"Everything's good...Everything. Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that. That's all, that's all! If anyone find out, he'll become happy at once, that minute."
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
"To wake up to
who we are
what we are here for
To make all life
more poetical, more sane
more living, loving
To experience
the true of all things
this moment...
this moment...
this moment..."
William Segal
"When will the kingdom come?
It will not come by waiting for it.
It will not be a matter of saying 'here it is' or 'there it is'
It is spread upon the earth mbut men do not see it"
Jesus
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Just the Facts
Fact: Your eye color is mainly dictated by where your ancestors lived. People from sunny environments had dark eyes which helped block out the sun. People with blue or light eyes lived in darker environments with less light.
Popeye has better eyes than Bugs Bunny because the lutein in spinach is better for yor eyes than beta-carotene in carrots.
Setting your computer monitor lower on the desk will reduce eye strain because the opening between the lids will be reduced, which prevents dry eyes.
To save money, instead of buying bottled water just drop a piece of cut fruit into a glass of filtered water.
We all produce one to three pints of gas daily. Less than 1% of it smells.
Why do we yawn? The body senses a dip in the oxygen level in the blood, so you yawn to take in more oxygen.
It is a myth that we use only a portion of our brain. In fact, the entire brain is used, thoug not all at the same time.
Popeye has better eyes than Bugs Bunny because the lutein in spinach is better for yor eyes than beta-carotene in carrots.
Setting your computer monitor lower on the desk will reduce eye strain because the opening between the lids will be reduced, which prevents dry eyes.
To save money, instead of buying bottled water just drop a piece of cut fruit into a glass of filtered water.
We all produce one to three pints of gas daily. Less than 1% of it smells.
Why do we yawn? The body senses a dip in the oxygen level in the blood, so you yawn to take in more oxygen.
It is a myth that we use only a portion of our brain. In fact, the entire brain is used, thoug not all at the same time.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Miracles
"There are two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Amistad Case
On February 24, 1841, an aged John Quincy Adams began arguing the case of the Amistad before the United States Supreme Court. Adams had thought himself too old to argue the case on behalf of 53 African slaves who seized the Amistad. Spain had demanded the return of their "property (the kidnapped captives)" and President Martin van Buren had agreed. The captives, led by Cinque, insisted they were not property at all, but human beings who had been kidnapped. Adams argued that, "The moment you come to the Declaration of Independence, that every man has a right to lfe and liberty, as an inalienable right, this case is decided. I ask nothing more on behalf of these unfortunate men than this Declaration."
Adams won the case. The court ruled that since the transatlantci slave trade had been banned, the Africans were free men. A blow had been struck for liberty!
Adams won the case. The court ruled that since the transatlantci slave trade had been banned, the Africans were free men. A blow had been struck for liberty!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Happy Birthday George!
Today is George Washington's birthday. He would be 277 if he were still alive, but he isn't so let's not go there. We Americans consider George to be the father of our country. There is good reason for this on three counts: He led the Continental Army to victory against the strongest and best equipped army on earth, he presided over the writing of the Constitution, and he served as the first president of the new United States. Without his leadership it is doubtful that the colonies would have united. Many members of the Constitutional Congress openly stated that Washington was the one and only reason they agreed to attend the Constitutional Convention. His leadership of the Continental army inspired the recruits to continue the fight when the odds were against them. As the first president he set the example for all who followed.
Without Washington there would be no United States.
Without Washington there would be no United States.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Today is your lucky day
"Forget mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you are going to do now and do it. Today is your lucky day."
Will Durant
Will Durant
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Bad Day for Japanese-Americans
Suppose you are of Japanese descent, an American citizen, and alive in 1942. On February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt just signed Executive Order 9066, which basically robbed you of all of your rights and property and sent you to an internment camp for the remainder of the Pacific War. Loyal Americans were locked way for years simply because of who they were. That was a sad day for all Americans and we should be diligent that this sorry affair never happens again. President Reagan signed an apology in 1988, which also gave each survivor $20,000.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Dear President Obama
Dear President Obama: Thank you very much for the "stimulus" package. But, I do have one question, "Where exactly is the stimulus for the millions of Americans that filled the US Treasury with the trillions of dollars you are now handing out to the exact same poorly managed companies that caused all of this in the first place."
Perhaps you may not have noticed a few things that took place prior to the collapse of the economy. I would like to point one important one out to you. In 2001 my wife and I purchased a home in Coral Springs, Florida. Though it was a bit expensive we thought it was a good investment since it was in a good neighborhood, had good schools, was near shopping, etc. Well, we didn't realize that it was as good an investment as it turned out to be. It doubled in value in less than five years. The problem was that so did everything else in a comparable market. Looking back on this as a reflection of market conditions in general, it's rather easy to see that mortgage lending was a major cause of this problem. Home values were skyrocketing, loans were easy to obtain, brokers and lenders were making lots of money. But this was a market built on air. And noiw we are seeing the results. The values have gone back to where they should have been back in 200X. The market has not had it's bubble burst, as we are told by you and others who would like us to believe in your scary stories. It has merely adjusted to normalcy.
Why should the US Treasury, our money, save the robber barons. Let them fail. Let GM go under, because surely someone will buy it. Let the lenders go under, they dealt in robbery and deserve what they get.
If you want to stimulate the economy, stop telling everyone had bad things are. You ran for the presidency on a platform of hope but have done nothing since taking office but tell us how bad things are. Poor sportsmanship I say.
Last, thanks for the $250 that will go to social security recipients some time in 2009. That sure will stimulate the economy. NOT!
Perhaps you may not have noticed a few things that took place prior to the collapse of the economy. I would like to point one important one out to you. In 2001 my wife and I purchased a home in Coral Springs, Florida. Though it was a bit expensive we thought it was a good investment since it was in a good neighborhood, had good schools, was near shopping, etc. Well, we didn't realize that it was as good an investment as it turned out to be. It doubled in value in less than five years. The problem was that so did everything else in a comparable market. Looking back on this as a reflection of market conditions in general, it's rather easy to see that mortgage lending was a major cause of this problem. Home values were skyrocketing, loans were easy to obtain, brokers and lenders were making lots of money. But this was a market built on air. And noiw we are seeing the results. The values have gone back to where they should have been back in 200X. The market has not had it's bubble burst, as we are told by you and others who would like us to believe in your scary stories. It has merely adjusted to normalcy.
Why should the US Treasury, our money, save the robber barons. Let them fail. Let GM go under, because surely someone will buy it. Let the lenders go under, they dealt in robbery and deserve what they get.
If you want to stimulate the economy, stop telling everyone had bad things are. You ran for the presidency on a platform of hope but have done nothing since taking office but tell us how bad things are. Poor sportsmanship I say.
Last, thanks for the $250 that will go to social security recipients some time in 2009. That sure will stimulate the economy. NOT!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Intelligence is Over Rated
A friend of mine has a life saving tool that cuts through a seat belt if she gets trapped in the car. She keeps it in the trunk???
”What’s Wal-Mart? Do they like make walls there?” Paris Hilton
“It was God who made me so beautiful. If I weren’t, then I’d be a teacher.” Linda Evangelista
My friend and I saw a woman walk by with a nose ring attached by a chain to an earring. She said that would be a problem because the chain must rip out every time she turns her head???
Someone I know could not locate her luggage after waiting at the luggage kiosk. She told the clerk at the lost luggage office about her problem. The clerk asked, "Has your plane arrived yet?"???
So, where’s the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?” Christina Aguilera
While waiting in line at Subway, I heard the clerk ask if the customer wanted his sandwich cut in two pieces or one. The customer replied, "Oh, just one because I don't think I could eat two."
“Is this chicken what I have or is it fish? I know it’s tuna but it says ‘Chicken of the Sea’.” Jessica Simpson
“Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country,” –Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC.
“Half this game is ninety percent mental.” –Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark
“It isn’t pollution that’s harming the environment. It’s the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.”–Al Gore, Vice President
“If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their heart throughout the night. And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there’ll be a record.” –Mark S. Fowler, FCC Chairman
Question: If you could live forever, would you and why? Answer: “I wouldn’t live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever,” –Heather Whitestone Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest.
“Smoking kills. If you’re killed, you’ve lost a very important part of your life,” –Brooke Shields
Lawyer: "Was that the same nose you broke as a child?"
Witness: "I only have one, you know.
”What’s Wal-Mart? Do they like make walls there?” Paris Hilton
“It was God who made me so beautiful. If I weren’t, then I’d be a teacher.” Linda Evangelista
My friend and I saw a woman walk by with a nose ring attached by a chain to an earring. She said that would be a problem because the chain must rip out every time she turns her head???
Someone I know could not locate her luggage after waiting at the luggage kiosk. She told the clerk at the lost luggage office about her problem. The clerk asked, "Has your plane arrived yet?"???
So, where’s the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?” Christina Aguilera
While waiting in line at Subway, I heard the clerk ask if the customer wanted his sandwich cut in two pieces or one. The customer replied, "Oh, just one because I don't think I could eat two."
“Is this chicken what I have or is it fish? I know it’s tuna but it says ‘Chicken of the Sea’.” Jessica Simpson
“Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country,” –Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC.
“Half this game is ninety percent mental.” –Philadelphia Phillies manager, Danny Ozark
“It isn’t pollution that’s harming the environment. It’s the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.”–Al Gore, Vice President
“If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their heart throughout the night. And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there’ll be a record.” –Mark S. Fowler, FCC Chairman
Question: If you could live forever, would you and why? Answer: “I wouldn’t live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever,” –Heather Whitestone Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss USA contest.
“Smoking kills. If you’re killed, you’ve lost a very important part of your life,” –Brooke Shields
Lawyer: "Was that the same nose you broke as a child?"
Witness: "I only have one, you know.
Monday, February 16, 2009
President's Day Part II "The Not So Wise"
Richard Nixon (1969-1974): "Well, when the president does it that means that it is not illegal."
William Jefferson Clinton (1993-2001): "That depends on what your definition of "is" is."
Ronald Reagan (1981-1989):"One problem that we've had, even in the best of times, is the people sleeping on the grates, the homeless who are homeless, you might say, by choice." --
Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961):"Things are more like they are now than they ever were before."
Gerald Ford (1974-1977): "If Abraham Lincoln was alive today he would roll over in his grave"
But deserving of a book all his own is "W."
"I stand by all the misstatements that I've made."
" There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again."
"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure."
"And there is distrust in Washington. I am surprised, frankly, at the amount of distrust that exists in this town. And I'm sorry it's the case, and I'll work hard to try to elevate it."
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
William Jefferson Clinton (1993-2001): "That depends on what your definition of "is" is."
Ronald Reagan (1981-1989):"One problem that we've had, even in the best of times, is the people sleeping on the grates, the homeless who are homeless, you might say, by choice." --
Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961):"Things are more like they are now than they ever were before."
Gerald Ford (1974-1977): "If Abraham Lincoln was alive today he would roll over in his grave"
But deserving of a book all his own is "W."
"We're all capable of mistakes, but I do not care to enlighten you on the mistakes we may or may not have made."
"I am not part of the problem. I am a Republican""I stand by all the misstatements that I've made."
" There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again."
"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure."
"And there is distrust in Washington. I am surprised, frankly, at the amount of distrust that exists in this town. And I'm sorry it's the case, and I'll work hard to try to elevate it."
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
President's Day Part I "The Wise"
Today we salute all 44 of our Presidents, good or bad.
Here's some food for thought from a few of the best and not so best:
Herbert Hoover (1929-1933): "Prosperity cannot be restored by raids upon the public treasury."
James Madison (1809-1817): "Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christianity, in exclusion of all other Sects?"
James Monroe (1817-1825): "The earth was given to mankind to support the greatest number of which it is capable, and no tribe or people have a right to withhold from the wants of others more than is necessary for their own support and comfort."
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809): "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal..."
William Henry Harrison (1841): "There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power."
Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865): "Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877): "I shall have no policy of my own to interfere against the will of the people."
Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909): "A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car, but if he has a university education he may steal the whole railroad."
William Howard Taft (1909-1913): "The President cannot make clouds to rain and cannot make corn to grow, he cannot make business good..."
Here's some food for thought from a few of the best and not so best:
Herbert Hoover (1929-1933): "Prosperity cannot be restored by raids upon the public treasury."
James Madison (1809-1817): "Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christianity, in exclusion of all other Sects?"
James Monroe (1817-1825): "The earth was given to mankind to support the greatest number of which it is capable, and no tribe or people have a right to withhold from the wants of others more than is necessary for their own support and comfort."
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809): "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal..."
William Henry Harrison (1841): "There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power."
Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865): "Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877): "I shall have no policy of my own to interfere against the will of the people."
Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909): "A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car, but if he has a university education he may steal the whole railroad."
William Howard Taft (1909-1913): "The President cannot make clouds to rain and cannot make corn to grow, he cannot make business good..."
John F. Kennedy (1961-1963): "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House—with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
George Washington (1789-1797): "Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person's own mind than on the externals of the world."Sunday, February 15, 2009
The DC Virus
So, if you are keeping score:
Senator Roland Burris of Illinois, the one appointed to the seat vacated by the election of Barak Obama, has now"recalled" that he did indeed have more contact with people from ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich's office. Remember that Rod B was removed from office for soliciting bribes for appointing someone to fill that chair. Burris seemed to have a lapse of memory, a malady that seems to spread like a virus through Washington.
If you are keeping score, that virus has infected Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner who forgot to pay his taxes, Tom Daschel who forgot to pay his taxes, Hilda Solis's husband caught the virus as he also forgot to pay his taxes...
So, be warned...stay out of DC or the virus will get you, too. You'll forget to uh...what was I saying?
Oh, and let's not forget A-Rod. What does he have to do with this. He's got the virus and I can prove it. Last year the Yankees brought in a pitcher named Jonathan Albaladejo. They picked him up from the WASHINGTON NATIONALS. Ta da!!! A-Rod completely forgot about those Texas Ranger years when he was young and foolish and under so much pressure. Sure, $275 million isn't quite enough to pay all those bills, Alex. You want pressure, how about the guy who lost his job at Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Florida on Tuesday and can't pay his mortgage? That's pressure. I hear some people say that at least A-Rod admitted his illegal activity. Uh, not until he was caught.
Senator Roland Burris of Illinois, the one appointed to the seat vacated by the election of Barak Obama, has now"recalled" that he did indeed have more contact with people from ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich's office. Remember that Rod B was removed from office for soliciting bribes for appointing someone to fill that chair. Burris seemed to have a lapse of memory, a malady that seems to spread like a virus through Washington.
If you are keeping score, that virus has infected Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner who forgot to pay his taxes, Tom Daschel who forgot to pay his taxes, Hilda Solis's husband caught the virus as he also forgot to pay his taxes...
So, be warned...stay out of DC or the virus will get you, too. You'll forget to uh...what was I saying?
Oh, and let's not forget A-Rod. What does he have to do with this. He's got the virus and I can prove it. Last year the Yankees brought in a pitcher named Jonathan Albaladejo. They picked him up from the WASHINGTON NATIONALS. Ta da!!! A-Rod completely forgot about those Texas Ranger years when he was young and foolish and under so much pressure. Sure, $275 million isn't quite enough to pay all those bills, Alex. You want pressure, how about the guy who lost his job at Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Florida on Tuesday and can't pay his mortgage? That's pressure. I hear some people say that at least A-Rod admitted his illegal activity. Uh, not until he was caught.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saint Valentine
Today is St. Valentine's Day. Whoopee (or so says Hallmark).
Do you know the origin of St. Valentine's Day? What's that? You have no idea? Then why are you buying so much candy, so many cards, and flowers, and jewelry? Oh, guilty conscience.
Well, if you don't know the origin, here is the story:
Yep, that's it. Nobody else does either. There is no one St. Valentine to pin this on, and no distinct origin for this "holiday." So there. Next year keep this in mind and your dollars in your pocket!
Do you know the origin of St. Valentine's Day? What's that? You have no idea? Then why are you buying so much candy, so many cards, and flowers, and jewelry? Oh, guilty conscience.
Well, if you don't know the origin, here is the story:
Yep, that's it. Nobody else does either. There is no one St. Valentine to pin this on, and no distinct origin for this "holiday." So there. Next year keep this in mind and your dollars in your pocket!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Paraskavedekatriaphobia
Friday the 13th. Freddy returns.
Why is Friday the 13th considered a bad day? Most researches believe it is a combination of two elements: first, Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Second, though 13 is considered a lucky number in China, it is an unlucky number in the west.
The unlucky day received little notice until early in the 20th century, though it had long been held as an unlucky day. The tradition gained popularity when a book, cleverly titled Friday the Thirteenth was published in 1907. That seemed to solidify the tradition, that and Freddy!
BTW, Paraskavedekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th. Anybody know the name of the spelling bee phobia?
Why is Friday the 13th considered a bad day? Most researches believe it is a combination of two elements: first, Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Second, though 13 is considered a lucky number in China, it is an unlucky number in the west.
The unlucky day received little notice until early in the 20th century, though it had long been held as an unlucky day. The tradition gained popularity when a book, cleverly titled Friday the Thirteenth was published in 1907. That seemed to solidify the tradition, that and Freddy!
BTW, Paraskavedekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th. Anybody know the name of the spelling bee phobia?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Happy 200th Abe!
Today we honor Abraham Lincoln on his 200th birthday, though I'm not sure if he is aware of the honor. But here are a few words to think about:
Lincoln was not an abolitionist as we think of him in 2009. I say this because of his exact words, "My paramount object in this struggle is to save the union, and it is not either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing and slave I would do it, if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that."
And save the Union he did! Even while wearing that big hat.
Lincoln was not an abolitionist as we think of him in 2009. I say this because of his exact words, "My paramount object in this struggle is to save the union, and it is not either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing and slave I would do it, if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that."
And save the Union he did! Even while wearing that big hat.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
My Sweet Anna
Is there anything that touches a father's heart more than a great daughter? I have to brag. My daughter Anna, who is pictured to the left, will be her school's "Principal for a day." She wrote an essay explaining what she would do for her school if she were principal for a day. She won the contest! I am so proud of her. She will spend this Friday the 13th being principal, assisted by Mr. Dugan, the "other" principal. My hat is off to Treasure Coast Elementary School and to the great staff of people at the school. Special thanks to her wonderful homeroom teacher Mrs. Stull, and to Mrs. Loomis, Mrs. Staples, Mrs. Johnston, Mr. Hall, Mrs. Berg and to all those I have missed. Thanks for a wonderful school experience for Anna. As a retired educator with over 30 years of teaching, I don't think Anna could have gotten a better school experience anywhere.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
"Say It Ain't So, Alex"
There is a baseball myth that goes something like this: After the trial of the eight players accused of throwing the 1919 World Series, also known as the "Black Sox" scandal, a young boy walked up to Joe Jackson and said, "Say it ain't so, Joe." It probably never happened, and actually the jury found in favor of the players, who, nevertheless, were banned from baseball for life.
Well, here we are 90 years later, and I ask, "Say it ain't so, Alex."
Roll models in the tank. Roger Clemens, A-Rod, and who knows how many more. If Joe Jackson, perhaps the A-Rod of his day, was banned for supposedly "cheating," what is any different for the "cheaters" of the modern era.
Are these players so arrogant, so spoiled, so rich, that they just don't care? The only solution for this problem is banishment.
Well, here we are 90 years later, and I ask, "Say it ain't so, Alex."
Roll models in the tank. Roger Clemens, A-Rod, and who knows how many more. If Joe Jackson, perhaps the A-Rod of his day, was banned for supposedly "cheating," what is any different for the "cheaters" of the modern era.
Are these players so arrogant, so spoiled, so rich, that they just don't care? The only solution for this problem is banishment.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Does anybody have a clue?
This stimulus package bullying and threats seem out of character for Obama. Do they feed the president some special food at the White House that inhibits their ability to think? One basic question: Do you have even the slightest clue if this billion dollars will do anything to help the economy?
To me, just your average American, wouldn't it make more sense to eliminate the wasteful spending that we all know will happen, and just give the American people BACK their own money? I sure could use it, couldn't you?
To me, just your average American, wouldn't it make more sense to eliminate the wasteful spending that we all know will happen, and just give the American people BACK their own money? I sure could use it, couldn't you?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Robert Lincoln, Man of Mystery, Or Was He???
On Thursday, February 12, we will celebrate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, perhaps our greatest president (okay George we know all about you). There are many unusual things about the man, the biggest mystery being, "Hey, Abe, what's under the tall hat?"
But, his son Robert has a couple of things to answer for, too. Robert was the only offspring to live to adulthood of the four Lincoln sons. Hmmmm. But wait, there's more. Robert thought Mary, his mom, was nuts so he had her arrested and committed to a mental institution. She swore he was a bad son. No wonder. But here is the weirdest thing about Bob. He played in politics but never got very far. He was president of the Pullman RR car company. As an emissary of the government he was scheduled to meet President James Garfield at the Washington railroad station on July 2, 1881. As he approached Garfield, Charles Guiteau walked up to the president and shot him. Garfield lingered for over two months before he died. But that's not the weirdest part (remember that Bob's dad was the first president to be assassinated, Garfield was second). On September 6, 1901 our friend Bob was attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. As he was approaching President William McKinley to speak to him, Leon Czolgosz got there first and shot McKinley in the stomach. He lingered for a few days then died. I don't know about you, but I think Bob has some things to answer for. Or maybe....
But, his son Robert has a couple of things to answer for, too. Robert was the only offspring to live to adulthood of the four Lincoln sons. Hmmmm. But wait, there's more. Robert thought Mary, his mom, was nuts so he had her arrested and committed to a mental institution. She swore he was a bad son. No wonder. But here is the weirdest thing about Bob. He played in politics but never got very far. He was president of the Pullman RR car company. As an emissary of the government he was scheduled to meet President James Garfield at the Washington railroad station on July 2, 1881. As he approached Garfield, Charles Guiteau walked up to the president and shot him. Garfield lingered for over two months before he died. But that's not the weirdest part (remember that Bob's dad was the first president to be assassinated, Garfield was second). On September 6, 1901 our friend Bob was attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. As he was approaching President William McKinley to speak to him, Leon Czolgosz got there first and shot McKinley in the stomach. He lingered for a few days then died. I don't know about you, but I think Bob has some things to answer for. Or maybe....
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hefty payout deal draws public anger
Sound familiar? Sure, except keep reading...
The main target of a public outcry is Guotai Jun'an Securities Co, one of the largest brokerages in China, which is reportedly ready to give its executives hefty pay rises for 2008, when the financial services industry suffered major losses and the company itself saw a 24.24 percent decline in net profit, according to the Securities Association of China.Guotai Jun'an announced it would earmark 3.2 billion yuan ($470 million) for "compensation and welfare expenses" for the past year, 57 percent higher than its compensation budget at the beginning of the year.
The decision, pending approval from its board of directors, was immediately chastised by the Chinese media as a move State broadcaster China Central Television described as "causing harmful social influence".
Friday, February 6, 2009
US Senate TV
Watching the Senate TV station is not very different from watching paint dry. The Senate chamber is mostly empty. The speakers appear to be speaking to their colleagues, who of course aren't there. And, for the most part, you have to ask yourself how these boring people ever got to this position of power.
A couple of exceptions: John Thune, senator from South Dakota actually made some sense. His amendment to the Obama economic stimulus package was to take the 900 billion dollars and give it directly to the American people. What a concept! Imagine giving to the people and letting them decide how and where to spend the money!!!
Then there was the senator from Rhode Island, Sheldon Whitehouse (yes, really). He went on and on about how unfair it was to eliminate from the package millions of dollars to repair the zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. Now I may be crazy, but it seems to me that better housing for PEOPLE should take priority over better housing for, oh, elephants. Mr. Whitehouse, please shut up.
Then there's Arlen Specter. Gotta love the guy. 79 years old and sharp as a...well, maybe at almost 80 it's time to retire Arlen. Magic bullet indeed.
Last, Jim Bunning. Hey, Jim, pitching a perfect game was great. It was awesome, and it was Father's Day. You are in the Baseball Hall of Fame. But you seem to have forgotten how to read. Better luck next time.
A couple of exceptions: John Thune, senator from South Dakota actually made some sense. His amendment to the Obama economic stimulus package was to take the 900 billion dollars and give it directly to the American people. What a concept! Imagine giving to the people and letting them decide how and where to spend the money!!!
Then there was the senator from Rhode Island, Sheldon Whitehouse (yes, really). He went on and on about how unfair it was to eliminate from the package millions of dollars to repair the zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. Now I may be crazy, but it seems to me that better housing for PEOPLE should take priority over better housing for, oh, elephants. Mr. Whitehouse, please shut up.
Then there's Arlen Specter. Gotta love the guy. 79 years old and sharp as a...well, maybe at almost 80 it's time to retire Arlen. Magic bullet indeed.
Last, Jim Bunning. Hey, Jim, pitching a perfect game was great. It was awesome, and it was Father's Day. You are in the Baseball Hall of Fame. But you seem to have forgotten how to read. Better luck next time.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
No Fuel for the Anti-Semites
The list of people scammed by Bernie Madoff consists of 162 pages, 80 to a page. Amazing. But there is at least one positive note. As I read through the names it became apparent that those wanting to use this for their anti-semetic rants would have a hard time justifying taking that position. Good old Bernie made sure that many, if not most, of his "victims" were among the chosen people. Clearly Bernie himself is not prejudice. He ripped off his own people, and others of all races and religions.
And why is he still in that apartment?
And why is he still in that apartment?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tom and Bernie
In the news today, Bernie Madoff had a visit from Tom Daschel. The two have decided to write a book together, tentatively titled: How to Swindle Your Friends and Relatives Out of Their Life Savings and Not Pay Any Taxes On the Money.
Daschel told reporters that he was quite impressed with Madoff. However, when Madoff asked if Daschel had any cash on him, the newly non-appointed Obama team member quickly hid his wallet.
Daschel had lunch in the Park Avenue apartment, which also serves as Madoff's prison cell. When Bernie could not get four people to sign a bond for him, the judge ordered Madoff to be held under house arrest. Poor Bernie has to hang out in a $7 million Park Avenue Apartment. As for the lunch, the Chinese delivery man was heard to say, "Cheap b_____" when exiting the apartment building. Phone calls to the restaurant went unanswered, but a patron overheard that a charge card belonging to a Mr. Ponzi was rejected by American Express.
When told of the meeting, former SEC Commissioner Christopher Cox commented: "Um, uh."
Newly appointed Commissioner Mary Schapiro had no comment other than to say she hoped that the Chinese food did not contain any peanut butter.
Daschel told reporters that he was quite impressed with Madoff. However, when Madoff asked if Daschel had any cash on him, the newly non-appointed Obama team member quickly hid his wallet.
Daschel had lunch in the Park Avenue apartment, which also serves as Madoff's prison cell. When Bernie could not get four people to sign a bond for him, the judge ordered Madoff to be held under house arrest. Poor Bernie has to hang out in a $7 million Park Avenue Apartment. As for the lunch, the Chinese delivery man was heard to say, "Cheap b_____" when exiting the apartment building. Phone calls to the restaurant went unanswered, but a patron overheard that a charge card belonging to a Mr. Ponzi was rejected by American Express.
When told of the meeting, former SEC Commissioner Christopher Cox commented: "Um, uh."
Newly appointed Commissioner Mary Schapiro had no comment other than to say she hoped that the Chinese food did not contain any peanut butter.
A New Washington Era?
From President Obama, something we never heard from the previous administration:
“I'm here on television saying I screwed up. And that's part of the era of responsibility, is not never making mistakes, it's owning up to them and trying to make sure you don’t repeat them and that's what we intend to do,” he told NBC.
On CNN, he went a little further: “Look, ultimately, I campaigned on changing Washington and bottom-up politics. And I don't want to send a message to the American people that there are two sets of standards, one for powerful people, and one for ordinary folks who are working every day and paying their taxes.”
“I'm here on television saying I screwed up. And that's part of the era of responsibility, is not never making mistakes, it's owning up to them and trying to make sure you don’t repeat them and that's what we intend to do,” he told NBC.
On CNN, he went a little further: “Look, ultimately, I campaigned on changing Washington and bottom-up politics. And I don't want to send a message to the American people that there are two sets of standards, one for powerful people, and one for ordinary folks who are working every day and paying their taxes.”
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Received from Senator Bill Nelson
Dear Mr. Kayser:
Thank you for contacting me about the economic stimulus package.
The American people are hurting. They are losing their homes, their jobs, their businesses and their life savings. Economists across the political spectrum agree that the government needs to take bold and immediate action to stimulate the economy and curb the risk of a protracted economic recession.
The economic stimulus package will provide critical tax relief, shore up unemployment benefits and food stamps, improve access to health care, and promote energy independence. I believe the stimulus package is narrowly targeted to spend and invest in ways that will get the economy moving again.
I understand your concerns about the stimulus package. Last year I voted against spending $700 billion to bail out Wall Street because the bill lacked meaningful relief for homeowners facing foreclosure and didn't include adequate protections for American taxpayers. I am committed to reducing wasteful spending and improving transparency in Federal funding. For too long have we ignored the consequences of a burgeoning Federal deficit.
As Congress considers measures to put the economy on the right track, I will be sure to keep your views in mind. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.
P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/news/ebriefs.cfm
Thank you for contacting me about the economic stimulus package.
The American people are hurting. They are losing their homes, their jobs, their businesses and their life savings. Economists across the political spectrum agree that the government needs to take bold and immediate action to stimulate the economy and curb the risk of a protracted economic recession.
The economic stimulus package will provide critical tax relief, shore up unemployment benefits and food stamps, improve access to health care, and promote energy independence. I believe the stimulus package is narrowly targeted to spend and invest in ways that will get the economy moving again.
I understand your concerns about the stimulus package. Last year I voted against spending $700 billion to bail out Wall Street because the bill lacked meaningful relief for homeowners facing foreclosure and didn't include adequate protections for American taxpayers. I am committed to reducing wasteful spending and improving transparency in Federal funding. For too long have we ignored the consequences of a burgeoning Federal deficit.
As Congress considers measures to put the economy on the right track, I will be sure to keep your views in mind. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.
P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/news/ebriefs.cfm
Monday, February 2, 2009
Michael Phelps "Apologizes"
"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in a statement released by Octagon, his management firm, and posted on his Facebook site. "I'm 23 years old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public -- it will not happen again."
Michael Phelps we hardly know you. Once again we get an apology from a knucklehead who didn't have the sense to say NO! Yes, Mike, you are 23. But you are NOT just a youthful 23 year old. You are an Olympic icon and with that comes responsibility. You should have known better than to expose your reputation for a couple of hits on a bong.
We live in a culture where anything goes as long as you announce an apology when the deed is done. When Mike says it will not happen again, does he mean he won't smoke dope again or he won't get caught on camera again?
Michael Phelps we hardly know you. Once again we get an apology from a knucklehead who didn't have the sense to say NO! Yes, Mike, you are 23. But you are NOT just a youthful 23 year old. You are an Olympic icon and with that comes responsibility. You should have known better than to expose your reputation for a couple of hits on a bong.
We live in a culture where anything goes as long as you announce an apology when the deed is done. When Mike says it will not happen again, does he mean he won't smoke dope again or he won't get caught on camera again?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Three New Stooges
Tom Daschle
Timothy Geithner
Rod Blagojevich
The only "CHANGE" I see coming out of Washington (and Illinois - Obama's home turf) is the coins falling out of the pockets of these guys.
If Mr. Main Street pulled the same shenanigans as these clowns he'd be wearing an orange suit at the local hoosegow(?).
I swear to uphold the....maybe there was a reason those lines got screwed up at the inauguration. Nobody believes it any more.
Okay, once again my New Year's Resolutions have been flushed down the Krapper.
Timothy Geithner
Rod Blagojevich
The only "CHANGE" I see coming out of Washington (and Illinois - Obama's home turf) is the coins falling out of the pockets of these guys.
If Mr. Main Street pulled the same shenanigans as these clowns he'd be wearing an orange suit at the local hoosegow(?).
I swear to uphold the....maybe there was a reason those lines got screwed up at the inauguration. Nobody believes it any more.
Okay, once again my New Year's Resolutions have been flushed down the Krapper.
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