Rising Gas Prices and the Government

The knee-jerk responses to demand the government to do something to force rising gas prices lower continue, but such calls are misguided. Market fluctuations in the price of gasoline, up or down, are none of the government's business. But the U.S. Senate, refusing to engage the free market forces of supply and demand soon will be looking at a bill that seeks to dampen gas prices by criminalizing price gauging. Huh! Price gauging is really in the eyes of the beholder. This is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt at price controls. What should the government do about gasoline prices? The answer is manifest; keep its hands off

Since the Arab oil embargo of 1973, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Energy have investigated high gasoline prices ad nauseum and have never found a shred of evidence of collusion, manipulation or price fixing.

Alaskan Airlines

There simply is no economic justification for any politician or consumer to declare market prices too high, or to use the government to force lower prices in an artificially dangerous way. To do so violates both the rights of those who produce gasoline and their customers to reach a mutually agreeable price on a voluntary basis. In fact, if artificial meddling occurs, the cure becomes worse than the supposed illness as it can cause destructive shortages.

When the demand for gasoline increases relative to the supply, the sellers of gasoline raise their prices. That's Economics 101. As the producers and owners of gasoline, this is their free market right. This is what a free market is all about. The price increases encourage future production. And since customer demand for cheap gasoline greatly exceeds the available supply, we should be happy that prices are increased. If they did not, we would very quickly experience shortages. And when shortages exist, how much gasoline a customer is able to get may depend on whether that customer has time to wait in endless and potentially dangerous lines as in the 1970s.

In the business world, firms purchase oil or gasoline only to the extent that they can make profitable use of it at higher prices. For example, an efficient airline will still be able to offer low prices while using high-priced jet fuel; a laggard competitor may not be able to. Almost every product we use involves oil; hence, we all gain from oil being directed toward its most profitable uses.

Sooner or later, the government will realize that it's all about supply and demand which in turn may be impacted by acts of God, refinery fires, etc. But as a May 29, 2007 New Hampshire Union Leader editorial stated, "It's only human to believe that bad things happen -- high gas prices, for example -- because bad people sat down in secret and planned it that way."

Prices can be made artificially high as a result of the government's endless regulations on production. Indeed, many state governments impose the absurd mandate that companies refine nearly 60 different blends of gasoline despite the fact that cars using today's standard unleaded gasoline, even with the overall increase in driving, pollute very little by historical standards. Additionally, endless red tape and mindless environmental impact studies make new construction significantly less profitable. The costs of such regulations are huge and raise the price of gasoline. According to the American Petroleum Institute, "the refining industry has spent over billion over the last decade to comply with environmental and fuels regulations--expenditures that generally yield little or no return on investment."

Other regulations prohibit domestic drilling on plentiful sources of oil in a portion of the caribou habitat in an Alaskan wasteland. Also, the entire Outer Continental Shelf of the United States is off-limits and this represents an even larger source of untapped oil. Chevron's recent discovery of an estimated 3 to 15 billion barrel reserve in the Gulf of Mexico was remarkable, but how many other such finds are currently off-limits?

The government is right to take action if an oil company threatens or harms a private property. Yet, with respect to preserving untouched nature, efforts to impose huge costs on oil companies and their customers in a manner hostile to free enterprise are highly questionable.

As the aforementioned editorial concludes, "The price-gauging bill is a backdoor attempt at price controls, which inevitably fail and inevitably hurt consumers in the process. The public can always vote on prices with their cars."

Of course, in the end, we will need to conceptualize in an accurate fashion the consumer demands, human needs, and social relations of our societies in a manner that more adequately sustains nature's resources.

Rising Gas Prices and the Government

Temporary Job - What Are the 2 Best High Paying Part Time Jobs Available Today?

There are many people from teenagers to adults in their 30's and 40's that are either out of work or in between jobs and I do not know about you but I for one have a hard time sitting at home being lazy when I was in between jobs. You really do not need to do this these days as you can find a temporary job easily as these positions are really quite abundant, but you first need to spot the best ones and then you need to find job openings in these fields. Lets go through a few of the best ones that would be considered a good temporary job. These 2 jobs below are listed as my favorite part time jobs as far as pay and enjoyability of work involved.

From my research and the experiences of my friends working in a cruise ship is the top temporary job out there today. The pay is much better then most long term jobs as most people that are lucky enough to get a job working in a cruise ship average around 00 to 00 a month. Not only that, but most cruise ships these days offer many extra perks such as picking up the tab on your medical, life,dental and disability insurance, not to mention that some of the bigger cruise ships even give a 401k plan. Most of them even allow you to make use of the pool area and even have a section at the bar where workers can relax after a long day of work and grab a beer while they watch their favorite sporting event or movie. The biggest perk of them all is that you get to travel all over the world and visit places you would never have been able to go to if you were not working in the cruise ship industry. My only advice as far as working on a cruise ship is you should try to save at least 90% of the money you make during your stay and also do not gamble in their casinos as it can get really addictive fast.

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Another great temporary job is being a tour guide. This job not only pays very well but also is one that is great for people that love the outdoors and working with people in a very relaxing atmosphere as the people you will be showing around are on vacation and are in the mood to have a great time. You hardly ever get people that are grumpy while they are on vacation. It seems like a very fun job to have, but there are also some important responsibilities involved with it like making sure you book the the right hotel room for your clients and getting the right transportation vehicles as well as your sight seeing duties. The most important quality you must have as a tour guide is that you must be a people person. My uncle who is a steward in an airline would have been great for this as he is always excited to show people around the world and talk about the places he has visited. You cannot let your customers get bored at any moment, but you must also know when to let them catch their breath and take a break

Temporary Job - What Are the 2 Best High Paying Part Time Jobs Available Today?

Alaska Salmon Fishing: Salmon Fishing for King, Sockeye and Silver Salmon

Alaska salmon fishing is closer than you think. A few hundreds miles north of Seattle is the southern most tip of Alaska. Prince of Wales Island is the largest island in North America and the closest Alaska salmon fishing grounds that has extreme fishing success.

If you choose not to drive up the Alaska Highway you will arrive in Ketchikan Alaska via commercial airlines, and take the ferry over to Prince of Wales Island or a commercial float-plane will fly you over to the island. There are resorts, lodges and guides that will accommodate you based on your vacation budget.

Alaskan Airlines

Craig and Klawok are two villages that welcome salmon fishers from all over the world. Coho or King Salmon arrive off the Island of Noyes bringing in the first salmon harvest for the year. There are thousands of miles of inland shores to fish without ever reaching the Pacific Ocean. Most of the king salmon fishing is within a cast of shore. To reach the early arriving king salmon you will need to meet them on the edge of the Pacific as they feed up to the inlets that flow in and around the Prince of Wales.

Expect the grandest of fishing trips with the widest array of visual candy. Gray whales, sea lions, sea otters, puffins, geese, bald eagles, loons, seals, majestic mountains, peaceful lagoons, bear, deer, cranes, killer whales, sea ducks and more waterfowl. A week on Prince of Wales will usually show you afternoon showers and then sunshine. The weather in April will be cool but not freezing. Bring a raincoat and pants. Oh, and you are going to see some fish! 30 pound king salmon is not uncommon. 60 pound kings come every year. And don't forget Prince of Wales is one of the best locations to catch barn door size halibut.

Silver salmon are 8 to 12 pounds, fight very hard and will show up in huge numbers. You are allowed a 70 pound "fish box" by the airlines on your return trip. You will fill two of these boxes in 5 days of cleaned frozen filets. Silver salmon are later to show up to the party. Plan on a June trip for silver salmon. You have an option, have some of your salmon smoked. Never have you experienced salmon till you have tried fresh smoked.

Sockeye salmon, the most red meat of all salmon is next to last to arrive in late June or July in large schools. Sockeye salmon are usually 4 years old and weigh 5-12 pounds. A local guide and boat is a must for sockeye salmon fishing. Try driving your RV up or staying in a log cabin resort for the ultimate experience. You will dine on Dungeness crab, Alaska shrimp, sockeye salmon and halibut. If you have never fished Alaska you are in for the fishing trip that will make memories for a lifetime!

Salmon fishing has been a way of life for Alaskans. For the sports fisherman, salmon fishing in Alaska is a dream come true. I've been there, you won't be disappointed!

Alaska Salmon Fishing: Salmon Fishing for King, Sockeye and Silver Salmon

Cruise Ship Employee's Secrets on Finding the Right Cruise

As more and more vacationers are choosing a cruise for their next holiday, the market has become larger and larger. The Caribbean is flooded with ships, and in places like Cozumel Mexico there are days when more than 8 or 9 ships are in port. Also in recent years cruise companies have really made an effort to bring their guests anywhere in the world they want to go, and cater to their every need while on the way there.

Two of the most important factors when choosing a vacation are where you should go, and how long you should go for. There is a cruise to fit your schedule, no matter if you have five or six hours, or a whole month to play with. There are gambling cruises that leave from places like Miami that last about six hours, often referred to as "the dailys" that can be great for an afternoon or evening getaway, or if that's a little to short, three and four day cruises are great. With proper planning you may not even have to take a day off work. From there you can go anywhere up to fifteen or thirty days. For a good rule of thumb, "the longer the cruise, the older crowd".

Alaskan Airlines

Where you decide to cruise can be a very tough choice, as there are a million amazing destinations to choose from. Bermuda has some of the most beautiful beaches, while in Mexico you can find a party 24/7 at places like Carlos and Charlies. For shopping, the Caribbean is unbeatable, especially if you are looking for diamonds or electronics. Quite often diamonds and jewelry are sold at a fraction of the price they would be at your local retailer. Just be sure to declare what you bring into the country when you go through customs.

Pricing can be one of the determining factors for many of us when choosing a cruise, but luckily there are deals to be found. If you live in a port city like L.A. or Miami, last minute deals are unbeatable. Companies will reduce prices to less than a day in order to fill their ship last minute and when you add in the benefit of free meals, a cruise is could be your cheapest vacation choice. Otherwise the best bet is to check with your local travel agent, and do some research online.

Keep these factors in mind when shopping for your next cruise and you should have a vacation that will provide memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Cruise Ship Employee's Secrets on Finding the Right Cruise

Carry-On Restrictions, Your Personal Checklist

Packing for airline travel requires advance planning and consideration. The following is a list of revised restrictions regarding what is permitted or banned from US flights by the Transportation Security Administration. Print the list and keep it in your luggage as quick and convenient reference when you prepare to travel or pack to return home.

Personal items permitted for carry-on

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Solid Lipstick or Chapsticks

Laptop Computers, cell phones, pagers, handheld devices and cameras

Prescription Medication with Name on Label that matches the Passenger Ticket

Up to 4oz of non-prescription liquid medications, cough syrup, eye drops, contact lens solution or nasal spray

Up to 8oz of liquid or gel for low blood sugar treatment

Baby Formula or Breast Milk if traveling with an infant

Personal items banned from carry-on or carry-on luggage

Lighters

Toothpaste

Mouthwash

Perfumes and Colognes

All creams, lotions, sunscreens, first-aid creams, moisturizers and hand lotions

Shaving Creams

Hair Style Gels

Hair Spray (any kind)

Hair Strengthener or Detanglers

Mascara

Liquid Foundations (Make-up)

Make-up Remover or Face Cleanser

Nail Polish and Nail Polish Removers

Liquid Soaps

Liquid Sanitizers

Gel Deodorants

Spray Deodorants

Gel Cap Pills

Lips Gels, glosses or liquids (including Carmex)

Gel Shoe Inserts

Bubble Bath, including gels, oils, moisturizers and liquid filled bath balls

Gel candles

Bug Spray

Children's toys or figurines with gel inside

Baby teethers with liquid or gel

Food and Drinks banned

All beverages

Gel based Sports Supplements

Jellos

Puddings

Yogurts or any substance with gel-like qualities

Checking Luggage

As you prepare to pack your bags to reduce the carry-on luggage, please also consider the following

According to Consumer Reports, on average there were more than 10,000 mishandled luggage complaints a day against the large airlines in 2005. In addition, some travelers have reported an increase in theft from checked luggage. In calling the customer service lines of DELTA Airlines, the very courteous representative promptly read a script that DELTA Airlines is not responsible for electronics, jewelry or any other items stolen from checked luggage. Read the small print and think twice about what items you pack in luggage that you will check (especially if you travel through small airports).

* Please note that the list of approved items is subject to change by the TSA, and may also be subject to individual agent, airport or item interpretation.

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Words of Wisdom

"Please check your belongings and carry your valuables, unless it is against regulations in which case you should leave your belongings at home."

- DELTA Customer Service Representative

"Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination."

- Roy M Goodman

"Travel is only glamorous in retrospect.."

- Paul Theroux

"If someone makes the effort to invest and sacrifice the time it takes to travel to see you, do not question their commitment."

- John Mehrmann

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Carry-On Restrictions, Your Personal Checklist

Flight Attendant Hiring Outlook

The hiring outlook for flight attendants has brightened considerably over the past few months. Led by United Airlines' recent announcement that they would immediately begin to hire up to 2000 new flight attendants, this news has sparked the most attention. If you are interested in becoming a flight attendant, the market is the best it has been in five years. Let's take a look at who is hiring or who can be expected to hire over the next year.

Legacy Carriers - Beaten up by high employee costs, surging fuel prices, competition from low priced carriers, and overall inefficiency, two legacy carriers [defined as those air carriers who have helped shape the US airline industry] are turning the corner and are hiring flight attendants. United Airlines and Continental Airlines are hiring for various bases within the US.

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Discount Carriers - Southwest, AirTran, Mesa, and Alaska Airlines are all hiring right now. In fact, across the board hiring is taking place at virtually all discounters right now as they seek to strengthen their footing in the marketplace.

Regional Carriers - Chautauqua, Comair, Champion Air, and Air Wisconsin are all hiring. Like the discount carriers, most regional carriers are awash in cash and are expanding their routes. More routes means additional employees needed to fill the increased capacity.

Charter Carriers - Air Miami and several other airlines that fly unscheduled flights are hiring.

Start Up Carriers - The two newest air carriers, EOS Airlines and Maxjet Airways, have recently hired flight attendants and are expected to hire again.

So, if winging your way to Peoria or Paris is the kind of lifestyle you want to lead, then working as a flight attendant is certainly one of the ways to do just that. Air carriers are hiring and the pickings are good for the right candidates. Contact your desired airline directly for up to date hiring information and open houses.

Flight Attendant Hiring Outlook

Plan Ahead When You Travel With Grandkids

We are taking our twin grandchildren to Alaska for a combination land tour and cruise. In fact, we are leaving this afternoon. Though our grandkids are smart, they have not acquired travel smarts yet, so we helped them plan for the trip. Here is what we did.

PACKING LIST. I typed a list of all the things the kids would need for the trip. This list included clothing that could be layered (long sleeved t-shirts, long underwear, sweatshirts, etc.) and clothes for one formal dinner aboard ship. Rain gear was at the top of the list.

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AIRPORT SECURITY. We logged onto the FAA Web site, downloaded information on going through security, and gave it to the kids. We also gave them plastic bags for gel products. When we told the kids they would have to take off their shoes they were surprised. Telling the kids what to expect should make the trip go smoothly.

HELP WITH PASSPORTS. Our government center had so many passports to process we were afraid the twin's passports would not come in time. At the suggestion of the government center, we paid an additional fee to expedite processing. The passports arrived in record time. Each child has a neck passport holder.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. The American Automobile Association (AAA) made all of our arrangements. Our representative told us to buy the meal package and we followed her advice. This package includes hotel meals, train meals, an all-you-can eat lumberjack breakfast, and a dinner show. Nobody will go hungry, that's for sure.

LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS. Our daughter (mother of the twins) was killed in a car crash. One of the reasons we are taking the twins to Alaska is to give them a break from grief. The AAA asked us to get a notarized letter from the twins' father, giving them permission to travel with us. I made extra copies of the letter, one for each child and one for us. To be on the safe side the AAA told us to bring a copy of our daughter's death certificate.

INFORMATION. When I accidentally found a television show about a train trip through the Yukon I called the kids and asked them to watch it. We have provided them with additional information about Alaska. Each child has a personal information packet -- itinerary, airline tickets, meal vouchers -- and is responsible for their own packet.

LAPTOP COMPUTER. The kids wanted to bring their mother's laptop computer with them to store electronic photos. We encouraged them to do this because it is convenient and, most important, a link with their mother. "You are our official photographers," we said, a comment that gives them purpose.

MONEY. Teens want to buy stuff that proves they were "there." The kids asked us how much money to bring and we suggested each. We did not want them walking around with lots of money. If the twins are short of money we will help them out, and they can pay us back later. (It's a dignity thing.)

Our Alaskan adventure is the trip of a lifetime. We will remember it for years to come and our grandkids will too. Planning for the trip was part of the fun.

Plan Ahead When You Travel With Grandkids