So the Long Island Business News (LIBN.com) has gone to an online subscriber model. Online subscription models are being tested on us, the public; we who are currently used to unlimited free information on the internet. Recently, Rupert Murdoch put forth that he was moving to a subscriber model for all of his online publications.
Many online publications are simply the digital version of a print publication so many of us have been able to enjoy many publications online without being subscribers. Most people believe that we will not be willing to agree to pay models for information on the net because it was founded on the notion of (free) access to information. However, there is the necessary revenue side of internet content vs. the status quo of free content especially as traditional ad revenue falls.
I'll be the first one to say that I don't like having to pay for anything and as long as I'm paying over $50 a month to access high-speed internet, through Cablevision I might add, I feel I am paying enough already though this doesn't help the content providers at all. But, TV used to be free, radio used to be free and so on. In reality, we are now paying for a lot of things that were free when I was growing up. So, subscriber models may actually work in some cases. I am watching. We'll see how LIBN fares in the paid content wars.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Health Care Reform: A Moral Imperative
"The time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action. Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together and show the American people that we can still do what we were sent here to do. Now is the time to deliver on healthcare."
Tonight the President addressed a joint session of Congress to urge them to continue to seek solutions for healthcare reform in a bipartisan fashion. The President offered some ideas for what he would like to see in the reform package and indeed some of these items have already been agreed upon by both political parties. The following points are what I remember off the top of my head:
1. Those with pre-existing conditions will not be denied healthcare coverage.
2. Insurance companies cannot drop you when you become ill.
3. Employers will have to make contributions to a healthcare fund if they do not provide healthcare coverage to their workers.
4. There will be a health insurance exchange where individuals who do not have an employer-based plan can purchase affordable care from existing insurers. A self-supporting (through premiums) public insurer should be an available option on the exchange as a competitor to private insurers; more competition should foster greater affordability.
5. Medicare and Medicaid will remain unchanged but there will be a mandate to combat fraud and waste within the current systems.
6. Everyone will be required to sign up for some sort of plan to help reduce the frequency of emergency room visits for primary care which we all pay for in our current premiums.
7. There will be no coverage for illegal aliens (who primarily use the emergency room for primary care, hmm?)
8. There will be hardship allotments and tax credits for individuals and small businesses who demonstrate financial need to cover healthcare costs.
9. ...and more, I am sure.
Furthermore, the President addressed the scare tactics being used to quash the reform debate primarily propagated by Republicans and right-leaning individuals and groups. He declared the oft repeated propaganda that there will be government-sanctioned 'death panels' as an outright lie and that the whole idea of a government takeover of healthcare is pure fiction. Finally, the President threatened to "call out" anyone who continued to disseminate false information about healthcare reform.
Of course the biggest part of the healthcare initiative is cost. The President made it clear that he will only sign a bill that does not increase the deficit and that savings gained by reducing medicare and medicaid waste and fraud and employer contributions into the healthcare fund will be used to cover the estimated $900,000,000,000 tab over the next 10 years. In any case, the bill should include a provision that any savings that are not realized must be covered by reductions in spending elsewhere in the general budget.
Sadly, those Republicans who are hell-bent on defeating reform for the sake of defeating anything this President proposes sat in protest as the President delivered his speech. Some Republicans agreed with some of the talking points but most were resolute in not supporting the President, at least in public.
At the end of the day, the President called upon all of us to support healthcare reform as a moral imperative, and rightly so, and implored us to honor the spirit of Ted Kennedy by doing so.
Tonight the President addressed a joint session of Congress to urge them to continue to seek solutions for healthcare reform in a bipartisan fashion. The President offered some ideas for what he would like to see in the reform package and indeed some of these items have already been agreed upon by both political parties. The following points are what I remember off the top of my head:
1. Those with pre-existing conditions will not be denied healthcare coverage.
2. Insurance companies cannot drop you when you become ill.
3. Employers will have to make contributions to a healthcare fund if they do not provide healthcare coverage to their workers.
4. There will be a health insurance exchange where individuals who do not have an employer-based plan can purchase affordable care from existing insurers. A self-supporting (through premiums) public insurer should be an available option on the exchange as a competitor to private insurers; more competition should foster greater affordability.
5. Medicare and Medicaid will remain unchanged but there will be a mandate to combat fraud and waste within the current systems.
6. Everyone will be required to sign up for some sort of plan to help reduce the frequency of emergency room visits for primary care which we all pay for in our current premiums.
7. There will be no coverage for illegal aliens (who primarily use the emergency room for primary care, hmm?)
8. There will be hardship allotments and tax credits for individuals and small businesses who demonstrate financial need to cover healthcare costs.
9. ...and more, I am sure.
Furthermore, the President addressed the scare tactics being used to quash the reform debate primarily propagated by Republicans and right-leaning individuals and groups. He declared the oft repeated propaganda that there will be government-sanctioned 'death panels' as an outright lie and that the whole idea of a government takeover of healthcare is pure fiction. Finally, the President threatened to "call out" anyone who continued to disseminate false information about healthcare reform.
Of course the biggest part of the healthcare initiative is cost. The President made it clear that he will only sign a bill that does not increase the deficit and that savings gained by reducing medicare and medicaid waste and fraud and employer contributions into the healthcare fund will be used to cover the estimated $900,000,000,000 tab over the next 10 years. In any case, the bill should include a provision that any savings that are not realized must be covered by reductions in spending elsewhere in the general budget.
Sadly, those Republicans who are hell-bent on defeating reform for the sake of defeating anything this President proposes sat in protest as the President delivered his speech. Some Republicans agreed with some of the talking points but most were resolute in not supporting the President, at least in public.
At the end of the day, the President called upon all of us to support healthcare reform as a moral imperative, and rightly so, and implored us to honor the spirit of Ted Kennedy by doing so.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Whole New Ballgame
Back to school means more to me this year than it ever has. Though I will miss having my children around, they and I have some serious work to do. They are each facing a challenging academic year and I am facing a very challenging job search. All of the career counselors that I have come in contact with recently have stated emphatically that searching for a job is different this time around; in fact it is a whole new ballgame.
Though I have been diligent and put into practice much of the new tricks that I have been given, my search has turned up empty; my application of the new rules is not as effective as I had hoped. I am now a brand. I must market and sell myself. I must network and meet new contacts. I must write a winning resume. I must write winning cover letters. I must be aware of body language. I must conduct effective interviews. It is up to me to close the deal.
So, I need to focus real hard. I need to leverage every ounce of my being in this pursuit and to that end, 6 1/2 hours without children will give me the time and space that I need to help me achieve this goal. Back to school, not a moment too soon.
Though I have been diligent and put into practice much of the new tricks that I have been given, my search has turned up empty; my application of the new rules is not as effective as I had hoped. I am now a brand. I must market and sell myself. I must network and meet new contacts. I must write a winning resume. I must write winning cover letters. I must be aware of body language. I must conduct effective interviews. It is up to me to close the deal.
So, I need to focus real hard. I need to leverage every ounce of my being in this pursuit and to that end, 6 1/2 hours without children will give me the time and space that I need to help me achieve this goal. Back to school, not a moment too soon.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Labor Day
Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.
For us, it was a family affair. Yesterday, my father-in-law had his annual Sunday before labor day party which is a deeply satisfying West Indian fete with his extended family and friends. It is always a veritable smorgasbord of delicious authentic food that I know and love. Also, I get to be somewhat important as one of his two daughters-in-law; as the wife of his son, I am introduced to everyone. Oh, look at me, family celebrity. Silly girl.
Today, we had no plans which opened us up for an impromptu visit from my mom who brought along some of her longtime friends; lifelong connections made during nursing school in England some 40+ years ago. It was very cool to see them, actually. These are ladies who knew my mom before she knew me. And since I do not see them very often, to them, I am always amazing.
So, may this ode to my shallow self be the declaration that I had a great weekend. Cheers!
For us, it was a family affair. Yesterday, my father-in-law had his annual Sunday before labor day party which is a deeply satisfying West Indian fete with his extended family and friends. It is always a veritable smorgasbord of delicious authentic food that I know and love. Also, I get to be somewhat important as one of his two daughters-in-law; as the wife of his son, I am introduced to everyone. Oh, look at me, family celebrity. Silly girl.
Today, we had no plans which opened us up for an impromptu visit from my mom who brought along some of her longtime friends; lifelong connections made during nursing school in England some 40+ years ago. It was very cool to see them, actually. These are ladies who knew my mom before she knew me. And since I do not see them very often, to them, I am always amazing.
So, may this ode to my shallow self be the declaration that I had a great weekend. Cheers!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Summer's Last Hurrah
Ah, it is Labor Day weekend, summer's last hurrah. This is when all the Long Island beaches officially close for the summer. Hopefully, the weather holds up for us. It has been rather cool over the last week so I need a spike so I can get in my last dips.
Given the economy, I had expected attendance to be up at area beaches this year but it just did not seem so. Perhaps, I have found paradise in my choices in that I attend few beaches that are overrun. I do sometimes wonder why anyone would fight with summer traffic to travel down the east coast to go to same ocean. But, as I have enjoyed my beaches and looked around, I can see why.
Outside of Montauk, which has some nice beaches and mostly motel-style accommodations, there are really no destination beach towns; no consumer-driven boardwalks, no fancy hotels or resort-like accommodations, few 'in' places to eat and relax, and in general not enough elements to really round out what we would consider a true beach vacation. In fact, most of my favorite beaches are surrounded by beach mansions that are available at rental prices well beyond the middle class budget.
The ocean beaches do provide for some excellent day trips though and since I live in Suffolk County, it can seems like I am on a permanent summer vacation (when the weather cooperates), except I come home at night. Many beach towns in Suffolk County gained fame from being destination beach towns with fancy hotels and the like back in the early part of the 20th century. A little creative thinking and some investor dollars could usher in a new wave of tourism which could be a boost to the local economy. But, seeing as this is Long Island and any development occurs at a snail's pace, I won't hold my breath.
Given the economy, I had expected attendance to be up at area beaches this year but it just did not seem so. Perhaps, I have found paradise in my choices in that I attend few beaches that are overrun. I do sometimes wonder why anyone would fight with summer traffic to travel down the east coast to go to same ocean. But, as I have enjoyed my beaches and looked around, I can see why.
Outside of Montauk, which has some nice beaches and mostly motel-style accommodations, there are really no destination beach towns; no consumer-driven boardwalks, no fancy hotels or resort-like accommodations, few 'in' places to eat and relax, and in general not enough elements to really round out what we would consider a true beach vacation. In fact, most of my favorite beaches are surrounded by beach mansions that are available at rental prices well beyond the middle class budget.
The ocean beaches do provide for some excellent day trips though and since I live in Suffolk County, it can seems like I am on a permanent summer vacation (when the weather cooperates), except I come home at night. Many beach towns in Suffolk County gained fame from being destination beach towns with fancy hotels and the like back in the early part of the 20th century. A little creative thinking and some investor dollars could usher in a new wave of tourism which could be a boost to the local economy. But, seeing as this is Long Island and any development occurs at a snail's pace, I won't hold my breath.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
School's Out for Summer
I'm done, I'm done, I'm done! I'm done with school, just awaiting the official graduation ceremony. I thank you all for your support. Now comes the next part, studying for the very difficult national accreditation tests where success will put some fancy letters beside my name. Can I get any more fantastic than I already am? I must. Competition is stiff and every little bit counts toward getting one's foot in the door these days.
Well, I am off to go celebrate before reality hits me. May I suggest my newest favorite bottle of inexpensive wine, Impala Run Shiraz 2004 from South Africa. It is imported by a Medford, NY based distributor so I don't know how much of the market they have penetrated beyond the Island. Anyhow, at a tidy $8.99 for the large bottle, it cannot be beat on price and taste. Put away those Australians, this one is good.
Well, I am off to go celebrate before reality hits me. May I suggest my newest favorite bottle of inexpensive wine, Impala Run Shiraz 2004 from South Africa. It is imported by a Medford, NY based distributor so I don't know how much of the market they have penetrated beyond the Island. Anyhow, at a tidy $8.99 for the large bottle, it cannot be beat on price and taste. Put away those Australians, this one is good.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Simply Because it is September
Today is the first day of September. The weather dropped cold like a stone. That was it, our run of summer weather is over. We may still see some 80 degree days but the summer heat that we enjoyed over the last few weeks was all too short. Oh well. At least I did all that I could with it. But, it is September now and so our psychology shifts. Even the Dow Industrials lost 186 points today simply because it is September.
September and October are historically down months for the financial markets and when a majority of the previous stock market crashes have occurred. After the unprecedented rally of the last five months, investors are taking profits ostensibly because the rally has no basis and is therefore unsustainable and because the market goes down in September anyway. It is circular logic that creates an unavoidable condition. I'll get it straight one of these days.
The only thing that I am certain about is that I am still unemployed. I was supposed to go back to work when the kids went back to school but I still have not been fortunate to find employment. Many were predicting that an improved stock market would spur business to hire and prepare for renewed demand but employment still seems to be frozen. Many are still being laid off but now it is old news. To me, it is more competition on the ground and no matter how fantastic you are, no one seems to be above the fray. None of the people who started school with me in June have found employment, many of whom have very impressive resumes.
Tomorrow is my last day of school so I still have a milestone that I can set my lack of employment behind. School is supposed to help me be more employable and its actual completion resets the clock again even though I have already updated my resume and applied for dozens of jobs in the last month. Anyhow, I press on for at least I have something to show for myself.
September and October are historically down months for the financial markets and when a majority of the previous stock market crashes have occurred. After the unprecedented rally of the last five months, investors are taking profits ostensibly because the rally has no basis and is therefore unsustainable and because the market goes down in September anyway. It is circular logic that creates an unavoidable condition. I'll get it straight one of these days.
The only thing that I am certain about is that I am still unemployed. I was supposed to go back to work when the kids went back to school but I still have not been fortunate to find employment. Many were predicting that an improved stock market would spur business to hire and prepare for renewed demand but employment still seems to be frozen. Many are still being laid off but now it is old news. To me, it is more competition on the ground and no matter how fantastic you are, no one seems to be above the fray. None of the people who started school with me in June have found employment, many of whom have very impressive resumes.
Tomorrow is my last day of school so I still have a milestone that I can set my lack of employment behind. School is supposed to help me be more employable and its actual completion resets the clock again even though I have already updated my resume and applied for dozens of jobs in the last month. Anyhow, I press on for at least I have something to show for myself.
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