Just rest your eyes on this for a bit. Amazing things are in here.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Liberty and Religion
In recent years there has been a full out attack in this county (and in Europe for centuries) on religion (most specifically on Christianity) that has been fairly successful in marginalizing believers from cultural and political influence. This certainly is not where we started. In 1787 Congress passed the Northwest Ordinance. Article 3: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."
Religion, Morality and Knowledge were taught to all students in school. There were laws as well as an understanding that no sect or denomination's beliefs were to be taught over another. Jefferson wrote a bill in Virgina: "No religious reading, instruction, or exercise shall be prescribed or practiced inconsistent with the tenets of any religious sect or denomination." These teachings were to form good citizens with a good moral foundation, and the nation would flourish. And it did.
George Washington's Farewell Address: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports...And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion...Reason an experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail to the exclusion of religious principle."
Tocqueville: "The revolutionists of America are obliged to profess an ostensible respect for Christian morality and equity, which does not permit them to violate wantonly the laws that oppose their designs...This, while the law permits the American to do what they please, religion prevents them from conceiving, and forbids them to commit, what is rash or unjust." He also commented that American clergy held no political office, or were a part of administration. Different from Europe: "The unbelievers in Europe attack the Christians as their political opponents rather than as their religious adversaries; they hate the Christian religion as the opinion of a [political] party much more than as an error of belief; and they reject the clergy less because they are representative of the Deity than because they are allies of government." In America religion provided moral stability and the government could function well. Church and State separated. Now the State isolates religion, because religion is the last thing that stands between liberty and tyranny, the absolute rule of the State.
Now the Federally controlled education system, which was designed to be run by states, is anti-religious, doesn't even broach the subject of morality (except the new morality of obedience to the State) and Knowledge which at the time was regarded as "intellectual awareness and understanding of established facts relating to any field of human experience or inquiry (i.e., history geography, science, etc.)" [Basic American Documents by Geroge de Huszar] Religion was to be taught as the principles and beliefs about man's origin, and relationship to the universe and each other.
Now we have kids being taught in K-5 about homosexuality and transgender reassignment. Kids are coming out of school not knowing history, math, science, geography, music and the arts. We had a semester each of government and economics. Kids don't know 'knowledge' nor do they know how to treat others. After 9/11 a girl in San Francisco said, 'Why should I care? I didn't know any of those people.'
I'm hoping this country comes to its senses and starts applying the principles noted above to education, justice (which I'll write about later) and government.
Religion, Morality and Knowledge were taught to all students in school. There were laws as well as an understanding that no sect or denomination's beliefs were to be taught over another. Jefferson wrote a bill in Virgina: "No religious reading, instruction, or exercise shall be prescribed or practiced inconsistent with the tenets of any religious sect or denomination." These teachings were to form good citizens with a good moral foundation, and the nation would flourish. And it did.
George Washington's Farewell Address: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports...And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion...Reason an experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail to the exclusion of religious principle."
Tocqueville: "The revolutionists of America are obliged to profess an ostensible respect for Christian morality and equity, which does not permit them to violate wantonly the laws that oppose their designs...This, while the law permits the American to do what they please, religion prevents them from conceiving, and forbids them to commit, what is rash or unjust." He also commented that American clergy held no political office, or were a part of administration. Different from Europe: "The unbelievers in Europe attack the Christians as their political opponents rather than as their religious adversaries; they hate the Christian religion as the opinion of a [political] party much more than as an error of belief; and they reject the clergy less because they are representative of the Deity than because they are allies of government." In America religion provided moral stability and the government could function well. Church and State separated. Now the State isolates religion, because religion is the last thing that stands between liberty and tyranny, the absolute rule of the State.
Now the Federally controlled education system, which was designed to be run by states, is anti-religious, doesn't even broach the subject of morality (except the new morality of obedience to the State) and Knowledge which at the time was regarded as "intellectual awareness and understanding of established facts relating to any field of human experience or inquiry (i.e., history geography, science, etc.)" [Basic American Documents by Geroge de Huszar] Religion was to be taught as the principles and beliefs about man's origin, and relationship to the universe and each other.
Now we have kids being taught in K-5 about homosexuality and transgender reassignment. Kids are coming out of school not knowing history, math, science, geography, music and the arts. We had a semester each of government and economics. Kids don't know 'knowledge' nor do they know how to treat others. After 9/11 a girl in San Francisco said, 'Why should I care? I didn't know any of those people.'
I'm hoping this country comes to its senses and starts applying the principles noted above to education, justice (which I'll write about later) and government.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
White House Supression of Free Speech
White House blog by Norm Eisen, Special Counsel to the President on Ethics and Government Reform (emphasis added):
"First, we will expand the restriction on oral communications to cover all persons, not just federally registered lobbyists. For the first time, we will reach contacts not only by registered lobbyists but also by unregistered ones, as well as anyone else exerting influence on the process. We concluded this was necessary under the unique circumstances of the stimulus program."
This statement has to do with the (un)Stimulus Package. See, if you criticize Obama, not only will you be slandered (racist, bigot, homophobe) but now your speech (criticism) will be shut down altogether. How dare you question our Dear Leader!
"First, we will expand the restriction on oral communications to cover all persons, not just federally registered lobbyists. For the first time, we will reach contacts not only by registered lobbyists but also by unregistered ones, as well as anyone else exerting influence on the process. We concluded this was necessary under the unique circumstances of the stimulus program."
This statement has to do with the (un)Stimulus Package. See, if you criticize Obama, not only will you be slandered (racist, bigot, homophobe) but now your speech (criticism) will be shut down altogether. How dare you question our Dear Leader!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
My Political Head Exploded!
I have a very dear friend, confidant and mentor. She supported Obama, and though I can't find it now, she wrote an essay why she supports Obama, and I posted it in this blog before the election. Another view...which I can appreciate if done with civility. Her's was. Can't remember the title so I can't post the link here. What caused the cognitive dissonance is that we were going to and fro on Facebook about politics. There was a quiz, 'What Kind of Republican are you?' I took it, and of course came out Libertarian. I challenged her; there were lots of Liberal positions stated in the quiz, so I figured she would would come out as some Lib RHINO. She scored Libertarian. What??
She said, when I followed up, that if Ron Paul were the face of the Republican Party, she'd vote Republican. What???? If there are two more diametrically opposed political and economic philosophies, I can't think of them. She also said Obama wasn't a Statist. What??? Apparently using borrowed and printed money, with ever increasing taxes to buy and control auto companies isn't socialist. Controlling insurance companies and financial institutions isn't Statist. Nationalizing health care isn't Statist. Using 'environmentalism' to control the energy industry isn't Statist. What???
So here's some Ron Paul (I'm not a supporter of...)
Health Care: Obama wants the government to control. Ron Paul-the key to effective health care reform lies not in increasing government control, but in increasing the American people’s ability to make their own health care decisions. Thus, instead of forcing Americans to purchase government-approved health insurance, Congress should put the American people back in charge of health care by expanding health care tax credits and deductions, as well as increasing access to Health Savings Accounts. Therefore, I have introduced legislation, the Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act (HR1495), which provides a series of health care tax credits and deductions designed to empower patients. I urge my colleagues to reject the big government-knows-best approach to health care by cosponsoring my Coercion is Not Health Care Act and Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act.
Taxes: Obama wants to increase, even floating the idea of a Federal VAT up to 25%. Ron Paul-supports the elimination of the income tax and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He asserts that Congress had no power to impose a direct income tax and has called for the repeal of the 16th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified on February 3, 1913.An income tax is the most degrading and totalitarian of all possible taxes. Its implementation wrongly suggests that the government owns the lives and labor of the citizens it is supposed to represent. Tellingly, “a heavy progressive or graduated income tax” is Plank #2 of the Communist Manifesto, which was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and first published in 1848.To provide funding for the federal government, Ron Paul supports excise taxes, non-protectionist tariffs, massive cuts in spending.
Education: Obama is against school vouchers, private education (except for his own kids), and home schooling. He wants yet more massive spending for education. Ron Paul- “First, the Constitution does not authorize the Department of Education, and the founders never envisioned the federal government dictating those education policies.Second, it is a huge bureaucracy that squanders our money. We send billions of dollars to Washington and get back less than we sent. The money would be much better off left in states and local communities rather than being squandered in Washington.Finally, I think that the smallest level of government possible best performs education. Teachers, parents, and local community leaders should be making decisions about exactly how our children should be taught, not Washington bureaucrats. The Department of Education has given us No Child Left Behind, massive unfunded mandates, indoctrination, and in come cases, forced medication of our children with psychotropic drugs. We should get rid of all of that and get those choices back in the hands of the people.”
Global Waming: Obama is a true believer. Will not allow nuclear energy, more mining, or oil drilling. He is totally on the side of Al Gore on this one. Ron Paul- Rather than taking a “sky is falling” approach, I think there are common-sense steps we can take to cut emissions and preserve our environment. I am, after all, a conservative and seek to conserve not just American traditions and our Constitution, but our natural resources as well.We should start by ending subsidies for oil companies. And we should never, ever go to war to protect our perceived oil interests. If oil were allowed to rise to its natural price, there would be tremendous market incentives to find alternate sources of energy. At the same time, I can’t support government “investment” in alternative sources either, for this is not investment at all. Government cannot invest, it can only redistribute resources. Just look at the mess government created with ethanol. Congress decided that we needed more biofuels, and the best choice was ethanol from corn. So we subsidized corn farmers at the expense of others, and investment in other types of renewables was crowded out.
Those are some of the biggies. I didn't want to get over long. I got these off Ron Paul's website. I'm still putting my head back together. How a Statist, an advocate of government control of everything, in the process of implementing a government takeover of everything, is not seen as a Statist, and matched to Libertarian ideas... ohhhh, I need a couple Advil.
She said, when I followed up, that if Ron Paul were the face of the Republican Party, she'd vote Republican. What???? If there are two more diametrically opposed political and economic philosophies, I can't think of them. She also said Obama wasn't a Statist. What??? Apparently using borrowed and printed money, with ever increasing taxes to buy and control auto companies isn't socialist. Controlling insurance companies and financial institutions isn't Statist. Nationalizing health care isn't Statist. Using 'environmentalism' to control the energy industry isn't Statist. What???
So here's some Ron Paul (I'm not a supporter of...)
Health Care: Obama wants the government to control. Ron Paul-the key to effective health care reform lies not in increasing government control, but in increasing the American people’s ability to make their own health care decisions. Thus, instead of forcing Americans to purchase government-approved health insurance, Congress should put the American people back in charge of health care by expanding health care tax credits and deductions, as well as increasing access to Health Savings Accounts. Therefore, I have introduced legislation, the Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act (HR1495), which provides a series of health care tax credits and deductions designed to empower patients. I urge my colleagues to reject the big government-knows-best approach to health care by cosponsoring my Coercion is Not Health Care Act and Comprehensive Health Care Reform Act.
Taxes: Obama wants to increase, even floating the idea of a Federal VAT up to 25%. Ron Paul-supports the elimination of the income tax and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He asserts that Congress had no power to impose a direct income tax and has called for the repeal of the 16th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified on February 3, 1913.An income tax is the most degrading and totalitarian of all possible taxes. Its implementation wrongly suggests that the government owns the lives and labor of the citizens it is supposed to represent. Tellingly, “a heavy progressive or graduated income tax” is Plank #2 of the Communist Manifesto, which was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and first published in 1848.To provide funding for the federal government, Ron Paul supports excise taxes, non-protectionist tariffs, massive cuts in spending.
Education: Obama is against school vouchers, private education (except for his own kids), and home schooling. He wants yet more massive spending for education. Ron Paul- “First, the Constitution does not authorize the Department of Education, and the founders never envisioned the federal government dictating those education policies.Second, it is a huge bureaucracy that squanders our money. We send billions of dollars to Washington and get back less than we sent. The money would be much better off left in states and local communities rather than being squandered in Washington.Finally, I think that the smallest level of government possible best performs education. Teachers, parents, and local community leaders should be making decisions about exactly how our children should be taught, not Washington bureaucrats. The Department of Education has given us No Child Left Behind, massive unfunded mandates, indoctrination, and in come cases, forced medication of our children with psychotropic drugs. We should get rid of all of that and get those choices back in the hands of the people.”
Global Waming: Obama is a true believer. Will not allow nuclear energy, more mining, or oil drilling. He is totally on the side of Al Gore on this one. Ron Paul- Rather than taking a “sky is falling” approach, I think there are common-sense steps we can take to cut emissions and preserve our environment. I am, after all, a conservative and seek to conserve not just American traditions and our Constitution, but our natural resources as well.We should start by ending subsidies for oil companies. And we should never, ever go to war to protect our perceived oil interests. If oil were allowed to rise to its natural price, there would be tremendous market incentives to find alternate sources of energy. At the same time, I can’t support government “investment” in alternative sources either, for this is not investment at all. Government cannot invest, it can only redistribute resources. Just look at the mess government created with ethanol. Congress decided that we needed more biofuels, and the best choice was ethanol from corn. So we subsidized corn farmers at the expense of others, and investment in other types of renewables was crowded out.
Those are some of the biggies. I didn't want to get over long. I got these off Ron Paul's website. I'm still putting my head back together. How a Statist, an advocate of government control of everything, in the process of implementing a government takeover of everything, is not seen as a Statist, and matched to Libertarian ideas... ohhhh, I need a couple Advil.
Faith Based Advisor- Anti Catholic Bigot
This is the guy, Harry Knox, that Obama has selected to run the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is responsible for distributing federal money to religious non-profit and charitable organizations. Here are some quotes by him. To me it indicates he's anti-traditional family and an anti-Catholic bigot.
From the PBS interview broadcast on its Religion & Ethics Newsweekly show: “Responsible fatherhood offers us an immense opportunity to speak to a real need in the country.” ...
“It’ll be challenging to do that for instance in ways that are not dismissive of the tremendous gifts of single mothers; not to sort of hold a heteronormative view of fatherhood up as the only model.”
“For instance, 25 percent of gay male couples in the country are raising children – their own and other people’s.”
“So the challenge will be for all of us getting to know what fatherhood means for us, and how to talk about it in a way that is as inclusive as possible and empowering as possible.”
“One of the things I am suggesting on the council is that they look at mentoring processes that gay dads have developed to help each other be good fathers around the country.”
I'm disconcerted by the comments he made about the Pope. These comments were made in response to the Pope's statement on Aids and HIV prevention. For more on this comment http://windrosehotel.blogspot.com/2009/03/harvard-researchers-agree-with-pope.html
Knox:
“The Pope’s statement that condoms don’t help control the spread of HIV, but rather condoms increase infection rates, is hurting people in the name of Jesus.”
A bishop in Wyoming would not serve communion at Catholic Mass to a lesbian couple. Knox, on the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) Website April 6 2007 wrote: “In this holy Lenten season, it is immoral and insulting to Jesus to use the body and blood of Christ the reconciler as a weapon to silence free speech and demean the love of a committed, legally married couple.”
He said in an April 2007 interview with CNS News that the Pope is a "discredited leader because, primarily, his view on the condoms/AIDS statements. “The Pope needs to start telling the truth about condom use.” “We are eager to help him do that. Until he is willing to do that and able, he’s doing a great deal more harm than good – not just in Africa but around the world. It is endangering people’s lives.”
After being called out for these and other such statements, he makes this comment to Newsmax. "I love the Catholic Church and love my Catholic sisters and brothers very much,” he said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Roman Catholic Church and for all the good that it does. I do think that we have a real disagreement about the role of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, both in the role of the church and in the role of public service."
Spinning spinning spinning. By the way, he's a Protestant and a member of a very left wing denomination, the Church of Christ. He's also a member of the Interdenominational Conference of Liberation Congregations and Ministries. Liberation Theology anyone? How anyone can combine Marxist materialism and Christianity is a mystery to me. Maximum cognitive dissonance.
He should apologize to the Pope and Catholic Church and withdraw from his position.
From the PBS interview broadcast on its Religion & Ethics Newsweekly show: “Responsible fatherhood offers us an immense opportunity to speak to a real need in the country.” ...
“It’ll be challenging to do that for instance in ways that are not dismissive of the tremendous gifts of single mothers; not to sort of hold a heteronormative view of fatherhood up as the only model.”
“For instance, 25 percent of gay male couples in the country are raising children – their own and other people’s.”
“So the challenge will be for all of us getting to know what fatherhood means for us, and how to talk about it in a way that is as inclusive as possible and empowering as possible.”
“One of the things I am suggesting on the council is that they look at mentoring processes that gay dads have developed to help each other be good fathers around the country.”
I'm disconcerted by the comments he made about the Pope. These comments were made in response to the Pope's statement on Aids and HIV prevention. For more on this comment http://windrosehotel.blogspot.com/2009/03/harvard-researchers-agree-with-pope.html
Knox:
“The Pope’s statement that condoms don’t help control the spread of HIV, but rather condoms increase infection rates, is hurting people in the name of Jesus.”
A bishop in Wyoming would not serve communion at Catholic Mass to a lesbian couple. Knox, on the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) Website April 6 2007 wrote: “In this holy Lenten season, it is immoral and insulting to Jesus to use the body and blood of Christ the reconciler as a weapon to silence free speech and demean the love of a committed, legally married couple.”
He said in an April 2007 interview with CNS News that the Pope is a "discredited leader because, primarily, his view on the condoms/AIDS statements. “The Pope needs to start telling the truth about condom use.” “We are eager to help him do that. Until he is willing to do that and able, he’s doing a great deal more harm than good – not just in Africa but around the world. It is endangering people’s lives.”
After being called out for these and other such statements, he makes this comment to Newsmax. "I love the Catholic Church and love my Catholic sisters and brothers very much,” he said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Roman Catholic Church and for all the good that it does. I do think that we have a real disagreement about the role of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, both in the role of the church and in the role of public service."
Spinning spinning spinning. By the way, he's a Protestant and a member of a very left wing denomination, the Church of Christ. He's also a member of the Interdenominational Conference of Liberation Congregations and Ministries. Liberation Theology anyone? How anyone can combine Marxist materialism and Christianity is a mystery to me. Maximum cognitive dissonance.
He should apologize to the Pope and Catholic Church and withdraw from his position.
Sotomayor Doesn't Even Know or Understand Law
Maloney v. Cuomo, a January 2009 ruling, Sotomayor signed the opinion that the 2nd Amendment doesn't keep states from restricting the right to bear and keep arms. Say what? She thinks the law is only Federal. Straight quote from the opinion “It is settled law, however, that the Second Amendment applies only to limitations the federal government seeks to impose on this right.” A nominee to the Supreme Court believes this! Sotomayor sites some law that really doesn't apply, the 1886 Supreme Court case of Presser v. Illinois. Not being a legal person, I don't know, and really don't care, what that opinion said. Something else Sotomayor doesn't appear to know, is previous rulings by the Supreme Court regarding the Second Amendment. She also is apparently unaware of the 14th Amendment, which reads, in part: “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States … nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
She also thinks that it's okay to run power plants into the ground fiscally. Cost benefit analysis to protect little fishes and other aquatic life shouldn't apply; they must be protected regardless of the cost. Higher utility bills anyone? Because you know that cost would be passed on to consumers.
This individual is not qualified and not one Republican should vote for or recommend her.
She also thinks that it's okay to run power plants into the ground fiscally. Cost benefit analysis to protect little fishes and other aquatic life shouldn't apply; they must be protected regardless of the cost. Higher utility bills anyone? Because you know that cost would be passed on to consumers.
This individual is not qualified and not one Republican should vote for or recommend her.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
New Ice Cream Flavor: "Barocky Road"
In honor of the 44th President of the United States ,A new flavor: " Barocky Road ."
Barocky Road is a blend of half vanilla, half chocolate, and surrounded by nuts and flakes.
The vanilla portion of the mix is not openly advertised and usually denied as an ingredient.
The nuts and flakes are all very bitter and hard to swallow.
The cost is $100.00 per scoop.
When purchased it will be presented to you in a large beautiful cone,
but then the ice cream is taken away and given to the person in line behind you.
You are left with an empty wallet and no change,
holding an empty cone with no hope of getting any ice cream.
Are you stimulated?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sonia Sotomayor-Next Supreme Court Judge
She'll get the position. This is a political battle the Republicans can't win. Is she qualified? NO. Dems rejected Republican nominees because of ideology; they weren't Liberal. While we go through this, you know that she won't be treated as horribly, "borked" as Republican nominees either. How does she think?
Sandra Day O’Connor said that a wise old man and a wise old woman would reach the same conclusion when deciding cases.
Sotomayor said: “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”
There's a video of Judge Sotomayor asserting in 2005 that a “court of appeals is where policy is made.” She then immediately adds: “And I know — I know this is on tape, and I should never say that because we don’t make law. I know. O.K. I know. I’m not promoting it. I’m not advocating it. I’m — you know.”
I've read several of her other comments. She puts her gender and ethnicity before the law. All in all, this puts the Constitution and the American people in no worse of a position than we had with Souter. She too believes in legislating from the bench. Can't get it passed in the congress, take it to court and get it done based on race, gender and international law, not the Constitution.
Sandra Day O’Connor said that a wise old man and a wise old woman would reach the same conclusion when deciding cases.
Sotomayor said: “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”
There's a video of Judge Sotomayor asserting in 2005 that a “court of appeals is where policy is made.” She then immediately adds: “And I know — I know this is on tape, and I should never say that because we don’t make law. I know. O.K. I know. I’m not promoting it. I’m not advocating it. I’m — you know.”
I've read several of her other comments. She puts her gender and ethnicity before the law. All in all, this puts the Constitution and the American people in no worse of a position than we had with Souter. She too believes in legislating from the bench. Can't get it passed in the congress, take it to court and get it done based on race, gender and international law, not the Constitution.
Millionaires Go Missing-Wall Street Journal
Here's a two-minute drill in soak-the-rich economics:
Maryland couldn't balance its budget last year, so the state tried to close the shortfall by fleecing the wealthy. Politicians in Annapolis created a millionaire tax bracket, raising the top marginal income-tax rate to 6.25%. And because cities such as Baltimore and Bethesda also impose income taxes, the state-local tax rate can go as high as 9.45%. Governor Martin O'Malley, a dedicated class warrior, declared that these richest 0.3% of filers were "willing and able to pay their fair share." The Baltimore Sun predicted the rich would "grin and bear it."
One year later, nobody's grinning. One-third of the millionaires have disappeared from Maryland tax rolls. In 2008 roughly 3,000 million-dollar income tax returns were filed by the end of April. This year there were 2,000, which the state comptroller's office concedes is a "substantial decline." On those missing returns, the government collects 6.25% of nothing. Instead of the state coffers gaining the extra $106 million the politicians predicted, millionaires paid $100 million less in taxes than they did last year -- even at higher rates.
No doubt the majority of that loss in millionaire filings results from the recession. However, this is one reason that depending on the rich to finance government is so ill-advised: Progressive tax rates create mountains of cash during good times that vanish during recessions. For evidence, consult California, New York and New Jersey (see here).
The Maryland state revenue office says it's "way too early" to tell how many millionaires moved out of the state when the tax rates rose. But no one disputes that some rich filers did leave. It's easier than the redistributionists think. Christopher Summers, president of the Maryland Public Policy Institute, notes: "Marylanders with high incomes typically own second homes in tax friendlier states like Florida, Delaware, South Carolina and Virginia. So it's easy for them to change their residency."
All of this means that the burden of paying for bloated government in Annapolis will fall on the middle class. Thanks to the futility of soaking the rich, these working families will now pay Mr. O'Malley's "fair share." - Wall Street Journal
I'm sure George Soros will pick up the difference 'cause he cares so much.
Maryland couldn't balance its budget last year, so the state tried to close the shortfall by fleecing the wealthy. Politicians in Annapolis created a millionaire tax bracket, raising the top marginal income-tax rate to 6.25%. And because cities such as Baltimore and Bethesda also impose income taxes, the state-local tax rate can go as high as 9.45%. Governor Martin O'Malley, a dedicated class warrior, declared that these richest 0.3% of filers were "willing and able to pay their fair share." The Baltimore Sun predicted the rich would "grin and bear it."
One year later, nobody's grinning. One-third of the millionaires have disappeared from Maryland tax rolls. In 2008 roughly 3,000 million-dollar income tax returns were filed by the end of April. This year there were 2,000, which the state comptroller's office concedes is a "substantial decline." On those missing returns, the government collects 6.25% of nothing. Instead of the state coffers gaining the extra $106 million the politicians predicted, millionaires paid $100 million less in taxes than they did last year -- even at higher rates.
No doubt the majority of that loss in millionaire filings results from the recession. However, this is one reason that depending on the rich to finance government is so ill-advised: Progressive tax rates create mountains of cash during good times that vanish during recessions. For evidence, consult California, New York and New Jersey (see here).
The Maryland state revenue office says it's "way too early" to tell how many millionaires moved out of the state when the tax rates rose. But no one disputes that some rich filers did leave. It's easier than the redistributionists think. Christopher Summers, president of the Maryland Public Policy Institute, notes: "Marylanders with high incomes typically own second homes in tax friendlier states like Florida, Delaware, South Carolina and Virginia. So it's easy for them to change their residency."
All of this means that the burden of paying for bloated government in Annapolis will fall on the middle class. Thanks to the futility of soaking the rich, these working families will now pay Mr. O'Malley's "fair share." - Wall Street Journal
I'm sure George Soros will pick up the difference 'cause he cares so much.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Here’s What You Don’t Know and Weren’t Taught About the 'Dark Ages'
What we were taught about the "Dark" or "Middle" Ages is that the Roman Empire was sacked and fell, and until the "Enlightenment", Europe/Western Civilization languished in disease and superstition and nothing was done or accomplished. A lot of the problem, we were taught, was because of Christianity . It was anti-science, anti-creative, and kept people mired in superstition. Then, bang, the Enlightenment happened, and humanity was back on track because of reason and rationality sans Christianity. But we all know nothing is sudden when it comes to humanity.
The fall of the Roman Empire left a vacuum. Close to anarchy reigned and government was mostly non-existent. Little monarchies and tribes were waring with each other. How was knowledge to be kept, and the people fed? The key to the restructuring were monasteries. I think we have mostly St Benedict, in the mid sixth century, to thank for this. He formed libraries in the monasteries to preserve existing knowledge. A lot of these books and manuscripts ended up too in Ireland, and I recommend Cahill's "How the Irish Saved Civilization" for that. The monasteries also lead the way for building and planting.
During this time we developed or invented the heavy plow so tilling wasn't so labor intensive and productivity was increased substantially. We got the system of crop rotation developed. The true age of iron began; the Romans were bronze age, and that's what they left behind. So with better farm equipment and agricultural techniques, more people were better fed, and with more nutritious food. Without investigating, just going on a hunch, I suspect the peasants living and working near monasteries were much better off and healthier than the slaves of Rome in the same position.
In the twelfth century the Cistercians came on the scene expanding the monastic system. By this time too, this system was hugely successful economically. During this time, wool production, especially in England and France, skyrocketed. Iron production increased dramatically because the Cistercians came up with new ways to use the water wheel and were effective in promoting that use for smelting. Resulting from that use of water power, water wheels began being used for grinding, crushing and fulling mills, and forge hammer and tanneries were mechanized to a large degree. I think the machine age began then. Labor saving devices that lifted so much physical burden from men.
Clocks came out of that time too. If you can organize your time, you can be more productive. (I think that good idea is often used to an unhealthy level in both the industrial and information ages...a subject for another essay.) This of course was important to monks because they had a strict worship regime, and this was helpful meeting that need.
Medicine was a serious study and practice coming out of the Benedictine monasteries, based on empirical observance and documentation. That in turn laid the foundation for hospitals for the poor. Monasteries may not have been able to apply much in the way of medical care, but just think that if you were poor and sick, there was someone to provide at least comfort, food and drink. This had never been done before.
We got the horizontal-axle windmill, a huge labor saving device. The blast furnace was developed. The use of steam power was developed. The manufacture of paper was mechanized along with improvements to the printing press. Musical notation was developed, pipe organs were developed, eyeglasses, and the first crankshafts. The first glider, by a monk at Malmesbury Abbey flew several hundred feet.
It was on all this that the 'enlightenment' was built. Rationality and reason was mankind's salvation. I think not. I think it was, and is, Christianity. What we believe and were taught about those times just isn't so.
The fall of the Roman Empire left a vacuum. Close to anarchy reigned and government was mostly non-existent. Little monarchies and tribes were waring with each other. How was knowledge to be kept, and the people fed? The key to the restructuring were monasteries. I think we have mostly St Benedict, in the mid sixth century, to thank for this. He formed libraries in the monasteries to preserve existing knowledge. A lot of these books and manuscripts ended up too in Ireland, and I recommend Cahill's "How the Irish Saved Civilization" for that. The monasteries also lead the way for building and planting.
During this time we developed or invented the heavy plow so tilling wasn't so labor intensive and productivity was increased substantially. We got the system of crop rotation developed. The true age of iron began; the Romans were bronze age, and that's what they left behind. So with better farm equipment and agricultural techniques, more people were better fed, and with more nutritious food. Without investigating, just going on a hunch, I suspect the peasants living and working near monasteries were much better off and healthier than the slaves of Rome in the same position.
In the twelfth century the Cistercians came on the scene expanding the monastic system. By this time too, this system was hugely successful economically. During this time, wool production, especially in England and France, skyrocketed. Iron production increased dramatically because the Cistercians came up with new ways to use the water wheel and were effective in promoting that use for smelting. Resulting from that use of water power, water wheels began being used for grinding, crushing and fulling mills, and forge hammer and tanneries were mechanized to a large degree. I think the machine age began then. Labor saving devices that lifted so much physical burden from men.
Clocks came out of that time too. If you can organize your time, you can be more productive. (I think that good idea is often used to an unhealthy level in both the industrial and information ages...a subject for another essay.) This of course was important to monks because they had a strict worship regime, and this was helpful meeting that need.
Medicine was a serious study and practice coming out of the Benedictine monasteries, based on empirical observance and documentation. That in turn laid the foundation for hospitals for the poor. Monasteries may not have been able to apply much in the way of medical care, but just think that if you were poor and sick, there was someone to provide at least comfort, food and drink. This had never been done before.
We got the horizontal-axle windmill, a huge labor saving device. The blast furnace was developed. The use of steam power was developed. The manufacture of paper was mechanized along with improvements to the printing press. Musical notation was developed, pipe organs were developed, eyeglasses, and the first crankshafts. The first glider, by a monk at Malmesbury Abbey flew several hundred feet.
It was on all this that the 'enlightenment' was built. Rationality and reason was mankind's salvation. I think not. I think it was, and is, Christianity. What we believe and were taught about those times just isn't so.
The Book of Adam
The past two Sundays I was asked to co-lead a discussion for the young adults (twenty-somethings) since their regular discussion leader was away. They wanted to know about the 'lost books' of the Bible; those that didn't make the cut into the Canon, our accepted Bible. One of the books that we discussed was the book of Adam. Turns out, according to this account, that Satan tried several times to kill Adam and Eve; even killed Adam once, but God revived him. This is all a fascinating read, and I recommend it. It does contain some interesting insights. Satan appears several times in various forms to Adam and Eve and leads them astray. He does this at least a dozen times, and they fall for it every time, realize what they had done or were doing, pray for God's intervention, and He does.
A section that I find fascinating is Satan's response to why he was kicked out of Heaven. It was Adam and Eve's fault! The book describes the tribulations following their expulsion. Adam and Eve get separated, and she's lain for two days in the earth and mud. We she finally rises, Satan leads her back to Adam. Adam is hurt, angry and grieving at his losses. Eve is even in worse condition, and Adam is concerned about her. He turns on the devil and asks, "Woe to you who fight against us! What evil have we done to you? For it is because of your calumnies that we went out from paradise. Is it because we have caused you to be expelled that you are angry against us? Or is it because of us that you were despoiled of your glory? Or is it, in some way, by our action that you are in such deficiency? Or are we the only creatures of God that you fight against us alone?"
The devil starts shedding false tears and tells Adam and Eve that it's their fault he was kicked out of Heaven! Adam wants to know what he did to him. Satan replies that Adam did nothing, but the fall from grace was his fault anyway. When God created Man, and breathed into his face, bringing him life, God's likeness and divinity was breathed into Man also. The angel Michael came and God said, ""I have created Adam according to (my) image and my divinity." Then Michael summoned the angelic hosts, and all were to bow down. Satan refused to, saying, "Go away from me, for I shall not bow down to him who is younger than me; indeed, I am master prior to him and it is proper for him to bow down to me." Many other angels heard this and agreed with Satan.
God became angry with them and cast them down to the Earth, and placed Adam in paradise, the Garden of Eden. Satan said to Adam, "When I had realized that I had fallen before you, that I was in distress and you were in rest, then I aimed at hunting you so that I might alienate you from the paradise of Delights, just as I had been alienated because of you."
Responsibility for our actions. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent and the serpent blamed Adam. Here are the elements of our existence. The battle between good and evil, and the struggle of our own humanness, often looking elsewhere other than to ourselves, and blaming. We need to look to ourselves, and most importantly look to God. Out of this story, and it's as ancient as any of the manuscripts that made it into the Bible, I found it fascinating that not even Satan accepted responsibility for his actions.
A section that I find fascinating is Satan's response to why he was kicked out of Heaven. It was Adam and Eve's fault! The book describes the tribulations following their expulsion. Adam and Eve get separated, and she's lain for two days in the earth and mud. We she finally rises, Satan leads her back to Adam. Adam is hurt, angry and grieving at his losses. Eve is even in worse condition, and Adam is concerned about her. He turns on the devil and asks, "Woe to you who fight against us! What evil have we done to you? For it is because of your calumnies that we went out from paradise. Is it because we have caused you to be expelled that you are angry against us? Or is it because of us that you were despoiled of your glory? Or is it, in some way, by our action that you are in such deficiency? Or are we the only creatures of God that you fight against us alone?"
The devil starts shedding false tears and tells Adam and Eve that it's their fault he was kicked out of Heaven! Adam wants to know what he did to him. Satan replies that Adam did nothing, but the fall from grace was his fault anyway. When God created Man, and breathed into his face, bringing him life, God's likeness and divinity was breathed into Man also. The angel Michael came and God said, ""I have created Adam according to (my) image and my divinity." Then Michael summoned the angelic hosts, and all were to bow down. Satan refused to, saying, "Go away from me, for I shall not bow down to him who is younger than me; indeed, I am master prior to him and it is proper for him to bow down to me." Many other angels heard this and agreed with Satan.
God became angry with them and cast them down to the Earth, and placed Adam in paradise, the Garden of Eden. Satan said to Adam, "When I had realized that I had fallen before you, that I was in distress and you were in rest, then I aimed at hunting you so that I might alienate you from the paradise of Delights, just as I had been alienated because of you."
Responsibility for our actions. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent and the serpent blamed Adam. Here are the elements of our existence. The battle between good and evil, and the struggle of our own humanness, often looking elsewhere other than to ourselves, and blaming. We need to look to ourselves, and most importantly look to God. Out of this story, and it's as ancient as any of the manuscripts that made it into the Bible, I found it fascinating that not even Satan accepted responsibility for his actions.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Quotable Quotes on Obama Taking Over Private Businesses
"At some point someone is going to file a suit in Federal court asking for clarity as to just where in the U.S. Constitution it is provided that the Executive Branch can buy a bankrupt car company." --political analyst Rich Galen
"So far, the Obama administration has yet to lay out its magical thinking on how the homegrown auto makers are to become 'viable' when required to subordinate every auto attribute that consumers find desirable in favor of achieving a passenger-car average of 39 miles per gallon by 2016. Nonetheless the answer has quietly seeped out: Taxpayers will write $5,000 or $7,000 rebate checks to other taxpayers to bribe them to buy hybrids and plug-ins at a price that lets Detroit claim it's earning a 'profit' on its Obamamobiles." --columnist Holman Jenkins Jr.
"The Obama administration is bent on becoming a major player in -- if not taking over entirely -- America's health-care, automobile and banking industries. Before that happens, it might be a good idea to look at the government's track record in running economic enterprises. It is terrible." --author John Steele Gordon
"Does anybody really believe that adding 50 million people to the public health-care rolls will not cost the government more money? About $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion more? At least. So let's be serious when evaluating President Obama's goal of universal health care, and the idea that it's a cost-cutter. Can't happen. Won't happen. Costs are going to explode." --economist Larry Kudlow
"Just how much government debt does a president have to endorse before he's labeled 'irresponsible'"? --columnist Robert Samuelson
"We live in an era in which conservatives have not effectively outlined the proper and limited role of government, and as a direct consequence of our failures, more and more of our citizens are turning to an ever-encroaching government in times of crisis. Yet to allow the balance of power in this nation to continue to shift further and further toward government and thus further and further from liberty is to surrender the very thing that makes America so historically unique." --South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford
"So far, the Obama administration has yet to lay out its magical thinking on how the homegrown auto makers are to become 'viable' when required to subordinate every auto attribute that consumers find desirable in favor of achieving a passenger-car average of 39 miles per gallon by 2016. Nonetheless the answer has quietly seeped out: Taxpayers will write $5,000 or $7,000 rebate checks to other taxpayers to bribe them to buy hybrids and plug-ins at a price that lets Detroit claim it's earning a 'profit' on its Obamamobiles." --columnist Holman Jenkins Jr.
"The Obama administration is bent on becoming a major player in -- if not taking over entirely -- America's health-care, automobile and banking industries. Before that happens, it might be a good idea to look at the government's track record in running economic enterprises. It is terrible." --author John Steele Gordon
"Does anybody really believe that adding 50 million people to the public health-care rolls will not cost the government more money? About $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion more? At least. So let's be serious when evaluating President Obama's goal of universal health care, and the idea that it's a cost-cutter. Can't happen. Won't happen. Costs are going to explode." --economist Larry Kudlow
"Just how much government debt does a president have to endorse before he's labeled 'irresponsible'"? --columnist Robert Samuelson
"We live in an era in which conservatives have not effectively outlined the proper and limited role of government, and as a direct consequence of our failures, more and more of our citizens are turning to an ever-encroaching government in times of crisis. Yet to allow the balance of power in this nation to continue to shift further and further toward government and thus further and further from liberty is to surrender the very thing that makes America so historically unique." --South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford
Hope 'n' Change: The Obama Auto Show
Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution grants the president of the United States the power to be commander in chief of the armed forces (subject to declarations of war in Congress), to make treaties with other nations (subject to ratification in the Senate), to grant pardons, to appoint ambassadors, judges and other officers, to recommend measures to Congress. The Constitution also bestows a number of other minor powers based on these major components.
Nowhere in our nation's governing document can one find a presidential power to regulate the minutiae of private business, much less take ownership of those private businesses. Yet that is how Barack Obama is wielding his ever-increasing power, despite taking an oath to "faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and ... to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
"President Barack Obama announced plans on Tuesday for a national fuel-economy and greenhouse-gas standard that would significantly increase mileage requirements for cars and trucks by 2016," Politico reports. The fuel standards will require that automakers reach an industry average of 35.5 miles per gallon within just seven years. The current average is 25 mpg. The goal is to link the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard to the Environmental Protection Agency's greenhouse-gas standard. Congress is working on legislation for $25 billion in further loans to the auto industry to pay for the change, which will likely cost upwards of $100 billion.
Of his fiat Obama said it is a "historic agreement to help America break its dependence on oil, reduce harmful pollution and begin the transition to a clean-energy economy." The White House claims it will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil, along with reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 900 million metric tons. History says otherwise, however. The original 1975 CAFE standards resulted in more fuel consumption, not less, because driving became cheaper.
The flip side is that the new regulations will add $1,300 to the cost of a car as reckoned by the same administration that estimated this year's budget deficit: so potential car buyers will almost certainly be hanging on to their older cars a bit longer -- counter to Obama's stated purpose. That $1,300 is also a tax increase, even on the middle class whose taxes Obama has repeatedly promised not to increase.
Finally, the regulations aren't safe. As the Competitive Enterprise Institute's Sam Kazman explained in 2002, "[T]he evidence on this issue comes from no less a body than the National Academy of Sciences, which issued a report last August finding that CAFE contributes to between 1,300 and 2,600 traffic deaths per year. Given that this program has been in effect for more than two decades, its cumulative toll is staggering. CAFE has this impact on safety because it restricts the production of large cars. Large cars are less fuel efficient than smaller, similarly equipped vehicles, but they are also more crashworthy in practically every type of accident."
--Patriot Post
Friday, May 22, 2009
Statist Enviromentalism and the California Drought
The MSM is reporting that California is experiencing about the worst drought ever. I found some water stats that refute that. The US Bureau of Reclamation stats show that the fifteen year average watershed precipitation levels for the Sacramento River is 77%, American River 102%, Stanislaus River 96%, and San Joaquin River 91%. Rainfall is indeed below average, but ever so slightly at 91.5%. It's also being reported that the snow pack is seriously low. California's own Dept of Reclamation reports that the snow water equivalant is at 90%. The reservoirs are low to be sure, but they're at 85% of normal.
While things are tight, they aren't devastating. What is devastating is that this is a false drought, with the Statists in government and MSM once again creating a crises to gain more control and power. The Federal and State power brokers violated state law, and promised newcomers (primarily in SoCal) requesting water, over those, like established farmers, that have a senior claim to it. The main thing though, and this is where environmental Statists come in, is the Judge and the smelt.
Most of California's water comes from the Delta, where two major rivers join. There's a smelt there, not indigenous to the area by the way, that has been deemed an endangered species, so the Judge (can't find the knucklehead's name) has shut off the spigot. The result is that farms are drying up. Ready for higher produce prices this summer? The result is that in some communities unemployment is up to 40%. The result is increased fires, endangering citizens and costing billions the state doesn't have. Girlie man Arnold needs to step up to the plate, grow some, tell the judge to F off, and open the spigot in the Delta.
They Can't Even Enjoy a Stupid Music Contest
I watch a couple episodes of American Idol each year toward the end to see if there's any singer of note. With a couple exceptions, the "talent" are mediocre pop performers out of a mold. Last week I kept hearing and reading about the face off of between 'red state' Kris Allen and 'blue state' Adam Lambert. What? Turned out that Kris is a clean cut married guy, and OH NO!!!! he's a Christian!!!! Lambert is all show biz glitz with no articulated beliefs, values or sexuality. Here's a case where once again, the MSM, Statists all, anti-Christian bigots, convinced themselves that the painted sexless one, was the winner by default.
Here's a couple quotes from the MSM, showing glaring intolerance and bigotry. Buffalo Examiner’s Kelvin Lynch: “Kris is practically a poster boy for heterosexual, white-bread Christianity, while Adam is an in-your-face Jewish gay man. That could very well have played a significant role in the final voting among red state voters with texting capability.” Elliot Olshansky of the New York Daily News:“Going into the finale, there was talk of ‘red state-blue state’ politics at work, with Lambert’s painted fingernails, ‘guyliner,’ and uncertain sexuality against Allen’s down-home, churchgoing sensibilities. Given the current political climate, that matchup appeared to favor Lambert, but a number of blue-state types may be ‘too cool’ for Idol’s mass appeal, and unlikely to vote.”
These are the same people that enforce thought police laws...hate crimes, political correctness. The same ones that preach diversity and tolerance that attacked Miss California for her beliefs; and after the "Tea Party" demonstrations taught us what teabagging was, and that all the demonstrators were racists hating that a black man was in the White house. Group identity politics; pit them against each other...conquer.
It is the Statists that politicize everything, not the Right, nor Conservatives, nor Christians. It's the Statists that indulge in the "politics of personal destruction", not the Right, nor Conservatives, nor Christians.
Here's a couple quotes from the MSM, showing glaring intolerance and bigotry. Buffalo Examiner’s Kelvin Lynch: “Kris is practically a poster boy for heterosexual, white-bread Christianity, while Adam is an in-your-face Jewish gay man. That could very well have played a significant role in the final voting among red state voters with texting capability.” Elliot Olshansky of the New York Daily News:“Going into the finale, there was talk of ‘red state-blue state’ politics at work, with Lambert’s painted fingernails, ‘guyliner,’ and uncertain sexuality against Allen’s down-home, churchgoing sensibilities. Given the current political climate, that matchup appeared to favor Lambert, but a number of blue-state types may be ‘too cool’ for Idol’s mass appeal, and unlikely to vote.”
These are the same people that enforce thought police laws...hate crimes, political correctness. The same ones that preach diversity and tolerance that attacked Miss California for her beliefs; and after the "Tea Party" demonstrations taught us what teabagging was, and that all the demonstrators were racists hating that a black man was in the White house. Group identity politics; pit them against each other...conquer.
It is the Statists that politicize everything, not the Right, nor Conservatives, nor Christians. It's the Statists that indulge in the "politics of personal destruction", not the Right, nor Conservatives, nor Christians.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Quotable Quotes
"Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of government. The history of liberty is the history of resistance. The history of liberty is a history of the limitation of governmental power, not the increase of it." --President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)
"Every measure which establishes legal charity on a permanent basis and gives to it an administrative form creates thereby a class unproductive and idle, living at the expense of the class which is industrious and given to work." --French political thinker and historian Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
"The world ain't going to be saved by nobody's scheme. It's fellows with schemes that got us into this mess. Plans can get you into things, but you got to work your way out." --American humorist Will Rogers (1879-1935)
"Every measure which establishes legal charity on a permanent basis and gives to it an administrative form creates thereby a class unproductive and idle, living at the expense of the class which is industrious and given to work." --French political thinker and historian Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
"The world ain't going to be saved by nobody's scheme. It's fellows with schemes that got us into this mess. Plans can get you into things, but you got to work your way out." --American humorist Will Rogers (1879-1935)
Definitely a Contender for the Darwin Awards
Clallam man burned in lighter fluid tag game
Posted by Nick Provenza
The Peninsula Daily News posts a story this morning involving men playing a game of tag in which they squirt themselves with lighter fluid and then light the clothing of the person who is "it."
The tagged person beats the flames out before "tagging" another person.
The obviously mindless game sent an unidentified man to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle to be treated for serious injuries, said Clallam County Fire District No. 2 Chief Jon Bugher.
Volunteer paramedics and emergency medical technicians were called to an area about 2 miles east of Port Angeles about 8 p.m. Monday, said Bugher.
He declined to name the person who was burned, give his age, or say exactly where he was when he was burned. The man's condition wasn't available.
Bugher said he was told by people at the residence that lighter tag is a new fad, but this is the first incident he has heard of in Clallam County.
"It sure scared us," he said.
Although Clallam County sheriff's deputies weren't called to investigate, Sheriff Bill Benedict said he will look into the incident to see if criminal charges would be appropriate.
Posted by Nick Provenza
The Peninsula Daily News posts a story this morning involving men playing a game of tag in which they squirt themselves with lighter fluid and then light the clothing of the person who is "it."
The tagged person beats the flames out before "tagging" another person.
The obviously mindless game sent an unidentified man to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle to be treated for serious injuries, said Clallam County Fire District No. 2 Chief Jon Bugher.
Volunteer paramedics and emergency medical technicians were called to an area about 2 miles east of Port Angeles about 8 p.m. Monday, said Bugher.
He declined to name the person who was burned, give his age, or say exactly where he was when he was burned. The man's condition wasn't available.
Bugher said he was told by people at the residence that lighter tag is a new fad, but this is the first incident he has heard of in Clallam County.
"It sure scared us," he said.
Although Clallam County sheriff's deputies weren't called to investigate, Sheriff Bill Benedict said he will look into the incident to see if criminal charges would be appropriate.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I Wish I Were a Liberal- By Nancy Morgan
I wish I were a liberal, because then everyone would like me. My family would start talking to me again, and chances are, my ex-husband would want to renew the marriage vows he broke when I started spouting conservative opinions.
I'd like to be a liberal because it's ever so much easier to allow others to form my opinions for me instead of researching an issue myself. That always gets me in trouble, especially when the facts I discover diverge from the latest politically correct consensus.
I'd like to be a liberal because then I'd be rewarded for all my shortcomings and nothing would ever be my fault. I'd be an important cog in the wheel of social justice, and a cherished warrior in the current fight for equality.
If I were a liberal, I would be free to have sex whenever and with whomever I want -- and be considered 'empowered' to boot. I could abort any inconvenience with nary a thought because my rights to my body trump the life I would have suctioned out of me.
I'd like to be a liberal because any guilt I would normally feel for what used to be considered deviant, irresponsible behavior may be assuaged by merely advocating the expenditure of other people's money on whatever the cause du jour is. Very cool. Especially since my stock portfolio has tanked.
I want to be a liberal because they care so much. They have a lock on all the fashionable emotions, like tolerance, diversity, equality and patriotism. And as long as my intentions were pure and I 'care', I wouldn't have to accept responsibility for any negative consequences that my actions might cause.
I'd like to be a liberal because everyone knows that conservatives are racist, homophobic, stupid and, well, beneath contempt. Conservatives are motivated by -- gasp -- profit, instead of being nice. Enough said.
It would be swell to be a liberal because I'd be able to redefine reality to my own specifications. I could turn failure into success, murder into choice, lies into 'misstatements', and theft into investment. I would automatically be considered wise, instead of opinionated. Best of all, I could make up the rules as I go along, change them in midstream and then demonize anyone who doesn't agree with me.
It's great to be a liberal because everyone knows they hold the moral high ground. They don't lie, cheat or steal. Oh, and they don't condone torture. The media says so, so it must be true.
Before I am able to join this community of man, however, there are a few ground rules:
I have to acknowledge that government is the best and only solution for any problems America has. Despite the fact that pretty much every government solution to date has been a disaster.
I must agree that America is bad and white Christian males are responsible for all that is wrong with the world. Further, I must agree that terrorists and third world dictators are either freedom fighters or misunderstood men of good would.
Oh, and I must acknowledge that dialogue is better than war. Even though decades of dialogue haven't worked, things are different, now that Obama is president. I must have faith. After all, the times, they are a changin'.
I'd, of course, be expected to not only condone, but happily embrace gay marriage and the long list of newly minted sexual behaviors, and swear to never mention the adverse health risks or the proven harm they do to traditional families.
I'd also have to quit judging people. (Except conservatives.) After all, liberals would allow me to do whatever I want, free from moral censure, and it's only fair I do the same for them.
I'd have to immediately quit smoking, in public at least. I'd be required to agree that global warming is real and man is the cause. Even though the earth has cooled in the last decade, everyone knows its still getting warmer. I'd also have to renounce Christianity in favor of Mother Earth and believe that the Constitution is a 'living instrument'.
I'd have to agree that victimhood trumps merit and that liberals know best. Always. And lastly, I'd have to support the notion that racism is still rampant, even if it is the silent 'institutional' type.
In return, I'll be accepted, popular, and invited to the best parties. I'll be eligible for the right to housing, health care, a living wage (even if I don't work) and happiness. And as long as I remain a liberal, no-one is allowed to insult me. How cool is that?
I'll finally get my columns published in my own hometown paper and would have a good chance of getting face time on MSNBC. Best of all, I'll be able to atone for my sins by merely paying Algore for a few carbon credits. Then, I would live happily ever after. Isn't that worth sacrificing such ethereal and frivolous notions like freedom, individualism and principles?
Nancy Morgan is a columnist and news editor for RightBias.com. She lives in South Carolina
I'd like to be a liberal because it's ever so much easier to allow others to form my opinions for me instead of researching an issue myself. That always gets me in trouble, especially when the facts I discover diverge from the latest politically correct consensus.
I'd like to be a liberal because then I'd be rewarded for all my shortcomings and nothing would ever be my fault. I'd be an important cog in the wheel of social justice, and a cherished warrior in the current fight for equality.
If I were a liberal, I would be free to have sex whenever and with whomever I want -- and be considered 'empowered' to boot. I could abort any inconvenience with nary a thought because my rights to my body trump the life I would have suctioned out of me.
I'd like to be a liberal because any guilt I would normally feel for what used to be considered deviant, irresponsible behavior may be assuaged by merely advocating the expenditure of other people's money on whatever the cause du jour is. Very cool. Especially since my stock portfolio has tanked.
I want to be a liberal because they care so much. They have a lock on all the fashionable emotions, like tolerance, diversity, equality and patriotism. And as long as my intentions were pure and I 'care', I wouldn't have to accept responsibility for any negative consequences that my actions might cause.
I'd like to be a liberal because everyone knows that conservatives are racist, homophobic, stupid and, well, beneath contempt. Conservatives are motivated by -- gasp -- profit, instead of being nice. Enough said.
It would be swell to be a liberal because I'd be able to redefine reality to my own specifications. I could turn failure into success, murder into choice, lies into 'misstatements', and theft into investment. I would automatically be considered wise, instead of opinionated. Best of all, I could make up the rules as I go along, change them in midstream and then demonize anyone who doesn't agree with me.
It's great to be a liberal because everyone knows they hold the moral high ground. They don't lie, cheat or steal. Oh, and they don't condone torture. The media says so, so it must be true.
Before I am able to join this community of man, however, there are a few ground rules:
I have to acknowledge that government is the best and only solution for any problems America has. Despite the fact that pretty much every government solution to date has been a disaster.
I must agree that America is bad and white Christian males are responsible for all that is wrong with the world. Further, I must agree that terrorists and third world dictators are either freedom fighters or misunderstood men of good would.
Oh, and I must acknowledge that dialogue is better than war. Even though decades of dialogue haven't worked, things are different, now that Obama is president. I must have faith. After all, the times, they are a changin'.
I'd, of course, be expected to not only condone, but happily embrace gay marriage and the long list of newly minted sexual behaviors, and swear to never mention the adverse health risks or the proven harm they do to traditional families.
I'd also have to quit judging people. (Except conservatives.) After all, liberals would allow me to do whatever I want, free from moral censure, and it's only fair I do the same for them.
I'd have to immediately quit smoking, in public at least. I'd be required to agree that global warming is real and man is the cause. Even though the earth has cooled in the last decade, everyone knows its still getting warmer. I'd also have to renounce Christianity in favor of Mother Earth and believe that the Constitution is a 'living instrument'.
I'd have to agree that victimhood trumps merit and that liberals know best. Always. And lastly, I'd have to support the notion that racism is still rampant, even if it is the silent 'institutional' type.
In return, I'll be accepted, popular, and invited to the best parties. I'll be eligible for the right to housing, health care, a living wage (even if I don't work) and happiness. And as long as I remain a liberal, no-one is allowed to insult me. How cool is that?
I'll finally get my columns published in my own hometown paper and would have a good chance of getting face time on MSNBC. Best of all, I'll be able to atone for my sins by merely paying Algore for a few carbon credits. Then, I would live happily ever after. Isn't that worth sacrificing such ethereal and frivolous notions like freedom, individualism and principles?
Nancy Morgan is a columnist and news editor for RightBias.com. She lives in South Carolina
Monday, May 18, 2009
Perception and Writing
This is about the actual task of writing, and how it's an indication of how we think. In Western languages we read and write left to right, which uses the left side of the brain. Around 550 BCE Greeks developed the alphabet to do this. Remember the left brain is the rational, logical, sequential side, and that's the side we use the most in Western civilization. So we in the West have developed more behaviors guided by that side, our writing, reading, talking, all influencing how we perceive and respond. Linear single file thinking.
I was surprised by this about non-Western writing. Remembering the right brain has more of a gestalt approach, seeing things as a whole. Languages like Arabic and Hebrew are often written in consonants, so the reader has to fill in the vowels. I would have a hard time understanding 'stmp n th bg'. Are you stomping on the bug, or putting stamps in the bag? So the context is all. The languages that do this are written right to left. Your eyes move right to left, controlled by the right hemisphere.
I'll leave it up to you to ponder how this influences the clash of civilizations, cultural misunderstandings, the attainments and historical development of each. I'm thinking, how one group of people came to develop left to right writing and the other right to left. What were the influences on Western human groups that lent itself to left to right; what experiences? How come their human experience was so different from the people that started their writing left to right? Since I'm from the civilization that is left to right, I wonder if a right to left writer/reader would even bother to ask this question.
I was surprised by this about non-Western writing. Remembering the right brain has more of a gestalt approach, seeing things as a whole. Languages like Arabic and Hebrew are often written in consonants, so the reader has to fill in the vowels. I would have a hard time understanding 'stmp n th bg'. Are you stomping on the bug, or putting stamps in the bag? So the context is all. The languages that do this are written right to left. Your eyes move right to left, controlled by the right hemisphere.
I'll leave it up to you to ponder how this influences the clash of civilizations, cultural misunderstandings, the attainments and historical development of each. I'm thinking, how one group of people came to develop left to right writing and the other right to left. What were the influences on Western human groups that lent itself to left to right; what experiences? How come their human experience was so different from the people that started their writing left to right? Since I'm from the civilization that is left to right, I wonder if a right to left writer/reader would even bother to ask this question.
Five Minute Management Course/Starting Your Work Week
Management Course
Lesson 1:
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.
The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs.
When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'
After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.
The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.
When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?'
'It was Bob the next door neighbor she replies.
'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'
Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Lesson 2:
A priest offered a Nun a lift.
She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.
The priest nearly had an accident.
After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.
The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'
The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.
The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'
The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'
Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.
On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'
Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.
They rub it and a Genie comes out.
The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'
'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.'
Puff! She's gone.
'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life..'
Puff! He's gone.
'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after
Lunch.'
Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.
A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?'
The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.'
So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull.
'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'
'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'
The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.
The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.
Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.
He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there...
Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.
While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.
As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.
The dung was actually thawing him out!
He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.
Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE
Lesson 1:
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.
The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs.
When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'
After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.
The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.
When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?'
'It was Bob the next door neighbor she replies.
'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'
Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Lesson 2:
A priest offered a Nun a lift.
She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.
The priest nearly had an accident.
After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.
The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'
The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.
The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'
The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'
Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.
On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'
Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.
They rub it and a Genie comes out.
The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'
'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.'
Puff! She's gone.
'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life..'
Puff! He's gone.
'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after
Lunch.'
Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.
A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?'
The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.'
So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull.
'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'
'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'
The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.
The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.
Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.
He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there...
Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.
While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.
As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.
The dung was actually thawing him out!
He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.
Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE
EUROVISION 2009 WINNER -NORWAY ALEXANDER RYBAK FAIRYTALE
I don't know what to think of this guy. He seems talented and camp at the same time.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Organ Recital
This afternoon I went to listen to Dr. Dorothy Riess give an organ recital. Part of our church's growing concert series. Dorothy is turning 77 this year, and is a truly delightful and accomplished human being. She has an interesting biography, starting with her playing piano at the age of four. Oh, I should say here that the reason she's doing this at our church is that she's one of our organists. On with her story; when she was a teenager she studied advance piano at Oklahoma City University, switched to organ when she was 16. She began winning lots of competitions. She studied in France with Marcel Dupre, who was a megaforce in the music and organ world. She was for two years organist-choirmaster at the American church in Rome. She was heard there by a Yale professor and got a scholarship to Yale Graduate Music School. Some changes happened, as they do, and her father died. The result of that was that she did pre-med at Columbia University, at at the age of 33 went to Oklahoma Medical School, and got her MD. From then on she practiced internal medicine until she retired. Quite an accomplished life, and she rocks on the keyboards.
The recital itself was marvelous. She gave a brief history of the pieces and composers, and explained to us the workings of the organ, and gave a great performance. A good afternoon was had by all.
The recital itself was marvelous. She gave a brief history of the pieces and composers, and explained to us the workings of the organ, and gave a great performance. A good afternoon was had by all.
Saturday Night Out
Last night I met my brother at the Thomas and Mack arena. He's the Lighting Designer for REO Speedwagon, so I get to see a lot of their concerts. This year they're on tour with 38 Special and Styx. I got there while 38 Special was playing, and Paul and I went for a walk. It was only a little after 7:00 and REO was the closing act and didn't come on until about 9:30. This whole endeavor is sooooo massive! All the equipment for three groups take about seven semi's and seven tour buses. They had driven from Phoenix the night before and started working here in Vegas at 8am. Last night, or rather this morning, (I left a little after midnight) they were still loading out. Backstage, there is good humor, helpfulness and focus. These guys had been at it since morning and it was nearly midnight. Giant trunks on wheels getting stuffed with equipment, massive wires, computers, control panels; then fork lifts racing to get the trunks on the trucks. I've seen lots of load outs, lots of locations, and am always amazed at the efficiency and quickness. Next time you're at a concert, take a good look at the lighting trusses. They're massive and complex. These roadies are amazing. Paul at one point comes down off the stage, signals to me to follow, and says he's going to put me to work. We dismantle and pack the CO2 bottles. He's said he'll turn me into a road dog yet. My dogs are tired; I leave them up and stay home. I'm amazed these guys live on the road. Last year REO did ninety something concerts. Simply amazing.
The concert itself was fun. I of course know all the REO music. One of my favorite groups since the 70's. Styx, not really on my musical radar, was okay. I thought in the seventies they were a bit self important, and they still come off that way. Though they don't engage me musically, I do appreciate their singing and musicianship. It's high quality and technically proficient. When the lights went down for REO to start after Styx, the stage stayed dark for a bit too long, and the crowed starts its stomping and cheering. It could have been a teaser. What happened was that when Paul went to bring up the lights, there was no response in the control board. The Thomas and Mack computer guy did a quick check and couldn't find out what was wrong, so he got Paul moved over to the backup board. They were both so pro and calm. What had happened was that when the master board was moved a little for the REO set, a cable got disconnected. Just a little, so couldn't be noticed in the dark. I may a bit biased here, but REO has a better show, and is way more fun. It's just a celebration of music. It was great to see, for both groups, thousands of people dancing, singing and laughing. A lot of the lyrics to are so celebratory of life, of people, of rising up to meet challenges, not giving up; then the story telling songs.
Here's a kudos to a job well done...to roadies and musicians.
The concert itself was fun. I of course know all the REO music. One of my favorite groups since the 70's. Styx, not really on my musical radar, was okay. I thought in the seventies they were a bit self important, and they still come off that way. Though they don't engage me musically, I do appreciate their singing and musicianship. It's high quality and technically proficient. When the lights went down for REO to start after Styx, the stage stayed dark for a bit too long, and the crowed starts its stomping and cheering. It could have been a teaser. What happened was that when Paul went to bring up the lights, there was no response in the control board. The Thomas and Mack computer guy did a quick check and couldn't find out what was wrong, so he got Paul moved over to the backup board. They were both so pro and calm. What had happened was that when the master board was moved a little for the REO set, a cable got disconnected. Just a little, so couldn't be noticed in the dark. I may a bit biased here, but REO has a better show, and is way more fun. It's just a celebration of music. It was great to see, for both groups, thousands of people dancing, singing and laughing. A lot of the lyrics to are so celebratory of life, of people, of rising up to meet challenges, not giving up; then the story telling songs.
Here's a kudos to a job well done...to roadies and musicians.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Obama's Vision of America
"Barack Obama's vision of America is one in which a President of the United States can fire the head of General Motors, tell banks how to bank, control the medical system and take charge of all sorts of other activities for which neither he nor other politicians have any expertise or experience. The Constitution of the United States gives no president, nor the entire federal government, the authority to do such things. But spending trillions of dollars to bail out all sorts of companies buys the power to tell them how to operate. Appointing judges to the federal courts -- including the Supreme Court -- who believe in expanding the powers of the federal government to make arbitrary decisions, choosing who will be winners and losers in the economy and in the society, is perfectly consistent with a vision of the world where self-confident and self-righteous elites rule according to their own notions, instead of merely governing under the restraints of the Constitution." --Hoover Institution economist Thomas Sowell
Transformations
"If you met a man who said he would like to 'transform' or 'remake' his wife, would you conclude that he: a) thought very highly of his wife and loved her? Or b) held his wife in rather low esteem and therefore found living her rather difficult? The answer is obvious: Those who wish to remake anything (or anyone) do not think highly of the person or thing they wish to remake. Little is as revealing of Barack Obama's and the left's view of America than their use of the words 'transform' and 'remake' when applied to what they most want to do to America. ... In light of those frequently made criticisms of America, I have often asked representatives of the left why they criticize America so much if they love it so much. 'Precisely because we love America, we criticize it. You criticize that which you love,' is the nearly universal response. But, of course, it isn't true. If you constantly criticize your spouse, for example, it is difficult to imagine that you really do love him or her. And perhaps more important, it is very unlikely that your spouse feels loved. That is why after being routinely described as racist, sexist, imperialist, etc., it is difficult to be able to tell that America is loved by the left. This is not written in order to indict the left, let alone the president, for not loving America. No one can measure another's feelings. Furthermore I do not question the sincerity of anyone who says he loves America. What I question are the actions and rhetoric of those who claim to love America yet want to transform and remake it." --columnist Dennis Prager
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Are You Left-Brained or Right-Brained?
http://www.testcafe.com/lbrb/
Are You Left-Brained or Right-Brained? The link above is an assessment...very cool.
These are my results:
Although one side of the brain is generally dominant over the other, we should strive to utilize both halves. A balanced brain makes a balanced person - combining sequential thinking with a holistic approach, or linear thinking with intuition, enables us to fully comprehend issues and solve problems. Left-brainers can dramatically improve their problem solving abilities by learning to "follow their gut," while right-brainers can improve the execution of their creative efforts.
Realizing your dominant half is the first step in becoming balance-brained.
Your percentage score for the right brain is 51%.
Your percentage score for the left brain is 49%.
You are more right-brained than left-brained. The right side of your brain controls the left side of your body. In addition to being known as right-brained, you are also known as a creative thinker who uses feeling and intuition to gather information. You retain this information through the use of images and patterns. You are able to visualize the "whole" picture first, and then work backwards to put the pieces together to create the "whole" picture. Your thought process can appear quite illogical and meandering. The problem-solving techniques that you use involve free association, which is often very innovative and creative. The routes taken to arrive at your conclusions are completely opposite to what a left-brained person would be accustomed. You probably find it easy to express yourself using art, dance, or music. Some occupations usually held by a right-brained person are forest ranger, athlete, beautician, actor/actress, craftsman, and artist.
Your left brain/right brain percentage was calculated by combining the individual scores of each half's sub-categories. They are as follows:
Left Brain
Linear
Sequential
Symbolic
Logical
Verbal
Reality-based
Right Brain
Holistic
Random
Concrete
Intuitive
Nonverbal
Fantasy-oriented
Are You Left-Brained or Right-Brained? The link above is an assessment...very cool.
These are my results:
Although one side of the brain is generally dominant over the other, we should strive to utilize both halves. A balanced brain makes a balanced person - combining sequential thinking with a holistic approach, or linear thinking with intuition, enables us to fully comprehend issues and solve problems. Left-brainers can dramatically improve their problem solving abilities by learning to "follow their gut," while right-brainers can improve the execution of their creative efforts.
Realizing your dominant half is the first step in becoming balance-brained.
Your percentage score for the right brain is 51%.
Your percentage score for the left brain is 49%.
You are more right-brained than left-brained. The right side of your brain controls the left side of your body. In addition to being known as right-brained, you are also known as a creative thinker who uses feeling and intuition to gather information. You retain this information through the use of images and patterns. You are able to visualize the "whole" picture first, and then work backwards to put the pieces together to create the "whole" picture. Your thought process can appear quite illogical and meandering. The problem-solving techniques that you use involve free association, which is often very innovative and creative. The routes taken to arrive at your conclusions are completely opposite to what a left-brained person would be accustomed. You probably find it easy to express yourself using art, dance, or music. Some occupations usually held by a right-brained person are forest ranger, athlete, beautician, actor/actress, craftsman, and artist.
Your left brain/right brain percentage was calculated by combining the individual scores of each half's sub-categories. They are as follows:
Left Brain
Linear
Sequential
Symbolic
Logical
Verbal
Reality-based
Right Brain
Holistic
Random
Concrete
Intuitive
Nonverbal
Fantasy-oriented
Self Reliance / Not Government Reliance
Up here in the Northern part of Wyoming we just recovered from a Historic event --- may I even say a "Weather Event" of "Biblical Proportions" --- with a historic blizzard of up to 44" inches of snow and winds to 90 MPH that broke trees in half, knocked down utility poles, stranded hundreds of motorists in lethal snow banks, closed ALL roads, isolated scores of communities and cut power to 10's of thousands.
FYI:
Obama did not come.
FEMA did nothing.
No one howled for the government.
No one blamed the government.
No one even uttered an expletive on TV.
Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton did not visit.
Our Mayor's did not blame Obama or anyone else.
Our Governor did not blame Obama or anyone else either.
CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC did not visit - or even report on this category 5 snow storm.
Nobody demanded $2,000 debit cards.
No one asked for a FEMA Trailer House.
No one looted.
Nobody - I mean Nobody demanded the government do something.
Nobody expected the government to do anything either...
No Larry King, No Bill O'Rielly, No Oprah, No Chris Mathews and No Geraldo Rivera.
No Shaun Penn, No Barbara Striesand, No Hollywood types to be found.
Nope, we just melted the snow for water.
Sent out caravans of SUV's to pluck people out of snow engulfed cars.
The truck drivers pulled people out of snow banks and didn't ask for a penny.
Local restaurants made food, and the police and fire departments delivered it to the snow bound families.
Families took in the stranded people - total strangers.
We fired up wood stoves, broke out coal oil lanterns or Coleman lanterns.
We put on an extra layers of clothes because up here it is "Work or Die".
We did not wait for some affirmative action government to get us out of a mess created by being immobilized by a welfare program that trades votes for 'sittin at home' checks.
Even though a Category "5" blizzard of this scale has never fallen this early, we know it can happen and how to deal with it ourselves.
FYI:
Obama did not come.
FEMA did nothing.
No one howled for the government.
No one blamed the government.
No one even uttered an expletive on TV.
Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton did not visit.
Our Mayor's did not blame Obama or anyone else.
Our Governor did not blame Obama or anyone else either.
CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC did not visit - or even report on this category 5 snow storm.
Nobody demanded $2,000 debit cards.
No one asked for a FEMA Trailer House.
No one looted.
Nobody - I mean Nobody demanded the government do something.
Nobody expected the government to do anything either...
No Larry King, No Bill O'Rielly, No Oprah, No Chris Mathews and No Geraldo Rivera.
No Shaun Penn, No Barbara Striesand, No Hollywood types to be found.
Nope, we just melted the snow for water.
Sent out caravans of SUV's to pluck people out of snow engulfed cars.
The truck drivers pulled people out of snow banks and didn't ask for a penny.
Local restaurants made food, and the police and fire departments delivered it to the snow bound families.
Families took in the stranded people - total strangers.
We fired up wood stoves, broke out coal oil lanterns or Coleman lanterns.
We put on an extra layers of clothes because up here it is "Work or Die".
We did not wait for some affirmative action government to get us out of a mess created by being immobilized by a welfare program that trades votes for 'sittin at home' checks.
Even though a Category "5" blizzard of this scale has never fallen this early, we know it can happen and how to deal with it ourselves.
The Supremes
"That President Obama has made 'empathy' with certain groups one of his criteria for choosing a Supreme Court nominee is a dangerous sign of how much further the Supreme Court may be pushed away from the rule of law and toward even more arbitrary judicial edicts to advance the agenda of the left and set it in legal concrete, immune from the democratic process. Would you want to go into court to appear before a judge with 'empathy' for groups A, B and C, if you were a member of groups X, Y or Z? Nothing could be further from the rule of law." --Hoover Institution economist Thomas Sowell
"Mr. Obama will make Supreme Court history, all right. He will become the first president in American history to make lawlessness an explicit standard for Supreme Court justices. ... He has boldly proclaimed that he intends to make sure his nominees to the Supreme Court don't harbor any crusty fealty to the written Constitution, or the millenniums of Western law that undergird its principles, or to the timeless truths that underlie our Declaration of Independence." --Judicial Confirmation Network counsel Wendy E. Long
"There is a reason that Lady Justice wears a blindfold. Justice is supposed to be blind to the race, gender, finances, politics -- and every other 'empathy'-eliciting -- characteristic of those who seek it in good faith." --columnist Carol Platt Liebau
"Mr. Obama will make Supreme Court history, all right. He will become the first president in American history to make lawlessness an explicit standard for Supreme Court justices. ... He has boldly proclaimed that he intends to make sure his nominees to the Supreme Court don't harbor any crusty fealty to the written Constitution, or the millenniums of Western law that undergird its principles, or to the timeless truths that underlie our Declaration of Independence." --Judicial Confirmation Network counsel Wendy E. Long
"There is a reason that Lady Justice wears a blindfold. Justice is supposed to be blind to the race, gender, finances, politics -- and every other 'empathy'-eliciting -- characteristic of those who seek it in good faith." --columnist Carol Platt Liebau
Mothers' Day
Today is Mother's Day. Among the 10 Commandments is the only command with a promise: "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation in 1914 proclaiming Mother's Day a national holiday. Then again, we don't need a holiday to express our appreciation to moms everywhere. May God bless each and every mother. We wouldn't be without them.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Lavarse Sus Manos
One of my favorite bars in Pacific Beach/San Diego was Lavas Sus Manos. Turns out there's lots of ways to say 'wash your hands' in Spanish. In the bathrooms where I work there are recently posted papers on the doors that have instructions how to wash one's hands. First of all, people won't see it after the first glance, and nobody will read it. It did get me thinking about soap though.
The ancient Greeks and Romans didn't use soap. They preferred slathering their hair and skin with gloopy oils. Ahhhh, the joy of massaging pig fat into your hair. It must have been a wonderful experience. The oil they put on their skin they scrapped off, taking away a little bit of dirt. It turns out the oil and soap have many of the same ingredients; they're mostly composed of fatty oils. The earliest recorded soap usage is about five thousand years ago, and the sapindus tree (also known as soapberry or soapnut) was used before that. The source of the actual recipe for the first soap used is unknown.
Here's the recipe. Take some ashes and pour water through them until you get lye water. Lye water is made alkaline by the addition of potassium hydroxide. You put an egg in the solution to test if it's ready; if the egg floats you're good to go. You then add fat to it. Animal fat was used a lot, but olive oil is better. Start mixing the ashes and fat; doesn't make any difference if this process is done hot or cold. The chemical reaction is called saponification. This is just the molecules rearranging themselves as they change from oil and alkali to a form of sugar call glycerol and the final ingredient, soap. These get separated. This process sometimes happens naturally. There's been cases where it's happened to buried corpses. It's just because of the way the soil, worms and bacteria mix. Just thought I'd share.
Soaps today use plant oils such as palm or olive, instead of animal fats. A few extra ingredients are added so we smell nice. Sometime scouring agents like pumice are added to clean away dead skin cells. The reason soap cleans is because of the chemical reaction; long and complicated having to do with how the potassium and salts and water and...you get the picture.
There you have it, the oily story. Now if we can just get some people that don't use it after....
The ancient Greeks and Romans didn't use soap. They preferred slathering their hair and skin with gloopy oils. Ahhhh, the joy of massaging pig fat into your hair. It must have been a wonderful experience. The oil they put on their skin they scrapped off, taking away a little bit of dirt. It turns out the oil and soap have many of the same ingredients; they're mostly composed of fatty oils. The earliest recorded soap usage is about five thousand years ago, and the sapindus tree (also known as soapberry or soapnut) was used before that. The source of the actual recipe for the first soap used is unknown.
Here's the recipe. Take some ashes and pour water through them until you get lye water. Lye water is made alkaline by the addition of potassium hydroxide. You put an egg in the solution to test if it's ready; if the egg floats you're good to go. You then add fat to it. Animal fat was used a lot, but olive oil is better. Start mixing the ashes and fat; doesn't make any difference if this process is done hot or cold. The chemical reaction is called saponification. This is just the molecules rearranging themselves as they change from oil and alkali to a form of sugar call glycerol and the final ingredient, soap. These get separated. This process sometimes happens naturally. There's been cases where it's happened to buried corpses. It's just because of the way the soil, worms and bacteria mix. Just thought I'd share.
Soaps today use plant oils such as palm or olive, instead of animal fats. A few extra ingredients are added so we smell nice. Sometime scouring agents like pumice are added to clean away dead skin cells. The reason soap cleans is because of the chemical reaction; long and complicated having to do with how the potassium and salts and water and...you get the picture.
There you have it, the oily story. Now if we can just get some people that don't use it after....
Friday, May 8, 2009
New Cabinet Post? Secretary of Sports
"WASHINGTON (AP) — A group that studies sports in society is urging the Obama administration to step up the federal government’s role in athletics, possibly with a Cabinet-level post.
Sport in Society, based at Northeastern University in Boston, says the enhanced government role could serve several important goals. It says the U.S. could encourage more youth participation, increase access for women and the handicapped, and promote healthier lifestyles.
According to the group’s proposal, made today, most countries already have a minister or secretary of sport. Sport in Society says the government could create a “Secretary of Sport and Culture,” establish a special adviser, or increase funding for existing programs."
Sports are such a capitalist success, such a show of individual attainment and promotion by merit, it makes sense the Statist administration wants to control it. The stated goals are not what the Statists desire, it's misdirection so they have time to gain control. Enough people buy into government control of everything, or are not paying attention because it doesn't affect them directly that Obama and his fellow Statists may be able to pull this off. They now control banks, insurance companies, auto companies, the press and Hollywood...which all used to be free of the government. I hadn't thought of it before, but sports is one of the last businesses to take control of.
Sport in Society, based at Northeastern University in Boston, says the enhanced government role could serve several important goals. It says the U.S. could encourage more youth participation, increase access for women and the handicapped, and promote healthier lifestyles.
According to the group’s proposal, made today, most countries already have a minister or secretary of sport. Sport in Society says the government could create a “Secretary of Sport and Culture,” establish a special adviser, or increase funding for existing programs."
Sports are such a capitalist success, such a show of individual attainment and promotion by merit, it makes sense the Statist administration wants to control it. The stated goals are not what the Statists desire, it's misdirection so they have time to gain control. Enough people buy into government control of everything, or are not paying attention because it doesn't affect them directly that Obama and his fellow Statists may be able to pull this off. They now control banks, insurance companies, auto companies, the press and Hollywood...which all used to be free of the government. I hadn't thought of it before, but sports is one of the last businesses to take control of.
Thanking Atheists
Thank you atheists for all the great music you've written that was inspired by your belief.
Thank you atheists for all the great architecture; the buildings and communities built that was inspired by your belief.
Thank you atheists for all the great literature written that was inspired by your belief.
Thank you atheists for all the thousands of years of wisdom you have provided us inspired by your belief.
Thank you atheists for showing us (especially at Christmastime) how to be tolerant inspired by your belief.
Thank you atheists for all the great architecture; the buildings and communities built that was inspired by your belief.
Thank you atheists for all the great literature written that was inspired by your belief.
Thank you atheists for all the thousands of years of wisdom you have provided us inspired by your belief.
Thank you atheists for showing us (especially at Christmastime) how to be tolerant inspired by your belief.
The Audacity of Unawareness
Barack Obama, through his spokesman, claimed today that he was unaware of the tax day tea parties. Granted, the MSM has done a good job in suppressing any sort of coverage ahead of time (and the little coverage they did provide was derisive at best). But, how out of touch is the Community Organizer in Chief, really?
This much.
He was unaware that he was attending a church (for 20 years) with a racist pastor who hates America .
He was unaware that his family was friends with a domestic terrorist, and that he started his political career in the living room of a domestic terrorist.
He was unaware that he had invested in two speculative companies backed by some of his top donors right after taking office in 2005.
He was unaware that his own aunt was living in the United States illegally.
He was unaware that his own brother lives on just pennies a day in a hut in Kenya.
He was unaware of the AIG bonuses that he and his administration approved and signed into a bill.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Commerce was under investigation in a bribery scandal.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Health and Human Services was a tax cheat.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of the Treasury was a tax cheat.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be the U.S. Trade Representative was a tax cheat.
He was unaware that the woman he nominated to be his Chief Performance Officer was a tax cheat.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be the Number Two at the Environmental Protection Agency was under investigation for mismanaging $25 million in EPA grants.
For the love of God, there are people in comas that are more aware of world affairs than this guy.
from the blog-
http://www.texasrainmaker.com/2009/04/15/the-audacity-of-unawareness/
This much.
He was unaware that he was attending a church (for 20 years) with a racist pastor who hates America .
He was unaware that his family was friends with a domestic terrorist, and that he started his political career in the living room of a domestic terrorist.
He was unaware that he had invested in two speculative companies backed by some of his top donors right after taking office in 2005.
He was unaware that his own aunt was living in the United States illegally.
He was unaware that his own brother lives on just pennies a day in a hut in Kenya.
He was unaware of the AIG bonuses that he and his administration approved and signed into a bill.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Commerce was under investigation in a bribery scandal.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Health and Human Services was a tax cheat.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of the Treasury was a tax cheat.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be the U.S. Trade Representative was a tax cheat.
He was unaware that the woman he nominated to be his Chief Performance Officer was a tax cheat.
He was unaware that the man he nominated to be the Number Two at the Environmental Protection Agency was under investigation for mismanaging $25 million in EPA grants.
For the love of God, there are people in comas that are more aware of world affairs than this guy.
from the blog-
http://www.texasrainmaker.com/2009/04/15/the-audacity-of-unawareness/
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Deep Thoughts for People Who Take Life Too Seriously
1. Save the whales -- Collect the whole set.
2. A day without sunshine is like -- Night.
3. On the other hand -- you have different fingers
4. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
5. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
6. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
7. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
8. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
9. The early bird may get the worm -- but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap!
10. Support bacteria -- They're the only culture some people have.
11. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
12. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
13. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
14. How many of you believe in psychokinesis? OK, now raise my hand.
15. So what's the speed of dark?
16. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
17. Hard work pays off in the future -- Laziness pays off now.
18. Every one has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.
19. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
20 Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines
21. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
22. I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder.
23. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
24. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering: "What just happened"?
25. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
26. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
27. Life isn't like a box of chocolates . . . it's more like a jar of
jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.
2. A day without sunshine is like -- Night.
3. On the other hand -- you have different fingers
4. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
5. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
6. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
7. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
8. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
9. The early bird may get the worm -- but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap!
10. Support bacteria -- They're the only culture some people have.
11. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
12. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
13. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
14. How many of you believe in psychokinesis? OK, now raise my hand.
15. So what's the speed of dark?
16. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
17. Hard work pays off in the future -- Laziness pays off now.
18. Every one has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.
19. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
20 Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines
21. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
22. I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder.
23. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
24. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering: "What just happened"?
25. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
26. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
27. Life isn't like a box of chocolates . . . it's more like a jar of
jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Condoleezza Rice Meets With Some Students
I especially approve the the written sentiment at the end. Nearly all of the time Statists become vile and insulting instead of being civil by discussing and listening.
Tribute to Jack Kemp
Jack Kemp died of cancer yesterday. I'm deeply saddened by this. He was one of the most influential leaders in economics and reforming the Republican Party beginning in the 1970's. He educated Reagan, Gingrinch, and what became known as the "Young Turks" that eventually were elected to power in Congress in 1994 after Democrats had ruled there uncontested for forty years. He got the leadership of the Republican party to advocate for and implement 'supply side economics'. It was and is a concept derided by the MSM and Democrats; in it's simplist form it states that the money you and I earn belongs to us, not the government, and we should keep it (low taxes). If you value hard work, initiative and liberty you understand and appreciate this concept. When it's applied, the wealth of the nation, built upon growing personal wealth increases, alot. For me, he moved economics out of the realm of theory to application. He was one of the early thinkers and politicians that had a profound influence on me during my transition from Statist to Conservative/Libertarian.
Kemp was an NFL quaterback for the Chargers for two years and led the Bills to two AFL Championships. He was MVP one year and co-founded the AFL Players Association. He served NY as a congressman for nine years. During that time was when he built his coalition to wrest power from the liberal elite northeast country club set that had been running the GOP. He may be one of the most influential (and most unknown by the general public) politicians and applied economists of the twentieth century.
Jack Kemp was a principled man, influential and caring. Our country, and myself, are grateful. RIP
Kemp was an NFL quaterback for the Chargers for two years and led the Bills to two AFL Championships. He was MVP one year and co-founded the AFL Players Association. He served NY as a congressman for nine years. During that time was when he built his coalition to wrest power from the liberal elite northeast country club set that had been running the GOP. He may be one of the most influential (and most unknown by the general public) politicians and applied economists of the twentieth century.
Jack Kemp was a principled man, influential and caring. Our country, and myself, are grateful. RIP
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