Barb’s Blog » Archive for January 2009
It’s HOW You Say It
It’s curious to me the attention that American politics are receiving around the world…before, during, and even now, after our elections. One man, Andrew Bolt, of the Herald Sun, has taken notice too. He writes about how everyone seems to be worshipping Obama, even though Obama might be saying some of the same things that Bush has. PEOPLE whose business is words love Barack Obama. Worship him, actually, just for speaking well. Prof Michael Eric Dyson, even cried in The Sydney Morning Herald that “words crackle and sentences simmer or sing in his mouth”. Not like that boor George Bush. In fact, adds Prof Simon Jackman of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre: “Obama’s dazzling capacity for rhetoric has been . . . , and will continue to be, one of the cornerstones of his power.” I … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Government Gone Wild
President Barack Obama got the $825 (or $1.2 trillion over a decade) stimulus package through the House of Representatives with a 244 to 188 vote. Not a single Republican voted for the bill. Now you can buy into the notion that this is politics as usual, or you can read the bill and know it’s a VERY BAD BILL. When our children live in a collapsed economy, please remember these gloating faces. Now Nanny Pelosi didn’t get … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
The Money Behind Obama
Yes we’ve heard all about the $5 donations that helped build Obama’s record-breaking $742 million campaign funds, but what is the whole story? Ever since he ran for the Senate in 2004, Barack Obama has had a wealth of 10-figure tycoons advising – and funding – him. …Barack Obama has had a slew of billionaire backers with him on his journey to the White House–plutocrats who provide economic and political advice and help to raise money. Lots of money. Since campaign contributions are capped at $2,300 per individual and donations to the Inaugural Committee have a $50,000 limit per person, most billionaires help out by serving as "bundlers"–well-connected folks who help gather donations from family, co-workers and associates. Obama’s national finance chairwoman during his presidential campaign was Penny Pritzker, one of 11 members of … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Confusing Contradictions
For some, news headlines must be very confusing. For those who didn’t know their own minds, they could spend a lot of time going around in circles… TAKE BIRTH CONTROL….or…NOT? Yesterday, a large headline appeared next to Nanny Pelosi’s image, where she insisted that part of the 800+ Billion stimulous package needed to be thrown at Family Planning, birth control, THAT, she was sure would help the economy. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi boldly defended a move to add birth control funding to the new economic “stimulus” package, claiming “contraception will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government.” Naturally that was met with a sensible, “How you can spend hundreds of millions of dollars on contraceptives how does that stimulate the economy?” from House Republican Leader John Boehner. However, … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
First Snowflake
We’ve had very little winter here in Maryland. The temperatures have been cold, but no snow. Today we had a few flakes. Inspired by Beth Ellen’s snowflakes, I thought to take a close up photo of one as they fell on the car windshield. So, here is my first (and I hope not my last) snowflake photo! … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
After a cold morning having gone to church, Laura and I arrived home and set about making Broccoli and Cheddar Soup. We used a recipe we found at All Recipes.com . (Mom had a giggle about how we brought the laptop on the kitchen counter to use to follow the recipe). INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup butter 1 onion, cut into medium dice 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli 1 quart chicken broth 1/2 cup … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Christmas Presents 2008: Pearl Necklace
Petra is so generous. She is always good to me. Where I have given these special Wish/Love Pearls as gifts before, I had never got one myself! Leave it to Petra to give me such a treat. Love pearls come in a box, with an oyster guaranteed to have a pearl inside of it. The fun is, you don’t know which kind of pearl it will be! Give somene a special gift! Wish Pearl Gift Set Set in a wonderfully crafted … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Media Frustration
Seems it’s the media’s turn to be frustrated. Oh, but this has happened before. It’s like the Clintonista regime all over again. The press used to easy access to the White House is finding yet another democratic Presidency hard to reach. Reporters are accusing the White House of stifling access to his oath re-do and giving Obama’s first interview as president to a multi-million dollar inauguration sponsor. Veteran CBS newsman Bill Plante was one of the most vocal critics, questioning the White House’s handling of Wednesday night’s second swearing in – which was covered by just a four-reporter print pool that didn’t include a news photographer or TV correspondent. He also asked new press secretary Robert Gibbs why ABC, which paid millions to host the DC Neighborhood Ball, was granted the only inauguration day … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Era of Responsibility?
While people were basking in the glow of Obama’s Inaugural address, claiming for his new era of responsibility, they could have STARTED by picking up their own TRASH! This is the Mall in Washington D.C. today. … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Cold Start?
I watched some of the Inauguration today, there were some interesting items of the day… There seemed to be some nerves taking place as Obama and Chief Justice both flub the oath of office. Backstage, Former Democaat President Carter snubs Former Democrate President Clinton, while kissing Barbara Bush on the cheek. Wonder what that was about? Hillary Clinton was seen having a rather intense discussion with John Cornyn, who’s delaying her floor confirmation vote as Secretary of State. … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
We Are One, but Some Are More One Than Others
“We Are One, but Some Are More One Than Others,” says Kriston Capps, a little disenchanted with how the Inauguration is being handled. The theme is “We Are One” but Kriston saw fit to rename it. She was speaking of the Inaugural Concert held Sunday. The concert was supposed to be part of “the people’s party,” said Shawn Paterniti, who had come with his wife Mia from Columbia, Md., to see the show. “But still, you have the VIPs who want their front-row seats. So I guess they get their tickets no one knows about,” he said, as he and his wife headed to join the “general population,” far away from the performances. It seems odd to have a VIP section for a concert about unity,” says Kriston again. The candidate of CHANGE hasn’t … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Christmas Presents 2008: Bloemen & Planten
It occurs to me that I have been blogging now for 4 years and now entering my 5th. I know I get all excited over whacky world events and our crazy politics here at home, but many times I do blog something personal. You might think that Christmas is way over, why would I still be on this subject. I persist to say, that it is a SEASON, not just a day, and as much time, money, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Posting Prop 8 Supporters Online?
Proposition 8, simply put, was a California ballot proposition in the November 4, 2008, general election. It changed the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples and eliminated same-sex couples’ right to marry. According to Wikipedia, with a 79% voter turnout, 52.30% voted yes, 47.70% voted no. The people voted to define marriage to be between a man and a woman. There has been some ugly happenings surrounding Prop 8, one was … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
$150 Million Dollar Obama Inauguration??? Yes We Can!
In these times of economic strife, businesses collapsing, unemloyment rising, and fighting two wars, can this country really justify a whopping $150 million dollar inauguration? Well, I guess to quote Obama, Yes we Can! But to me that is hardly the news story. In 2005, Bush took a beating in the media for his costly inauguration , and I sort of agreed with the immense amount being too much. With the cost more than doubling for Obama’s, do you think he will be under the same attack? I seriously doubt it. Obama, the media’s darling will be accompanied with Hollywood’s big names and surely won’t hear the negativity that Bush did. Just another example of the hypocrisy and double standards in our media today. … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Obama’s Treasury Nominee Failed to Pay Taxes
My Way News Story President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to run the Treasury Department and lead the economic rescue effort disclosed to senators Tuesday that he failed to pay $34,000 in taxes from 2001 to 2004, a last-minute complication in an otherwise smooth path to confirmation. Timothy Geithner paid most of the past-due taxes days before Obama announced his nomination in November, an Obama transition official said. The unpaid taxes were discovered by Obama’s transition team while investigating Geithner’s background, the official said. The transition official requested anonymity because the source was not authorized to discuss Geithner’s situation. Obama reiterated his support Tuesday for Geithner as senators who are considering the appointment quizzed Geithner behind closed doors. “He’s dedicated his career to our country and served with honor, intelligence and distinction,” incoming White House spokesman Robert … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
History Lesson, Present Tense?
“Liberty is rendered even more precious by the recollection of servitude.” ~Cicero Laura and I have resumed our regular schedule now that the holidays are truly over. Our history lesson today, to me, read something like our modern times…. “The transformation of Rome from an Italian city-state to the seat of a vast empire created a host of new problems…Before…Most people lived simply and modestly; a Roman “noble” might even do his own plowing. Patriotic citizen soldiers were ready to fight for the honor and glory of the city that gave them freedom and prosperity. But Rome’s successful wars and overseas conquests gradually washed away the foundation of the republic, eroding the old Roman character traits of simplicity, discipline, hard work, and patriotism. The Roman family began to disitegrate as divorce became increasingly … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Postcards Update
True to his word, Grit sent me some postcards from Tennessee to add to my postcard collection! My list now looks like this: Barcelona,Spain 79 Sagrada Familia 13 CampNou 9 Montjuich 39 BarriGotic 20 Sabadell,Spain 36 Vacarisses,Spain 5 Monsterrat,Spain 39 Sitges,Spain 4 Benasque,Spain 37 Lleida,Spain 19 Tarragona,Spain 11 Graus,Spain 16 Madrid,Spain 5 Ravenna,Italy 1 London,England 11 Holland 19 France 12 Australia 7 Iceland 2 New York 5 NiagaraFalls, NY 11 Washington DC 7 Delaware 3 Maryland 20 Baltimore,Maryland 22 OceanCity, Maryland 11 Annapolis,Maryland 5 Pennsylvania 41 West Viriginia 28 HarpersFerry, West Virginia 38 Virginia 23 Michigan 4 Indiana 2 Tennessee 4 Illinois 10 Georgia 1 Ohio 6 Maine 3 California 3 Columbia,South America 2 Bolivia,South America 5 593 … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Debt Collectors Harrassment
I should preface this entry: I probably owe someone a favor, I might even owe a few a debt of gratitude, but I DO NOT, nor have I ever owed someone MONEY. I personally didn’t borrow money and not pay the credit card company back. However, someone I know did, and the phone number connected to that person was also mine. Needless to say, since May, I have received at least a few thousand phone calls, all hours of the day and night, holidays and weekends, bugging me – as if I could help them. I learned rather late, that this kind of harrassment is against the law. The following defines Abusive Debt Collectors Calls after 9:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m., without your consent; use of foul or obsence language Misleading or exaggerated collection letters; continued collection … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Chocolate Cake for Breakfast
Been done around here of late…Isn’t that so Petra and Leoni? Bill Cosby Himself – Chocolate Cake … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Shrimp on the Barbie (a la Mike)
Some time ago, Mike posted a recipe for fried shrimp. I have wanted to try it for a long time, and mom seemed excited to try it. Laurer’s Super Thrift was having a good sale on very large shrimp and so it was planned. Laura and I prepared it as he posted, to the letter. It was very delicious! Thanks, Mike! … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Spyware Guard 2008
I have removed, with success, spyware from friends and family’s computer before. There are certain steps I do first, then usually some research is required. Last night, Elise arrived at the house with her laptop with a very serious spyware problem. It was slow, had many pop ups on her browser, and ran a "scan" as if it were a legitimate spyware program. This was one different animal. It had even me believing it might not be spyware, but something that was part of Windows Security. Not so. Spyware Guard 2008 or SpywareGuard 2008, was found to be a destructive program. Spyware Guard 2008 is a rogue anti-spyware program that when installed, scans your system finding multiple parasites that are not actually present on your computer. Spyware Guard 2008 performs this scan among other … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Where Does the Money Go?
“If ALL the nations in the world are in debt, where did the money go?” ~ Steven Wright In July, the Washington Post reported that the Air Force sought to divert a portion of $16.2 million set aside for the global war on terror. They wanted the funds to install first-class amenities called private “comfort capsules” on the military planes that whisk top officers and civilian officials around the world. The upgrades included 37-inch flat-screen monitors, plush leather seats, and full-length mirrors intended to make the planes “aesthetically pleasing and furnished to reflect the rank of the senior leaders.” Last October, Congress budgeted $700 billion of our tax dollars to clean up the mess left by Wall Street’s supposed financial geniuses. And what price did they pay? None. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’sCEOs Daniel Mudd and … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Since October, I have said many goodbyes to dear loved ones. The reunions and meetings were heaven, the good-byes, honestly, difficult, each and every one. I find them unbearable as I just seem to thrive having all my loved ones with me. Today, Petra and Leoni left to go home after an extended holiday visit. I decided to look up some quotations on Good-byes…. ”Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” ~Dr. Seuss “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.” ~Irish Blessing “Why can’t we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Nanny Pelosi and Her Bag of Tricks
From Human Events: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to re-write House rules today to ensure that the Republican minority is unable to have any influence on legislation. Pelosi’s proposals are so draconian, and will so polarize the Capitol, that any thought President-elect Obama has of bipartisan cooperation will be rendered impossible before he even takes office. Pelosi’s rule changes — which may be voted on today — will reverse the fairness rules that were written around Newt Gingrich’s “Contract with America.” In reaction, the House Republican leadership is sending a letter today to Pelosi to object to changes to House Rules this week that would bar Republicans from offering alternative bills, amendments to Democrat bills or even the guarantee of open debate accessible by motions to recommit for any piece of legislation during … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Christmas Presents 2008: Goat Cheese!
Not just any goat cheese, the cheeses of Tumalo Farms. Flavio and Marge sent a lovely box with a variety of cheeses all fixed up in a nice Christmas packaging. It was nice to have Petra (from Holland and no stranger to cheeses) with us when giving it a taste. We both agreed that we liked Classico the best, with the smooth, mild taste of the Pondhopper being a close second. Leoni however, liked the rosemary spiced Remembrance best. Want … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Christmas Presents 2008: Crosstitch Chickadees
My sister knows how much I love birds; watching birds, studying birds, and of course, photographing birds . I don’t have a particular favorite, but the chickadees are fun to watch and abundant around here at the birdfeeder. How sweet it was to receive her amazing crosstitch with adorable chickadees on them! … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Piggy Banks are Back!
According to Yahoo News, there is a clear rise in the popularity of piggy banks! My daughter has one, and my son and I use jars and cups. Perhaps we should part with a few dollars and get one! Don’t have yours yet? Here’s some to choose from! … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Man-Made Climate Change is a Con
Or so says Sammy Wilson, Environment minister, in the Belfast Telegraph. Spending billions on trying to reduce carbon emissions is one giant con that is depriving third world countries of vital funds to tackle famine, HIV and other diseases, Sammy Wilson said. He said while people in the western world were facing spiralling fuel bills as a result of efforts to cut CO2, the implications in poorer countries were graver. “What are the problems that face us either locally and internationally. Are those not the things we should be concentrating on?” he asked. “HIV, lack of clean water, which kills millions of people in third world countries, lack of education. “A fraction of the money we are currently spending on climate change could actually eradicate those three problems alone, a fraction of it. I don’t suppose … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Christmas Presents 2008: Butterflies
Linda and George gave me a book on buterflies that I have already found useful for identifying butterflies. I tooks some photos in October of butterflies and now I know what kind they are! … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
New Bailout?
Just when you think the newspaper media couldn’t get anymore biased, you see them joining other industries with their hands out, asking the government for money. This is a very bad idea. The media are supposed to be the watchdogs of corruption, not taking money from them. Here’s an idea, newspapers, PRINT THE TRUTH. The people might even buy it, instead of the mindless, brainwashing, birdcage liners you give us now. More HERE … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Archives
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
- January 2006
- December 2005
- November 2005
- October 2005
- September 2005
- August 2005
- July 2005
- June 2005
- May 2005
- April 2005
- March 2005
- February 2005
- January 2005
Recent Comments