The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Facts and figures on St. Patrick’s Day 2012

Dublin, Ireland                                        Photo: Marketa Volna

Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into a celebration for all things Irish.

The world's first St. Patrick's Day parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City, featuring Irish soldiers serving in the English military. This parade became an annual event, with President Harry Truman attending in 1948.

Congress proclaimed March as Irish-American Heritage Month in 1995, and the president issues a proclamation commemorating the occasion each year.

Here are other facts and figures on St. Patrick’s Day from the U.S. Census Bureau:

Population distribution

34.7 million

Number of U.S. residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2010. This number is more than seven times the population of Ireland itself, 4.58 million. Irish was the nation's second most frequently reported ancestry, trailing only German.

144,588

Number of Irish-born naturalized U.S. residents in 2010.

39.2 years old

Median age of those who claim Irish ancestry. It’s higher than U.S. residents as a whole, which is 37.2 years.

13%

Percent of New York state residents who were of Irish ancestry in 2010. This compares with a rate of 11.2 percent for the nation as a whole.

Irish-Americans today

33%

Percentage of people of Irish ancestry, 25 or older, who had a bachelor's degree or higher. In addition, 92.5 percent of Irish-Americans in this age group have at least a high school diploma. For the nation as a whole, the corresponding rates are 28.2 percent and 85.6 percent, respectively.

$56,363

Median income for households headed by an Irish-American, higher than the $50,046 for all households. In addition, 6.9 percent of households of Irish ancestry are in poverty, lower than the rate of 11.3 percent for all Americans.

41%

Percentage of employed civilian Irish-Americans 16 or older who work in management, professional, and related occupations. In addition, 26.3 percent work in sales and office occupations; 15.7 percent in service occupations; 9.2 percent in production, transportation, and material moving occupations; and 7.8 percent in construction, extraction, maintenance, and repair occupations.

70%

Percentage of householders of Irish ancestry who owned the home in which they live, with the remainder renting. For the nation as a whole, the homeownership rate is 65.4 percent.

Places to spend the day

Seven

Number of places in the United States named Shamrock, the floral emblem of Ireland. Mount Gay-Shamrock, W.Va., and Shamrock, Texas, are the most populous, with 1,779 and 1,910 residents, respectively. Shamrock Lakes, Ind., has 231 residents and Shamrock, Okla., 101, and three Shamrock Townships in Minnesota, Nebraska, and Missouri have populations of 1,272, 413, and 40, respectively.

16

Number of places in the U.S. that share the name of Ireland's capital, Dublin. The most populous of these places is Dublin, Calif., with a population of 46,036.

Another city with an Irish name, Emerald Isle, N.C., has 3,655 residents.

Other appropriate places to spend the day: the township of Irishtown, Ill., several places named Clover – in South Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – and the township of Cloverleaf, Minn.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How are you celebrating International Women’s Day?

By Rita R. Robison

Today is International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future. In some places, such as China, Russia, Vietnam, and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.

Suffragettes campaigned for women's right to vote. The word “suffragette” comes from the word "suffrage" meaning the right to vote.

International Women's Day honors the work of the suffragettes, celebrates women's success, and reminds people of inequities still to be redressed.

The first International Women's Day event occurred in 1911, and 2011 was the Global Centenary Year.

See the International Women’s Day website for events planned in different countries.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Happy Presidents’ Day 2012

By Rita R. Robison

What are your plans for Presidents’ Day?

It seems strange that the birthdays of two famous presidents are turning into one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.

However, if you’re out there today, see “What Interests You on Presidents’ Day? Finding Bargains, Traveling, or Celebrating America?” for tips on how to curb “sale fever” and keep from making costly mistakes.

For more serious thinking about Presidents' Day, see "Presidents' Day Is a Time to Help America Move Forward."

Today, I’m staying home writing blogs and catching up on projects and housework.

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a great day.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What interests you on Presidents’ Day? Finding bargains, traveling, or celebrating America?

By Rita R. Robison

It’s a strange custom. The holiday to honor two great presidents and the history of our country is becoming one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

However, if you want to shop rather than contemplate history, President’s Day sales do offer consumers great deals on cars, furniture, clothing, suits, handbags, and white goods. Prices on some items, such clothing, are better than Black Friday. For cars, it’s the biggest sale of the year.

To keep from making “sale fever” mistakes, follow these tips:

• Make a list of what you’re looking for.
• Compare prices. Check the Internet for what’s up in sale prices before you hit the mall.
• Start early so you can get the sale items in your size before they’re gone.
• Use apps that scan bar codes to see what others are selling the item for.
• Look for coupons on sites such as RetailMeNot before you go.
• Check social media sites, especially Facebook, because companies may be advertising their sales there first.
• Look for travel deals. You can still get big savings and there’s lots to do in historical cities such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and New York.

If you want to do some serious thinking about Presidents’ Day, see “Presidents’ Day Is a Time to Help America Move Foreword.”

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Great photos provide a good consumer experience this week, while a big furnace bill disappoints

By Rita R. Robison

I’m getting joy this week in working on a photo project with a friend. However, I’m grumpy about paying a big furnace bill because the power outage wrecked a part in my furnace.

My best experience: Making a photo book for a friend

I noticed Kits Camera is having a sale on 12-inch by 12-inch photo books.

For years, I’ve wanted to make one for a friend who designs exhibits. We’re working on the book together. It’s fun and brings back a lot of great memories.

My worst experience: A big furnace repair bill

Several days after a power outage due to a huge winter storm, I came home and smelled something like electrical wires burning. A while later, my smoke alarm came on and off twice.

I called the fire department, but the firemen couldn’t find a fire. However, we figured out that when the furnace came on, the smell occurred.

Fortunately, a repairman was able to come that evening. I paid an extra $75 for an overtime cost.

The entire bill was $610. The power outage burned out a part in the furnace.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a day of service

By Rita R. Robison

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The holiday is a good opportunity for Americans to honor King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service offers people a way they contribute to their community.

After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986, making 2012 the 26th anniversary of the King federal holiday.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading the effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." It’s a part of United We Serve, the president's national call to service initiative. The MLK Day of Service calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.

King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence to make this country a better place to live.

People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can get involved. Put your zip code in the Find a Project box to locate a volunteer opportunity in your community or plan your own project.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best: Enjoying an updated waterside walkway

On Thursday, I joined 300 others in the Olympia, Wash., area to attend the rededication of Percival Landing after a $3 million renovation.

The newly refurbished waterfront walkway on Budd Inlet is wonderful. The boardwalk area is expanded, and a meeting place called Harbor House and two shelters have been added.

Irene Christy, a friend of mine and fellow member of the Thurston County League of Women Voters, got the idea for a way to have public access at the end of Budd Inlet, the southern most tip of Puget Sound.

Irene convinced then Olympia City Commissioner Tom Allen to consider the project if state funding could be obtained. She also encouraged Washington State Land Commissioner Bert Cole to have the state buy waterfront properties with aging warehouses at the site and allow the City of Olympia to build the walkway.

It’s great when different levels of government and citizens can work together to create such an excellent public facility. We don’t have much waterfront access in our state, so this project is appreciated.

My worst: Dealing with Comcast about my monthly charges

Without notice, my Comcast bill went up substantially. I have been paying $99 a month, a bundled charge; $33 for my landline phone service, $33 for Internet access, and $33 for cable television.

The last time Comcast jacked up the price, I signed a two-year so I could get the bundled service again.

I had to call twice before I could get the monthly charge reduced. And, I had to “sign” another two-year contract, which I did over the phone. Strange.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How do Americans celebrate Memorial Day?

Americans across the country are celebrating Memorial Day with remembrance events, barbecues, trips, personal reflection, and shopping.

President Barack Obama took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

AAA estimates that about 34.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home on Memorial Day, a slight increase of 0.2 percent – or 100,000 travelers – from the 34.8 million people who traveled one year ago.

Shopping is the third most popular activity over Memorial Day weekend, with 43 percent of Americans hitting stores and outlets, according to a recent AAA/IHS Global Insights study. The study found dining was first on the list, 59 percent, with visiting friends and relatives second, 52 percent.

I’m spending Memorial Day visiting with my daughter and her family. We made potato salad, and now we’re eating watermelon.

I’ll also be working on my photos and remembering the past and loved one who are now gone – my parents and most of my aunts and uncles. I’ll also be remembering my uncle Frank Gilliam who died in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones on Memorial Day. 

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best: Getting historic family photos scanned

A few months ago, I paid $50 to Ritz Cameras to get 500 photos scanned. Before Christmas, I submitted 50 of our most famous family photos so I could give disks of the photos to my sister, daughters, and nieces. This week I rounded up 450 more.

Then I got lucky. When I brought the photos in, Ritz was having another sale. I’m organizing 500 more photos for scanning.

It’s so much fun to look at family photos from 1930 to 1960. It brought back memories of my parents and other relatives and growing up in rural areas of Eastern Washington.

My worst: Huge hike in Visa fees

In the fourth quarter of 2010, credit card giant Visa’s revenue worldwide rose 14 percent to $2.24 billion, compared with $1.96 billion in the prior-year quarter.

I can see why. Instead of paying 1 percent for credit card transactions, the Visa fee has jumped to a $2.50 minimum fee for overseas transactions.

I was stunned to find this out when I traveled to Madrid. I went to Prado Museum – a $2.50 charge to use my credit card. A lunch break at the Prado – another $2.50 charge.

I didn’t receive any notification about this increase.

I’m furious. I’m going to call Visa and complain.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

On Martin Luther King Day, let’s make a commitment to eliminate poverty

It’s been 43 years since Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and 25 years since a holiday was created in his honor.

Two years ago, I wrote about King last book, in which he called for the elimination of poverty by adoption of a guaranteed annual income for all. King said poverty stands in the way of achieving racial equality.

 In 2009, the U.S. poverty rate was 14.3 percent, with about 43.6 million people living in poverty. It increased 1.1 percent or 3.7 million people over 2008. The number of people in poverty is the largest number in the 51 years that the government has collected the data.

Some estimates indicate the poverty level is more likely to be about 17.1 percent.

From 1980 to 2005, more than four-fifths of the increase in Americans’ income went to the top 1 percent of earners. Productivity among low and middle-income American workers increased, but their incomes didn’t.

What can citizens do to help eliminate poverty in the United States? Here are some suggestions:

• Make donations to your local food banks and homeless shelters.

• Volunteer at a Head Start program.

• Join organizations that help the poor such as Hungry in America.

• Donate to a local scholarship fund for low-income students.

• Join efforts to revitalize low-income areas of your community.

• Run for your local city council or school board, and be a voice for programs to help poor people

• Support organizations that help bring economic development to the poor in environmentally sensitive ways.

• Help children and teens in need.

• Donate to and volunteer at libraries.

• Support health care reform so more people can get coverage.

 Do you have other ideas? Let me know.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist