I'm going next year!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Dressed to Kill
Dressed to Kill
Of Berets and Turbans The Blog home page Another Piece of Evidence in the Fort Hood Case »
Tarek Fatah writes in the Ottawa Citizen:
No one seemed to notice the significance of the attire that Maj. Nidal Hasan was wearing the morning of the killings. It was captured on a store surveillance video where he bought a coffee....
Hasan was wearing the 'shalwar-kameez,' the traditional attire worn by Pashtuns on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghan border....I have lived a decade in the Arab world and not once did I see an Arab wearing the shalwar-kameez.
There is one particular group of Arabs who did embrace the garb of the Pashtuns - those who went to Afghanistan to wage jihad alongside al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
This guy was walking around a U.S. military installation dressed like Osama bin Laden and nobody said anything, yet the Army is being accused of intolerance and anti-Muslim bias. To repeat, according to Tarek Fatah, Hasan was not merely dressed in traditional Arab garb--he dressed in the traditional garb of al Qaeda terrorists."
Of Berets and Turbans The Blog home page Another Piece of Evidence in the Fort Hood Case »
Tarek Fatah writes in the Ottawa Citizen:
No one seemed to notice the significance of the attire that Maj. Nidal Hasan was wearing the morning of the killings. It was captured on a store surveillance video where he bought a coffee....
Hasan was wearing the 'shalwar-kameez,' the traditional attire worn by Pashtuns on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghan border....I have lived a decade in the Arab world and not once did I see an Arab wearing the shalwar-kameez.
There is one particular group of Arabs who did embrace the garb of the Pashtuns - those who went to Afghanistan to wage jihad alongside al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
This guy was walking around a U.S. military installation dressed like Osama bin Laden and nobody said anything, yet the Army is being accused of intolerance and anti-Muslim bias. To repeat, according to Tarek Fatah, Hasan was not merely dressed in traditional Arab garb--he dressed in the traditional garb of al Qaeda terrorists."
DeMint tries to ban 'permanent politicians'
DeMint tries to ban 'permanent politicians'
"Sen. Jim DeMint says Washington politicians are like fruit on the vine: the longer they hang around, the more rotten they get.
The South Carolina Republican - hearkening back to the days of the party's 'Contract with America' - on Tuesday offered a fix to the corrupting influence of 'permanent politicians,' introducing an amendment to the Constitution that would limit Senate members to three six-year terms and House members to three two-year terms."
"Sen. Jim DeMint says Washington politicians are like fruit on the vine: the longer they hang around, the more rotten they get.
The South Carolina Republican - hearkening back to the days of the party's 'Contract with America' - on Tuesday offered a fix to the corrupting influence of 'permanent politicians,' introducing an amendment to the Constitution that would limit Senate members to three six-year terms and House members to three two-year terms."
Detroit pension trustees take flight on funds' tab
Detroit pension trustees take flight on funds' tab
"The trustees who oversee Detroit's two public pensions, their lawyers and staff spent $380,000 over the past year circling the globe to attend conferences -- often traveling in packs, with virtually no limitation on where they went or how often they traveled."
"The trustees who oversee Detroit's two public pensions, their lawyers and staff spent $380,000 over the past year circling the globe to attend conferences -- often traveling in packs, with virtually no limitation on where they went or how often they traveled."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Daily Presidential Tracking Poll - Rasmussen Reports™
Daily Presidential Tracking Poll - Rasmussen Reports™
"Overall, 46% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President's performance.
Fifty-three percent (53%) disapprove."
"Overall, 46% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President's performance.
Fifty-three percent (53%) disapprove."
Meals on Wheels cuts may endanger elderly
Meals on Wheels cuts may endanger elderly
The woman’s son was pacing back and forth, looking at Lisa Roosien with helpless frustration.
His mother weighed just 87 pounds after dementia and a lack of nutritional resources had driven her into a dangerous spiral of weight loss in recent months.
He looked to Roosien, a registered dietitian at AgeWell Services, as a lifeline.
Times were tough and money was tight — his mother needed assistance.
“What do I do?” he asked.
At any other time, Roosien could have set the woman up with a Meals on Wheels plan where volunteers would check on her daily and bring warm food right to her home.
But recent state funding cuts have AgeWell Services in a tough place, she said.
Her hands were tied"
The woman’s son was pacing back and forth, looking at Lisa Roosien with helpless frustration.
His mother weighed just 87 pounds after dementia and a lack of nutritional resources had driven her into a dangerous spiral of weight loss in recent months.
He looked to Roosien, a registered dietitian at AgeWell Services, as a lifeline.
Times were tough and money was tight — his mother needed assistance.
“What do I do?” he asked.
At any other time, Roosien could have set the woman up with a Meals on Wheels plan where volunteers would check on her daily and bring warm food right to her home.
But recent state funding cuts have AgeWell Services in a tough place, she said.
Her hands were tied"
Time to raise taxes in Grand Rapids? With police, firefighter layoffs ahead, some say yes
Time to raise taxes in Grand Rapids? With police, firefighter layoffs ahead, some say yes
"City Manager Gregory Sundstrom’s announcement he will lay off 125 city employees — including 44 police officers and 25 firefighters — is giving birth to a push to raise city taxes not seen in 15 years"
"City Manager Gregory Sundstrom’s announcement he will lay off 125 city employees — including 44 police officers and 25 firefighters — is giving birth to a push to raise city taxes not seen in 15 years"
The Man Who Despises America
The Man Who Despises America: "Barack Obama despises America.
When people who voted for Obama in 2008 -- including registered Democrats -- start speaking in normal conversational voices at dinner parties, neighborhood gatherings and PTA meetings that the over-inflated ego from Chicago has it 'in for America,' then it's clear most reasonable people have reached the same conclusion.
The central conviction of Obama's ideology is that America is guilty of limitless moral failures and is the chief architect of the world's ills.
Obama has boundless enmity for America, its key institutions, and its longtime allies."
When people who voted for Obama in 2008 -- including registered Democrats -- start speaking in normal conversational voices at dinner parties, neighborhood gatherings and PTA meetings that the over-inflated ego from Chicago has it 'in for America,' then it's clear most reasonable people have reached the same conclusion.
The central conviction of Obama's ideology is that America is guilty of limitless moral failures and is the chief architect of the world's ills.
Obama has boundless enmity for America, its key institutions, and its longtime allies."
Is China headed toward collapse?
Is China headed toward collapse?
"But there’s a growing group of market professionals who see a different picture altogether.
These self-styled China bears take the less popular view: that the much-vaunted Chinese economic miracle is nothing but a paper dragon.
In fact, they argue that the Chinese have dangerously overheated their economy, building malls, luxury stores and infrastructure for which there is almost no demand, and that the entire system is teetering toward collapse"
"But there’s a growing group of market professionals who see a different picture altogether.
These self-styled China bears take the less popular view: that the much-vaunted Chinese economic miracle is nothing but a paper dragon.
In fact, they argue that the Chinese have dangerously overheated their economy, building malls, luxury stores and infrastructure for which there is almost no demand, and that the entire system is teetering toward collapse"
Muskegon may 'nudge' more students toward college
Muskegon may 'nudge' more students toward college
"Students at Muskegon High School would have to apply for college or other continuing education in order to graduate under a plan proposed by school administrators.
The proposed graduation policy, which would take effect with this year’s seniors, states that the requirement is the result of an economy that “demands highly skilled workers who have further education beyond high school.”
The district also would require that in order to graduate, students must take the Michigan Merit Exam, which includes the ACT college entrance exam. The MME is administered by school districts to high school juniors"
They're "graduating" kids who can't wright a sentence, add 3 numbers in their head and now those fools demand this.
Gimme a break!
"Students at Muskegon High School would have to apply for college or other continuing education in order to graduate under a plan proposed by school administrators.
The proposed graduation policy, which would take effect with this year’s seniors, states that the requirement is the result of an economy that “demands highly skilled workers who have further education beyond high school.”
The district also would require that in order to graduate, students must take the Michigan Merit Exam, which includes the ACT college entrance exam. The MME is administered by school districts to high school juniors"
They're "graduating" kids who can't wright a sentence, add 3 numbers in their head and now those fools demand this.
Gimme a break!
Thank you former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush
Thank you former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush
"As we will always be grateful for what George and Laura Bush did this week, with no media attention, when they very quietly went to Ft. Hood and met personally with the families of the victims of this terrorist attack.
FOR HOURS.
The Bushes went and met privately with these families for HOURS, hugging them, holding them, comforting them."
"As we will always be grateful for what George and Laura Bush did this week, with no media attention, when they very quietly went to Ft. Hood and met personally with the families of the victims of this terrorist attack.
FOR HOURS.
The Bushes went and met privately with these families for HOURS, hugging them, holding them, comforting them."
Why will the unemployment extension payments take so long to receive in Michigan?
Why will the unemployment extension payments take so long to receive in Michigan?
"But many are also asking:
Why the big delay in receiving extension payments?"
It's run by the feds and Jenny?
Serious "duh" here.
"But many are also asking:
Why the big delay in receiving extension payments?"
It's run by the feds and Jenny?
Serious "duh" here.
FORT HOOD’S GUN-FREE ZONE.
FORT HOOD’S GUN-FREE ZONE.
“Neither Smith nor the other victims of Hasan’s assault had guns because soldiers on military bases within the United States generally are not supposed to carry them.
Last week’s shootings, which killed 13 people and wounded more than 30, demonstrated once again the folly of ‘gun-free zones,’ which attract and assist people bent on mass murder instead of deterring them.”"
“Neither Smith nor the other victims of Hasan’s assault had guns because soldiers on military bases within the United States generally are not supposed to carry them.
Last week’s shootings, which killed 13 people and wounded more than 30, demonstrated once again the folly of ‘gun-free zones,’ which attract and assist people bent on mass murder instead of deterring them.”"
For $20, kids can buy a better grade
For $20, kids can buy a better grade
"Selling candy didn't raise much money last year, so a Goldsboro middle school is selling grades.
A $20 donation to Rosewood Middle School will get a student 20 test points - 10 extra points on two tests of the student's choosing.
That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D."
Alms for the teachers?
"Selling candy didn't raise much money last year, so a Goldsboro middle school is selling grades.
A $20 donation to Rosewood Middle School will get a student 20 test points - 10 extra points on two tests of the student's choosing.
That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D."
Alms for the teachers?
ObamaCare endorsements: What the bribe was
ObamaCare endorsements: What the bribe was
"· The AARP got a financial windfall in return for its support of the healthcare bill.
Over the past decade, the AARP has morphed from an advocacy group to an insurance company (through its subsidiary company).
It is one of the main suppliers of Medi-gap insurance, a high-cost, privately purchased coverage that picks up where Medicare leaves off.
But President Bush-43 passed the Medicare Advantage program, which offered a subsidized, lower-cost alternative to Medi-gap.
Under Medicare Advantage, the elderly get all the extra coverage they need plus coordinated, well-managed care, usually by the same physician.
So more than 10 million seniors went with Medicare Advantage, cutting into AARP Medi-gap revenues.
Presto!
Obama solved their problem.
He eliminates subsidies for Medicare Advantage.
The elderly will have to pay more for coverage under Medigap, but the AARP — which supposedly represents them — will make more money.
(If this galls you, join the American Seniors Association, the alternative group; contact sbarton@americanseniors.org)
When will the people see this "man" for what he really is?
"· The AARP got a financial windfall in return for its support of the healthcare bill.
Over the past decade, the AARP has morphed from an advocacy group to an insurance company (through its subsidiary company).
It is one of the main suppliers of Medi-gap insurance, a high-cost, privately purchased coverage that picks up where Medicare leaves off.
But President Bush-43 passed the Medicare Advantage program, which offered a subsidized, lower-cost alternative to Medi-gap.
Under Medicare Advantage, the elderly get all the extra coverage they need plus coordinated, well-managed care, usually by the same physician.
So more than 10 million seniors went with Medicare Advantage, cutting into AARP Medi-gap revenues.
Presto!
Obama solved their problem.
He eliminates subsidies for Medicare Advantage.
The elderly will have to pay more for coverage under Medigap, but the AARP — which supposedly represents them — will make more money.
(If this galls you, join the American Seniors Association, the alternative group; contact sbarton@americanseniors.org)
When will the people see this "man" for what he really is?
Employer-Provided Medicine Is Completely Illogical
Employer-Provided Medicine Is Completely Illogical
"Two simple observations are key to explaining both the high level of spending on medical care and the dissatisfaction with that spending.
The first is that most payments to physicians or hospitals or other caregivers for medical care are made not by the patient but by a third party—an insurance company or employer or governmental body.
The second is that nobody spends somebody else’s money as wisely or as frugally as he spends his own."
"Two simple observations are key to explaining both the high level of spending on medical care and the dissatisfaction with that spending.
The first is that most payments to physicians or hospitals or other caregivers for medical care are made not by the patient but by a third party—an insurance company or employer or governmental body.
The second is that nobody spends somebody else’s money as wisely or as frugally as he spends his own."
Sometimes, an extremist really is an extremist
Sometimes, an extremist really is an extremist
"If we act as if 'Islam is the problem,' we will guarantee that Islam will become the problem."
"If we act as if 'Islam is the problem,' we will guarantee that Islam will become the problem."
A Pittance of Time - Terry Kelly
Remember our living military veterans today.
Give thanks to those who we are so lucky to know and love!
"On November 11, 1999 Terry Kelly was in a Shoppers Drug Mart store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. At 10:55 AM an announcement came over the store's PA asking customers who would still be on the premises at 11:00 AM to give two minutes of silence in respect to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.
Terry was impressed with the store's leadership role in adopting the Legion's "two minutes of silence" initiative. He felt that the store's contribution of educating the public to the importance of remembering was commendable.
When eleven o'clock arrived on that day, an announcement was again made asking for the "two minutes of silence" to commence. All customers, with the exception of a man who was accompanied by his young child, showed their respect.
Terry's anger towards the father for trying to engage the store's clerk in conversation and for setting a bad example for his child was later channeled into a beautiful piece of work called, "A Pittance of Time". Terry later recorded "A Pittance of Time" and included it on his full-length music CD, "The Power of the Dream".
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
U.S. announces one-on-one talks with North Korea
U.S. announces one-on-one talks with North Korea
"U.S. officials will soon meet unilaterally with North Korean representatives to facilitate the resumption of talks on ending North Korea's nuclear program, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Tuesday."
What perfect timing for pre-Veteran's Day!
"U.S. officials will soon meet unilaterally with North Korean representatives to facilitate the resumption of talks on ending North Korea's nuclear program, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Tuesday."
What perfect timing for pre-Veteran's Day!
Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines
Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines
"Earlier this year as I was filling up at the gas station I noticed a faded bumper sticker- vintage Bush 43-on the car next to me: “Dissent is Patriotic.”
When I pointed to the bumper and asked the driver if she still believed that, she suggested I do something to myself which I am certain is physically impossible.
I just laughed and said, “I’ll take that as a no.”
At the time, our Marine son and his men were deployed to a remote Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan."
"Earlier this year as I was filling up at the gas station I noticed a faded bumper sticker- vintage Bush 43-on the car next to me: “Dissent is Patriotic.”
When I pointed to the bumper and asked the driver if she still believed that, she suggested I do something to myself which I am certain is physically impossible.
I just laughed and said, “I’ll take that as a no.”
At the time, our Marine son and his men were deployed to a remote Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan."
...In AMERICAN PATRIOT by Robert Coram, Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Bud Day is quoted as saying:
“It is not a widely known fact, but military people are weepers.
They weep when they watch a parade and the flag goes by.
They weep when they hear the National Anthem.
They weep at tales of valor and sacrifice.”
When I read that, a sense of relief washed over me.
If maybe the most valiant man I ever met can weep then I guess it’s okay for me to admit shedding a tear.
I’ve shot guys and never flinched but tales of valor and the sacrifices I have seen by my military heroes and their families choke me up every time.
I wonder if the woman at Shell ever cries and if so, for whom or for what?"
Please read this entire ....gift to all of us.
Please read this entire ....gift to all of us.
DC sniper Muhammad executed for 2002 attacks
DC sniper Muhammad executed for 2002 attacks
"John Allen Muhammad, the mastermind of the sniper attacks that terrorized the nation's capital region for three weeks in October 2002, was executed Tuesday. Muhammad died by injection at 9:11 p.m. at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt,"
Oh, happy day!
"John Allen Muhammad, the mastermind of the sniper attacks that terrorized the nation's capital region for three weeks in October 2002, was executed Tuesday. Muhammad died by injection at 9:11 p.m. at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt,"
Oh, happy day!
United announces Muskegon-Chicago flight schedule
United announces Muskegon-Chicago flight schedule
"Longtime air-service provider Delta Airlines will cease flights between Muskegon and Detroit on Feb. 10, the same day United takes over."
Doesn't that mean Delta will no longer service MKG?
"Longtime air-service provider Delta Airlines will cease flights between Muskegon and Detroit on Feb. 10, the same day United takes over."
Doesn't that mean Delta will no longer service MKG?
Fruitport Township wants to study water alternatives
Fruitport Township wants to study water alternatives
"Fruitport Township officials took the first step Monday night that could pave the way for the township to eventually leave the Muskegon Heights water system, amid a long-running dispute over operation of the system."
Is Norton Shores gonna leave too?
"Fruitport Township officials took the first step Monday night that could pave the way for the township to eventually leave the Muskegon Heights water system, amid a long-running dispute over operation of the system."
Is Norton Shores gonna leave too?
How do you mark the Berlin Wall coming down without including Reagan? “Well, NBC …
How do you mark the Berlin Wall coming down without including Reagan?
“Well, NBC News shows us how, and, as a bonus, manages to include Hillary Clinton in the report, twice.”
Related item here."
Another example of the joys of government controlled media.
This trend is really getting scary!
“Well, NBC News shows us how, and, as a bonus, manages to include Hillary Clinton in the report, twice.”
Related item here."
Another example of the joys of government controlled media.
This trend is really getting scary!
New Hampshire Will Bailout Failing Newspaper
New Hampshire Will Bailout Failing Newspaper
"The state of New Hampshire last week agreed to guarantee 75 percent of a $250,000 loan from an Upper Valley bank to the new owner of the Eagle Times, an unusual deal because it involves a daily newspaper and the government it covers."
Here it comes!
Government controlled AND guaranteed media.
Adolf, Joseph and Mao would be proud.......
"The state of New Hampshire last week agreed to guarantee 75 percent of a $250,000 loan from an Upper Valley bank to the new owner of the Eagle Times, an unusual deal because it involves a daily newspaper and the government it covers."
Here it comes!
Government controlled AND guaranteed media.
Adolf, Joseph and Mao would be proud.......
Is Social Security a savings account or a Ponzi scheme?
Is Social Security a savings account or a Ponzi scheme?
"Social Security works by transferring income of a younger generation to an older generation. So in that sense, it is a lot more like a Ponzi scheme in which earlier investors are paid returns off the investments of newer investors.
.....But, like a Ponzi scheme, Social Security does have a simple and fatal flaw: If there aren’t enough new participants in the system, there won’t be enough to support those receiving payoffs.
With the retirement of the baby-boom generation starting next year, the demographic structure of the U.S. population will slowly force Social Security to topple.
There simply won’t be enough workers to support those receiving benefits.
We will need to fix the system soon, or in 30 years Social Security will no longer be solvent."
This columnist suggests that even though it's a ponzi scheme, it's OK cause lot's of old folks made out like bandits.
gimme a break!
"Social Security works by transferring income of a younger generation to an older generation. So in that sense, it is a lot more like a Ponzi scheme in which earlier investors are paid returns off the investments of newer investors.
.....But, like a Ponzi scheme, Social Security does have a simple and fatal flaw: If there aren’t enough new participants in the system, there won’t be enough to support those receiving payoffs.
With the retirement of the baby-boom generation starting next year, the demographic structure of the U.S. population will slowly force Social Security to topple.
There simply won’t be enough workers to support those receiving benefits.
We will need to fix the system soon, or in 30 years Social Security will no longer be solvent."
This columnist suggests that even though it's a ponzi scheme, it's OK cause lot's of old folks made out like bandits.
gimme a break!
Interview with the President: Jail Time for Those without Health Care Insurance?
Interview with the President: Jail Time for Those without Health Care Insurance?
"During an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Jake Tapper today, President Obama said that penalties are appropriate for people who try to “free ride” the health care system but stopped short of endorsing the threat of jail time for those who refuse to pay a fine for not having insurance.
“What I think is appropriate is that in the same way that everybody has to get auto insurance and if you don't, you're subject to some penalty, that in this situation, if you have the ability to buy insurance, it's affordable and you choose not to do so, forcing you and me and everybody else to subsidize you, you know, there's a thousand dollar hidden tax that families all across America are -- are burdened by because of the fact that people don't have health insurance, you know, there's nothing wrong with a penalty.”"
What about the "free ride" 10s of millions of citizens and NON-CITIZENS already get?
What a dufuss.
"During an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Jake Tapper today, President Obama said that penalties are appropriate for people who try to “free ride” the health care system but stopped short of endorsing the threat of jail time for those who refuse to pay a fine for not having insurance.
“What I think is appropriate is that in the same way that everybody has to get auto insurance and if you don't, you're subject to some penalty, that in this situation, if you have the ability to buy insurance, it's affordable and you choose not to do so, forcing you and me and everybody else to subsidize you, you know, there's a thousand dollar hidden tax that families all across America are -- are burdened by because of the fact that people don't have health insurance, you know, there's nothing wrong with a penalty.”"
What about the "free ride" 10s of millions of citizens and NON-CITIZENS already get?
What a dufuss.
Golf balls: 'Humanity's signature litter'
Golf balls: 'Humanity's signature litter'
"Research teams at the Danish Golf Union have discovered it takes between 100 to 1,000 years for a golf ball to decompose naturally"
"Research teams at the Danish Golf Union have discovered it takes between 100 to 1,000 years for a golf ball to decompose naturally"
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