Public Record

The internet is an amazing thing. It allows PUBLIC information to be PUBLIC.

Here is the NTSB Probable Cause Synposis on the plane crash.
      " The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of both pilots to abort the takeoff when a suitable climb rate could not be attained. Contributing to the accident was the reduction of available power due to the camshaft lobe and lifter corrosion/wear, the high density altitude, and the CFI’s inadequate supervision."

Here is the NTSB Factual Report.

Here is the NTSB Brief of Accident.

Come Sail Away

In April 2010, The Nielson's took a trip to San Diego to purchase a sailboat. The boat is a MacGregor 26 and the typical price for this boat is $15,000-$20,000. Beacon Beneficial {Mr. Nielson provides} was registered in July 2011. So less than 2 years after the crash and 15 months before Mr. Nielson begins Beacon Beneficial, the wise decision with ongoing medical bills would be to purchase a sailboat.

Gag me with a {sponsored} spoon

This

Privacy {please}

What are your thoughts on Stephanie continuing to post naked pictures of her baby on the internet?

Mr.and Mrs. Nielson go to {Tampa}

The Nielson's jetted off to Tampa for the Republican National Convention (RNC).

What are your thoughts on their attendance at the RNC?

Safety

What are your thoughts on Nie Nie's safety habits when it comes to her children?

Donations

There is an interesting article from November 2009 that discusses the cost of Stephanie and Christian Nielson's medical bills. Stephanie's medical bills for 1 year totaled $7.6 million dollars and Christian's bills totaled over $1.6 million.

According to the article, "The Maricopa Integrated Health System's foundation forgave the costs not covered by the Nielsons' insurance and even paid Christian's student-loan payments while he was in the hospital. After Christian left his job, the foundation paid the family's COBRA premium and will continue paying it until the COBRA benefits expire in the Spring (2010), a cost of $1,256 per month. The foundation also created a tax-deductible donation account dedicated to the Nielsons' medical and emergency expenses. About $38,000 was raised. Much of this already has been used."

Her stay at the University of Utah hospital was approximately $128,000 which the Nielson's were responsible for $2700 of the bill.

Many fundraisers, auctions, and concerts held for the Nielson's raised over $290,000.

Another article  from January 2011 that discusses how many page views Stephanie's blog receives (approximately 3 million per month).


Another article from July 2011 discusses BlogHer's ad compensation. The compensation can be from zero (for public service announcements) up to $10 on a cost per thousand (CPM) basis. For example, if her ads were rated somewhere in the middle (say $5), her average income would be $15,000 per month. BlogHer gets a portion of the ads and the rest is paid to the blogger.

There have been lots of discussions about "Nie's Homemade Christmas" post in December 2010. In her own words: " These past few weeks, I have been bombarded with so many handmade gifts that I felt like a spoiled brat-Which I kind of am." She goes on to add, in very small font, "I couldn't use every single amazing homemade gift that was sent. I am sorry. I will probably use what you have sent at some point, and I must make it known, I can't send back your homemade pretties either."

There are many people that donated their time, hard work, and talent to raise money, donate items, and provide for her family. What she has gone through is one of the most devastating events one can imagine. But where is the line between making money and taking advantage of a situation?  

What are your thoughts?