essential nation”.” And then, “We have to charm and manipulate other nations into helping, or we’ll all get a whipping.”And why, “Therefore, improving how the world sees us will be the best way to do more with less in our foreign policy.”

 

It’s similar to watching Jay Leno on the Tonight Show as he adresses students with questions concerning the election. They all know Obama is the one to elect (from school and the media), but they don’t have the answer to the question.

 

We sometimes forget how we became a nation; “We are admired for our way of life, technology, creativity and freedom.  The American spirit and “can-do” attitude still inspires people around the world, even among people who don’t like us very much.” We no longer remember the reason the country was founded, and the reasoning of the founding fathers.

 

Also read Readers Digest comments  

“It’s Obama by a landslide — except in the country in which he’s actually running for president,” said John Fredricks, Director of Polling for Reader’s Digest. “What is most striking is the margin of his support.” Readers Digest asked and polled the questions, but did it find out the reasons? 

 

 

 

 

 

McCain-Obama Economy Issues Counterpoint

McCain-Obama Economy Issues Counterpoint

 

The economy is now the main issue for the 2008 election. Below are listed some of the main comparable points being presented by McCain and Obama, but as you will see by looking at the facts, not all are covered. It is questionable as to what is workable, how to get enacted, and where to get funding.

 

McCain

 

1. Supports current and pending free trade agreements.
2. Plans may benefit oil & gas companies, aerospace & defense contractors, nuclear firms, and insurance & financial services (effect on economy?).
3. Favors problem areas by helping cash-poor borrowers, and student loans.
4. Opposes labor supported measures (unions) and raising minimum wage.
5. Buy bad mortgages and renegotiate loan terms based on current value of home.
6. Spur economy and job growth by cutting corporate tax rate and temporarily lowering current rates on dividends and capital gains.
7. Reduce the corporate income tax rate to 25% from 35%.
8. Require companies to automatically enroll their employees in retirement plans they offer.
9. Eliminate funds for pet projects, known as earmarks.
10. Repeal the 54-cents-a-gallon tariff on imported ethanol.

 

Obama

 

1. Would change current free trade agreements (NAFTA).
2. Plans may benefit employment in education, telecommunications, and alternative energy (effect on economy?).
3. Favors rebates and state budget relief funds.
4. Favors the so-called Free Choice Act (unions) and raising minimum wage.
5. Let federal government lend to state and municipal governments to help counter the budget crunch faced by states due to the mortgage crisis.
6. Set up $60 billion infrastructure investment bank to help fund public works. Also, create a $25 billion emergency Jobs and Growth Fund to fund other infrastructure projects.
7. Expand the SBA’s direct-lending Disaster Loan Program to extend loans to companies affected by the economic downturn and credit crunch.
8. Provide a federally funded match on retirement savings for families earning below $75,000.
9. Help pay for new proposals by drawing down troops in Iraq war, raising taxes on high-income filers and cutting certain corporate loopholes.
10. Keep ethanol tariff to protect domestic industry.

 

Obama has now stated a solution for most issues, as was presented in his ½ hour commercial on the major networks. McCain has presented a more modest plan. The article “Obama’s prime-time ad skips over budget realities” is worth consideration in lieu of the facts for both McCain and Obama.

 

Also, refer to articles on:

1. Taxing wealth.
2. Personal taxes.
3. McCain, Obama address voter’s economic fears.