I heard a statistic on the news the other night that says 20% of all Americans are under-employed and underpaid.  That figure is astronomical, but I have a feeling it’s even higher that what the media is reporting.   Remember, this 20% figure does not include the people who no longer collect UI benefits, or the people on welfare, or the homeless.  We have a huge problem here in the U.S.... 

Common Sense, PLEASE!  I’ll pass on the second helping because I already have plenty, thank you, but why are so many out there lacking even a healthy dose of it? I should start by giving you my definitions of common sense:  Common sense says that if I play with a loaded gun, I might get shot.  Common sense says that while taking something out of the oven without an oven mitt, I will get burned. ... 

This article is about Sedona’s last bond/debt obligation of $18,000,000, known as the Series 2007 Bond Obligation…a debt this City clearly should have known it couldn’t afford and didn’t need. In my e-mail to City Council of February 12, 2009, which so infuriated Councilors Scagnelli and Colquitt, I said: “Some of you continue to question whether there is a cost/benefit ratio... 

Urgent health petition!  Dear Friends,  Our RIGHTS to buy and use supplemets are ONCE AGAIN under attack by politicians who are bought out by BIG PHARMA.  John McCain, the Republican from Arizona, is introducing legislation that will, if passed, severely limit our access to dietary supplements and create obstacles for companies trying to develop new health products.   (Below you will see a copy... 

February 24, 2010-In the midst of winter, and following what could have been a massive and possibly very destructive winter storm system, I felt it appropriate to address the issue of preparedness from a city standpoint as well as a citizen viewpoint. I believe the overwhelming responsibility of a city or state is the health, safety and welfare of the citizens it serves, be it a natural or a man-made... 

Sedona AZ (February 23, 2010)- Opinions and Gripes by Hollywood Jim. Litter Anyone? Are you as tired as I am of seeing litter on the side of the road? Does it ever end? With recycling on everyone’s mind you would think there would be less and less litter to see, but not so. How can anyone be as selfish as to throw something out a car window and leave it for someone else to pick up? When I... 

Councilors; No rate increases until there are 30% salary decreases for the top echelon of City Staff who I am told are undeservedly making an average of $60/hr. No rate increase until you stop giving money away to the Chamber of Commerce, the Main Street Program, so-called “artists”, so-called “events”, and every group with their hands out. No rate increase until you stop funding... 

For our economy’s sake if nothing else, we must save Sedona’s Red Rock National Forest.  Don’t let a short-sighted few, who scan the horizon seeing only red tile roofs and dollar signs, be able to amend our current Forest Plan, be able to commercially exploit the Forest, and be able to ruin Sedona’s essential character for future generations and forever. What do I mean by “character?”... 

Where are we going as a country? What is sparking all this vitriol and hate- mongering which our beloved America is going through?  Is this what our forefathers envisioned down the line for our country? Something is dreadfully wrong here. Or perhaps this is where democracy leads us. Our freedoms are many, although some of those freedoms have been regretfully diminished and will hopefully be restored.... 

It seems that ADOT and the pro-lights advocates on the City Council have created a political ploy to define the options about streetlights along 89A.  It’s either lights along the strip or no lights and ADOT turns over road maintenance to the city at a cost of millions.  They’ve done this to scare residents into supporting the lights – which will also cost millions. But what about...