In the current economy, most families find themselves making difficult decisions, clenching onto every extra penny. Among that group of penny clinchers' are military families and the decision to live on or off post. Although living off-post is easier for military families when they PCS, it ultimately causes military families to spend more money because the added BAH doesn’t cover all the living expenses, the families pay extra gas money for travel, and most maintenance fees are not covered by the landlord.
The military pays active duty members a certain allowance or BAH, to cover the rent of a home off-post each month. In most circumstances the actual amount given is averaged out based on the area but doesn’t always cover the house the family chooses to live in. The BAH amount doesn’t include any extras to be paid like: water, sewer, garbage, gas, electric or yard maintenance. Utilities that are not included in BAH on or off post are things like phone, internet or cable. Many families end up having to cut into their pay to cover the extra expenses just to live in the home, not including cable, internet and phone. If a military family chooses to live on post, no BAH is paid but no cost comes out of pocket either. In turn they normally get into a leasing contract which they have to pay out the rest of their lease if no military clause is present when signing the lease. This also adds to the extra amount of money spent to cover living off post expenses.
In most cases, when living off post, military families have to pay additional in travel expenses. This includes an array of things like gas, oil changes, and regular maintenance items that are to be replaced more often. If the soldier decides to come home each day for lunch, it doubles if not triples the amount of miles driven in one day, therefore using more gas, and spending more money. If they choose to not come home, they are left with the fast food choices on post, which also add up equal to the amount of gas used going home. When living on post, there is a free ride taxi service that will drive a military member or dependant to any destination on post, cutting down on the extra money spent in maintaining the vehicle and in gas used to drive the vehicle. If the military family is fortunate enough to have
If something were to happen to anything in the home the military family is renting, the landlords are not always responsible or obligated to fix it. For instance, if a toilet is clogged or a drain is busted the renter has to pay the plumber for the charges of even checking it out. Little things like if the heat stops working or a window seal needs replacing all comes out of the renters pocket, adding to the extra expenses. If a military family moves off post it is usually to avoid the extensive exit inspection that they would go through to leave housing quarters. Most of these charges from moving out of military quarters can be easily fixed by taking advantage of the free maintenance service the military provides. The extra cost is more if the family chooses to buy a home. Which also can cost more in the end if the service member gets stationed somewhere other than there. They then have to worry about two homes if they choose to not sell the house, or if they cannot sell the house. Creating more expenses on the already tight budget.
In the effort of saving money living off post isn’t always the best option. In several cases it costs military families more just in living expenses to do so. Additionally if the housing doesn't include the basic utilities like water, sewer, garbage and electricity, it adds an extra strain to the financial situation. More stress is added with the additional travel and maintenance costs of driving to and from post several times a day, and if they are unfortunate enough the military family faces the extra maintenance costs of the house itself, whether renting or buying the home. Ultimately all of the extra expenses would be solved by choosing to live on post as a military family.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Proposal Essay- Rough Draft
Garbage Solutions on Fort Wainwright
It has been an ongoing battle on Fort Wainwright to have amenities like the posts in the lower 48. The issues range from having all the post housing receive fences in their backyards to the brand-new hospital and take down of the old hospital. One of the most vital issues on post is the decision of the garbage removal system. Although having dumpsters may seem easier on post, Fort Wainwright should have individual trash service for post members because trash builds up in the garages of homes posing a serious fire hazard, ravens or birds get into the dumpsters throwing trash posing serious health hazards to the birds and community, and it forces the communities to own up to putting the wrong things in the trash like oil.
It is evident that the officials in charge of garbage removal on Fort Wainwright have decided that dumpsters are the most efficient way to remove garbage. However, it is not the safest. Trash builds up in the garages of homes because the dumpsters are at the ends of the roads making it difficult to take garbage to it daily. This build up of potentially toxic waste causes many health risks and fire hazards. Having heaters in the garages, it would be as simple as the heater going faulty and falling to the ground into a pile of trash to burn the home down. In the extreme weather conditions of Alaska, it makes it difficult to walk the trash to the dumpsters. Some would argue it is more difficult for spouses of a deployed soldier, who may also be parents, to load up the car daily or walk to take trash out with little ones inside. Not only would this help the daily lives of soldiers and their spouses, but it would create jobs for the community of Fairbanks and help the economy.
A major problem of the main garbage removal system utilizing dumpsters is that the birds get into the trash. There are several reasons why this is not only a nuisance but a hazard to the birds. They range from birds getting sick or dying from eating something poisonous or choking, to the mess that is left over after they are finished scrounging. This also effects communities pets, when the trash is on the ground or scattered about it is easier for the pets to then find garbage to rip up or consume. Depending on the time of year it's difficult to pick up, and the men or women who remove the trash from the dumpster do not pick up the trash that is around the dumpster or left behind. This leaves for even more risks to the communities children and a frustrating glance at the neighborhood. The remaining fragments of trash are blown into residents lawn and children's play areas. Most residents find the original start of the garbage wreckage from the birds frustrating. Even with the doors on the side of the dumpsters, it still seems to be a problem. With individual trash cans it provides the extra insurance that the trash will only be outside one day and gives the community the confidence that they will not have to deal with trash being strung across the neighborhood.
Another major issue with using dumpsters versus using individual curb side pickup is the amount of trash that is set beside the dumpster is increased due to the wrong things being placed in the dumpster. These things include oil, batteries, computer monitors and similar electronic items that have specific disposing requirements. There are places on post that provide a disposal system for those items but the dumpsters provide an easy target for those specific items not be disposed properly. This also ties in with the extra garbage that the birds or pets get into. More importantly then that, it is a serious waste problem that if curb side pickup was in place would not be an issue at all. Also if a resident did decide to put these items in the trash they would be fined and held responsible for the improper disposal of waste.
Using individual curb side garbage removal is beneficial to all sides of the trash problem. For the residents of Fort Wainwright, it will ease an extra burden to the communities to have trash services avoiding the trash building up in their garages causing unnecessary fire risks. In the particular nature of Alaska, it isn't always possible to take the trash out every day, and to some residents is harder when a spouse is deployed with small children. By getting rid of the dumpsters on post, Fort Wainwright would not only save a lot of Alaskan wildlife, but also its residents pets by making it harder for animals to so easily pick through the trash's harmful contents. Environmentally it is a huge step for safety, this system enforces that the residents are cautious of what they are tossing in the trash. It ensures what they do toss away is biodegradable and okay to send to the landfills. A little bit of extra precaution and liability to residents will help to make sure things like batteries, oil, and computer monitors do not end up in our trash bins.
It has been an ongoing battle on Fort Wainwright to have amenities like the posts in the lower 48. The issues range from having all the post housing receive fences in their backyards to the brand-new hospital and take down of the old hospital. One of the most vital issues on post is the decision of the garbage removal system. Although having dumpsters may seem easier on post, Fort Wainwright should have individual trash service for post members because trash builds up in the garages of homes posing a serious fire hazard, ravens or birds get into the dumpsters throwing trash posing serious health hazards to the birds and community, and it forces the communities to own up to putting the wrong things in the trash like oil.
It is evident that the officials in charge of garbage removal on Fort Wainwright have decided that dumpsters are the most efficient way to remove garbage. However, it is not the safest. Trash builds up in the garages of homes because the dumpsters are at the ends of the roads making it difficult to take garbage to it daily. This build up of potentially toxic waste causes many health risks and fire hazards. Having heaters in the garages, it would be as simple as the heater going faulty and falling to the ground into a pile of trash to burn the home down. In the extreme weather conditions of Alaska, it makes it difficult to walk the trash to the dumpsters. Some would argue it is more difficult for spouses of a deployed soldier, who may also be parents, to load up the car daily or walk to take trash out with little ones inside. Not only would this help the daily lives of soldiers and their spouses, but it would create jobs for the community of Fairbanks and help the economy.
A major problem of the main garbage removal system utilizing dumpsters is that the birds get into the trash. There are several reasons why this is not only a nuisance but a hazard to the birds. They range from birds getting sick or dying from eating something poisonous or choking, to the mess that is left over after they are finished scrounging. This also effects communities pets, when the trash is on the ground or scattered about it is easier for the pets to then find garbage to rip up or consume. Depending on the time of year it's difficult to pick up, and the men or women who remove the trash from the dumpster do not pick up the trash that is around the dumpster or left behind. This leaves for even more risks to the communities children and a frustrating glance at the neighborhood. The remaining fragments of trash are blown into residents lawn and children's play areas. Most residents find the original start of the garbage wreckage from the birds frustrating. Even with the doors on the side of the dumpsters, it still seems to be a problem. With individual trash cans it provides the extra insurance that the trash will only be outside one day and gives the community the confidence that they will not have to deal with trash being strung across the neighborhood.
Another major issue with using dumpsters versus using individual curb side pickup is the amount of trash that is set beside the dumpster is increased due to the wrong things being placed in the dumpster. These things include oil, batteries, computer monitors and similar electronic items that have specific disposing requirements. There are places on post that provide a disposal system for those items but the dumpsters provide an easy target for those specific items not be disposed properly. This also ties in with the extra garbage that the birds or pets get into. More importantly then that, it is a serious waste problem that if curb side pickup was in place would not be an issue at all. Also if a resident did decide to put these items in the trash they would be fined and held responsible for the improper disposal of waste.
Using individual curb side garbage removal is beneficial to all sides of the trash problem. For the residents of Fort Wainwright, it will ease an extra burden to the communities to have trash services avoiding the trash building up in their garages causing unnecessary fire risks. In the particular nature of Alaska, it isn't always possible to take the trash out every day, and to some residents is harder when a spouse is deployed with small children. By getting rid of the dumpsters on post, Fort Wainwright would not only save a lot of Alaskan wildlife, but also its residents pets by making it harder for animals to so easily pick through the trash's harmful contents. Environmentally it is a huge step for safety, this system enforces that the residents are cautious of what they are tossing in the trash. It ensures what they do toss away is biodegradable and okay to send to the landfills. A little bit of extra precaution and liability to residents will help to make sure things like batteries, oil, and computer monitors do not end up in our trash bins.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Week 5- Reading response 4-#3
This campaign has multiple audiences. One being the people who stereotype on looks, age, gender, race, another to the kids or teens who are feeling that drugs and alcohol are necessary to look or act the way that they want to or naturally do, lastly really to all people who are struggling with drugs and alcohol or the use of them.
The courage campaign is about being able to help your friends or family stay away from drugs and alcohol, even tell them that you care about them and you feel it would be best for them to stop using. It emphasizes empowerment to people who are scared to tell their loved one that they are worried about them. Giving them the courage that they may be mad, or they may think your judging them, but if you really care then their best interest comes first, and later they will thank you for it.
The regret campaign takes the you aren't just affection yourself approach. This one is pretty personal to me, i think it really targets the people who say, "So what if I smoke pot, it's my body" or "so what if i drink, I am not killing anyone but myself." A lot of people don't realize the impact they have on other people, that they make decisions that are impaired, or illogical when they are intoxicated in any form.
The last I am campaign is to change the public's automatic stereotyping of kids/people. This campaign is putting it out there that you can't know a person's life by looking at the way they are or look.
They are all empowering and eye opening campaigns to people. A new approach to the never ending battle of drugs and alcohol. They say very little but speak volumes. I personally think the regret campaign is the most powerful. Actions effect everybody, no matter who's they are, good and bad. But it's the bad ones that hurt the most people. I think this is a perfect way to get the word out against drugs and alcohol.
The courage campaign is about being able to help your friends or family stay away from drugs and alcohol, even tell them that you care about them and you feel it would be best for them to stop using. It emphasizes empowerment to people who are scared to tell their loved one that they are worried about them. Giving them the courage that they may be mad, or they may think your judging them, but if you really care then their best interest comes first, and later they will thank you for it.
The regret campaign takes the you aren't just affection yourself approach. This one is pretty personal to me, i think it really targets the people who say, "So what if I smoke pot, it's my body" or "so what if i drink, I am not killing anyone but myself." A lot of people don't realize the impact they have on other people, that they make decisions that are impaired, or illogical when they are intoxicated in any form.
The last I am campaign is to change the public's automatic stereotyping of kids/people. This campaign is putting it out there that you can't know a person's life by looking at the way they are or look.
They are all empowering and eye opening campaigns to people. A new approach to the never ending battle of drugs and alcohol. They say very little but speak volumes. I personally think the regret campaign is the most powerful. Actions effect everybody, no matter who's they are, good and bad. But it's the bad ones that hurt the most people. I think this is a perfect way to get the word out against drugs and alcohol.
Week 5- Reading response 4-#2
I am in between on my decision of whether wearing a button "God is neither Democrat or Republican" is divisive. On the one hand it feels like its attacking to the political parties. It's a bold statement, telling everyone that no matter what they say it isn't going to sway them. The true issue at hand on the campus really didn't feel like it had anything to do with associating a religion with a political party. On the other it claims that both sides are equal to God and Christianity. Being Christian, I feel that politics and religion co-exist, but don't always agree . It comes down to decisions being made on a moral base or decisions being made for the best of everyone's well being. Wearing the button is a statement that although the President is speaking at the graduation, it doesn't mean that they all agree with the Republican party nor do they choose to listen to what maybe said to sway them one way or the other on any political subject matter. The button almost claims, yes we are listening to what is going to be said, because this is our graduation, BUT we are not happy about it one way or the other and we will still have our own opinions. Silent protests or rallies are usually the most impacting, and still keep peace among the other people who would like to enjoy the event.
Week 5- Reading response 4-#1
Mother daughter communication is different because it is an independent dependant relationship on both sides of the spectrum. Daughters are trying to branch off in the direction they want to go, but they feel their mothers are still right behind them picking up as they go, nothing being good enough. In the same breath, they feel like they need to go to their mothers for help because their moms will be the only ones who understand. The problem that happens is advice is offered without being asked. Mothers are only wanting what's best, and trying to save their daughters the time to have to redo what the mothers themselves have already most likely done before. Most of all, the mother is just caring and in some sense feeling rejected by their daughters not wanting to do things their way. My mother and I do not fight like this. I have always gone to her for advice and taken her advice in stride that its only to make me a better person. My mother and grandmother fought and fight horribly about the correct way to do things. I am sure this is why my mom has always tried to listen as well as speak.
I think the relationship between mother and son is very different. With a Mother son relationship mothers aren't looking for approval from their sons. They also aren't trying to make mini clones out of sons. Most cases sons just see their mom as a love source, and moms see their sons as these little boys who can't do anything alone, and that's just accepted, she will still wash their clothes when they come over, make them sandwiches and change their sheets. No matter how old a man gets, they will always be a boy. Which is part of the problem when a girl becomes a woman. 2 queen bees cant live together. But they also feed off of the others work.
I think the relationship between mother and son is very different. With a Mother son relationship mothers aren't looking for approval from their sons. They also aren't trying to make mini clones out of sons. Most cases sons just see their mom as a love source, and moms see their sons as these little boys who can't do anything alone, and that's just accepted, she will still wash their clothes when they come over, make them sandwiches and change their sheets. No matter how old a man gets, they will always be a boy. Which is part of the problem when a girl becomes a woman. 2 queen bees cant live together. But they also feed off of the others work.
Week 4- Response #3-#2
Q #1
What's most amazing to me is the way they advertise in different countries. In America, our world moves so fast advertisers have to try really hard to grasp at our attention. They use different techniques to draw us in. Like, mind color tricks with red yellow and blue, which focus our attention into the product being sold, become personable, whether it's showing an Oreo cookie as an after school snack with a father and son, or a Nike commercial they hit us so that we can see ourselves doing it. Therefore need the product to do so. The biggest difference I noticed is that in America, less is more, and bigger is better in advertising. The photograph in the Iran photo took me by surprise. There were about nine different advertisements posted eight times each. I may just be used to seeing one large Coke or Pepsi sign per spot not when it looks like spam-mail covering the grocery store. It is almost like the advertising companies are taking a higher volume of ads in other countries to promote their products. Which in my opinion doesn't make sense, as most countries that are building a McDonalds, or a KFC are all grasping for American prosperity and life. Why advertise so heavily to an already buying customer. The main difference between American culture in America and other places is that in America, this kind of advertising, the "spamming" was stopped being used in the late 80's when advertisers realized that there are better ways to sell products in America. Some things I am proud of our country for being able to expand into other countries. Aside from Europe, we are one of the only countries that have successful business's in other countries then our own.
What's most amazing to me is the way they advertise in different countries. In America, our world moves so fast advertisers have to try really hard to grasp at our attention. They use different techniques to draw us in. Like, mind color tricks with red yellow and blue, which focus our attention into the product being sold, become personable, whether it's showing an Oreo cookie as an after school snack with a father and son, or a Nike commercial they hit us so that we can see ourselves doing it. Therefore need the product to do so. The biggest difference I noticed is that in America, less is more, and bigger is better in advertising. The photograph in the Iran photo took me by surprise. There were about nine different advertisements posted eight times each. I may just be used to seeing one large Coke or Pepsi sign per spot not when it looks like spam-mail covering the grocery store. It is almost like the advertising companies are taking a higher volume of ads in other countries to promote their products. Which in my opinion doesn't make sense, as most countries that are building a McDonalds, or a KFC are all grasping for American prosperity and life. Why advertise so heavily to an already buying customer. The main difference between American culture in America and other places is that in America, this kind of advertising, the "spamming" was stopped being used in the late 80's when advertisers realized that there are better ways to sell products in America. Some things I am proud of our country for being able to expand into other countries. Aside from Europe, we are one of the only countries that have successful business's in other countries then our own.
Week 4- Reading Response #1
Q. #3
The most successful cartoon is by Roz Chast, An Excerpt from Men Are from Belgium, Women Are from New Brunswick. Maybe it's because instead of implying the difference it makes it clear by writing it. A lot of times it is hard for both genders to understand each other when it is sugar coded "nice" and isn't a kind truth. In most cases the "nice words" makes the situation worse, I think that's why I like reading the translation on the Chast cartoon on the right hand side. You, as the reader, are able to see the anger and annoyance building with each word said, reacting with the other persons words. Reading it as a woman, I can feel how aggravated I get and it is personable to my husband and myself. Especially dating back to the first year of marriage when I didn't know how to cook a thing. Also how just a simple statement in the wrong tone, can make things evolve into a big ugly mess. The least successful cartoon in my opinion was Peter Steiner, And do you, Deborah Tannen, think they know what they're talking about? Without knowing who Deborah Tannen is, this cartoon doesn't make any sense. If you know that Deborah is a sociolinguist, then the cartoon makes complete sense. But in its current context it leaves the reader confused as to who this person is in the middle and why they are in the wedding ceremony. No one takes that much time to research the comics, they should make sense without having to think too far into it, or know every famous persons job and life by name.
The most successful cartoon is by Roz Chast, An Excerpt from Men Are from Belgium, Women Are from New Brunswick. Maybe it's because instead of implying the difference it makes it clear by writing it. A lot of times it is hard for both genders to understand each other when it is sugar coded "nice" and isn't a kind truth. In most cases the "nice words" makes the situation worse, I think that's why I like reading the translation on the Chast cartoon on the right hand side. You, as the reader, are able to see the anger and annoyance building with each word said, reacting with the other persons words. Reading it as a woman, I can feel how aggravated I get and it is personable to my husband and myself. Especially dating back to the first year of marriage when I didn't know how to cook a thing. Also how just a simple statement in the wrong tone, can make things evolve into a big ugly mess. The least successful cartoon in my opinion was Peter Steiner, And do you, Deborah Tannen, think they know what they're talking about? Without knowing who Deborah Tannen is, this cartoon doesn't make any sense. If you know that Deborah is a sociolinguist, then the cartoon makes complete sense. But in its current context it leaves the reader confused as to who this person is in the middle and why they are in the wedding ceremony. No one takes that much time to research the comics, they should make sense without having to think too far into it, or know every famous persons job and life by name.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
