CanonFire

ARE YOU SICK OF POLITICAL TALKING POINTS?

2012-01-31T20:16:00.002-05:00

I think that we are already sick of the Republican primaries and they have just begun. We only have Iowa, New Hampshire, S. Carolina and Florida down. Only 46 more states, some territories and Washington DC to go. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what each candidate is going to say. They have the same talking points day in and day out. Romney is a Mass. liberal who started Romneycare and sent two guys to help Obama with Obamacare. Newt was run out of the Speakers job and has had 3 marriages. Newt claims to be the most conservative conservative. He claims Romney is pro gun, pro abortion and pro Obamacare. Newt also claims to have helped Reagan turn the country around, tore down the E. German wall and who knows what else.

Why don't they just tell us what they are going to do if they are elected President. Don't worry about the other guy he can tell us what he is going to do. Whoever wins all I want is the person that is going to kick Obama's ass in the November election.

I don't want Donald Trump in the race. I don't want Ron Paul running as an Independent and screwing it up so that Obama wins. Santorum is okay with me. He has been the least negative guy in the race - maybe he should win.

If the Republicans pull all the skeletons out of every candidates closet then Obama wins. He doesn't have to do anything but play quotes from the candidates that he isn't running against. The liberal press and TV is already on Obama's side so you have to fight that daily too. The good thing is more and more people are watching Fox News and ignoring the other networks because of their bias.

So candidates forget the talking points about the other guy and tell us what you are going to do to clean up the mess that Obama has gotten us into.

OUT OF WORK: SEND OBAMA A COPY OF YOUR RESUME

2012-01-31T20:12:00.002-05:00

Obama in a recent political rally that he disquised as a Presidential trip met a lady. She told him her husband was a computer engineer and couldn't find work for 3 years. She asked about the program where companies can hire people from other countries to fill positions that they can't find American workers for. Silicon Valley is full of Chinese, Indian and other workers who are probably taking jobs from American workers.

If you are out of work why not send the President a copy of your resume. Let him see how many people are out of work and what kind of jobs they are looking for. He has done almost nothing to improve the job picture in this country. Maybe if thousands of resumes show up in the White House he will get the HINT that there is a problem. Get your out of work friends to do the same.

CAIN, SKIRT CHASER ENDORSES NEWT SKIRT CHASER

2012-01-30T23:27:00.003-05:00

Herman Cain skirt chaser apparently has indorses Newt Gingrich skirt chaser for President of the United States. Didn't they learn anything from Clinton's time in the White House. Herman says Newt wants to change the tax program and might be interested in Herman's 9 9 9 program. Either that or Herman is looking for a job if Newt wins.

KENTUCKY REDISTRICTING RIDICULOUS

2012-01-29T12:37:00.002-05:00

Every 10 years after a census states have to change their legislation districts as populations change. Kentucky recently proposed their changes. Both SpeakerGreg Stumbo(D) and Senate President David Williams (R) put thru new districts which are ridiculous. David Williams changed the district in Lexington so that State Senator Kathy Stein's old district ends up in Northern KY and the replacement is from 200 miles away. I am not a Kathy Stein fan but this is totally ridiculous. Speaker Stumbo on the other side redistricted so that in some cases two Republicans would have to fight each other for the new district. Talk about partisan politics. I was real disappointed that Governor Breshear signed the bill allowing both of these yahoos to do it. People in the legislature should represent the people in the district where they live. In my county they tried to split it up into four districts. Yes we are a faster growing county but to do things this way is totally irresponsible. The Kentucky Legislature only mirrors the Congress of the United States in partisan politics. Neither body seems to care or represent the people that vote them into office nor in general Americans.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE SHOOTING SELF IN FOOT.

2012-01-27T19:32:00.003-05:00

I have been a Republican for many years. My family were Democrats but while in college as a Political Science major I luckily found as my advisor the only conservative in the whole department of liberals. I joined the Young Republicans and have pretty well voted for Republicans most of my life. I didn't in the last KY Governors race because their candidate for Governor was so out of it there was no way I could support him. I also became a Tea Party member because I see both parties with the same problems. Neither side is doing a good job. I think there have been too many Republican candidate debates. They are beating a dead horse with so many. Obama is sitting back and laughing because the Republicans are tearing each other apart and providing him with all the campaign fodder he needs for the real election. His research team doesn't need to do anything. Newt and Romneys researchers will dig up all the dirt on each of them. I don't want to see them fight over who has a Swiss bank account, who paid 14% in taxes. At least the individual is paying their taxes unlike Obama administration folks who in many cases have not paid their due taxes. I want you to tell me what YOU are going to do if elected. Be specific no smoke and mirrors and fake promises. Give me the details on what you expect to do about jobs, the economy, the debt, national defense etc. Tell me how you are different from Obama. Tell me the differences. So far Rick Santorum is doing a better job of that than Newt or Romney. Now Ron Paul has a following. Is he going to lose the Republican primary and then jump ship and run as an Independent. That would derail the Republican candidate and hand the election to Obama. Is that what he wants or is he a straw man sent in to screw up things? I am so sick of the debates that I and many others are not even watching anymore. We actually as a country should limit the period of campaigning like they do in Europe. Obama started his campaign for reelection the day he took office. Look at his State of Disaster Speech he recently gave - it really was a political reelect me speech. Now he is going around the country telling us how great he is doing - things are looking up. A 2.8% growth last quarter isn't enough to get jobs and the economy on track. You need 4-5% to do that. You don't need a 9%+ unemployment rate. He is not doing great and people need to point that out not all the in-fighting. Gee I have a choice. Vote Republican, Vote Democratic or Don't Vote.

COLDWATER CREEK SUCKS

2012-01-27T19:25:00.002-05:00

My wife started buying Coldwater Creek products when it was a catalogue store out of Idaho. She liked the merchandise and the way they treated customers. Then they expanded and started building retail stores. Again my wife continued to patronize them and to buy their clothes. She liked them so much I bought some stock at $21 a share. Note: I never put money in stock unless I can afford to lose it. Before this time the stock had split and had been at $30+ at times. The stock went down so I bought some more at $11 a share. The chain continued to build more stores and then got factory outlet stores. I understood that they were using their capital to build more stores and sell more merchandise. The stock continued to drop. I checked today and it is at .90 cents per share. The 52 week high is $3.11 and the 52 week low is .80. Wow I'm 10 cents above the low. More recently my wife has not been impressed with the merchandise, colors etc and is buying more from Chico's. She was in a Coldwater Creek store the other day and the staff said hey the merchandise is coming in smaller than the size indicates. You would have to buy a bigger size than usual. Wow what a store. Right now I could use their stock as toilet paper and would be ahead of their stock price. Plus apparently their merchandise isn't great either. My wifes goes on a site Two Peas in a Pod and all the women are complaining about the sizes. The guy who started the chain has returned to take it over as CEO. He wanted to return it to it's previous "glory". Guess what it isn't working. I guess that is the way the ball bounces.

GOVERNOR JAN BREWER GIVES OBAMA WHAT FOR

2012-01-26T12:28:00.003-05:00

Obama was visiting Arizona yesterday. As he came off Air Force One, Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona greeted him. She gave him an envelope with an invitation to visit the border with her. Apparently Obama was not interested in seeing the border. Obama was also ticked about how he was pictured in a book by Brewer concerning a White House meeting on immigration. Good for you Governor Brewer. Don't take any guff off Obama. You are there fighting the illegal immigrants who are pouring over your states borders and Obama doesn't care. As the President he is suppose to provide for the defense of the nation. If protecting the border isn't in his mandate what is? Of course anything would have disrupted his political campaign trip camoflagued as a President visit to five states. Let's face it he has been on the campaign trail for months. His State of the Nation speech was all about him. Some news agency counted the I'S he used vs what Bush used. Bush said I twice in one of his speech's and I think they lost count on Obama. Go Arizona.

STATE OF THE UNION OR CAMPAIGN SPEECH?

2012-01-24T16:33:00.002-05:00

I am chosing to watch a pile of cow poop tonight because I think it will be the same as watching Obama's State of the Union address - a whole lot of Bull S___. Obama has tried to tell us for 3 years that it is Bush's fault and he is making things better. What a laugh. I'm sure he is going to tell us that it is the Do Nothing Congress that is the problem. He is also going to tell you the rich need to share their wealth with everyone else. His talking points are out there and you don't need to watch his State of the Union address to know what he is going to say. Unemployment is 9+ %, people don't have jobs, the foreclosure rate on home is still on going and the government debt goes up by the minute. I am going to boycott his speech. If there is really something new I can read it in the paper, on the internet or the TV pundits will let me know about it. I'm sure Michelle is going to enjoy having Warren Buffets secretary next to her. The same one that Warren says he should pay as much taxes as. OK Warren put your check where your mouth is. I think he should check into an alzheimers unit because he seems to be losing it. I'm sure he is funding part of the Obama campaign but why? Obama is bashing the rich and there are not many people richer than Warren. Now who else will be there. I'm sure Gabrielle Gifford will be there and will get a standing ovation. I think it was a good decision on her part to resign so kudos for that. I think I have covered a couple of guests who will be recognized by the President. The Democrats will clap, hoot and holler at whatever he says. The Republicans will sit on their hands and remain silent. So what else is new. Join me in doing something else at 9PM EST. I hear the Univ of KY (ranked #1) is playing basketball against the Georgia Bulldogs so that is a diversion.
What are you going to do rather than watch Obama's State of the Union??????

IT'S NOT JUST THE DO NOT CONGRESS, IT'S THE DO NOTHING PRESIDENT TOO

2012-01-23T15:05:00.002-05:00

Obama has already shown that his big theme for his President bid is "the do nothing Congress is the problem". We already know from every poll on the planet that the American people don't give Congress much of an approval rating. If it is 10% they are lucky. Yes they have not done as much as needs to be done. A big stumbling block is Senator Harry Reid. There are bills stacking up that have passed the House that he won't even allow to come up for a vote. Talk about thinking you are King. On the other side John Bohner has made some mistakes too. But all this 2 month extension on government spending at a time isn't the answer. Obama has not put out a budget in numerous months. How can you operate without a budget? You can't and this country isn't. Obama has proved zero leadership in most things. His big accomplishment to his way of thinking is Obamacare which I hope the courts will continue to shoot down. When did the US Government become an insurance and healthcare provided. AFLAC Quack Quack the private sector has that job. He has tried to cause class warfare by his trying to tax the rich more and then saying the middle class is diminishing in numbers. Well he is the one with the 9+ % unemployment rate and has not done much to create new jobs. He is the one standing by fiddling while people are being forced out of their homes by foreclosure. The little he has done only helps a very small % of people. Nothing to write home about. We need to cut big government, we need a budget and we need to reduce the debt. You could do that by creating more jobs and working with the private sector to give them some confidence in what the government is going to do. Uncertainty is the enemy of the economy. If I had a business and I didn't know if I was going to have to pay for healthcare under Obamacare and didn't know what the Federal Reserve was going to do why would I hire extra people. I would wait and see if someone could create a stable environment for my business and employees. Duh.

If you think Obama is the answer, the Savior and has provided leadership go for it. If you get a second term with more disasterous results look in the mirror and you can say you were the cause of it. If you don't think things are going well and you want to go in a different direction then don't vote for Obama.

WHY WOULD ANY INTELLIGENT, THINKING PERSON VOTE FOR OBAMA?

2012-01-23T14:54:00.003-05:00

I keep wondering who would vote for Obama. I see that anyone receiving food stamps, public assistance and Union members might be some of those voters. Why because the public aid recipients don't want to lose their benefits which have grown under Obama. That plus the number of people on public assistance has greatly increased. The Unions want to keep their power over their members. I talked to a little senior lady today and her reason for liking Obama was he gave her an increase in her Social Security this year. What she forgot was that hasn't happened in the other 3 years he has been around and the cost of living index raise is written in the law. It isn't a gift from Obama. She forgets that the price of almost everything from cereal to gas has gone up under Obama. The price of other fuels and utilities will raise if his eco friends have anything to do with it. Like trying to run the coal mines out of business in favor of solar and wind industries. Plus he won't allow oil drilling or the Keystone pipeline to come down from Canada. So electrical prices will be going up. I guess all she has to pin her vote on is who gave me a Social Security raise. These are the people that need to think about their vote. Who has done more harm to this country than Obama and his policies. He is trying to control our privacy, our healthcare and every other aspect of our lives. He seems to throw us in with the European socialist where the government gives everybody everything and now they are all bankrupt just like he is doing to the USA. He will be giving the 3rd State of the Union address tomorrow. I'm sure he is going to tell you the streets are paved with gold and you middle class folks deserve the money that the rich have. But you have almost 10% unemployment, a debt of $15 trillion dollars and rising and gas might be $5 a gallon by this summer. Food prices are rising, more people are losing their homes. He isn't going to tell you the truth - you couldn't handle the truth according to him. So before you think about voting do a little research, look around at your life and the life of others. What do you want for yourself and your children? Are you better off after 3 years of Obama being in office? It ain't rocket science. Figure it out and then cast your vote.

WHO WANTS CALLISTA GINGRICH FOR FIRST LADY?

2012-01-23T14:44:00.003-05:00

Who is Callista Gingrich? First off she is married to Newt Gingrich who is running for President. Callista was born in 1966 and apparently is a smart lady doing well in high school and college. From 1988 -2005 she was a Congressional staffer in Washington DC. During that time she met Newt and began an affair in 1993. The only problem Newt was married. Callista and Newt married in 2000. She is President of Gingrich Productions which over a ten year period made about $100 million dollars.

Her husband Newt was a Georgia congressman who ended up in the US Congress. He was born in 1943 so he is 68. He was the 58th Speaker of the House from 1995-99. He resigned from Congress in 1999 after 84 charges of ethics accusations arose. He was found guilty of one and fined $300,000, lost his Speaker job and the other charges were dropped.

Newt has a checkered personal life. He married Jackie Battley in 1962. In the Spring of 1988 he left his wife who is reported had cancer at the time. He was having an affair with Marianne Ginther. In 1981, 6 months after his divorce he married Marianne. In 1993 he started an affair with Callista Bisek who was 23 years younger than him. His second marriage ended in 2000 and that same year he married Callista.

Looking at the wives of candidates running for the Republican nomination for President she doesn't appear to be the most likely First Lady. Some talk about her helmet hair. Does she wear a wig? I guess I am skeptical of the whole situation. Both Romney and Rick Santorum have only been married once and no one has come out stating they had affairs. So I'm not sure the Gingrich's can preach family values to the American public. I guess we will see in time who the candidates are and whose wife might be First Lady.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS BEAT THEMSELVES AGAINST NEW YORK GIANTS.

2012-01-22T22:53:00.002-05:00

Needless to say I am a 49er fan from the Joe Montana and Steve Young era. Alex Smith could have proved himself a little more by doing better today. But today they beat themselves against the NY Giants. Kyle Williams fumble of the overtime kick and then the ball hitting his knee and the 9ers losing it was ridiculous. Even though Vernon Davis caught some passes and has made touchdowns he does too much showboating. He cost the team 15 yards on their first touchdown and then he jumped over the back of a NY Giant player and got another 15 yards. San Francisco doesn't need showboating. They need more focus. Too bad they had a good season but after beating the Saints last week they couldn't win the Big One today.

JERRY SANDUSKY KILLED JOE PATERNO

2012-01-22T15:09:00.002-05:00

Joe Paterno died today at age 85. He supposidly died of lung cancer but he probably died of a broken heart. The man that broke it was Asst Coach Jerry Sandusky. His betrayal led to the firing of Coach Paterno and basically ended his life. His life apparently was the Penn. State Football program and the university. Once he was unceremonially fired he lost the will to live. He once told an ESPN announcer that he didn't want to quit coaching because he saw what it did to Bear Bryant. He died shortly after leaving football and I think Paterno figured that would happen to him. Jerry Sandusky is a warped man for what he did to children but now he has Joe Paterno's death on his conscious, oh if he has one which is doubtful. R.I.P. Joe. Condolences to his family and the folks at Penn. State who will miss him.

SHOULD OBAMA QUIT HIS DAY JOB?

2012-01-21T16:10:00.002-05:00

After his singing performance at Disney World is Obama considering quitting his day job and becoming a singer at the Apollo Theater? There are many Americans who are encouraging his singing career over his political one. He could sing and dance his way to stardom. Hey Dancing with the Stars is looking for new talent as is the X Factor, American Idol (I guess he is too old for that one) and The Voice. I think we would all clap for him in any of these venues while he is getting boos in his political one. He could even take Joe Biden along as his manager. We certainly wouldn't miss Joe (Joe who?). So please email the White House and encourage the President to quit his day job and go for the singing career.

OBAMA NO ENERGY POLICY

2012-01-19T15:17:00.002-05:00

Well Obama has certainly clarified his energy policy. That is no drilling and no pipeline from Canada to help the USA with more oil. The Keystone Pipeline has been proposed for a number of years. It will bring oil from Canada to Texas. This could bring a minimum of 20,000 jobs and maybe lower gas prices. Obama is cowtowing to the environmentalist in his opposition to this pipeline. He won't let us drill in the USA, off shore and now he won't let a friendly country Canada move the oil to the US. So what will happen now. Canada will probably sell the oil to China. There is probably more risk shipping oil on tankers to China than the pipeline to the USA. I think Obama wants high gas prices so that he can push his ridiculous wind and electric cars. There might be a place for these but they will not replace oil, coal and natural gas. They are projecting gas to go from $4 - $5 this summer. If so I hope this is a nail in Obama's political coffin. That in unemployment should be enough for the average American to see that his policies are taking us in the wrong direction. I'm sure the Unions and the food stamp recipients are not worried about this because they are not the average working american. We need a President who will look after Americans not worried about the rest of the world first. Right now the Iranians are threatening to close the Gulf to oil tankers. This alone may increase gas prices. Other countries like China, Russian and other countries are starting to buy cars and other vehicles and they are using more oil. The demands on oil are going up and we need to look at our own resources first. So what do you think?

OBAMA IN FANTASYLAND

2012-01-19T15:12:00.003-05:00

Rumor is that Obama wants to move the White House to Disney World. He thinks as President he is deserving of a castle as fine as Sleeping Beauty. He and his administration is definitely always in Fantasyland. Obama was heard saying that Mickey was the only person he knew who had bigger ears than him. That might be true but at least Mickey listens. Obama may be living a fairy tale but the people of the USA are not. They have been living more of a nightmare since he came to office. I'm sure the visitors to Disneyland don't appreciate the additional security and inconvenience that will result from Obama's visit. I'm not sure of the reason for his visit at this time. If he is going to talk about jobs and the economy why is he there instead of at a job site.

BOYCOTT WISCONSIN IF THEY IMPEACH GOVERNOR WALKER

2012-01-18T13:42:00.002-05:00

The Unions in Wisconsin are up to their old dirty tricks. Governor Walker finally got a handle on some of the spending problems in Wisconsin and now the Unions want to impeach him. They supposidly have a million signature for the impeachment. The Unions have lost some power and economics under Governor Walker. Union members don't have their dues subtracted from their wages before they get them. This has reduced the dollar take of the Unions. Finally a governor with the guts to take on the unions along with Chris Christy of New Jersey. These two Governors have gotten a handle on their states financial problems. In fact Christy is proposing a 10% decrease in taxes across the board as a result.

I was thinking about a vacation in Wisconsin but if they impeach Governor Walker I will spend my money elsewhere. I don't want to spend my money in a state run by the Unions. If the people of Wisconsin are smart they will vote down the impeachment. I'm sure the union goon squads are out coercing people to vote their way. Once unions were a good thing but in many cases they have become a scourge on the country. Auto workers for years made many times the wage of the average person. They were the main cause for the big Three auto makers to be on the verge and actually in some cases file for bankrupcy. You would think that the Union members would rather have a job paying less rather than no job if the companies fold. Many states, cities and towns are in deep economic problems due to public unions. Unions at one time had a place to ensure the safety and well fare of their members. This isn't exactly the case anymore. Teachers unions who protect bad teachers with tenure are not doing themselves a favor. If a teacher is being unjustly charged or let go I agree the unions have a place. But when in NY some teachers sit in break rooms all day and are paid because of their behavior can't allow them to be in a class room that is wrong.

OK Wisconsin the ball is in your court. If you want a balanced budget in Wisconsin and maybe a more sane handling of your taxes don't impeach Governor Walker. If you want the Unions to control Wisconsin vote for his impeachment and maybe suffer the wrath of other people including me walking with my money.

USA; SISTER WIVES. IN CHINA BROTHER HUSBANDS

2012-01-18T13:36:00.002-05:00

In the USA there is a TV series Sister Wives. One fellow has four wives and numerous children. They live in separate houses and the husband goes between the houses on different days. In Utah where they originally lived they all lived in one house. When they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada each wife got a separate house.

China is going thru a situation where there are more males than females. Due to the one child per family law the male to female ratio is pretty high. Families prefer males because in Asia usually the sons take care of the family in their old age. With less females either alot of males are going to not be getting married or things will change in the birth department. A solution is to have brother husbands. A woman would have several husbands. This could be an economic solution for the woman because she would have several sources of income from the various husbands. The husbands would have a part time wife. I guess better than no wife. This would also allow the husbands to have children and someone to care for them. I wonder if I can produce a reality TV show in China with this title: Brother Husbands.

SO. CAROLINA PRIMARY: ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

2012-01-16T16:51:00.002-05:00

Well it took awhile but finally Huntsman figured out that he needed to get out of the race for President. Yes he finished 3rd in New Hampshire but I suspect he was lacking staff and money to go all the way. I am not really sure why he was in the race in the first place but hey everyone can do what they want. Huntsman threw his support to Romney. Maybe he is hoping for a cabinet job if Romney wins. The evangelical Christian ministers who met threw their support to Rick Santorum. So everyone is picking up indoresments from various areas. I suspect when this South Carolina primary is over that a couple more people will drop out and it might be down to 3: Romney, Newt and Ron Paul. I'm not sure Ron Paul will go too much further either. Things seem to be falling Romney's way in most surveys. The biggest challenge is finding someone to beat Obama.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???

2012-01-16T16:46:00.002-05:00

Being a San Francisco 49er fan it was a good weekend. I also liked Denver and Green Bay. Apparently those two teams will be going home for the season. Green Bay just seemed to fall apart completely. I will have to give it to the New York team they maybe a force to be dealt with by San Francisco next week. Now I really didn't care who won between the Texans and the Ravens. I don't follow either teams. Just glad the Cowboys were not in the playoffs. They really didn't deserve it. San Francisco had quite a tussel with the Saints but it came down to "The Catch 2012". That one will be shown on tv for years to come. So did your team survive the weekend? How do you think they stack up against whomever they are playing next week? Do they have the stuff to make it to the Super Bowl? I guess only time will tell. On any day any team can beat any other team.

HALEY BARBOUR RELEASES MURDERERS

2012-01-12T16:43:00.003-05:00

The outgoing Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour is in deep poo poo with Mississippi residents. Barbour as he was leaving office pardoned or gave early releases to 200+ convicts. This included 4 murderers who apparently worked as trustees in the Governors Mansion. May in the world would you want a murderer working around your house and family? Haley has been Governor since 2004 and has reportedly not released many people on pardon or early release before this. He sure has stirred up Mississippi residents over his pardons. Barbour apparently has fled the state to Florida. Don't know if he is taking a vacation or hiding out from all the uproar. I once thought he was a pretty good Governor and did some good things for Mississippi. I was born in Greenwood, MS. Now I see a little black cloud over his time in the Governor's Mansion. He once was looking to run for President. I think your political days are over Haley. Better hang out on the Florida beaches with a drink with a little umbrella in it.

CHILD CRASH TRAGEDY

2012-01-11T19:44:00.002-05:00

In our area we recently had a horrific car accident. A lady was driving, her boyfriend in the passenger seat in the back 3 children. Two of them his not in child car seats. The third child her's in a car seat. There was an accident and the two children not in car seats were killed. One immediately and the second a few days later. The 7 year old girl died at the scene and the 5 year old boy in hospital. The other three people had minor injuries. This was a tragedy that did not have to happen. If the two children had been in car seats they would have survived. How can parents put their children at risk like this? I don't know if it was because the father was riding with someone and they didn't have extra car seats or what. Why would you put your kids at risk like this? It only takes a few minutes to properly buckle children in an authorized car seat. This even if you are only going a few blocks or miles. Take the time and you might not be burying your child. But this goes on day in and day out because of the parents. I would hate to be the parent who didn't take the time to protect their child and then there isn't a second chance.

LIBERAL HOLLYWOOD COMES OUT OF THE CLOSETS FOR OBAMA

2012-01-11T19:37:00.002-05:00

I guess the fundraisers are already starting in Hollywood. The liberal Hollywood faction is lining up to give big bucks to the Obama reelection committee. Do you think alot of these people are the 1% that Occupy this or that is talking about. I'm sure people like Oprah, Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Barbara Streisand fall in the 1% club. So why isn't anyone Occupying Hollywood? If Obama is so into class warfare and distribution of wealth why would these actors give him big bucks when they are his target? I guess their liberal bent is more powerful than their pocketbooks. I'm sure you will see photos of Obama glad handing the stars in Los Angeles soon if they haven't already happened. I think I heard that Hollywood gave Democrats something like $50 million to about $11 million for Republicans in the last Presidential election. Luckily the conservatives have Clint Eastwood and some big names on their side. Show them how it is done Dirty Harry. They say that the Obama election effort will cost $1 billion dollars. Ridiculous that kind of money is spent on this campaign. I hope their money goes to waste. Wait is that a tax write off?

I AM AN AMERICAN AMERICAN

2012-01-11T19:30:00.003-05:00

I always seem to see things on TV, newspapers or magazines about this or that Americans. In my younger years we were just Americans. No one was Asian American, Italian American or Hispanic American. You might or might not have known about the heritage of your ancestors but you didn't wear it on your sleeve like many groups do today. The immigrants who came to this country from China, Italy, Germany or Africa came here for a better life. Yes there were ethnic areas of some big cities and they might have been identified by the Italian neighborhood but I don't think the people identified themselves as Italian Americans or whatever. They came here to be Americans and as they could they assimilated into normal neighborhoods, towns, cities etc. Now everytime you see this or that it identifies the group as Something - American. Maybe that is the problem. People who come here for a better life shouldn't be looking to recreate what they had in Country X. Come here and assimilate into this society. I was in Dearborn Michigan and you would have thought you were in Syria or Iran. The dress, the talk and the signs were even in Arabic. Then you go near San Jose CA and there are towns that are more Vietnamese than Viet Nam is. It would probably serve this country better to just be identified as an American and remember and enjoy your heritage as you wish. I guess I could identify as Welch-American, Scottish-American and German-American but I don't.

OBAMA TURNING USA INTO THIRD WORLD COUNTRY

2012-01-07T14:20:00.003-05:00

At one time there was a status for countries. First World was the USA and her allies. Second World countries were Soviet Union, China and their allies. Third World countries were not aligned with NATO or capitalism and usually had social, political and economic divisions.
Third World countries were normally former colonies. We fit that bill as we were a colony of England. We have social, political and economic divisions in the USA especially with Obama in the White House. He is actually causing more of them with his attempt to start class warfare.

There was a theory of Third Worldism. It was an idea popular among Third World autocrats and many Americans and French leftist in the late 1960s and 70s that contrary to orthodox Marxism views that the Western working class would deliver the world from the tyranny of capitalism that... Third World elites were the priviledged class. Maybe that is Obama's problem he is thinking in the 60s and 70s. In this theory they stated that parts of the US are more like Third World countries.

Economically we are dependent on China for loans to keep us afloat. So we are a debtor nation. We have shipped many of our jobs to other countries so we make less and are more dependent on other countries for our products. We have people who were middle and even upper class migrating to the lower class due to the lack of jobs, value of homes and bleak future. People are losing their homes and the value that they once had.

Maybe we are not a Third World country but we must be dropping to the Second World status and we could go lower. We need positive change and we are not getting that from the current White House. Do you want to become a Second or Third World country?

OBAMA SKIRTS CONSTITUTION AGAIN

2012-01-05T16:35:00.002-05:00

Yep, Obama is at it again. His choice of Richard Cordray for Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Chief was being held up in Congress so while Congress was on recess he appointed him anyway. So much for the Constiutional powers. Obama just skirts them whenever he pleases.
This has been his method of operation numerous times in appointing some of his Czars and other people that have not been vetted by Congress. As a result if you read who his Czars are you will see there are some savory characters amongst them. I wonder if Obama or the Attorney General have read the Constitution lately. Even once would be nice. Oh well the rights of the people have been so run over by the Obama administration in many areas. Unless the people stand up and fight back more and more rights will go by the way. It's time to show Obama what the people want in 2012 and send him home.

OBAMA DECISION PUTS NATION AT MORE RISK

2012-01-05T16:27:00.002-05:00

The President with no military experience is now decided he will make military decisions. Obama is calling for reductions in the strength of the Army and Marines and wants to pull back from Europe. First let's look at the wars we have been fighting. Troops have been required to make multiple deployments due to the total strength of the military being low. National Guard units have had to fill in and most states have sent significant forces to supplement the regular military. Leaving Europe weakens the NATO Alliance just as Iran is posing a bigger threat to all nations. Then we have the unpredictable North Korea. China is strengthening their military spending more on military hardware, airplanes and ships. They will become a bigger military player on the world stage. They recently deployed an aircraft carrier something new from them.
Obama is also cutting the military budget. Even Norm Panetta Secretary of Defense says " this will result in increased risk". I understand that some budget cuts can happen as a result of us pulling out of Iraq. But we have to replace all the equipment that is worn out or has been given to Iraq. Obama who opposed the war in Iraq and then opposed the strengthening of troops there, which led to us being able to leave, wants to become the military expert. He will face serious challenges in Congress. I have heard that the Air Force would be at its lowest level ever and the Army and Marines would be at pre WWII levels. Does that sound very smart to you?

DID YOU KNOW BARACK OBAMA AS A CHILD OR STUDENT?

2012-01-04T20:10:00.003-05:00

I am looking for people who knew Barack Obama (yes the same one that is living rent free in the White House). I have never seen or heard anyone who claimed to have been friends with him while he was a child or even when he was in elementary, high school or college. If you had him in a class, played with him or even knew him I would be interested in your story. Just add a comment on this blog and your story or I can get back to you.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE WHITESBORO BAPTIST CHURCH?

2012-01-04T20:07:00.002-05:00

I was just wondering if space aliens came out of the sky and plucked the Whitesboro Baptist Church up and to another planet. They are far out. I haven't seen any articles about them picketing military funerals or other stunts. Maybe the public has had enough of them and they figured they had better cool it for awhile. If you know what they are up to or if they have been seen let me know.

COWBOYS - ROMO WHO???????????

2012-01-02T15:17:00.003-05:00

Well the Cowboys can slink back to Texas in defeat once again. "America's Team" NOT didn't fare very well against the New York Giants. Tony Romo might have more success with Jessica Simpson than he did with the Giants. Maybe it is time to find another quarterback in Dallas. Romo has not done much lately. Oh well I guess the New York Giants (no I'm not a fan of theirs either) will be on their way to the playoffs. You Texas players can go home and think about this season.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: VOTE OUR OBAMA

2012-01-01T10:41:00.002-05:00

My number one New Years resolution is to do everything I can to vote out Obama in 2012. He has screwed up this country so bad in 3 years that it will take awhile to unravel it even if he is defeated. Anyone whose house is in foreclosure, who doesn't have a job or has suffered due to the economic climate should also be working for his defeat. Luckily many of the people who voted him in "the pig in the poke" have seen the error of their ways. He sold them a bill of goods and had no background to do anything. He has proven it by his actions. Leadership has been seriously lacking in his administration. He doesn't seem to care about the national debt or trying to cut costs and the size of government. He seems to be one of these world government fans and seriously puts down the USA every chance he gets while he is overseas. An apologist I guess is his title. If you want things to change for the better you better get behind whoever is running against him. They might not have everything you are looking for in a candidate but the object is to defeat Obama. There are many people who fit this bill and would be better than Obama in many ways. So here is to the defeat of Obama in 2012. I drink to that.

MOM'S PUT DOWN THE CELL PHONE

2011-12-30T13:56:00.002-05:00

I don't know how many times I have been out lately and see moms with children and all they do is pay attention to their cell phones. I was in a restaurant today and the mom didn't say a word to her two children. The little boy tried to talk to mom but she was texting or checking her messages. What kind of environment are the kids of today growing up in. They are being ignored for a cell phone. I have seen moms on the cell phone and the kids are into all kinds of things and they don't notice. I also see the same moms in cars and they are focused on the cell phone, not driving or kids. Maybe it is time to get the priorities changed.

TEACHER'S AIDE BAGS AUTISTIC CHILD

2011-12-29T16:21:00.002-05:00

Yes, it actually happened. A Mercer County Kentucky school teacher aide put an autistic child into a ball bag for misbehaving. The child was put in the bag and put in the hall. Needless to say when the mother found out she wasn't happy. So far there has been no comment from the Mercer County Interim Superintendent of Schools Dennis Davis. This incident has gone on the internet and lots of support is coming from www.change.org where a petition is posted allowing people to give support to not doing this. No word on what is going to happen to the teacher or the aide since she should have been supervised. How stupid can some people be? Why would you put any child in a ball bag and put them in the hall? The School Board is suppose to be meeting soon and the mother is going to confront the Superintendent on the subject. TV stations and newspapers have tried to get a comment from the Interim Superintendent who seems to be ducking the subject. You would think there would be some kind of response since this incident happened two weeks ago.

BUCKLE UP FOR SAFETY

2011-12-28T19:39:00.003-05:00

Today in two neighboring towns there were two accidents. In one a guy ran a red light and hit a utility truck. He was thrown thru the drivers side window of his own car because he didn't have on a seat belt. He is in the hospital with major injuries. He told someone at the scene "please don't let me die, I have a family". In another case, a guy ran off the road and hit a tree. He wasn't wearing a seat belt and died at the scene. If the guy in wreck #1 was so concerned about his family why wasn't he wearing a seat belt? In the case of wreck #2 they talked about what a great guy he was. He would have been alive if he had worn his seat belt. Now the family is asking for help to pay for his burial. This is just in one day. In Kentucky, this year accident deaths have gone down but of 900 or so deaths, half were not wearing seat belts. What part of stupid don't people understand. Seat belts save lives. If you really care about yourself and your family buckle up. If you don't care don't wear a seat belt and they will see you at your funeral or in the hospital.

TSA FLUKES

2011-12-28T15:52:00.004-05:00

I'm sure most of you have had some contact with the TSA our security guardians of the airports.What is your opinion of these folks? They are doing a job but it is mostly as a security frisker rather than a security expert. The Israeli government has security experts who find problem people before they even get to the security check points because they do behavioral evaluation. TSA doesn't have the same caliber of people necessary for this type of work. Now the TSA wants $600 million more to do periodic checks on trains. Why? They can't even stop weapons from getting on board airplanes. They don't use common sense like frisking elderly women with medical problems or taking away a cupcake because it is a security risk. They also do full body searches of little children. Personally I don't feel any safer now than I did before 9-11. I feel safer if I know there is an Air Marshal on board my flight but most times you don't know that. TSA agents have been found asleep and allowing people to pass without checks etc. I realize that they are low paid workers. Why not hire some of the returning military who are getting out of the service. They have security experience and could be upgraded to do the work that the Israeli's do. Every time you look around the TSA changes the rules and something else isn't allowed. So much for our freedoms.

HAS YOUR PYREX EXPLODED?

2011-12-28T15:49:00.002-05:00

Watch out more and more people are reporting Pyrex dishes, containers are exploding or cracking. We had a Pyrex measuring dish explode and glass went everywhere. My daughter this week found big cracks in the bottom of her Pyrex dish. If it hadn't been found it probably would have exploded. I wonder why this is happening. Have they changed the formula for their glass, are they making it cheaper or is it being made in a foreign country? Watch out, check your dishes for possible cracks.

CHINESE NO IDEAS JUST STEAL TECHNOLOGY

2011-12-28T15:45:00.002-05:00

Recently, we read about all the hacking occuring in government and industry in the United States. Who is doing the hacking - CHINA? Why come up with new ideas and technology when you can steal it from others? Let them spend their money and time on research and development and then just steal it. The same with copyrights. The Chinese don't care if they copy music, books etc with copyrights. Go to China and you can buy engineering or medical books which are expensive here for $10 or so. Why? Because they can reproduce them cheap by not paying for any of the material.

Maybe the US government needs to hire some of these renegade hackers to aim their focus at the Chinese government, military and industry. Do unto them as they do unto us? Or just go in and disrupt their economy, industry and government like they have done to us.

OCCUPY PELOSI

2011-12-28T15:39:00.002-05:00

I crack up when I read about the Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Oakland and other Occupy groups. They claim that it is the top 1% that is the big problem in this country. Then you have Nancy Pelosi gurgling her support for the Occupy groups. What the hell is the Occupy Groups thinking? Nancy Pelsoi just went to Hawaii and spent $10,000 a night on a hotel room. Don't you think this puts her in the 1% category if that is the group that you are targeting. Nancy and Paul Pelsoi have a house in the ritzy Pacific Heights in San Francisco, a house and vineyards in Saint Helena, CA, a house in the Georgetown section of Washington DC plus other properties. They are multi-millionaires. If you want to Occupy something Occupy her. There was a recent report on how many millionaires there are in Congress. Senators average $2+ million and House of Reps average $750,000 in value. Then you have the Senator Kerry's and others who are super millionaires. I don't think the Occupy Groups have a focus or let the world know what their goals are. If you are after the top 1% then Pelsoi falls in that group.

WORMSLOE STATE HISTORIC SITE GEORGIA PHOTO RESTRICTIONS

2011-12-23T23:04:00.002-05:00

My photo friends are telling me that Wormsloe State Historic Site is now clamping down on photographers. Anyone with a tripod or a Digital SLR camera is being asked to pay $25 to film there. Their guidelines indicate this is only suppose to apply to commerical video and photo shoots but photographers are telling me differently. They are losing alot of photographers because of their rules. Wormsloe is near Savannah and was the colonial estate (1702 - 1777) of Noble Jones. I understand that it is a great photo shoot place but if they are going to make you fill out a 4 page application and charge you $25 it isn't such a good deal. If you have a good point and shoot I guess take it rather than something that looks more advanced or expensive according to local photographers.

USA PULLS OUT IRAQ ATTACKED

2011-12-22T19:31:00.002-05:00

Alright Obama was it all worth it? The US has just pulled out of Iraq and in one day numerous terrorist attacks were made in Baghdad. The Iraqi President has ordered the arrest of his Vice President who is a member of a different Muslim group. So is this victory or putting your tail between your legs and running? We will see in the days ahead whether 4500 dead Americans made a difference in Iraq. Did Obama pull out because he made a campaign promise that he wanted to keep. The generals told him it was a mistake to pull out all the combat troops but why would he listen to the military experts when he made a campaign promise. He was against the war and then against the troop surge which actually led to the USA getting the upper hand on the terrorist. Now he is playing games in Afghanistan. If we pull out of there nothing will have changed. Obama seems to want to give up the thought of giving others the liberty to chose their own destiny. At what point does Iran move in?

BIGGEST ASS IN THE WHITE HOUSE ISN'T MICHELLE

2011-12-22T10:59:00.003-05:00

Despite what Jim Sensehemmer (WI - R) said Michelle is not the biggest ass in the White House. Now Jim didn't seem to use the first five letters of his last name SENSE when he made this statement. Any idiot knows you don't talk about the backside of a woman.

Now if you really want to know who the biggest ass in the White House is look no further than Barack. He stands before the TV cameras almost daily and complains about Congress and in particular the Republicans. He shows no leadership, no compromise and everyone in the world is wrong but him. On the issue of the payroll tax cut lets look at the history. The tax cut was put in as a temporary thing to try and stimulate the economy. It was not meant to be in place forever. The payroll tax went down from about 6.2 to 4 or so percent on a temporary basis. This is for 160 million workers.What did this mean for other things. This meant that Social Security was losing all the money that was not being paid in payroll taxes. So the worker got a break now and Social Security lost money for now and the future. Why does Congress and in particular the Senate always try to do things for 1 or 2 months? We don't have a federal budget, we are deep in debt and they are playing with minor amounts of time. To me a bill should be passed for at least a year. Why as they say "kick the can" down the road for 2 months. I know in this case it is supposidly to give Obama 2 months to decide about the Keystone Pipeline which could immediately create lots of jobs. Of course Obama doesn't want to anger the environmentalist "tree huggers". The Keystone Pipeline has been studied to death. Even route changes were made to address environmental issues. We want to be independent not dependent on foreign oil. Canada is offering us oil. If we don't take it they will sell it to China. Is Obama getting a kickback from OPEC? He sure has put roadblocks in the way of oil and gas exploration in this country. So yes there is another component of this bill which is to stop doctors from having their Medicare rates reduced. Over all this bill costs $33 billion dollars. Who is paying for it or where does the money come from? Do we borrow it from China again and add to the debt or do we cut expenses? What do you do in your household?

Alot of this hot air from Washington revolves around Obama wanting to be Prez another 4 years. Why don't we have a federal budget? Why are expenses not being cut? Why is there no leadership from the White House? Folks you voted for a Pig in a Poke in 2008 and that is what you got. If you are dumb enough to vote for him again in 2012 you are going to get more of the same. No national growth, no big spurt in jobs, no budget, more entitlement programs that cost the average American who pays taxes. You know almost 50% of the people in this country don't pay taxes don't you. That means the other 50% who pay taxes are carrying the load for free loaders. Is that what you want? Obama will probably make sure that 40% of you pay taxes and 60% are free loaders.

The war of words in Washington is all smoke and mirrors. The Prez wants to go to Hawaii for a vacation and is showing no leadership. The Senate is gone to who knows where and the House is still in Washington. No one wins.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES

2011-12-21T15:57:00.004-05:00

This is a tough time of the year to be away from your families but many times duty calls. I can remember Christmas without my father who was in the Army. I also remember missing Christmas with the family while I was overseas with the Air Force. I even missed a daughter being born just before Christmas. I want to wish all of our military a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This also goes for the families either with you or waiting for you. It's great that this year some of the military got to go home with the close of Iraq but we still have many in Afghanistan. It is a big plus to have the internet and Skype type communications between the military and their families. Mine was either letters or little tapes that we exchanged. I know that many of you in the war zone will receive letters and care packages from people you don't even know in the USA. Many organizations in my area have been working to provide these care packages to the military for several months. Stay safe and come home to your families when you can.

TIME FOR KARDASHIANS TO GO

2011-12-20T16:23:00.003-05:00

Like Paris Hilton, the 15 minutes are up for the Kardashians. This no talent group (Barbara Walters own words) has been in the media enough. Kim's 72 day fake marriage to basketball player Kris Humnpries should tell you that they will do anything for publicity. They made millions duping the media by selling their wedding. Then you have Khloe and Kourtney who are in the same mold. Their dad Robert Kardashian was one of OJ Simpson's lawyers in his murder trial. Mom is Kris who I guess sells her daughters to the media. Then the step dad Bruce Jenner. A one time Olympian I guess he is famous for a terrible face lift now. What a family? All this and a reality show. I guess they show everything that happens in their life, if you can call it a life. I guess they are making money so they don't care what comes out. Amazing what people will pay money to watch or take the time to watch. Maybe the media will wise up after the fake wedding by Kim. Good luck all of you now ride off into the sunset with Paris and Nicole.

DING DONG THE WICKED WITCH OF NORTH KOREA IS DEAD

2011-12-20T16:10:00.003-05:00

Finally, the Supereme Dictator of North Korea Kim Jong ll has died. He was 69 years old and supposidly died on a train trip in North Korea. He came to power in 1994 after his fathers death. To the North Koreans he was a "God" or at least he mind controlled them into thinking he was one. Some of the North Koreans thought he could control the weather with his mind. If you have ever been in Korea winters are pretty bad so why didn't he make North Korean weather like Florida.? He was also Commander of the 4th largest army in the world. His regime was brutal. Anyone who didn't pay homage to him was put in prison or killed. His people at time were starving and having to eat the bark off the trees. All this while he and an elite group lived in luxury. What a guy? Now we have his 20 ish snotty nosed little kid who has been proclaimed supreme leader. Word is that an uncle is actually the power behind the throne. I wonder if the son is any smarter than the father or if he will keep up the rein of silence and isolationism. In recent years North Korea has done some war like actions against the South. They did an artillery blast on a South Korean island and sank a S. Korean patrol boat killed a number of sailors. We should have taken on North Korea when they seized the USS Pueblo in 1968. Now North Korea is trying to get nuclear weapons and have developed several missile systems with which to threaten their neighbors and possible the USA. I think that we need to keep an eye on the new Supreme Leader he will probably try to flex his muscle to show he is in control. His actions could be disasterous. Stay tuned for more action.

Have you ever seen so much fake wailing by the "mourners". They sure hired alot of actors to wail on que for the TV cameras. I guess when you are told to "wail or be shot" you do what they ask. One North Korean defector a young lady said her mothers generation was brain washed but her generation knows what is going on and wants better. Let's hope they get it. A revolution is needed in this most secret country.

SHOP LOWE'S COUNTER MUSLIM BOYCOTT

2011-12-18T19:04:00.002-05:00

Did you ever want to visit a Muslim country? You can, and you don't even need a passport. Just book a flight or drive to Dearborn, Michigan. You will find a little muslim country within the USA. The people dress like they do in Iraq, Iran and other Muslim countries. The signs are in arabic. They even have their own reality show to show that Muslims are Americans. Okay. Now enter Lowe's home improvement company. They decided to pull their ads from this reality TV show. Now Muslims are boycotting Lowe's stores in places like Brooklyn NY and Dearborn. Sorry folks in this country private businesses can do what they want. They don't have Saddam to tell them what they can and can't do. Once when ethnic groups came to the United States for a better life they dissiminated into the population. Lately that hasn't happened. It might be the Vietnamese around San Jose CA, the Mongs in Merced, CA or the Muslims in Dearborn, MI. In each case if you visit these cities you can find areas that look like you are in a foreign country not the USA. Yes I know that when some groups first came to this country they ended up in certain areas of towns but they then began to melt into the population. So if you don't like this boycott go out and support your Lowe's store. I buy there whether there is a boycott or not.

BODIE, CALIFORNIA GHOST TOWN

2011-12-14T19:15:00.002-05:00

Bodie, California is one of the most complete ghost towns around. Bodie is in Mono County and east of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is about 75 miles southeast of Lake Tahoe and 12 miles from Bridgeport. After you turn off you have a couple of miles of paved road and then it is gravel for 6-7 miles I would estimate. It can be a little rough especially after the winter. Bodie is a California State Historic Park and is also a National Historic Landmark. Gold was originally found here in 1859 and was mined til about 1868. There were new gold strikes in 1878 and they lasted til the late 1880s. Bodie mines produced about $34 million in gold. At the towns peak there were 65 saloons on main street and a population in 1879 of 5 -7,000. There was a Chinatown and a Red Light District. In 1910, there was a population of 698 people. In 1942, the last mines closed. There are about 170 buildings standing. While not being renovated the state is trying to preserve and protect what is there. There are stores with merchandise still in the windows. The school and church has chairs, pews and other items. There are old vehicles sitting around too. It is basically closed in winter due to the weather and roads. The best time to visit is in the summer but the temperatures do rise. Currently the population is 3 Park Rangers who live on the property. It is a great place to take photos. Besides the town there is also one of the mines with buildings on the hill overlooking Bodie. Check it out.

OBAMA LETS IRAN CAPTURE SECRET DRONE

2011-12-11T19:28:00.003-05:00

One the major blunders of the war was allowing Iran to get hold of a secret stealth drone. Yes the drone got lose and crashed in Iran but we should have made sure that they didn't get any information from it. Now the Iranians, Russian, Chinese and everyone else will have the secret stealth skin data. We should have sent in another drone, a stealth bomber, a cruise missile or a Seal team to take it out before Iran got it. But no Obama fiddled while Iran got the drone. He had the option and didn't use. I hear he was afraid Iran would consider it an act of war. Who gives a big whoop if Iran considers it an act of war. What are they going to do about it? It would only take a few missile to reduce the country to rubble. Or at least the things militarily we would want to wipe out. We could still do it if we know where the drone is. I guess it is okay with Obama that probably billions were spent on developing this stealth technology and then to give it away is unbelieveable. Another major blunder by the Obama administration.

REPUBLICANS ALL WE WANT IS SOMEONE TO BEAT OBAMA

2011-12-11T09:54:00.002-05:00

I don't think the Republican Party or candidates get it. What we really want is someone who can beat Obama. We don't need you candidates to go after each other tooth and nail and tear each other apart. Some of you have no chance in Hell of getting the nomination no matter what you do. By tearing down the top two potential candidates you are only dividing the party further. No one candidate is perfect. Mitt has his Massachusettes health care program and flip flops. He has been a successful businessman and a Governor. Newt has been in Washington, had affairs and 3 marriages. He got a Republican Congress in during 1994 and was Speaker of the House. Michelle Backman is a Senator but her husbands work has come to bite her. Rick Santorum not sure why he is in the race. Herman is toast. Huntsman was toast from the start and still not sure why he is still in the race. Ron Paul has his supporters but might be too old and Libertarian for many people. There are a few other people who should be in the race and are not Mike Huckabee and Governor Christie. Some say Jebb Bush but I don't think it is time for another Bush to step forward. Maybe in 2016.

So don't destroy each other just to try and get a nomination that you may never see. Focus on the target Obama. Go after him.

LIMIT POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS

2011-12-09T20:49:00.002-05:00

Unlike most foreign countries the United States allows political campaigns to go on forever. Most foreign countries have a beginning and an end to their campaign periods. That would make sense in this country. How about at the most allowing campaigning for 6 months? We all get sick of the debates, the posters, the TV ads, political mailings and phone calls. Plus how much time is wasted by those running for office. For the incumbent he was elected to work for the people but many times they spend half their term campaigning for the next one and fund raising. This is especially true of Presidential candidates. Why should we allow the President to jet off on Air Force One to the West Coast to do some minor government function when his real reason to be there is fund raising and campaigning. We also allow the states to hold their primaries at all times of the year and they jockey for position on who is first or second. If you limit the campaign period you force the states to hold their primaries within a short window of time. I get sick of all the knocks on the door, the calls for political contributions, the TV ads and everything else that goes on around the campaign. If there is not a Presidential election, there is a state or local election where we go thru the same thing. Time to limit all the BS for the voters.

TOUCHDOWN DANCES

2011-12-08T15:06:00.003-05:00

We see it all the time, touchdown dances. You see it in pee wee league, middle school, high school, college and in the National Football League. This is when a player scores a touchdown and then procedes to celebrate with his own designed dance. This can last from a couple of seconds to longer. It can cause delay of game and other penalties. The players doing this can cause their teams penalties and even the loss of the game. Ask Buffalo Billy player Stevie Johnson who caused the Bills a victory by his touchdown dance. It is another example of the selfishness of some players. If they were team players they wouldn't be out there trying to outdo anyone else with their own special touchdown dance. If I was the coach this would be the last play that individual would do for awhile. If you don't stop it in the lower levels then it will continue into high school, college and even the professionals.

OBAMA ISN'T TEDDY ROOSEVELT

2011-12-07T19:20:00.006-05:00

Obama is running around the country talking about Ronald Reagan, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Teddy Roosevelt. Is he comparing himself to them or just trying to say they would endorse him. WRONG on all counts. He wants to use the words and wisdom of other Presidents to make himself look good.

Let's see:

1.Teddy Roosevelt was called The Rough Rider

Obama isn't even Low Rider
2. Teddy Roosevelt was in the military

Obama probably couldn't get in the military
3. Teddy Roosevelt rode a horse

Obama rides a limo.
4. Teddy Roosevelt didn't take any crap off other countries

Obama take the crap and then dumps on the USA himself.

5. Teddy Roosevelt showed leadership

Obama can't spell leadership.

Okay now who does he think he is next week: Batman, Spiderman or Superman? Obama

just doesn't know who he is.

LOVE YOUR CHILDREN BUCKLE THEM UP

2011-12-07T19:14:00.002-05:00

If you really love your children why don't you put them in child safety seats or buckle them up in seat belts if they are old enough. Yesterday a 28 year old mother lost control of her van and was killed. Her three children ages 8, 7 and 4 were all injured due to no one wearing a seat belt or being in a child safety seat. Now these kids will grow up without their mother. The children are still in the hospital with some serious injuries. You read in the paper all the time that kids are thrown from cars during an accident. Why? Because they were not buckled in. What is so difficult or time consuming that you can't do that for your kids and yourself. I have read where the children are killed in an accident this same way and the mother lives. How would you like to live with yourself the rest of your life knowing you probably caused your children to be killed. I don't know why 100% of people don't wear their seat belts. The same with motorcycle helmets. Yes you want the wind in your hair and the freedom of the road but then your family is asking for donations to help bury you because you crashed without a helmet. If you had one you probably would have lived another day. The Lord gave you a brain - USE IT.

REQUIRE COMMUNITY SERVICE FROM EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE USERS

2011-12-06T16:51:00.002-05:00

We have people who have run out of their 99 weeks of unemployment insurance and still don't have jobs. Now Congress is talking about extending unemployment insurance further. In many cases I think this prolonged unemployment insurance has taken the incentive out of people to find jobs. People who get it really don't have to prove that they have tried to get a job. Maybe if they didn't have this weekly / monthly money they might look in some new areas or careers for jobs. They might even take a part time job. Nothing like a FREE LUNCH. Who said there was none, not in this day and age. If they extend the unemployment past 99 weeks they should require recipients to do at least 20 hours of community service in their town or area per week. That still gives them plenty of time to look for jobs. Plus it would be giving something back. The taxpayers are funding people sitting around whether they are looking for a job or not. I really don't want to do that with my tax dollars. I understand the economy is not great but there are ways of making some money even in these times and lots of people are sitting on their backsides and not even making an attempt. Hey the parks needs leaves raked, the roadsides needs trash picked up plus there are probably schools and public buildings that could use some painting and fixing up. They could help the young and the elderly. This should not be a free handout program.

PAYROLL TAX EXTENSIONS VS SOCIAL SECURITY

2011-12-06T16:44:00.003-05:00

Yea I know Obama and the Democrats want to throw the Republicans under the bus for not agreeing to an extension of the decreased payroll tax which they want to pay for with increases in taxes. I guess what everyone doesn't realize is that these payroll taxes go to fund social security. So for the past year or so we have been shorting Social Security to give the extension. We already have a problem with Social Security and Medicare and this is only making it worse. When are both sides going to tackle the Social Security and Medicare issues head on. Each side wants to demonize the other but no one is willing to step up and show some leadership on these issues. Yes it would be nice for the average family to have an additional $1,000 a year but what happens to those going into retirement or close to it. This is a penalty on them. The White House has shown zero leadership. Pelosi and Reid are do nothings. The Senate won't even bring bills up to vote on them because of Reid. The Republicans need to be willing to plug some of these tax loopholes like farm subsidies, private plane exemptions etc. Neither party is doing the business of it's citizens. They wonder why their poll numbers are so low - why not? Congress and the White House please get off your backside and get something done. Don't stall til after the 2012 election and let another year pass. The debt problems is we are spending too much money. To resolve it we have to cut spending. What is so difficult about that? The average American family knows that. Common sense doesn't seem to reign in Washington DC. Maybe you have to check it at the district borders when you arrive. GET ER DONE

USA CLASS AND RELIGIOUS WARFARE.

2011-12-04T14:42:00.002-05:00

Obama has brought us class warfare by proclaiming millionaires the enemy and supporting the Occupy movement. This is nothing knew for the Socialist that he is. At the same time there appears to be religious warfare going on. Anything to do with Christmas is trying to be obliterated by the liberals. They want holiday trees not Christmas trees. Ask the Governor of Rhode Island how this is going for him. Children can't have Christmas pageants at school anymore they are winter or holiday events. The ACLU allows one person who complains about something to bring suit against the many. They have tried to remove military memorials that have been erected for years. They have gone to court to remove the Ten Commandments from court houses and other places which have been installed for years. They don't seem to realize that there are religious writing on the Supreme Court building and In God We Trust on our money. Some states like Indiana have license plates that say In God We Trust. They will probably be after them next. Isn't it great that we allow one person to try and stop children from saying the Pledge of Allegiance at school. What about the majority in this country don't they have rights too? Apparently not in the Obama era. Why don't people occupy the ACLU Offices and let them know how you feel. Obama is changing this country more than any President and not for the better. It's time to sweep him under the rug in 2012 and reverse most of the things that he has done. If you don't then you deserve the country that he will give you in the next 4 year term. Time to take back America.

SHARON GRAVES GOE INTO KENTUCKY TEACHER HALL OF FAME

2011-12-04T14:32:00.003-05:00

Mrs Sharon Graves a teacher at Clark Moores Middle School in Richmond, Kentucky is going into the Kentucky Teachers Hall of Fame. Sharon has been a teacher for 23 years, 21 of which were at Clark Moores Middle School.

Sharon has a list of major awards for her professionalism and teaching. She was the Daughters of the American Revolution Kentucky History Teacher of the Year in 2005. She was the Kentucky Department of Education Teacher of Excellence in 2008 and the Kentucky Historical Society Award of Merit in 2009.

She is also the Coach of the Middle School Mock Trail Team which won the State Championship. As a middle school they beat out four high school teams. She is also the Sponsor of the Student Council.

Mrs. Grave also is the Coordinator of the Battle of Richmond Living History Days. Which started out with about 100 students visiting a few years ago has grown to over a thousand for several counties. Her middle school students act as guides for the visiting school groups and make their own period clothing for this event. Her 8th graders also put in 20 hours of community service as part of their class work. Mrs Graves even has students who have graduated return to help with Living History Days.

She is also President Elect of the Battle of Richmond Association. She is active in this group as shown by the photos. In one photo she is in one of her period dresses. The other photo shows her working registration for the Battle of Richmond Reenactment.

Congratulations to Mrs Graves for all of her accomplishments. She admits to being a strict teacher but oh how the students learn so much as a result.

SEND HAPPY MEAL TOYS TO SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR

2011-12-01T19:11:00.004-05:00

As of today, December 1, 2011 you cannot get Happy Meal toys in San Francisco. Again San Francisco leads the nation in ridiculous laws. It is okay to be nude in San Francisco but you can't get a Happy Meal with toys. I guess that is because of the Fat Heads in San Francisco government. McDonalds luckily has figured out a way to get around the Fat Heads. It sells the toys for .10 cents and the money goes to the Ronald McDonald House. Good for them.

Now if you would like to protest the PC politically correct crowd in San Francisco just send the Mayor some Happy Meal toys.

The Mayor is Edwin M. Lee.
Address: Mayor's Office
City Hall
Room 200
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415 554 6141
Email: http://www.sfmayor.org/

Let the Mayor hear from you. Lets keep this insanity within the 48 square miles of San Francisco which is surrounded by reality.

TRAVELING BIGGEST THINGS.

2011-12-01T16:12:00.002-05:00

If you are a traveler you have probably seen some unique sights on your travels. I do alot of traveling but I have not seen too many of the following sights. If you are in the area you may want to check them out.

Seattle WA: World's largest cowboy boots and hat
Crescent, OR: Giant Grizzly Bear with Salmon (seen that)
Inglewood, CA: giant donut
Blackfoot ID: World's largest bake potato
Amagosa Valley, NV: World's largest firecracker
Vernal UT: Giant Pink Dinosaur
Carefree, AZ : Giant Sundial
Libby, Montana: Giant Eagle Statues
Douglas, WY: World's largest jackalope
Colorado Springs CO; Worlds largest Hercules Beetle
Alamogordo NM: Worlds largest pistachio nut
Jamestown ND: World's largest buffalo
Huron, S.D. World's largest pheasant
Hebron, NE: World's largest porch swing
Goodland KS: Giant reproduction of Van Goh's Sunflowers on an 80 ft easel
Foyil, OK: World's largest concrete totem pole
Freer, TX: World's largest rattlesnake
Akeley, MN: World's largest Muskie
Strawberry Point, IA: World's largest strawberry
Kansas City MO: World's larges shuttlecock
Eureka Springs, Ark: World's largest tuned wind chimes
Rayne LA: Giant frog statue
Lincoln, IL: World's largest covered wagon
Louisville KY: World's largest baseball bat (been there)
Knoxville TN: World's largest Rubik's Cube
Gulfport, MS; World's largest rocking chair
Dothan, Alabama: Giant hog
Montague, MI: World's largest weather vane
Mentone, IN: World's largest egg
Dresden, OH; World's largest basket
Ashburn, GA: World's largest peanut
Tampa, FL: giant bowling pin
Chester, W. VA: World's largest teapot
High Point NC: World's largest Chest of Drawers
Gaffney SC: World's largest peach
Wilkes-Barre, PA: Giant cow
Richmond, VA: Giant milk bottles
Hancock, Maine: Giant lobster
Burlington VT: World's tallest filing cabinet
Hampton NH: Giant pirate
Flanders NY: The Big Duck
Wellesley, MA: Giant rotating globe
Norwich, CT: Giant statue of a Man Holding an American Flag
Providence RI: Giant rooftop dragon statue
Margate City NJ: World's largest elephant
Baltimore MD: Giant pineapple
Newark, DE: Giant Doctor's Bag with Stethoscope
Anchorage, AK Giant Roller Skate
Kihei Maui, Hawaii: Life size whale statue

Do you know of any largest than life items in your area or that you have found on your travels? Let me know.

OBAMA OUT OF THE BAG FOR 2012

2011-12-01T16:04:00.003-05:00

Why the fat lip Obama? Is it because every week there is a new scandal on your watch? Or maybe it is because among Independents you are at a 30% favorability rate? You haven't provided Leadership to the government and more recently to the Super Committee. There is no budget, a 9% unemployment rate, and a $15 trillion dollar debt . You have an Attorney General who lied to Congress about the guns to Mexico plan. Fanny and Freddie Mac executives receive millions in bonuses while asking for more and more taxpayer money. Nothing is happening in Congress partly because of your lack of leadership. You continue to go around the country raising money but can't get your jobs program going. How can you ask millionaires for money while saying you want to tax them at a higher rate? I guess you have cajones. My wish is for someone new in the White House in 2012. You sold the public a pig in a poke when you got elected in 2008. No one knew much about you. You had no track record in either the private sector, in the Illinois legislature nor in the US Congress. You have flip flopped on so many issues. I hope that people will wake up and see that there needs to be a change.

TIME FOR A 3RD PARTY CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT??

2011-11-27T17:12:00.002-05:00

Do you think it is time for a third party candidate to throw their hat in the ring for the presidency? It would be nice if they were liberal leaning and took some votes from Obama but in most cases it would be a conservative who would take votes from the Republicans. The last time a third party did well was when Ross Perot ran in 1992 and 1996 on the Reform Party. In 1992, he won 18.9% of the popular vote which was about 19 million voters. At one point he led Clinton and Bush with 39% of the voters polled. He had a problem with his Vice Presidential candidate Vice Admiral Stockdale. He did a big flub during the Vice Presidential debates and lost alot of support. Perot ran again in 1996 with Pat Choate as his V. Presidential candidate. They got about 9% of the popular vote which allowed Clinton to win. Perot today is 81 and is the 99th richest guy in America with a worth of $3.4 billion dollars.

Do you think there is a third party candidate out there this year? Ron Paul has threatened but says he won't run as an Independent this year. Does the Tea Party have a candidate in Michelle Backman or Rick Perry? I doubt it but who knows.

LADY DOESN'T WANT TO BE IN HEAVEN WITH RELATIVES

2011-11-21T13:56:00.002-05:00

This is a reprint from a Dear Abby column. I thought it was very interesting.

DEAR ABBY: I am a middle aged woman who is Baptists by faith. I believe that when I die I will go to heaven. My problem is, if going to heaven means being reunited with parents and other family members, then I don't want to go. The idea of spending eternity with them is more than I can stand, but I don't want to go to Hell either. Any thoughts? ETERNALLY CONFUSED IN MISSISSIPPI

DEAR ETERNALLY CONFUSED: Yes. When you reach the pearly gates, talk this over with St Peter. Perhaps he would be willing to place you in a different wing than the one your parents ad other family members are staying in. And in the meantime, discuss this with your minister.

CLIMBING MT. FUJI

2011-11-20T11:25:00.004-05:00

I saw these photos on flickr the other day and it reminded me of my climb of Mt. Fuji in Japan in August. I was 11 years old and my parents and another couple decided they wanted to climb Mt Fuji. You can't climb the mountain except at certain times of the year due to the snow. We lived in Yokohama so we drove to the base station. We started in the afternoon and the objective was to be on top of the mountain at sunrise. At the base of the mountain you can buy wooden climbing sticks. There are various stations along the way where you can get a symbol woodburned into your stick. These stations have some food and sleeping space. We climbed for much of the night using flashlights to light the way. On up the mountain you could see other flashlights of other climbers. At some point in the early AM at one of the stations we slept for awhile in a tatami matted room. Everyone just grabs some floor space and a sleeping bag like cover. We got up after a couple of hours and resumed our climb to the top to be there at sunrise. That is spectactular to be above the clouds and watch the sunrise. On the way down you do alot of sliding. The path is of loose lava and it is sharp. You use the climbing stick to help you maintain your balance. Some Marines the previous week climbed it and on the way down they lost their balance and the lava cut them to shreds and they had to be airlifted off the mountain. We were advised to wear high top teenies and then heavy socks to stick your pants legs in so that the lava doesn't get in your shoes. At the end of the climb our tennies looked like a pit bull hadn't them for play. They were shredded. I still have my climbing stick and the Japanese flag that I got at the top of the climb. This happened in 1954.

SEIU RIPS OFF MICHIGAN DISABLED CHILD PARENTS

2011-11-17T19:32:00.003-05:00

If you really want to hear something ridiculous read this. Apparently in Michigan if you care for your own disabled child you have to pay dues with "no" union benefits to the SEIU (Service Employees International Union). About 40,000 parents are charged $30 a month if they have multiple children. The SEIU makes $6 million dollars for doing nothing.

This started in 2006 by a GOP member of all people. The logic is if parents receive money for being a caregiver to their disabled child, they are receiving state funds. That payment makes them the same as a day care provider and they are considered state employees since they get state funds.

The Michigan House has passed a bill to stop this practice but it is bogged down in the State Senate.

SEIU has close ties to Obama and he entertains their union leaders regularly. Along with other things could SEIU be guilty of racketeering?

SYRIAN TROOPS REBEL

2011-11-16T19:09:00.003-05:00

Finally some of the Syrian troops are starting to go AWOL and fight against President al Assad, the Butcher of Damascus. Fighting was reported in Rastan where about 2,000 former military took on the Syrian Army. Thousands of demonstrators also showed their support and some are taking up arms. So far in Syria 3,500 or more have been killed by Assads troops for wanting more democracy. The Arab League has finally had enough and has thrown Syria out and is imposing sanctions. Assad had promised some democratic moves but has done nothing but kill demonstrators with his troops. The Arab Spring is finally moving into his country. King Abdullah of Jordan has called on Assad to step down. A bold move for another Arab leader. Let's hope more Syrian troops finally see the light and the fact that they are killing their own citizens. Assad to have been a doctor is not a very pleasant guy. There is also suspicions that some of Saddam Husseins weapons of mass destruction might be located in Syria. Convoys of trucks were seen moving from Iraq to Syria as U.S. troops moved into the country. What will be found if Assad is deposed? The Israeli military took out a nuclear facility that Assad was building with the help of the North Koreans. Funny how he never made a big deal about it. I guess he knew he was wrong to have it. Here is hoping that Assad will be desposed and more democracy comes to Syria.

OBAMA WASTES MILLIONS ON GREEN COMPANIES WHO GO BUST

2011-11-16T13:57:00.002-05:00

Obama has been touting "green jobs" since before his election. Six months before the election he was at Solyndra saying what a wonderful company it was. At the same time one of the big Solyndra shareholders was holding campaign fundraisers for Obama. Obama and Harry Reid called these companies "creators of green jobs".

The Bush Administration had looked at several of the "green companies" for possible energy loan guarantees. They elected not to fund Solyndra. Shortly after Obama takes over the Energy Dept gave Solyndra $535 million in loan guarantees. The company founded in 2005 by Chris M. Gronet was Fremont, CA based. The day Solyndra got their loan guarantees Gronet got $13.9 million in stock options. The CEO who was leading when the company went bankrupt was Brian Harrison who had come from Intel. Both of these executives had made a number of White House visits to show the closeness with Obama. A total of 1,100 people lost their jobs when the company went belly up and the American taxpayers were on the hook for $535 million.

Several other "green" companies fall in the same category. Beacon Power Corportation a Massachusettes based company went bankrupt after getting $43 million in loan guarantees.
Nevada Geothermal Power got $79 million in loan guarantees and $66 million in grants. One of Nancy Pelosi's relatives was involved with this company.

How can people be so stupid? Didn't they check out these companies carefully before giving them millions? Why isn't the Obama administration going after money and assets from these CEOs and corporate officers who raped the companies and left the American taxpayers holding the bag. What about all the people who lost their jobs? Is this what Obama calls his job plan? We should immediately stop all "green company' loan guarantees. And we wonder why we are $15 trillion dollars in debt as of yesterday.

KENTUCKY ELECTION PUTS STATE IN OBAMA'S POCKET

2011-11-10T19:28:00.002-05:00

As the election results came in on Tuesday it was apparent that the Democrats overwhelmingly took the state offices up for election. Personally I approve of the conservative Democratic Governor over David Williams. Jack "Noway" Conway was reelected as State Attorney General. He won't fight Obama on coal EPA issues which will cost the state thousands of jobs. He won't fight Obama on Obamacare so again the nation will suffer. Some of the other Democratic candidates are incumbents and others new to state jobs. I realize that more people are registered as Democrats( almost 2 million ) than Republicans (1.2 million) with about 250,000 Independents. There has only been one Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher is decades. How is that working out for you. If you want this country and the Commonwealth to continue down the current path you are causing your own misery. There was also a very light turnout for the election which speaks volumes too. Here you have the right to vote and don't. Other countries would give their left arm for the chance to vote when they can't. I guess this is Democracy in action.

UPDATE ON EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS.

2011-11-08T17:23:00.003-05:00

In a previous blog I described the difficulty I was having in getting my event tickets which I had paid for 2 months ago. After contacting a box office supervisor late last week I was told she would get me an answer that night. She said how late will you be up? I said til Jay Leno. Then she laughed. She stated she would get me an answer that night. End of the night and no answer. I had asked for the Box Office Manager to call me. I called one more time and asked for the Box Office Supervisor who was in another meeting. Finally Monday I went to the Box Office. I spoke to a student clerk and then to the supersvisor that I had spoken with last week. She asked for the same information I had provided twice before and I gave it to her again. She leaves and goes to an office where I would say the Box Office Manager is. Then a person I later find out is the Director of the Center calls out " I guess Charles got good seats". I didn't know who Charles was. The supervisor came back and said oh Charles ______ got your seats. It was a mistake and if I had the information you provided me before I could have had an answer earlier. They had the information twice before and that didn't help. They did come out with two tickets next to our friends as requested two months earlier. I asked to speak with the Director. She kinda blew it off as a little error. She offered a half hearted apology with several BUTS behind it. But we are new. But we sent out the tickets as we told you but just to the wrong person. I told her I didn't like to be lied to as I was on several occasions and I pointed at the supervisor who was going to call me back late last week. She still hadn't called me several days later. I have heard of other problems with this center so I guess I am not the only one. I think they had better do a little staff training. I told the Director tell me there is a screw up but don't lie to me. Be honest. Something I'm not sure they are capable of. Have you had any problems?

NEW EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS LACKS CUSTOMER SERVICE

2011-11-02T14:52:00.003-04:00

I realize that the new $30 million Eastern Kentucky Center For the Arts is new but so far their customer service is unsatisfactory. The new 2,100 seat center started off with some performances by some big names B.B. King, Willy Nelson and Wynonna Judd. Other events have also been held but I wonder about the real attendance. I understand for some events students were given free tickets to fill up seats. Sort of disconcerting for people who may have paid $75 or more for the same tickets. The Centers Director is Debra Hoskins. I hope that she gets the staff's act together as far as customer service. I had purchased tickets to an event. As time got closer for the event I decided to call and see when tickets would be sent out. I called several times with no response. I left a message and got no response. I called a second time and left a message stating that if I didn't hear from someone I would contact the University Presidents Office. Golly gee I suddenly got a call back. My friends who we bought tickets at the same time received their tickets about 5 days ago. Today I called again and was told that tickets were being sent out. I guess I will wait a couple more days to see if the tickets arrive. I am not the only one having ticket problems I have talked with others with the same problem. I guess they spent millions on facilities but didn't spend a dime on customer service. If things don't get better I won't be attending other events. Have you had a similar problem, let me know?

SMOKIE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

2011-11-01T12:40:00.002-04:00

Fall is a great time to visit the Smokie Mountain National Park. There is such a variety of trees that in fall they come in a variety of colors as the trees change. You can go at various times and you will see different levels of fall. The tops of the mountains get their colors first and then it extends down to the mid and lower levels. There is only one main road thru the park and it runs from near Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC. The second photo was taken on that road. The first photo is from Cades Cove. This 11 mile loop road takes you thru an area once settled by pioneers and some of their buildings, churches etc are still there and can be visited. This is also a great place to see wildlife. Deer, wild turkeys, small animals and even bears live in the area. There is plenty to see and do and photographers can go crazy with the great shots. There are also a number of streams in the area with roaring rapids, along side fall colored trees. This area is not far from Knoxville TN and also in the area is Pigeon Forge the home of Dollywood. There is always activity in these areas from amusement type entertainment, dinner theaters, factory outlet malls, restaurants and sightseeing. Starting in November the Christmas lights and decorations will be up in Pigeon Forge. All in all a fun place to visit.

OBAMA " CAN'T WAIT FOR CONGRESS"

2011-10-31T14:56:00.002-04:00

Every where he goes lately Obama's theme is "we can't wait for Congress". He is talking about his Jobs Bill. The same jobs bill that the Democratic Senate would not approve. The same Jobs Bill that probably the House of Representatives will not approve. Why? Because it is throwing good money after bad. This is a rehash of his other stimulus bills which have led to no jobs and a loss of the money given to companies by the taxpayers. He has tried to give money to "green companies" and so far several billions of dollars were gone due to the same companies folding and declaring bankrupcy. Another stimulus was given to a car company to build an electric car in the USA. Where is it being built? In Finland. How many USA jobs did that create? Obama is only try to do an end run around Congress. He has been in office 3 years and he hasn't got it done. Now suddenly during reelection time he wants to show what a mover and a shaker he is. His leadership SUCKS. I hope Congress reins him in because he is probably illegally doing things that the executive branch is not suppose to be doing. If you are looking for a job don't count on Obama to get you one. He is throwing money at bad investments and the taxpayers are the losers. So don't listen to Obama look at his actions. He talks a good story but doesn't back it up with actions.

TRUE MEANING OF "THE SOUTH"

2011-10-28T14:13:00.002-04:00

This signs seems to sum up the true meaning of "The South". Sweet tea is a staple for drinking. The South may have four seasons but summertime starts in April. Every where you go one of the sides you can get with a meal is macaroni and cheese. Kids are lost without it. Everyone loves a big front porch where they can sit and watch the world go by. Southerners love their pecan pie. It is available year round not just at holidays. If you don't say Y'all you are not a Southerner. Fried chicken is another staple. You notice the South talks and is involved alot with food. Biscuits are nothing without gravy. Who wants corn flakes when you can have biscuits and gravy or biscuits and sausage for breakfast. A stick to you meal. The women love everything and everything is Darlin. You can say anything you want including something mean as long as you add "Bless their little hearts". That erases all the bad in your comment. There is alot of conjecture of where The South starts but there are alot of people who connect with The South and some of them seem a little North. So if you are from The South you already know all this. If you are from the North, East or West you may not be aware of these facts. So if you are visiting The South take them to heart.

THE INN AT CHRISTMAS PLACE: PIGEON FORGE TN

2011-10-27T16:14:00.003-04:00

If you are interested in staying some where different in Pigeon Forge, TN try The Inn at Christmas Place. It is owned by the folks who own The Christmas Place and the Partridge & Pear Restaurant. The Inn is decorated for Christmas year round. Every room is decorated, the hallways have Christmas scenes and Christmas / winter art work. The lobby has a huge Christmas tree, a santa and a nativity scene above the check in desk. In the lower level sitting area is a 2 story glockenspiel and caroling bells. They go off every hour and the elves strike a large bell and Santa appears from the top where the cuckoo normally comes out. The bells chime out carols. There is a nice outdoor area with flowers, ponds and a waterfall. There are 145 rooms and suites on five floors. Some rooms have a balcony. They serve hot cider and coffee in the lobby and at 8PM Mrs Claus brings cookies to the lobby. Other times Santa visits and there are other activities. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. The outdoor pool has a 95 ft figure-eight water slide. They offer a free breakfast that is great. They have an omlette station, a hot food station, Crispy Creme donuts and lots of other items. The best breakfast at a hotel I have seen. The Inn is located at Light 2A in Pigeon Forge. The staff was also great. So try something different if you are in Pigeon Forge especially if you want to get into the Christmas mood.

OBAMA PLAN OF THE DAY PLAN

2011-10-25T15:30:00.002-04:00

Isn't it interesting. Obama suddenly has a new plan every day that he is out campaigning. He didn't have a clue for 3 years and no plans. Now to try and lure voters in he has a new economic plan daily. One day it is hire teachers / police officers. The next day is save the homeowners. Can we really believe that Obama is going to make the economy better? He hasn't done it in his term so the chances of it happening before the election is pretty slim. What is he going to propose tomorrow?

Obama was in Hollywood with his hands out for donations. He tries to start class warfare and here he is where people are grossly overpaid. I don't hear him telling them they need to give more. He only wants them to give more to him.

OBAMA CHICKENS OUT OF IRAQ

2011-10-22T09:32:00.004-04:00

Obama knows he is in serious political trouble for his reelection. So his solution is to pull out of Iraq completely. Now none of us want our troops to stay overseas any longer than they have to. But by completely pulling out of Iraq you are leaving the door open for Iran to move right in. With their nuclear desires don't you think we need a military presence in the region in case things go bad. The President as Commander in Chief is responsible for the safety of the American people. Obama's short term desire to fulfill his 2008 campaign promise to get out of Iraq is overpowering the outlook for our safety in the future. If he was serious about having some troops in Iraq to train the Iraq army and police it could have been done. He didn't even send an envoy to Iraq to try and negotiate a deal. The big sticking point was immunity for our troops from Iraqi law. It has been worked out in other countries like South Korea, England, Germany etc. Plus such a quick pullout will require that probably billions of dollars worth of American equipment be left in Iraq. Yes leaving some of the equipment to assist the Iraqi army etc is good but this will be wholesale garage sale. The equipment will have to be replaced at a cost of millions and probably billions of dollars which we don't have. Now if the Iraqi government wants to pay for the equipment in oil or dollars fine. Obama is only playing politics because his behind is in trouble politically. The military leaders highly recommended that this not be done. So our amateur President with no military experience is going to override the generals and others with a heck of alot more experience than him. He will just kick the defend the Americans can down the road to someone else if Iran becomes a problem.

SANCTUARY CITIES: WASHINGTON DC JOINS THE LIST

2011-10-21T20:04:00.002-04:00

Until I started researching I didn't realize how many sancutary cities there were. Actually there are several sanctuary states. Washington DC has just joined the list. Basically a sanctuary city won't cooperate with federal authorities on issues of illegal aliens. A solution of course is to cut off all federal aid to sanctuary cities and states. Once the money stops I think that the cooperation will return. If they didn't get education, highway and law enforcement money then the local officials would scurry to change their status.

Here is just a partial list of some of the sanctuary places I found. Some are big cities and some are small towns.

Anchorage AK
Phoenix / Tucson AZ
Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego CA
Denver / Ft Collins CO
Hartford CT
Miami FL
Dalton GA
Chicago IL
Wichita KS
New Orleans LA
Cambridge MA
State of Maine
Baltimore MD
Detroit MI
Minneapolis / St Paul MN
Reno NV
Camden & Newark NJ
Albuquerque and Santa Fe NM
New York City NY
Charlotte NC
Columbus OH
Oklahoma City OK
State of Oregon
Piladelphia PA
Dallas / Ft Worth TX
State of Utah
Alexandria VA
State of Vermont
Seattle WA
Madison WI
Jackson Hole WY
Washington DC

To the credit of some states there are only one or two places which are sanctuary cities. In other states like California there are numerous sanctuary cities. And you wonder why illegal immigration is a problem in such places as California aka Upper Mexico. There are other cities that are considering sanctuary status. If the citizens who oppose these actions don't take actions they will be living in a sanctuary city whether they like it or not.

OBAMA HIGH PRICED CZARS

2011-10-20T19:33:00.001-04:00

Someone passed this along to me in an email. Interesting if true.

These people make $180,000 or more per year (secret service protection etc, not in their salary!) What a waste of American taxpayer money..

Stunning......
There are very few of us who know just what all the CZARs do up in D.C. ................Here are their names and job descriptions.......should be educational to ALL AMERICANS............no matter what your politics.......if you resent this list, then get angry at the one who put these characters on the payroll. And not at the one who mailed it.....

OBAMA'S "CZARS"-- Read who they are and realize what they want to do.
Richard Holbrooke
Afghanistan Czar
Ultra liberal anti gun former Gov. Of New Mexico. Pro Abortion and legal drug use. Dissolve the 2nd Amendment
Ed Montgomery
Auto recovery Czar
Black radical anti business activist. Affirmative Action and Job Preference for blacks. Univ of Maryland Business School Dean teaches US business has caused world poverty. ACORN board member. Communist DuBois Club member.
Jeffrey Crowley
AIDS Czar
Radical Homosexual.. A Gay Rights activist. Believes in Gay Marriage and especially, a Special Status for homosexuals only, including complete free health care for gays.
Alan Bersin
Border Czar
The former failed superintendent of San Diego . Ultra Liberal friend of Hilary Clinton. Served as Border Czar under Janet Reno - to keep borders open to illegals without interference from US
David J. Hayes
California Water Czar
Sr. Fellow of radical environmentalist group, "Progress Policy". No training or experience in water management whatsoever.
Ron Bloom
Car Czar
Auto Union worker. Anti business & anti nuclear. Has worked hard to force US auto makers out of business. Sits on the Board of Chrysler which is now Auto Union owned. How did this happen?
Dennis Ross
Central Region Czar
Believes US policy has caused Mid East wars. Obama apologist to the world. Anti gun and completely pro abortion.
Lynn Rosenthal
Domestic Violence Czar
Director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Vicious anti male feminist. Supported male castration. Imagine?
Gil Kerlikowske
Drug Czar
devoted lobbyist for every restrictive gun law proposal, Former Chief of Police in Liberal Seattle. Believes no American should own a firearm. Supports legalization of all drugs
Paul Volcker
Economic Czar
Head of Fed Reserve under Jimmy Carter when US economy nearly failed. Obama appointed head of the Economic Recovery Advisory Board which engineered the Obama economic disaster to US economy. Member of anti business "Progressive Policy" organization
Carol Brower
Energy and Environment Czar
Political Radical Former head of EPA - known for anti-business activism. Strong anti-gun ownership.
Joshua DuBois
Faith Based Czar
Political Black activist-Degree in Black Nationalism. Anti gun ownership lobbyist. WHAT THE HELL DOES A FAITH BASED CZAR DO???????????
Cameron Davis
Great LakesCzar
Chicago radical anti business environmentalist. Blames George Bush for "Poisoning the water that minorities have to drink." No experience or training in water management. Former ACORN Board member (what does that tell us?)
Van Jones
Green Jobs Czar
(since resigned).. Black activist Member of American communist Party and San Francisco Communist Party who said Geo Bush caused the 911 attack and wanted Bush investigated by the World Court for war crimes. Black activist with strong anti-white views.
Daniel Fried
Guantanamo Closure Czar
Human Rights activist for Foreign Terrorists. Believes America has caused the war on terrorism. Believes terrorists have rights above and beyond Americans.
Nancy-Ann DeParle.
Health Czar
Former head of Medicare / Medicaid. Strong Health Care Rationing proponent. She is married to a reporter for The New York Times.
Vivek Kundra
Information Czar
Born in New Delhi , India . Controls all public information, including labels and news releases. Monitors all private Internet emails. (hello?)
Todd Stern
International Climate Czar
Anti business former White House chief of Staff- Strong supporter of the Kyoto Accord. Pushing hard for Cap and Trade. Blames US business for Global warming. Anti- US business prosperity.
Dennis Blair
Intelligence Czar
Ret. Navy. Stopped US guided missile program as "provocative". Chair of ultra liberal "Council on Foreign Relations" which blames American organizations for regional wars.
George Mitchell
Mideast Peace Czar
Fmr. Sen from Maine Left wing radical. Has said Israel should be split up into "2 or 3 " smaller more manageable plots". (God forbid) A true Anti-nuclear anti-gun & pro homosexual "special rights" advocate
Kenneth Feinberg
Pay Czar
Chief of Staff to TED KENNEDY. Lawyer who got rich off the 911 victims payoffs. (horribly true)
Cass Sunstein
Regulatory Czar
Liberal activist judge believes free speech needs to be limited for the "common good". Essentially against 1st amendment Rules against personal freedoms many times -like private gun ownership and right to free speech. This guy has to be run out of Washington !!
John Holdren
Science Czar
Fierce ideological environmentalist, Sierra Club, Anti business activist. Claims US business has caused world poverty. No Science training.
Earl Devaney
Stimulus Accountability Czar
Spent career trying to take guns away from American citizens. Believes in Open Borders to Mexico . Author of statement blaming US gun stores for drug war in Mexico ...
J. Scott Gration
Sudan Czar
Native of Democratic Republic of Congo . Believes US does little to help Third World countries. Council of foreign relations, asking for higher US taxes to support United Nations
Herb Allison
TARP Czar
Fannie Mae CEO responsible for the US recession by using real estate mortgages to back up the US stock market. Caused millions of people to lose their life savings.
John Brennan
Terrorism Czar
Anti CIA activist. No training in diplomatic or gov. affairs. Believes Open Borders to Mexico and a dialog with terrorists and has suggested Obama disband US military A TOTAL MORON !!!!!
Aneesh Chopra
Technology Czar
No Technology training. Worked for the Advisory Board Company, a health care think tank for hospitals. Anti doctor activist. Supports Obama Health care Rationing and salaried doctors working exclusively for the Gov. health care plan
Adolfo Carrion Jr..
Urban Affairs Czar
Puerto Rican born Anti American activist and leftist group member in Latin America . Millionaire "slum lord" of the Bronx , NY. Owns many lavish homes and condos which he got from "sweetheart" deals with labor unions. Wants higher taxes on middle class to pay for minority housing and health care
Ashton Carter
Weapons Czar
Leftist. Wants all private weapons in US destroyed. Supports UN ban on firearms ownership in America .. No Other "policy"
Gary Samore
WMD Policy Czar
Former US Communist. Wants US to destroy all WMD unilaterally as a show of good faith. Has no other "policy".
> > These are the people who are helping President Obama in the RUNNING of our country and the White House.> > ARE YOU ANGRY YET? Please pass this on and

I HAVE A DREAM : OBAMA ISN'T IN THE WHITE HOUSE

2011-10-18T16:56:00.002-04:00

Washington DC did the dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial this week. Of course he is remembered for his "I Have a Dream" speech. We can all come up with a "I have a dream" speech of our own.

I have a dream and Obama isn't in the White House.
I have a dream the USA has full employment.
I have a dream the USA is not in debt of $14 trillion dollars
I have a dream of a smaller government
I have a dream of less government regulations and laws
In my dream people are not having their homes foreclosed on
I have a dream of the American Dream and the ability of everyone to have it.

So let me know about your dream.

YOUNG AND STUPID

2011-10-17T19:23:00.002-04:00

Why do we see so many young adults and teenagers getting into trouble over ridiculous things. Georgetown College, KY has a promising baseball player who was caught with $33,000 worth of pills that were sent thru the U.S. Post Office. His baseball and college careers are probably gone and he may spent alot of years in federal prison. At 22 is this something you aspire to? A 14 year old was caught stealing 3 flags from a memorial to fallen Kentucky military. Now he will have a record. You see young people drinking and driving. If they are lucky they don't kill someone else or themselves. But having one or more DUIs on your record doesn't help your case for looking for a job. Other people have a job in a store and then steal from the store. My daughter was a Loss Prevention Manager for Macy's. She caught more young part time employees stealing than she did outsiders. Then the young college student normally will have a police record. Would you give them a job if you had other applicants with clean records? Don't think so. The economy is bad enough without putting barriers up yourself. Is some minor amount of money worth having a police record the rest of your life?

NANCY PELOSI DECLARED INCOMPETENT

2011-10-14T13:44:00.003-04:00

We all knew that Nancy Pelsoi had declared herself Queen of San Francisco. Now she has decided that she is Queen of the United States. She has been running around Congress shouting "off with their heads - off with their heads". Who does she think she is the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland? Of course she is talking about Republicans and Tea Partiers. Nancy once the Speaker of the House apparently lost it when she lost her prime position in Congress. Now she is declaring that Republicans want more rapes, murders and starving people because they don't buy Obama's policies.

Nancy your 15 minutes of fame was gone a long time ago. Now it is time for you to really go - stage left is that way. You led a do nothing House of Representatives and still wants no one to do anything but what Obama wants. Example is his wanting the Jobs Bill passed NOW. Not even the Democratic Senate agreed with that and shot it down.

If you have ever visited San Francisco you know it is a beautiful city and a great place to visit. But it is a looney bin of liberals. The latest is you can walk around town nude and no one will stop you. It is a sanctuary city so if you are illegal no problem they won't arrest you even if you commit crimes. They will take away your toy from your Happy Meal however. Did anyone ever think about putting up a high fence around San Francisco to keep the loonies in so that they wouldn't infect the normal people?

VOTE OUT NANCY PELOSI WHEN SHE RUNS AGAIN. MAYBE SHE SHOULD GET THE SAME RESULTS AS HENRY VIII WIVES.

ERIC HOLDER AN OBAMA TOOL AND A DULL ONE AT THAT

2011-10-12T19:12:00.002-04:00

Well Eric Holder is back in trouble with Congress. He is under supeona about the Fast and Furious gun running plan to sell weapons to the Mexican cartels. Holder had said he didn't know anything about it until a couple weeks ago. Now email and memo's show that he knew about it much sooner. Holder has had several other problems when major things he should have known about he didn't see. Maybe the guy is just incompetent or he lies alot. I hope he is dragged to Congress to answer about what he knew and when. The Congress is also looking for memo's, emails with the White House to see if they were involved in any way. You would think Holder would know about a plan that had a U.S. border agent killed and two of the guns involved were as a result of the Fast and Furious Operation. Maybe it is time for Eric to go.

TOUGH NEW ALABAMA LAW SENDS ILLEGALS SCATTERING

2011-10-08T12:43:00.003-04:00

Alabama has enacted a strong new immigration law which has illegals leaving the state in droves. The new law allows local and state police to ask for immigration papers during routine traffic stops, it renders contracts with illegals unenforceable and requires schools to determine the immigration status of students at registration time. A federal judge has already upheld the law. In Albertsville a town with many poultry processing plants 123 students have withdrawn.
State wide over 2,000 students were absent and maybe gone. This is 5% of the illegal immigrants students enrolled. Some stores are less busy and some stores have lost employees. One poultry processor held a job fair and others were able to obtain jobs formerly held by illegals. Some farmers say they may have problems getting their crops in during to the labor shortage. People who favor the law say that it might take some time to relevel the job situation. Some illegals are hunkered down hoping that the federal government will intervene like they tried to do in Arizona. Others are selling their homes and property for discounts and moving to surrounding states. If this was a federal law it might have a real impact on illegal aliens and the job front. Others states are watching the situation and may enact their own tougher laws.

Products: Same Price, Less Product

2011-10-06T20:43:00.002-04:00

Have you been to the grocery lately and checked out some of the products. The economy is forcing companies to either raise the prices, lower the amount of product you get or change the packaging to deceive you.

Here are some examples:

Subway announced that after January 1, 2012 you will pay extra for cheese

Quaker Granole Bars 20% less bars, same price

Nate's Meatballs 12.5% less product still $4.99

Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal old 12 oz is now 10oz same price

Orville Redenbacker popcorn. New bowls is deceiving only 2.9oz instead of 3.3oz

Pop Secret popcorn old 3.5 oz now 3.2oz -9%

Odwalla drink now 12 oz from old 15 oz

Nestle Lil Drum ice cream 10 cones now, old carton 12 cones

Noxzema down from 14 oz to 12 oz by changing the bottom of their jars to deceive

Walmart Beef Jerky was 12 oz now 10oz

Dial Hand soap taller bottle but down from 11.25oz to 9.375oz

Mini Diet Cokes now 7.5oz from former 8 oz

Crackerbarrel maple syrup. Once was 100% Maple syrup now 100% pure natural syrup.

I'm sure you will find many more products going the same way. Just be careful when you buy a product and check it out. It may look the same but contain less product.

OBAMA TALKS; GAS GOES UP, STOCK MARKET GOES DOWN

2011-10-06T20:15:00.002-04:00

Well here we go again. Obama was on TV defending his Jobs Bill. You know what that means tomorrow gas prices will go up and the stock market will go down. My 401k can't afford to have Obama on TV. The bad thing is that is all politics not leadership. I don't even watch him anymore. If his lips are moving he is lying or trying to sell us another pig in a poke like Obamacare. Today he was asked about the green energy company that he loaned $500 million and went bankrupt. Why isn't the government examining the CEO's house, luxury cars and bank accounts. I bet he isn't bankrupt and is living high on the hog. He was also asked why the Wall Street types who caused all the financial fallout haven't been prosecuted? No real answer on that front.

I hear Obama is taking another bus trip or should I say another political campaign swing thru a couple of states.

Please Obama stay off TV so that gas prices will go down and stock prices will rise.

STARBUCKS AND INDIVIDUAL ECONOMY

2011-10-06T20:03:00.003-04:00

I always marvel at the economy and how individuals view it. I worked in San Francisco and on some blocks there were up to three Starbucks a block. Besides Starbucks there were other coffee brands on about every corner. Many of our younger employees would talk about the fact that they were short on money but these same individuals might have two Starbucks and a Jamba Juice a day. I always thought if you are short on cash why are you spending so much on coffee and other specialty drinks? Personally I don't like coffee and I have had one Starbuck coffee (a person got the wrong order at Christmas time and didn't like the cinammon taste and gave it to me) and one hot chocolate. As you can tell I'm not into hot drinks.

Here is some infor on Starbucks:(latest info I could find)

17,009 stores in 55 countries.

11,00 stores in USA

First Starbucks started in 1971

1992 they did their first stock option with 165 stores

Net income 2010: $945.6 million

Revenue 2010: $10.71 billion

28 million customers a year

Make 100 drinks per hour in populated areas

Average store has 462 customers a day

Prices: (Basic price each item adds cost)

Short 8 oz $1.75

Grande 16 oz $1.96

Vente 20 oz $2.07

Frappachino $6.95

I will admit that they have stimulated the economy by creating stores and employing people.

I am still amazed at the number of people who drive thru each day on their way to work, lunch time and during coffee breaks. I guess everyone has to figure out what is important to them and how they want to spend their money.

REPUBLICANS, TEA PARTY AND INDEPENDENTS ARE NOT VOTING FOR DAVID WILLIAMS AS GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

2011-09-26T13:08:00.003-04:00

State Senate President David Williams (R) is running for Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He is running against the incumbent Democrat Breshear. David Williams is a career polititican who seems to have only looked after himself while in office. He is abrasive and obstructive. He has wasted state money on all kinds of things including keeping the Senate in session for no reason. The House had adjourned so no legislation was going to happen but he persisted. He has furnished his office lavishly and I understand has insured that his pension is increased while voting to decrease other's pensions. People I talk to even in his own party are not voting for him. I understand he is double digits down in the polls. A great place for him to be and I think in the general election the votes will be even greater against him. I don't normally vote for Democrats but Breshear seems to at least be a conservative Democrat and he seems to have done a good job as Governor. The Commonwealth is doing much better than most of the states as far as debt is concerned. Plus jobs are coming back to the Commonwealth so business likes the atmosphere. So good luck Governor Breshear. It is time for the professional politician to be retired.

AIR TRAVEL

2011-09-23T19:24:00.002-04:00

I have been off the blog for a few days. I took a trip to California and all I can say is air travel these days SUCKS. You have to get to the airport several hours in advance of your flight. One my first leg in addition to a high ticket price (almost twice what we normally pay) we got charged $50 for two bags. Then you get the pleasure of visiting the TSA agents. You might as well walk thru naked and then they want have to ask you to remove something. Then the airports are so crowded there isn't enough seats for all the people trying to fly. Finally you get ready for the flight. Of course first class passengers go first, then Premiere passengers, then say Gold Club members, then priority seating (whatever that is and how they get it you never know). That leaves probably less than half of the passengers who are on the plane due to all the exceptions given to this club and that. Once on the plane then you have to find a place for your bag, if you carry one. Everyone is trying to get around paying baggage fees so they carry two smaller suitcases or a backpack and cram them in the overhead bins. Of course the airliners are not built for such loads. One of these days the overhead bins are going to fall on passengers from being overloaded. Now you are crammed in like sardines and either the plane gets too cold or too hot. I don't know who is in charge of the temperature? It probably isn't on the pilot or co pilots checklist so it goes where it goes. You are either in the tropics or in a frozen food locker and that can happen within a few minutes of each other. Oh almost forgot they actually give you a soft drink or they will sell you food. The food establishments inside the security area of airports know this and charge you an arm and a leg for a sandwich or bottle of water to take on the plane. Maybe they think the water comes from a glacier in Switzerland that is why they can charge so much. At your destination or in our case layover airport we had a couple of hours to hang around for the next flight. Again the waiting areas are crammed with people. Then if you take another flight you go thru almost the same process only without the TSA screening. We had to take a regional airline (ie smaller plane) to Dallas. The seats in that plane were so hard sitting on a rock would have been the preferred choice of seating. Then on our return flight we checked in and instead of $50 for two bags they said oh it is $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second bag. I said my wife has one bag $25 and I have one bag $25 that equals $50. The ticket agent said no you booked both your flights at the same time you have two bags $25 and $35 so it is $60. We argued for awhile and finally I paid it. I will take it up with their customer service department tomorrow. Either there is a standard policy or anyone can do whatever they want. You can't have it both ways. I love to travel but I am avoiding air travel whenever possible. I may have to drive further and longer but if it is within a reasonable range I won't be taking the airlines. ROAD TRIP.

Tell me about your airline horror stories. Maybe mine will seem tame compared with yours.

REMEMBER 9/11

2011-09-09T19:56:00.002-04:00

I hope that everyone will pause on 9/11 to remember those 3,000 plus people who died in the World Trade Center towers. They were normal people doing their work when terrorist drove their hijacked aircraft into the towers. Also remember the brave first responders who without regard for their lives went into the burning buildings to try to save people. Many of them gave their lives doing that. Since 9/11 many military members have given their lives trying to take the terrorist down. We need to think about them also. This attack rivals Pearl Harbor as attacks on the homeland of the United States. One by a foreign country and one by terrorist from several countries who hated the United States. Those folks are still out there and would like to repeat this attack. If you can fly your flag to show your respect.

OBAMA: HOW ARE YOU GOING TO PAY FOR THE $447 BILLION AMERICAN JOBS ACT?????

2011-09-08T19:48:00.002-04:00

Well Obama pulled off another dog and pony show before the joint houses of Congress. Interesting that he did it when many areas of the country were still working and probably not available to watch it on TV. It's 4PM on the West Coast. Just a couple of quick thoughts I will expand later. One is he really doesn't tell you how he is going to pay for this. He implies that the committee of 12 that is suppose to reduce government spending by $1.2 trillion dollars will just cut more but that is no guarantee of anything. They haven't cut the first dollar yet and may not be able to agree on any cuts. He brings up the wealthiest americans need to pay their fair share. Code word for tax hikes for the wealthy. Another step in his class warfare plan. He said about 12 times you need to pass this plan now. I guess he doesn't want anyone to read or question it like he did with Obamacare and look at the pig in the poke we got there. He again talks about shovel ready project after he has said there are no shovel ready projects. He also pandered to the Unions where he gets big bucks and votes. He wants to beat up Congress when for 2 years both houses were Democratic and they didn't do anything. Now he will try to blame the Republicans and the TEA Party if the bill doesn't pass immediately and his way. He said "we can't wait 14 months til the next election". Well we have already waited almost 3 years since his election. If this was so important to him why hasn't he presented the plan before? Because jobs and the economy has not been his focus. Obama talks a good game but he is short on action. If you believe this BS I have a bridge in Brooklyn and some swamp land in Florida I will sell you cheap.
Beware of Obama's plans.

THANKS TO OBAMA THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION MIGHT BE DEAD

2011-09-03T19:15:00.002-04:00

We have really got ourselves into a pickle now. There is no more shuttle program and nothing really on the drawing boards. The Soviets were suppose to provide astronaut and supply transport for 2 years. Now their Soyuz rocket and 5 tons of supplies went down in flames. There are presently six astroanuts from three countries on the space station. Three were due to leave next month and three more in mid -November. the Soyuz was suppose to bring replacement astronauts. That program has been grounded until they can figure out what caused the crash. The astronauts at the international space station have space crafts to return to earth but there might no be any replacements. With no one on the space station if something happens there is no one to repair it. That could cause the destruction of the station. Right now the last shuttle took a years supply of supplies to the international space station. But something could happen that requires parts that they don't have and can't get. Whom ever let the space program get to this point needs a swift kick in the backside. As a leader in space exploration we have painted ourselves into a corner. When you have to rely on the Soviets to get people to that station you are already a failure. Plus once we let the engineers and other space experts go on ending the shuttle program who is to say that they will ever be available again. They have years of invaluable expertise that is needed to keep the program going. What a disgrace.

AMERICA SHOULD BE MORE AFRAID OF OBAMA THAN TERRORIST

2011-09-02T19:26:00.002-04:00

At this point in history we have more to fear from Obama than we do from the terrorist. The terrorist made a big splash with their attack on the World Trade Center 10 years ago. Obama has been causing havoc for 3 years over and over again. No matter what you look at Obama is trying to change this nation for the worst. Obamacare which we don't even know the impact is having some employers hold back on creating jobs and some employers getting rid of health care benefits for their workers. The EPA and all the other departments are daily instituting new regulations, rules and laws which are trampling our freedoms. I wouldn't want to be a small business owner in this atmosphere. Even big business has plenty of cash but they don't want to use it to hire because they don't know what they are facing day to day. We can't drill for oil where we want to but Obama can give Brazil millions of our dollars to drill for oil on their land. Obama won't enforce immigration laws but the Labor Department puts out rules protecting illegal aliens by guaranteeing them certain safety and wages. In many cases we don't even do it for natural born Americans. Immigration reform by Obama is a joke. He wants to make all the illegals legal so that they will vote for him. He is focused his own job and reelection rather than the jobs of Americans. He has put us deep in debt and doesn't have a clue how to cut the budget. Any average American could have some serious suggestions to him on how to do that. Obama bends over backward for Muslim nations at the expense of this nations defense. Here is someone who has never done nothing and doesn't have a clue as to how to get things done. Leading from behind is his motto because he doesn't know how to lead from in front. So when election time comes around just think about are you better off now or before Obama. Just think what has happened in 3 years under Obama, how can he reek havoc in 8 years in office? I for one am more afraid of what Obama is doing to my country than what any terrorist group will do to it.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN PLAYS GOLF IN RICHMOND, KENTUCKY

2011-08-30T08:41:00.002-04:00

On Friday, August 26th, I thought I was seeing a ghost on the Battlefield Golf Course in Richmond, Kentucky. There was President Abraham Lincoln playing golf. I wiped my eyes to make sure I was seeing what I was seeing. No Abe was there in a black suit, top hat, cane and with his beard. President Lincoln aka Larry Elliott was playing in the Preservation Classic a golf tournament to benefit the Battle of Richmond preservation actions. President Lincoln played most of the course in his suit, top hat and at times used his cane as a putter. I saw that at one point he got hot and removed his coat but the top hat and bow tie stayed. The President was playing without Secret Service protection but he did have four other golfers with clubs with him. At one point prior to playing the President was seen on a Segway on a putting green. I guess he forgot his horse. The President was also very accurate with his cane when putting. He was even seen on his knees using his cane as a pool cue to make a putt. Amazing who would have thought that a President of the United States would have ever played golf. I wonder if this will set a precedence for future Presidents. After the 18 hole tournament it is reported that the President played an additional 9 holes. Amazing the stamina of this President. The President was in Kentucky to view the Battle of Richmond Reenactment on August 27th and 28th at Madison County Battlefield Park. I'm sure he was rooting for the Union forces.

LET'S CHIP IN AND BUILD A 60 FOOT RONALD REAGAN MEMORIAL

2011-08-25T14:20:00.002-04:00

Martin Luther King recently got a 35 ft statue / memorial built on the Washington Mall. Now it is time for one of the greatest US Presidents Ronald Reagan to have an even bigger statue / memorial. While Reagan was hated by liberals he demonstrated the folly of liberalism. Reagan's presidency was coupled with the longest sustained economic boom in modern history, invalidated almost everything that liberals stand for. Reagan understood and rebuilt the self respect of this country. He reduced income tax rates. Expanded the estate tax credit and reduced the penalty for heirs gifts. He opposed the forces of socialism and collectivism, worked to reduce government and stopped the undermining of our patriotism. He increased our economic and military power. He brought down the walls between East and West Germany and oversaw the demise of the Russians. He had an impact on all Americans irregardless of nationality or race. He oversaw a prosperous national working to its full capacity. Now who deserves a statue and memorial more? I think Ronald Reagan does ? How about you?

FINALLY SOMETHING SHOOK UP WASHINGTON DC

2011-08-24T16:48:00.002-04:00

I guess it took an earthquake to shake up Washington DC. It will probably take Mother Nature and all the tools at her disposal to make Congress get off the pot and do something. The economy is in deep do do, we need jobs and where is the President and Congress. ON VACATION. I don't think they can claim that they are showing any urgency to the situation. The President is going to present a plan in September after his vacation to Martha's Vineyard. Congress is off for a month and most of them are not talking to their voters. I guess only 10% are holding any town hall meetings. They probably can't stand to hear what the voters think of them. It is so hot they are staying out of the kitchen. Afraid they will get burned I guess.

It is time for all of them to cancel vacation and get back to work. How many of you get such generous doses of vacation time? And guess what we pay them for it. We need both parties to quit playing politics and get the business of the country done. No excuses and no blaming everyone else. If Obama doesn't have the blame Bush card to play he doesn't know what to do. The Democrats are calling the TEA Party terrorists, obstructionist and telling them "to go to Hell". Is this the talk that the President wanted? Real reconciliation. We should send them all the principals office, pull out the big paddle and tan their backsides. Maybe even build a woodshed out behind the Capitol for attitude adjustment periods. Kids get time outs and Congress needs some of this treatment since they are acting like 2 year olds calling each other names.

I'm sure this will give Obama another excuse. There was Bush, global warming, earthquake in Japan, turmoil in Arab countries, Afghanistan war and now a USA earthquake. How much can one man cope with? If you can't handle it resign.

OHIO AMISH COUNTRY

2011-08-21T10:50:00.003-04:00

My wife and I got the chance to spend a couple of days in the Amish Country of Ohio. We have visited the Amish communities in Indiana and Kentucky and had heard about the Ohio Amish. This area is NE of Columbus and S of Cleveland. We took I-71 north and then on to Hwy 39 which took us to Millersburg, Berlin, Sugar Creek and other areas. From Hwy 39 you can go north or south 20-30 miles to see other Amish communities. We stayed in Berlin at the Berlin Hotel & Suites which was a nice hotel in a good central location. Millersburg has lots of antique stores for those who like to look at them. Berlin had alot of Amish craft, furniture and gift stores and some Amish restaurants. We ate one meal at Das Dutchman Restaurant and it was good. We ended up eating an almost identical mean at Mrs Yoder's Restaurant in Mt Hope (north of Berlin ) and it was even better. Mt Hope had alot of Amish activity. There is an Amish vegetable market and a horse auction. Lots of Amish around and buggies on the roads. One thing we found out is that cell service in the area is spotty since the Amish don't use cell phone. We were told to go to Sugar Creek to get cell service. So if you want to get away from electronic devices check out this area. They can't call you from the office. We also went to Lehman's Hardware store in Kidron. You have never seen a hardware store like this one. If they don't have it you don't need it. They specialize in items for the Amish that doesn't need electricity. You can find a non electric stove, washing machine, pump or whatever. They have lanterns of all types and sizes. You could spend a day in there looking at all the items. Plus they have a friendly and efficient staff who will actually help you if you need it. We had alot of fun just driving around the countryside looking at the farms, all the washing out on the lines, farmers cutting hay with horse drawn vehicles, the Amish on bicycles and in buggies. Some of the most spirited horses you can find were pulling buggies. An interesting note was seeing Amish buggies with car seats in them for kids. It was fun to be on the road and be following a buggy and out would pop a couple of Amish kids looking out the back of the buggy at you. On the roads you have to be patient because at times there are lots of buggies and not much space on the side for them to get out of the flow of traffic. There are a number of cheese factories and bakeries. Yummy. There are some items for kids to do but it is not kid oriented. You can visit Amish farms, eat with an Amish family and stay in an Amish B & B if you want. The weather was great and the scenery grand. Friendly people and plenty to keep you busy. So check out Ohio Amish Country.

NFL HALL OF FAME : NOT IMPRESSED

2011-08-21T10:37:00.003-04:00

I got a chance to go to Canton, Ohio recently to visit the National Football League Hall of Fame. It is located along Interstate 77 in NW Canton. There is the Hall of Fame and behind it Fawcett Stadium where they hold the Hall of Fame Game. Admission is at least $18 for an adult and that might be for a senior. In the entrance is a statue of Jim Thorpe and a small exhibit. Then you go up the ramp to the different galleries.

There is the Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery, Pro Football Today Gallery, The Other League Gallery, Moments, Memories & Mementos Gallery, A Century of Pro Football Gallery and finally the Hall of Fame Gallery. Having worked in museums they are really short on any type of staff. I think I saw a ticket taker, a volunteer in the front entrance, a gal taking your photo on a green screen which of course they want to sell you and one person in a gallery. Overhead for staff isn't much at that rate. I have seen better exhibits in some college football museums. I guess the main item I wanted to see was the busts of the players who were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The way they are set up and the lighting they are not easy to see. Other exhibits just show the names of the teams, maybe a helmet and a photo of a player. Mementos of big games were sparse. Maybe the players or teams won't let them go. Down stairs there was suppose to be an interactive area. It looked like something you would find at an arcade. One place you could throw a football from 10 ft away thru 2 holes in a canvas. There were some xbox360 games you could play but most people have those at home. Their tailgating area consisted of a few tables, chairs and vending machines. Personally I wouldn't waste my money or recommend it to anyone. Heck you can go on line or on www.flickr.com and see about as much as you would in person. After hearing about the place all these years it was a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT. If this is the best that they can do no wonder there was almost no football this year. Save your money don't visit.

OBAMA GUILTY OF VOTE BUYING. CHARGE HIM

2011-08-21T10:29:00.002-04:00

In my state it is illegal to buy votes. If you are a politician and are caught doing so you will be charged and if found guilty go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Ask some county executives who gave away county gravel for people's driveways if they voted for them. Now in jail. What about some elected officials who gave away drugs and beer in exchange for votes. Now in jail.

Obama is trying to circumvent the US Constitution and immigration laws to court the Hispanic vote on immigration. He is doing everything he can to get Latino votes in the November 2012 election. He has already purchased the gay vote by signing into law "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and letting people know he is okay with gay marriage.

Now the Black Caucus is upset that his Bus Trip to Nowhere didn't include any black neighborhoods where unemployment is higher than white neighborhoods that he visited. So time for Obama to throw them some money, benefits or gifts of some sort to keep them in line.

Why do we allow this? Why don't we charge him with vote buying and let the courts decide. This would apply to any other politician who is doing the same thing. A couple of politicians in jail and maybe there would be some changes. Of course the Justice Department who is in Obama's back pocket would never investigate him for anything. But let someone else do something and they are all over them. Example Standards and Poors downgrades our credit rating and suddenly they are under investigation. The Justice Department doesn't have enough people to take on other issues but they can do the bidding of the White House. Eric Holder needs to go too.

I guess if you want something from Obama just raise enough Hell and threatened to take away votes and you will see a bone thrown your way.

TIME FOR ANOTHER TEA PARTY MARCH ON WASHINGTON D.C.

2011-08-14T10:24:00.002-04:00

I think it is time for the TEA Party to think about another rally in Washington DC. Apparently Obama and the Congress had their ear plugs in the last time. While the last election elected some TEA Party politicians we need more. We need to change the leadership in the White House and in the Senate. With the economy the way it is I'm sure there are more people who are tired of business as usual in Washington DC. Why is Congress taking a month off for vacation? We have an economic crisis brewing and they are off drinking margaritas and lying on the beach some where. Even the French have figured out it isn't time for a vacation. I would hope that within the next year the TEA Party will reunite in Washington DC once again. As you can see from the photos there were several hundred thousand average Americans who are tired of both political parties and they want things to turn around. They don't want big business putting their foot on the throat of American taxpayers. Why do less than 50% of Americans pay federal income taxes. Everyone should be paying something no matter how rich or how poor you are. Smoke one less carton of cigarettes or drink one less 6 pack. That small amount from each person would help the economy. I guess the Iowa straw polls are showing that business as usual is not what Americans want.

DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ; BROOM RIDER

2011-08-13T13:55:00.002-04:00

If you think Bachmann has crazy eyes check out this chick. Little Debbie is way crazier. This 44 year old from Florida is Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. Also known as a Democratic pitbull. Like other pitbulls she is dangerous, slobbers alot and should be kept on a chain. She is in Iowa trying to see how she can disrupt the Iowa Straw Polls for Republicans. She has been known to call Republicans " the Masters of dirty tricks" but I think she still has the title.

On Aug 12, 2011 on CNN with Wolf Blitzer she launched into a passionate tirade supporting everything that Obama has ever done and comparing him to the Jewish propher Moses whom are both figures leading their people to the Promise land. Yep Obama is big on promises but low on delivery.

She has also stated that there is no mandate to buy insurance under Obamacare. Something the courts disagree on. She said it's okay if you don't buy health insurance you will just get fined by the government. Some say her machine is on permanent spin cycle.

One thing we save with on Debbie is air fare. The taxpayers don't have to pay since she can go anywhere on her broom.

She sure ran into a buzz saw when she tried to backdoor Representative Allen West on Florida. They were speaking and after West left she made some bad comments about him. Well he got right in her face and the fight was on. Emails flew and interviews were given. She didn't know she had a tiger by the tail when she tangled with West a retired Army Lt. Colonel.

Little Debbie has also been in trouble for taking PAC money for her campaign. It is illegal to take Political Action Group money and she has to a tune of $1.1 million I have heard.

In some circles Debbie is called "the most vile member of Congress". I guess she isn't the same Little Debbie that makes the cookies.

I'm sure we will see more of her and her dirty tricks crew as they try to help Obama be reelected. Let's hope that she is one of the casualties of the next election.

IS OBAMA DESTROYING THIS COUNTRY?

2011-08-12T20:46:00.002-04:00

We were afraid that foreign terrorist would again attack the United States after 9/11. I think we need to look at Obama who seems to be doing a better job of destroying this country than foreign terrorist. He advocates class warfare, calls average Americans who are dissatisfied with the current administration terrorist. They are actually called TEA Partiers and are American patriots. He is destroying the economic fiber of the country with stimulus that don't work and joblessness that he can't cure. His Obamacare tries to force Americans to buy something they don't want. Proudly the courts have so far held it unconstiutional. So Obama is advocating things that are not allowed by the Constitution. He has put liberal inexperienced people in offices where they can change the fabric of the American landscape. His Czars are a joke. It is time for Obama to go and a real leader to become President not a silver tongued wantabe. I personally have never seen so many changes to the American way of life than this administration has brought us. What do you think Obama is doing to the country?????

OBAMA ECONOMY SUCKS

2011-08-11T16:11:00.002-04:00

SLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP. What is that sucking sound? Its the United States economy under Obama going down the toilet. Obama's Yes we Can should have been No I Can't. Obama has not been able to do anything productive to move our economy foreward. His stimulus plans were a bust. He bailed out some companies. Some paid us back but some of them owe us millions. Jobs are still gone and the official unemployment rate is 9.1%. If you have a brain in your head you know that it is actually at about 20%. Some people have taken jobs which don't fit their skills, others have given up on finding a job and some retired because there was no hope of finding a job. Others have taken temporary and part time jobs to keep the wolf from the door. Has Obama created a single job? I don't think so. His shovel ready projects were a long way from being shovel ready and except for the people who made the signs saying this was a federal project no one else made much money. Timmy Geitner doesn't have a clue. Maybe we should have the Blue's Clues gang in to take over the Treasury. The stock market isn't paying any attention to the retoric coming out of Obama's mouth. Standard and Poor's aren't listening either. Other rating agencies may downgrade the US also. What we need is a new LEADER. One with a plan or some common sense. We will have to watch TV and the press go gaga over Obama's boondoogle bus trip to Iowa, Illinois and somewhere else. All Obama has done lately is use up aviation fuel flying around the USA trying to point to companies doing well. Today's company only got a $3 million dollar grant to make batteries for electric cars. If you give me $3 million I would be doing well too. Just remember what is happening in November 2012 when the election rolls around. We don't need a repeat of the last one.