Bubbi

I am Stunned!

2011-07-31T09:05:00.000-05:00

Why I am surprised at the goings on in Washington I do not really know. Since the Democrats took over I expected crazy but I never thought I would see both parties bring this country to the brink of financial default.

How dare they play politics (politics is what it is all about) with the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. Seniors, the disabled, and our military--all who wonder if they will be paid come August 3rd! It is a tactic of fear that Obama and the rest of the politicians have used against Americans while they each try to come out the "winner".

To late--there will be no winners even if they do manage to come to a deal at the last second. As an independent, I am ready to throw them all out!

Obama and Israel

2011-05-23T17:34:00.000-05:00

What can I say? I was horrified by Obama's speech last Thursday regarding Israel and the Palestinians. I was elated when Netanyahu told Obama "NO".

For the past 2 days Obama has been stepping back from that speech or rather playing it down as he realized he was loosing a large base of donors (American Jews) and many American voters who stand with Israel. I have much to say on this and will do so in the next few days.

In the mean time if anyone is interested in the actual history and reality of Israel and Palestinians. Simply do a search of this blog with those keys word.
More to come....

The Bad Guy is Dead

2011-05-03T12:11:00.000-05:00

While this blog is not really ready for my return I could not pass up on the news of the week. The wicked warlock is dead--as in Osama Bin Laden. A covert operation by Special Forces and Navy Seals stormed a mansion (not a cave) in a well to do suburb in Pakistan (not the wild mountains) and shot him dead.
Our special forces are to be congratulated and a nod can be given to Obama for not throwing out Bush's playbook. That is all the credit I will give Obama. He is giving himself enough credit on his own--(did you hear his speech?)

No more needs to be said as I am sure everyone is aware of Bin Laden's death by now. The real question is--Our we now safer with him gone? The answer is an easy NO. OBL has been nothing more than a figure head for years. Rendered rather useless once we began to fight back against terrorism. Long ago the terrorist leader hand picked his successors and radical Islamic terror will continue as long as there are followers of insane Ideology--of which there are many.

Then there is our prez who is determined to destroy Israel by shoring up Iran and Syria while insisting tiny Israel give up land to a fictitious people called Palestinians (a quick search "Palestinians" in this blog will clue you in). This is but one of Obama's dangerous foreign policies--there are many and for another day.

Right now I have a question or two--why the fast burial of OBL at sea? Why would we care about his religion? He didn't.......Soon rumors that he is not dead will abound if they have not already. Elvis anyone?

My next question is even more important and I can not help but laugh. Watching and reading the coverage of OBL's death has once again meant that reporters, politicians, and military folk have had to make full sentences using both Osama and Prez Obama's name. I have never seen so many tongue twisted reporters in my life. They have all done it--when referring to Osama they say Obama and they keep doing it. They catch it--fix it and do it again 3 seconds later lol. Not just on TV but in print as well. Sheesh............!

Its a hoot! While the Dems feel that Obama has the 2012 race locked up now due to the killing of the aged and irrelevant terrorist OBL I wonder how many recounts will be needed when they vote for Osama lol????

;) Later

2010 Flue Season

2010-09-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

Remember last year at this time? Schools closing down, people being sent home from work if they dared to sneeze. Why? HINI or the Swine Flu which caused a minor panic as companies rushed to make a vaccine. The 'normal" flu vaccine was on hand but it took awhile for the HINI to make it to the public. The rushed Swine vaccine had its own problems as people became concerned as to the safety of a vaccine rushed into production.

This year is different--lots of flu shots to be had with the added bonus of the HINI being combined with them.
I have always been an advocate of getting a flu shot but I am not to happy with the fact that I no longer have the choice to pass on the swine flu vaccine since it has hitched a ride with this years shot. Bummer--I do not want the swine flu vaccine. Don't ask me why--I can not give a reasonable answer except that I had the shot back in the 70's which turned out to be a dud. What to do?

More later.....

Cappuccino

2010-09-24T11:39:00.000-05:00

French Vanilla Cappuccino--my favorite get out of bed and wake up coffee.

With cup in hand I began once again to finish the remodel of this blog. There is more to do but it is at least ready for me to begin blogging once again.........

Question of the day: Who remembers drive ins?

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2010-05-09T15:51:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful mothers day but it is always a bit bitter sweet since my mom passed away 3 years ago.

I love and miss you Mom................

Still Working

2010-05-04T07:38:00.000-05:00

On setting up the new look on this blog. I have lost my links?? To other blogs etc...
Hummm--back to the drawing board.

On another note totally unrelated to the above----How do you like the new administration now under Democrat control?

It has Been Awhile

2010-04-03T11:05:00.003-05:00

I have had blogger block (if there is such a thing) or as some would say--writers block. I could give many reasons for the neglect but they would all be excuses which do not amount to a hill of beans.

I am back--with a new look thanks to Bloggers new designs but it is still a work in progress. On that note let me wish all of you a Happy Resurrection Sunday.

The Deep Freeze

2010-01-11T12:09:00.000-06:00

I just got off the phone with the LP folks --ordering more fuel in order to survive this freezing cold weather we are having. Cold weather is to be expected when one lives in Wi. but a continuious blast of below zero temps is not the norm. Dang it is COLD!

Add a ton of snow that has a layer of ice within and well--you get the picture. Even my dog with his sled dog ancestry does not want to go out and has to be forced. It is that COLD out!

I heard Alaska is warmer--Ha --go figure..................

Twas the Night Before.........

2009-12-24T08:52:00.000-06:00

Wow--if neglecting ones blog was a crime I would be locked up. It is not that I have decided to stop blogging but that life has--shall we say--changed some things for me that shall remain unsaid.

Here it is--Christmas Eve and I still have some shopping to do but I am trapped by snow/sleet/ice/rain and more snow. I must get out--even if it means doing so on foot. What the heck--its only 2 miles to town. Oh I so hope to be able to get out with wheels :).

That being said I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.

Have You had a Flue Shot?

2009-10-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

Every year thousands of people die of the flu. I am talking about the "normal" seasonal flu that shows up each year. Now we have the added risk of the swine flu or what is called H1N1.

I have added the link to the governments Flu web site where you can get all the info you want.
What I want to stress is getting a flu shot for the seasonal flu and then making an informed choice regarding the vaccine for H1N1.

The persistent myth that the flu shot can give you the flu is simply false. I have taken the flu shot every year for over 30 years. Unless your allergic to eggs the flu shot is safe and could even save your life.
More important is the young--the kids who are more at risk for the H1N1 than those over the age of 24.

The flu shot is a dead virus and as such can not give you the flu. However, as with any type of vaccine there are those that do not respond. So I am appealing to you all to head over to Flu.gov and educate your self and make the choice which is best for you and your family.
Be well..........

Are You Ready?

2009-10-04T03:46:00.001-05:00

Ever Heard of Farm Town?

2009-09-30T07:24:00.000-05:00

Its a game at FaceBook. The title pretty much describes what it is. Your a farmer creating a farm complete with crops, animals, barns, silos etc... A one reaches a new level one gets to buy more things to decorate their farms and make more money via being able to plant higher paying crops.

It may sound boring but it is anything but--what it is --is addicting. That is where I have been but I am sure as with the Sims--once I reach the highest level I will get bored with it. I think lol.

WTC - 9/11: 911 5th Anniversary Memorial Music Video 9-11-01

2009-09-11T09:20:00.001-05:00

Let us never forget...

How does one change a country?

2009-09-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

The United States of America --a beacon of freedom around the world. Freedom that was won by the spilt blood of many is now in danger.
There was a time that this freedom was ours without question. A time that the government would not even consider expanding its role beyond its legislative duties.

Americans take this freedom for granted and that's why those that hunger for absolute power and control are slowly eroding the very freedoms we enjoy. The good news is that across this country normal citizens are waking to the reality of what is happening. They are speaking up. We all must speak up before its to late.

The Democratic party of today is not the party of JFK--No--it is the party of socialist doctrine. For years they have worked to change the very fabric this country was founded on. The constitution is just a pesky piece of paper they have to "work around".

In order to put the final nail in the coffin that was the U.S.A.--get to the kids. Want to change a country--indoctrinate the kids.
Maybe there is still time to salvage whats left of our freedoms. Maybe there is time to kick the government out of our bedrooms--maybe.......

Technology Lost

2009-08-25T05:34:00.001-05:00

Remember arcades, floppies, Polaroids, car phones, rotary phones, cassette tapes, typewriters, and even phone booths?

All these and more are either long gone or on their death bed.

Check out "Obsolete Technology: 40 Big Losers" by following the link.

Just for fun--if you miss that familiar dial-up sound. Head over to the 56K Modem Emulator. http://www.lazylaces.com/56Kmodem/

The Absent Blogger

2009-08-23T09:27:00.000-05:00

Long before the sun came up I made a cup of coffee, grabbed my notes and booted up the old computer. I checked my e-mail and headed over to various news sources for my news fix. As always I made notes of events I thought I might want to blog about.

Three hours later the sun is up and the birds are singing and I have not even made it to my blog site.
I head for my third cup of coffee with the news of the day swirling through my mind. Health care reform, Obama's dropping approval numbers and the government take over of that which use to belong to the private sector. (banking, auto, energy etc..) There is much to talk about and yet there I was trading cows with my granddaughter at Farmtown.

Finally, here I am with no excuse other than playing games with the grand-kids was more enjoyable.
As the last days of summer wan I hope that this absent blogger will be absent no more.

Matthews: People Are Upset Because We Have A Black President

2009-08-12T07:39:00.001-05:00

Chris Matthews Continues to spread the nonsense that anyone who is against Obamas policies must be a racist! Half way into this video is this.
"UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: I don't believe this is just about health care. It's not about TARP. It's not about left and right. This is about the systematic dismantling of this country. I'm only 35-years-old. I have never been interested in politics. You have awakened the sleeping giant. We are tired of this. This is why everybody in this room is so ticked off. I don't want this country turning into Russia, turning into a socialized country. My question for you is, what are you going to do to restore this country back to what our Founders created, according to the Constitution! "

Now this woman is a racist or worse--crazy? There was nothing crazy in her question. While there are some going over board at these town hall meetings it is not fair to simply dismiss everyone there as a racist or a nut case.

Christian Friends of Israeli Communities

2009-08-02T05:17:00.002-05:00

Christian Friends of Israeli Communities

Shared via AddThis

Click on the link to watch the video.

"The Beer Summit"

2009-08-01T07:48:00.000-05:00

Obama does not seem to have enough to do. Maybe he is bored with domestic issues, the economy, and foreign affairs.
Instead he sticks his nose into what appears to be a misunderstanding between Skip Gates and SGT. Crowley.

Long story short--Sgt, Crowley had arrested Henry "Skip" Gates in his own home after receiving a 911 call of a burglary in progress. What transpired after that all depends on which version you choose to believe. Whatever--the whole thing has become fodder for the media and historians alike since our president made it an issue of race or maybe the media did that--I can not tell anymore. The whole thing is beyond annoying to me.

The whole debacle has ended in what has been dubbed "The Beer Summit". Not between world leaders or fellow lawmakers but a clear the air friendly (one assumes) sit down with Skip, Crowley, Obama and Biden.
Beer and munchies served on the White House lawn and the media kept at bay to film but not hear the conversation.

In the words of Gates daughter Elizabeth who was also there "the meeting seemed to make little sense at all"
"it was clear that this day wasn’t going to be the beginning of a serious discussion on human relations but rather a circus-like ending of a misunderstanding between a couple of very decent men."

You can read her take by following the link to the " The Daily Beast".
All I can do is shake my head..........

What is a Birther?

2009-07-25T09:18:00.000-05:00

A Birther has become the name for a movement. That movement is based on the notion that our president was not born in the United States but in Kenya. Why is this an issue? Well to be president you must be born here in the US.

This issue has been around since the campaign. It has reached the courts even and all that it would take to shut this movement down and shut-up all the Birthers is for Obama to allow the state of Hawaii to produce his birth certificate. To date all that has been shown is a document of "live birth". Not good enough say the Birthers.
Follow the link to a Birthers blog for more info and a good post on a recent Chris Matthews Hardball show on the issue.

Even a poster at the very left wing Huffington Post asks:

"The question for us non-birthers remains: what's the big deal? Why doesn't the President authorize the Governor of Hawaii to release the real birth certificate and strangle the birther movement once and or all, while it's still in its crib?" Mark Joseph
All very interesting--why doesn't Obama just put this story to rest? Because as we know--the longer he stonewalls the bigger this story will get.

By the way--on another subject--did you catch Obama's prime time "health care for all" speech the other night? The one he rambled through....not answering major questions nor giving any real specifics of the plan.
Obama whose approval ratings have dropped but still thinks he can show his face on TV and use the word "change" and his sheep will follow even if he himself is lost.

Here is a thought........."Most people walk around clueless about what laws are being debated, even when their daily life is hanging in the balance." A quote by someone calling himself "activist0000"

Drivers plus Cell Phones an Accident Waiting to Happen

2009-07-19T05:45:00.000-05:00

I swerved and got out of the way just in time as the driver behind me plowed into the guy in front as he chatted away on his phone. I just happened to notice him in my rear view mirror and was able to move to the next lane. Not so fortunate was the other guy. Thankfully--injuries were minor but this is not the case nation wide as serious accidents are attributed to people talking and texting on their cell phones or even computers.

"Extensive research shows the dangers of distracted driving. Studies say that drivers using phones are four times as likely to cause a crash as other drivers, and the likelihood that they will crash is equal to that of someone with a .08 percent blood alcohol level, the point at which drivers are generally considered intoxicated. Research also shows that hands-free devices do not eliminate the risks, and may worsen them by suggesting that the behavior is safe. "

In many countries driving while talking on a cell phone is against the law but not here. Attempts to regulate this traffic hazard continues to be blocked. One would think common sense would prevail and there would be no need for legislation on this issue but studies show that those who chat and drive think they are safe and it is the other guy who isn't. Go figure!

Are you in Trouble via Facebook, Twitter etc.?

2009-07-12T09:38:00.001-05:00

I caught a news segment regarding the increase in home robberies of people on vacation. A direct link to this rash of crime was to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other on-line social communities.
Law enforcement attributes this to people posting far to much information on their "status". Posts like "going to Vegas for a week" or "wish you where here".

Many of us forget that these status alerts go out for all to see and not to just our friends. This morning I went to my Facebook site and was surprised at how much info was not protected and was there for all to see--including a trip to Michigan. Needless to say I spent a half hour going through everything and changing my settings so that only my friends have access.

It is a bit unsettling to realize that there are those who troll the web for just this type of info --some for nefarious purposes and others to read up on an employee or perspective employees.
People who visit their sites from the workplace and leave comments like "I hate this job" or I can not stand my boss" and then find out that the boss monitors this use and sees the comments.
There is an article I have linked that has more to say on this subject and how to avoid potential Facebook, Twitter, MySpace disasters.

Check it out and keep in mind that while typing away on a PC may seem private it is far from it. The world is watching......

Freedom

2009-07-10T04:04:00.002-05:00

"Most people walk around clueless about what laws are being debated, even when their daily life is hanging in the balance."
A quote by someone calling himself Activist0000

He wrote this quote in reference to the governments attempt to ban all smoking. While many may be on board regarding this legislation his quote speaks volumes because banning smoking is not the only intrusive laws the current administration is working on. Laws that give the government more and more control over individuals. Its called socialism and it is happening right before our eyes and many are following like sheep to the slaughter.

Are You Kidding Me!

2009-07-07T05:42:00.000-05:00

L.A. is preparing its self for Michael Jackson's memorial service. Millions of people are headed to L.A. and the Staples Center where the show will take place. I do mean show. This memorial service will be a send off in the form of a concert complete with celebrities like Stevie Wonder. Even though there are only 8,750 tickets chosen by lottery for fans to attend the people are coming-- tickets or not.

Guess who is footing the bill to keep this circus in line--the tax payers--to the tune of 2.5 million. L.A. is already over budget and laying off people but hey its Michael Jackson--right? AEG entertainment --the promoters are being asked to foot some of the bill along with the Jackson family. In death MJ is making a ton of money. However, none of this is the point--I guess I have to wonder --is the world in need of a diversion?

Obama True or False?

2009-07-06T09:34:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder how Obama is doing on those 514 campaign promises he made? There is a web site that is tracking how he is doing in that area as well as keeping up with other lawmakers.
Also, they take to task all those chain e-mails so many folks take to heart.

For a look at Obama's report card just follow the link to PolitiFact. So far 31 promises have been kept with others in the works or stalled. So far no action has been taken of 390 and 6 promises have been broken while 9 have been a compromise. Take a look--the web site is well worth the time.

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T06:55:00.000-05:00

In the News

2009-06-27T04:12:00.000-05:00

Is there nothing News worthy going on? In a world that is bordering on chaos the top news item is the death of Michael Jackson.
I am not suggesting his death is not worth a mention but hours upon hours that turn into days?
Earlier that day Farrah Fawcett passed away but her death was eclipsed by that of Jackson's. I guess she just did not have the same star power even though MJ's star faded long ago.

In the meantime the House passed a costly climate bill which will cost jobs--the vote was close--219 to 212.
The G8 nations told Israel to stop building and dismantle homes already established. Can you imagine the world telling us to stop building homes?

The above stories and more took a back seat to the death of Michael Jackson--tragic as it is--it does not warrant the media attention it is getting.

History of Fathers Day

2009-06-21T07:07:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder how Fathers Day began? I did and so I stopped by the "History Channel" online web site to find out.

"Father's Day is the day to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood. It was during a 1909 sermon about Mother's Day when Sonora Smart Dodd became inspired to create Father's Day. She wanted to show how thankful she was to her father for taking care of her and her siblings after the death of her mother. Thus, the first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910."

Follow the link to find out more.....

"Aging is for Cheese"

2009-06-17T06:36:00.000-05:00

This was my grandmothers favorite saying as age and all that comes with it came creeping into her life. She did not like it--the aches and pains--pills--less mobility and watching her friends and family pass on.
She lived in downtown Detroit in what was once a thriving community but as most of the city it was deteriorating fast. She sat on a pillow at the window watching the life of others play out. She used to say it was better than TV. After forty years in one place she was forced to move to a safer neighborhood and she never recovered.

So why the stroll down memory lane? As I find myself pushing 60 and totally on my own as she was--I can not help but agree that Old Age is for Cheese.

Deer Ticks

2009-06-07T04:10:00.000-05:00

It is that time of year again--when I post my twice a year warning about Lyme disease. A fast growing vector borne illness in all 50 states but most prevalent in the Midwest and northeast.
Untreated Lyme causes many physical problems--I am here to tell you it is true as one of its victims.

Deer ticks are different than your run of the mill wood tick and each summer and fall they are out in droves.
I have already been bitten this year just working in my garden. The good news is a deer tick found within 24 hours requires a simple one dose anti-biotic.

That brings me to prevention--when enjoying fishing, hiking and other summer time activities it pays to wear long pants and shoes and socks. Another is using a bug spray that contains DEET. It is the only thing that repels deer ticks. Check yourself and your kids from head to toe each day.

The picture below shows a deer tick enlarged--the next will show actual size.

Broken Blogger

2009-05-29T07:44:00.001-05:00

Now I am really annoyed and that is putting is putting it in a nice way. There are several blogger issues at this time and posting in the "help" forums at blogger does not seem to work. Blogger is slow as molasses to acknowledge a problem and even slower to fix one.

Now to add insult upon insult I can not even browse the help forums without getting some "forbidden" message.
All I want to do is upload an image--is that to much to ask? A function of blogger that has been around forever.
However, in April blogger messed around with images to make this or that better and guess what? They broke it instead which is what happens every time they mess with anything!

Sorry for the rant--but I could not help myself................

Small TSA tweaks may mean big travel headaches - Well-Mannered Traveler- msnbc.com

2009-05-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

Small TSA tweaks may mean big travel headaches - Well-Mannered Traveler- msnbc.com

Do you want to own your own business?

2009-05-25T05:31:00.000-05:00

Think long and hard before you do. Obama will be your silent partner. An expensive one at that....

History of Memorial Day

2009-05-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

For many Memorial Day is a long holiday weekend that marks the beginning of summer. A time to take to the water, try out the old BBQ grill, work in the garden, go fishing or take a short road trip.

Often the real reason behind this holiday becomes lost with all the activities that are as much of an American tradition as the holiday is. However, it is important to remember why we celebrate this day. It is equally important to teach our young people the real reason behind this special day.

The freedom we as Americans enjoy is not free. Countless men and woman have lost their lives in defence of this country. Over the weekend and on Monday many will visit cemeteries to remember those who have fallen in battle. We should all take a few minutes out of our busy weekend to remember and say thank-you--even if only as a silent personal moment of reflection.

Check out the link for a short video about the history of Memorial day--a day going back as far as the civil war-- from the History Channel.

Be safe..............

American Idol/ Americas Vote

2009-05-21T05:50:00.000-05:00

To tell the truth I had tired of AI a few years ago when the likes of Taylor Hicks won based on personality and not talent but that is not the only reason.

The past few seasons saw the judges final contestant picks lacking in talent with the exception of a few. One or two talented young people a season is just not enough to sustain a singing competition. Consider the Sanjaya debacle of season 6 as an example. He was hardly the only poor performer chosen that year and I recall vividly the judges consternation by the third episode when they must have realized how badly they screwed up.

OK--fast forward to 2009--season 8 and I am still watching because I have grand kids who love the show. I was fully prepared for another lack luster season but I was pleasantly surprised as this season was stacked full with well chosen talent. All of them could sing with varying degrees of ability but enough to make this year an actual competition. Not to mention our introduction to Adam Lambert--a true star. (click the link to YouTube and have a listen).

Last night was AI finale and the top two were Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. In true AI style (the part I do not like) the final two consisted of one great singer and one mediocre singer. Earlier episodes saw another two awesome singers eliminated who in my opinion should have been in the top two. What do I know? America votes--right? We all know how well that works--not!

Odd makers had Lambert winning the pot and of course he did not. The cute and mediocre under dog won the prize. Only confirming what has been AI's problem from the start--it is more a personality contest than a singing contest.
However, as has been seen in the past--coming in second is better for the talented Adam Lambert-- he will not be tied to an AI contract beyond the tour.

If AI is ever to be relevant in the music industry--they have to figure out a better voting system unless a popularity contest is what they want. Either way --Kudos to an excellent season!

Israel & America

2009-05-18T14:43:00.000-05:00

There is concern in Israel and here that the special relationship we have with Israel will come to an end under Obama.
"As Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (also known as "Bibi") and Obama meet on Monday for the first time since each assumed office, Israel’s media, fed by government sources, are reaching a crescendo of hysteria: Is this the end of Israel’s special relationship with America?"

Many in the U.S. hope so and Obama's desire to "talk" with Israel's enemies (Iran & Syria) tend to make Israel and those in the U.S. who understand the very real ramifications of what a break in relations will mean--more than a bit nervous.

Obama has told Israel to stop building in the West Bank and get back to the stalled peace talks with the Palestinians about a two state solution. (which is no solution at all and a betrayal of Israel as a nation).

"So there are mixed feelings in Israel. On the one hand, nobody likes or wants to be bullied by America; while on the other many analysts accept that it is only by having its figurative head knocked together with the Palestinians’ that any progress towards peace is likely."

"However, the 30-minister right-wing Israeli government is in no mood to compromise. They do not want Netanyahu to accept a two-state solution and they do not want to give up any settlements in the West Bank – while both issues appear to be near the top of Obama’s agenda."

The complete ignorance of this and previous administrations regarding Israel just boggles my mind. If this country continues to demand Israel to give up land we will see harder times here. It is no accident that while this country voted in far left liberals that Israelis ran to the right in their elections.

Obama and Change

2009-05-16T05:09:00.000-05:00

Change--the mantra of Obama during his campaign is not so easy. Especially in the area of National Security where the current administration is closer to the previous Bush administration. This has not made Obama followers happy campers. It is one thing on the campaign trail and far different once your sitting in the oval office and faced with life and death decisions.

Everything from what to do with gitmo prisoners, escalating the war in Afghanistan and covert operations in Pakistan--it just is not the rose colored world Obama thought it was on the campaign trail.

"Perhaps it is the knowledge that lives rest on his choices, or the general sense that settles over most presidents that the world is a more complex place from the vantage point of the Oval Office than it appears from the campaign trail."

Not to mention the political nightmare should the United States get attacked again.
Follow the link and read the entire NYT analysis................

Retail Sales Down

2009-05-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

Apparently the American people are still hunkered down when it comes to spending. Retail sales for April are down which was not expected. With tax breaks and Obama's stimulus package the hope was that people would begin to spend again considering that retail spending by the public makes up 70% of a healthy economy.

"WASHINGTON -- Retail sales fell for a second straight month in April, a disappointing performance that raised doubts about whether American consumers were regaining their desire to shop. A rebound in consumer demand is a necessary ingredient for ending the recession."

I am not sure why anyone is surprised that consumers are spending with caution. Bailout upon bailout and large government involvement does nothing to convince people the "worst is over". I do not believe it--do you?

The Sims™ 2 Nightlife Official Trailer

2009-05-08T08:03:00.001-05:00

This is what I got for Christmas and my grandkids and I are totally addicted.
So when I am missing in action--chances are this is where I am :)

Have Dinner on Oprah

2009-05-06T05:19:00.000-05:00

Oprah has bought a two piece KFC meal for anyone that would like one. A trip to her web site will get you the coupon needed. Below is the one day time frame to get this coupon and it is good until May 19th except Mothers day. Follow the link to get your coupon.

"The Oprah Winfrey Show/Kentucky Grilled Chicken Two-Piece Meal Coupon
Limited Time Download
Coupon download available from 9 a.m. CDT on May 5, 2009, to 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 6, 2009. Coupon is redeemable at participating KFC® locations in the United States from May 5, 2009 to May 19, 2009—excluding Mother's Day, May 10, 2009."

Thanks Oprah!

Twitter Tweets dangerous?

2009-05-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

Dennis Howlett at ZDNet thinks so. (check out his "Twitter is Dangerous" article that is linked)

Just in case your not familiar with a Twitter or a Tweet let me explain. Twitter is yet another friends site or better known as a social networking site like "MySpace" or "FaceBook". Same concept anyway but each of these sites have their own niche in the ever popular world of sharing and making friends.

A Tweet is what Twitter calls messaging (like text messaging) that one sends to friends and family in their network. These people are called "followers" --don't ask me why?? They even had a global meet and greet called a "Twestival" this past February.

Twitter is currently ranked number 3 behind Facebook and Myspace but they are not without problems. Like all of these places security can be and has been compromised. Outages from an ever growing Twitter population have also occurred.

Ending up with tons of unknown and uninvited "followers" is what is giving Dennis a headache. I encourage you to check out his article.
Even with the inherent risks that all of these sites can have there is no denying their popularity--especially with teens and young adults. Personally the "baby talk" language that defines Twitter is enough to keep me away but hey--I am old--what do I know?

One more note--even though these sites are free to users--the ones that become popular are worth a ton of dollars.

Not to be left out--there are many such sites for us old folks too lol.
So tell me--do you Twitter?

CyberWar

2009-04-29T03:55:00.000-05:00

"Situation Room: The Threat Operations Center at NSA, where the nation's top cybersleuths are based ."

Looks like a scene from TV'S NCIS or 24 but it is the real operation center.
The U.S. is lagging behind in her efforts to stay on top of cyber-attacks.

Now there is a turf war over who should head this 21st century threat to our national security.
Click the Link to find out more...

Swine Flu

2009-04-27T09:02:00.002-05:00

The CDC( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has put up a swine flu web site to help you understand how swine flu is spread and what you can do to prevent infection.
I have linked it to this post.

As with any flu or cold virus prevention is the best medicine and this means staying home if your sick. The whole "I am tough and I work even when I am sick" mentality may be fine for you except for all the folks who get sick being in contact with you. Next up--wash your hands--a lot. This single act is probably the number one best way to stay healthy.

Eat right and get plenty of rest along with exercise and your immune system can do its job.
Kids--keep them home if they are sick and teach them that sharing drink and food with their BFF's is a good way to get sick.
I know this all sounds familiar and obvious but you would be surprised how many do not follow these simple steps.

Check out the web site--it has a ton of info on this latest swine flu out break.

Less Is More

2009-04-23T09:21:00.001-05:00

With today's economy and the worries that tend to follow it into many American families a trend of back to basics is emerging.
A simpler way of living where the things we surround ourselves with and see as a barometers of success are really chains binding us and for what purpose? Happiness? The well to do I know told me long ago that money and "stuff" in no way assures one will be happy. What then?

We Americans have been so indoctrinated by consumerism that shopping has become the number 1 hobby for millions and the ability to "shop to you drop" is a life's goal for millions more. We have placed an undo premium on "things". The newest gadget, the best brands, the fanciest eatery's and so on. So consumed by consuming we no longer stop and ask "do I really need this?" or "do I really want this?" Folks actually get depressed if they can not reach the level of riches needed to feed this addiction.

Now with our economy teetering on the edge many including myself have stopped to take a long look at what motivates our spending habits. The back to basics and simpler living is not a new concept as the linked article shows and I encourage anyone who lands at this post to take a look.

I was encouraged by the article as it offered a sort of confirmation on steps I had already begun. I am blessed to live in a rural area and have long kept a garden but now my garden has landed on my list along side paying the electric bill. The savings in food is amazing-- for example, a 1.80 for two cucumbers at the grocery? Never! A garden is just one example of back to basics.

Things like those new TVs--sure they are great but do I really need one? My 25 yr old TV stills works and is fine by me. I put away vanity long ago because I love garage sales and thrift shops. I take clothes purchased from these places and deconstruct them.

OK, I can hear it now. People feel they may not be able to do these things but I think if you read the article and check the "Simple Living Institute" you will be surprised at the hidden creativity you possess.
I am also not suggesting folks stop shopping or wanting this or that but I am suggesting to take a mental inventory on how you perceive possessions--wants vs. needs.

For many of us--going back to basics and a simpler way of life is becoming a must and for many others it just makes sense and for all of us--it is Freedom.

"I am Mad as Hell"

2009-04-16T06:13:00.000-05:00

Tens of thousands protesters rallied around the country yesterday for the "TeaPartys"--protesting and venting their anger at federal spending paid for by tax payers IE: the American public.

"Frankly, I'm mad as hell," said businessman Doug Burnett at a rally at the Iowa Capitol, where many of the about 1,000 people wore red shirts declaring "revolution is brewing." Burnett added: "This country has been on a spending spree for decades, a spending spree we can't afford."

"In Missouri, Karla Waite, 28, brought her four young children to a rally in Kansas City because she said "it was time to stand up."

"The way we've been going, with the bailouts and the entitlements, we're heading toward socialism," Waite said. "That's not the kind of world I want my children to live in."

Follow the link for video and the full article...........
On another note the Department of Homeloand Security leaked a report just days before the "teaparty" protests.

"The report, titled Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment, is available online (PDF format) on the Liberty Papers website.

Our US Department of Homeland Security has just issued an unclassified document that cites potential dangers of terrorism from US conservatives. Any American, per the report, who is not liberal or leftwing is a potential terrorist."

Image from one of the many teaparty protests..............

taxdayteaparty

2009-04-14T07:51:00.001-05:00

In the tradition of our forefathers Tax day Tea party on April 15 2009 is sending a message. T.E.A. standing for "taxed enough already" is a cry against the tax and spend mentality of the government. Tomorrow millions of Americans will hold tea parties in protest of the current financial fiasco of bail outs and government involvement in the private business sector which American tax dollars will pay for. Say NO to what amounts to socialism.

Happy Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-12T07:55:00.000-05:00

Moore, Nugent, Wilson sound off on Detroit - MSN Entertainment News

2009-04-05T13:34:00.001-05:00

Moore, Nugent, Wilson sound off on Detroit - MSN Entertainment News

Detroit really was an awesome city to grow up in. It is really sad to see what the city has become. I have fond memories roaming the streets of downtown and going to Motown, museums and out door concerts.

Efforts to bring her back have been on going for years but they seem to always come up short.

Take steps to avoid April 1st computer virus - Security - MSNBC.com

2009-03-31T18:04:00.003-05:00

Take steps to avoid April 1st computer virus - Security - MSNBC.com

Hint:
If you can not open your anti-virus venders web site or Microsoft sites then there is a good chance you have the Conficker worm.

People Search Engines: They Know Your Dark Secrets … and Tell Anyone - Page1 - MSN Tech & Gadgets - Products

2009-03-30T16:57:00.001-05:00

People Search Engines: They Know Your Dark Secrets … and Tell Anyone - Page1 - MSN Tech & Gadgets - Products

Photo Treasure Hunt

2009-03-27T09:10:00.000-05:00

Ok readers--please--you must check out this web site aptly named "Are You In My Photo".
Ever spend time going through old or new photos taken either on vacation or just a walk downtown? Ever wonder who the strangers are that managed to be caught on film as you went about snapping your own photographic memories?

I was reading the current issue of "Ancestry" and came across an article titled "Picture Perfect" where Kim Foreman and her sister Becky began wondering about the unknown folks who strolled through their photos. We all have them--pictures taken with strangers in the background.
Kim asked herself --"How many people all over the world are in other peoples pictures?"

That simple question led to the creation of "Are You In My Photo" a photo sharing web site. This is definitely not your typical photo site--oh no. From the site:

"This is the strangest photo sharing site you’ve ever seen. Everyone is in someone else’s photos without even knowing it, and this is the place to find these unexpected connections. Is that you in the background of a stranger’s photo taken at Disney World? Is a long-forgotten classmate finding herself in your First Grade picture? You can also share old pictures of ancestors in our genealogy photos section. Surprises. Nostalgia. Memories. It’s all here. And it’s FREE."

They have already had success's making connections. I signed up right away as the whole premise fits perfectly with my love of history and mystery!

How is Your memory?

2009-03-26T08:41:00.001-05:00

As I was looking over MSN this title caught my attention. "Has memory become obsolete?" Naturally I clicked on it and came to a site called "Mom's Homeroom". It is a cute site dedicated to education and the tools needed. The article was about how we humans do not memorize as we once did. Beginning, it seems, back with the invention of writing, the printing press, and now technology.

Today when we think of memory it often is a reference to how much we have on our PC's and other gadgets that aid us in remembering.
Once upon a time the foundation of teaching was based on memorizing. I remember staying up nights in order to complete assignments that required me to memorize.

Memorization is still an important skill set but not used as it once was. We as humans can now access our collective memories from devices the size of a credit card. As I age and find that my short term memory is not what it once was I see the value in what i call "brain exercise" and that often includes memorizing--hey it is is good for the brain cells LOL.

Check out the site.......

Wisconsin 5th in Teen Suicides

2009-03-25T04:13:00.000-05:00

Being from Wisconsin and the grandmother to 4 teen and pre-teen girls I found this article from our local paper disturbing.

"In Wisconsin one young person dies from suicide every week. The rate places Wisconsin fifth highest among states for the number of 10- to 14-year-olds who take their own lives."

Area teachers are gathering to educate themselves and others in order to prevent young people from taking their own lives.

"Information on youth suicide was presented by professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The training was similar to what other regional school districts received at a workshop in January where DPI psychologist John Humphries noted the state's youth suicide rate has remained near the top in the nation for years."

For more information and Links read the whole article.......

Obama's Star Power Dropping

2009-03-24T08:07:00.000-05:00

Not even a stint on Leno can stop the free fall of the presidents approval rating. A Zogby poll due out today has Obama's ratings dropping to 50%.

"The honeymoon is over, a national poll will signal today as President Obama’s job approval stumbles to about 50 percent over the lack of improvement with the crippled economy.

The sobering numbers come as the president backpedals from two prime-time gaffes - one comparing his bowling score to a Special Olympian and another awkwardly laughing about the economy, which prompted Steve Kroft of “60 Minutes” to ask “are you punch-drunk?”

Pollster John Zogby said his poll out today will show Americans split on the president’s performance. He said the score factors out to “about 50-50.”

Our celebrity prez will hit the air waves again in prime time tonight.

Are You Stressed? Take the Quiz...

2009-03-20T06:22:00.000-05:00

Is your job stressing you out? Are you burnt out? Is your once upon a time dream job no longer satisfying?

"If your professional life is leaving you frazzled, you're hardly alone. More than half of workers say they work under a great deal of stress, and 77 percent say they feel burnout on the job, according to a nationwide survey by CareerBuilder.com."

With the economy as it is many may feel this is not the best time to make a career change. This fact only adds to work place stress. Stress on the job can be expected but chronic stress can be dangerous to ones health
"Are you experiencing the warning signs of workplace stress? Take this quiz to find out." (follow the link and you will find the quiz).

Cigarette Tax / The Big Lie

2009-03-18T04:26:00.002-05:00

Smokers are angry over the recent hike in price--up to a dollar in some places. This is before the governments increase come April 1st of another dollar.
Do you think these law makers really want you to quit?

NO! That's the falsehood in this tax. They count on the addictive power of tobacco to keep many smokers puffing away because they want the money the additional tax brings in.
They are already counting it and spending it.

Money for health care for poor kids, roads, city infrastructures, bail outs, and the list goes on. I wish every smoker would quit to deny the government this cold cash they are so looking forward to.

States like Louisiana want to add even more for a total of $209,000,000 dollars a year in added revenue.
Not a word about this price increase being about getting folks to quit. They are counting on the fact that people will pay the price.

I hope this back fires and the expected windfall is denied the government.

Fineman: Establishment Starts to Turn on Obama | Newsweek Voices - Howard Fineman | Newsweek.com

2009-03-10T18:33:00.001-05:00

Fineman: Establishment Starts to Turn on Obama | Newsweek Voices - Howard Fineman | Newsweek.com

He is in over his head? Ya think? It will not be long before the public catches on too.

National Womans History Month

2009-03-06T07:14:00.004-06:00

March is National Womans History month.
Celebrating the long road woman took to achieve certain rights--like voting and working. All things that young woman today take for granted.

Check out the link to the national women's history project and learn about the struggles and triumphs of woman though out history. http://www.nwhp.org

Woman have come far but I found the article on MSN regarding NWHM ironic. It told the tale of 3 elder woman who fought off their attackers--nothing wrong with that but this is the title of the article.
"Tough Broads"

I don't know about other woman but the term "broad" is not flattering. Click the title and read....

Now "For the Rest of the Story"

2009-03-01T05:45:00.008-06:00

I do not know many people--young and old who have not heard of or listened to the trail blazing talk radio news commentator Paul Harvey.

His down to earth and straight forward commentary (in what I can only describe as a warm and comforting voice) began in 1951 and continued until his death.

Paul Harvey passed away yesterday (Saturday Feb 28Th) at the age of 90 in Arizona. Paul's voice was his signature--recognized around the world as he delivered news commentary in a style all his own.

"Known for his resonant voice and trademark delivery of "The Rest of the Story," Harvey had been heard nationally since 1951, when he began his "News and Comment" for ABC Radio Networks. "

There was something special about this man and his work. There is no shortage of news commentators but there was only one Paul Harvey and I for one will miss his witty, clever, and informative commentary.

"In addition to his unique voice and delivery, Harvey was credited with coining several words on his broadcasts, including "Reaganomics" and "guesstimate." "

Simply put--Paul Harvey is an American Icon and that is "The Rest of the Story".........

I Miss My Peanut Butter!

2009-02-28T03:56:00.004-06:00

"Highly magnified Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria, shown here, are the source of an ongoing outbreak of food poisoning linked to peanut products. Not all states are required to submit specimens for the precise DNA fingerprints that detect illnesses and lead to food recalls."

The word ongoing is keeping me away from one of my favorite foods. Peanut butter!

This outbreak has even hit dog treats--Yes--dogs can get Salmonella poisoning too. Owners can get it by simply handling the poisoned treats.

This country does not have a well defined reporting system which slows down the process of tracking down the culprits during a salmonella outbreak. Each state has their own reporting procedure and requirements testing tainted food. Some states do not.

Check out the link for more info on recalled foods and dog treats as well as a map of which states follow good testing procedures.

Israel & the United States

2009-02-24T04:29:00.002-06:00

Right now I am having so much trouble with my vision that blogging has become rather difficult. On that note I am linking to another blog for news of the day regarding Israel and the United States.

Specially the part about how we are backing off our support of the only democracy in the region to coddle Hamas and others.
Those interested--please check out the updates by Carl in Jerusalem.............

Israel Has A New Leader

2009-02-20T07:50:00.002-06:00

Thank God! It is official Binyamin Netanyahu leader of the Likud party will be Israel's Prime Minister and charged with forming a coalition government.
Kadima Chairman Tzipi Livni will most likely sit on opposition instead of joining a coalition.

I do not pretend to understand Israeli politics but Kadima with the corrupt Olmert as prime minister is a disaster and bad for Israel.
Kadima was formed on November 21, 2005 by Ariel Sharon when he left Likud and basically wiped out the whole government to create his Kadima party. However, what plans he may have had where cut short by a stroke that has left him in a coma and allowed Olmert to take control.

Sharon is best known for his expulsion from Gaza of all its Jews. Netanyahu is big on security and not so ready to give Israel away piece by piece. This is not who the Obama administration wanted to win. Given that our government is so want to seal our fate by pushing Israel into a "two state" solution it is great news to hear that Israel chose good leadership.

From Carl in Jerusalem:

"I have nothing but utter contempt for Kadima's 'values.' It was a party born in sin: The sin of the expulsion from Gaza. The sin of political gamesmanship and corruption. It has no values. May it disintegrate quickly in the opposition."

Check out his post.............

Right Eye Light Show

2009-02-19T07:29:00.005-06:00

I am not ignoring this blog on purpose--it is just that right now my vision is not all it could be.

Beginning over a week ago with a light show in my right eye and waking up to a huge floater sitting right in front of my field of vision I naturally headed straight to my Eye doctor.

Vitreous Detachment was the initial verdict and is not as bad as it sounds. Simply means that as we age (fun fun) the fluid in the back of the eye begins to dry out. The floater should float away at some point but it takes a long while.

Fast forward a few more days and my right eye's vision becoming foggy --so foggy in fact that I couldn't see my floater friend.

Off to the ER and on to a Retina Specialist who found a small hole on the retina--this too is not as bad as it sounds--so they tell me--but worth a follow up next week because I am so near-sighted.

What all this means I am not totally sure other than prevention of a retinal detachment--that is bad and requires surgery if caught in time.

So my posts about the loss of personal freedoms will have to wait because reading and typing gives me a major headache...........

I will be back...

Just Two Questions

2009-02-13T08:09:00.002-06:00

How much are Americans willing to give up in individual freedoms to the Government?
What aspects of your lives do you want the government to regulate?

Israeli's Go to the Polls

2009-02-10T06:04:00.003-06:00

Today has to be one of the most important elections in Israel's history. An article by Caroline Glick tells us why.

"Bluntly stated, the world that will challenge the next government will be one characterized by the end of US global predominance. In just a few short weeks, the new administration of President Barack Obama has managed to weaken the perception of American power and embolden US adversaries throughout the world. "

Follow the link and read how the world now views the US as weak and how in just a matter of a few weeks Obama is being tested just as vice president Biden suggested he would be. Only Biden thought it would be within 6 months not 3 weeks. Obama's olive branch is being met with snubs from everyone from the renewed Russian bear to India.

The good news in all of this very scary stuff--is it is all part of Gods larger plan.

A Man Lost? Obama in Prime Time....

2009-02-10T05:12:00.005-06:00

Tonight President Obama was a man who appeared lost. He was stumbling about for words and couldn't form a sentence or give answers to direct questions. He seemed out of his element and that surprises even me as one who did not support the man.

"President Barack Obama pressed Congress Monday night to urgently approve a massive economic recovery bill, using the first prime-time news conference of his presidency to warn that a failure to act "could turn a crisis into a catastrophe."

What ever happened to the new era of Hope? Obama has his own doom and gloom rhetoric to put fear into the hearts of Americans. It is just different than that of Bush. Instead of terror threats creating fear it is the fear of a full economic melt down Obama is pushing. Of course he blamed Bush.

Obama claims he has to have this trillion dollar stimulus bill to fix Bush's spending. OK, then why all the pork? The wasteful spending in this bill? and if I was able to ask President Obama one question it would be "who's man are you?"
I'm sorry but this is business as usual in Washington with one dangerous exception--If Obama gets all that he wants we are well on the road to nationalized banking and socialized medicine. In short--socialism.

I heard Chris Matthews on HardBall suggest that Obama is just so intelligent that when he speaks people just can not understand him. He is forced to tone down or dumb down is way of speaking so us average folks will get it. lol What a bunch of BS! The man (Obama) simply is unsure of himself and stuttered his way through...............

Is the economy in a bad way? Yes Do we need big government to bail us out? IMO--NO!

Busy..Busy....

2009-02-05T04:16:00.002-06:00

Already Feb. 5th and I have yet to post anything. Why? I have been really busy helping a friend find work which is next to impossible at this time.
Taxes--Yes it is that time of year again and I make a few extra dollars doing other peoples taxes. I spent 6 hours at it yesterday and made myself cross-eyed lol. I have not even touched my own!
For anyone interested I use TaxACT.com. In my opinion they are the best program out there.

What else? Oh yes, the Sims 2 Deluxe version with Nightlife (PC). It is a game I have always wanted and I got for Christmas. I have quickly become addicted to it :) I am not what some would call a "gamer" but there are a few games I like to play. Crossword, word games, puzzles, Monopoly, Scrabble and now the Sims.

In the background of all this activity I have the news on and one thing sticks out. Democrats like to raise taxes and now I know why--they do not pay them lol.

Homeless Shelters Closing

2009-01-30T20:20:00.002-06:00

As the economic crisis rages on so does the number of homeless and families in need. Big donors which many shelters and food banks depend have cut back on donations. Some have had to stop sending the checks completely.

"Shelters and related services for the homeless are facing funding shortfalls as the downturn takes its toll on state budgets and corporate donations. And while individual donors in many cases are keeping up gifts — or even digging a little deeper for charities that help with urgent needs like food and shelter — the service providers say they are faced with a rapidly growing demand from people losing jobs and homes in the economic crisis."

“The people who have lost homes or tenants in homes that were foreclosed … have downsized, and if that doesn’t work they will move in with family and friends,” says Stoops. “After a while, they will move into their RV in a state campground. The next step is a car. And the worst nightmare for a working, middle-class person or even a wealthy person who has never experienced homelessness is knocking on a shelter door.

”The growing gap between wages and housing costs has long been hard for low-income people,” says Foscarinis. “Now we’re seeing people who are middle-income who are being squeezed."

Many of contributions that shelters and job programs rely on come from the business sector hit hard by the economic downturn.
Add the ever increasing numbers of families with children finding themselves homeless and we have visions of the 1930's depression looming large.

2009-01-30T20:18:00.000-06:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Homeless Families on the Rise

2009-01-26T08:16:00.003-06:00

If you Google the word homeless you will find tons of web sites offering up information and statistics in cold black and white print.
In away it is fitting as being homeless is a cold reality to many new families.

There seems to be two groups of homeless. The people of the "street" that most of us think of when or if we think about homeless people and families. It is this second group (families) I am writing about. Families who have lost jobs and homes due to the current economy. Rising food and fuel costs have hit these people hard. Even those who may still have a job are now homeless because salaries have not kept pace with costs.

Cuts in federal, state and local programs have also contributed to the rise in what is being called the "New Homeless."

"More families with children are becoming homeless as they face mounting economic pressures, including mortgage foreclosures, according to a USA TODAY survey of a dozen of the largest cities in the nation. "

The data for 2008 is not all in. Many suspect the problem is larger and does not take into account rural America.
I personally can attest to the fact that rural homelessness is alive and well being that I live in a rural area and have worked with the homeless here.

Ending up on the street is traumatic and even more so to the children of these families. Imagine loosing the warm comfort of your bed (however shabby) to sleeping with four siblings in the back seat of a car if your lucky enough to still have a car?

We could go on forever as to the reasons people are homeless. Mistakes, bad decisions, lack of education, single parents, abuses, and so on but it is not my intent to pass any judgement as I research and write about this increasing problem. Only to inform as I keep in mind an old saying...
But for the Grace of God there go I....

Next up--rural homeless up close and personal.....

Subprime -The 'new' homeless in the US

2009-01-26T06:24:00.001-06:00

Homeless camp outside LA.......

At Weeks End

2009-01-24T06:07:00.002-06:00

OK, so this post is not about the homeless problem but given the historic nature of the past week my mind seems centered on what it all means for America. The homeless issue will still be here on Monday.

My friends at Iowageek wrote a blog post I think is worth a read. Here is a portion of that post and I encourage you to click the link and read it all.

"He is, After all, Only a Man"

"The day before Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th president an artist's lifesize likeness of him rode through downtown Des Moines on a donkey surrounded by black SUV's and "secret service". (as reported by KCCI but the video is nowhere to be found on their website now)"

"While I understand the excitement that surrounds this president the elation and the worship confuse me. Obviously the likeness of him riding a donkey through the streets is meant to be symbolic of Jesus - the only thing missing was the waving of palm branches."

"Really, I truly understand the significance of this man becoming the President of the United States."..................................................

Bush gets booed as he hears Hail to the Chief one last time for him!

2009-01-22T05:54:00.001-06:00

Sad

Bush gets booed as he hears Hail to the Chief one last time...

2009-01-22T05:48:00.002-06:00

Such class! Booing Bush as he leaves office was just wrong. I didn't agree with some of his policy's but the man is a human being who has already dealt with eight years of hate from those that now will run the country. This does not bode well.

This was not just coming from the crowds--oh no-- Nancy Pelosi and other Dem lawmakers gleefully joined the classless nut cases.

P.S. What was one of Obama's first acts in office? He repealed the restriction put in place by Bush (The Mexico City Policy) on the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for and promote abortion abroad.

Fasten Your Seat Belts, its Going to Be a Bumpy Ride...

2009-01-20T13:46:00.002-06:00

To borrow a phrase made famous by the actress Betty Davis as Margo in the film "All About Eve". Her crusty character sums up what I felt as I watched the flubbed oath of office by Obama as he begins his term as our president elect.

Democrats running the country? Yep, it will be bumpy and messy as well.
Like him or not--are task is to pray for this man who will run this country and hope he will uphold that which makes America great.
I do not think it will take long before the "rock star" persona attached to this man will be gone.

If nothing else--- the next 4 years will sure be interesting.
God Bless America

(back to the homeless tomorrow)

The Bitter Cold, Economy and the Homeless

2009-01-16T05:04:00.003-06:00

Homeless shelters are filling up at rates not seen in over a decade. Due in part to the bitter cold but also due to the current economic crisis. So say Shelter and Human resource workers.

"We found one young man in a sleeping bag under an overpass. He'd had his home foreclosed on," Redlich said. Yahoo News.

Millions of Americans are only a pay check away from the streets. With nothing put aside to see them through a rough period many find themselves homeless at a speed that stuns them.
Whether these folks are couch hopping, living on the streets or going to a shelter--it is clear that the homeless problem is going to get worse before it gets better.

The current bitter cold temps are simply highlighting the problem of a new generation of homeless. Many of them are young who have lost their jobs and came home to find they were locked out and their things left on the street curb.

"Ray Redlich, assistant director of New Life Evangelistic Center in St. Louis, said the homeless population has changed as the financial crisis has grown worse. Now it includes more people who just months ago were working for a living." Yahoo News

A couple months back I read an article about Chicago's sheriff dept. refusing to do anymore evictions in foreclosing:

"Law enforcement officers in Chicago will no longer evict residents from foreclosed properties.
Sheriff Dart said he took the measure because an increasing number of the residents being evicted were renters who might have been dutifully paying their rent, and might have had no knowledge that the owner was behind on the mortgage." NYimes.com

Shelters believe they are seeing only a fraction of the homeless--- that their are many more taking their chances outside.
Mixed in with the homeless who suffer mental illness, alcohol abuse, are the working or non-working poor. Even those who did have a small nest egg set aside have exhausted those funds.

Rural communities like the one I live in are not exempt from the economy or the homeless--it is frightening the amount of jobs lost. My friend lost her 25 year job as head of a company's human resource dept. Now they have to sell their house in a market that is faltering and will not get them the value of their home.

Having worked with homeless I have an interest in this topic and so will pursue this further in my next post.

Deep Freeze

2009-01-12T18:08:00.007-06:00

I know they say the earth is warming up but you can not convince me when I am facing a week of temps of 17 below 0!

Add 35 below wind chills into the mix and we have a deep freeze.

Already events, schools and other outdoor adventures are being called off.
To think I was in the upper 60's 2 weeks ago--Waaaa :(

On the serious side--this kind of cold can be dangerous to people and animals alike. Please do not leave the "outside" dog outside. I realize there are dogs bred for this type of weather but unless there is a full pack of them--they too can freeze to death.

Layers and more layers--it may not be fashionable but it is the best way for people to keep warm if they must venture out. Watch the kids--especially the teens! I have a hard time convincing my 14 yr old granddaughter to keep her coat on! (its just not cool, I am told) Well either is frostbite!

Frostbite (literally frozen skin) can happen in a matter of seconds.
Frostbite turns the skin white and waxy that feels numb and hard. It requires immediate emergency medical attention. While waiting for medical attention use the steps below but with extra caution. The water should never be warmer than 100 degrees F. If not treated promptly there can be tissue damage or even the loss of a finger or toe!

All frost bite begins as frost nip which most of us have experienced at one time or another.
Frost nip affects the cheeks, nose, ears, fingers, and toes, leaving them red and numb or tingly.
Frost nip can be treated at home with quick action--get indoors and remove wet clothing--use warm compresses or immerse in tepid to warm water for 20-30 minutes. Do NOT rub the affected areas as it does not help and could actually cause tissue damage.

Next on the list--Cars (severe cold is hard on autos).
Make sure to top off oil, anti-freeze, other fluids and tire pressure. A good battery is a must-- so too is an emergency kit kept in the car.

How to start a car when it is 17 below zero? I found a great a site called "Winter-car-care".
Follow the link for winter survival tips and a list of what should go into that car emergency kit......

Oprah! Fat Again!

2009-01-08T06:53:00.003-06:00

"So here I stand, 40 pounds heavier than I was in 2006. (Yes, you're adding correctly; that means the dreaded 2-0-0.) I'm mad at myself. I'm embarrassed. I can't believe that after all these years, all the things I know how to do, I'm still talking about my weight. I look at my thinner self and think, "How did I let this happen again?"

I can't believe we are talking about Oprah's weight again either. Or I should say--the media is talking about it and of course so is Oprah.
Who cares?

Enough money for her own personal chef and trainer and yet Oprah's weight is a media topic. Sheesh!
You can read her article by clicking the link......

Lets Play Pretend

2009-01-05T09:22:00.001-06:00

Israel is the only country in the world that sends out warnings before they strike in order for civillians to get out. Would we?

Israel vs. the World

2009-01-05T08:13:00.003-06:00

I read two articles today in Newsweek regarding Israel, the Palestinians, Gaza and the road to peace.
The peace process and so called "two state solution" are now thought to be dead. (Duh) As a matter of fact it never ever had a life regardless of Bill Clinton's efforts, Condi Rice's many trips to the region, Israel's land for peace deals IE: Gaza for one, or all other attempts made to bring peace to a region we have come to know as the Middle East.

Its all very simple really but this nation along with others just do not get it. Whether it is Hamas, Hizbullah, Fatah, or Arafat's PLO--the goal has always been the destruction of Israel and getting rid of every Jew. The fact that some of these groups decided to enter the political arena has not changed this goal. The crushing of Israel is still number one on the Arab worlds to-do list.

What have the U.S. and Israel done to work around this? Well, they gobble up every crumb sent there way by the Palestinian leadership when they make nice with fingers crossed behind their backs and then Washington can cackle with glee at the great strides forward they have brought about. When we finally caught on we placed pressure on Israel to just ignore it and move on with the "peace plan" anyway. "Never mind", we told Israel--"we have your back" Israel then gives up Gaza almost 4 years ago of which Hamas has turned into a rocket launching site. Yet, the world cries out against Israel for defending herself from daily rocket attacks.

As a government Israel is responsible for protecting her citizens and as an ally what do we do? We tell Israel "hold off", "wait". The phrase "proportional response" is a term I can not stand. As Mayor Bloomberg said: " There is no such thing as proportional response to terrorism" How right he is.
It was Hamas that broke the truce--it is the cowardly Hamas that hides behind civilians--it is Hamas backed by Iran and others that send rockets into Israel. But we hardly hear about that on the news--why? Because it is the norm--it has gone on for years and now that Israel has decided to move on Hamas she is torn apart in the press.

One more important note--there is no such people as Palestinians or a Palestinian state. The number of displaced Arabs from the war in 1948 and 67 are drastically over estimated. Anyone interested could pick up a history book from that time and read about how the Arabs living in Israel fled or were told by their own to flee and while this happened the Arab countries expelled all of their Jews creating a traffic jam coming and going. An attempt to document the displaced was made but those trying to do so gave up when so many "extra" people flooded the region.

Meanwhile, many of Israels Arabs stayed put and are now Israeli citizens. Israel herself prior to 1948 was considered a back water with a Jewish population and a few Arab nomadic tribes and the British who ruled at the time after taking control from the Ottoman empire (the Turks who cared nothing for Israel).

None of this seems to matter. The Newsweek article says "Obama must get tough with Israel to achieve peace"
It goes on to say:

"Don't get me wrong. Barack Obama—as every other U.S. president before him—will protect the special relationship with Israel. But the days of America's exclusive ties to Israel may be coming to an end. Despite efforts to sound reassuring during the campaign, the new administration will have to be tough, much tougher than either Bill Clinton or George W. Bush were, if it's serious about Arab-Israeli peacemaking."

It goes on to say that perhaps our relationship to Israel is to exclusive??? Follow the link to read the article.

Out With the Old--In With the New

2009-01-02T10:32:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I sure did! Not until I left for a week to sunny TX. did I realize how bad I needed to get away. Sometimes getting away helps one gain new perspectives on their day to day "normal" life.

Never one for New Year resolutions I think for 2009 I will be making a few. A couple of examples--rid myself of selfish and thoughtless people. Learn how to say NO and stick with it.

Most important of all--climb the mountain that will bring me closer to God and set a new course for my life.

What if any are your resolutions or hurdles you would like to tackle in 2009?

While my mountain is a mental hurdle--let me leave you with this picture I took in El Paso and have placed on my desk top as a reminder. ( Transmountain Rd. through Franklin Mt's.)

The Features

2009-01-01T15:53:00.001-06:00

The Features

Windows Live Writer, of which I am learning.

Blog here and send it to blogger from my new netbook. ok, time to test it out.

Countdown to 2009

2008-12-31T11:22:00.002-06:00

I am back from sunny and warm El Paso, TX. Wishing everyone a happy and safe New Year.

Flying American

2008-12-28T08:28:00.002-06:00

My time is up--tomorrow morning I fly American back to the land of frigid air and snow. In a few minutes I will check in on-line and print out my boarding pass. This feature of American really saves time and helps me avoid standing in long lines. Anyone who flys American--I suggest becoming a AAdvantage member by registering on-line at aa.com--its free.

The rest of my travel day is by bus and car and will get me home I figure around 7pm. I have had a wonderful time and I do not look forward to going back to the cold weather but I miss my dogs and family (in that order lol). I still have another Christmas to do with my grand-kids--just as soon as I recover.

I will sleep right through New Years!
p.s. I am on my Kazz & Lily!

Whirlwind

2008-12-26T08:33:00.002-06:00

After a whirlwind of activity I am now winding down to prepare for my trip back home. Back to snow, ice and freezing temps. I do not want to go!!!! Alas, all vacations must come to an end. I must tell you--I keep asking myself how I could have ever left El Paso 20 some years ago??

I sat out side Christmas day with nothing more than a cotton blouse and slacks on. The warm El Paso sun felt like gentle hugs. Add to that the warmth extended to me by my family--what a great trip this has been.

Tonight is the last family gathering that serves as the official end of Christmas celebrations.
Visit this weekend with long lost friends and off early Monday morning.

P.S. Did I mention I got everything on my list--including a lap top? I cried, that is how surprised I was.................

West Texas Wind

2008-12-23T07:42:00.003-06:00

It was a very long day of travel beginning with catching a ride to Madison and then catching the bus to O'Hare airport in Chicago. Taking the bus--not such a good idea. Being trapped in Chicago traffic only two miles from the airport is nerve racking to say the least. But putting that aside--O'Hare airport is a trip!

Arriving with still plenty of time to spare--I could not believe how many people were trying to fly out of this airport. Due to weekend storms and another that was forecasted for Monday night and Tuesday there was a scramble to catch any flight that would get folks out of the area and on their way to their Holiday vacation.

Secure in the fact that my plane was on-time( yeah right) I made my way through security and to my departure gate. Stopping at every store on the way (my gate was at the end of a very long hall) I found out that if your in the mood to get ripped off--then shop at the airport. Good Golly!

A day that began at 10am was finally reaching its end with my 6:30 pm boarding for my 7pm flight to West Texas (El Paso). Now I was getting excited--even though flying is not a favorite activity all I could think of was the warm West Texas winds and my family I had not seen since my moms funeral. 25 years had gone by since I had been home and spent a Christmas with siblings and old friends.

As with most flights these days we were 30 minutes late but I am told I was blessed--Amen to that. Blessed more ways than that--Wisconsin and Chicago are getting buried with the third storm in less than a week! That Monday window was indeed a short last chance out!
I got off the plane and met by my sister I began to peel off the layers of clothes and made my way outside to the dry 50 degree breeze that greeted me as if to say "welcome home"!

Home--the sun is now rising and the El Paso winds are blowing. 64 is the expected high today. I intend to drink in every minute of my time here......
Merry Christmas

PS--Thank you Jesus!

Jesus is the Reason......

2008-12-21T08:50:00.003-06:00

I found this story over at IowaGeek--enjoy :)
Merry CHRISTmas

A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season, overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened, and there was already a crowd in the elevator. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids in with her and all the shopping bags. When the doors closed, she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot.

"From the back, everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry. We already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.Don't forget this year to keep the one who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think how different this whole world would be.

More Blizzards on the Way

2008-12-20T08:57:00.002-06:00

More snow on top of the foot we just got is predicted for much of the central portion of the country.
This is not good if your like me and need to fly out of O'Hare on Monday--heck, I need to get to Chicago first!

"Flights canceled: Hundreds of flights were canceled in Northeast and the Midwest, including about 300 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, where three-hour delays were reported. Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee remained closed early Friday evening because snow plows on the runways could not keep up.
Flight delays stretched as long as 5½ hours at Newark International Airport in New Jersey, 3½ hours at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and 2½ hours at Philadelphia International Airport. All departures headed for JFK were grounded until 4:30 p.m. ET, while departures to Newark were halted until 5 p.m. ET. "

Will it be better come Monday?

Bamboozled Voters?

2008-12-15T05:20:00.002-06:00

A Newsweek article written by the folks from factcheck.org suggest that most voters are misinformed. Helped along by campaign ads that feed into voters perceptions whether true or not.

" The Obama campaign aired two ads claiming that McCain planned to cut Medicare benefits a total of 17,614 times at a cost estimated to be more than $7 million"

Which simply was not true.

McCain was not above the fray either.

"More than half of U.S. adults (52 percent) said the claim that Sen. Barack Obama's tax plan would raise taxes on most small businesses is truthful, when in fact only a small percentage would see any increase. "

This does not surprise me--I have said it before--voters do not bother to check facts and tend to believe what campaigns spend millions in ads and other mediums to "inform". Especially if the information is from the person or party a voter is already in tune with.

"Voters aren't highly knowledgeable about government to begin with. Our poll shows that nearly one in three (31 percent) think Congress or the president, not the Supreme Court, have the final call on whether laws are constitutional. Nearly one in 10 (9.9 percent) think Republicans still control the House of Representatives, even though they've had two years to catch up on results of the 2006 elections. "

"None of this bodes well for the future, in our view. Spending hundreds of millions of dollars on campaigns that systematically disinform the public can only make the task of governing harder for the eventual winner."

Ya think? Read the whole article(linked)

Crazed Grandma

2008-12-12T08:33:00.002-06:00

I know I have not kept up with this blog. Well its like this--I have little over a week before I leave for Texas for Christmas.
I have nothing done!

Ok, I have some things done but no Christmas shopping yet or packing. I do not move as fast as when I was younger.
I make lists now--that of course I loose.

So you see--my mind is just not tuned into blogging at the moment.
Later--I hope :)

Winter Storm Warning

2008-12-08T10:07:00.002-06:00

Here we go! The first major storm of the season predicted to begin this afternoon into late tomorrow.
It has everything--rain, sleet, ice, and last but not least--snow. Lots of it if the weather gurus can be believed. Anywhere from 6 inches to a foot with blowing and drifting added in just for fun!

There was a time when I enjoyed a good snow storm--the kind that kept you inside because your car was buried.
All warm and cuddled with a good book and hot chocolate--yes, there was a time I enjoyed the wonder of nature called snow.

Now older and wiser--not so much anymore. I want sun, sand and warmth all year round.
I rue the day I left exactly that to come to the north!
How to get back? How? This is the question I ask the good Lord each day!

Check back tomorrow for a snow update....................

Hillary's 7.5 Million Dollar Blitz

2008-12-05T10:08:00.002-06:00

The economy is in the tank, the jobless rate is at an all time high, home foreclosures are beyond belief and yet Obama is asking his donors to help him keep his commitment to retire Hillary Clinton's campaign debt of 7.2 million dollars.

"NEW YORK - President-elect Barack Obama wants to keep an outstanding commitment before Hillary Rodham Clinton becomes his secretary of state by calling on his donors to help her reduce her massive campaign debt before federal ethics rules prohibit her from doing so.
His transition team was sending an e-mail early Friday asking them for help retiring the debt as she prepares for her new duties.
The letter asks for help honoring "an outstanding commitment we made during the election."

Obama is not the only debt reduction avenue being offered up. Bill Clinton is headlining a debt retirement party on Dec. 15th with "Ugly Betty" star America Ferrera.
Hillary herself plans to sell a children's book about her historic run for president.

All of this really doesn't mean much except that I am once again reminded as I was during the campaign of the nearly obscene amount of money spent by the candidates running for office at a time when people are being tossed out of their jobs and homes.

The same people who will ask the taxpayer to pay for the current bailouts. Whether it is Bush or Obama--Democrat or Republican. It is the people who are going to have to pay.............

Kerfuffle

2008-12-04T06:08:00.003-06:00

I learned a new word today and if you couldn't guess it is "Kerfuffle". In all my reading I had never come across this one. Being that I am a word game junkie I just had to look this one up.
So what does Kerfuffle mean?

From Dictionary.com:

kerfuffle
noun
a disorderly outburst or tumult; "they were amazed by the furious disturbance they had caused" [syn: disturbance]

I like this word that one can use to describe disorder or a commotion. In fact this word can also be written-- curfuffle, kafuffle, or gefuffle.
It does create bit of a kerfuffle for Spell Check though lol....................

Cyber Monday

2008-12-01T07:18:00.003-06:00

Forget Black Friday--it is Cyber Monday today. The on-line version of Black Friday.

Not only is it a lot safer the deals are much better.

Shopping from the comfort of your home in your Pj's if you so desire. No waiting, no long lines and best of all----no injuries!

Black Friday 2008 Walmart

2008-11-29T06:21:00.001-06:00

Just one of many videos of the complete madness known as "Black Friday". This one is mild compared to others. A worker at a New York Walmart was trampled to death--that video can be seen too but I decline to post it as on-lookers stood by laughing. There isn't a piece of merchandise anywhere that would have me sleeping outside a store for 24 hours and then risk life and limb to rush a store to get it.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T07:24:00.002-06:00

How To Cook A Turkey

2008-11-26T08:45:00.002-06:00

Cooking your first Turkey? Wondering about thawing times, cooking temps etc.....

Follow the link to a web site appropriately named "Howtocookathanksgivingturkey"

Happy Thanksgiving

US Officials Flunk History Test

2008-11-24T08:30:00.002-06:00

Our elected officials did not do very well on a test about history, economics and civics. Scoring a sad average of 44 percent. The average citizen did not do much better with a score of 49 percent.

The 33 question quiz was given by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute or ISI. "ISI is a non-profit, non-partisan, tax-exempt educational organization. The Institute receives no funding or any other aid from any level of government. For more information about ISI, visit our website at www.isi.org."

"It is disturbing enough that the general public failed ISI's civic literacy test, but when you consider the even more dismal scores of elected officials, you have to be concerned," said Josiah Bunting, chairman of the National Civic Literacy Board at ISI.
"How can political leaders make informed decisions if they don't understand the American experience?"

Head over to the ISI web site and you too can take the quiz.
http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx
Or follow the link to read the whole article.
I scored 85%, how about you?

Making a List and Checking it Twice

2008-11-20T08:09:00.002-06:00

A week until Thanksgiving and a little over a month until Christmas! Wow, the holidays sure can sneak up on me.
With 5 grand kids and a trip home to plan for I will be very busy for the next 4 weeks.

Given the current economic down turn the sales and deals have already begun. Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving is the kick off to the holiday shopping season but business's decided not to wait. Add the Internet to the mix anyone with a bit of patience can fill their Christmas lists without breaking the bank.

Another long lost art will be making a come back this year--homemade gifts. There was a time when this was common place and now it may well be by need as discretionary income becomes less and less. The thing is--some of the best gifts are those we create our self's.

Christmas is a celebration of the gift God gave to the world--his son Jesus. Sitting around the table with your kids making gifts that come from the heart is one of the best ways to express what the season is really about.

Check those lists and check them again--if they are beyond your budget then consider handmade gifts. Debt is not what Christmas is about....................Simply Google "Homemade Gifts" and you will be directed to many web sites with great ideas.
It is fun for the whole family and making great memories while teaching the kids a valuable lesson.