Absolutely ridiculous. This environmental nonsense is going to far. Honestly, once these idiots realize the fish are pooping in rivers, streams and oceans they will want to reduce their numbers too.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
FOXNews.com - Typo in Law Establishes Mandate to Lock Gun-Toting Train Passengers in Boxes
Maybe people should take the time to read these things before signing them. Just sayin'
FOXNews.com - Typo in Law Establishes Mandate to Lock Gun-Toting Train Passengers in Boxes
FOXNews.com - Typo in Law Establishes Mandate to Lock Gun-Toting Train Passengers in Boxes
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A Poorly Thought Out Product Name
i guess no one really did any research on other products by the same name, lol!!
Razor® Pocket Rocket™ - Razor® USA
Razor® Pocket Rocket™ - Razor® USA
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Christmas Shopping Stressing You Out?
It's that time of year. The hustle and bustle of people rushing about looking for the perfect gift or preparing for a family gathering. Lists are everywhere...grocery lists, card lists, gift lists, housecleaning lists, decorating lists. Does it ever stop? It does if that is what you chose.
Much of our stress is caused by the feeling of being in a hurry. Add to that a few money worries each time the plastic is laid out for payment and you have the perfect recipe for feeling out of control. Try a few of these tips and you may find yourself suddenly singing along with the all Christmas music all the time station.
1. Plan ahead. Not a day or week ahead. Plan a few months ahead. Christmas comes once a year, EVERY year. It is not something that sneaks up on anyone. So start thinking about your Christmas plans in late summer.
2. Bury the plastic and pay with cash. When you pay with a credit card you are likely to spend 30% more and you will be paying for these gifts long into the next year (maybe even longer). When you pay with cash you only spend what you can afford and you do not have to worry with payments over the next year.
3. Set a dollar limit on gifts. Make a deal with family and friends so that you all do the same.
4. Set a limit to the number of parties you will host and/or attend.
5. Use a word processing program to print address labels for your Christmas cards. Save the file so that next year you only have to update the few addresses that have changed. If you need a template check out avery.com .
6. Sleep. Make certain you are getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep will amplify any stress you are feeling.
7. Remember the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Christ. This holiday was not always about buying gifts. It was about a young couple who were chosen by God to bring his son into this world.
Much of our stress is caused by the feeling of being in a hurry. Add to that a few money worries each time the plastic is laid out for payment and you have the perfect recipe for feeling out of control. Try a few of these tips and you may find yourself suddenly singing along with the all Christmas music all the time station.
1. Plan ahead. Not a day or week ahead. Plan a few months ahead. Christmas comes once a year, EVERY year. It is not something that sneaks up on anyone. So start thinking about your Christmas plans in late summer.
2. Bury the plastic and pay with cash. When you pay with a credit card you are likely to spend 30% more and you will be paying for these gifts long into the next year (maybe even longer). When you pay with cash you only spend what you can afford and you do not have to worry with payments over the next year.
3. Set a dollar limit on gifts. Make a deal with family and friends so that you all do the same.
4. Set a limit to the number of parties you will host and/or attend.
5. Use a word processing program to print address labels for your Christmas cards. Save the file so that next year you only have to update the few addresses that have changed. If you need a template check out avery.com .
6. Sleep. Make certain you are getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep will amplify any stress you are feeling.
7. Remember the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Christ. This holiday was not always about buying gifts. It was about a young couple who were chosen by God to bring his son into this world.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tall Tot Today, Bully Tomorrow?
Two recent articles suggesting that future criminal behavior can be predicted by the behavior of a three year old, along with suggestions as to why the government should step in to curb that behavior.
Honestly, all three years olds exhibit the behavior describe. It's a natural part of being a toddler. You are just learning the true meaning of "no." You are still working on expressing yourself verbally in a manner that can be understood. You are learning so much so fast that, yes, there will be outbursts and bad behavior. It's normal, not a predictor of future criminal behavior.
Tall Tot Today, Bully Tomorrow?
Honestly, all three years olds exhibit the behavior describe. It's a natural part of being a toddler. You are just learning the true meaning of "no." You are still working on expressing yourself verbally in a manner that can be understood. You are learning so much so fast that, yes, there will be outbursts and bad behavior. It's normal, not a predictor of future criminal behavior.
Tall Tot Today, Bully Tomorrow?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Interesting Site and Journal on Uterine Fibroids
http://www.uterinefibroids.com/
this subject is now very much in my radar. i completely feel for this poor woman and the crap she dealt with from several different physicians. i've dealt with their counterparts often in the past (in ob/gyn, psych and ent). the truth is being an informed patient scares most of them but benefits you greatly.
this subject is now very much in my radar. i completely feel for this poor woman and the crap she dealt with from several different physicians. i've dealt with their counterparts often in the past (in ob/gyn, psych and ent). the truth is being an informed patient scares most of them but benefits you greatly.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Trapped girls updated Facebook instead of calling police - Telegraph
proof that evolution is truly just a theory...
Trapped girls updated Facebook instead of calling police - Telegraph
Shared via AddThis
Trapped girls updated Facebook instead of calling police - Telegraph
Shared via AddThis
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
ACORN Awarded DHS Grant for Firefighting
Now, c'mon. ACORN gets a grant for firefighting in New Orleans? Does this actually fall under any of their "stated" mission statements. Wouldn't it have been better for more than one fire department in the state of LA to get a grant rather than throw money at this trash organization?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/07/firefighters-lose-large-grant-to-acorn/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/07/firefighters-lose-large-grant-to-acorn/
Are the Polls Actually Showing More Support for Obamacare? It's All in the Questions
This is a nice piece showing how Gallop has been manipulating data to show more support for a government run health care plan. Interestingly people are still overwhelmingly opposed to the idea even with manipulated data.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/10/pollsters_push_people_to_accep.html
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/10/pollsters_push_people_to_accep.html
Another Pointless Spending Program
People, please wake up. $500 is not going to make a difference in the life of your newborn when he or she becomes of age unless you contribute to it monthly. The increase in taxes in this program will negate any "benefit" you feel when you receive your money. Not addressed is illegals who have children in the US - will they receive this benefit too?
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Coming-Soon-500-for-Every-usnews-3217986354.html?x=0&.v=1
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Coming-Soon-500-for-Every-usnews-3217986354.html?x=0&.v=1
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Not All Flus are the Flu
Interesting week health wise. The bf came home exhausted and sick with an illness that came on suddenly - like the flu - with the same symptoms as the flu. The difference was body temp. His was a rather mild fever instead of a high fever. We did visit the doc to be certain what was wrong, he was tested and it was a nasty flu-like virus instead of the flu. I've since picked up the same bug but am treating it with herbal remedies instead of traditional medication. Today's been rough but i think it's because of the herbs breaking everything up.
So,, if you get sick please be aware that it may not be the flu.
So,, if you get sick please be aware that it may not be the flu.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Junk Food Increases Risk of Becoming a Criminal - I Think Not
Ok, this is absurd. How many kids do you know who eat candy DAILY and are good kids who never commit a crime? This will just lead to certain foods being taxed as special catagories because of their supposed effect on society.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Michigan Says Mom Can't Watch Kids at Bus Stop
A Michigan woman who was watching neighborhood children who were waiting for the bus has been ordered to stop because she is an unlicensed daycare provider. Her "daycare" consists of allowing the kids who wait for the bus each morning to wait in her home instead of outside, in her yard...which happens to be where the bus stops.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Obama Proposes Longer School Day, Shorter Summer Vacation - Political News - FOXNews.com
the issue is not the amount of time children spend in school but the amount of time that is spent on actual education. longer days/school years will not resolve this issue. try again mr. president.
Obama Proposes Longer School Day, Shorter Summer Vacation - Political News - FOXNews.com
Shared via AddThis
Obama Proposes Longer School Day, Shorter Summer Vacation - Political News - FOXNews.com
Shared via AddThis
pms, premenopause and hysterectomies
it is my squeaky chair and today it is squeaking about cramps. terrible, horrible, hideous cramps. the kind of pain that is so bad you can't sit up, that you want to vomit, that cause your insides to spew forth everything you've eaten and then a few other items. some of you know what i am talking about.
for me this is not a normal occurrence. the last time i felt pain like this i found out i had fibroids the size of a three month pregnancy. the only option i was given was a hysterectomy. not liking the idea i did some research and found that i did in fact have many other options available. i got a second opinion who recommended hormone treatments. but here's the thing - hormones ease the pain but increase the rate of growth of the benign tumors. well that option didn't help at all. the pain killers did help some.
more reading and research lead me to homeopathic treatments. i began using a mix of nature hormones and herbs. the pain stopped. by the next year the tumors had not grown and were actually a tad smaller.
this is the path i have followed in the years since. in the last year i've been rather lax about it though and now i am having these horrible pains again. but this time i am older and am considering the hysterectomy option. i would prefer to keep all my organs as i believe god put them there for a purpose. if they didn't have a purpose wouldn't they just disappear after menopause anyway? however the idea of not experiencing this pain again is too tempting to just disregard the option completely.
to rip it out or not to rip it out...that is the question
for me this is not a normal occurrence. the last time i felt pain like this i found out i had fibroids the size of a three month pregnancy. the only option i was given was a hysterectomy. not liking the idea i did some research and found that i did in fact have many other options available. i got a second opinion who recommended hormone treatments. but here's the thing - hormones ease the pain but increase the rate of growth of the benign tumors. well that option didn't help at all. the pain killers did help some.
more reading and research lead me to homeopathic treatments. i began using a mix of nature hormones and herbs. the pain stopped. by the next year the tumors had not grown and were actually a tad smaller.
this is the path i have followed in the years since. in the last year i've been rather lax about it though and now i am having these horrible pains again. but this time i am older and am considering the hysterectomy option. i would prefer to keep all my organs as i believe god put them there for a purpose. if they didn't have a purpose wouldn't they just disappear after menopause anyway? however the idea of not experiencing this pain again is too tempting to just disregard the option completely.
to rip it out or not to rip it out...that is the question
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
show's opening SOON
and feeling very nervouse at the moment. need to chill. seriously need to chill.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Group Asks Court to Reconsider Removing Girl from Home School - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Group Asks Court to Reconsider Removing Girl from Home School - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Posted using ShareThis
this is wrong. if the girl is well adjusted, has friends and participates in activities then home schooling is fine. i do not think people realize the image of home schooling from 20 years ago is no longer accurate. the parents and kids i know that home school are amazing. the parents are devoted. the kids are smart, intelligent, able to converse with both kids and adults.
Posted using ShareThis
this is wrong. if the girl is well adjusted, has friends and participates in activities then home schooling is fine. i do not think people realize the image of home schooling from 20 years ago is no longer accurate. the parents and kids i know that home school are amazing. the parents are devoted. the kids are smart, intelligent, able to converse with both kids and adults.
Monday, August 31, 2009
arrested development clips
i love arrested development, the most brilliant television comedy ever.
tobias' audition for a fire-sale commercial.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1296/arrested-development-fire-sale#s-p16-st-i1
"there is no god"
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1340/arrested-development-christmas-pageant-mayhem#s-p9-st-i1
"mr f - not a spy"
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1335/arrested-development-plastic-fruit-eating#s-p24-st-i1
planning a fundraiser but don't have a cause? follow the bluth's lead:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1250/arrested-development-tba#s-p38-st-i1
yes, you can stop bs
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1080/arrested-development-maebys-bs#s-p39-st-i1
never let your uncle be your campaign manager...
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1099/arrested-development-campaign-videos#s-p50-st-i1
tobias' audition for a fire-sale commercial.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1296/arrested-development-fire-sale#s-p16-st-i1
"there is no god"
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1340/arrested-development-christmas-pageant-mayhem#s-p9-st-i1
"mr f - not a spy"
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1335/arrested-development-plastic-fruit-eating#s-p24-st-i1
planning a fundraiser but don't have a cause? follow the bluth's lead:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1250/arrested-development-tba#s-p38-st-i1
yes, you can stop bs
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1080/arrested-development-maebys-bs#s-p39-st-i1
never let your uncle be your campaign manager...
http://www.hulu.com/watch/1099/arrested-development-campaign-videos#s-p50-st-i1
gov't health care
you think you want a public option? before you make up your mind why not spend a day in line at the dmv. it will give you a very good idea of what your health care will be like under the obamacare plan.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
yes, i'm going THERE
ok ladies. the question is "to rip it out or to not rip it out." the pros for keeping it: no hormones, muscle structure and core support, god put it there for a reason. the pros for ripping it out: no cramps, no pain so bad i want to throw up, no mood swings, the odds of getting pregnant are greatly reduced, three to four weeks off for recovery.
the cons of keeping it: pain, mood swings, pain, mood swings, pain
the cons of ripping it out: unknown until surgery whether the ovaries will stay or go, possibility of artificial hormones
the cons of keeping it: pain, mood swings, pain, mood swings, pain
the cons of ripping it out: unknown until surgery whether the ovaries will stay or go, possibility of artificial hormones
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach is one of my favorite places. The sand is sugar white, the water emerald green, the food good and the people friendly.
I posted links to a couple of places I really like (see below). There are some other places that had no link...
Zooland Mini-Golf: All you can play for $5.00. The course is older and doesn't have all the shiny new decorations of Pirate Island but it is challenging. I actually prefer this one to Pirate Island. Time your visit carefully because the place does get pretty busy.
King Neptune: Nice little dive. Good service and usually crowded at mealtime. The tv's tend to be on sports channels...take a break from the sun and catch up on your NASCAR or PGA.
Cafe Beignet: Stop in for breakfast once and you'll be back.
The Beaches: Private beaches are great but if you want to save a few bucks by staying a few miles inland the public beaches are incredible. The easiest to access is right at the end of 59. Just drive through the light into the parking lot. This lot fills up quickly so go early.
Cheap Hotel That is Nice: Microtel. Three miles from the beach. They just added a new building of suites only. The pool is small. The rooms are clean (very clean) and the staff friendly and helpful. Rates are VERY reasonable.
Condo: My bf's parents have a place at Gulf Shores Plantation. Multiple pools (one indoor), jacuzzis, exercise room, cafe, steam room, sauna, tennis courts, basketball courts, putting greens and an amazing private beach. A few miles from the strip creates the relaxation time you need within easy reach of the all the fun. If you'd like to check it out let me know and I can get you the contact info.
I posted links to a couple of places I really like (see below). There are some other places that had no link...
Zooland Mini-Golf: All you can play for $5.00. The course is older and doesn't have all the shiny new decorations of Pirate Island but it is challenging. I actually prefer this one to Pirate Island. Time your visit carefully because the place does get pretty busy.
King Neptune: Nice little dive. Good service and usually crowded at mealtime. The tv's tend to be on sports channels...take a break from the sun and catch up on your NASCAR or PGA.
Cafe Beignet: Stop in for breakfast once and you'll be back.
The Beaches: Private beaches are great but if you want to save a few bucks by staying a few miles inland the public beaches are incredible. The easiest to access is right at the end of 59. Just drive through the light into the parking lot. This lot fills up quickly so go early.
Cheap Hotel That is Nice: Microtel. Three miles from the beach. They just added a new building of suites only. The pool is small. The rooms are clean (very clean) and the staff friendly and helpful. Rates are VERY reasonable.
Condo: My bf's parents have a place at Gulf Shores Plantation. Multiple pools (one indoor), jacuzzis, exercise room, cafe, steam room, sauna, tennis courts, basketball courts, putting greens and an amazing private beach. A few miles from the strip creates the relaxation time you need within easy reach of the all the fun. If you'd like to check it out let me know and I can get you the contact info.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Sea-N-Suds Resturant Gulf Shores Alabama
Friendly service, good food and a great view.
Sea-N-Suds Resturant Gulf Shores Alabama
Posted using ShareThis
Sea-N-Suds Resturant Gulf Shores Alabama
Posted using ShareThis
LuLu Buffett
Lulu's has a great atmosphere, live entertainment, play areas for the kids, a place for volleyball and, if you happen to be driving your boat, a docking area to park in while you eat.
LuLu Buffett
Posted using ShareThis
LuLu Buffett
Posted using ShareThis
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress)
tax your seeds and control your garden
Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress)
Posted using ShareThis
Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress)
Posted using ShareThis
GOP Charges Dems With Censorship Over Sign - Political News - FOXNews.com
...once you control the media you control everything. just stayin'
GOP Charges Dems With Censorship Over Sign - Political News - FOXNews.com
Posted using ShareThis
GOP Charges Dems With Censorship Over Sign - Political News - FOXNews.com
Posted using ShareThis
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
What is freedom?
Like many of you I spent the Fourth of July relaxing and watching fireworks. I did take a moment to meditate on the blessings of our Founding Fathers. Not much later though I was furious again...furious at the disgrace our public leaders have brought to us.
We no longer have statesmen working for the good of our country. We have professional politicians who are working for the big payoff. From the local level where Birmingham City Council and Jefferson County Commission members are having charges brought on a regular basis to our Nation's leaders promoting agendas that will rip this country to pieces.
The city of Birmingham has now legalized Bingo. Of course the permits they are approving belong to friends and relatives. It seems that gambling was a sin only until tax revenues fell below their ever growing needs.
The Jefferson County Commission has continued to spend according to their budget that contained the illegal occupational tax revenue. Their answer to the problem was to cut back hourly employees to four days a week. Salaried employees were exempted because the commission feared paycuts would have been illegal for them. Cutting pennies to save dollars. It never works. Now they did not cut their own pay or that of their assistants.
The problem here is we have a county whose services are larger than what its tax base will provide for. Is there a solution? Of course...smaller government. First, cut the assistants. Let the commission do its own work. Next, cut the perks. Cars, car allowances, cell phones, any service that allows county employees to work from home. Cut the grants. Counties should not be funding nonprofit grants if they cannot pay their own bills. Change the benefits programs. Require all county employees to use County Services for medical care (including the commissioners. Bonus is that they will find a way to improve the service if they are forced to use it). Cut the lobbiests that the county pays for. Basically cut any and all items not necessary to running the county. That should leave only the sheriff's department (judicial falling under this), revenue department and public works. Anything else is a perk so cut it.
Nationally, we are screwed. Sorry if you don't like it but it is the truth. We are skipping easily over socialism and headed straight to communism. Salary caps, government ownership of many industries and nationalized health care. This is insane. Why should we follow in the footsteps of counties who have overtaxed their citizens to the point of removing all initiative? Why are we following energy plans from states that regularly experience rolling blackouts? C'mon people and wake up. We are not victims of THEY. We are Americans. We are born with the opportunity to achieve anything we set our mind too. To trade that for a little comfort or to avoid a hard choice is crazy. Our freedoms are not privilages, they are rights-guaranteed by our framers.
We no longer have statesmen working for the good of our country. We have professional politicians who are working for the big payoff. From the local level where Birmingham City Council and Jefferson County Commission members are having charges brought on a regular basis to our Nation's leaders promoting agendas that will rip this country to pieces.
The city of Birmingham has now legalized Bingo. Of course the permits they are approving belong to friends and relatives. It seems that gambling was a sin only until tax revenues fell below their ever growing needs.
The Jefferson County Commission has continued to spend according to their budget that contained the illegal occupational tax revenue. Their answer to the problem was to cut back hourly employees to four days a week. Salaried employees were exempted because the commission feared paycuts would have been illegal for them. Cutting pennies to save dollars. It never works. Now they did not cut their own pay or that of their assistants.
The problem here is we have a county whose services are larger than what its tax base will provide for. Is there a solution? Of course...smaller government. First, cut the assistants. Let the commission do its own work. Next, cut the perks. Cars, car allowances, cell phones, any service that allows county employees to work from home. Cut the grants. Counties should not be funding nonprofit grants if they cannot pay their own bills. Change the benefits programs. Require all county employees to use County Services for medical care (including the commissioners. Bonus is that they will find a way to improve the service if they are forced to use it). Cut the lobbiests that the county pays for. Basically cut any and all items not necessary to running the county. That should leave only the sheriff's department (judicial falling under this), revenue department and public works. Anything else is a perk so cut it.
Nationally, we are screwed. Sorry if you don't like it but it is the truth. We are skipping easily over socialism and headed straight to communism. Salary caps, government ownership of many industries and nationalized health care. This is insane. Why should we follow in the footsteps of counties who have overtaxed their citizens to the point of removing all initiative? Why are we following energy plans from states that regularly experience rolling blackouts? C'mon people and wake up. We are not victims of THEY. We are Americans. We are born with the opportunity to achieve anything we set our mind too. To trade that for a little comfort or to avoid a hard choice is crazy. Our freedoms are not privilages, they are rights-guaranteed by our framers.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
random personal post and news
i hate weeks like this. i hate when 3rd parties create issues among others. i hate when someone takes something from someone in need and leaves the door open for others to receive their just retribution. i hate seeing couples you expect to be together split up. i hate not having enough hours in the day to do everything i need to do and then when i finally have a free moment giving in to the nap i need instead of completing other projects. stupid things that stress and create issues that in the grand scheme of things really do not matter.
on the upside i'm directing a one act. rehearsals are going well. i have an amazing man in my life who i refuse to take for granted. i am working out, eating healthier and losing weight. i have a good job (atm). we are slowly making progress on home repairs but we are making progress. i have good friends and family. my sister did receive good news this week for which we are all grateful.
news stuff
i have to wonder if people actually listen to obama or just his sound bites? the man will speak the sound bite and after the applause leave a moment before speaking what he is really saying which is usually in direct contradiction to the sound bite that will be played. and people believe this crap
the fda is on the move again to regulate herbals under the guise that people are harming themselves because homeopathic remedies are not regulated. the issue here is that regulating homeopathic meds means regulating most plants, including your typical flowers AND home gardens. plants like garlic, roses, rosemary, mint and cayanne will suddenly become illegal if this happens. can you imagine being busted for growing your own garlic or having a rose garden? i wish people would wake up and realize that government is not nearly as smart as they are. of course, that means taking some personal responsibility for their own lives.
did you notice that rush limbaugh is being blamed for the bulldozing flint, mi plan? it's insane. the plant was created by a city official of flint, then the obama administration asked if the plan could be carried out in 50 other cities across the county. but in this age of what the mass media reports is the truth whether or not it is true limbaugh is to be blamed.
on the upside i'm directing a one act. rehearsals are going well. i have an amazing man in my life who i refuse to take for granted. i am working out, eating healthier and losing weight. i have a good job (atm). we are slowly making progress on home repairs but we are making progress. i have good friends and family. my sister did receive good news this week for which we are all grateful.
news stuff
i have to wonder if people actually listen to obama or just his sound bites? the man will speak the sound bite and after the applause leave a moment before speaking what he is really saying which is usually in direct contradiction to the sound bite that will be played. and people believe this crap
the fda is on the move again to regulate herbals under the guise that people are harming themselves because homeopathic remedies are not regulated. the issue here is that regulating homeopathic meds means regulating most plants, including your typical flowers AND home gardens. plants like garlic, roses, rosemary, mint and cayanne will suddenly become illegal if this happens. can you imagine being busted for growing your own garlic or having a rose garden? i wish people would wake up and realize that government is not nearly as smart as they are. of course, that means taking some personal responsibility for their own lives.
did you notice that rush limbaugh is being blamed for the bulldozing flint, mi plan? it's insane. the plant was created by a city official of flint, then the obama administration asked if the plan could be carried out in 50 other cities across the county. but in this age of what the mass media reports is the truth whether or not it is true limbaugh is to be blamed.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
GM Bankruptcy to Bring Taxpayer Ownership, Less Debt (Update1) - Bloomberg.com
call a rose by a rose...it is now gov't property
GM Bankruptcy to Bring Taxpayer Ownership, Less Debt (Update1) - Bloomberg.com
Posted using ShareThis
GM Bankruptcy to Bring Taxpayer Ownership, Less Debt (Update1) - Bloomberg.com
Posted using ShareThis
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Bias Case Looms Large in Debate Over Sotomayor - washingtonpost.com
This is why quotas are an issue. Each person who took this test was an experienced firefighter. It wasn't a matter of upbringing or background that affected the outcome but of preparation. To have someone sitting on the Supreme Court who sees this as a valid ruling is detrimental to our national.
Equal opportunity means just that...equal opportunity. The opportunity was the same for all who took the test.
Bias Case Looms Large in Debate Over Sotomayor - washingtonpost.com
Posted using ShareThis
Equal opportunity means just that...equal opportunity. The opportunity was the same for all who took the test.
Bias Case Looms Large in Debate Over Sotomayor - washingtonpost.com
Posted using ShareThis
Selling Bin -- sell your used items
Got electronic equipment you need to get rid of? Then check this out:
Selling Bin -- sell your used items
Posted using ShareThis
Selling Bin -- sell your used items
Posted using ShareThis
How Much Extra Do Uninsured Americans Pay Because of the Insured?
In the past week there has been a lot of news coverage regarding the cost of the uninsured on the insured Americans. All of these articles (and the studies they site) base their information on a theoretical “invisible” tax that results from uninsured patients. These so called “invisible” taxes are increased premiums to cover what the uninsured do not pay. What this study has not taken into account is the cost of the insured on uninsured Americans.
For most Americans with insurance there is a deduction of premiums from each paycheck. Then, when making an office visit, they will pay a small copay per visit. The doctor's office then files the insurance and the rest is magically taken care of. You receive a statement showing what the office charged, what you paid, what the insurance company paid and what, if any, you owe. Examine the statements closely and you will find that the insurance company pays only 40-60% of what the physician charges, claiming the remaining amount was more than the usual and customer charge for the service. Chances are the statement will also say that you owe nothing. This means that the physician is taking a 40-60% loss on a visit by someone who is insured.
For those who are uninsured the visit must be paid at 100%. That means no drastic discount for the charges that insurance companies deem above the usual and customary charges. In addition, these charges are often required to be paid upfront.
The uninsured must also deal with the inability to get a straight answer on charges for a service. For example, about three years ago it took ten calls to find a facility that could quote charges for a standard visit and strep test. Nine facilities quoted only a flat rate to just come in and refused to quote the requested charges. These same facilities can, however, provide quotes to an insurance company if they are seeking approval on a procedure.
The answer to this issue is not in requiring all Americans to be insured but in providing a market where charges are available upfront and are the same for all customers. To force those with lower incomes to buy insurance is wrong. Many can afford an office vist. Many can afford the premiums. What they cannot afford are the premiums plus the copays and deductibles. Forcing insurance upon people benefits no one but the insurance companies.
ID-theft ruling: Set your own fraud alerts by AP: Yahoo! Tech
i have a serious problem with this ruling. have you ever tried to deal with the credit agencies? you cannot talk to a person. it takes months for them to even acknowledge you are who you say you are. then add to that the fact that it is estimated that 75% + credit reports contain errors that take excessive amounts of time and money to correct AND that three agencies who collect information on you without your direct consent control your access to everything financial...well it's bullshit!
ID-theft ruling: Set your own fraud alerts by AP: Yahoo! Tech
Posted using ShareThis
ID-theft ruling: Set your own fraud alerts by AP: Yahoo! Tech
Posted using ShareThis
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
spring and life
spring is warming up nicely...in a literal sense. i love warm weather. i feel so much more alive than i do during the winter months - all that darkness is bad for the soul. of course this spring also brought with it a sinus infection that went from bad to worse and i've had vertigo for three weeks. today was the first day i wasn't dizzy. i still had to limit myself when i felt weak but overall great progress.
i am working on updating the blog more often. i just can't decide what i want to update it with. there are so many things that interest me but still...
rehearsals are going well. i'm loving this show. the director and the actress who is alternating with me are incredible and i am learning so much just by being there.
anyway...hoping for some sun this weekend at the beach and a winning lottery ticket. hey, you never know.
i am working on updating the blog more often. i just can't decide what i want to update it with. there are so many things that interest me but still...
rehearsals are going well. i'm loving this show. the director and the actress who is alternating with me are incredible and i am learning so much just by being there.
anyway...hoping for some sun this weekend at the beach and a winning lottery ticket. hey, you never know.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Digital TV Nightmares
June 12, 2009 marks the day that all public broadcasting channels nation-wide must convert from analog to digital transmission signals. For many the transition will not even be noticeable. If you have satellite or cable you will notice nothing. But for those who receive their reception through a traditional antenna (whether or not they have a digital television) the quality of their reception will drastically decrease or completely disappear.
For over a year now broadcasters have been advertising the conversion along with the Federal Government's DTV Coupon Program (https://www.dtv2009.gov/) to assist with the cost of converter boxes for those with analog televisions. But it has only been since February that these advertisements have included information about possibly needing an additional outdoor digital antenna in order to pick up a signal. People who must purchase the additional antenna will need to know what direction to aim/align the antenna in order to pick up reception.
AntennaWeb provides a handy dandy system for determining the type of digitial antenna you will need. It is very informative-breaking down the types of antennas and their strength. The selection guide let's you put in your individual information and returns the best recommendations.
In order for your antenna to get the best reception you will need a clear line of sight for the digital signal. Check out www.dtv.com/maps to see what stations you should be able to pick up and where to angle the antenna in order to pick up the most broadcast channels with the strongest possible signal. Not all stations will be in the same general direction. In these instances viewers must pick a direction in which to align the antenna by making a choice as to which network is most valuable. Once you have your angle you will need to take a look at your surroundings to see if anything will block the signal – limbs, houses, high fences. Eliminate limbs that are too long (this may need to be done annually). Permanent structures such as houses present a different problem. Try to find a location for your antenna that will reduce their effect.
Those who have never had satellite or digital cable will quickly discover pixeling. Pixels are the tiny little squares that make up a digital signal. When a signal is weak your picture will break up into these tiny squares (pixeling). With analog signals weak reception only resulted in fuzzy pictures and you often would still receive the audio signal. With digital signals the pixeling also interrupts the audio signal. A weak signal can be caused by distance from antenna, rain, leaves, solar spots and debris on your antenna.
Storms will cause pixeling/loss of signal. This means during times when you most need access to weather information you will not have it. Plan ahead if you live in areas known for violent weather conditions. Make sure you have a battery operated weather radio,flashlights and backup batteries on hand because you will not have television reception during heavy storms. If the pixeling is caused by debris on your antenna (snow, leaves, etc) you will need to remove it but be careful. Touching the dish can move it out of alignment.
Digital reception does provide better pictures on the screen but the current systems are not ready for mass use (at least in my experience) You can live 50 miles or 5 miles from an antenna and still not receive reception. Hopefully this information will help you in your own transition.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Troy's celebrated solar house left in dark | detnews.com | The Detroit News
call me silly but a $900K home that only has 800sq ft. is not very green or economical.
Troy's celebrated solar house left in dark | detnews.com | The Detroit News
Posted using ShareThis
Troy's celebrated solar house left in dark | detnews.com | The Detroit News
Posted using ShareThis
Friday, May 15, 2009
Judge Issues Restraining Order to Halt 'Robo-Calls' Selling Auto Warranties - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Judge Issues Restraining Order to Halt 'Robo-Calls' Selling Auto Warranties - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Posted using ShareThis
this explains the decrease in calls today! hallalujah!
Posted using ShareThis
this explains the decrease in calls today! hallalujah!
Hoax: Ericsson Free Laptop Promotion - Urban Legends
Hoax: Ericsson Free Laptop Promotion - Urban Legends
Posted using ShareThis
i really wish people would think before forwarding chain emails
Posted using ShareThis
i really wish people would think before forwarding chain emails
Great Article on Eppie Lederer (Ann Landers)
I found this article while digging for info on Eppie as research for a role. It's long but a great read.
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/February-2003/Dear-Ann/
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/February-2003/Dear-Ann/
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
University of Missouri Requires Students Buy iPhone or iPod
University of Missouri Requires Students Buy iPhone or iPod
Posted using ShareThis
can you believe this? a university dean is promoting using student LOANS to finance your iPhone and iPhone service. buy now and pay for the next 20 years.
Posted using ShareThis
can you believe this? a university dean is promoting using student LOANS to finance your iPhone and iPhone service. buy now and pay for the next 20 years.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
My Car Warranty Is Expiring and I Can't Stop the Calls
I know I am not alone in this one. There is a telemarketing company that is scamming "car warranties." They call at any and all hours of the day and night. They call my home number. They call my work number. They even call my cell number. There is no live person to speak with unless you listen to the message. If you stay on the line long enough to get a live person they hang up when you say you want to be put on a Do Not Call List. If you wait for the call to end and call back the number on Caller ID you find the number is not a valid number.
I have tried filing complaints with the FCC and they always come back as not a valid complaint. I do not understand this...no way to opt out, calling cell phones, calling after hours allowed by law - all illegal.
So now I will begin posting all the numbers they call from. I will post dates and times. I will post results when trying to opt out and when filing FCC complaints. If you are having the same issues I urge you to post the same.
From: 0-1-989-637-1044
Time: 3:04PM
FCC Complaint Filed: Yes
Results of dial-back: Invalid number
Other Info: I'm not the only one who has problems with this number: http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-989-637-1044
I have tried filing complaints with the FCC and they always come back as not a valid complaint. I do not understand this...no way to opt out, calling cell phones, calling after hours allowed by law - all illegal.
So now I will begin posting all the numbers they call from. I will post dates and times. I will post results when trying to opt out and when filing FCC complaints. If you are having the same issues I urge you to post the same.
From: 0-1-989-637-1044
Time: 3:04PM
FCC Complaint Filed: Yes
Results of dial-back: Invalid number
Other Info: I'm not the only one who has problems with this number: http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-989-637-1044
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Major Lotteries
Powerball $92 million
Next drawing: Wednesday, May 6
MegaMillions: $12 million
Next Drawing: Sunday, May 10
Next drawing: Wednesday, May 6
MegaMillions: $12 million
Next Drawing: Sunday, May 10
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Hilarious Videos: Bus Pirates
http://www.buspirates.com/
Awesome web series. Funny, quirky, different!
Awesome web series. Funny, quirky, different!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
ugh! just STFU already!
fact: in 2007 over 36,000 people died from the flu and complications from the flu. over 200,000 were hospitalized. no major global panic. no state of emergency being declared.
fact: flu vaccines are always hit or miss. researchers try to guess the strain that will be prevalent. if they guess correct the vaccine works. if they don't...well it is not an exact science.
fact: it takes seven to ten days for tamiflu to work. it takes seven to ten days for the flu to run its course.
fact: in 2009 politicians and the media have determined the best course of action is to keep us sheeples in a constant state of fear over a flu outbreak.
before you buy into the hysteria please think about it. yes, be smart and do the same things you do during flu season. but do not lock yourself up in a sealed safe room and horde all the milk and bread.
fact: flu vaccines are always hit or miss. researchers try to guess the strain that will be prevalent. if they guess correct the vaccine works. if they don't...well it is not an exact science.
fact: it takes seven to ten days for tamiflu to work. it takes seven to ten days for the flu to run its course.
fact: in 2009 politicians and the media have determined the best course of action is to keep us sheeples in a constant state of fear over a flu outbreak.
before you buy into the hysteria please think about it. yes, be smart and do the same things you do during flu season. but do not lock yourself up in a sealed safe room and horde all the milk and bread.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
why i buy lottery tickets
you know a lot of people are against lotteries. they see them as a form of gambling or a total waste of money. they fear people will become addicted to buying the tickets. they claim that only the poor buy them (shades of 1984?). but not me.
when i buy a lottery ticket i am fully aware that the odds of my winning are small and the odds of my winning big are astronomically smaller! but the ticket costs me a buck. and it saves me the calories of a coke, a candy bar or a bag of chips (who says lotteries aren't healthy).
the reason i buy the tickets is simple...i'm buying a week or two of a fantasy. a week or two where i can daydream about what it would be like to have so much money that i never have to worry about money again. it is the daydream of free time, family time, education, time to work out, time to volunteer. it is the daydream of paying my bills without having to chose what not to pay. it is the daydream of my family being taken care of no matter what.
those dreams are worth the price of a $1 ticket for powerball or megamillions.
hope springs eternal and while my chances are not great the dreams are worth it.
now to go buy more tickets!
when i buy a lottery ticket i am fully aware that the odds of my winning are small and the odds of my winning big are astronomically smaller! but the ticket costs me a buck. and it saves me the calories of a coke, a candy bar or a bag of chips (who says lotteries aren't healthy).
the reason i buy the tickets is simple...i'm buying a week or two of a fantasy. a week or two where i can daydream about what it would be like to have so much money that i never have to worry about money again. it is the daydream of free time, family time, education, time to work out, time to volunteer. it is the daydream of paying my bills without having to chose what not to pay. it is the daydream of my family being taken care of no matter what.
those dreams are worth the price of a $1 ticket for powerball or megamillions.
hope springs eternal and while my chances are not great the dreams are worth it.
now to go buy more tickets!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Living Documents - Reality or BS?
I am not a fan of politically correct speech. I am even less of a fan of corporate doublespeak. Unfortunately in today's world the speech of both creep into every crevice of ours lives.
One of my least favorite words/phrase is "Living Document" (aka Dynamic Document). The technical definition of this term is:
So in the simplest terms a living document is a document that says what I say it says today. That means if I decide tomorrow that it means crackers and edit this post to say it means cracker that it means crackers.
Living documents are bullshit. Our Constitution (probably most often cited as a living document) is no such thing. Our founding fathers were educated men who knew and understood the law. They knew what they were writing when they wrote it. And the original text, when read with standard definitions and understanding states exactly what they wanted it to mean. There is no need for reinterpretations by our judicial system.
All men are created equal...yes they are. We do not need laws saying specific groups are equal. It's already there.
We have a right to bear arms...yep, that means we have the right to own guns.
free speech? no permit needed. no special free speech zones required.
get the picture.
the same theories apply to the corporate world. you know contracts are now living documents. that means they aren't worth the paper they are written on. misson statements look great and impressive but rarely say anything of true substance.
why can't we just say what we mean? why can't we believe that something written over 200 years ago is simple and straightforward?
One of my least favorite words/phrase is "Living Document" (aka Dynamic Document). The technical definition of this term is:
A living document or dynamic document is a document which may be continually edited and updated by either a limited or unrestricted group.
So in the simplest terms a living document is a document that says what I say it says today. That means if I decide tomorrow that it means crackers and edit this post to say it means cracker that it means crackers.
Living documents are bullshit. Our Constitution (probably most often cited as a living document) is no such thing. Our founding fathers were educated men who knew and understood the law. They knew what they were writing when they wrote it. And the original text, when read with standard definitions and understanding states exactly what they wanted it to mean. There is no need for reinterpretations by our judicial system.
All men are created equal...yes they are. We do not need laws saying specific groups are equal. It's already there.
We have a right to bear arms...yep, that means we have the right to own guns.
free speech? no permit needed. no special free speech zones required.
get the picture.
the same theories apply to the corporate world. you know contracts are now living documents. that means they aren't worth the paper they are written on. misson statements look great and impressive but rarely say anything of true substance.
why can't we just say what we mean? why can't we believe that something written over 200 years ago is simple and straightforward?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Why YouTube is Not for the Criminally Stupid
Seven people were arrested for arson in Maine after posting video of their crime on YouTube.
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090402/ap_on_hi_te/arson_youtube
Does anyone remember the Simpson's episode where the bully kids were doing the same thing? They stole several items and videotaped themselves driving down the street with them. In this day and age you would think that people would be more aware of what videotaping an action can do.
Dumbass criminals.
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090402/ap_on_hi_te/arson_youtube
Does anyone remember the Simpson's episode where the bully kids were doing the same thing? They stole several items and videotaped themselves driving down the street with them. In this day and age you would think that people would be more aware of what videotaping an action can do.
Dumbass criminals.
Friday, March 27, 2009
But Michael Moore Did It! Why Are Dems Afraid of "HIllary: The Movie?"
The Supreme Court heard arguments this week over whether or not a new documentary about Hillary Clinton violated campaign laws. The argument for the documentary being an ad was that its distribution was financed by a conservative group.
At risk is our freedom of speech and our freedom of opinion. The film is extremely critical of Clinton. It looks into many of her claims of experience. It questions her involvement in document events involving her husband. In other words the picture it paints ain't so pretty. It is this fact that has liberals and dems up in arms.
Of course these same liberals and dems were all for Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11, a documentary (barely) that was exremely critical of former President George W. Bush. In their eyes criticizing the opposition is fair but criticizing one of their own violates the law.
Unfortunately a panel of Federal Judges did agree with them which is why this case is now before the Supreme Court.
People wake up. This is your world that is changing. It may seem like a small thing but most things start small. It is the easiest way to take something away from someone with their ever-loving consent. Do not support this. Whether the film is critical of Bush or Clinton we have a right to decide whether to see it or not.
At risk is our freedom of speech and our freedom of opinion. The film is extremely critical of Clinton. It looks into many of her claims of experience. It questions her involvement in document events involving her husband. In other words the picture it paints ain't so pretty. It is this fact that has liberals and dems up in arms.
Of course these same liberals and dems were all for Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11, a documentary (barely) that was exremely critical of former President George W. Bush. In their eyes criticizing the opposition is fair but criticizing one of their own violates the law.
Unfortunately a panel of Federal Judges did agree with them which is why this case is now before the Supreme Court.
People wake up. This is your world that is changing. It may seem like a small thing but most things start small. It is the easiest way to take something away from someone with their ever-loving consent. Do not support this. Whether the film is critical of Bush or Clinton we have a right to decide whether to see it or not.
Monday, March 23, 2009
out of the darkness
daylight savings time has returned. it has taken me a little time to readjust to it but i'm getting there. the best part is the extra daylight at the end of the day. i don't think most people realize the effect of the darkness of winter on their moods. for me it is horrible. once the days begin getting shorter the dread begins building. and when time falls back it is even worse. instant darkness. and the days grow shorter and shorter until the solstice. my body feels the solstice. it knows when the longest day of darkness occurs. after that the darkness (and my winter blues) slowly begin to recede.
so the past couple of weeks have been spent absorbing as much of this extra light as i can. i love it.
so the past couple of weeks have been spent absorbing as much of this extra light as i can. i love it.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
HP Mini - A Non-Technical Review for the Non-Technical User
For the past week I have been using a HP Mini -basically a netbook. A netbook is a laptop notebook that is about the size of a large Day Planner - only thinner and lighter. Generally netbooks do not come with a cd/dvd drive of any kind. They do have multiple USB ports. This model is no different. There are two USB ports and a serial port. There's another area for hookup but it doesn't open when pushed and I just haven't been in the mood to mess with it. It's probably hookups for media (ie flash cards).
The hard drive is sufficently large (102 gigs) and the installed memory is 2 gigs. The system has built in Wi-Fi (love it). The OS is Vista.
The system can be a little slow loading at start up but if you put it into sleep or hibernate it loads very quickly.
Productivity includes a trial version of MS Office. I opted to install Open Office instead. It's free (they do ask for a donation and will be getting one) and will open MS Office docs. The catch is sending Open Office docs to others. You have to make certain you save it in the right format for others to be able to open.
I also opted not to use Outlook or IE and installed Thunderbird and Firefox. I am quite happy with both of these. They are similar enough to MS products to make using them very easy.
The biggest adjustments with the Mini are the keyboard and the screen. The keys are actually spaced perfectly for my hands...except for the space bar. I'm used to have a lot of space for my thumbs at the space bar and the confined thumb space takes some getting used to.
The screen is small and if you have bad vision you will need to use the accessibility options in order to increase the size of objects on the screen. Even with good vision the screen can be challenging if you are tired.
The whole system fits easily within a normal woman's purse but I'd still recommend getting a carrier of some sort. It also heats up a lot on the side with the power button so I purchased a cooling pad (would recommend you do the same).
I'm not going into specs any more than I have. Unless youare really into computers the specs will basically mean nothing to you but I will post the link to the HP site at the bottom of this review. My review is basically for people looking for a "laptop" that is easy to use and convenient to carry and this is it.
Overall I'm loving this HP Mini better than my old laptop.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/mini/
The hard drive is sufficently large (102 gigs) and the installed memory is 2 gigs. The system has built in Wi-Fi (love it). The OS is Vista.
The system can be a little slow loading at start up but if you put it into sleep or hibernate it loads very quickly.
Productivity includes a trial version of MS Office. I opted to install Open Office instead. It's free (they do ask for a donation and will be getting one) and will open MS Office docs. The catch is sending Open Office docs to others. You have to make certain you save it in the right format for others to be able to open.
I also opted not to use Outlook or IE and installed Thunderbird and Firefox. I am quite happy with both of these. They are similar enough to MS products to make using them very easy.
The biggest adjustments with the Mini are the keyboard and the screen. The keys are actually spaced perfectly for my hands...except for the space bar. I'm used to have a lot of space for my thumbs at the space bar and the confined thumb space takes some getting used to.
The screen is small and if you have bad vision you will need to use the accessibility options in order to increase the size of objects on the screen. Even with good vision the screen can be challenging if you are tired.
The whole system fits easily within a normal woman's purse but I'd still recommend getting a carrier of some sort. It also heats up a lot on the side with the power button so I purchased a cooling pad (would recommend you do the same).
I'm not going into specs any more than I have. Unless youare really into computers the specs will basically mean nothing to you but I will post the link to the HP site at the bottom of this review. My review is basically for people looking for a "laptop" that is easy to use and convenient to carry and this is it.
Overall I'm loving this HP Mini better than my old laptop.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/mini/
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
AIG Bonuses Face Possible 100% Tax
So today's congressional and presidential tirades involve the bonuses paid to AIG employees, bonuses that were to be paid according to contractual agreements reached before the government bailout. Now our whiny leaders want that money back (money that was accounted for before the bailout) and have decided if those receiving the bonuses do not give it back then they will take it by passing retroactive laws that collect 100% of the bonuses for taxes.
People this is not rocket science. The government is taking money they are not entitled to and are using the cry of "it belongs to the taxpayer" to drum up support. The problem is no taxpayer will receive any of the money that is returned.
People wake up. Your rights are being stripped. Your freedom of choice is being stripped. Your ability to take care of yourself...well the government would prefer that you allow them to do that.
People this is not rocket science. The government is taking money they are not entitled to and are using the cry of "it belongs to the taxpayer" to drum up support. The problem is no taxpayer will receive any of the money that is returned.
People wake up. Your rights are being stripped. Your freedom of choice is being stripped. Your ability to take care of yourself...well the government would prefer that you allow them to do that.
Monday, March 16, 2009
What the F#@k?
This is a story I first heard about on the Dominick Bracia Show on 960AM WERC. Our fearless leader is proposing that our military men and women pay for injuries sustained in war with their own private insurance.
The link below is a blog entry I found referencing this same story:
http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2009/03/proposal-to-have-soldiers-pay-for-war.html
Does this moron not realize that our military is made up of volunteers who believe in this country and what it stands for? Does he not realize the sacrifices made daily by each of these men and women, along with their husbands, wives, and children?
Does he expect a soldier who has been shot or hit my shrapnel to pull out an insurance card IN THE FIELD and sign documentation verifying the insurance coverage or does he expect them to pull out a credit card and have a credit check run before being treated? Will they be turned awayu from field hospitals if they have no means to pay?
The absurdity of this plan is beyond comprehension.
The link below is a blog entry I found referencing this same story:
http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2009/03/proposal-to-have-soldiers-pay-for-war.html
Does this moron not realize that our military is made up of volunteers who believe in this country and what it stands for? Does he not realize the sacrifices made daily by each of these men and women, along with their husbands, wives, and children?
Does he expect a soldier who has been shot or hit my shrapnel to pull out an insurance card IN THE FIELD and sign documentation verifying the insurance coverage or does he expect them to pull out a credit card and have a credit check run before being treated? Will they be turned awayu from field hospitals if they have no means to pay?
The absurdity of this plan is beyond comprehension.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Product Review - Net10 Prepaid Phone Service
I hate contracts, especially cell phone contracts. The offers look so great: get a free (or reduced cost) phone at some wonderful rate IF you sign up for two years of service. Then you get your bill and there are all the added fees which easily amount to a 20% increase in the total cost of your bill. That wonderful rate begins to look like a trap.
This is why I have primarily stuck with prepaid phones. I am always careful in researching my plans. Many prepaids offer unlimited calling of some sort but their daily access charges will run your costs up just like any regular plan. Coverage can be limited.
Then there is Net10. I found Net10 a little over three years ago. There plan is simple...$.10/minute for any call and $.05/minute for texts. The coverage map looked ok. No catches on the outside of the packaging. I bought it. It didn't take long to activate the phone (minutes really). I quickly found I had service where others didn't. Net10 runs off of any tower anywhere. This translates into great coverage, better than the big players.
My original phone was a nice flip phone that, while not latest and greatest, had enough bells and whistles to satisfy me. It was also very sturdy (surviving many drops and falls). My second phone was not as advanced as the first BUT the cost of the phone was absolutely nothing due to the phone coming with a package of minutes that equaled the cost of the phone. This phone also survived rough treatment.
I recently upgraded to my third phone. I wanted the camera and calendar functions and web access is an option (but I haven't used it). I'm liking the phone. I hate the preloaded ringtones but am too cheap to buy new ringtones. This upgrade was the first time that I was disappointed in the activation time of Net10. The phone was activated within the 72 hour window but I was accustomed to immediate activations. Two days without access was hell.
Customer service is sketchy. Their line is overseas and even with a well-trained staff there is a cultural barrier when talking. Americans use lots of euphamisms that do not translate well. The service reps are good as long as the call goes according to their guide pages. Anything said outside of the guides will throw them.
Rather new to Net10 is the unlimited text/calling plan. At $80/month it is a great deal if you use more than 800 minutes a month. Net10 has also added month to month prepay plans that deduct the monthly fee from an account or credit card automatically-still with no contract.
The phones are still a couple of years behind the newest phones on the market but who cares. The data plan is about the same. Given a little time I am sure Net10 will find a way to be more competitive in these areas.
Other than a few customer service issues and gadget envy this is the best prepaid (actually one of the best all around) plans out there.
This is why I have primarily stuck with prepaid phones. I am always careful in researching my plans. Many prepaids offer unlimited calling of some sort but their daily access charges will run your costs up just like any regular plan. Coverage can be limited.
Then there is Net10. I found Net10 a little over three years ago. There plan is simple...$.10/minute for any call and $.05/minute for texts. The coverage map looked ok. No catches on the outside of the packaging. I bought it. It didn't take long to activate the phone (minutes really). I quickly found I had service where others didn't. Net10 runs off of any tower anywhere. This translates into great coverage, better than the big players.
My original phone was a nice flip phone that, while not latest and greatest, had enough bells and whistles to satisfy me. It was also very sturdy (surviving many drops and falls). My second phone was not as advanced as the first BUT the cost of the phone was absolutely nothing due to the phone coming with a package of minutes that equaled the cost of the phone. This phone also survived rough treatment.
I recently upgraded to my third phone. I wanted the camera and calendar functions and web access is an option (but I haven't used it). I'm liking the phone. I hate the preloaded ringtones but am too cheap to buy new ringtones. This upgrade was the first time that I was disappointed in the activation time of Net10. The phone was activated within the 72 hour window but I was accustomed to immediate activations. Two days without access was hell.
Customer service is sketchy. Their line is overseas and even with a well-trained staff there is a cultural barrier when talking. Americans use lots of euphamisms that do not translate well. The service reps are good as long as the call goes according to their guide pages. Anything said outside of the guides will throw them.
Rather new to Net10 is the unlimited text/calling plan. At $80/month it is a great deal if you use more than 800 minutes a month. Net10 has also added month to month prepay plans that deduct the monthly fee from an account or credit card automatically-still with no contract.
The phones are still a couple of years behind the newest phones on the market but who cares. The data plan is about the same. Given a little time I am sure Net10 will find a way to be more competitive in these areas.
Other than a few customer service issues and gadget envy this is the best prepaid (actually one of the best all around) plans out there.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Stupid Medicial "Professionals"
I had a visit with a specialist today. I was excited because the reason I was going needed tending to. Friends and coworkers had recommended this office and seemed to be pleased with the service they received. I guess I went to the alternate universe office.
You walk in and no one greets you, says hello or even asks what you want. Approximately 10 minutes later it was time to be acknowledged...still no hello just "do you have your paperwork?" My appointment time came and went. And went. Well, it just left the building.
Over an hour later I was escorted back by the triage nurse. She did ask my symptoms, stuffed a paper thermometer into my mouth before I could reply and started to take my blood pressure. I told her through the thermometer that the cuff would not work because of the size of my arm but the idiot insisted it would. I said that it would be too tight and give a false reading. She proceeded with it anyway. The cuff grew tighter and tighter and tighter, cutting off circulation and creating an intense pain in my arm. I told her it was doing that and she said it was ok. It grew tighter then finally started letting off. I've had my blood pressure taken many time and I know what it sounds like when the machine is done. The machine was done. I shook my arm and the bitch told me that I screwed it up. She became very short with me from that point on.
Flash forward to the end of the appointment. I'm setting up a followup visit and they put the paperwork in front of me and this bitch had written on it that "patient refused to have blood pressure taken." I grabbed someone and pointed out that was not what had happened. I explained what happened. They didn't seem too concerned.
My point? If you are a medical "professional" and a patient tells you something you should listen. You do not know everything. You are not a god because you have some kind of degree. In fact, when a patient tells you something and you summarily dismiss it you show a lack of training, education and intelligence (not mention a total lack of human decency). Your books will not tell you everything you need to know. Much of what you need to know comes from paying attention.
A comment will be sent to the office stating the above. The nurse needs further training or else she needs a different career.
You walk in and no one greets you, says hello or even asks what you want. Approximately 10 minutes later it was time to be acknowledged...still no hello just "do you have your paperwork?" My appointment time came and went. And went. Well, it just left the building.
Over an hour later I was escorted back by the triage nurse. She did ask my symptoms, stuffed a paper thermometer into my mouth before I could reply and started to take my blood pressure. I told her through the thermometer that the cuff would not work because of the size of my arm but the idiot insisted it would. I said that it would be too tight and give a false reading. She proceeded with it anyway. The cuff grew tighter and tighter and tighter, cutting off circulation and creating an intense pain in my arm. I told her it was doing that and she said it was ok. It grew tighter then finally started letting off. I've had my blood pressure taken many time and I know what it sounds like when the machine is done. The machine was done. I shook my arm and the bitch told me that I screwed it up. She became very short with me from that point on.
Flash forward to the end of the appointment. I'm setting up a followup visit and they put the paperwork in front of me and this bitch had written on it that "patient refused to have blood pressure taken." I grabbed someone and pointed out that was not what had happened. I explained what happened. They didn't seem too concerned.
My point? If you are a medical "professional" and a patient tells you something you should listen. You do not know everything. You are not a god because you have some kind of degree. In fact, when a patient tells you something and you summarily dismiss it you show a lack of training, education and intelligence (not mention a total lack of human decency). Your books will not tell you everything you need to know. Much of what you need to know comes from paying attention.
A comment will be sent to the office stating the above. The nurse needs further training or else she needs a different career.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Sickness of Fairness
Over the past few months we have seen a dramatic increase in our government's insistence that certain industries be run fairly. We've seen orders to loan money to those who can't pay it back. We've seen caps on salaries. We've seen the expansion of government oversight in so many areas it is scary.
Unfortunately it is not limited to our country. Two islands in the Caribbean (French colonies) are crying "foul" and "unfair" over similar things. The islands residents think that food is overpriced as compared to the mainland (did anyone think about the cost of getting the food to the island?). http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090222/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_french_caribbean_roots_of_unrest
This whole attitude of something for nothing is becoming tiresome. People need to learn that is more helpful to get a hand up instead of a handout.
There is an old saying, ""Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Our world is caught up in the first sentence. We are in a cycle of feeding everyone without teaching them to feed themselves. What happens when those who can feed can longer afford to feed others? Do they starve? Or will they learn to fish?
Unfortunately it is not limited to our country. Two islands in the Caribbean (French colonies) are crying "foul" and "unfair" over similar things. The islands residents think that food is overpriced as compared to the mainland (did anyone think about the cost of getting the food to the island?). http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090222/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_french_caribbean_roots_of_unrest
This whole attitude of something for nothing is becoming tiresome. People need to learn that is more helpful to get a hand up instead of a handout.
There is an old saying, ""Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Our world is caught up in the first sentence. We are in a cycle of feeding everyone without teaching them to feed themselves. What happens when those who can feed can longer afford to feed others? Do they starve? Or will they learn to fish?
Friday, February 20, 2009
you know you're a socialist when...
a hard-line communist warns you against turning to more government...
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/02/putin_warns_us_to_eschew_socia.html
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/02/putin_warns_us_to_eschew_socia.html
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The South Beach Diet Phase 1
Two weeks. Two weeks on phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. This phase is designed to break the addiction to sugar. If you don't believe it's an addiction spend a few days on this and you will. The first couple of days were hideous. I wanted burgers. I wanted bread. I wanted tortillas. I wanted chocolate. This subsided after about day three. The diet became easier. Then came the day when I either didn't eat enough or didn't eat soon enough. My blood sugar dropped drastically. I was dizzy and tired. The next day (after eating a lot more) I was fine. I continued to have issues with low blood sugar throughout the remainder of Phase 1. I was irritable, angry, sad, defeated...basically it was the equivalent of PMS squared. I did have a couple of days where the drop was so low I had to add a carb back in to counter the problem.
At this point I am able to add in some carbs. I feel like I can continue Phase 2 as long as necessary to lose what I want to lose. I did lose enough to make my close fith better and to wear a bra that had become uncomfortable (it isnt any more).
So far? If you want to lose weight try this. If you do not regularly see a doctor I would recommend going in for blood sugar levels before beginning Phase 1.
At this point I am able to add in some carbs. I feel like I can continue Phase 2 as long as necessary to lose what I want to lose. I did lose enough to make my close fith better and to wear a bra that had become uncomfortable (it isnt any more).
So far? If you want to lose weight try this. If you do not regularly see a doctor I would recommend going in for blood sugar levels before beginning Phase 1.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
random points in the stimulus bill passed by the house
WIC:
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE 14
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR 15
WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) 16
For an additional amount for the special supple- 17
mental nutrition program as authorized by section 17 of 18
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), 19
$100,000,000, for the purposes specified in section 20
17(h)(10)(B)(ii) for the Secretary of Agriculture to pro- 21
vide assistance to State agencies to implement new man- 22
agement information systems or improve existing manage- 23
ment information systems for the program. 24
Please read carefully...none of this money is going to assist anyone. It is going to IT. $100M for IT for a program that could use that money to help a lot of people.
**********
Administrative Expenses for Food Benefits
(c) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— 15
(1) IN GENERAL.—For the costs of State ad- 16
ministrative expenses associated with carrying out 17
this section, the Secretary shall make available 18
$150,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, 19
to remain available through September 30, 2012, of 20
which $4,500,000 is for necessary expenses of the 21
Food and Nutrition Service for management and 22
oversight of the program and for monitoring the in- 23
tegrity and evaluating the effects of the payments 24
made under this section. 25
People, that is $150 MILLION to tell you your benefits have been extended. Don't you think the increase in your check would clue you in.
******
More government jobs...
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION 9
ADMINISTRATION 10
SALARIES AND EXPENSES 11
For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries and Ex- 12
penses’’, $350,000,000, to remain available until Sep- 13
tember 30, 2011: Provided, That funds shall be available 14
to establish the State Broadband Data and Development 15
Grant Program, as authorized by Public Law 110–385, 16
for the development and implementation of statewide ini- 17
tiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption 18
of broadband services within each State, and to develop 19
and maintain a nationwide broadband inventory map, as 20
authorized by section 3101 of this Act. 21
******
ok, this thing is long and boring. needless to say much of what is included falls under "administrative" costs and statistical studies that are pointless. the whole doc is app 260 pages long.
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE 14
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR 15
WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) 16
For an additional amount for the special supple- 17
mental nutrition program as authorized by section 17 of 18
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), 19
$100,000,000, for the purposes specified in section 20
17(h)(10)(B)(ii) for the Secretary of Agriculture to pro- 21
vide assistance to State agencies to implement new man- 22
agement information systems or improve existing manage- 23
ment information systems for the program. 24
Please read carefully...none of this money is going to assist anyone. It is going to IT. $100M for IT for a program that could use that money to help a lot of people.
**********
Administrative Expenses for Food Benefits
(c) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— 15
(1) IN GENERAL.—For the costs of State ad- 16
ministrative expenses associated with carrying out 17
this section, the Secretary shall make available 18
$150,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, 19
to remain available through September 30, 2012, of 20
which $4,500,000 is for necessary expenses of the 21
Food and Nutrition Service for management and 22
oversight of the program and for monitoring the in- 23
tegrity and evaluating the effects of the payments 24
made under this section. 25
People, that is $150 MILLION to tell you your benefits have been extended. Don't you think the increase in your check would clue you in.
******
More government jobs...
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION 9
ADMINISTRATION 10
SALARIES AND EXPENSES 11
For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries and Ex- 12
penses’’, $350,000,000, to remain available until Sep- 13
tember 30, 2011: Provided, That funds shall be available 14
to establish the State Broadband Data and Development 15
Grant Program, as authorized by Public Law 110–385, 16
for the development and implementation of statewide ini- 17
tiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption 18
of broadband services within each State, and to develop 19
and maintain a nationwide broadband inventory map, as 20
authorized by section 3101 of this Act. 21
******
ok, this thing is long and boring. needless to say much of what is included falls under "administrative" costs and statistical studies that are pointless. the whole doc is app 260 pages long.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Fear
Today has been an exhausting day. The "economy" reared its ugly head in my world again and the fear of losing a job dominated my morning. I understand that businesses are struggling right now and I understand that cuts must be made. However intellectual understand is easily triumphed by emotions such as fear.
For many people in my demographic this situation is a first. For me it is nothing more than recollections of my childhood. I know from personal experience what plant closings and layoffs can do to a family. I know the stressfulness of the situation affects every member of a family. On one hand I do not see that it is beneficial for the situation to be explained to children. On the other I see no better way to handle it other than complete and total honesty. But I digress. You see I have no children to worry about.
I do have to worry about myself and my significant other. How will we pay the bills if one of us loses our job? Will we be able to keep a roof over our head? What can we cut that is truly a want instead of a need? We have chosen to prepare for the worst. Our "fun" is now going to be limited. Instead we are going to save for a rainy day. We will substitute eating out for home cooked and bagged lunches much more often.
As the day worn on a calmness came over me as I realized that I have been through this before and you know what...I survived. We all survived. I realized the advantage I have over many in that I do know the legal types of work to look for to survive until this passes (should the situation come to that). I know that right now I have the tools to make a living (a much smaller living) if only I am willing to work hard.
So fear had its time with me today. Fear is still with me to some degree. But certainty that anything that comes along is only temporary (be it good or bad) is conquering that fear. And that, my friends, is the key to recovering from this so called recession.
Never forget that your destiny is largely your choice.
For many people in my demographic this situation is a first. For me it is nothing more than recollections of my childhood. I know from personal experience what plant closings and layoffs can do to a family. I know the stressfulness of the situation affects every member of a family. On one hand I do not see that it is beneficial for the situation to be explained to children. On the other I see no better way to handle it other than complete and total honesty. But I digress. You see I have no children to worry about.
I do have to worry about myself and my significant other. How will we pay the bills if one of us loses our job? Will we be able to keep a roof over our head? What can we cut that is truly a want instead of a need? We have chosen to prepare for the worst. Our "fun" is now going to be limited. Instead we are going to save for a rainy day. We will substitute eating out for home cooked and bagged lunches much more often.
As the day worn on a calmness came over me as I realized that I have been through this before and you know what...I survived. We all survived. I realized the advantage I have over many in that I do know the legal types of work to look for to survive until this passes (should the situation come to that). I know that right now I have the tools to make a living (a much smaller living) if only I am willing to work hard.
So fear had its time with me today. Fear is still with me to some degree. But certainty that anything that comes along is only temporary (be it good or bad) is conquering that fear. And that, my friends, is the key to recovering from this so called recession.
Never forget that your destiny is largely your choice.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Declaration of Independence
Americans have become extremely lax in knowing their history. The documents that founded our great nation are being pushed further and further from our view. It is my goal to publish a new document each week. I hope that you will read these documents and understand the wisdom of our founding fathers. I hope that you will find it within you to uphold these documents to the best of your ability. I hope that you will see that freedom isn't always free or easy. I hope that you will realize that some sacrifices make for a better future.
The following text is provided from http://www.constitution.org/usdeclar.txt
Declaration of Independence
[Adopted in Congress 4 July 1776]
The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to
dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to
assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to
which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect
to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes
which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that
among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure
these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of
government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people
to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its
foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to
them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence,
indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed
for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown
that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than
to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the
same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is
their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide
new guards for their future security. -- Such has been the patient
sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains
them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present
King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all
having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these
states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and
necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate
and pressing importance, unless suspended in their
operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so
suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation
of large districts of people, unless those people would
relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a
right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual,
uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their
public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into
compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for
opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of
the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to
cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers,
incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at
large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantime
exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and
convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these
states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for
naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to
encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions
of new appropriations of lands.
He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing
his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.
He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the
tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their
salaries.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither
swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their
substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies
without the consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the military independent of and
superior to civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction
foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our
laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for
any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants
of these states:
For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by
jury:
For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended
offenses:
For abolishing the free system of English laws in a
neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary
government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it
at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the
same absolute rule in these colonies:
For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable
laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our
governments:
For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring
themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all
cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of
his protection and waging war against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned
our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign
mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation
and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty
and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages,
and totally unworthy of the head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the
high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the
executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall
themselves by their hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has
endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the
merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is
undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and
conditions.
In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the
most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by
repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which
may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have
warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an
unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the
circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to
their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties
of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably
interrupt our connections and correspondence. We must, therefore, acquiesce
in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold
the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in
General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for
the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of
the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these
united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states;
that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that
all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and
ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they
have full power to levey war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish
commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may
of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance
on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our
lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.
The following text is provided from http://www.constitution.org/usdeclar.txt
Declaration of Independence
[Adopted in Congress 4 July 1776]
The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to
dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to
assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to
which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect
to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes
which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that
among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure
these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of
government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people
to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its
foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to
them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence,
indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed
for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown
that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than
to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the
same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is
their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide
new guards for their future security. -- Such has been the patient
sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains
them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present
King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all
having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these
states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and
necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate
and pressing importance, unless suspended in their
operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so
suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation
of large districts of people, unless those people would
relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a
right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual,
uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their
public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into
compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for
opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of
the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to
cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers,
incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at
large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantime
exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and
convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these
states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for
naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to
encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions
of new appropriations of lands.
He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing
his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.
He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the
tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their
salaries.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither
swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their
substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies
without the consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the military independent of and
superior to civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction
foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our
laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for
any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants
of these states:
For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by
jury:
For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended
offenses:
For abolishing the free system of English laws in a
neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary
government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it
at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the
same absolute rule in these colonies:
For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable
laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our
governments:
For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring
themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all
cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of
his protection and waging war against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned
our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign
mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation
and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty
and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages,
and totally unworthy of the head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the
high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the
executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall
themselves by their hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has
endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the
merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is
undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and
conditions.
In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the
most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by
repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which
may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have
warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an
unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the
circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to
their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties
of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably
interrupt our connections and correspondence. We must, therefore, acquiesce
in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold
the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in
General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for
the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of
the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these
united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states;
that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that
all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and
ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they
have full power to levey war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish
commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may
of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance
on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our
lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.
Random Political Thoughts Over the Past Couple of Weeks
Funniest Radio Interview: Ann Coulture on Rush Limbaugh. She constantly referred to the President as B. Hussain Obama.
Local Political Insanity: City of Birmingham and the Jefferson County Commission
Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford gave the State of the City speech this week. His solution to the city's problems: repave the roads and add fountains. Lots and lots and lots of fountains. And a domed stadium. We must have a domed stadium.
A little background on Langford. He's the former mayor of Fairfield, AL and a former county commissioner. During his tenure as mayor he lead Fairfield (and several surrounding communities) to near bankruptcy. He served on the JeffCo Commission during the sewer bond issue. The bond issue was built on adjustable rate loans which spiked during the last few years and have lead Jefferson County to the verge of bankruptcy.
And this leads us to the Jefferson County Commission. The county is almost a year behind on the sewer debt payments. At one point they were going to raise water and sewer rates to almost $400/month for residents. They are also trying to charge non-users for not using the system. In their latest meeting the Commissioners voted to spen $1M on a lobbiest to send to Washington to plead for money from the Feds. The vote was taken during an outburst in the meeting with some commissioners unaware the vote was happening.
A rare positive remark about our new President: The push to move back the digital conversion date is a great idea. Not only are many Americans not ready for the conversion but many local networks are not ready also. Broadcast signals are week to non-existant. The full impact of this conversion will render many more homes without broadcast networks than estimated due to the weakness of digital signals. Now if he (or someone) will push for public education on the issue that goes beyond "buy a converter box."
I wish everyone would contact their senators and representatives and tell them to repeal the stimulus package. Is $1000 in your pocket worth generations of debt? How do you think the package will be paid for? There are only three choices: increase taxes, borrow the money or print money that is worthless. None of these options will help the economy. Reducing taxes and putting more money into your pockets will stimulate the economy.
If you fear losing your job take a look around. Count the number of products you pick up before you find one made in America. A nation where the majority of jobs are service jobs cannot survive. We need to bring back the spirit that built this nation: innovation and invention. We need to take pride in our work. We need to both expect and ACCEPT an honest day's wage for an honest day's work. We need to realize that most of our "needs" are truly "wants."
Media bias much? Mr. Bush verses President Obama
My bias against President Obama is not racial. It is philosophical. I do understand the significance of his election but I truly hope he was elected based on principle and not on skin color because if skin color was the reason then the Civil Rights movement failed terribly. I do hope his time in office proves me wrong. I hope the best for his presidency. My hope is limited though, socialism always fails.
Local Political Insanity: City of Birmingham and the Jefferson County Commission
Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford gave the State of the City speech this week. His solution to the city's problems: repave the roads and add fountains. Lots and lots and lots of fountains. And a domed stadium. We must have a domed stadium.
A little background on Langford. He's the former mayor of Fairfield, AL and a former county commissioner. During his tenure as mayor he lead Fairfield (and several surrounding communities) to near bankruptcy. He served on the JeffCo Commission during the sewer bond issue. The bond issue was built on adjustable rate loans which spiked during the last few years and have lead Jefferson County to the verge of bankruptcy.
And this leads us to the Jefferson County Commission. The county is almost a year behind on the sewer debt payments. At one point they were going to raise water and sewer rates to almost $400/month for residents. They are also trying to charge non-users for not using the system. In their latest meeting the Commissioners voted to spen $1M on a lobbiest to send to Washington to plead for money from the Feds. The vote was taken during an outburst in the meeting with some commissioners unaware the vote was happening.
A rare positive remark about our new President: The push to move back the digital conversion date is a great idea. Not only are many Americans not ready for the conversion but many local networks are not ready also. Broadcast signals are week to non-existant. The full impact of this conversion will render many more homes without broadcast networks than estimated due to the weakness of digital signals. Now if he (or someone) will push for public education on the issue that goes beyond "buy a converter box."
I wish everyone would contact their senators and representatives and tell them to repeal the stimulus package. Is $1000 in your pocket worth generations of debt? How do you think the package will be paid for? There are only three choices: increase taxes, borrow the money or print money that is worthless. None of these options will help the economy. Reducing taxes and putting more money into your pockets will stimulate the economy.
If you fear losing your job take a look around. Count the number of products you pick up before you find one made in America. A nation where the majority of jobs are service jobs cannot survive. We need to bring back the spirit that built this nation: innovation and invention. We need to take pride in our work. We need to both expect and ACCEPT an honest day's wage for an honest day's work. We need to realize that most of our "needs" are truly "wants."
Media bias much? Mr. Bush verses President Obama
My bias against President Obama is not racial. It is philosophical. I do understand the significance of his election but I truly hope he was elected based on principle and not on skin color because if skin color was the reason then the Civil Rights movement failed terribly. I do hope his time in office proves me wrong. I hope the best for his presidency. My hope is limited though, socialism always fails.
TV Catch-Up
JACK IS BACK!!! Taking a year off seems to have worked wonders for 24. The show is fresher, tighter and more exciting than it has been in several seasons. The writers made a good choice moving the scene to DC. Honestly, could we really have done another season in LA (especially since the last time we were there a nuke was detonated). I love that the new president has more balls than most men.
Lost: Great beginning. Another show that is getting tighter. Once the writers decided on a time frame to wrap the show the stories found more focus. I am glad we are finally finding out a bit about the special qualities of the island. I am hoping that this year reveals that Ben is truly a good guy. It is just a feeling I have.
CSI: Grissom's exit was, at best, a huge disappointment. The ending scene was a contrived pre-teen fantasy.
American Idol: I'm taking bets on when bikini girl is disqualified for inappropriate behavior with a member of the cast or crew. The 4th judge is a nice addition. She seems balanced until contestants disrespect the other judges. I miss the freaks.
Biggest Loser: This week's ep was heartbreaking. The two youngest members up for elimination with the largest member of BL being eliminated. There was a ray of hope...the follow up showed he had lost 101lbs so far. A personal note: I'm pushing a friend of mine to audition. He is working to lose weight on his own and is keeping pace with the contestants on his own. He could totally win this and that would provide the money for him to complete his education
Lost: Great beginning. Another show that is getting tighter. Once the writers decided on a time frame to wrap the show the stories found more focus. I am glad we are finally finding out a bit about the special qualities of the island. I am hoping that this year reveals that Ben is truly a good guy. It is just a feeling I have.
CSI: Grissom's exit was, at best, a huge disappointment. The ending scene was a contrived pre-teen fantasy.
American Idol: I'm taking bets on when bikini girl is disqualified for inappropriate behavior with a member of the cast or crew. The 4th judge is a nice addition. She seems balanced until contestants disrespect the other judges. I miss the freaks.
Biggest Loser: This week's ep was heartbreaking. The two youngest members up for elimination with the largest member of BL being eliminated. There was a ray of hope...the follow up showed he had lost 101lbs so far. A personal note: I'm pushing a friend of mine to audition. He is working to lose weight on his own and is keeping pace with the contestants on his own. He could totally win this and that would provide the money for him to complete his education
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
If Nationalized Banking Doesn't Scare You Then Nationalize Porn Should
E! Online is reporting that Larry Flint and Joe Francis are seeking a $5 Billion bailout of the Porn Industry from the US Government.
"People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt added in a statement. "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."
OK people. Let's think about this. We've seen what the government can do with health care and social security. Do you really think allowing them access to the porn industy will improve the quality of low budget, no plot line, drunken girls flashing tits on video? Be prepared for GGW: Extra Nips and Sagging Utters Edition.
"People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt added in a statement. "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."
OK people. Let's think about this. We've seen what the government can do with health care and social security. Do you really think allowing them access to the porn industy will improve the quality of low budget, no plot line, drunken girls flashing tits on video? Be prepared for GGW: Extra Nips and Sagging Utters Edition.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner: Rub-A-Dub-Dub I Love A Clean Tub
For the past month I have been using the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner. I bought the product out of necessity - our schedule is so hectic we aren't at home enought to clean the house as it needs to be cleaned.
The product is easy to set up and install. Batteries are included as is the first bottle of cleaner. Once you are completed with set up all you do is hang it over your shower attachement. To use the cleaner you simply press a button. This starts a 15 second countdown after which the cleaner runs.
After a few days I noticed a difference in my shower. It looked and smelled much cleaner. You will still need to wipe down the shower every other week or so but you will not need to scrub it like you would without the Automatic Cleaner.
It is a bit noisy so I would not recomment running it while others are sleeping. Also, while it cleans walls well it does not clean creavices and curtain egdes to the level I would like.
The company recommends running the Automatic Cleaner once a day. We ran it twice a day the first week (partially because it was new and fun). You will go through the cleaner much too quickly running it multiples time per day.
The company's website does have coupons for BOGO cleaner refills but the application would not run on my computer which was a bit frustrating.
Overall I would recommend this product for no other reason than I do not have t clean the shower by hand as often.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)