If you could trade one bodily function with another person and still receive the same benefit what would it be? I would trade sleep because if I could reduce my hours in 1/2 how much more would I be able to accomplish! I would trade it for eating or even going to the bathroom because even at those times I can continue to think and read, especially if those hours were before everyone else got up. So if anyone can find a way to make this trade occur I’m all in.
Here are the top stories from the weekend Edition of the Wall Street Journal for 1/03/15 that I could scribble on one piece of paper. Therefore I decided to focus on 4 stories (below) and give a bit more depth to them.
(1) Europe’s Empty Church’s are for sale
(A) Observant Christianity continues to decline in Europe while Islam Expands
(B) Islam has gone from 4 % of the population in Europe to 6 % in 2010 and continues to grow.
(C) Judaism has been steady.
(D) 515 Churches closed in Germany, 200 Danish churches closed,
(E) Churches are being used as Skating rinks, Supermarkets even as a Frankstein themed restaurant.
(2) Pope is expected to pick unusual Cardinals
(A) He is expected to pick Cardinals with a more liberal view on Gays & accepting Divorcees.
(B) The Pope is also more likely to appoint non-westerners into the church hierarchy especially from Latin America.
(C) Cardinals help decide church policy and appoint new Pope.
(D) New Cardinals replace individuals that have turned 80 years old.
(3) Ellie Stefarlik becomes the youngest woman to sit in Congress.
(A) Admires Margaret Thatcher
(B) Harvard Graduate
(C) Worked for President George W Bush
(D) Believes in cooperation not confrontation especially if it’s beneficial to her constituents.
(E) Is 30 years old
(4) Depression of 1920 was fought from a completely different path then today’s political world.
A. Raised Interest Rates and Balanced the budget.
B. Depression ended in 18 months vs 43 months in 1929 Depression.
(5) Love of hot food is explored.
A. Capsaicin molecule produces the heat like sensation.
B. This molecule works with the same area of the brain that produces pain and pleasure
C. Animals can not be trained to enjoy spicy food at least with the current research.
D. Carolina Reaper is the hottest Chilli Pepper known to man.
E. It might be the machismo effect where the feeling of victory after eating such a dish is felt.
As you can see I’m not a big follower of crystal ball but instead have decided to base my 2015 Predictions on logic and my own gut feelings. Below I list some of those predictions along with a variety of other experts opinions on the future brings. Please note even the greatest expert has to bow down to the one who truly decides. Yet before I get started look (link below) at some crazy predictions that actually came true in 2014
Crazy predictions that actually came true 2014
(1) NFL SUPERBOWL- Ravens against the Cowboys with the Cowboys pulling it through.
(2) BASEBALL- The NY Met’s will make it to the playoffs this year.
(3) FILM-Star Wars Episode VII- The Force Awakens will be the top grossing movie of 2015
(4) MUSIC- Taylor Swift will still be the biggest grossing pop star for while Florida Georgia Live will still top the country charts.
(5) BUSINESS-Energy & Gold Prices will rise while the stock market will be mostly bearish.
(6) POLITICS- Jeb Bush will modify his position on “Common Core” allowing states more individual control and seek instead to focus on “school choice”.
(7) POLITICS-Immigration Reform will be signed into law and the media will give credit to President Obama for this achievement.
(8) FEARFUL- I pray this prediction above all the rest doesn’t come true but I fear that this year the crime rate will continue to rise and a serious terrorist attack will occur in the United States.
Entertainment Predictions for 2015
Just when we believe we have all the pieces together we find out we only have the first piece. Life might appear to be falling apart before our eyes but that might just be the time it’s truly put together. On the other hand we might believe that we have a clear path to success only to find out that our piece truly doesn’t fit. This is clearly demonstrated in the story of Joseph where after ever turn of misfortune sends a piece to a brighter clearer path where an imprisoned slave becomes 2nd in command to the most powerful nation of it’s time. Therefore never feel that your destiny has been determined G-D truly holds the pieces releasing them when you might least expect it.
As a practicing Jew and not the Messanich type I’m delighted that it’s just about Christmas. Don’t worry Rabbi I’m not converting it’s just I believe that Christmas has meaning for us all. First of all we can be happy at the beginning of the story (although we might have some differences at the middle and the end) for who shouldn’t celebrate the birth of a child. A child if I get the story correct who is visited by three kings. It’s important that even those who appear to be truly powerful acknowledge that we all come from the same starting place and all the majesty in the world still doesn’t outshine the beauty of a newborn baby . Here are several other reasons below I proudly say Merry X-Mas.
(1) My Christian brothers and sisters get to spend meaningful time with family and friends.
(2) Traffic is much lighter when going to work.
(3) People in general appear much happier and charitable this time of year.
(4) Great after Christmas sales.
(5) I love looking at all the Christmas decorations.
(6) “It’s a Wonderful Life” and other Christmas movies still bring a tear or two to my eye’s
(7) The Christmas story is the ultimate story of redemption where Christ is poor boy born in a manger and today is recognized by the world over.
(8) A few good Christmas songs (they get a bit annoying after awhile)
(9) Christians finding their own path to G-D and redemption.
In conclusion I want to wish all my Christian Brothers and Sisters a very Merry Christmas with health, happiness and love.
Here is a list (below) of the top of 2014 in a variety of catalogs. Now you’ll have a head start before New Years Eve!
Top blogs of 2014 (we’re catching up)
Hottest Television Shows of 2014
Biggest grossing movies of 2014
Wouldn’t it be great to enjoy your favorite shows with those who had your same interest? Imagine the excitement it would bring to advertisers knowing that they are jingles are sung along to during break time, let alone the T.V broadcasters knowing that they are building not just a show but a community. The “T.V. FAN CLUB” does just that by changing your local bar into a gathering for those true fans of the most popular shows in the demographics advertisers want to reach. Here’s how it would work
(1) Local Bars set up separate couch type area’s to watch various shows.
(2) Networks provide all marketing materials to such locations to insure the populace is informed about the event and also niche merchandise to sell at such venues.
(3) Special food and drink selections are made for these performances as well.
(4) Pre-Program and After Programming discussions occur with audiences from various other “T.V Fan Club’s participating at certain points and special guests from the show making a sneak appearances at one or more of club locations.
(5) Upcoming sneak peaks for Club Guests as well other benefits for those who are regular attendees.
One further note this would also be a cash boon to many of these bars who’s traffic is slower then usual during the week.
MY ATTIRE FOR TODAY
There were several times I received two hours of sleep or less for good reason but last night was not one of them. The birth of my daughter and son only allowed me a few hours of shut eye. I also recall many an emergency waiting for service as my son or daughter receive the care they needed for an especially high fever or bad stomach pains. Making the opening scene of ASU allowed me a few moments to see a sheep or two. Last night a traffic jamb made a one hour peaceful trip a three hour trip to hell and then my dog decided that two hours was enough time for me to sleep and our morning exercise needed to begin. I know that over the coming hours my mind will forget where I put …. and my eyes and mind will drift away to a different place but until then late the day begin.
Whether you agree or disagree with the decision of the Grand Jury not to indict Officer Wilson we all can agree that the use of deadly force by the police needs to be reduced. This is one area where the Federal Government can be involved by equipping and training all police forces with the most up to date Taser equipment. The use of Taser equipment will stun a perpetrator but not kill them and therefore reduce the need for deadly force to only when the officers life is in jeopardy. Police Officers also should have a body camera if they are working the streets to insure the public that they don’t take matters into their own hand, when confronting a criminal. Let us work to build a future of trust between the Police and the community they serve
In today’s marketplace “Non-Profits” are struggling to keep their finances above water. There are several reasons this is occurring including local governments budget shortfalls, general feelings from the public that they’re taxes should be paying for this, and charities doing the same things to raise monies. It’s time those charities think a bit differently, if they are to raise the monies they need in today’s marketplace. Here are several suggestions (below) that they can use. PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR LOCAL NON-PROFIT LEADERS.
CUT COSTS
A.- NASCAR THEME- Utilize as much corporate sponsorship as possible to lower expenses (ex this dinner is sponsored by “McDonald’s)
B. – GREEN ENERGY- Work with your public utilities to see if there are programs to convert to green energy or lower energy costs.
C. COORDINATE WITH OTHERS- Work with other Shul’s and Church’s etc. when buying products or getting services so you buy as a group and therefore lower individual costs.
INCREASE REVENUE
A. FAIR RENTAL- Utilize your space to rent booths for local theme fairs (Health, Education etc)
B. CLASSES- Have various types of lessons occurring in your building where individual teachers will either rent space and/or share in the profits of such classes.
C. WORK WITH BUSINESSES- Help with logistics (employees, marketing etc) in return for a small portion of the profits.
D. BROADCAST-Find a way for your key speakers to go out to the public to give key speeches or participate in forums and share in the revenue for such actions
E. SELL- Have unique or items in key demand at your local bookstore. Work with an entrepreneur on a consignment deal as well.
F. GARAGE SALE- Use empty spaces to have a garage sale where vendors rent a space or donate a part of the profits back to the non-profit.
G. MEMBERSHIP LEVELS- Allow individuals to become members at various levels. A Gold Plus Level could enable the participant to have special parking rights, payment in advance to all activities, etc while the other levels would give you other benefits.