Saturday, January 31, 2009

WHAT?

What? This is from The New York Daily News, January 31, 2009:

A Georgia drowning in medical bills for their two disabled kids put everything they own - except for their house - up for auction on ebay. Last week, Gregg and Brittiny Peters accepted a bid of $20,000 for all worldly possessions - but it came with a catch. The winners, a Texas couple, want the family to keep the money and their stuff. "They've worked really hard to get those things and we're in a position to help them," Donnia Blair told The Associated Press. In a strange twist, though, the Peters clan isn't happy about the bid. They said they were looking for a fresh start - not charity. "They are apparently not willing to take our stuff," Brittiny Peters said. "They're purchasing them to give them back to us."

The mom of three - who has one child with autism and another with arthritis - said she may accept the cash but donate the auction items to others.

Now maybe I'm being a bit cynical, but WHAT the heck are these people thinking? They put their crap on ebay, somebody bids on their junk, GIVES them $20,000 and they are not the least bit grateful??? If that's me, I'm taking the money back and finding someone else who might at least say, "Thanks." But that's just me.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Senator Martinez

I received Senator Martinez's response to my question about the new "Stimulus" package.

Below is a response to the recent comments I received from you:

Dear Mr. Kayser:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the United States economy. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to respond.

In February 2008, the Congress, with my full support, passed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. This legislation was designed to jump start our slowing economy and encourage job creation. Included in the package was direct financial relief for individuals and families, as well as tax incentives for businesses aimed at stimulating investment.

As you know, our economy is facing a number of serious challenges--many of which involve housing, an acute issue in our state. As the Senate considers additional proposals aimed at growing our economy, including the possibility of a second stimulus bill, I will keep your thoughts in mind. I will continue to work with my colleagues to find ways to use the resources of the federal government in a reasonable and responsible manner in order to mitigate future losses and put our housing and financial markets on the pathway to recovery.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. For more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator

Thursday, January 29, 2009

RIP John Martyn

Sad news today, the passing of John Martyn. His unique guitar sound, voice, and sense of humor will be missed by his fans. RIP John.

Random stuff from history

On January29, 1900 the American Baseball League was formed in Philadelphia.
On January 29, 1936 the first five inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame were named: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson and Honus Wagner.
William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, was born on January 29, 1843. He was assassinated in 1901. If you ever get to see a $500 bill, you will see a picture of him. He was a Civil War Veteran, and a very popular president. Upon his death Theodore Roosevelt took office, and remains the youngest person to hold the position.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Stimulate What?

I am sorry to say that Washington is back to politics as usual. President Obama is pushing through his"stimulus" package with the same zeal and rhetoric as Bush.

Mr. President, your sense of urgency is unfounded. TARP did not work. The tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 did not work. The Senators and Representatives in Congress need to read the 650 page document and digest its proposals. Rushing this through with the cry of "the sky is falling" is what we got from Bush. And now you.

Borrowing money, creating more debt, is the wrong way to go.

I am reminded of the Who, singing "Won't Get Fooled Again." "Here comes the new boss, same as the old boss."

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A Huge Ponzi Scheme

I would advise everyone to read Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution. You will be surprised. You can find the Treasury information on their website.

I suggest we all write to our Senators and Representatives recommending that they actually read the proposed "stimulus" package and that they read the Treasury report.

Common sense tells me you cannot keep borrowing money today to pay back money that you borrowed yesterday. Eventually you will not be able to pay back anything. Just reference Bernard Madoff. I think what we have is a government foisting a huge Ponzi scheme on the American people.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Happy Year of the Ox

Say good-bye to the Year of the Pig and hello to the Year of the Ox.

Happy Chinese New Year to one out of every five humans living on our planet.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Something warm and something cold

On this day in 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in America to receive a medical degree. She received her degree from Geneva Medical College after being turned down by more than two dozen medical schools. She had been accepted by the school due to the faculty and students, all male of course, thinking her application was someone playing a practical joke. She graduated with top honors.

Today, half the medical school graduates are women.

On January 23, 1971, a temperature of -80 F was recorded in Prospect Creek, Alaska. That's the lowest temperature ever recorded in the United States.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A Sad Commentary

The United States spent almost 800 billion dollars on defense in 2008. It spent 67 billion dollars on education. I suppose the intent is to keep the population uneducated enough that they don't even question this out of balance spending.

In fairness, individual states also contribute to education. But still...

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

President Obama

Most of us over the age of..., well let's say most of us, never thought we'd see this day.

But I am somewhat put off by political commentators who claim this to be a great day for African-Americans. Surely, it is a great day for them. And a proud moment for all Americans. But more than that I believe it shows that Americans are just tired of the Washington status quo.

Here is hoping that Mr. Obama is not just another political hack making empty promises.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

On this day in 1977 it snowed in Miami.

Robert E. Lee is 202 years old today.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Timmy, maybe you need TAX CUT software

Soooooo, here is the change we are getting in Washington from Mr. Obama (yes, I voted for him). Newly nominated and about to be appointed Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner not only will head the Treasury but as such will oversee the Internal Revenue Service. Ah, the IRS. Now there is one itsy bitsy problem with Mr. Geithner. He has, over about a 15 year period, neglected to pay HIS OWN self-employment taxes, as well as the taxes for an employee who was NOT LEGALLY in this country. Mr. Obama, give me a break. This is CHANGE?

I may be crazy but I'm not stupid!

We are seeing the same old Washington games. Yes, he made a mistake but he's cleared it up and no problem. So, if I "forget" to pay some of my taxes I can simply rectify it by claiming to be, in my case, bordering on senility.

Oops, I forgot my New Year's Resolution to not be cynical. But, after all, they are telling me that despite his forgetfulness he's the best man for the job. Hey Homer, if you lose your job at the plant maybe you can be Secretary of the Treasury. Paulsen, Geithner, Homer Simpson!!!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Happy Birthday Ben!

January 17, 1706. Benjamin Franklin is born in Boston.

January 17, 1806. Thomas Jefferson's daughter Martha gave birth to James Madison Randolph, the first child born in the White House

Friday, January 16, 2009

It Is Happiness

"Do you see O my brothers and sisters?
It is not chaos or death - it is form, union, plan -
It is eternal life - it is Happiness."

Walt Whitman

Monday, January 12, 2009

Happy Birthday John Hancock

Happy 272nd birthday to John Hancock. Perhaps the only man to be remembered solely for signing his name. But he should also be remembered as a great patriot who risked his life and considerable fortune for the cause of liberty.

In 1932 Hattie W. Caraway of Arkansas became the first woman elected to the US Senate.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Happy Birthday Alexander Hamilton

On January 11 of either 1755 or 1757, Alexander Hamilton was born. The exact year is unknown. He was born in Nevis, West Indies. He was an aide-de-camp to George Washington and a Revolutionary War hero. He was a member of the Continental Congress. He helped create America's financial system as the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton favored a strong central government and became the leader of the Federalist Party. Along with James Madison and John Jay, he wrote the Federalist Papers, urging the ratification of the Constitution.

Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr.

You will find his picture on a ten dollar bill.

If you would like to find out more about this great Founding Father, read Ron Chernow's biography.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

What Hath God Wrought!

With those words Samuel Morse tapped out the first message sent from Washington DC to Baltimore in Morse code on May 4, 1844. Earlier, on January 6, 1838, Morse had demonstrated his invention near Morristown, New Jersey by sending the message "A patient waite is no loser."

January 6 is also the 250th wedding anniversary of George and Martha Washington.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Idaho, Alaska!!!

When was Alaska admitted to the Union?

Idaho, Alaska! (get it)

January 3, 1959. The first new state since 1912. It is by far the largest state, more thantwice the size of Texas and almost one fifth the size of the rest of the USA. And they have Sarah Palin, too.

Friday, January 2, 2009

New Year's Resolutions

Here are a few New Year's Resolutions that I know I can hold to:

I will stop smoking
I will stop drinking
I will stop gambling
I will support President Bush
I will not be cynical

Okay...for those of you who know me personally, go ahead and laugh.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year

Happy New Year.

This year will bring a couple of memorable birthdays:

My daughter Anna will be ten years old.

My Jeep Cherokee will be 20 years old.

Keep a happy face this year. From all indications you will need it!