The price for a barrel of crude oil hit a low point it hasn’t seen in more than 5 years, down to $49.66/barrel yesterday and only recovering slightly today, as investors try to prop up the price. As of this writing it is at $51/barrel, but the day isn’t done yet. I’ll be surprised if it remains above the $51 mark by the end of the week.

Who would have thought our country would still be in existence? We were supposed to believe that lower oil prices would bring about an economic world collapse. That was the hype of oil conglomerates that tried to convince people (and some believed it) that a high oil price was a necessary evil. Our bending over and taking it was good for the nation.

So, why has oil dropped in price and why are we not digging ourselves out of a new era of depression? Continue reading →

About a month ago I rescued a dog.

I had wanted a pet for some time, but refused to pay some “adoption” center $250 to pry into my personal life.The money, I was told, was a donation, though the “donation” was mandatory and that was the minimum “donation” allowed in order to adopt the pet. Some charged extra for vaccinations and other services.

I had originally contacted a few of these places – shelters that complain of unwanted pets they can’t find homes for. I was told I had to fill out an application, which was fine until I saw some of the questions and requirements that seemed, to me, a bit too much when one considers that it is they, who want to avoid seeing an animal put down. Continue reading →

When you or I get money and spend money, we keep a running total of how much extra we have at the end of the week, month and year.

Governments at all levels should know how much money they have left over at the end of the year, or if they are in the red (as is the case with our Federal government).

At West Easton’s last council meeting on December 8th, the carry-over of money from 2014 to 2015 wasn’t known and it was stated that the number would be available at tonight’s council meeting.

It wasn’t. Continue reading →

With the exception of Councilman Louis Niko, who has a pretty good reason for not attending recent council meetings, some on council are notably absent.

Mr. Niko suffered a small stroke and is recovering. According to Mayor Gerald Gross, Mr. Niko is eager to return.

Whether he actually returns and can serve is to be seen. While I hope he has a speedy recovery, his health and the good of the borough should be more important to him than keeping a seat on the council that may remain empty for the rest of his term. Continue reading →

Tonight’s West Easton Council Meeting was missing two members, but still had the required quorum to get little accomplished, other than authorizing some payments. So it seemed.

The budget was put off until the next meeting on November 24th. Continue reading →