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Jeff Jacobs - page 21

Jeff Jacobs has 235 articles published.

Opinion: FDA Agency Will Kill People In 2012

I understand the title of this article is hardcore but the reality is that a recent decision by the FDA Agency will kill people in 2012 in my opinion. It could be you, a loved one, or maybe a close friend.

Starting in 2012, Primatene Mist will be taken off the shelves by the FDA Agency due to “CFCs depleting the ozone”. If you don’t know what Primatene Mist is, it’s the ONLY over-the-counter immediate relief for asthma. There is nothing that compares to Primatene Mist and with thousands of positive reviews online, it works perfectly. It costs about $15 dollars at Walmart (over the counter) and is very popular because it works – fast (unlike a tablet that takes time to dissolve). I’ve personally been on Primatene Mist my whole life, like the thousands and thousands of people who use it every day to “just get by” or for emergencies because with asthma, a simple sneeze can trigger an asthmatic attack. Primatene Mist has rescued me on several occasions and would even say that it may have saved my life on several occasions (plus many trips to the ER). The same is true for thousands of other customers who have asthma worse than I do. I have challenged myself on several occasions to just find one negative review (or customer/medical problems) with Primatene Mist online. Out of the thousands and thousands of customer who use it everyday there is nothing negative. In fact, you find why more medical issues with aspirin. Primatene Mist has been a safe and effective treatment for asthma symptoms for over 40 years now. After reading all the reviews and feedback regarding the FDA’s decision to ban Primatene Mist, their customers are extremely angry, and death is discussed quite often (due to prescription costs, waiting times at doctors’ offices, and the low quality of medication not working for them). They are seriously concerned they will die due to the FDA Agency.

Is this FDA decision meant to push people to spend money on doctor visits, ER visits, insurance, and over priced asthma prescriptions forever? Does the FDA really care about CFC’s depleting the ozone? If that was the case, why not pull hairspray, fire extinguishers, paint booths, air conditioning, and perfumes.  It’s a reckless decision by the FDA Agency (leaving no other solution available) and unfortunately many more asthmatics will die in 2012 as compared to the previous years.

I’m starting to question the honesty of the FDA Agency (working in raise revenue and/or with other drug companies) after this outlaw decision scheduled to kill people in 2012.  It makes you question their expertise and “nanny” behaviors.   When do we, as citizens, draw the line and say that is enough?  This isn’t a life threatening decision but more of power play to keep control and ownership of the public.  We don’t want the FDA in our personal lives or making decisions to control our lives right?  When do we say no that is a personal heath choice and not a legal or World health decision?  The FDA Agencies job is national defense and science. Those are the only issues that should require FDA involvement.  If not, the FDA will be banning sugar next because it’s unhealthy (actually soda has been taken out of school already mostly).  If not several years from now it will only get worse.  You know cancer is less common in women who have had children and it’s more common in women who have had abortions.  Breast cancer is one of the most expensive diseases we have, however, should it be monitored and forced on you to make the world a more “healthy” place.  There is a line that shouldn’t be crossed in personal choice and healthy (or not) lifestyles and we need to make sure that line is not crossed with the FDA.

Primatene Mist
Primatene Mist

Update: It’s back on the market. FDA shouldn’t have touched it in the first place. As an asthmatic, I still stand by this article. You don’t play with life-or-death medicine. Looking back at the situation, I believe (my opinion) the government was making some secret deals behind closed doors to force asthmatics into a monthly healthcare program and $300+ inhalers. The motive is simple, increase tax revenue and increase the profit for big pharma. With this said, Primatene Mist shouldn’t be your only inhaler, and you should consult a physician about a maintenance inhaler so you don’t find yourself in a serious medical situation. Flare-ups happen so be safe and take precautions to protect your airways.

Seafair Seattle Last Day Today

One of Seattle’s biggest events each year is Seafair. Sunday (today) is the last day and with the weather being so good this weekend you can be sure it will be filled with familys and party animals having fun. If you hurry you can still make the Seattle Seafair this year. Take note the party will continue all day and the hydroplane racing is action packed with hardcore fans. The United States Navy’s Blue Angels take over the city at 1:35pm and their will be several road closures starting at about 12:30pm.

The Albert Lee Cup will be decided today (last day of the Seafair event) at there will be $25,000 up for grabs for the winner. Tickets to the final Seattle Seafair event are $30 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.

Enjoy the sun at the Seafair.

The Future Of The NASA Space Program

As you know, the USA has stopped all flights into space.  Our space shuttles are officially retired and collecting dust.  The future of the NASA Space Program is unknown really.  The space program cost us $200 billion+ over the years (started in 1971) and since we won’t be using it anytime soon we may want to consider closing it all completely.  It’s sad we won’t be exploring the universe anymore but we are so in debt – this cut is a must. We are looking for ways to save money now and what is the point of holding on to all this equipment, technology, shuttles, launch pads etc if we are not going to use it ever again?  Space exploration should now be officially private.  There is no need for the government to be involved (except for security and the our satellites already in space).  Teams have already proven that better and cheaper shuttles are available and nearly ready to be used commercially.  Let the corporations pay for it. 

On a side note, our government is spending 4.1 billion dollars per day.  50 days from right now, the government will have spent more than the entire NASA Space Program.

The Bite Of Seattle Starts Today

Powered by Comcast, The Bite Of Seattle runs today (15th) to Sunday (17th). Each year approximately 450,000 people show up for the weekend event. The Bite of Seattle has free admission which is great for the family. Some food vendors have very small portions you can pay just a little to try out, however, the majority of it is full cost. Inside The Bite of Seattle there are about 60 or so restaurants. They also have live entertainment like music, cooking lessons/demos, and wine tasting. If you’re concerned about the alcohol, they do have a family friendly area. This is probably the largest food festival each year in Seattle. What is also great is that you’ll see many of the local food talents cooking. Chefs just getting starting in the culinary business.

If the weather holds up it could be a great time to experience The Bite Of Seattle 2011 at the Seattle Center this weekend only.

The Bite Of Seattle opens at 11AM everyday starting today (Friday).

Seattle Nightlife Hours Maybe Extended Past 2AM

Having been in both Pioneer Square and the heart of Belltown at 2AM, I have experienced the Seattle nightlife scene first hand. The alcohol flows almost to the point of club closure and then the security steps in and yells “Everyone get the hell out!”. Just like cattle the patrons are pushed out the door. In some clubs in Seattle, that is saying it nicely. As the Seattle nightlife drowns their sorrows (and the just acquired $8 drink or two) they stumble to the streets by the hundreds. The sidewalks are filled with the sober, drunks, wannabe gang bangers, and pan handlers dodging the next vomit location. Just outside of some clubs you can’t even walk on the sidewalk because of the crowds. Getting a taxi is almost impossible and lines are formed on every corner with the nightlife folk waiting to pay for their delicious $5 dollar hot dog (they really are good). A lot of the crowd just hangs around smoking and/or hoping to meet a new “friend” to go home with. Unfortunately, there is nowhere to go after hours so many just jump in their cars and drive home drunk.

I have personally talked about extended Seattle nightlife hours for a good year or more now. It’s an obvious fix that needs to happen. We simply can’t have hundreds of people forced out of the Seattle clubs with nowhere to go but home (driving drunk). The city probably does pretty well since the average DUI will cost you about $10,000. I must say the police presence is pretty good due to several incidents this year.

With the support of the Seattle Police Department and Mayor Mike McGinn, the proposal of extending the Seattle nightlife club hours is in the works. Right now Seattle clubs must close between the hours of 2AM and 6AM (that is not exactly true – I know one nightclub in Belltown that is open until 5AM). This proposal may allow bars to remain open longer or 24hrs. My understanding is that the proposal is also supported by Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes and some of the Seattle City Council Members already. The State Liquor Control Board will most likely take their time with a decision and use their power of authority to hang it over the heads of many business owners. New rules will be created by the Liquor Board only to complicate the matter even more. It should be a no brainer decision, however.

Let me make it simple. The proposal should be that the alcohol stops at 2AM (as it does now) but the clubs may remain open for as long as they like. They may continue to play the music, serve non alcoholic drinks, and food. This will allow the patrons to stay in the club (spending money and generating more tax revenue) and give them a natural way to sober up. It also stops the flood of people getting pushed onto the streets all at once. There you have it, write it up, problem solved.  You’re welcome.

Rob McKenna For Governor…I Vote NO!

Will we ever have a Governor who isn’t so brain washed in politics?  I am unsure at this point.  It’s sad quite honestly and perhaps we should just elect someone who isn’t so tainted in the political process.  Just an average person (maybe a successful Seattle business owner) who is familiar with the city but not all wrapped up in the political game.  Someone who won’t abuse the system for their own wants or gains and isn’t afraid to cut spending and programs to save money.  This person wouldn’t have political “friends” or ties we see with all the typical political candidates.  He or She wouldn’t care about being re-elected and wouldn’t be afraid to put there necks on the line to make a real change.  It seems every election (no matter what position including the President of the United States or the Seattle Governor position) is just another tainted political figure who has been through the system and delivers the same old crap.  They all talk the same, they help their political friends, get campaign contributions in a shady manner – it’s all the same.  I’m not saying all this is true of Rob Mckenna and his Seattle Governor efforts it just looks like all the stars are lining up for more of the same.  I’m not taking sides here (Republican or Democratic) and all the candidates fit this mold of more of the same – I’m just saying we need someone on the outside of the political spectrum to step up to the plate.  That person will get my full attention and vote for Governor. 

I am voting NO when it comes to Rob Mckenna for Governor.  It’s just the same old crap with another political guy.  One of the strategies many politicians (ones that have been through the system) use to get elected is to pick and choose the “right” kind of press.  When they hold public speaking events they only invite the “right kind” of journalist so everything published after is happy and favorable information.  The “wrong” kind of journalist are not invited and are sometimes blocked right at the door or lobby. 

Here is a video (sorry about the quality) of a recent Rob Mckenna for Governor press conference where one journalist in the front row is shown the door by Rob Mckenna. 

 

Seattle Aquarium Officially A Waste Of Money

With over 800,000 visits (3% increase from last year) and a cash positive outlook, the Seattle Aquarium has decided to raise their admission price an additional $2. That means 1 adult admission will set you back $19 dollars. The youth admission price will remain the same at $12.

I find it amazing that a good revenue generating vessel for the city (like the Aquarium) would continue to mess with the numbers to try to make more money. Why mess with a good thing? The Seattle Aquarium is officially a waste of money for Seattle residents and the only people who visit (probably not aware of the costs) are tourists looking for things to do in Seattle. They just happen to be in the area and want to “check it out”. Do you really think its affordable for a family? Dad, Mom, & their two little kids will have to pay $62 dollars. That doesn’t even include the $8 per hour parking rates recently increased. I know that is not exactly the fun Seattle experience I’m looking for. It’s simple supply and demand and only less people with visit now. They would have been better off lowering their rates which would bring in more Seattle residents in the Summer time. People would be excited to visit more because the rates would have been lowered. Even more Seattle residents would have participated making even more money compared to ticket rate increase. Now the Seattle Aquarium just has the clueless tourists who will most likely visit once and never again.

Seattle CEO Salaries On The Rise 2011

It’s true many of the top Seattle CEO salaries are up in 2011.  I find it amazing every time I hear someone complain about how bad their company is doing (as an employee) or why as a company they had to take a pay cut.  Internally I wonder if they really know what is happening and if they really know how companies operate.  Salaries are considered an expense so a 1 million dollar company that pays it CEO $950,000 then shares $40,000 for staff salaries and finally reports a $10,000 profit at the end of the year – doesn’t look or sound to profitable.  In reality the business (the CEO) are doing quite well.  Many hard working Americans are in this position.  If they have the courage to ask for a raise (they usually don’t know how much the top CEO’s are making anyway) they will be told “we simply don’t have the revenue” or “the company isn’t doing good enough for a raise”.   Unfortunately, those statements are true on paper.

This maybe hard to hear for many but the rich always win.  Do you want to not get screwed over in life?  Then make money and lots of it.  The more you make the less you pay in taxes,  the more free items you get, and simply an entirely better quality of life. 

It’s very true we as humans are products of our environments.  We are (or not in some households) raised on a type of religion and work ethic.  You are most likely a Republican or a Democrat because you were raised in that environment or around more of a certain type.  Many lower and middle class employees are programmed from early on to work their tails off making someone else rich 9-5 every single day.  The lower and middle class get pay day loans at 40% interests.  They are the largest consumers when it comes to cigarettes.  The rich politicians only keep cigarettes around because the tobacco lobby puts extra money in their hands and gets them elected.  Our system is setup this way and I’m not saying it is right – I am just saying what it is.

Lets take a look at some of the top Seattle CEO salaries many of which got big raises for poor company financial performance (on paper).

Intermec (Everett Washington).  They make bar code devices and scanners.  They lost money and their stock went down last year.  The CEO got a 69% raise to 3.5 million.

Motricity (Bellevue Washington).  The CEO (Ryan Wuerch) got a 300% raise.

Omeros (Seattle Washington).  The President/CEO (Gregory Demopulos) also got a 300% raise.

Finally Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s compensation for 2010 was 45% higher than in 2009.  He is one of the Seattle’s highest paid CEO at $21.7 million+. 

 

 

Dwight Holton US Attorney

I was recently reading about US Attorney Dwight Holton US Attorney in the Times about Marijuana.  First, let me say I don’t participate in the wacky tobacky.  It’s not my thing but all the best to the rest of you who do.  Rarely individuals get on my nerves but this Dwight Holton nobody is pushing my buttons.  His Hitler communist remarks in the article are a response to Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Act (1988).  An Act that was voted on by the majority of Oregon people for medical marijuana.  They went through the proper channels, got enough signatures, and won the majority vote to pass this Act.  You maybe against marijuana use and I respect that, however, when the majority of people are for anything and it becomes law – you become the minority and need to respect the decision of the people. 

Dwight Holton, however, came out swinging preaching the Federal Law which constantly hangs over all states heads who have passed a Medical Marijuana Act.   In the article he clearly threatens the people and the dispensaries.  In the letter directed to everyone “Sale of marijuana in Oregon for any purpose, including medical use, is illegal and will be prosecuted.”  Here is a point blank Hitler power trip remark he made also, “Oregon and federal law make it illegal to sell marijuana — period, end of story.” 

Here is a larger paragraph continuing this threatening verbiage:

“The sale of marijuana for any purpose — including as medicine — violates both Federal and Oregon law and will not be tolerated,” it added.  “People and businesses that conduct sales of marijuana face the risk of prosecution, civil enforcement action and seizure of assets . . .”

“Prosecuting individuals and organizations involved in the cultivation and distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, are core priorities of the United States Department of Justice

US Attorney Dwight Holton needs to get off his high horse and work for the people.  If the majority of people vote for something his job is to fix the law so it represents the wishes of the people and that is it.  Maybe this Dwight Holton has a little man complex or just doesn’t know his role (I know I would love to slap him around).  One thing is for sure, his ego is very large, and he needs to be shown the door.  These are the type of scum people that need to go in our Government.

Ricks Strip Club Maybe Jiggling Again

Seattle’s Rick Strip Club will soon be on the auction block by the Justice Department. By doing so it will give it the opportunity to jiggle again. As you know, the Seattle strip club was seized in a racketeering allegation (prostitution) which shut down all the clubs owned by Frank Colacurcio Sr., Frank Jr. (his son); and their associates. After years of investigating and thousands and thousands of dollars (16K of tax money ) spent by a detective buying lap dances at the club they all were indicted and charged. No arrests were made during the lap dances they were buying. This activity lasted for years by the Seattle police department to build their case. Once the four clubs were seized the owners above forfeited 1.3 million dollars and all the clubs to the Justice Department in an attempt to lessen the charges and basically make it go away, however, that didn’t work out so well.  Since prostitution as involved, they charged them with racketeering, money laundering, mail fraud, conspiracy etc. Basically, anything they could charge them with when someone accepts payment via a credit card at the strip club. It’s a common method of payment at any strip club and continues to be a major form of payment at the local Deja Vu’s in the area. The Government also wants 25 million from the strip club partners.

The government was “finally confident they would convict these guys” now they said. After months and months in court, however, nothing really happened or was resolved except the millions of dollars in the “investigation” and attorney fees that were wasted. All the associates/partners settled for probation and walked out the door. Frank Jr gave up his interest in the strip club and pleaded for a one year term (he’ll serve a few months). Frank Sr. died before trial before a conviction could be completed (he was 93 years old). Due to his age, some have argue how much participation he really provided to the business. Due to the nanny behaviorship of Washington State, many of the associates have already moved to California and started over again.

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