700 NYC teachers are paid to do nothing
Buzz Up
AP – This May 2006 photo provided by art teacher Judith Cohen shows her sitting in front of cardboard boxes …
By KAREN MATTHEWS, Associated Press Writer Karen Matthews, Associated Press Writer – Mon Jun 22, 5:20 pm ET
NEW YORK – Hundreds of New York City public school teachers accused of offenses ranging from insubordination to sexual misconduct are being paid their full salaries to sit around all day playing Scrabble, surfing the Internet or just staring at the wall, if that's what they want to do.
Because their union contract makes it extremely difficult to fire them, the teachers have been banished by the school system to its "rubber rooms" — off-campus office space where they wait months, even years, for their disciplinary hearings.
The 700 or so teachers can practice yoga, work on their novels, paint portraits of their colleagues — pretty much anything but school work. They have summer vacation just like their classroom colleagues and enjoy weekends and holidays through the school year.
"You just basically sit there for eight hours," said Orlando Ramos, who spent seven months in a rubber room, officially known as a temporary reassignment center, in 2004-05. "I saw several near-fights. `This is my seat.' `I've been sitting here for six months.' That sort of thing."
Ramos was an assistant principal in East Harlem when he was accused of lying at a hearing on whether to suspend a student. Ramos denied the allegation but quit before his case was resolved and took a job in California.
Because the teachers collect their full salaries of $70,000 or more, the city Department of Education estimates the practice costs the taxpayers $65 million a year. The department blames union rules.
"It is extremely difficult to fire a tenured teacher because of the protections afforded to them in their contract," spokeswoman Ann Forte said.
City officials said that they make teachers report to a rubber room instead of sending they home because the union contract requires that they be allowed to continue in their jobs in some fashion while their cases are being heard. The contract does not permit them to be given other work.
Ron Davis, a spokesman for the United Federation of Teachers, said the union and the Department of Education reached an agreement last year to try to reduce the amount of time educators spend in reassignment centers, but progress has been slow.
"No one wants teachers who don't belong in the classroom. However, we cannot neglect the teachers' rights to due process," Davis said. The union represents more than 228,000 employees, including nearly 90,000 teachers.
Many teachers say they are being punished because they ran afoul of a vindictive boss or because they blew the whistle when somebody fudged test scores.
"The principal wants you out, you're gone," said Michael Thomas, a high school math teacher who has been in a reassignment center for 14 months after accusing an assistant principal of tinkering with test results.
City education officials deny teachers are unfairly targeted but say there has been an effort under Mayor Michael Bloomberg to get incompetents out of the classroom. "There's been a push to report anything that you see wrong," Forte said.
Some other school systems likewise pay teachers to do nothing.
The Los Angeles district, the nation's second-largest school system with 620,000 students, behind New York's 1.1 million, said it has 178 teachers and other staff members who are being "housed" while they wait for misconduct charges to be resolved.
Similarly, Mimi Shapiro, who is now retired, said she was assigned to sit in what Philadelphia calls a "cluster office." "They just sit you in a room in a hard chair," she said, "and you just sit."
Teacher advocates say New York's rubber rooms are more extensive than anything that exists elsewhere.
Teachers awaiting disciplinary hearings around the nation typically are sent home, with or without pay, Karen Horwitz, a former Chicago-area teacher who founded the National Association for the Prevention of Teacher Abuse. Some districts find non-classroom work — office duties, for example — for teachers accused of misconduct.
New York City's reassignment centers have existed since the late 1990s, Forte said. But the number of employees assigned to them has ballooned since Bloomberg won more control over the schools in 2002. Most of those sent to rubber rooms are teachers; others are assistant principals, social workers, psychologists and secretaries.
Once their hearings are over, they are either sent back to the classroom or fired. But because their cases are heard by 23 arbitrators who work only five days a month, stints of two or three years in a rubber room are common, and some teachers have been there for five or six.
The nickname refers to the padded cells of old insane asylums. Some teachers say that is fitting, since some of the inhabitants are unstable and don't belong in the classroom. They add that being in a rubber room itself is bad for your mental health.
"Most people in that room are depressed," said Jennifer Saunders, a high school teacher who was in a reassignment center from 2005 to 2008. Saunders said she was charged with petty infractions in an effort to get rid of her: "I was charged with having a student sit in my class with a hat on, singing."
The rubber rooms are monitored, some more strictly than others, teachers said.
"There was a bar across the street," Saunders said. "Teachers would sneak out and hang out there for hours."
Judith Cohen, an art teacher who has been in a rubber room near Madison Square Garden for three years, said she passes the time by painting watercolors of her fellow detainees.
"The day just seemed to crawl by until I started painting," Cohen said, adding that others read, play dominoes or sleep. Cohen said she was charged with using abusive language when a girl cut her with scissors.
Some sell real estate, earn graduate degrees or teach each other yoga and tai chi.
David Suker, who has been in a Brooklyn reassignment center for three months, said he has used the time to plan summer trips to Alaska, Cape Cod and Costa Rica. Suker said he was falsely accused of throwing a girl's test sign-up form in the garbage during an argument.
"It's sort of peaceful knowing that you're going to work to do nothing," he said.
Philip Nobile is a journalist who has written for New York Magazine and the Village Voice and is known for his scathing criticism of public figures. A teacher at Brooklyn's Cobble Hill School of American Studies, Nobile was assigned to a rubber room in 2007, "supposedly for pushing a boy while I was breaking up a fight." He contends the school system is retaliating against him for exposing wrongdoing.
He is spending his time working on his case and writing magazine articles and a novel.
"This is what happens to political prisoners throughout history," he said, alluding to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "They put us in prison and we write our `Letter From the Birmingham Jail.'"
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Man Cleavage
Watching a Victoria's Secret commercial usually gives me a funny feeling on my naughty bits. And that's how I found myself last night: Victoria's Secret models jiggling and naughty bits tingling. As I lied there in near sublime status I began to think about the actual product being marketed and not the boobies...this made me a little sad.
Victoria's Secret was trying to sell a new push up bra and I was feeling left out. I wanted to flaunt my curvy goodness too, but how?
Introducing the new product from Victoria's Secret: The Bulge!
This device is so easy to use and when you wear The Bulge! it'll turn your twig and berries into a trunk and oranges.
The Bulge! is a unversal size to fit all men. So even if you're hung like a fruit fly, you can walk around with confidence and make the women swoon with The Buldge!
Victoria's Secret was trying to sell a new push up bra and I was feeling left out. I wanted to flaunt my curvy goodness too, but how?
Introducing the new product from Victoria's Secret: The Bulge!
This device is so easy to use and when you wear The Bulge! it'll turn your twig and berries into a trunk and oranges.
The Bulge! is a unversal size to fit all men. So even if you're hung like a fruit fly, you can walk around with confidence and make the women swoon with The Buldge!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Gun Control
I’m pretty sure California has banned all automatic weapons so I’ve taught my trigger finger to have seizures.
Monday, March 30, 2009
I don't have any intention of taking over the auto industry
President Obama said this morning that he "[didn't] have any intention of taking over the auto industry." Was it not his intention to give GM & Chrysler billions of dollars thus assuring the US Government a seat on each company's board?
Was it his intention to fire the CEO of GM? If President Obama is capable of firing the the boss of a company, it seems obvious to me that President Obama has taken over that company...but it wasn't his intention.
No, Mr. President. You just proved that the government has EVERY intention of running the auto industry. Now it's choosing who will be the next CEO (UNTIL HE STOPS OBEYING YOUR SOCIALIST ORDERS)...then a new guy will be inserted. Next it'll say WHAT TYPE OF CAR the company must manufacture...then DICTATE THE PRICE...then FORCE ALL TO BE IN THE U.A.W..
It was MY intention to point out your, Mr. President, complete and utter disdain for the America that was created by the Constitution...but I don't have to. You do it every time you talk in front of a camera.
Was it his intention to fire the CEO of GM? If President Obama is capable of firing the the boss of a company, it seems obvious to me that President Obama has taken over that company...but it wasn't his intention.
No, Mr. President. You just proved that the government has EVERY intention of running the auto industry. Now it's choosing who will be the next CEO (UNTIL HE STOPS OBEYING YOUR SOCIALIST ORDERS)...then a new guy will be inserted. Next it'll say WHAT TYPE OF CAR the company must manufacture...then DICTATE THE PRICE...then FORCE ALL TO BE IN THE U.A.W..
It was MY intention to point out your, Mr. President, complete and utter disdain for the America that was created by the Constitution...but I don't have to. You do it every time you talk in front of a camera.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Quality Time With My Boy
My neighbor, who is pretty awesome (not quite as awesome as Jose and certainly not as awesome as me, but quite awesome nonetheless), told me I should cut my lawn because of all the mosquitoes in it. Usually I don't give a shit if someone doesn't like something of mine, especially if it requires me to do work. Plus, mosquitoes don't seem to bite me...probably because my blood is sour and acidic because of all that hate I carry for hippies. But when an awesome guy speaks, regardless of his level of awesomeness, I listen.
So I pushed the lawn mower with Tommy trying to help (really he just hung from the handle like the monkey he is...from his mother's side). We even mowed the neighbors lawn (not the awesome one I mentioned before...the one that shares the front yard). As we destroyed each patch of grass hundreds of bugs ran/flew for their lives. We literally exterminated thousands, if not more bugs. I am the Adolf Hitler of the Insect World and my son is the leader of the bug SS. We have no guilt as we are part of the master race...the human race. I wish we could plow the wetlands of San Francisco and slaughter all of those salt marsh harvest mice. This father and son team is unstoppably awesome.
So I pushed the lawn mower with Tommy trying to help (really he just hung from the handle like the monkey he is...from his mother's side). We even mowed the neighbors lawn (not the awesome one I mentioned before...the one that shares the front yard). As we destroyed each patch of grass hundreds of bugs ran/flew for their lives. We literally exterminated thousands, if not more bugs. I am the Adolf Hitler of the Insect World and my son is the leader of the bug SS. We have no guilt as we are part of the master race...the human race. I wish we could plow the wetlands of San Francisco and slaughter all of those salt marsh harvest mice. This father and son team is unstoppably awesome.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Do you love America?
I, honestly, believe the Obama administration does not. At least they don't love the America that was intended by our Founding Fathers...the America I love...The America that is One Nation Under God.
Here is an explanation of The Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton. Skelton was a radio and TV star that loved his country. Unfortunately, the patriotic Hollywood stars of the past are almost all gone and only a few now respect and are loyal to the true America. Anyway, I got this audio clip and wanted to share it.
Here is an explanation of The Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton. Skelton was a radio and TV star that loved his country. Unfortunately, the patriotic Hollywood stars of the past are almost all gone and only a few now respect and are loyal to the true America. Anyway, I got this audio clip and wanted to share it.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Can we build something?
No rant here. No jabs at President Obama's spending spree. Just a question I, honestly, want an answer to. Or at the very least, I want all Americans to answer to themselves.
When will America stop its' downward spiral of outrageous fiscal irresponsibility and impulsive consumer entitlements and start to become a nation of productivity again?
Make something useful. Make something without using union labor. And, for God's sake, make it here with American resources.
Nah, that's just silly talk. Let's just keep letting the Federal Government spend whatever and wherever they choose and when the money runs out...start the presses. Boom, problem solved.
When will America stop its' downward spiral of outrageous fiscal irresponsibility and impulsive consumer entitlements and start to become a nation of productivity again?
Make something useful. Make something without using union labor. And, for God's sake, make it here with American resources.
Nah, that's just silly talk. Let's just keep letting the Federal Government spend whatever and wherever they choose and when the money runs out...start the presses. Boom, problem solved.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
President Obama is stimulating!!!
President Barack Obama said Tuesday that the country already is "seeing shovels hit the ground" on the first infrastructure repair project funded through the Transportation Department's share of the $787 billion stimulus bill.
President Obama says investing in the country's roads will help to save lives.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "The work begins today in Montgomery County, Maryland, where a work crew is starting on a project to resurface Maryland State Highway 650 -- a very busy road that has not been fully repaired in 17 years."
The resurfacing contract is going to a Pennsylvania-based family-owned company, America Infrastructure, LaHood said.
He said the project will support 60 jobs. "And that's how we're going to get the country back on its feet," LaHood added.
Obama and LaHood on Tuesday announced the release of $27 billion in funds from the stimulus package "to help states create a 21st-century infrastructure."
Now the economy is BACK. $27 billion for 60 jobs. Wow, this is great.
President Obama says investing in the country's roads will help to save lives.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "The work begins today in Montgomery County, Maryland, where a work crew is starting on a project to resurface Maryland State Highway 650 -- a very busy road that has not been fully repaired in 17 years."
The resurfacing contract is going to a Pennsylvania-based family-owned company, America Infrastructure, LaHood said.
He said the project will support 60 jobs. "And that's how we're going to get the country back on its feet," LaHood added.
Obama and LaHood on Tuesday announced the release of $27 billion in funds from the stimulus package "to help states create a 21st-century infrastructure."
Now the economy is BACK. $27 billion for 60 jobs. Wow, this is great.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bullet Proof Babies
NEW ORLEANS – A Mardi Gras parade erupted into chaos on Fat Tuesday when a series of gunshots struck six people, including an infant. The infant was not seriously injured and two suspects were in custody, police said. The shootings happened near the Garden District about 1:40 p.m. after the last major parade of the celebration, Rex, had ended. Hundreds of truck floats that follow the parade were passing when gunfire broke out.
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, Associated Press Writer Michael Kunzelman, Associated Press Writer
The fact that there was a shooting at the only national holiday where the streets are full of beer, and boobies are jiggling freely, is an absolute tragedy. Obviously, I love Mardi Gras and though it's troubling that there are those that would commit crime during this most holy event, it is not the most troubling part of this story.
An infant was struck by gunshots, but was not seriously injured. Huh? Are they making babies that are somehow resistant to gunfire? Darwin would enjoy knowing that people have evolved to cope with changes in their environment. Bullet Proof Babies. Wow. I wonder if they've become bullet proof because of all the degenerates shooting in their habitat or because the Obama Administration's Government Controlled Health Care doesn't cover gunshot wounds.
Grand Parent
I've been extremely fortunate to have several Grand Parents in my life. Each one gave me something that not only improved my life, but the life of my children. Their experiences help me to duplicate their successes and keep me from repeating their mistakes. More importantly, though, their influence on America and their outlook on life as a whole is what demands the utmost respect from me towards my Grand Parents.
It's important to note that while grandparents are extremely important in shaping all generations, there are other influences that should be given credit. But not in this post because this one is entitled "Grand Parents" and the focus will be only on their legacy. Yes, bath towels are very important too, so look for a post on them soon.
Recently, my family lost a Grand Mother. I was not close to her and shame on me for not being close. I was, however, positively affected by her and, because of my immaturity, I doubt she knew the extent of her affect. Regret? Yeah, a little, of course. My kids won't remember her, but I will tell them stories and that Grand Mother will continue her positive affect on the family.
Several years ago I lost a Grand Mother that was truly one of a kind. She was the only person that discussed my parents' life with me. I, with her as well, was not very close. Honestly, I don't believe I understood how to be. I do understand that I disappointed her. Immaturity, Narcissism, and plain ego kept me from committing time to talking with her. The wealth of knowledge and experience she was willing to give me, and I didn't give her my ear nearly enough. Regrets? Many. My kids never even met her. They would've made her so happy. And maybe even a little proud of me. More importantly, it would've made her smile.
My Grand Father is probably the most influential Grand Parent to me. I use the present tense, though he passed two years ago, since he continues his influence almost daily. Yes, perhaps all those that have passed can be referred to in the present tense, but this is my blog and my rules (I do change tenses often...I blame http://www.cde.ca.gov/ , you get my intention). Growing up through the Great Depression gave him a very acute value of the dollar. It wasn't frugality, it was necessity. Things had a purpose. If something did not have said purpose, it'd be donated or thrown away. The man was practical. Regrets? Some. I talked with him at great lengths trying to absorb all of his stories about life, war, and family. Tommy never met him, but Emma was able to give him lots of hugs.
Next month will be my Grandma's 90th birthday. Chronologically she's 90, but the woman has the spunk and spirit of most people a quarter of that age. She is the major maternal influence in my life. She raised five kids so I rarely get any sympathy from her when I'm whining about my two. In fact, I think she gets a little pleasure in watching me struggle as a parent. It just verifies her accomplishment of raising 5 as being that incredible. However, she doesn't hesitate to give me a hand when I need help. She's amazing. She has 5 kids, 9 grandkids, 14 (I'm guessing) great-grandkids, and she knows every birthday and anniversary. Sometimes, at her house, I feel like I have curlers in my hair and nibbling on Bon Bons when she and I gossip about family, friends and the occasional politics. I absolutely love her. She is my grandma. and my children adore her as much as I do.
This paragraph is the reason I was compelled to write this entry. Everything until now has been just me babbling (Some may say that's all I do in this blog). Grandparents are different now. There has been an increase in grandparents raising their grandkids, practically as their own. A majority of these situations are caused by lack of discipline, family values, and overall respect kids and new parents have - or rather don't have at all. Even though the title "Grandparent" is given simply because of a child's child is born, it takes an someone special to live up to that title, to truly be a "Grand Parent." Think about that.
Grand: Large and impressive in size, scope, or extent; magnificent
Parent: One who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child; a father or mother
Anyone from a fertile family tree can be a grandparent, but only the extraordinary become Grand Parents.
This is true for men as well. Any person with something swinging between their legs can make a baby, but only a man, with patience, wisdom, and love can become a father. My Grand Parents, all of them, have help to sculpt me into the father I am.
Though National Grandparents Day isn't until September, maybe YOU should acknowledge these extraordinary people now, no regrets.
It's important to note that while grandparents are extremely important in shaping all generations, there are other influences that should be given credit. But not in this post because this one is entitled "Grand Parents" and the focus will be only on their legacy. Yes, bath towels are very important too, so look for a post on them soon.
Recently, my family lost a Grand Mother. I was not close to her and shame on me for not being close. I was, however, positively affected by her and, because of my immaturity, I doubt she knew the extent of her affect. Regret? Yeah, a little, of course. My kids won't remember her, but I will tell them stories and that Grand Mother will continue her positive affect on the family.
Several years ago I lost a Grand Mother that was truly one of a kind. She was the only person that discussed my parents' life with me. I, with her as well, was not very close. Honestly, I don't believe I understood how to be. I do understand that I disappointed her. Immaturity, Narcissism, and plain ego kept me from committing time to talking with her. The wealth of knowledge and experience she was willing to give me, and I didn't give her my ear nearly enough. Regrets? Many. My kids never even met her. They would've made her so happy. And maybe even a little proud of me. More importantly, it would've made her smile.
My Grand Father is probably the most influential Grand Parent to me. I use the present tense, though he passed two years ago, since he continues his influence almost daily. Yes, perhaps all those that have passed can be referred to in the present tense, but this is my blog and my rules (I do change tenses often...I blame http://www.cde.ca.gov/ , you get my intention). Growing up through the Great Depression gave him a very acute value of the dollar. It wasn't frugality, it was necessity. Things had a purpose. If something did not have said purpose, it'd be donated or thrown away. The man was practical. Regrets? Some. I talked with him at great lengths trying to absorb all of his stories about life, war, and family. Tommy never met him, but Emma was able to give him lots of hugs.
Next month will be my Grandma's 90th birthday. Chronologically she's 90, but the woman has the spunk and spirit of most people a quarter of that age. She is the major maternal influence in my life. She raised five kids so I rarely get any sympathy from her when I'm whining about my two. In fact, I think she gets a little pleasure in watching me struggle as a parent. It just verifies her accomplishment of raising 5 as being that incredible. However, she doesn't hesitate to give me a hand when I need help. She's amazing. She has 5 kids, 9 grandkids, 14 (I'm guessing) great-grandkids, and she knows every birthday and anniversary. Sometimes, at her house, I feel like I have curlers in my hair and nibbling on Bon Bons when she and I gossip about family, friends and the occasional politics. I absolutely love her. She is my grandma. and my children adore her as much as I do.
This paragraph is the reason I was compelled to write this entry. Everything until now has been just me babbling (Some may say that's all I do in this blog). Grandparents are different now. There has been an increase in grandparents raising their grandkids, practically as their own. A majority of these situations are caused by lack of discipline, family values, and overall respect kids and new parents have - or rather don't have at all. Even though the title "Grandparent" is given simply because of a child's child is born, it takes an someone special to live up to that title, to truly be a "Grand Parent." Think about that.
Grand: Large and impressive in size, scope, or extent; magnificent
Parent: One who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child; a father or mother
Anyone from a fertile family tree can be a grandparent, but only the extraordinary become Grand Parents.
This is true for men as well. Any person with something swinging between their legs can make a baby, but only a man, with patience, wisdom, and love can become a father. My Grand Parents, all of them, have help to sculpt me into the father I am.
Though National Grandparents Day isn't until September, maybe YOU should acknowledge these extraordinary people now, no regrets.
Hey Look, President Obama Has Another Spending Bill
Do you think he'll admit this one is filled with earmarks and pork? Unlikely. This article talks a little about this bill announced today that contains the change you can believe in. This is the second AP article that I've read this weekend that seem to show the tide is turning. The American sheep have stopped listen blindly to the Shepard of Change and started listening to the Shepard of Truth, which is my second A.K.A.. My first is "Lord Ty." President Obama still has an job approval rating of 63%, but it was 68% one month ago. Falling so rapidly that this time next year it'll be 3%. What is rising is his disapproval which has doubled since last month from 12% to 24%. At this rate, President Obama will have every American disapproving of him by mid May. Now that's change I can believe in.
DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent
WASHINGTON – House Democrats unveiled a $410 billion spending bill on Monday to keep the government running through the end of the fiscal year, setting up the second political struggle over federal funds in less than a month with Republicans.
The measure includes thousands of earmarks, the pet projects favored by lawmakers but often criticized by the public in opinion polls. There was no official total of the bill's earmarks, which accounted for at least $3.8 billion.
The legislation, which includes an increase of roughly 8 percent over spending in the last fiscal year, is expected to clear the House later in the week.
Democrats defended the spending increases, saying they were needed to make up for cuts enacted in recent years or proposed a year ago by then-President George W. Bush in health, education, energy and other programs.
Republicans countered that the spending in the bill far outpaced inflation, and amounted to much higher increases when combined with spending in the stimulus legislation that President Barack Obama signed last week. In a letter to top Democratic leaders, the GOP leadership called for a spending freeze, a step they said would point toward a "new standard of fiscal discipline."
(Remember when President Obama claimed to freeze salaries in the White House? That was good, this is better)
Either way, the bill advanced less than one week after Obama signed the $787 billion economic stimulus bill that all Republicans in Congress opposed except for three moderate GOP senators.
Apart from spending, the legislation provides Democrats in Congress and Obama an opportunity to reverse Bush-era policy on selected issues.
It loosens restrictions on travel to Cuba, as well as the sale of food and medicine to the communist island-nation.
(Hmm, being friendly to Communism)
In another change, the legislation bans Mexican-licensed trucks from operating outside commercial zones along the border with the United States. The Teamsters Union, which supported Obama's election last year, hailed the move.
(Time to start paying back the debts of being elected. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.)
The Bush administration backed a pilot program to permit up to 500 trucks from 100 Mexican motor carriers access to U.S. roads.
The legislation covers programs for numerous Cabinet-level and other agencies, and takes the place of regular annual spending bills that did not pass last year as a result of a deadlock between the Bush administration and the Democratic-controlled Congress.
Congressional expenses are included. The bill provides $500,000 for what is described as a Senate "pilot program" that will defray the cost of mass mail postcards to households notifying them of a nearby town meeting to be attended by any senator.
(I thought he was the "Technology" President. You can't post these notices on the State's website? If people don't have access to the web, they're probably apathetic about government anyway.)
I intented to write about Grandmas this morning, but obviously got sidetracked.
DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent
WASHINGTON – House Democrats unveiled a $410 billion spending bill on Monday to keep the government running through the end of the fiscal year, setting up the second political struggle over federal funds in less than a month with Republicans.
The measure includes thousands of earmarks, the pet projects favored by lawmakers but often criticized by the public in opinion polls. There was no official total of the bill's earmarks, which accounted for at least $3.8 billion.
The legislation, which includes an increase of roughly 8 percent over spending in the last fiscal year, is expected to clear the House later in the week.
Democrats defended the spending increases, saying they were needed to make up for cuts enacted in recent years or proposed a year ago by then-President George W. Bush in health, education, energy and other programs.
Republicans countered that the spending in the bill far outpaced inflation, and amounted to much higher increases when combined with spending in the stimulus legislation that President Barack Obama signed last week. In a letter to top Democratic leaders, the GOP leadership called for a spending freeze, a step they said would point toward a "new standard of fiscal discipline."
(Remember when President Obama claimed to freeze salaries in the White House? That was good, this is better)
Either way, the bill advanced less than one week after Obama signed the $787 billion economic stimulus bill that all Republicans in Congress opposed except for three moderate GOP senators.
Apart from spending, the legislation provides Democrats in Congress and Obama an opportunity to reverse Bush-era policy on selected issues.
It loosens restrictions on travel to Cuba, as well as the sale of food and medicine to the communist island-nation.
(Hmm, being friendly to Communism)
In another change, the legislation bans Mexican-licensed trucks from operating outside commercial zones along the border with the United States. The Teamsters Union, which supported Obama's election last year, hailed the move.
(Time to start paying back the debts of being elected. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.)
The Bush administration backed a pilot program to permit up to 500 trucks from 100 Mexican motor carriers access to U.S. roads.
The legislation covers programs for numerous Cabinet-level and other agencies, and takes the place of regular annual spending bills that did not pass last year as a result of a deadlock between the Bush administration and the Democratic-controlled Congress.
Congressional expenses are included. The bill provides $500,000 for what is described as a Senate "pilot program" that will defray the cost of mass mail postcards to households notifying them of a nearby town meeting to be attended by any senator.
(I thought he was the "Technology" President. You can't post these notices on the State's website? If people don't have access to the web, they're probably apathetic about government anyway.)
I intented to write about Grandmas this morning, but obviously got sidetracked.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
OH MY GOD, the media can print real news!
Of course there's a double standard with the media. The left wing liberal hippy mainstream media hated all things bush and love all things Obama, but whatever President Obama touches is gold unlike President Bush who could do no right...Well, both presidents have moments of incompetence and the media finally picked up on one from President Obama.
The Stimulus Bill was rushed, not thought through and not properly presented to the people. This article, by David Bauder, talks about the tree hugging animal copulating (hear about that lady from Stamford, CT and a chimp) democrats who sold the sizzle of the Stimulus Bill and not the steak (actual content and ramifications).
Did TV news miss point in covering stimulus plan?
By DAVID BAUDER, AP Television Writer
NEW YORK – There were plenty of familiar faces on-screen during TV coverage of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, people like James Carville, Laura Ingraham, Karl Rove, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Joe Trippi and Dick Morris.
What it lacked, some critics suggest, were people with real expertise in what the $787 billion plan will mean for the economy and for communities and individuals. In short, it was treated like just another political battle.
Of the 681 people who appeared as guests on a dozen cable news and four network Sunday morning talk shows in the three weeks that ended last Sunday, only 41, or 6 percent, were economists, said the liberal media watchdog Media Matters for America.
That count alone indicates a lack of effort in tracking down what was most important about the story, said Erikka Knuti, the organization's spokeswoman.
"Hearing whether or not this package is going to work is more important than who has the snappiest quip," she said.
Media Matters didn't keep track of interview subjects on the most-watched newscasts, the broadcast network evening programs, but the conservative Media Research Center did. About 13 percent of the people interviewed on economic recovery between Obama's election and final passage of the bill were economists, the group said.
That's almost one per substantial story, but Dan Gainor, vice president of the MRC's Business & Media Institute, said that ratio was "appalling."
Piling on the criticism, the Center for Economic and Policy Research said the media had "badly failed" to inform the public about what the stimulus plan means. The group said news organizations also didn't keep things in perspective, focusing on criticisms of the bill that were a very small part of the pricetag.
To a certain extent, networks could be accused of unimaginative bookings, going to people they know very well. Media Matters counted 19 separate appearances by CNN financial correspondent Ali Velshi during the three weeks. The three people who opined most about the bill on Fox News Channel were regulars Morris, Rove and Juan Williams, the group said.
Even some of the economists used were familiar to viewers, like Web site maven Arianna Huffington, former game show host Ben Stein and Paul Krugman, columnist for The New York Times.
Two shows the group monitored, hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and Campbell Brown, had no economists during the three-week period. By far, the most economists on any show (10) were on Fox's new Glenn Beck show.
Ian Cameron, executive producer of ABC's Sunday morning "This Week," said the trend had less to do with unimaginative bookings than 24-hour cable's need to draw contrast and promote verbal battles.
"On this debate, the sharpest contrast was in Washington," Cameron said. "To some degree, there was more debate on this plan inside Washington than there was outside of Washington."
Krugman has recently become a regular panelist on "This Week," and New York University economist Nouriel Roubini was also booked for the Feb. 22 show.
Cameron and Bob Schieffer, CBS News chief Washington correspondent, said that while the criticism of not having enough economists on screen to talk about this bill may have some validity, it was still necessary to report on the political battle surrounding it. If that battle hadn't been settled, there would be no stimulus bill to talk about.
"Maybe we should be talking to more economists," Schieffer said. "I've been a reporter now for 52 years, covered everything from hubcap thieves to arms control negotiations, and I generally have an opinion on whether the government is doing the right or wrong thing. This thing is so complicated that I'm not sure what is the right or wrong thing."
The Media Research Center, in its examination of the evening news programs, believes that the news organizations are paying far more attention to economists who support Obama's policies. The libertarian-leaning Cato Institute recently paid for a newspaper ad listing dozens of economist who opposed the bill.
Media Matters, which would seemingly have the most hopes invested in seeing pro-stimulus economists scheduled, said its count shows them with a slighter advantage.
Whoever is doing the talking, Schieffer just hopes they know what they're talking about.
"We're all feeling our way in this thing," he said. "What scares me is that people in Washington are doing the same thing."
The Stimulus Bill was rushed, not thought through and not properly presented to the people. This article, by David Bauder, talks about the tree hugging animal copulating (hear about that lady from Stamford, CT and a chimp) democrats who sold the sizzle of the Stimulus Bill and not the steak (actual content and ramifications).
Did TV news miss point in covering stimulus plan?
By DAVID BAUDER, AP Television Writer
NEW YORK – There were plenty of familiar faces on-screen during TV coverage of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, people like James Carville, Laura Ingraham, Karl Rove, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Joe Trippi and Dick Morris.
What it lacked, some critics suggest, were people with real expertise in what the $787 billion plan will mean for the economy and for communities and individuals. In short, it was treated like just another political battle.
Of the 681 people who appeared as guests on a dozen cable news and four network Sunday morning talk shows in the three weeks that ended last Sunday, only 41, or 6 percent, were economists, said the liberal media watchdog Media Matters for America.
That count alone indicates a lack of effort in tracking down what was most important about the story, said Erikka Knuti, the organization's spokeswoman.
"Hearing whether or not this package is going to work is more important than who has the snappiest quip," she said.
Media Matters didn't keep track of interview subjects on the most-watched newscasts, the broadcast network evening programs, but the conservative Media Research Center did. About 13 percent of the people interviewed on economic recovery between Obama's election and final passage of the bill were economists, the group said.
That's almost one per substantial story, but Dan Gainor, vice president of the MRC's Business & Media Institute, said that ratio was "appalling."
Piling on the criticism, the Center for Economic and Policy Research said the media had "badly failed" to inform the public about what the stimulus plan means. The group said news organizations also didn't keep things in perspective, focusing on criticisms of the bill that were a very small part of the pricetag.
To a certain extent, networks could be accused of unimaginative bookings, going to people they know very well. Media Matters counted 19 separate appearances by CNN financial correspondent Ali Velshi during the three weeks. The three people who opined most about the bill on Fox News Channel were regulars Morris, Rove and Juan Williams, the group said.
Even some of the economists used were familiar to viewers, like Web site maven Arianna Huffington, former game show host Ben Stein and Paul Krugman, columnist for The New York Times.
Two shows the group monitored, hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and Campbell Brown, had no economists during the three-week period. By far, the most economists on any show (10) were on Fox's new Glenn Beck show.
Ian Cameron, executive producer of ABC's Sunday morning "This Week," said the trend had less to do with unimaginative bookings than 24-hour cable's need to draw contrast and promote verbal battles.
"On this debate, the sharpest contrast was in Washington," Cameron said. "To some degree, there was more debate on this plan inside Washington than there was outside of Washington."
Krugman has recently become a regular panelist on "This Week," and New York University economist Nouriel Roubini was also booked for the Feb. 22 show.
Cameron and Bob Schieffer, CBS News chief Washington correspondent, said that while the criticism of not having enough economists on screen to talk about this bill may have some validity, it was still necessary to report on the political battle surrounding it. If that battle hadn't been settled, there would be no stimulus bill to talk about.
"Maybe we should be talking to more economists," Schieffer said. "I've been a reporter now for 52 years, covered everything from hubcap thieves to arms control negotiations, and I generally have an opinion on whether the government is doing the right or wrong thing. This thing is so complicated that I'm not sure what is the right or wrong thing."
The Media Research Center, in its examination of the evening news programs, believes that the news organizations are paying far more attention to economists who support Obama's policies. The libertarian-leaning Cato Institute recently paid for a newspaper ad listing dozens of economist who opposed the bill.
Media Matters, which would seemingly have the most hopes invested in seeing pro-stimulus economists scheduled, said its count shows them with a slighter advantage.
Whoever is doing the talking, Schieffer just hopes they know what they're talking about.
"We're all feeling our way in this thing," he said. "What scares me is that people in Washington are doing the same thing."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I Can Fix The World
I just need to be obeyed. The people at 7-11 finally came to there senses after reading my blog on their illogical sequence of gasoline grades.
If more companies, and people in general, adhere to my teachings I will deliver to the world truth, justice and the American way. Even Superman read and obeyed the holy document known as the Schaeffer Scriptures.
If more companies, and people in general, adhere to my teachings I will deliver to the world truth, justice and the American way. Even Superman read and obeyed the holy document known as the Schaeffer Scriptures.
Sportsmanship
Associated Press
document.write("");
The coach never considered any other option.
It didn't matter that his DeKalb, Ill., High School basketball team had ridden a bus two and a half hours to get to Milwaukee, then waited another hour past game time to play. Didn't matter that the game was close, or that this was a chance to beat a big city team.
Johntel Franklin scored 10 points in the game following the loss of his mother.Something else was on Dave Rohlman's mind when he asked for a volunteer to shoot two free throws awarded his team on a technical foul in the second quarter. His senior captain raised his hand, ready to go to the line as he had many times before.
Only this time it was different.
"You realize you're going to miss them, don't you?" Rohlman said.
Darius McNeal nodded his head. He understood what had to be done.
It was a Saturday night in February, and the Barbs were playing a non-conference game on the road against Milwaukee Madison. It was the third meeting between the two schools, who were developing a friendly rivalry that spanned two states.
The teams planned to get together after the game and share some pizzas and soda. But the game itself almost never took place.
Hours earlier, the mother of Milwaukee Madison senior captain Johntel Franklin died at a local hospital. Carlitha Franklin had been in remission after a five-year fight with cervical cancer, but she began to hemorrhage that morning while Johntel was taking his college ACT exam.
Her son and several of his teammates were at the hospital late that afternoon when the decision was made to turn off the life-support system. Carlitha Franklin was just 39.
"She was young and they were real close," said Milwaukee coach Aaron Womack Jr., who was at the hospital. "He was very distraught and it happened so suddenly he didn't have time to grieve."
Womack was going to cancel the game, but Franklin told him he wanted the team to play. And play they did, even though the game started late and Milwaukee Madison dressed only eight players.
Early in the second quarter, Womack saw someone out of the corner of his eye. It was Franklin, who came there directly from the hospital to root his teammates on.
The Knights had possession, so Womack called a time out. His players went over and hugged their grieving teammate. Fans came out of the stands to do the same.
"We got back to playing the game and I asked if he wanted to come and sit on the bench," Womack said during a telephone interview.
"No," Franklin replied. "I want to play."
There was just one problem. Since Franklin wasn't on the pre-game roster, putting him in meant drawing a technical foul that would give DeKalb two free throws.
Though it was a tight game, Womack was willing to give up the two points. It was more important to help his senior guard and co-captain deal with his grief by playing.
Over on the other bench, though, Rohlman wasn't so willing to take them. He told the referees to forget the technical and just let Franklin play.
"I could hear them arguing for five to seven minutes, saying, `We're not taking it, we're not taking it," Womack said. "The refs told them, no, that's the rule. You have to take them."
That's when Rohlman asked for volunteers, and McNeal's hand went up.
He went alone to the free throw line, dribbled the ball a couple of times, and looked at the rim.
His first attempt went about two feet, bouncing a couple of times as it rolled toward the end line. The second barely left his hand.
It didn't take long for the Milwaukee players to figure out what was going on.
They stood and turned toward the DeKalb bench and started applauding the gesture of sportsmanship. Soon, so did everybody in the stands.
"I did it for the guy who lost his mom," McNeal told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It was the right thing to do."
They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night.
? Dave Rohlman, head coach of the opposing DeKalb team on what his players will take away from this experience.
Franklin would go on to score 10 points, and Milwaukee Madison broke open the game in the second half to win 62-47. Afterward, the teams went out for pizza, two players from each team sharing each pie.
Franklin stopped by briefly, thankful that his team was there for him.
"I got kind of emotional but it helped a lot just to play," he said. "I felt like I had a lot of support out there."
Carlitha Franklin's funeral was last Friday, and the school turned out for her and her son. Cheerleaders came in uniform, and everyone from the principal and teachers to Johntel's classmates were there.
"Even the cooks from school showed up," Womack said. "It lets you know what kind of kid he is."
Basketball is a second sport for the 18-year-old Franklin, who says he has had some scholarship nibbles and plans to play football in college. He just has a few games left for the Knights, who are 6-11 and got beat 71-36 Tuesday night by Milwaukee Hamilton.
It hasn't been the greatest season for the team, but they have stuck together through a lot of adversity.
"We maybe don't have the best basketball players in the world but they go to class and take care of business," Womack said. "We have a losing record but there's life lessons going on, good ones."
None so good, though, as the moment a team and a player decided there were more important things than winning and having good stats.
Yes, DeKalb would go home with a loss. But it was a trip they'll never forget.
"This is something our kids will hold for a lifetime," Rohlman said. "They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night."
document.write("");
The coach never considered any other option.
It didn't matter that his DeKalb, Ill., High School basketball team had ridden a bus two and a half hours to get to Milwaukee, then waited another hour past game time to play. Didn't matter that the game was close, or that this was a chance to beat a big city team.
Johntel Franklin scored 10 points in the game following the loss of his mother.Something else was on Dave Rohlman's mind when he asked for a volunteer to shoot two free throws awarded his team on a technical foul in the second quarter. His senior captain raised his hand, ready to go to the line as he had many times before.
Only this time it was different.
"You realize you're going to miss them, don't you?" Rohlman said.
Darius McNeal nodded his head. He understood what had to be done.
It was a Saturday night in February, and the Barbs were playing a non-conference game on the road against Milwaukee Madison. It was the third meeting between the two schools, who were developing a friendly rivalry that spanned two states.
The teams planned to get together after the game and share some pizzas and soda. But the game itself almost never took place.
Hours earlier, the mother of Milwaukee Madison senior captain Johntel Franklin died at a local hospital. Carlitha Franklin had been in remission after a five-year fight with cervical cancer, but she began to hemorrhage that morning while Johntel was taking his college ACT exam.
Her son and several of his teammates were at the hospital late that afternoon when the decision was made to turn off the life-support system. Carlitha Franklin was just 39.
"She was young and they were real close," said Milwaukee coach Aaron Womack Jr., who was at the hospital. "He was very distraught and it happened so suddenly he didn't have time to grieve."
Womack was going to cancel the game, but Franklin told him he wanted the team to play. And play they did, even though the game started late and Milwaukee Madison dressed only eight players.
Early in the second quarter, Womack saw someone out of the corner of his eye. It was Franklin, who came there directly from the hospital to root his teammates on.
The Knights had possession, so Womack called a time out. His players went over and hugged their grieving teammate. Fans came out of the stands to do the same.
"We got back to playing the game and I asked if he wanted to come and sit on the bench," Womack said during a telephone interview.
"No," Franklin replied. "I want to play."
There was just one problem. Since Franklin wasn't on the pre-game roster, putting him in meant drawing a technical foul that would give DeKalb two free throws.
Though it was a tight game, Womack was willing to give up the two points. It was more important to help his senior guard and co-captain deal with his grief by playing.
Over on the other bench, though, Rohlman wasn't so willing to take them. He told the referees to forget the technical and just let Franklin play.
"I could hear them arguing for five to seven minutes, saying, `We're not taking it, we're not taking it," Womack said. "The refs told them, no, that's the rule. You have to take them."
That's when Rohlman asked for volunteers, and McNeal's hand went up.
He went alone to the free throw line, dribbled the ball a couple of times, and looked at the rim.
His first attempt went about two feet, bouncing a couple of times as it rolled toward the end line. The second barely left his hand.
It didn't take long for the Milwaukee players to figure out what was going on.
They stood and turned toward the DeKalb bench and started applauding the gesture of sportsmanship. Soon, so did everybody in the stands.
"I did it for the guy who lost his mom," McNeal told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It was the right thing to do."
They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night.
? Dave Rohlman, head coach of the opposing DeKalb team on what his players will take away from this experience.
Franklin would go on to score 10 points, and Milwaukee Madison broke open the game in the second half to win 62-47. Afterward, the teams went out for pizza, two players from each team sharing each pie.
Franklin stopped by briefly, thankful that his team was there for him.
"I got kind of emotional but it helped a lot just to play," he said. "I felt like I had a lot of support out there."
Carlitha Franklin's funeral was last Friday, and the school turned out for her and her son. Cheerleaders came in uniform, and everyone from the principal and teachers to Johntel's classmates were there.
"Even the cooks from school showed up," Womack said. "It lets you know what kind of kid he is."
Basketball is a second sport for the 18-year-old Franklin, who says he has had some scholarship nibbles and plans to play football in college. He just has a few games left for the Knights, who are 6-11 and got beat 71-36 Tuesday night by Milwaukee Hamilton.
It hasn't been the greatest season for the team, but they have stuck together through a lot of adversity.
"We maybe don't have the best basketball players in the world but they go to class and take care of business," Womack said. "We have a losing record but there's life lessons going on, good ones."
None so good, though, as the moment a team and a player decided there were more important things than winning and having good stats.
Yes, DeKalb would go home with a loss. But it was a trip they'll never forget.
"This is something our kids will hold for a lifetime," Rohlman said. "They may not remember our record 20 years from now, but they'll remember what happened in that gym that night."
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I Know, I Know...
I said I'd stop blabbering about politics for a while, but this shit keeps piling up and I have to comment on it.
One day, one freaking day, after President Obama signed the $787 Billion Spending Bill (Democrats call it Stimulus) our heaven sent Commander-In-Chief wants to spend more. Much like in every new policy our glorious leader has unveiled, he sells the sizzle not the steak. Well the $75 billion Homeowner Stability Initiative isn't steak. Yup, you've guessed it, it's pork.
This money is intended for homeowners who took out loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to refinance through these lenders. So all the money that Freddie & Fanny got went where?
Headlining Obama's plan is a $75 billion Homeowner Stability Initiative, which would provide a set of incentives to mortgage lenders in an effort to convince them to help up to 4 million borrowers on the verge of foreclosure. The goal: cut monthly mortgage payments to sustainable levels, defined as no more than 31 percent of a homeowners income. Funding would come from the $700 billion financial industry bailout passed by Congress last fall.
Oh, this is just part of the original $700 Billion then. Or is it? Fortunately for America, the Obama Administration (not yet 1 month old) has shown great accountability with tax money...granted you have to overlook:
Nancy Killefer had to bow out because she didn't pay taxes
Tom Daschle had to bow out because he didn't pay taxes
Bill Richardson paid his taxes, but the money he paid them with was concerned the New Mexico State's Grand Jury...so he bowed out.
Who stayed in? The Tim Geithner who is in charge of accountability, the Nation's Money, and he DIDN'T PAY HIS TAXES!!!
Those who lived beyond their means are being rewarding with a bailout instead of dealing with the consequences. Way to go Mr. President!
Spend, Spend, Spend and Buy anything you want because you won't have to pay for it...The Government will bail you out.
Change? You bet. That you can believe in? No one in their RIGHT mind believes in this.
One day, one freaking day, after President Obama signed the $787 Billion Spending Bill (Democrats call it Stimulus) our heaven sent Commander-In-Chief wants to spend more. Much like in every new policy our glorious leader has unveiled, he sells the sizzle not the steak. Well the $75 billion Homeowner Stability Initiative isn't steak. Yup, you've guessed it, it's pork.
This money is intended for homeowners who took out loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to refinance through these lenders. So all the money that Freddie & Fanny got went where?
Headlining Obama's plan is a $75 billion Homeowner Stability Initiative, which would provide a set of incentives to mortgage lenders in an effort to convince them to help up to 4 million borrowers on the verge of foreclosure. The goal: cut monthly mortgage payments to sustainable levels, defined as no more than 31 percent of a homeowners income. Funding would come from the $700 billion financial industry bailout passed by Congress last fall.
Oh, this is just part of the original $700 Billion then. Or is it? Fortunately for America, the Obama Administration (not yet 1 month old) has shown great accountability with tax money...granted you have to overlook:
Nancy Killefer had to bow out because she didn't pay taxes
Tom Daschle had to bow out because he didn't pay taxes
Bill Richardson paid his taxes, but the money he paid them with was concerned the New Mexico State's Grand Jury...so he bowed out.
Who stayed in? The Tim Geithner who is in charge of accountability, the Nation's Money, and he DIDN'T PAY HIS TAXES!!!
Those who lived beyond their means are being rewarding with a bailout instead of dealing with the consequences. Way to go Mr. President!
Spend, Spend, Spend and Buy anything you want because you won't have to pay for it...The Government will bail you out.
Change? You bet. That you can believe in? No one in their RIGHT mind believes in this.
Are you a conformist?
Yes, I am damn sexy and my wife is easily 100 times sexier. Yes, I enjoy going out with her sans kids. Yes, it is a blast having an outing with adult friends. I just think we shouldn't be forced to have a date night because of some parochial martyr. At least that's what Selma Hayek's character on "30 Rock" said the day was for. The truth is: Valentine's day is just another media driven holiday with the sole purpose of guilting men into pointless and excessive consumerism.
Will I continue to be a pawn in this holiday? Hell yes! This man has needs and is willing to sellout to get them fulfilled.
Speaking of pawns, this guy here is also a conformist.
You play by the rules, and you pay because of the rules...and you'll be rewarded. Yes, you're a sellout, but a happy one.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Alcohol can cause defects in children...
It's extremely funny to watch kids with bags over their heads slam into walls. Unfortunately, I didn't capture video of Tommy hilariously injuring himself, but I did snap a pic...You can't tell, but Tommy said, "Cheese!" 
Friday, February 13, 2009
I can't help but to tell
"Historians will judge that this is a remarkable achievement for President Barrack Obama. Never before has a president pasted his first major economic proposal so boldly and so swiftly." Nancy Pelosi
Why was it so swift and so bold? Because our President lied about there being no earmarks and no pork. If there was even a little bit of time for debating this bill, common sense would show how much pork and how much of an empty suit President Obama is.
No Pork?
Aquaculture Programs (Shrimp & Fish) - $50 million
Youth Build - $50 million
National Endowment of the Arts - $50 Million
Digital TV Conversion - $650 Million (yes, that number is correct. The liberal media needs the TV conversion to continue the brainwashing of America)
High Speed Rail* - $8 Billion
Politicians lie, they always will, but why are we giving President Obama immunity from accountability?
* Harry Reid is pushing for a train from Vegas to Southern California. Does that sound familiar?
Wikipedia:
Reid has also been criticized for several potentially self-enriching tactics. In 2005 Reid earmarked a spending bill to provide for building a bridge between Nevada and Arizona that would make land he owned more valuable. Reid called funding for construction of a bridge over the Colorado River, among other projects, 'incredibly good news for Nevada' in a news release after passage of the 2005 transportation bill. He owned 160 acres (0.65 km2) of land several miles from the proposed bridge site in Arizona. The bridge could add value to his real estate investment.[35] A year later it was reported that Reid had used campaign donations to pay for $3,300 in Christmas gifts to the staff at the condominium where he resides,[36] federal election law prohibits candidates from using political donations for personal use. Reid's staff stated that his attorneys had approved use of the funds in this manner but that he nonetheless would personally reimburse his campaign for the expenses. That action notwithstanding, the conservative group Citizens United announced it had filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission to investigate the matter.[37]
Why was it so swift and so bold? Because our President lied about there being no earmarks and no pork. If there was even a little bit of time for debating this bill, common sense would show how much pork and how much of an empty suit President Obama is.
No Pork?
Aquaculture Programs (Shrimp & Fish) - $50 million
Youth Build - $50 million
National Endowment of the Arts - $50 Million
Digital TV Conversion - $650 Million (yes, that number is correct. The liberal media needs the TV conversion to continue the brainwashing of America)
High Speed Rail* - $8 Billion
Politicians lie, they always will, but why are we giving President Obama immunity from accountability?
* Harry Reid is pushing for a train from Vegas to Southern California. Does that sound familiar?
Wikipedia:
Reid has also been criticized for several potentially self-enriching tactics. In 2005 Reid earmarked a spending bill to provide for building a bridge between Nevada and Arizona that would make land he owned more valuable. Reid called funding for construction of a bridge over the Colorado River, among other projects, 'incredibly good news for Nevada' in a news release after passage of the 2005 transportation bill. He owned 160 acres (0.65 km2) of land several miles from the proposed bridge site in Arizona. The bridge could add value to his real estate investment.[35] A year later it was reported that Reid had used campaign donations to pay for $3,300 in Christmas gifts to the staff at the condominium where he resides,[36] federal election law prohibits candidates from using political donations for personal use. Reid's staff stated that his attorneys had approved use of the funds in this manner but that he nonetheless would personally reimburse his campaign for the expenses. That action notwithstanding, the conservative group Citizens United announced it had filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission to investigate the matter.[37]
Thursday, February 12, 2009
And now for something completely different...
While getting gas yesterday I kept busy by playing "Peek-A-Boo" with Tommy. I'm quite good at this game. I can totally leave Tommy's sight and pop up with a "Peek-A-Boo" making him laugh hysterically. Tommy tries to hide, but he doesn't do it very well. All he can do is cover his eyes...probably has something to do with him being strapped in the car seat. Oh well, I'm just happy to still be better than him at something.
Anyway, it got me thinking how other people spend time pumping gas. I've seen them listening to the radio, talking on the phone and washing the car's windows. Though it seems obvious, now, that this time could be also be used for brushing hair, doing makeup and other grooming stuff. The person before me decided to use his gas pumping time to clip his fingernails. Granted I don't know for sure if these are fingernail clippings...I'd rather not think they're from the toes.
While at the bank today I was invited to the VIP room. It's very exclusive and only the elite of the elite are welcomed there. Some may know the VIP room as the commercial teller, but that's just a facade to keep the riff raff out. Anyway, the kids and I go in and shut the door. While getting my banking needs fulfilled in the utmost professional manner, I heared Emma scream. Her sock monkey (creatively named Sock Monkey) had attacked her and thrown her to the ground. I was going to help, but Tommy was already there trying. So I took a picture.
I hate to nitpick, but...
Who am I kidding? I love pointing out the little things that are erroneous in an otherwise beautiful image. Usually the person is so happy and proud when showing off something new. The truth is, they are oblivious to the whole because they are blinded by the novelty.
"Yeah, you're new car is great, but it's dripping oil on my driveway."
"Yeah, your girlfriend has pretty hair, but her teeth look like she chews on rocks."
"Yeah, our new President is pretty cool, but he's fucking destroying our country."
True, the little things can be fixed. A few new gaskets for the car, a paper bag for the girlfriend, and a resignation from the President, the President's entire Cabinet (except Gates), the 233 Democratic members of the House of Representatives, and the 49 Democratic Senators.
I read this article from Clive Crook, here's an excerpt:
FDR changed the country by changing what citizens demand of government. Economic hardship was no longer a private problem. It was the government’s responsibility to provide some measure of economic security. Deploying a modern mastery of public relations, Roosevelt embraced this responsibility; and though the results were not always good, he did his best to discharge it. The country loved him for this.
Is Mr Obama an FDR for the new century? A president has many ways of ruining his reputation, and this is a different world, yet the idea looks plausible. Like Roosevelt, Mr Obama inherits a crisis not of his making. Like Roosevelt, he is brimming with energy to get things done. Like Roosevelt – happy days are here again – he has given the country a jolt of optimism just by turning up. FDR understood that his greatest strength was not being Hoover; he emphasised (and exaggerated) the differences. Mr Obama gets it and does not have to try so hard. Could he be more different from George W. Bush?
History repeats itself.
In 1932 FDR won an election due to a strong media magnate (Hearst) and a weak economy under the previous administration (Great Depression, Hoover). FDR implements the New Deal hoping it will stimulate the economy. Though FDR's New Deal had positive affects on the economy, it wasn't until America's involvement in WWII that her economy became strong again.
President Obama is elected based solely on the mainstream media's endorsement (What, you thought it was because of his experience?). President Obama inherits a poor economy and implements a stimulus package aimed at economic revival. Despite President Obama's declaration of "No pork...No earmarks" the Stimulus Bill has plenty. Will a Great War get America out of this recession? Not to go tangential here, but...Hitler came to power because he played the Blame Game very well...Was that out of line? READ A BOOK PEOPLE!
I actually found this info on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29025047/)
What is an ‘earmark’?In part, the answer hinges on the definition of an “earmark.” Democrats insist they are nowhere in the plan; Republicans see “pork” everywhere. So we cribbed from criteria Congress laid out in a 2007 reform bill: language that aims spending at specific programs, states or localities, often at a member’s request.
Specific location? The Senate stimulus contains $50 million for habitat restoration and other water needs in the San Francisco Bay Area. There is another $62 million for military projects in Guam.
Specific industry? The House bill includes an amendment authored by Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley setting aside $500 million for biofuel makers, which he says, would bring jobs home to Iowa.
Specific program? There’s $198 million to compensate Filipino World War II veterans for their service. Most don’t live in the United States.
Yeah, the Stimulus Bill may help our economy, but for God's sake, listen to me:
1 - The government is gaining ownership of (what once was) the private sector and will continue toward nationwide socialism unless the Liberals are voted out of office.
2 - Our President is not the Messiah and people needs to stop believing in that deceit. Those who don't know history are condemned to relive the mistakes of the past. (can't remember who said that)
3 - I'm getting pissed off spending time offering solutions to America's problems and not being obeyed. I'll be taking a break from such heroics and return to posting pics of my kids. FTW
"Yeah, you're new car is great, but it's dripping oil on my driveway."
"Yeah, your girlfriend has pretty hair, but her teeth look like she chews on rocks."
"Yeah, our new President is pretty cool, but he's fucking destroying our country."
True, the little things can be fixed. A few new gaskets for the car, a paper bag for the girlfriend, and a resignation from the President, the President's entire Cabinet (except Gates), the 233 Democratic members of the House of Representatives, and the 49 Democratic Senators.
I read this article from Clive Crook, here's an excerpt:
FDR changed the country by changing what citizens demand of government. Economic hardship was no longer a private problem. It was the government’s responsibility to provide some measure of economic security. Deploying a modern mastery of public relations, Roosevelt embraced this responsibility; and though the results were not always good, he did his best to discharge it. The country loved him for this.
Is Mr Obama an FDR for the new century? A president has many ways of ruining his reputation, and this is a different world, yet the idea looks plausible. Like Roosevelt, Mr Obama inherits a crisis not of his making. Like Roosevelt, he is brimming with energy to get things done. Like Roosevelt – happy days are here again – he has given the country a jolt of optimism just by turning up. FDR understood that his greatest strength was not being Hoover; he emphasised (and exaggerated) the differences. Mr Obama gets it and does not have to try so hard. Could he be more different from George W. Bush?
History repeats itself.
In 1932 FDR won an election due to a strong media magnate (Hearst) and a weak economy under the previous administration (Great Depression, Hoover). FDR implements the New Deal hoping it will stimulate the economy. Though FDR's New Deal had positive affects on the economy, it wasn't until America's involvement in WWII that her economy became strong again.
President Obama is elected based solely on the mainstream media's endorsement (What, you thought it was because of his experience?). President Obama inherits a poor economy and implements a stimulus package aimed at economic revival. Despite President Obama's declaration of "No pork...No earmarks" the Stimulus Bill has plenty. Will a Great War get America out of this recession? Not to go tangential here, but...Hitler came to power because he played the Blame Game very well...Was that out of line? READ A BOOK PEOPLE!
I actually found this info on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29025047/)
What is an ‘earmark’?In part, the answer hinges on the definition of an “earmark.” Democrats insist they are nowhere in the plan; Republicans see “pork” everywhere. So we cribbed from criteria Congress laid out in a 2007 reform bill: language that aims spending at specific programs, states or localities, often at a member’s request.
Specific location? The Senate stimulus contains $50 million for habitat restoration and other water needs in the San Francisco Bay Area. There is another $62 million for military projects in Guam.
Specific industry? The House bill includes an amendment authored by Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley setting aside $500 million for biofuel makers, which he says, would bring jobs home to Iowa.
Specific program? There’s $198 million to compensate Filipino World War II veterans for their service. Most don’t live in the United States.
Yeah, the Stimulus Bill may help our economy, but for God's sake, listen to me:
1 - The government is gaining ownership of (what once was) the private sector and will continue toward nationwide socialism unless the Liberals are voted out of office.
2 - Our President is not the Messiah and people needs to stop believing in that deceit. Those who don't know history are condemned to relive the mistakes of the past. (can't remember who said that)
3 - I'm getting pissed off spending time offering solutions to America's problems and not being obeyed. I'll be taking a break from such heroics and return to posting pics of my kids. FTW
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
President Obama...well, he's trying.
President Barack Obama has announced a $500,000 limit on executive pay at US firms that need substantial fresh government aid.
The move follows widespread public anger over the levels of pay on Wall Street, but is not expected to be applied retrospectively.
President Obama said it was "shameful" that top bankers had awarded themselves giant bonuses last year.
He added that taxpayers should not be "subsidizing excessive compensation".
In addition to the limit on basic pay, Mr Obama said if affected executives receive any further bonuses, they "will come in the form of stock that can't be paid up until taxpayers are paid back for their assistance".
At first glance it looks like a common sense virtual no-brainer that those who beg for government bailout money must have their company's spending regulated. No more company jets! No more executive retreats! No more outrages bonuses! No more freedom!
Wait, no more freedom? Yeah, the bailout slippery slope was a bad idea (who said that?) and is costing Americans their freedom. I know that's not what you want to hear, but that IS what's happening. When the government tells you how much money you can make, whether or not to give bonuses to your employees or how to spend your money in general...you are not free. You are merely slave of the government.
A little logic for you:
The government owns and then dictates how companies operate.
The people are the owners of the government.
Therefore, the people own and dictate how companies operate.
"We want to take money and put it back in the pocket of middle-class people," Biden said in an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Noting that wealthier Americans would indeed pay more, Biden said: "It's time to be patriotic ... time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut."
What is it called when the people share ownership in their country's means of production?
Communism (American Heritage® Dictionary):
A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
Equality & Fairness is an absolute must for social issues. Equality & Fairness in economic issues is not CAPITALISM, but it is CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN...Comrade.
The move follows widespread public anger over the levels of pay on Wall Street, but is not expected to be applied retrospectively.
President Obama said it was "shameful" that top bankers had awarded themselves giant bonuses last year.
He added that taxpayers should not be "subsidizing excessive compensation".
In addition to the limit on basic pay, Mr Obama said if affected executives receive any further bonuses, they "will come in the form of stock that can't be paid up until taxpayers are paid back for their assistance".
At first glance it looks like a common sense virtual no-brainer that those who beg for government bailout money must have their company's spending regulated. No more company jets! No more executive retreats! No more outrages bonuses! No more freedom!
Wait, no more freedom? Yeah, the bailout slippery slope was a bad idea (who said that?) and is costing Americans their freedom. I know that's not what you want to hear, but that IS what's happening. When the government tells you how much money you can make, whether or not to give bonuses to your employees or how to spend your money in general...you are not free. You are merely slave of the government.
A little logic for you:
The government owns and then dictates how companies operate.
The people are the owners of the government.
Therefore, the people own and dictate how companies operate.
"We want to take money and put it back in the pocket of middle-class people," Biden said in an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Noting that wealthier Americans would indeed pay more, Biden said: "It's time to be patriotic ... time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut."
What is it called when the people share ownership in their country's means of production?
Communism (American Heritage® Dictionary):
A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
Equality & Fairness is an absolute must for social issues. Equality & Fairness in economic issues is not CAPITALISM, but it is CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN...Comrade.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Take our guns please!
It's so much safer when guns are illegal...well, for criminals. No law abiding citizen would shoot my family or I. Actually, a law abiding citizen, by definition, can't harm my family. A criminal could though. So banning firearms in America would render law abiding citizens defenseless while guaranteeing a criminal would not face return fire.
Firearms are banned in Mexico. Are law abiding Mexican citizens safe from gun violence?
It seems like every week there's another massacre by gunmen in Mexico. If President Obama, and his liberal hippy douches, make owning a firearm illegal...it will also make me a criminal, though my family would be safer. Becoming a criminal to help my family, Change I can believe in.
2 Mexican police stations are shot up by gunmen
ENSENADA: Gunmen shot at a municipal police station early yesterday, the second such assault against police this week, the Baja California Attorney General's Office said.
No injuries were reported during the 6 a.m. attack just south of downtown Ensenada. Two vehicles, including one patrol car, were damaged, and bullet holes were found on the outside of the building, the Attorney General's Office said.
Authorities have not determined a motive, but believe the attacks could have been in retaliation for the arrest of Santiago Meza López, 45. He has confessed to dissolving more than 300 bodies for a drug cartel and was arrested last week near Ensenada, according to the Mexican federal Attorney General's Office.
Firearms are banned in Mexico. Are law abiding Mexican citizens safe from gun violence?
It seems like every week there's another massacre by gunmen in Mexico. If President Obama, and his liberal hippy douches, make owning a firearm illegal...it will also make me a criminal, though my family would be safer. Becoming a criminal to help my family, Change I can believe in.
2 Mexican police stations are shot up by gunmen
ENSENADA: Gunmen shot at a municipal police station early yesterday, the second such assault against police this week, the Baja California Attorney General's Office said.
No injuries were reported during the 6 a.m. attack just south of downtown Ensenada. Two vehicles, including one patrol car, were damaged, and bullet holes were found on the outside of the building, the Attorney General's Office said.
Authorities have not determined a motive, but believe the attacks could have been in retaliation for the arrest of Santiago Meza López, 45. He has confessed to dissolving more than 300 bodies for a drug cartel and was arrested last week near Ensenada, according to the Mexican federal Attorney General's Office.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
DMV and playing chicken
It's not that bad going to the DMV. It took about 45 minutes for our number to be called and another five at the window. Even Tommy was all smiles.
Yesterday Tommy and I were playing chicken on our bikes. I, of course, won but Tommy is getting better.
244-188
All 177 Republicans and 11 other rational, intelligent and anti-socialist Congressmen voted against President Obama's Stimulus legislation. Unfortunately for America, the House has a majority of left-wing liberal hippy Democrats.
Wow, President Obama sure reached across party lines and brought bipartisanship to America.
Yes, the Senate can still stop this, but those in the Right (the correct, not Conservative) are still a minority. Hopefully, it won't pass so it can be written correctly. But if it does, I hope it makes America strong again.
Hell, the U.S.S.R launched Sputnik! Our Socialists (Democrats) are bound to do some good, right?
Wow, President Obama sure reached across party lines and brought bipartisanship to America.
Yes, the Senate can still stop this, but those in the Right (the correct, not Conservative) are still a minority. Hopefully, it won't pass so it can be written correctly. But if it does, I hope it makes America strong again.
Hell, the U.S.S.R launched Sputnik! Our Socialists (Democrats) are bound to do some good, right?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
My Princess is getting older.
Princess Emma is turning five in 12 days. FIVE! I remember so vividly Britt's reaction when she found out Emma was in her tummy. I remember the first time I saw Emma's heartbeat; she looked like a jellybean with a blinking L.E.D.. Well, now my little girl is five and she keeps growing up.
Britt's the one who gave Emma the middle name Grace...maybe it should have been Monkey.
Anyway, her party is next Saturday - for those that speak liberal (ie Sarah) that's the 7th. Yes, the boy turns two. But he's still in diapers so his birthday doesn't really matter. Until he starts caring about my feelings, I'll start caring about his. Who am I kidding? It's pretty cool having the boy around.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
You are an Asshole.
It all started about 8:20 this morning on the 125 on ramp. Everyone but you was obeying the law waiting for their turn. Though the sign clearly states "Two Cars per Green" you decided that didn't apply to you. You are an Asshole and you either:
1 - Can't read. In that case you should not exist in this country let alone drive in it.
2 - Can't count. Again, you should die or go live in France.
3 - Don't care about who you endanger when you drive.
Now, if it is #3 please know that dumbasses like you is why I have to carry so much auto insurance. The cost of repairs to my car and the rental can be quite substantial. But that's not the most important thing, read this carefully (if you are illiterate get someone to read it to you...then go to France):
You drive carelessly anywhere near my kids again, I will punch you in the throat, rip your fucking eyes out and piss in the sockets.
1 - Can't read. In that case you should not exist in this country let alone drive in it.
2 - Can't count. Again, you should die or go live in France.
3 - Don't care about who you endanger when you drive.
Now, if it is #3 please know that dumbasses like you is why I have to carry so much auto insurance. The cost of repairs to my car and the rental can be quite substantial. But that's not the most important thing, read this carefully (if you are illiterate get someone to read it to you...then go to France):
You drive carelessly anywhere near my kids again, I will punch you in the throat, rip your fucking eyes out and piss in the sockets.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Huh?
I decided the kids should get their monthly dose of vegetables last night. I even cooked the whole bag of frozen corn kernels so they could have two servings each. There was a small problem with the amount of water that was to be boiled.
Each cup of corn to be cooked required 1/4 cup of water (see picture under Stove Top).
Since I wanted to cook the entire bag I looked to the instructions for the appropriate amount of water.
For every cup of corn I needed 1/4 of water. The bag contains five 2/3 cup servings...or 3 1/3 cups of corn. So, to cook the entire bag I would need to add 5/6 cup of water. Why the Hell couldn't the bag contain 3 cups of corn thus requiring 3/4 cup of water?
This is why my kids are malnurished.
Each cup of corn to be cooked required 1/4 cup of water (see picture under Stove Top).
Since I wanted to cook the entire bag I looked to the instructions for the appropriate amount of water.
For every cup of corn I needed 1/4 of water. The bag contains five 2/3 cup servings...or 3 1/3 cups of corn. So, to cook the entire bag I would need to add 5/6 cup of water. Why the Hell couldn't the bag contain 3 cups of corn thus requiring 3/4 cup of water?
This is why my kids are malnurished.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Do you remember?
A couple years ago (four to be exact) the media was in uproar over the $40 million price tag of President Bush's 2nd inauguration. The economy wasn't doing well, America was at war...the administration was demonized on all the liberal media fronts for spending that much money.
Here we are at inauguration time again, but this one will bring CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN. Yes, the economy is very bad. Yes, America is at war. How much will the inauguration cost?
$150 MILLION
I bet you'll be surprised at this, but I'm all for this party. This is an historic inauguration requiring much joy and celebration. No, I'm not happy about the price. I do wish there was a cap or budget for this sort of thing. But the real kicker is...wait for it...the obvious liberal double standard in American media.
Not one article on CNN or MSNBC talks about the extravagance of this inauguration. Not One! Sure there are a few hits when you search for "Obama Inauguration Price". But I'm not interested in the Limited Edition Minted Coins or the traffic problems the parade will bring.
We should sell tickets to this thing. That would not just generate the revenue to help pay the bill, but it would be the capitalistic thing to do. Oh, I forgot...capitalism is not CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.
Already an obvious Double Standard...and this is only Day One of the Obama Administration.
Here we are at inauguration time again, but this one will bring CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN. Yes, the economy is very bad. Yes, America is at war. How much will the inauguration cost?
$150 MILLION
I bet you'll be surprised at this, but I'm all for this party. This is an historic inauguration requiring much joy and celebration. No, I'm not happy about the price. I do wish there was a cap or budget for this sort of thing. But the real kicker is...wait for it...the obvious liberal double standard in American media.
Not one article on CNN or MSNBC talks about the extravagance of this inauguration. Not One! Sure there are a few hits when you search for "Obama Inauguration Price". But I'm not interested in the Limited Edition Minted Coins or the traffic problems the parade will bring.
We should sell tickets to this thing. That would not just generate the revenue to help pay the bill, but it would be the capitalistic thing to do. Oh, I forgot...capitalism is not CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.
Already an obvious Double Standard...and this is only Day One of the Obama Administration.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Worst, Best, Middle
Two Questions:
1 - Who the hell decided to place the different grades of gas in this order and why does every gas station subscribe to this moronic idea?
The English language (and Spanish too) is meant to be read left to right. Smallest to Largest. Largest to Smallest. Not Smallest, Largest, Medium. I demand that all gas stations change the order of gasoline grades immediately!
2 - How is it possible that the price of gas is changed at the exact same time at every station? I bet every gas station has a red phone that is a direct line to the Oil Czar.
This is similar to the phone that will be installed next Tuesday in the Oval Office. Except that phone is a direct line to Rachel Maddow and instead of determining gas prices she'll instruct President Obama when he has a tough decision to make.
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