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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What Would You Do?

I heard this the other day and I think it a great simple example of a “What would you do?” scenario.

What would you do if you left the front door open to your house and one day you went into your living room and saw a family living in there? They don’t eat much from your fridge and they are quiet. Does this bother you? A few months later, there are a few more people and the one woman is giving birth to a child on your living room couch. Now you can’t get into your bathroom, your grocery bill has grown and there is a baby keeping you up all night, not to mention the pile of diapers in your front yard.

You’ve had enough, so you call the FBI, you call ICE, you call the Feds, but they never come. They ignore your plea’s for help. The frustration is building, after all, it is your house. So you call the local authorities but they tell you their hands are tied and there is nothing they can do because federal law says they can’t. You’re helpless.

You contemplate moving, perhaps taking the law into your own hands, but wait…. There is a better solution! Create a state law that says you can do the same thing the federal law does. So you do.

The next thing you see is just unbelievable… buses are pulling up in front of your home, protests are forming, people are calling you racist and they are calling for your eviction. They want to boycott your sources of income. They want to starve you and make you pay.

.... You're right. It could never happen.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Is Arizona's New Immigration Law Constitutional?

We have an interesting situation developing in Arizona. Last week, the Arizona legislature passed and the governor signed a law which says, in effect, that the state will work harder to enforce the existing federal immigration laws.

The left is having a cow, of course. They are concerned that enforcing the law is racist.

"Racist." Where have we heard that before?

So the left is now crying "Unconstitutional." It is unconstitutional, according to the left, to merely enforce federal law. The constitution, by the way, does give the government the authority to set and enforce immigration policies.

Now, remember back ... ALL THE WAY BACK .... to about three weeks ago when the Health Care System Destruction Act of 2010. Remember the congressmen who said that the constitution doesn't matter? The only thing that mattered, way back then, was to make sure that all those uninsured citizens who were just dropping dead in the streets from lack of health care, got covered. They AREN'T covered, but we did get health care destruction/reform shoved down our throats. Constitutional or not.

So, now that there is an issue in which the left wants to limit the power of government, the left is crying "foul." We CAN'T ignore the constitution.

Hypocrisy? Thy name is Democrat.

Health Care Reform Lawsuit...What's Your Opinion?

Before the ink was dry on the Health Care Destruction Act of 2010, several states began filing lawsuits challenging the Constitutionality of the act.

Now, there is no question that the act is unconstitutional. That's not the question. You CANNOT read the constitution (unless you are a lawyer/judge) and conclude after reading it that the federal government has ANY authority to fund health care. Of course, you would also be forced to conclude, if you REALLY thought about it, that Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, federal funding of education and a whole host of other things the federal government does are ALSO unconstitutional.

Of course, lawyers and judges can't read.

Or so it seems. When they read something, they obviously don't read or understand it the same way that you and I do.

Where I have a problem with the Supreme Court's rulings on the constitutionality of ANYTHING is that they don't really look at the constitution and what its original intent was. They look at everything else. Previous rulings, case law, their liberal agenda, etc.

I've always looked at the constitution as a contract. The American people voted on it (in the 1700's) and it's Amendments (in the years following). What were the writers thinking it meant when they wrote it? What were the voters thinking it meant when they voted on it? There is no way the framers of the constitution envisioned our current government. In fact, our current government, and in particular, our current administration, were precisely the thing they were trying to AVOID when they wrote the document.

So, then, the question, really is this: Does this lawsuit REALLY stand a chance of succeeding. Given the liberal nature of the court and the way they tend to rule on these kinds of issues, my feeling is the Health Care Destruction bill will stand as is. I don't think the Supremes will strike it down. But I'm not a lawyer, and, frankly, I don't follow these kinds of things that closely.

What do you think?

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Jobless Rate Rises

For the second straight week, the jobless rate has risen, confounding liberals and the media. The recession was supposed to be over, but I guess the people who do the hiring didn't get the memo.

I "doubt" that the recent health care legislation, with its new and confusing regulations and taxes on businesses has had any impact on the business sector and their decisions to hire, not hire or even lay off employees. Of course, we know that health care reform is going to balance the budget and save everyone tons of money.

A year ago, Dick Morris (whom I respect, but don't always agree with) predicted that the jobless rate would rise in response to the Generational Theft Act (stimulus) to around 10% nationally. He also predicted that it would stay near that rate for 2010 and perhaps beyond. Furthermore, he predicted that as we move into 2010 and 2011, we would begin to see an increasing rate of inflation that would trigger a second recession before we've even recovered from the first one.

While we've yet to see a significant amount of inflation, Morris' predictions usually tend to be pretty accurate. We've already seen gas prices rise, and the price of other goods and services usually trend upwards when gas prices go up because almost everything we buy is affected by the cost of fuel.

I'm not optimistic about our future. With the passage of health care reform, it appears the recession is going to extend into the foreseeable future, despite proclamations that it is over. We might as well get used to double digit unemployment. Unless we can reverse the damage O.B.A.M.,A. has done, it is likely to become the norm. Pollsters and other experts are backing off of predictions that the Republicans will take back the House and Senate. At best, they will neutralize the Democrats' majority, but it is highly unlikely they will get enough seats to pass their own agenda, let alone repeal any of what O.B.A.M.,A. has done (including health care).

Even looking forward to 2012, prospects aren't much better. Assuming we can get a Republican back in the White House, many of the front runners (including Huckabee and Romney) are far from conservative. They are in favor of many of the same programs and spending polices of the left, just to a slightly lesser degree.

Sorry for the "negative" post, today, but given that it's April 15 (Tax Day), perhaps some honest evaluation of where we are at economically is in order.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Quote of the Day

"There is nothing wrong with the younger generation that becoming taxpayers won't cure."

-- Dan Bennett

Doctor Shortages On the Way

Dr. Melissa Clothier shares:

The Wall Street Journal shares this inevitable news:

The new federal health-care law has raised the stakes for hospitals and schools already scrambling to train more doctors.

Experts warn there won’t be enough doctors to treat the millions of people newly insured under the law. At current graduation and training rates, the nation could face a shortage of as many as 150,000 doctors in the next 15 years, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

That shortfall is predicted despite a push by teaching hospitals and medical schools to boost the number of U.S. doctors, which now totals about 954,000.

The greatest demand will be for primary-care physicians. These general practitioners, internists, family physicians and pediatricians will have a larger role under the new law, coordinating care for each patient.

The U.S. has 352,908 primary-care doctors now, and the college association estimates that 45,000 more will be needed by 2020. But the number of medical-school students entering family medicine fell more than a quarter between 2002 and 2007.

A shortage of primary-care and other physicians could mean more-limited access to health care and longer wait times for patients.

The whole point of health care reform was too feel better–not you, or your health–but liberal politicians.

It wasn’t to improve health care treatment.

It wasn’t to reduce costs.

It wasn’t even to get more people under care.

Wait, what? That’s right. More people will be insured, but patients will receive less care at more cost. It’s just logical. The new health care system creates a gatekeeper system that will eliminate individual choice and drive up costs. So, a person thinks something is wrong with his prostate–he goes directly to a proctologist. That saves 1. wait time 2. cost (no double doctor fees) and 3. diagnosis time.

But not now.

Oh no! Now, a patient must wait to get into an overburdened primary care physician, get a referral and then get into another physician. A patient will be dead by the time he gets diagnosed.

The inevitable response?

Cash-only doctors. Some doctors won’t accept this new insurance and work outside the system. So, people will pay into the health service, hate the waits and then, go pay cash for good care.

The rich will have good care while subsidizing everyone else. The middle class will be caught in a jam because the taxes will be so egregious they can’t afford anything, never mind a quick diagnosis. So they will be caught in government-mandated substandard care.

And the poor, who don’t pay into the system, will still misuse the system because they still won’t take care of themselves. And Medicare and Medicaid could have been expanded to help them as is.

But noooo. An overhaul had to happen. The government had to control health care.

If this diseased legislation doesn’t get revoked, America is going to go down the road of all disastrous socialized countries: chronic unemployment, disheartened and downwardly mobile middle class and an elite aristocracy for whom policy doesn’t matter.

In the liberal world that’s called utopia.

And by the way, a small board will decide what does and does not get covered under Obamacare. So, yes, death sentences will be handed down by the government. That too, is inevitable.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Auto Bailouts: Where Did We Go Wrong?

This is likely to be a fairly long post, but I'll try to make it as readable as possible. The information here is condensed from a couple of research projects and a number of articles from the auto industry.

At one time, the American auto industry was king. Nobody in the world produced the quality of cars, with the technology and engineering at the prices that the United States was producing before and after World War II. That ended around the 1970s and 1980s. (It's hard to pinpoint an exact year, but for the purposes of this article, within a decade or so is accurate enough).

After 1980, the Japanese auto industry, which already had a foothold in the U.S. began to take off by leaps and bounds. At the same time, Americans were discovering the quality and drivability of European makes like BMW, Saab, Volvo, Mercedes and others. Around this time, foreign makes were jumping ahead of American manufacturers with regard to quality, engineering, technology and, especially, design.

Many auto industry insiders view the "beginning of the end" of the dominance of American auto companies to be the book "Unsafe at any Speed" by Ralph Nadar.

The book was written about Chevrolet's unique car, the Corvair. The Corvair was designed in the late 1950's by very forward-thinking GM engineers and designers. These people inside GM were looking at Porsche and Volkswagen and they wanted to see what they could learn from the popularity of those German cars. In terms of handling, reliability and technology, these cars were simple designs with sporty performance (at least Porsche was) and were noted for reliability in extreme weather and road conditions.

Chevrolet wanted to see what it could do with a similar concept. They wanted to create a rear-engine, air-cooled, rear-wheel-drive car. Unlike Porsche and Volkswagen, they wanted to make the car a little larger so that it could be used as both a sporty car as well as a small family sedan.

The Corvair was introduced in 1959 (as a 1960 model) and was Motor Trend's Car of the Year. It brought to market a number of firsts and innovations for an American car: A rear-engine air-cooled aluminum flat six cylinder engine with rear transaxle, four wheel independent suspension, with the front and rear suspension components each attached independently to the subframe. In terms of design, technology, innovation and concept, it was different in every way from every other car Detroit was producing and different than anything Detroit had ever produced.

A few years later, Ralph Nadar wrote his book in which he alleged that the Corvair was an unsafe vehicle. Nadar was an unknown "consumer advocate" looking for a cause, and he found it in the Corvair. He alleged that the vehicle was prone to turn over easier than other vehicles, that it was more prone to catch fire in a front end collision and that it was more likely to cause injury to passengers in a rear end collision than any other car.

These allegations were proven false. The government held hearings and then conducted its own safety tests of the car. Their findings: The car was as safe, or safer, than any other vehicle on the road. (The government actually found that the car was less likely to catch fire in a collision than other cars.)

The damage, however, had been done. Sales of the car dropped and it was phased out in 1969, to be replaced by the more conventional Chevrolet Vega, a car with all the disadvantages of a small car along with poor fuel economy and poor handling. The lesson the Big Three Automakers took from this episode of automotive history is this: Don't innovate. Just make your traditional vehicles like you've always done, and don't try anything new, exciting or innovative.

When Subaru introduced front wheel drive to small asian imports, (Saab actually beat them to it in the American market), the other imports followed. By the mid 1980s, Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda had front-drive on most of their car models. The U.S. manufacturers did not follow suit until it became apparent that they were losing sales because of this feature. The same can be said of smaller, four cylinder, more fuel efficient models. Most other innovations and engineering breakthroughs after the 1960s came from either European or Japanese manufacturers. The Japanese in the 1980s and 1990s and later on the European manufacturers even began leading the way in styling. Today, if you take the nameplate off of a car and show it to the average consumer, most people would pick a foreign car to most domestic models.

All of this has led up to our current situation in which the government "had" to bail out two of the Big Three automakers.

I would be the last person to suggest that Ralph Nadar is single-handedly responsible for all of the ills of the auto industry. Over the past 40 years, there has been enough bad decisions, bad design and stupidity within the industry for a lot of folks to share the blame.

The question I have is, who is holding Nadar's feet to the fire? If industry insiders had lied and conspired in some way to bring an entire industry to its knees, no doubt those folks would be held accountable. Yet, Nadar is a darling of the left; a champion of the "little guy"; even a "green" presidential candidate. I doubt the American public is even aware of his role in the decline of the American auto industry (and by extension, American manufacturing).

While this post probably isn't as timely as it could have been (I recently ran across a series of articles that spurred this entry), I suppose the whole point is that I'm now doing my part to help people understand why we are where we are, today. Something as seemingly small and innocuous as a little book with a few little lies has had an effect that has spread to every American some 45 years later.

Now, use your imagination and look ahead to the next thirty or forty years. How do you think the lies currently being spread by O.B.A.M.,A., and Reid and Pelosi about health care and how much universal coverage will "save us" is going to affect America in the coming years?

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Laws and Freedoms

I missed a corner, yesterday. I was driving down the street and I drove right by my turn.

I was too distracted. While I was driving, I was listening to Fox Radio on the Satellite. Neil Cavuto was interviewing a socialist who was marveling at how great it was to force everyone to buy health insurance, and he kept commenting over and over that we are "an nation of laws." He also asked the question four or five times, "Would you rather live in a banana republic" where the law is corrupt?

I was screaming at the radio when I drove right by the street I was supposed to turn on.

Well, Mr Liberal-Spout-the-Democrat-Party-Line (I didn't catch who the guest was), it seems to me that we DO live in a banana republic where the law is corrupt. The new health care law was passed by a corrupt congress in a corrupt manner and it exempts those who created the law. How much more corrupt can you get?

But what really got me thinking was the idea of what makes America a great place to live. Or, maybe more accurately, what USED TO make America a great place to live, before Congress shredded the Constitution?

It isn't the fact that we are a nation of laws that makes America a great place to live.

What has made America great, what made America the place that people from other places in the world flock to the U.S., is not our laws, but rather our freedoms. People come here because we have, or rather HAD, a Constitution that protected us FROM the government and FROM the laws it wants to pass to deprive us of our freedoms.

Until this year, you could come to the U.S. and as long as you didn't do something to harm someone else, you could pretty much do what you wanted and the government was FORCED (by the Constitution) to leave you alone.

Now, for the first time in our nation's history, that is no longer the case. Simply by existing, simply by being here, you are now FORCED by the government to buy something, whether or not you want it.

Now, someone tell me .... how does that make us any better than those so-called "banana republics?"

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Diplomat Lights Shoes on Fire

Reports are still coming in as I write this, but the latest news reports are saying that a man who is a diplomat at the Qatar embassy in Washington, Mohammed al Modadi, attempted to light his shoes on fire on a flight from Washington, D.C. to Denver.

Apparently, and air marshall on the flight subdued the man, and he was detained and question once the plane landed. Early reports are also suggesting that he did not have any kind of bomb or weapon, but think he may have tried to light his shoes on fire to cover up a smell. (Smoking?)

Two questions come to mind.

First, with all the security at airports in the U.S., how does an Arab get through security with something to light his shoes with? And second, what are the odds this was some kind of test of airport security and airplane security? Maybe next time, we won't be so lucky.

Obama's First Asteroid?

During a speech in which he tried "selling" Health Care Reform after he already signed it into law, O.B.A.M.,A.* mocked Republicans, Independents, TEA Party activist and the rest of us who don't like high deficits and debt, saying that when he signed the disastrous Health Care act, he looked around and didn't see any asteroids.

Well, look again, O.B.A.M.,A., the first one may be on its way...

The United States should consider raising taxes to help bring deficits under control and may need to consider a European-style value-added tax, White House adviser Paul Volcker said on Tuesday.

Volcker, answering a question from the audience at a New York Historical Society event, said the value-added tax "was not as toxic an idea" as it has been in the past and also said a carbon or other energy-related tax may become necessary.

Though he acknowledged that both were still unpopular ideas, he said getting entitlement costs and the U.S. budget deficit under control may require such moves. "If at the end of the day we need to raise taxes, we should raise taxes," he said.

* O.B.A.M.,A. = One Big Ass Mistake, America

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Christians and Jews = Dhimmis Under Obamacare

Opus (check out her blog at MAInfo) alerted us to the following:
Christians And Jews = Dhimmis Under Obamacare?

A dhimmi is a non-muslim in a muslim country who is treated as a second-class citizen, with punishing taxes, abuse, and no legal recourse.

Let’s Get this Straight:
President Obama
Vice President Biden
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Harry Reid
White House Staff
Cabinet Secretaries
Congressional Staff*
American Indian Tribes
Christian Scientists

Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
Exempt from ObamaCare
NO Exemption
NO Exemption
NO Exemption
NO Exemption

*Congressional staffers who wrote ObamaCare, staffers working in a leadership office or for a Congressional committee all receive an exemption.

Duck and Cover

By JOHN MCCORMACK (From the Weekly standard)

After signing the national health care bill, Barack Obama said he welcomed a campaign fight over the law. "Bring it on," he dared Republicans. He toured the country to boost the law's popularity. And on April 3, a Rasmussen poll showed that voters trusted Republicans more than Democrats on health care by a 16-point margin (53% to 37%)--a significant shift from just one month earlier when that number was essentially tied.

It looks like Obama's rambling 17-minute answer to a question about why we should be paying more taxes for Obamacare didn't do much to reassure voters about a bill they've consistently opposed for nearly a year. Other congressmen, like Paul Hodes of New Hampshire, have had a similarly difficult time directly selling the health care bill to their constituents. So, Politico reports, some Democrats, like Congressman John Boccieri of Ohio, have taken a different approach: hiding from their constituents.

Boccieri is not alone. He’s one of a number of House Democrats who’ve kept a low profile over the recess, a group largely defined by the level of political jeopardy they face this fall.

Like Boccieri, they tend to represent highly competitive seats. One of them, Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.), has not held any events in Republican-oriented North Dakota to talk about health care, his staff acknowledged. This week, he’ll talk about Social Security.

The offices of other endangered members, ranging from veterans such as Reps. Alan Mollohan (D-W.Va.) and Allen Boyd (D-Fla.) to junior members such as Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) and John Salazar (D-Colo.), did not return messages asking about how they had promoted health care last week.

"Duck and cover" just might be a better motto for the Democrats than "bring it on."

Monday, April 5, 2010

Federalism Gone

In an excellent article in The New Republic, Sean Wilentz takes to task those who wish to resurrect the pernicious doctrine of “nullification” to thumb their nose at the federal government on health care reform. Unfortunately, Wilentz conflates nullification with the idea of “states’ rights” in general:

Although not currently concerned with racial supremacy, the consequence of their doctrine would uphold an interpretation of the constitutional division of powers that would permit the majority of any state to reinstate racial segregation and inequality up to the point of enslavement, if it so chose.

Is opposition to health care reform at the state level leading to a resurrection of slavery? Really?

That much has been done in the last 100 years to undermine the 10th Amendment is not debatable. That the cause for this was considered just is equally true.

At the same time, in our zeal to improve the lives of American citizens, we have allowed the very concept of federalism to atrophy. Even debating the idea that the 10th Amendment can be redefined so that it can be made relevant in a 21st century industrialized democracy is seen as an exercise in futility.

There are few functions of government that are incompatible to the concept of federalism. While the idea of 50 nuclear regulatory commissions doesn't make sense, there is no doubt that the FDA (just to use one example) could be modified to be an agency that is overseen by a consortium of 50 States and that issued recommendations to the states instead of being an agency that wields the power it currently does. Nobody wants to see 50 OSHAs, but couldn't OSHA be another body that recommended standards to be adopted by states, instead of requiring them?

It is possible to take a hard look at federal agencies and discover a few responsibilities they currently enjoy that might be better performed by states? If it can be done without gutting them, why not try? Shouldn’t states have a lot more to say about how federal lands are used within their boundaries? Those lands are enormously valuable in many respects and yet the states have little say in the leasing and development schemes of the federal government. And it is long past time we take a very hard look at the Department of Education (with a $63 billion budget) and find a way to turn that department into an adjunct to local efforts at teaching our children rather than as a repository for bureaucrats to carve out their petty empires. With educational achievement at historic lows, it is evident that at least some of that money might be better given to states and local school districts to use as they see fit.

The concept of federalism today is a far cry from what the Founders envisioned. They may have written the Constitution for a small coastal republic of 7 million citizens, but were prescient enough to give their creation the revolutionary ability to change with a changing country. Yet the basic concepts, separations and the freedoms granted by the Constitution must remain in place. By deciding that we can simply toss portions of the constitution aside because they are inconsistent with our political ideology puts us in the same company as the former Soviet Union, China, Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez.

Now that we are a continental nation of 300 million – as diverse and vibrant a society that has ever existed -it is time to re-examine and reinvigorate the founding notion that power shared and dispersed among many is the bulwark against which no force can threaten our liberties. Resurrecting the ghosts of the past to discredit this notion should be met with the contempt it deserves.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Promises Kept

Quote of the Day

“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.”

— James Madison, 4 Annals of Congress 179, 1794

Friday, April 2, 2010

Robert Hall is Tired

The following blog was posted on Robert A. Hall's blog on February 19, 2009. There are a couple of small points with which I disagree and a couple of things that could be updated. All in all, however, this is one of the best pieces I've read in a long time....

I’ll be 63 soon. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce, and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I’ve worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven’t called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn’t inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there’s no retirement in sight, and I’m tired. Very tired.

I’m tired of being told that I have to “spread the wealth around” to people who don’t have my work ethic. I’m tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy or stupid to earn it.

I’m tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to “keep people in their homes.” Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I’m willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the leftwing Congresscritters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them—with their own money.

I’m tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women’s rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela. Won’t multiculturalism be beautiful?

I’m tired of being told that Islam is a “Religion of Peace,” when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family “honor;” of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren’t “believers;” of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for “adultery;” of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur’an and Shari’a law tells them to.

I believe “a man should be judged by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin.” I’m tired of being told that “race doesn’t matter” in the post-racial world of President Obama, when it’s all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of US Senators from Illinois. I think it’s very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the emancipation proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less in an all-knowing government.

I’m tired of a news media that thinks Bush’s fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama’s, at triple the cost, were wonderful. That thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress, that picked over every line of Bush’s military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his, that slammed Palin with two years as governor for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as senator as potentially the best president ever.

Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn’t vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I’m tired of being told that out of “tolerance for other cultures” we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I’m tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore’s, andif you’re greener than Gore, you’re green enough.

I’m tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don’t think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I’m tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I’m tired of illegal aliens being called “undocumented workers,” especially the ones who aren’t working, but are living on welfare or crime. What’s next? Calling drug dealers, “Undocumented Pharmacists”? And, no, I’m not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic and it’s been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I’m willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person who can speak English, doesn’t have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military. Those are the citizens we need.

I’m tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people then themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years—and still are? Not even close. So here’s the deal. I’ll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we’ll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I’m tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers—bums are bi-partisan. And I’m tired of people telling me we need bi-partisanship. I live in Illinois, where the “Illinois Combine” of Democrats and Republicans has worked together harmoniously to loot the public for years. And I notice that the tax cheats in Obama’s cabinet are bi-partisan as well.

I’m tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I’m tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I’m tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn’t have that in 1970, but we didn’t know we were “poor.” The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I’m real tired of people who don’t take responsibility for their lives and actions. I’m tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination, or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I’m damn tired. But I’m also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I’m not going to get to see the world these people are making. I’m just sorry for my granddaughter.

Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts state senate. He blogs

About This Blog

This blog is about my opinions and world view.  I am a conservative, evangelical Christian.  Generally speaking, if you post a comment, I'll allow you to express your view.  However, if you say something hateful, untruthful, or just generally something I don't like, I may remove it.

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Tuesday, October 24, 2006

The Punk Singles Collection (1998)
Label: Captain Oi! Records
Format: CD
Ripped: EAC MP3 (VBR - HQ)
HHA Rating: 10
pw = hangoverhard.blogspot.com

"Old school" punk bands are a dime a dozen, you say. Well, you might be right. There were just as many talentless bandwagon-jumpers in 1977 that based their entire musical careers on 1 Sex Pistols song as there were talentless bandwagon-jumpers in 1988 that based their musical careers on 1 Bad Religion song. But look hard enough, and you'll find the diamonds amongst the trash. Chelsea are those diamonds.
Gene October milled about in the punk scene for a while, going through literally countless lineups for Chelsea by the time Chelsea's first album was released in 1979. It was a great example of working class, angry, midtempo punk rock. He would go on to record 2 more worthy albums, 1980's Alternative Hits, and 1982's Evacuate, before stumbling into musical oblivion. All three of these albums are worthy of praise, and stand significantly above most of the garbage that got thrown around in that era, all in the name of Punk.
Honestly, I would recommend you purchase all three of Chelsea's landmark albums, as they are all consistently exciting slabs of punk, even after all these years. But if you limit yourself to just one Chelsea CD, this will serve that purpose. The only problem is all of the B-Sides that inevitably show up to mar a "Singles Collection" such as this. Especially when there are truly great album tracks that are nowhere to be found on the disc.
Gene October was a worthy songwriter, and produced too many memorable punk tunes to be forgotten, or lumped in with hoards of cut-rate UK punk bands. Chelsea were better than most. The Damned, Sex Pistols, Ruts, Chron Gen, Anti-Pasti, Adverts, Drones, UK Subs, Abrasive Wheels, 999, Adicts, Sham 69, Eater, Lurkers, Vibrators... all great bands. But NONE of them have THREE top-rank albums, perhaps one or two, but not three. Other than The Clash, and Stiff Little Fingers, I can't think of any politically oriented punk band of the period with three great albums.
*** punkviper (Pittsburgh, PA USA) *** reviewd on Amazon
1. right to work
2. the loner
3. high rise living
4. no admission
5. urban kids
6. no flowers
7. no one's coming outside
8. what would you do
9. i'm on fire
10. look at the outside
11. don't get me wrong
12. no escape
13. decide
14. rockin' horse
15. years away
16. freemans
17. i.d. paradise
18. how do you know
19. evacuate
20. new era
21. war across the nation
22. stand out
23. last drink
[download] >>>> http://tinyurl.com/y7fhqu

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Friday, July 10, 2009

BLITZ: Voice of a Generation + Bonus Tracks

Opens perfectly with We Are The Boys and ends perfectly with Closedown, with everything else you'd want in the middle. The crowning glory of 1st generation Blitz, it's also the last release with the original line-up. Lots of new songs and some re-recorded older stuff that blows away the originals (ie. Nation On Fire).
High: Moscow, Voice Of A Generation, Propaganda, Criminal Damage, Scream, Escape, We Are The Boys, Escape, Nation On Fire
Low: 4Q, Vicious, T.O.? (but they aren't too bad either)

.we are the boys
.time bomb
.voice of a generation
.i don't need you
.criminal damage
.nation on fire
.your revolution
.nation on fire (carry on Oi! Lp Version)
.youth (carry on Oi! Lp Version)
.warriors (alternative version)
.criminal damage (demo) AMAZON
..password: hha

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He Saw This Officer Pull Up To The Pump And Open His Backseat! What Happened Next Went VIRAL.

Travis Van Norstan noticed a police car pull up to the pump in front of him at the gas station, which isn’t such a strange sight normally…but when the officer got out of the car and opened the backseat, Travis realized that this wasn’t a normal trip. Instead of filling up his own tank, the officer walks to the back of his squad car and lets someone out. The rest was too good NOT to share!

He’d been on his way home when he realized that there was more to the story.
The man in the back of the car wasn’t a criminal. In fact, he was carrying a bright red gas can! The officer stands at the pump before the man could get to it and swiped his own card at the kiosk, filling the man’s gas can.

He wants to find out who this officer is and thank him by paying the kindness forward. Others shared the story in the hopes that the local news stations might pick it up and spread the good word, too.

He also hopes that the story will inspire others to find ways to do good in their own communities.

To see more inspiring articles and uplifting content, check out Happy Tango every day! If you loved what you saw here then like and share this with the links below!
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Tag Archives: valentines day 2018 quotes

💕 Happy Valentines Day Sayings & Quotes for Valentines Day 2018 💕

Happy Valentines Day Quotes & Sayings: If you are thinking, what to say on this valentines day 2018 to your loved once and what to write on Happy valentines day card & what to say in a valentine’s day card then your are at right place. happy Valentines Day 2018 is celebrated on 14th February all around… Read More »


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Stephen Gross, 40

    SHELBY -- Stephen Paul Gross, 40, Shelby, died June 10.
    Services will be held Thursday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan with burial in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Earling.  Family sharing will be Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.  Visitation is Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
    Gross is survived by brother Stacen (Molly) Gross of Bellevue, NE and sister Annessa (Michael Zehner) Gross of Logan.

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Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Uptown Bourbon on the west side of Broadway by 150th Street opened up last month and we were able to drop by the whiskey bar in Hamilton Heights this week to check everything out.  Those looking for classic drinks at a grownup saloon should head on over to the 24-seater and check out what's being offered up on the menu.  We ran into someone who frequents the new bar a couple of weeks back and they said that even the bar snacks were a little more refined than the usual spots in the neighborhood which ended up being pretty spot on.

The charcuterie plate was one of most savory that we have had in some time and also included pickled cut green beans that were all made in house.  Guests can try out 30 different southern whiskeys at Uptown Bourbon but we just chose a classic Manhattan which was served up with refreshing persevered sweet cherries and not the candied maraschinos usually found at other establishments. A plate of verdant mints, herbs and fruit served as a lovely centerpiece which would be used as fresh ingredients for orders to come.  There was also a Gunpowder cocktail that we tried for the evening which had gin, foamy egg whites and a hot spice sprinkle on top that is worth trying for those who are little more adventuresome.

Overall Uptown Bourbon is definitely worth the visit for a quiet night out in the neighborhood without a television set blaring in the background.  Currenlty cocktails are $12 from when doors open at 7:00PM until closing at 4:00AM but a happy hours should also be happening in the coming weeks.  More on UB can found in our past post: LINK

1 comment:

  1. As a serious bourbon drinker and Heights dweller, I am very excited!


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REVIEW: Blame it on the Cowboy by Delores Fossen

Posted September 12th, 2016 by in Blog, Harlequin Mills&Boon, HJ Recommends, HQN, Review / 7 comments

BlameitontheCowboyIn Blame it on the Cowboy (The McCord Brothers #3) by Delores Fossen, proposing to his girlfriend didn’t turn out quite liked Logan McCord hoped. Instead of drowning himself in his sorrow like he’d planned, Logan is determined to take Reese Stephens — the beautiful woman he meets — up on an offer he can’t possibly refuse.

“It’s not the game,” she explained. “I’m offering you sex with me. No names. No strings attached. Just one night, and we’ll never tell another soul about it.” She finished off her last tequila shot, shuddered and stood. “Are you game?”

Ms. Fossen writes wonderful heroes, and the McCord Brothers are definitely among her best. Right from the beginning, this book was captivating, fast-paced and opened with quite a horrible surprise for Logan. Something he did not expect or need to witness from the woman he was going to propose to. However, it was the moment that Logan and Reese came face-to-face for the first time in this story that had me flipping the pages, wanting to discover why Reese was ticking items off her bucket list and whether she would be all right after what she learns from her doctor (which was a total shock for her).

The dialogue was well-written and quite intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine. She’s been through a lot in her life because her parents were bad people, and it appears her past has come back to haunt her. Will Logan and Reese come out on top against those that are trying to ruin their lives? Will Logan’s business survive if people begin to believe the rumors being spread about Reese?

Both Logan and Reese were incredible characters, and together with the secondary characters (the ones that supported Logan and Reese through tough times) made this story highly enjoyable. Logan and his twin brother, Lucky, haven’t always had the best relationship. Logan is the more serious of the twins while Lucky used to be all about having fun before he found love, and I liked how Lucky helps both Logan and Reese to see that they’re good for each other. And that they shouldn’t let the trouble that’s happening interfere with their growing relationship. Then there’s Reese’s friend, Jimena. She’s a real hoot and the threats she makes to Logan had me smiling. Truly, the heroine is lucky to have someone that is so protective of her after what Reese’s ex did to her.

“Dick-ripping?” He questioned. “A little extreme, more like something Jimena would do, but thank you for the offer. I did notice, though, that you didn’t get pissed when Chucky threatened to slime you, only when he turned that potential slime on me.”

Reese is strong, brave and I liked how protective she was of Logan. She didn’t want him to suffer the consequences of her past, and was willing to do whatever it took to protect him. I also liked the fact that she finally decided to face her past, instead of continuing to run from it. Because what Logan did for her needed to happen for Reese to finally see that she doesn’t have to be afraid, of how her mother believes she can use the heroine in her nefarious plans to con people anymore.

While Logan, he’s hard-working and confident when it comes to handling the situation he and Reese face with the people wanting to use her. He hasn’t had the easiest of times over the years. Something he and Reese have in common with the way they’ve carried around the guilt of those that have died that they believed they could have saved. Yet, what I liked most about Logan was that he was willing to fight for Reese; to show her that her life can be different if she puts her trust in him.

Overall, this was a really good read with a strong romance that had me cheering for this couple’s happy ever after because both deserved to find happiness after all the obstacles they have to overcome throughout this book. The way this story ended made me smile, as Logan will do anything to take the people who are trying to con him down. Luckily, he knows just how to out-con a con artist. I would recommend Blame it on the Cowboy, if you enjoy contemporary romance mixed with a dash of suspense or the sexy protector trope. I would also recommend the first two books of this series, as the McCord Brothers are sexy heroes.

Book Info:

4S September 27th, 2016 | HQN Books | The McCord Brothers #3

Every cowboy has a wild side—all it takes is the right woman to unleash it…

All of Logan McCord’s carefully laid plans erupt the day he walks in on his would-be fiancée getting…well, not so carefully laid. Tonight, just once, Logan is acting on instinct. And that instinct is telling him to say “Happy to oblige” to the cute stranger looking for a no-strings fling with a Texas cowboy.

When chef Reese Stephens made her bucket list, she mistakenly thought she had weeks to live. Not that she regrets her one-night-stand with the gorgeous rancher. But she does regret leaving an heirloom watch as a parting gift. Tracking Logan down is easy. Walking away again is another matter. Because Reese’s crazy past and Logan’s battered heart are no match for the kind of chemistry that could turn one night into the start of a passionate lifetime.

7 Responses to “REVIEW: Blame it on the Cowboy by Delores Fossen”

    • Bec

      I hadn’t read any books by Ms. Fossen until I was given the first book of this series to review, but this series is wonderful. Hope you enjoy this story as much as I did, Kathleen. Happy reading!

  1. Felicia Fallon

    I enjoy Ms Fossen’s style of writing. I love romance stories with cowboy heroes. This will be a must-read for me.

Please leave a comment


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Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater only heats water when you need it. So you get an endless source of hot water, while also saving money on energy costs by not heating and reheating the same tank of water. When opening a hot water tap, or starting the dishwasher, the tankless water heater recognizes the need for hot water and starts the heating process. The temperature of the incoming water is used to calculate how much heat the burners must produce to deliver water at the desired temperature. When the demand for hot water ceases the unit shuts down and uses no energy, waiting until more hot water is needed. The end result — hot water that is not limited to what’s available in your tank. You always have clean, hot water when you want it for as long as you need it!

When you are thinking about a tankless water heater in Raleigh, call the Raleigh tankless water heater experts of Harmon Plumbing Services at (855) 494-7106.

What can Harmon Plumbing Services do for your tankless water heater?

  • Repair Tankless Water Heater
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Saturday, December 8, 2012

Kind of have the bah humbugs about winter, and particularly snow, this year. I liked last years lack of frozen liquid. I was not happy to be getting out in it this morning, which explains how over dressed I was. Within a couple of miles we passed a group of cyclists, then another, all waving and seemingly in good spirits. Hmph!
I was actually a little warm, and I was enjoying talking to my friends, then the sun came...well that sure messed up my bad attitude.
The new snow did what it always does, which is add a newness and freshness to the landscape. Combine that with the sun and a brightness is created that cheers even the most scroogy of Scrooges.
I lost my bahs and humbugs both before we made to Excelsior.

An out and back to Victoria along a crushed limestone trail, with Amy, Steven and Jen. Very Nice!

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Burry Bookstore to host Radney Foster

on Wednesday, 08 November 2017. Posted in News, Local News

Burry Bookstore will host Radney Foster, for an evening of reading, singing and signing of his new book/ CD, For You to See the Stars. Radney Foster is a powerhouse talent that has helped shape the music scene over the last 40 years.

He has written, performed, and collaborated with a wide array of artists throughout his career. He has written a number of chart topping hits that are easily recognizable including Godspeed performed by the Dixie Chicks and Raining on Sunday performed by Keith Urban.

He has written and performed with several noteworthy acts including the Randy Rogers Band, Hootie and the Blowfish and Jack Ingram. Foster even performed the lead role in Troubadour, a musical created and composed by Kristian Bush, of Sugarland earlier this year.

Foster’s latest project, For You to See the Stars, is a unique and poignant expression of his storytelling abilities. Music and prose are woven together in this book and CD combination. For You to See the Stars is comprised of a series of short stories that take the reader on a journey through the rustic Texas landscape of Foster’s upbringing all the way to Dallas and New Orleans.

Each short story in this book is paired with an original track from the CD which brings it to life. Radney Foster will be including Burry Bookstore as a stop along his book tour to promote For You to See the Stars. Join us on Tuesday, November 14th at 5:30 p.m. for an evening of music and prose.

Radney Foster will be sharing excerpts from his book, songs from his CD, and happy to sign copies of For You to See the Stars. This event is free to the public and light refreshments will be provided. Both For You to See the Stars and the accompanying CD will be available for purchase before and during the event at Burry Bookstore.


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Seeing Hanoi through Foreign Media

As a professional journalist with CNN, Mr. Bruce Foremann has visited almost every large city in the world. Before coming to Vietnam, he had the same impression as most Western travelers: Asian cities are all the same. But when he arrived in Hanoi, all of his preconceived notions were cast out and rewritten by all of the culture and beauty that Hanoi has to offer.

Hanoi attracts a different view

As with all other foreign visitors, Hanoi’s traffic made a strong impression on Foremann. While others see Hanoi’s traffic as the greatest threat to their safety on the streets, the American journalist was slightly more knowledgeable. He saw the chaotic order of Hanoi’s traffic patterns, and saw how drivers could navigate closely packed roads. Foremann gave a humorous but practical tip for pedestrians trying to cross the road: “Just step down from the sidewalk. Vehicles will avoid you if you make an effort to avoid them.”

Foremann also discovered sidewalk beer in the city. Before coming to Hanoi, his friends told him of the beer shops for foreigners in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Foremann had been so excited to be the “first” to try the beer. “I can understand Columbus’ feeling when he discovered America,” he joked. Hanoi beer has helped Vietnam’s capital enter the top ten ideal cities for beer, voted by This travel website declares that Hanoi’s beer is cheap, varied, and convenient. It’s as simple as gathering a few plastic chairs on a sidewalk. Beer can be accompanied with a simple snack such as roasted peanuts, locally made spring rolls, or grilled rice pancakes. The atmosphere at these beer shops is noisy and full of excitement. “Mot, hai, ba…zo!” (One, two, three …go!) and “Tram phan tram!” (100 percent or bottoms up!) are often heard near them. Journeymart used the beer’s original name, “bia hoi,” which is how it is known locally in the city.

Street vendors are another characteristic feature of Hanoi, and are perfect for a quick snack during shopping. “You should experience the feeling of sitting on a motorbike and bobbing through traffic. Remember to wear a helmet!” Foreman advised.

Unique cultural features

CNN observed that Hanoi’s French style street cafes resemble a theater, with the road acting as the performance, offering an exciting view to onlookers. A perfect time to visit an Old Quarter café is at 5 pm, when there is plenty to see. Small shops above the first floor become an ideal space, especially if the café offers a balcony. In these places you will feel the ancient and the modern elements of the city.

The Old Quarter is always a stop for visitors to Hanoi. They enthusiastically take cycle rides to visit places like the house at 87 Ma May street, and Sword Lake. International visitors love the area’s handmade souvenirs and dishes like spring rolls, pho, and chicken legs. Visitors are also surprised to see street haircuts and gravestone inscribing service.

The Quang Ba Flower Night Market is well-known among Western visitors. The market is only busy from midnight to early in the morning. Flowers are fresh throughout the year. While in many developed countries flowers are harvested and distributed using machinery, in Hanoi farmers grow and harvest flowers and bring it to the market by themselves by bicycle.

Lacquer shops are a common sight in the city. Many tourists buy these for souvenirs or gifts because of their cultural significance. “Non la” (conical hats) are also popular purchases.

In addition to its title as “a land of heritage,” Hanoi is also recognized as a rising international city. This has left a good impression on the hearts of international visitors when they come to the capital.

 Thanh Tung


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Monday, August 01, 2011

Moving along

If you are seeing this then the move to my domain has not yet happened.

But it has been submitted so hopefully in the next 24-48 hours this site will move to my new WP blog!

For a preview check out, without the www.

Like any move, it’s the fiddly little stuff at the end that is the issue. The cleaning stuff, the random stuff behind the dresser you didn’t even know was there until a couple burly guys pick it up and then you are all “Oh THERE is the vibrator I misplaced a year ago!”

Not that that ever happened to me, certainly not when I was 20 & the burly guys worked for my dad.

It was a bong actually.

24 years later I feel I can finally admit to the bong.

I have to shrink up my buttons & recreate my blog roll but other than that & waiting for the domain transfer to go through, I have moved on.

Hopefully my feed will move with me.

If you do visit my new blog please leave me a comment so I know the comment notification is working.

See you there! Hopefully soon!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Week in the life

I’ve been keeping up with my Week in the Life project this week. I thought it would be a good thing to get back into the habit of taking photos every day.

I’m averaging about 40 photos a day with some multiple reshoots.  My goal is to have 7-10 edited photos a day for a nice variety on a 2 page layout.

I do a lot of the same things every day, makes for visually monotonous pages. Some days I think I will rely on the journaling to mention I went to the gym rather than do another gym photo.

I’m also writing down what the boys are watching & gaming all day plus what they are playing.  They’ve been outside most of the time so there are few appearances of the dinos, clones or Legos.

I’ve only managed to edit Mon & Tues but here are some highlights

I’m hoping to start on the pages this weekend. They are going to go in my 45th Year book & I am going to do another week in the life in 6 months also so I have a summer & a winter for contrast.

Did you do Week in the Life this week with Ali?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

That time of year again

And no I don’t mean BlogHer, though it is that time of year too.

But I can’t afford to attend BlogHer unless it is less than a 4 hour drive away & that’s never gonna happen so I resigned myself to missing it long ago.

No, instead of OMG BLOG HER!!! angst, I spend this time of year in OMG SHOULD I MOVE MY BLOG??? angst

Different angst but same kinda theme.

I’ve spent 4 years with this domain name, hosted through blogger & for the past 3 years every time the renewal comes up I get all “should I or shouldn’t I” about self hosting and in the end I always decide against it because I just can’t deal with moving it myself & I don’t always understand what the hosting sites will or will not do in helping me move stuff & I know I am not asking the right questions & it’s all just too much someone get me a Xanax or something.

I finally found someone to deal with all of it for me at a very reasonable price & after dithering for 3 weeks about it (and my domain renewing the day before) I took the plunge.

More details coming soon but after 5 years with blogger, I am switching to Word Press

I don’t know why.

I mean, I have vague reasons. I’d like a gallery & while Disqus is ok, I like WPs comment system better & there are more add ons. I know I had good reasons when I was dithering about it but…

Now that I have spent the money & committed I am having “should I have done that? why did I do that?” angst.

But hey! I finally acted on it, after a mere 3 years, which is almost ludicrous speed for anything in this family.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Love this email

Better World Books is now one of my favorite online shops, right up there with Timbuk2.

Remember the Timbuk2 order email I received?

I loved that email. Loved the fun casual tone of it.

Over the weekend I ordered a few used books from Better World and today I received this shipping notification:

Hello S,

(Your book(s) asked to write you a personal note - it seemed unusual, but who are we to say no?)

Holy canasta! It's me... it's me! I can't believe it is actually me! You could have picked any of over 2 million books but you picked me! I've got to get packed! How is the weather where you live? Will I need a dust jacket? I can't believe I'm leaving Mishawaka, Indiana already - the friendly people, the Hummer plant, the Linebacker Lounge - so many memories. I don't have much time to say goodbye to everyone, but it's time to see the world!

I can't wait to meet you! You sound like such a well read person. Although, I have to say, it sure has taken you a while! I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but how would you like to spend five months sandwiched between Jane Eyre (drama queen) and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (pyromaniac)? At least Jane was an upgrade from that stupid book on brewing beer. How many times did the ol' brewmaster have one too many and topple off our shelf at 2am?

I know the trip to meet you will be long and fraught with peril, but after the close calls I've had, I'm ready for anything (besides, some of my best friends are suspense novels). Just five months ago, I thought I was a goner. My owner was moving and couldn't take me with her. I was sure I was landfill bait until I ended up in a Better World Books book drive bin. Thanks to your socially conscious book shopping, I've found a new home. Even better, your book buying dollars are helping kids read from Brazil to Botswana.

But hey, enough about me, I've been asked to brief you on a few things:

We provide quick shipping service to all our customers. You chose Standard shipping. It should arrive in 6 to 9 business days. Tracking is not available on these shipments.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email my friends in Customer Care at If you could please include your order number  that would be very helpful.

Eagerly awaiting our meeting,

Folly du Jour

The Last Kashmiri Rose

The Damascened Blade: The Third Novel Featuring Detective Joe Sandilands (Joe Sandilands Mysteries)

How can you not love that? Not only do they raise money for literacy & libraries world wide, they have a sense of humor.

I appreciate a little quirkiness in my day & it’s so much better when it’s from an unexpected source.

***do I really need to say no one is paying or subsidizing this post? Nobody ever pays me jack for anything I post here. In fact, lets just go with a general disclaimer applicable to all posts from this point forward:

Unless I say I got something for saying something, I didn’t get anything for saying anything.

Monday, July 25, 2011

poor timing

Our a/c started acting up very early Saturday morning. I woke up about 4am to a warm breeze, where once there had been a cold  one.

Naturally we waited until about 8am to check it out. There is nothing anyone can do at 4am except frustrate themselves.

The thermostat was flashing all it’s warning lights.

It was saying

So we turned it off & pulled out the filter.

We pull out the filter so we can feel we are being proactive and doing something about the problem, not because we think the filter *is* the problem, it’s just the only bit we know we can safely muck about with in the whole unit.

The filter was filthy & neither of us could remember when we last cleaned it.

But it was 102 outside & the thought of standing out there vacuuming the filter off did not appeal. So we put it back & turned the a/c back on.

It ran until about 8pm when once again it went warm and flashing.

This time we turned it off & on again but left the filter out.

And it ran until about 2am when it went warm & flashing.

I’ve discovered that my new sleep habits are reliant on temperature. I did not sleep at all that night. It was too warm.

Not to mention the humidity.

Without a/c it’s like living in an unairconditioned basement, no matter how many fans we turn on. Mold, mildew & mushrooms start forming within hours.

Sunday morning DH vacuumed the filter & hit it with the air gun to get the last of the dust out, put it back in place, waited another hour for everything to ‘settle’ & then turned the a/c back on.

It stayed on until 7pm.

We reset it at 11pm and it was still running this morning.

Like it was all “I don’t know what you’re talking about. There is nothing wrong with me.”

The HVAC company is an hour away. It’s not a normal heating/cooling system. It’s a *special* heating/cooling system.  It’s a geothermal heat pump. And they are the only company that can cope with it.

Of course.

DH is trying get in touch with them this morning to set up an appointment.

At least it’s supposed to be cooler the  next few days

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Weekly Winners

Dinos on the march

Going for a ride

Waiting their turn

New manicure

For more weekly winners please visit Lotus at Sarcastic Mom

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Words on Wednesday

July 20, 1967

July 20, 2011

The new photo a day project starts today-a self portrait for my birthday


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Kimo’s Furniture – Maui Hawaii

Kimo's Furniture Maui

Welcome to Kimo’s Furniture!

At Kimo’s Furniture you’ll find a wide selection of styles. We specialize in “Comforts of Aloha” a blend of tropical influences with modern day elegance which creates a distinct island flare.

Kimo Kinard, one of the company’s founders, was born and raised in Hawaii. He selected the pineapple to be our logo, which represents welcome. Kimo loved to talk story and wanted each person he encountered to feel welcome in the store, hence our slogan, “E Komo Mai”, come in and stay for a while.

Service, Service, Service is our motto. We strive to give each and every customer the support they need and the service they deserve. Kimo’s is dedicated to providing excellent customer service. We believe in the “Aloha Spirit” and want to spread it.

Free delivery to the majority of the island is included with your purchase at Kimo’s. Our friendly, energetic delivery staff is the best conclusion to your furnishing experience. Time after time customers remark on how pleasant the delivery crew is. We are very proud of our terrific staff.

Our sofas are built in the states with quality products. Hardwood frames, fire rated, laminated foam, and a large selection of fabrics make our sofas a step above the rest. They can be designed to fit any space with an array of configurations and sizes. And because they are made in the USA, we can deliver them to our customers within 7 weeks. That’s right, weeks!

One of our signature lines, the Jessica Collection, was designed especially for Kimo’s. It is made of solid mahogany wood and split bamboo, which adds a touch of tropical to a traditional look.

Kimo’s Furniture – Maui
151 E. Wakea Ave. #101 – Kahului, HI

*Experienced Designer on Staff at No Charge to You
*Furniture Designs Exclusively Available Only at Kimo’s
*Huge Inventory in Stock Available for Immediate Delivery
*Custom Sofas Designed Just For You, Your Home or Condo, Available in Just 6 Weeks
*Our Specialty is Tropical & Contemporary Designs in Stock
*Experienced and Well Trained Staff Trained to Accommodate All of Your Furniture Needs
*We Also Supply Window Coverings, Kitchen Supplies & Electronics Upon Request

Click Here to Visit Kimo’s Furniture online!


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Hickam Art Fair

If you live on or can get onto Hickam Air Force Base and enjoy art, food, music, and pony rides then the Hickam Art Fair may be something you should check out. once in a blue moon Hickam AFB with host an art fair in front the arts and craft center hosting many local artists, chiefs, and musician to sell and promote their brand to the large military population on island. The fair take place around three times a year on Hickam the last one occurred November 4th, 2017 from 9am-4pm. Hundreds of people show up to see the activities and park all around the area, bus it, or walk from home. It is so close I decided to walk and was one of the first few people other then the venders to show up.

The venders are always great and varied. There is local artist, out of home chiefs, there was even a booth ran by a kid selling his own invention of a marshmallow gun and he sold out fast! It is free to attend and just browse the tables and food or just to enjoy the music and entertainment. Each time there are activities offered to kids such as kiddie rides, arts and crafts, and most often horse rides.

I went around and asked a few venders along with some of the other fair goers about their experiences.

Most of the venders I did speak with said that they were repeat sellers at this particular craft fair for reasons as nice location, nice people, and well organized. I asked about complaints and some said the difficulty to either get on base or trying to reserve a spot at the fair. Apparently, it is very competitive and spots fill up fast. The fair goers all seemed content as well. The main complaint was the parking and some of those who are not military had time getting on base.

Overall, it is very entertaining and free to attend which always goes over well with poor students. I myself bought handmade pillows made out of quilts, they are so cute and soft. I can’t wait to give them to my mom for Christmas.

  1. I would have never known that there was things like art fairs going on on military bases! This event should so nice – and I really like the idea about a marshmellow gun!

  2. Sounds like fun! It sucks that it is so hard for non-military to get in. That would be a turn off for me. Hope your mom likes the pillows!

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Hawk Weekend Festival - A Success!

Our annual Hawk Weekend Festival held this past weekend was a great success! Thanks to our volunteers, staff, board, speakers, field trip leaders, auction/raffle donors, and crew at Spirit Mountain Grand Avenue Chalet for a job well done. We had approximately 100 in attendance each evening for both our Friday and Saturday programs. On Friday night, we held our Hawk Ridge Annual Member Meeting and honored Julie O'Connor with the Hawk Ridge Lifetime Achievement Award for her 10 years of dedication and heartfelt service with Hawk Ridge.
Executive Director, Janelle Long (left), presenting the
2013 Hawk Ridge Lifetime Achievement Award to Julie O'Connor (right)

Keith Bildstein gave an enlightening talk that left everyone with a new and interesting impression of vultures and migration.
Hawk Weekend Festival Friday night speaker -
Dr. Keith Bildstein of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

On Saturday night, we held our Hawk Ridge fundraiser with both a fun new raffle and great assortment of auction items. Norman Smith of Massachusetts Audubon presented an entertaining talk on owls that was engaging and educational.
Norman Smith (left) holding first Northern Goshawk
banded for fall 2013 season with
Hawk Ridge Banding Director, Frank Nicoletti (right)
Field trips were led to local birding hotspots and workshops were held at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve on advanced hawkwatching and songbird banding.
Board Member, David Alexander, teaching a group of students
from Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario)
about songbird banding techniques
Thankfully, I was able to get out from behind-the-scenes to spend a beautiful day at Hawk Ridge on Sunday. I left the weekend physically tired, but after much good conversation and true camaraderie, I feel even more inspired, motivated, and energized about Hawk Ridge. The potential we have is exciting. Our future is bright - just check out the rainbow that presented itself at our evening event on Friday! Thank you for the connections and believing in us.

Janelle Long
Executive Director

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Home / Haynesville News (page 30)

Haynesville News

Frank’s International confirms layoffs in Lafayette

Frank's International

LAFAYETTE, La. — Frank’s International is laying off 150 of its employees in Lafayette, part of the company’s global effort to trim its workforce by 400 to 600 workers. According to local media reports, the layoffs are coming at the company’s Lafayette complex near U.S. Highway 90. Employees were informed Tuesday. Frank’s announced March 31 it would pare its employee ...

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Gulf oil leak records cannot be kept secret, US judge says

NEW ORLEANS — A federal magistrate judge has rejected a company’s bid to preserve the confidentiality of numerous emails and reports about its failed efforts to halt a decade-old Gulf of Mexico oil leak. The documents could be evidence in a lawsuit that environmental groups filed against Taylor Energy Co., which owned a platform that toppled during Hurricane Ivan in ...

Read More »

Gas prices in Texas, nationally up before holiday weekend

COPPELL, Texas — Retail gasoline prices in Texas have gone up heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend. AAA Texas on Wednesday reported the average price at the pump statewide rose 4 cents this week to reach $2.51 per gallon. The travel group’s weekly survey, released a day earlier than usual due to the holiday, shows national prices increased a ...

Read More »

Federal study of dolphin deaths after BP spill due

NEW ORLEANS — The results of a federal study into possible links between BP’s catastrophic 2010 oil spill and a spate of dolphin deaths since the spill is set to be released Wednesday. The study is part of a wide-ranging assessment of ecological damage caused by the spill. Federal scientists have indicated that they believe there is a connection between ...

Read More »

Train derails in Louisiana; precautionary evacuation lifted

ADDIS, La. — A precautionary evacuation order issued after four chemical tanker cars derailed in Louisiana has been lifted. The cars derailed Tuesday in the West Baton Rouge Parish town of Addis around 1:30 p.m., news media outlets quoted authorities as saying. Parish officials say the evacuation was lifted early Wednesday. The investigation in the incident continues. Officials say they ...

Read More »

Corps of Engineers to study deepening Mississippi River

NEW ORLEANS — With the size of ships growing, the Army Corps of Engineers says it will begin looking at deepening the lower Mississippi River by as much as 5 feet — a move that would prove costly and carry ecological consequences. On Tuesday the Army Corps said it would hold three public meetings in Belle Chasse, New Orleans and ...

Read More »

11-year-old dies in northern Louisiana flash flood

RUSTON, La. — An 11-year-old child from Ruston died in a flash flood after waters swept a vehicle he was in toward a creek in northern Louisiana. The Shreveport Times reports Ruston police were notified of the vehicle being swept down the creek Monday morning. At the time, the vehicle was occupied by an adult, an 11-year-old and a 7-year-old. Rustin ...

Read More »

Governor Abbott to sign Denton fracking bill

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced this morning that he will sign into law a bill that reasserts the state’s control over oil and gas drilling and prohibits cities from banning hydraulic fracturing, giving them only limited control over the oil and gas process within their city limits. Abbott will sign the bill two days after he appeared at commencement services ...

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Thousands of Healthy Snacks, Drinks, and Meals Served Daily

Get Started

Our Stance On Products Is Very Simple…

HUMAN gives preference to products that are without additives, including high-fructose corn syrup and partially-hydrogenated oils.

We take snacking very seriously and pride ourselves on being “Snack Masters.” By keeping a pulse on the $99B natural products industry and meeting one-on-one with the leaders in the industry as well as registered dietitians, public health professionals and nutrition activists, we’ve been able to cull a list of the most healthy, delicious and affordable foods and beverages on the market.

Over the years, we’ve learned which healthy vending snacks sell the best and we’ve boiled down our products catalog to reflect only the products that have proven to meet our high standards for quality, taste and profitability for both our franchisees and locations. Additionally, our products team is constantly testing new and exciting products that are entering the market and incorporating the best ones into our products catalog.

A Few HUMAN-Approved Favorites

Healthy Vending Products

Healthy Snacks and Drinks

The “Why” Behind HUMAN’s Products Policy

Get Started

Hippocrates was on to something when he said, “Let food be thy medicine.” As a pre-med undergrad at Columbia University, I toured a lot of hospitals and one thing became clear: as a nation, while treatment is important, perhaps we should focus more on prevention and education. I wondered: could making healthful foods the norm in the places we spend the most time be a part of the puzzle to preventing diet-related illnesses? I knew that it could.

In 2008, I co-founded HUMAN with Andy Mackensen and we embarked on a journey to make healthy food more convenient than junk food. It started with healthy vending machines — at the time, a counterculture idea. Now? With 200+ franchisees in 40+ states, we sell millions of healthy snacks and beverages per year via The HUMAN Platform, which comprises healthy vending machineshealthy micro-markets and our healthy snack food delivery service, SnackNation.

Do you want healthful foods for your family? What about for your school, office, hospital or gym? We’d love to be your one-stop shop. From the HUMAN family to yours, happy snacking!

Sean Kelly, CEO & Co-Founder

Smart Snacks In School

The Nutrition Game-Changer Affecting Schools

As of July 1st, 2014, all schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program have to adhere to a new set of USDA standards called Smart Snacks In School (SSIS). The rules are a balance of evidence-based research and practicality, encouraging schools to sell competitive foods that are aligned with the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans: more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy options; and limits on calories, fat, sugar and sodium.

School Administrators in thousands of schools nationwide are still scrambling to find a profitable “healthy vending” solution to avoid incurring steep fines and 100% loss in much-needed revenue when the USDA started enforcing these rules back in July 2014.

This has created an unprecedented opportunity for healthy vending business owners to help schools transition their competitive foods programs to being 100% USDA-compliant.

If you want to learn more about the breakthrough new USDA Smart Snacks In School rules, how this impacts schools, and how it could impact your business, get your free copy of the Smart Snacks In School Survival Guide.

Get FREE Report

Customized Healthy Product Mixes
for All Locations

With HUMAN, you get exactly what you need and want. We realize that no two locations are the same, so we treat every location as a unique case.

Before we recommend a custom planogram for your location, we break out our beakers and measuring tape (ok, not really, but we do take our site research seriously). Through on-location surveys, demographical analysis & past precedence, HUMAN determines the specific product mix that best suits each location.

There are no special requirements we can’t meet. Do you require a gluten-free or peanut-free menu? A low-carb mix? Smart Snacks In School compliance? Want fresh local foods? Healthful frozen meals? We’ve got you’ve covered—there’s no dietary or legislative requirement we cannot meet.

Marketing & Integration Strategies to Get Buy-In & Increase Your Profits

We work with each location to create a marketing plan that will ensure your clients/students/customers/employees have their voices heard, are integrated into the new program and get to taste-test the products before they “go live.” Via sampling events and fun educational activities, we get each location excited, answer questions, and incorporate feedback.

Pricing that meets your location’s needs. We will work with you to determine a pricing strategy that meets you clients’/students’/customers’/employees’ needs.

Get Started

Eliminate Guesswork & Save Money

HUMAN’s expertise comes through testing… lots and lots of testing. As the founders of pure-play healthy vending, Sean and Andy have tested more products and more brands in vending machines and healthy micro-markets than anyone else out there.

What does this mean? We know what works and what doesn’t, which leads to higher profits, less-hassle and less food waste.

1.  Avoid Spoilage & Excess Inventory. Trying to figure out what products will and won’t sell at your locations costs your precious time & money. We know… we’ve been there! Start with optimized product offerings on day one – let HUMAN’s expertise and experience guide you. You’ll be happy you did!

2.  Secure Unbeatable Pricing. Due to our purchasing power and our partnerships with the nation’s largest healthy product distributors, HUMAN can offer our franchisees the lowest pricing on healthy snacks, foods and beverages—a savings that is passed on to locations, too!

3.  Focus on Your Strengths. We’ll work with your locations to determine the perfect product offering while you’re focused on optimizing and perfecting your vending and healthy market operations. We’ll even help manage your location to ensure minimal hassle for you.

Take The HUMAN Franchise Tour

Everything you need to know about the HUMAN Franchise.

Franchise Info

Curious about how it all works? Here’s The HUMAN Franchise System, summed up.

Learn more about our healthier-for-you products, how we select them, and what people think of them.

Discover The HUMAN Platform: Healthy vending, healthy micro markets, healthy snack delivery, and proprietary products.

Location Acquisition

Learn how HUMAN secures the best, high-traffic locations in your area

Training & Support

Grab a sneak peek into the vending industry’s most comprehensive training, marketing & support system.

About Us

Learn about the HUMAN vision, meet our team, and see what other people are saying about us

Own Your Future

Get Instant Access to the HUMAN Discovery Webinar
and learn more about becoming a HUMAN Franchisee