A different Direction

Since this Blog was created several days ago, It seems to be just sitting here, waiting for something to happen. We all know that "things" don't just happen regardless what a popular T-shirt says. There has to be some force to overcome the inertia of a body at rest. Just what that force is, I haven't yet determined for this Blog. I started by laying down some ground rules, which, although not very many, may have been too restrictive, not only for someone responding, but for me as well. I still want to pick up on current events and comment on them, but not limit them to "safe" subjects. So many of the threads of current events are spun into the whole fabric of what is taking place in society and even the world. It's hard to pick out one small component and do a lot with it. What is needed here, is a lot of ideas going on at once, with readers and contributors having several choices of where to post or comment.
I did say at the beginning that this is a work in progress, and as such, may never be finished, but for right now, I want to turn it loose and see if it finds its own identity, like the author that has the characters in his writings taking over the story. It might be interesting, or it might bomb out.
Still there has to be some guidelines, those of good taste and treating others fair, but this is not to say that we can't have controversy, but let's agree to disagree, and we don't need crude gutter language, or personal attacks on anyone, and I still reserve the right to delete any post not in good taste. I will not delete one that disagrees with me as long it is done tastefully.
There's an ancient curse that says, "may you live in interesting times." OK, let's give some slack to the reins and see.

New Links

I have just added several new links to web sites and Blogs I have found interesting. I did not check all of them, but to my knowledge, they are active links. If you find one that isn't working, please notify me at halbnc@netpath.net.

Product Recalls

Mattel's announcement that it was recalling 1.5 million toys could force a reexamination of how the $22 billion toy industry is overseen by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which largely relies on companies to report problems themselves, consumer groups, analysts and lawmakers said yesterday.
Like the 1.5 million Thomas and Friends trains and accessories recalled by RC2 Corp. in June, the Chinese-manufactured toys in this recall contained too much lead, Mattel said.

See complete article at:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/02/AR2007080202216.html

Is this the legacy of "Outsourcing", the practice of setting up or engaging manufacturers in other countries which have large labor bases, working for wages considerably lower than those paid in the United States. Some of the reasons for outsourcing are, tax incentives from the United States Government, the above mentioned lower pay, and a resulting increase in profits.
I'm not against profits, but has the pursuit of profits placed our safety and that of our families in jeopardy? The cases of lead containing paints raises the question. Lead paints have not been used in the United States for several years now, although we are cautioned to check older houses for the presence of lead in the paint. There are inexpensive testing kits that can be used by a h0meowner, or potential home buyer to check for the presence of lead.

We sometimes hear people complain that we have too much government regulation, that the governments of other countries do not have so many restrictive laws. Knowing the hazards of lead and lead poisoning, and its long term effects on humans, would you really want to take a chance? This recall by Mattel of several million lead contaminated toys has been estimated to cost them over thirty million dollars, which will mean decreased profits in the short term, and increased toy prices in the long run.
Closer monitoring of their suppliers is needed by Mattel and others, to assure that our standards for imported goods be observed. In the short term, this will mean increases in prices, but in the long term, it should give us more assurance that the products we buy are safe.

Profile posted

I now have the beginnings of a profile posted. Like this whole blog, it to, is a work in progress. Nothing is cast in stone, but is purposely kept flexible. At some point we may become a theme blog, but not in the foreseeable future. So post away, ask questions, answer questions, tell your favorite joke, remembering the rules of good taste and no profanity, share your experiences, favorite recipes, and so on.

Welcome; the birthing

A new Blog is being born. It is the work of TrendsetterA. When this was being set up, I couldn't think of a name for it, and started to call it no name, but decided that The Orphan would be more eye catching. Being new at navigating Blogs, this is also my first attempt at creating one. The name may change as well as the theme. I'll just see how it goes.

There are a few rules I must insist you follow when posting. You may comment on my posts as well as those of others. Please refrain from using profanity, obscene language, or attacking any other poster. Such posts will be deleted immediately, and you will be blocked from posting here.
Posts will not be deleted because they don't agree with my philosophy, religion, or politics. Everyone may express their opinion about anything, providing it is, in my judgment, in good taste, and meets the criteria I have described above. This criteria is subject to being modified or changed at any time without notice, but following any changes, they will be posted here.
You may also post pictures and quotes from most source, provided you follow copyright laws. Pictures you have made are preferred, and if of another person, you must have their permission to post them. I cannot be responsible for the content of your posts, and will plead this warning in lieu of any other statements.
As this blog is being created, I will furnish an e mail address where you can contact me directly, and I reserve the right to quote or use any part of your e mail on The Orphan, and give you credit for it if you desire.
No profile of me has yet been posted.
Come on by, look us over, we're open to all comments and suggestions. Maybe this is the start of something, and maybe not.
Welcome one and all!