Harley-Davidson Keeping Kansas City Plant Open – Surprise!

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This has become so predictable.  Harley-Davidson has used the same strategy again to get what they want from workers.  Cut permanent employees; add casual workers and then we will stay put.  First York, then Wisconsin, now Missouri.  They are cutting 145 union workers and adding 145 casual workers to replace them in order to be competitive in Missouri.  And of course “other restructuring moves” are thrown in for good measure.

It was either agree to Harley’s terms or they would shut down the plant in question each time.  Seriously, workers are left with no option other than to agree or face a plant closing.  Not much or a choice.

Newt Gingrich Considering A Run For President

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Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Newt Gingrich is considering a run for the White House.  He will begin an exploratory process of raising money to “test the waters” and see if there would be enough support for his candidacy.

Gingrich left Congress is 1999 but has stayed very politically active and appears on many television shows where he weighs in on current political events.  Gingrich intends to take a formal step in the next two weeks toward running for the Republican nomination in 2012.

Fox News has suspended their contracts with Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich while they both explore the possibility of seeking the Republican nomination for President.

American Idol: Ladies Night

Like last night, the performances improved as the show went on.   The last four women were excellent!

Haley Reinhart sang Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’”.  The audience, Steven and Jennifer loved it.  Randy did not.  I thought it was excellent and she exhibited confidence, was sexy and delivered a solid performance.

Thia Megia sang “On My Own” from Les Miserables to everyone’s delight.  All three judges had high praise for her tonal quality and Randy compared her to Michael Jackson.

Lauren Alaina sang “Turn The Radio On” by Reba McIntyre and oozed with natural talent and showed a great deal of comfort in performing.  She got big applause and great comments from the judges.

Pia Toscano sang “I’ll Stand By You” by the Pretenders and brought the house down as the finale.  Jennifer told her she was a sly one and saved the best for tonight.  I agreed with Randy that she was the winner this evening,

I missed the first three performances but the clips do not always show much…they tend to find the best part of the performance to highlight so unfortunately I can not in all honestly comment.

Julie Zorilla received much applause by the judges were not thrilled.  People should really avoid Kelly Clarkson songs (Breakaway).  It was suggested that she should have moved the key up higher to better showcase her voice.

Ashton Jones did well but Randy thought “Love All Over Me” by Monica was not enough for her.  He suggested something more like Diana Ross.  The audience enjoyed her performance based on the applause.

I liked Karen Rodriguez’s performance of Maria Carey’s “Hero”.  I agreed with the judges on her use of English and Spanish lyrics.  It was a nice touch.  The audience seemed to really like her performance.

The Haircut – Today’s Humor!

One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. —After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, ‘I cannot accept money from you , I’m doing community service this week.’ The florist was pleased and left the shop.   When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a ‘thank you’ card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.   —Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, ‘I cannot accept money from you , I’m doing community service this week.’ The cop was happy and left the shop.   The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a ‘thank you’ card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.   —Then a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, ‘I can not accept money from you. I’m doing community service this week.’ The Congressman was very happy and left the shop.   The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.   —And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it. BOTH POLITICIANS AND DIAPERS NEED TO BE CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON!

Michael Vick Signs One-Year Deal With The Philadelphia Eagles

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Eagles fans can breathe a little easier now knowing Michael Vick will be returning to the Eagles next season.  Vick’s leadership helped the Eagles capture the NFC East title.  The Eagles had a 10-6 season, despite Vick not starting and being injured.  For a “rebuilding year” we were all pleasantly surprised.

Vick had his career best NFL season after missing two seasons due to being incarcerated for a dog fighting conviction.  Vick was voted Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press and played in the Pro Bowl.

Vick’s estimated salary for next season is $20 million dollars.

Governor Corbett Becomes Head Of The Delaware River Port Authority

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It sounds like somebody will be a tad busy for a while.  It is not like Tom Corbett does not already have enough headaches being the newly elected “Govenator” of Pennsylvania but now Tom Corbett is also is Chairman of the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).

Oddly enough, Governor Corbett nominated himself for Chairman of the DRPA and was unanimously voted in by all 16 commissioners.  I suppose this could be a case of if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.  The DRPA is a hot mess and does need some strong leadership.  It seems the DRPA has strayed from its original intent.  Governor Corbett plans to reign in the scope of the DRPA.  Corbett feels the DRPA should stay out of economic development.  Corbett says the mission of the DRPA is the safe transportation of people across the Delaware River.  (We agree.) 

Corbett pledged to work with New Jersey “Govenator” Chris Christie.  Actually this is no surprise since they have a mutual admiration society going on.  However, that is a good thing since the DRPA certainly needs a leader.  New Jersey and Pennsylvania need to work together on the issues.  The DRPA has been dysfunctional as of late and is in less than satisfactory financial straits.

Let’s hope we get down to business and do what is right by the taxpayers of both states!