Social Security is a retirement benefit waiting for you when you reach 62.
When you earn $1,000, your employer takes $62 and sends it to the Federal Government to build up your retirement account. Most people don't know it but your employer has to send an equal amount of $62 to fund your account. So for each $1000 you earn, a total of $124 is set aside for you. Pretty simple huh?.
Since Social Security was started in the late 1930's, $2.5 trillion has been accumulated in excess of what has been paid out. That is the good news. The bad news is the government doesn't have the money. It loaned the $2.5 trillion to itself to pay for Medicare, the war in Iraq and a bridge to nowhere in Nebraska.
So as more and more people retire, the Federal Government in theory is going to have draw from the extra cash it has accumulated over the years. Alas, the money is gone. The easy solution is to increase taxes. You can "bet the farm" that your taxes will go up.
It was announced yesterday that this year applications by new people reaching 62 had increased 23%. People that had planned to work to 65 or 67 or older are taking Social Security earlier because they have lost their jobs or job stress is intolerable.
For this year, people applying for disability has increased 20%. My guess is that people with health problems that under normal circumstances would have "toughed it out" are surrendering to disability payments under Social Security.
In addition, collections for your Social Security fund are down 16% because unemployment is very high and without people earning money, payments to the Social Security fund are reduced.
Let me see! More people want social security. Payments to the Social Security fund are down significantly. There is no true cash reserve for payment of Social Security because the Federal Government spent it all. Tax increases on wages are coming to pay for the increased Social Security liability.
Another government program gone awry? Don' bend over!
Love,
Dad
In chatting with Grasshopper No.5 recently, I told her that I loved watching the movie "Parenthood". Surprisingly, she said it was one of her favorite flicks. No.5 began to sing the opening song by the kids in the the back of the mini-van as the family was returning from a major league baseball game.
If you are running fast to first and you feel your bloomers burst, diarrhea, diarrhea.
If you are running second down and your trousers are turning brown, diarrhea, diarrhea.
If you're sliding into third and you feel a squishing turd, diarrhea, diarreha.
If you are crashing into home and your pants fill up with foam, diarrhea, diarrhea.
It is interesting that with all the lessons in 'Parenthood" such as disrespectful kids, ugly divorces, unwanted pregnancies, a derelict son and obsessive parents, people remember the "diarrhea song".
In the end, life presents many difficult situations that we probably take way to serious. There is a humorous side to parenthood and somehow things always workout.
So as Steve Martin says in the movie "we spent all that money to send our kid to camp and the only thing he remembers is the "diarrhea song". Yep. But at least he learned something.
The lesson Grasshoppers is that life probably won't turn out the way you want. That is okay. Why should you be different?
Love,
Dad
Fall begins today. Another Summer has passed. Did you make the most of it?
Grandsons Dominic and Tommy attended the UW Badger game Saturday against Wofford University. It was more like a scrimmage. I couldn't help wondering what it was like for a young kid to go to a Badger game.
For Dominic it was filled with dreams and role models. He is playing youth football and has insisted playing "center" on offense. So during the game Dominic was watching the UW center block and hike the ball. He and his Dad took note of the different plays as they developed. In addition, Dominic plays a musical instrument so the early game band "run on" and half time performance is interesting.
And then there isTommy! He is with his big brudder. There is a lot going on but Tommy doesn't play football yet so his technical interest level is not very high. He is more into watching Bucky Badger do pushups after a touchdown. Boredom sets in quickly but a few "high fives" after a touchdown keeps things moving. By the 4th quarter, Tommy is getting "squirrelly".
Last Saturday 4 fighter jets flew over the stadium after the National Anthem. That is always cool. Both kids got new UW Bucky Badger hats to shield the sun. Between the hot dogs, bright colored drinks and nachos with cheese topped with jalopena peppers, no one went hungry.
With the Badger game no longer in doubt, we slipped out of the stadium with a few minutes remaining and were home at an early hour.
Souvenirs and food are good but it is the anticipation of a game at Camp Randall that captures the imagination. So another Badger experience has come and gone. Next year the meaning of the game will change for both Dominic and Tommy. Can anything be done to lengthen Tommy's attention span?
This Saturday begins the formal Big Ten season signalling 4 remaining home games. Then the season is over. Jeepers.
Love,
Dad
Grasshopper No.1 has her "umteith" birthday tomorrow. Heres wishing her a very special day. It seems like just yesterday.
I missed commenting on September 9th as an unsual calendar date. It was 09/09/09. So if you are hung up on the number nine (i.e. maybe it is your lucky number), the nineth was your day. Add to that the possibility that at 9:09 in the morning something special might happen. Imagine delivering a baby at 9:09 and it weighs 9 pounds, 9 ounces. Spooky! Just wondering.
In the context of "wondering", I see that Representative Joe Wilson who blirted out "you lie" during Obama's speech on Healthcare has had his actions rebuked by the House of Representatives. I am not passing judgement on the appropriateness of the outburst. What puzzles me is the harsh reprimand that Wilson got. The "House" passed a Resolution of Disapproval against Wilson for his comment. What the hell does that mean? Is that like a parent telling a kid you disapprove of his/her girlfriend? Yeah, that will do a lot of good. Just wondering.
Then I see that the Foreign Trade Commission is issuing concerns about the quality of some products from China. It seems "tires" and "chickens" are not up to standard. If China doesn't improve the quality of tires and chickens we are not going to allow their import. Now those are two products that will upset the international community. Just wondering.
This morning my BMW warning light came on indicating that my coolant was low. It recommends that I bring the car in immediately and I should be cognizant of the fact that I should use genuine BMW coolant. What happened to the days when I took the cap off the radiator and dumped in some water to fill it up. Warning lights didn't exist. I wonder what would have happened if I took the cover off the coolant tank and added water. Would it blow up? Just wondering.
The lesson Grasshoppers is that there is all sorts of craziness in the world. Can't we just apply common sense. Just wondering?
Love,
Dad
Occasionally things go right. My Minneapolis computer consultant used a day of vacation on Friday to help me install a new computer with wireless upgrades and fabulous storage systems. It all works. It did take most of the day to adjust all the software. I guess you might say it was magical the way it all came together. A sincere thank you to Grasshopper No.5.
Then on Saturday, No.5 joined us for the UW football game against Fresno State. It wasn't billed as the game of the century but it was a close contest with UW winning in two overtimes. The opponent didnt matter. UW won. Everyone left the stadium on a "high". It seemed again like a magical moment. No.5 hadn't seen a game in 11 years. She does remember the years when Grasshopper No.2 was in the Marching Band. That was from 1980 to 1984. Mom and I would drag No.4 and No.5 over to Madison for most home football games and witness the complete football extravaganza. It always started by meeting No.2 at her dorm, walking over to the South Union for a pre-game pep rally and then marching with the Band over to the stadium. After the Band's performance at the game, we'd follow the Band over to Bascum Hill for a wrap. Yep, we made a 6-7 year old little girl do that. Nana and Grandpa would join us many times. Fond memories.
To top off the game day, Grasshopper No.2 offered to fry brats and hamburgers at her house. Grant and Mitchell could not get enough of Mawgwet. There were rehashes of family stories and again, more pictures. I think I escaped most of the focus. The time flew by as if by magic.
My regret is that I promised to get No.5 home in time for an evening with Grasshopper No.3 and family. The "time master" (me) didn't do very good. I don't know if that makes me a bad Dad, but my apologies to all.
Sunday was a return to normal (whatever that is). The Packers played an evening game and beat the Bears with a long touchdown pass with less than a minute remaining. The weekend ended as if by magic.
The lesson Grasshoppers is you never know when special moments will occur. There were a few "magic times' this weekend. Would you believe my new computer is really "cool".
Love,
Dad
Tomorrow my computer expert is coming to help me install a new desk top computer. I am writing my blog one day early incase installation goes awry and I can't communicate with the world.
No, the old computer is not available to family and friends. It will become the center piece of our basement photoshop and be outfitted with an external hard drive to preserve all the pictures. I can't believe how much space pictures take up.
My first objective is to preserve all the important stuff on the existing computer especially things that should be reloaded on the new computer.
I have spent this week buying computer components at Best Buy. I spent so much time there that I became a fixture. New customers were approaching me for help.
I bought a new Dell desktop computer with 1 terrabyte of hard disk storage. The working disk or RAM has 8 gigabytes of capability. I guess those capabilities are a lot. Then I bought a big 24 inch Dell monitor (older people can't see and need larger presentations).
I wasn't done! I was told to get a "N" router and an appropriate receiver for the old computer so that I have wireless cable throughout the house.
I still wasn't done. I was told to get at least one external hard drive with 1 terrabyte of storage capability. My computer expert is going to have to settle for a cute unit with only 500 gigabytes of storage. I made the executive decision to lighten up on the capability of the external hard drive.
Oops! My personal private files are now kept on "floppy disk" which new computers don't provide compartments for. They tell me I'm old fashioned and I need to change. Bullsh--. I bought a portable floppy disk unit that plugs into my new computer and I can still use old floppy files. I know I could switch them all over to external hard drives. It seems to me I would driving a tack with a sledge hammer.
On the last day (when the money ran out), I stopped to buy a 7 outlet power bar to protect against variations in electrical input along which came a $100,000 insurance protection against lightning destroying my system. More bullsh--.
I had to pick up so special cords to handle the different components.
Oh yeah, a printer was part of the "package deal".
The lesson Grasshoppers is that computers become obsolete. It all sounds very expensive but for under $1000 you can equip youself to talk to the world. Who knows when I will have to do this again. Maybe Obama will provide some sort of "cash for clunker computer programs".
Wish me luck.
Love,
Dad
Labor Day signals the kick-off (no pun intended) of the college football season. The UW-Badgers have lots of young players and it is difficult to determine if they will contend for a title this season. They may have found a quarterback in Scott Tolzien. He could be the "silver lining" to a successful season. Now if they can just find a running back that does't have lead in his ass.
The Packers start their season next Sunday night against the Chicago Bears. The Packers have installed a "3-4 defensive scheme". Maybe they can finally hold the opponents from scoring in the last two minutes of a ball game. Could the defense be the silver lining?
The Brewers are not going to make the baseball playoffs. They score lots of runs but the pitchers have "rubber arms". Their starting pitchers stink (other than Gallardo and Parra). The crowds keep coming to see triple plays and home runs. The special part of the Brewers happens to be their first baseman. Prince Fielder stands at the plate with a defiant attitude. He dares the pitcher to try to get a pitch past him. He leads the league in RBI's, has 37 home runs and is batting .300. He is the Brewers silver lining. People come out to just see Prince. Maybe he will hit a tape measure homer. Maybe he will slide into second base like a wounded water buffalo. Perhaps he will pull his shirt out of his pants to signify a game winning hit. He is pure Milwaukee. He has the body of a beer drinking suma wrestler and because of the imperfections, fans love him. Pay attention Grasshoppers. Fielder is something special.
Lastly, the Sheboygan Youth Football season is full gear. I know both Grasshopper No.4's team (which he coaches) lost their first game as did Grandson Dominic's team. I haven't heard how they both fared in week two of the season but I suspect not too well. The silver lining is that the kids are learning valuable "life lessons". You know! All anyone can ask is that you play your best. If you try your best and lose, you can hold your heads high!
The lesson Grasshoppers is that there is always a silver lining. Athletes know that better than anyone.
Love,
Dad
Not every little city in America has a "fair grounds" inside it's boundries. Plymouth has been the host of the Sheboygan County Fair for as long as I can remember. It is a fenced in complex with old rickety white wood buildings and a Grandstand that spring to life once a year.
This is it! The Country Fair started Thursday and runs through Labor Day. It allows people to display their prized animals competing for the "biggest bull" to the plumpist tomato. Young future farmers of America proudly display their prize hefers, chicken and sheep. Blue ribbons hang all over the "cow barns".
Nana and Grandpa always waited until the Fair to subscribe to the Plymouth Review because they always got a special deal for an annual commitment. I think an annual subscription was around $15. Saving a dollar here or a dollar there was a big deal. The Sheboygan Press also offered deals.
The 'carnie boys" would always arrive several days early to set up the rides. As a kid, I would help assemble the rides and make a few bucks. When the Fair started, there were always a few tatooed "carnie studs" that operated the rides. I could never figure out why good looking ladies of promiscuous reputation always got to ride free.
Sprinkle in midway games along with beer and brat stands and you complete the festive atmosphere.
I always remember having limited cash. I could go on a few rides, have a brat and soda and then spend the rest of the day wandering through the barns and exhibits. Going home always meant being tired and "broke". It was the last chance to hang on to Summer because school started on Tuesday following Labor Day.
I know the Fair grounds house a few animals during the winter such as horses. My Dad kept several horses in the barns including a palomino named Duke. Starting in April each year, stock car races blast the air each Saturday night continuing thoughout the Summer.
After this weekend the Fair Grounds again becomes a big fenced in empty complex waiting for the next years County Fair. What can you say? It holds fond memories. It is tradition!.
Love,
Dad
Bernie Madoff is the investor who bilked billions (that is with a "b") from hardworking people by pretending to have a computer system that took advantage of stock market swings. The total of money swindled reaches totals close to $60 billion.
A recent book written by Sheyrl Weinstein profiles Bernie though 20 years of a personal love tryst that she enjoyed. In the end, the charitable trust she represented lost all the money they had placed with Bernie. Sheryl, her son, her "old" mother and friends all lost everything they had with Bernie. Apparently Bernie has Tourette's Syndrome which causes an involuntary blinking of the eyes. Sheryl also discloses in her book that Bernie apparently wasn't well "endowed" physically. She gave him the nickname of "Winky Dink". Being branded with a name like that made her feel good and it is downright funny.
The lesson learned from being associated with "Winky Dink" is "never trust all your money with one person". Bernie was so beguiling that many of his clients placed everything they had with him to manage. He produced phony monthly statements for over 30 years and when he finally confessed, his clients lost everything. Actually I have a mistrust of anybody wanting to manage my money. My trust can be earned over time, but that takes signifant effort.
The second lesson is to invest in "good stuff". A CD at your local bank doesn't pay the highest rate of interest but it is insured up to $100,000. Government backed mortgages such as Ginnie Maes are gauanteed by the full faith of our U.S.Treasury. Some municipal bonds can be purchased that are insured. If you buy stock, buy something with a future, not gold mines in South Africa.
My point Grasshoppers is that we should learn from "Winky Dink". If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never place your money with one investment firm. Buy good "stuff". Pretty simple huh?
So ends my first contribution to my wisdom effort. Stay tuned!
Love,
Dad