Barb’s Blog » Archive for May 2009
Obama Lifts Ban on Lobbyists
Not being reported too much on regular media… Remember when Obama campaigned against lobbyists and special interest groups? Well on Friday, (a typical day to pass things through quietly and quickly because everyone is already in “weekend mode”) the administration quietly announced that some of the former restrictions on lobbying have been lifted. The administration lifted bans on lobbyists that have some part of spending “stimulus” funds. So now getting hooks into federal spending is open season for the very lobbyists that Obama pretended to disdain only months ago. So much for hopeandchange. News Story here, however subscription is required. … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor is going to get confirmed as Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, another on a long list of Obama nominees that has questionable character. No word yet on if she owes back taxes. This lady has been quoted as having made some racist remarks: “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.” I am not saying she is a racist, but that remark made at a 2001 speech at the University of California’s Berkeley School of Law, sounds racist. It was later published in the Berkeley La Raza Law Journal. “Imagine a judicial nominee said ‘my experience as a white man makes me better than a latina woman,’” said Newt … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Archie
I never read a lot of comic books when I was younger, but I do remember Mad Magazine and Archie Comics. (This is so funny, because not too long ago, I just taught Cameron the “Sugar Sugar” song!) Seems Archie will FINALLY propose! According to the article, he chose Veronica over Betty. After 68 years of waffling, Archie Andrews has made his choice. It’s the raven-haired heiress over the girl next door, Veronica Lodge over Betty Cooper. … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Paint it White
While some global warming conferences seem to be defeating their purposes by heating up their nights with prostitution in Copenhagen Denmark, Obama’s Energy Secretary, Professor Steven Chu, has an idea to cool down the earth. Paint your roofs white. He said lightening roofs and roads in urban environments would offset the global warming effects of all the cars in the world for 11 years. “If you look at all the buildings and if you make the roofs white and if you make the pavement more of a concrete type of colour rather than a black type of colour and if you do that uniformally, that would be the equivalent of… reducing the carbon emissions due to all the cars in the … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Who Cares About the Truth?
From the book, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist: He said, “I don’t believe the Bible. But if it’s true, then I’ll be in big trouble.” We sometimes ask our students, “What’s the greatest problem in America today? Is it ignorance or is it apathy?” One time a student answered, “I don’t know, and I don’t care!” That sums up the problem in America today. Many of us are ignorant and apathetic about truth… Many … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
545 People
545 PEOPLE By Charlie Reese Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits WHY do we have deficits Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation & high taxes? Understand this from the beginning: You and I don’t propose a federal budget. The President does. You and I don’t have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does. You and I don’t write the tax code, Congress does. You and I don’t set fiscal policy, Congress does. You and I don’t control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does. One hundred Senators, 435 Congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices — 545 human … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Chocolate Eclair Squares
I like cookies, but I often like them to be very plain, like Vanilla Wafers. Mom recently brought home some Vanilla Wafers, and I spotted what looked to be a delicious and easy recipe on the side of the box: Chocolate Eclair Squares. Dismissing plain cookies for a while, Laura and I set out to buy the ingredients, and then we decided to make them when we knew we’d have a house full of people. Obviously we … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Impromptu Recital
I just hope if I reach 90, I can wear a smile like this couple (married 62 years), spotted in the Mayo Clinic, as they gave an impromptu piano recital, having a great time while doing it. … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Blue Angels!
Each year the Blue Angels come to Annapolis. The first time I saw them was unexpected and almost scary! |A few times back now, it’s just a thrill to see what it is they can do. This was my first time though with my new Canon camera using the 70-300mm lens. There isn’t much I can say about their presentation, I will let the pictures speak for themselves… One thing that I can say, is that it’s … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Reign of Error
I heard some of Michael Steele’s speech yesterday, found it very strong using some very direct words, and last night set out to find the whole speech online. Some of it is worth sharing here: “People are sick of politicians and political parties who never own up to their mistakes. We have done so. We lost our way on spending and we owned up to that. We came to Washington to change it and in some … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Pay More for a Car
Here’s something to look forward to. In the name of the environment, or likely more in the name of lining someone’s pockets with money, we get to pay more for cars in the future. “The government is now designing our cars. It’s out of the hands of vehicle manufacturers,” said auto industry consultant Larry Rinek. Isn’t that scary, right there? Obama has ordered the struggling auto industry to make more fuel-efficient cars under tough new national standards to cut emissions and increase gas mileage. Under the new standards, U.S. passenger vehicles and light trucks must average 35.5 miles per gallon (6.62 litres/100km) by 2016. The current law, approved by the Bush administration, requires a similar gain by 2020. Obama said the new standards would save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Replacement Lamp
Last year about this time, through an interesting set of events, (Laura calls it from heaven), we received a Panasonic high-definition big screen TV. We were excited to watch it, only to find after some detective work, it wasn’t operating correctly due to a broken lamp. I phoned Panasonic, and found out that the lamp was shattered and would need to be replaced…for $283.00. I quickly hung up to decide if that was worth it. After some time, decided to buy the lamp. Only one year later, the lamp has shattered again. Once again, I didn’t rush to buy one, I wanted to see if it was worth it. A few times with my room full of teenagers, I thought it just might be worth a second try. This time I decided before phoning … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Philtrum
I heard it said once, and soon forgot, and later wondered like crazy what it was called. Just what IS that space called, that verticle groove between the nose and one’s upper lip? In spite of checking anatomy books and other places, I could never find it. Turns out, it’s called a philtrum! This became the subject (provoked by me) at yesterday’s party. I don’t think Miranda, the graduate we were celebrating, minded the discussion. Finally, today, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
God is Sovereign, Not Man
A little lesson from my daughter’s Government Book: “And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” Acts 12:22 and Herod believed their words. The belief that t hose who rule are self-styled gods, independent of God’s sovereignty over them, is a grand delusion for which Herod fell. God did not take long to remind King Herod that all rulers are subject to His sovereignty and law. “And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” Acts 12:23 Today, the United States finds herself in the midst of making a simular choice. It is true that our coins have “In God We Trust” stamped on them. … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Put Downs
It’s no wonder MSNBC’s ratings are down, when your news stories are about putting other people down and making fun of them (a tiresome tactic of Democrats towards Republicans – they did it to Ronald Reagan and Bush). Apparently Sarah Palin has agreed to write a book. Chris Matthews of MSNBC, decided instead of just reporting it, to make fun of her, belittle her. He cites that she not only is going to READ a book, but WRITE a book. He makes fun of her because she will have help, a collaborator, as if this is different from Hillary or any other famous person who has written a book. Sarah Palin is not stupid, but for some reason the media has set out to make her look that way. Matthews didn’t stop … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Surprise Birthday Greeting
Birthdays are especially neat when you get greetings and good wishes from friends. Myrna really made my day when I got her email with updates on her life and a brief walk down memory lane. She found and then scanned an old photo of us, taken on one of our craziest weekends together ever! It started when she phoned me at home, asking if I would be interested in going with her cousins and her for a weekend … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
The Audacity of Hate
Liberals preach tolerance. They protest against war. But when it comes to ideals different than their own, they truly start to utter the most hateful venom I have ever heard. Our nation recently had protests against the new Tax Plan, with good reason. So “tea parties” were held. Peaceful protests. To Janeane Garofalo, the people in attendance are all “redneck racists”. Miss California was asked a very unfair question in a beauty pageant, about Gay Marriage. She gave her own opinion, the same shared by the President. Perez Hilton went off on his blog with a vicious attack, with name calling, and truly lies, saying the audience booed her when the applause and shouts of agreemenet were evident to me. (Warning Language) Rush Limbaugh, like him or not, has a very popular radio … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
It’s Not Easy Being Green
Congress’s energy bill bans incandescent light bulbs by 2014, and requires Americans to buy compact fluorescent bulbs. Those are called CFLs. These light bulbs contain mercury, so they have to be disposed of in a certain way. According to EPA rules, you’re supposed to take them to a local recycling center. Thanks to Congress, nothing is easy. If you throw them out at home, you’re supposed to seal the bulb in two plastic bags and place them … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Patriotic Retirement Plan
Chris and Jim sent me this today. This is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on “How Would You Fix the Economy?” Dear Mr. President: Please find below my suggestion for fixing America ’s economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan. You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan: There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations: 1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings – Unemployment fixed. 2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered – Auto … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Sunday Humor
The Pastor told a joke in church yesterday. He modified it slightly, but I found the original on the net: THE BOTTLE OF WINE For all of us women who are married, were married, wish you were married, or wish you weren’t married, this is something to smile about the next time you see a bottle of wine: Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Mothers Day Humor
MOTHER’S DICTIONARY Defense: What you’d better have around de yard if you’re going to let the children play outside. Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert. Family planning: The art of spacing your children the proper distance apart to keep you on the edge of financial disaster. Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots. Full name: What you call your child when you’re mad at him. Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right. Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word. Impregnable: A woman whose memory of labor is still vivid. Independent: How we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say. Look out: What it’s too late for your child to … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Broom Hockey
In case you don’t know what broom hockey is, let me explain. You take the church’s parking lot, empty it of all cars, form an oval with chairs, add two goals on either end, and invite the young people to bring their brooms, add a little orange ball, and you have broom hockey. Our church has been doing this event for as long as I can remember, and is always a favorite activity among my children. Laura, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Spring at Kinder Park
Well it’s been on and on raining here in Maryland for ages, and yesterday the rain stopped and the sun came out for a time. I had a day playing taxi driver (and not an easy task as the driver door won’t open) to Miquel and Laura, but still managed some time for myself at Kinder. I usually take hundreds of photos of each outing, and yesterday was no different, but for this blog, I have … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Bankrupt America
Scary words, but to me and others it’s a reality to face, such as this article by Paul Driessen. White House and Congress enacted a $700-billion financial bailout, followed by an earmark-laden $787-billion “stimulus” law and plans to ladle out $1.6 billion in federal government bonuses in 2009. Then came a $3.5 trillion “red sea” FY 2010 budget, and the prospect of $9.3 trillion in total indebtedness over the coming decade. A March 31 Bloomberg study found that the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve, FDIC and HUD have thus far obligated generations of Americans to $12.8 TRILLION in debt. That’s 90% of our nation’s entire 2008 Gross Domestic Product. It’s more accrued debt than 43 previous administrations combined! But Paul says it’s more than just a debt, there is another element. It’s about “going green”, … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Robin Update
Well overnight, the robins seemed to make a nest that wouldn’t slide off. So, this morning I woke up to one keeping watch… …the other sitting on the nest without sliding off. I sure hope it stays. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Champagne Appetite and a Coca-Cola Paycheck
After writing my last blog, and the daily headlines how government seems to want to SPEND our way out of debt (an idea that has never worked in any government, nor in any home or business), I felt the need to share this email from Mike Huckabee. As a child of the Great Depression, my mother wasn’t able to go to college — but I swear she was smarter than the educated people who are running the country right now. And if Mom were alive today, she’d probably give our leaders the same scolding she used to give me: “You have a champagne appetite and a Coca-Cola paycheck.” That was her way of saying that, when you want something you can’t afford, you have to work hard and … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
Free Cars for Welfare Recipients
Now here is an interesting function of government… Gov. Deval Patrick’s free wheels for welfare recipients program is revving up despite the stalled economy, as the keys to donated cars loaded with state-funded insurance, repairs and even AAA membership are handed out to get them to work. But the program – fueled by a funding boost despite the state’s fiscal crash – allows those who end up back on welfare to keep the cars anyway. The program, which is provided by the State Department of Transitional Assistance, gives out about 65 cars a year, said DTA Commissioner Julia Kehoe. The state pays for the car’s insurance, inspection, excise tax, title, registration, repairs and a AAA membership for one year at a total cost of roughly $6,000 per car. Kehoe admitted about 20 percent of those … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Prayer…America’s Hope
“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22 Today is the 58th Annual Observance of The National Day of Prayer. At at time with businesses failing, greed and corruption being exposed, people losing their homes, and many losing their jobs, there doesn’t seem a better time to take the time to fall on our knees and turn to our Creator for comfort and guidance. We serve a God for whom nothing is impossible. Consider the people of Nineveh, a cruel and ruthless people whose hearts were far from the Lord and His laws. Despite their depravity God, in His great mercy, sent Jonah to deliver a message of repentance and, ultimately, to bring this violent people to their knees in humility and … Read entire article »
Filed under: General
A Day at the Park with Cameron
A child in the house is such a joy, and once a week we get to enjoy Cammy. He is like the center of the universe each Wednesday. It has rained every day for the last….forever. It continues to rain as I blog this. However, this morning it was only cloudy, and we decided since it was warm, to take Cameron out to the park. He loved the swing… The SLIDE Going giddy-up on the see-saw. Balancing with Laura… Playing … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Rockin’ Robin
I don’t know what it is with the Robins in our yard. They pick the most weird places to make a nest. Last year, they chose our porch light, and basically out of politeness to them, they basically re-routed the way we entered and exited our own house! This year, I think they have chosen the impossible. Laura noticed this morning the nest being made in a corner of our barn, on its outside. Before I could get excited, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Not Enough Faith
to be an Atheist? In yet ANOTHER early birthday present, Enric and Miranda gave me a book by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek, “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” Great Title! Excerpt of the Preface: “Should you disbelieve what an atheist writes about Christianity just because he’s an athiest? Not necessarily, because he could be telling the truth. Should you disblieve what a Christian writes about atheism just because he’s a Christian? Again, not necesarily-he too could be telling the truth. But what about the an author’s agenda? Does an agenda fatally taint his objectivity? If so, no book is objective, including those by atheists and skeptics. Why? Because ALL books are written for a reason, all authors have an agenda , and all (or at least most) authors believe what … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
Butterfly Dream
No kidding, last night I dreamed I was in a garden with giant butterflies. Many of them. They weren’t scary to me, even though their size as as large as the treetops, they were beautiful, with their details and markings even more vivid at this size. The frustration in the dream (isn’t there always one?) is that I was struggling with my camera to get it to work to take their photos. So as an exercise in fun … Read entire article »
Filed under: Personal
To the Victors Go the Spoils
This is the only way to explain how an organization under investigation, indited for voter fraud, can receive bailout money and stimulus money. Obama owes them. ACORN employees across the country have been indicted for voter fraud and, by its own admission, the group has submitted at least 400,000 questionable voter documents, according to a New York Times report dated October 24, 2008. Now, two whistle blowers, Anita MonCrief and Marcel Reed, who used to work for ACORN, have testified under oath before the House Judiciary Committee that the organization took money to intimidate capitalist organizations like the Carlyle Group and H&R Block and worked closely with the Obama presidential campaign to get voters to the polls. It is here where the story begins to rise to the next level. According to Ms. … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
Solar Storm Threats?
Have you ever heard of the Carrington Event? At 11:18 AM on the cloudless morning of Thursday, September 1, 1859, 33-year-old Richard Carrington—widely acknowledged to be one of England’s foremost solar astronomers—was in his well-appointed private observatory. Just as usual on every sunny day, his telescope was … Read entire article »
Filed under: News Items
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