Sanity-101

2010-10-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

Fight for Your Freedom

Is the current system of various governmental parties like the Democratic party, Republican party, Libertarian party, Independent, Tea, and other parties really the best way to run a government? Is this how our founding fathers wanted our country to be governed?

Our country is barely over two hundred years old and it is really in danger of splitting apart by the ideas of selfishness of one party to the next. It is no longer governed by the people for the people but by the different parties in congress. Why does it have to be this way?

How do we fix Congress!!!! Recently some ideas on how to fix congress were sent to me via e/mail that is worth bringing to the forefront for discussion and hopefully change.

Let’s get back to our roots…we need a good reminder of how it was.

The Congressional Reform Act of 2010

I. Term Limits

12 Years only with one of these possible options:

                     1. Two Six-year Senate terms
                     2. Six Two-year House terms
                     3. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House Terms

II. No Tenure / No Pensions

A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

III. Congress (past, present and future) participates in Social Security.

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security System and Congress participates with the American do.

IV. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

V. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI (Cost Price Index) or 3%.

VI. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

VII. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American People.

VIII. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective January 1, 2011.

The American People did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

If you agree with this plan, vote to take out the trash from our Government and pass this on to others!

Remember those who gave their all…

2010-05-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

It is insane to think that many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of Memorial Day and what it cost. Today we think of a day off from work, a day at the beach, park, picnics, or going camping and spending the day on the lake, not about the men and women who died for this luxury.

The real meaning should be for all men and women who died for the freedom we have today, and to remember what it continues to cost to keep our freedom.

Please take a moment on Memorial Day to fly your flag, visit a cemetery, volunteer to help others, and above all…REMEMBER THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR ALL...

I received this message from a friend and wanted to share Memorial Day with you and others.

Preparation for Memorial Day

Keep it moving, please, even if you’ve seen it before.

It is the

VETERAN,

Not the preacher,

who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the

VETERAN

Not the reporter,

who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the

VETERAN

Not the poet,

who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the

VETERAN

Not the campus organizer,

who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the

VETERAN

Not the lawyer,

who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the

VETERAN

Not the politician,

who has given us the right to vote.

It is the

VETERAN

who salutes the flag.

It is the

VETERAN

who serves under the flag.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,

AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

I’d be

EXTREMELY proud if this message reached as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!!

Makes me proud to be an AMERICAN!!!

Cash for Clunkers

2009-09-06T15:11:00.001-07:00

If my body were a car.....this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close. My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather. My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.
CASH FOR CLUNKERS...........I QUALIFY - How about You?

Electoral College or Population Vote

2009-08-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Electoral College consists of the popularly elected representatives (electors) who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Since 1964, there have been 538 electors in each presidential election. Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the Constitution specifies how many electors each state is entitled to have and that each state's legislature decides how its electors are to be chosen; U.S. territories are not represented in the Electoral College. The Electoral College is an example of an indirect election.

Rather than directly voting for the President and Vice President, United States citizens vote for electors. Electors are technically free to vote for anyone eligible to be President, but in practice pledge to vote for specific candidates and voters cast ballots for favored presidential and vice presidential candidates by voting for correspondingly pledged electors.

The Twelfth Amendment provides for each elector to cast one vote for President and one vote for Vice President. It also specifies how a President and Vice President are elected.

Critics argue the Electoral College is inherently undemocratic and gives certain swing states disproportionate clout in selecting the President and Vice President. Proponents argue that the Electoral College is an important and distinguishing feature of federalism in the United States and protects the rights of smaller states. Numerous constitutional amendments have been introduced in the Congress seeking a replacement of the Electoral College with a direct popular vote; however, no proposal has ever passed the Congress.

In a recent comparison of states and population, Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law came up with some interesting facts concerning the last Presidential election. With these facts in mind, who really won the presidency?

Facts

States: Obama-blue; McCain-Red
Number of States won by: Democrats: 19 Republicans: 29
Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000 Republicans: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million Republicans: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Democrats: 13.2 Republicans: 2.1

Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory Republicans won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of the country. Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..."

Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.

The population vote is quite simple…most votes win! If this was the case, according to Professor Olson, our new president could have been Senator John McCain. Now, did you really cast your vote for this president?

Based on the demographics did the Electoral College really represent the citizens of the Untied States? Since each electoral is not obligated to vote the way of the popular vote how do we really know what went on behind the scenes?

Conclusion: Power to the people not the electors!

VOTE! THIS IS TO IMPORTANT NOT TO VOTE!

2009-08-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

Congressman John Fleming (Louisiana physician) has proposed an amendment that would require congressmen and senators to take the same healthcare plan they force on us (under proposed legislation they are curiously exempt).

Congressman Fleming is encouraging people to go on his Website and click "yes" to sign his petition (very simple - just first, last and email). I have just voted at: http://www.fleming.house.gov/ .

Please urge as many people as you can to do the same!
If Congress forces this on the American people, the Congressmen should have to accept the same level of health care for themselves and their families.

John Fleming, a man of conviction, drive and the desire to uphold America's constitution is marching to Washington with a single purpose: to represent the people as a servant leader.

Bio of John Fleming

John is married to his wife Cindy for 29 years and the father of four adult children. His background as a Medical Officer in the United States Navy laid a path for his future small business medical practice. His accomplished background as a family physician awarded him the Louisiana Family Doctor of the Year in 2007.

He has served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and School Department Director at First Baptist of Minden. His medical practice, which is a small business, and several non-medical businesses that he owns provide over 500 jobs to Louisianians.

He is the author of "Preventing Addiction: What Parents Must Know to Immunize their Kids Against Drug and Alcohol Addiction." Fleming's call to serve others is the fuel that drives his heart to become a U.S. Congressman. Unlike many so-called politicians today, John Fleming is standing firm on his conservative values and traditions.

Alaskan Fisherman talks about Sarah Palin

2009-08-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

With the way Sarah Palin was harassed and her family a target of controversy I felt it would be a fair and positive tribute to a woman who has really helped the state of Alaska. Hear the views of an Alaskan Fisherman who knows first hand of the works of Sarah Palin.

By Dewie Whetsell, Alaskan Fisherman As posted in comments on Greta’s artical referncing the MOVEON ad about Sarah Palin.

The last 45 of my 66 years I’ve spent in a commercial fishing town in Alaska . I understand Alaska politics but never understood national politics well until this last year. Here’s the breaking point: Neither side of the Palin controversy gets it…It’s not about persona, style, rhetoric, it’s about doing things. Even Palin supporters never mention the things that I’m about to mention here.

1. - Democrats forget when Palin was the Darling of the Democrats, because as soon as Palin took the Governor’s office away from a fellow Republican and tough SOB, Frank Murkowski, she tore into the Republican’s “Corrupt Bastards Club” (CBC) and sent them packing. Many of them are now residing in State housing and wearing orange jump suits. The Democrats reacted by skipping around the yard, throwing confetti and singing “la la la la” (well, you know how they are). Name another governor in this country that has ever done anything similar. But while you’re thinking, I’ll continue.

2- Now with the CBC gone, there were fewer Alaskan politicians to protect the huge, giant oil companies here. So, she constructed and enacted a new system of splitting the oil profits called “ACES”. Exxon (the biggest corporation in the world) protested and Sarah told them “don’t let the door hit you in the stern on your way out.” They stayed, and Alaska residents went from being merely wealthy to being filthy rich. Of course the other huge international oil companies meekly fell in line. Again, give me the name of any other governor in the country that has done anything similar.

3- The other thing she did when she walked into the governor’s office is she got the list of State requests for federal funding for projects, known as “pork”.. She went through the list, took 85% of them and placed them in the “when-hell-freezes-over” stack. She let locals know that if we need something built, we’ll pay for it ourselves. Maybe she figured she could use the money she got from selling the previous governor’s jet because it was extravagant. Maybe she could use the money she saved by dismissing the governor’s cook (remarking that she could cook for her own family), giving back the State vehicle issued to her, maintaining that she already had a car, and dismissing her State provided security force (never mentioning—I imagine—that she’s packing heat herself). I’m still waiting to hear the names of those other governors.

4- Now, even with her much-ridiculed “gosh and golly” mannerism, she also managed to put together a totally new approach to getting a natural gas pipeline built
which will be the biggest private construction project in the history of North America. No one else could do it although they tried. If that doesn’t impress you, then you’re trying too hard to be unimpressed while watching her do things like this while baking up a batch of brownies with her other hand.

5- For 30 years, Exxon held a lease to do exploratory drilling at a place called Point Thompson
. They made excuses the entire time why they couldn’t start drilling. In truth they were holding it like an investment. No governor for 30 years could make them get started. This summer, she told them she was revoking their lease and kicking them out. They protested and threatened court action. She shrugged and reminded them that she knew the way to the court house. Alaska won again.

6- President Obama wants the nation to be on 25% renewable resources for electricity by 2025. Sarah went to the legislature and submitted her plan for Alaska to be at 50%

renewables by 2025. We are already at 25%. I can give you more specifics

about things done, as opposed to style and persona .

Everybody wants to be cool, sound cool, look cool. But that’s just a cover-up. I’m still waiting to hear from liberals the names of other governors who can match what mine has done in two and a half years. I won’t be holding my breath. By the way, she was content to to return to AK after the national election and go to work, but the haters wouldn’t let her. Now these adolescent screechers are obviously not scuba divers. And no one ever told them what happens when you continually jab and pester a barracuda. Without warning, it will spin around and tear your face off. Shoulda known better.

Bio on Sara Palin

Sarah Louise Palin ( ˈpeɪlɨn (help·info); née Heath; born February 11, 1964) is an American politician who served as Governor of the state of Alaska from 2006 until 2009 and was the Republican candidate for Vice President of the United States in 2008.
Palin was a member of the Wasilla, Alaska, city council from 1992 to 1996 and the city's mayor from 1996 to 2002. After an unsuccessful campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Alaska in 2002, she chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission from 2003 until her resignation in 2004. She was elected Governor of Alaska in November 2006. Palin was the first female governor of Alaska and the youngest person ever elected governor of that state.
In 2008, Republican presidential candidate John McCain chose Palin as his running mate in that year's presidential election, making her the second female candidate and the first Alaskan candidate of either major party on a national ticket, as well as the first female vice-presidential nominee of the Republican Party. Following the defeat of the McCain-Palin ticket in the 2008 election, there was speculation that she would seek the Republican nomination for president in the 2012 election.
Palin resigned as Governor on July 26, 2009, with a year and a half remaining in her four-year term.

Town House Meetings Dangerous to Your Health

2009-08-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

What REALLY Happened Last Week in Montana

By now you have probably heard that President Obama came to Montana last Friday. However, there are many things that the major news has not covered. I feel that since Frank and I live here and we were at the airport on Friday I should share some facts with you. Whatever you decide to do with the information is up to you.

On Wednesday, August 5th it was announced locally that the President would be coming to Montana. There are many groups here that are against his healthcare and huge spending so those groups began talking and deciding on what they were going to do.

The White House would not release ANY details other than the date. On about Tuesday Frank found out that they would be holding the "Town Hall" meeting at the airport. (This is only because Frank knows EVERYONE at the airport.) Our airport is actually located outside of Belgrade (tiny town) in a very remote location. Nothing is around there. They chose to use a hangar that is the most remotely located hangar. You could not have picked a more remote location, and you can not get to it easily. It is totally secluded from the public.
FYI: We have many areas in Belgrade and Bozeman which could have held a large amount of folks with sufficient parking.(gymnasiums/auditoriums). All of which have chairs and tables, and would not have to be SHIPPED IN!!

During the week, cargo by the TONS was being shipped in constantly. Airport employees could not believe how it just kept coming. Though it was our President coming several expressed how excessive it was, especially during a recession.

Late Tuesday/early Wednesday the 12th, they said that tickets would be handed out on Thursday 9 AM at two locations and the president would be arriving around 12:30 Friday. Thursday morning about 600 tickets were passed out. However, 1500 were printed at a Local printing shop per White House request.

How did 900 tickets just DISAPPEAR? That same morning someone called into the radio station from the local UPS branch and said that THOUSANDS of dollars worth of Lobster were shipped in for President Obama. Montana has some of the best beef in the nation!!! It would have been really wonderful to help out the local economy. Anyone heard of Recession? Just think...with all of the traveling the White House is doing one can only imagine what else we have been and are paying for.

On Friday, Frank and I got out to the airport about 10:45 am. The groups that wanted to protest President Obama's spending and healthcare had gotten a permit to protest and that area was roped off, but that was not to be.

A large bus carrying SEIU (Service Employees International Union) members drove up onto the area (illegal) and unloaded right there. It was quite a commotion and there were specifically 2 SEIU men trying to make trouble and start a fight. Police did get involved and arrested the one man but they said they did not have the manpower to remove the SEIU crowd. The SEIU crowd was very organized and young. About 99% were under the age of 30 and they were not locals! They had bullhorns and PROFESSIONALLY made signs. Some even wore pre-printed T-shirts. Oh, and Planned Parenthood folks were with them.....professing abortion rights with their T-shirts and pre-printed signs. (By the way (BTW) all these folks did have a permit to protest in ANOTHER area).

Those against healthcare/spending moved away from the SEIU crowd to avoid confrontation. They were orderly and respectful. Even though SEIU kept coming over and walking through, continuing to be very intimidating and aggressive at the direction of the one SEIU man. So we had Montana folks from ALL OVER the state with their homemade signs and their DOGS with homemade signs. We had cowboys, nurses, doctors you name it. There was even a guy from Texas who had been driving through. He found out about the occasion, went to the store, made a sign, and came to protest.

If you are wondering about the press.....Well, all of the major networks were over by that remote hangar I mentioned. They were conveniently parked on the other side of the buildings FAR away. None of these crowds were even visible to them. I have my doubts that they knew anything about the crowds. We did have some local news media around us from this state and Idaho. Speaking of the local media...they were invited. However, all questions were to be turned into the White House in advance of the event. (Wouldn't want anyone to have to think off the top of their head.) It was very obvious that all questions were meant to be totally controlled by the White House.

Everything was orchestrated down to the last detail to make it appear that Montana is just crazy for Obama and government healthcare.
Even those people that talked about their insurance woes........the White House called our local HRDC (Human Resource and Development Committee) and asked for names. Then the White House asked those folks to come. Smoke and mirrors...EVERYTHING was staged!!!!

I am very dismayed about what I learned about our current White House. The amount of control and manipulation was unbelievable. I felt I was NOT living in the United States of America, more like the USSR!! I was physically nauseous.

Frank and I have been around when Presidents or Heads of State visit. It has NEVER been like this. I am truly very frightened for our country. America needs your prayers and your voices. If you care about our country please get involved. Know the issues. And let Congress hear your voices again and again!! If they are willing to put forth so much effort to BULLY a small town one can only imagine what is s going on in Washington, D.C. Scary!!

USE THE SIGN

2009-08-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

This 30 second video was sent to me and I have to pass it on to as many people as possible.

If you are a veteran or have a family member or a friend who is a veteran this will definatley mean something to you.

Have you ever seen one of our military walking past you and wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how, or it felt awkward?

Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be used to express your thanks and has started a movement to get the word out..

Please everybody take just a moment to watch..... The Gratitude Campaign .and then forward it to your friends!

THEN START USING THE SIGN.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfFYxSdKdo

"In God We Trust"

From a Doctors Point of View

2009-08-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Regarding the recent health plan inititative being proposed, I received this summary from the American Medical Association as they weighed in on the new Obama health care proposals.

The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.

The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.

Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.

Pathologists yelled "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said "Oh Grow up!"

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.

Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.

The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said "This puts a whole new face on the matter...."

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea.

The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in Washington.

Our Government: Present and Past

2009-08-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

The two sources of information were received through e/mails from my friends. I was moved by each. What caught my attention was the original purpose of our country and what appears to be the direction we are going during this current administration. I am sure some of you may not agree with the comparison, and that is okay. This is a free country where your thoughts and purpose are supposed to mean something and your right for freedom of speech is protected.

The Present as perceived by many.

This letter was written to President Obama and sent directly to the White House. The letter was written by a woman who teaches the fourth grade. The letter is dated April 17, 2009.

Mr. Obama:

I have had it with you and your administration, sir. Your conduct on your recent trip overseas has convinced me that you are not an adequate representative of the United States of America collectively or of me personally.

You are so obsessed with appeasing the Europeans and the Muslim world that you have abdicated the responsibilities of the President of the United States of America. You are responsible to the citizens of the United States. You are not responsible to the peoples of any other country on earth.

I personally resent that you go around the world apologizing for the United States telling Europeans that we are arrogant and do not care about their status in the world. Sir, what do you think the First World War and the Second World War were all about if not the consideration of the peoples of Europe? Are you brain dead? What do you think the Marshall Plan was all about? Do you not understand or know the history of the 20th century?

Where do you get off telling a Muslim country that the United States does not consider itself a Christian country? Have you not read the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States? This country was founded on Judeo-Christian ethics and the principles governing this country, at least until you came along, come directly from this heritage. Do you not understand this?

Your bowing to the king of Saudi Arabia is an affront to all Americans. Our President does not bow down to anyone, let alone the king of Saudi Arabia.... You didn't show Great Britain, our best and one of our oldest allies, the respect they deserve yet you bow down to the king of Saudi Arabia.... How dare you, sir! How dare you!

You can't find the time to visit the graves of our greatest generation because you don't want to offend the Germans but make time to visit a mosque in Turkey...... You offended our dead and every veteran when you give the Germans more respect than the people who saved the German people from themselves. What's the matter with you? I am convinced that you and the members of your administration have the historical and intellectual depth of a mud puddle and should be ashamed of yourselves, all of you.

You are so self-righteously offended by the big bankers and the American automobile manufacturers yet do nothing about the real thieves in this situation, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Frank, Franklin Raines, Jamie Gorelic, the Fannie Mae bonuses, and the Freddie Mac bonuses. What do you intend to do about them? Anything? I seriously doubt it.

What about the U.S... House members passing out $9.1 million in bonuses to their staff members on top of the $2.5 million in automatic pay raises that lawmakers gave themselves? I understand the average House aide got a 17% bonus. I took a 5% cut in my pay to save jobs with my employer. You haven't said anything about that. Who authorized that? I surely didn't!

Executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be receiving $210 million in bonuses over an eighteen-month period, that's $45 million more than the AIG bonuses. In fact, Fannie and Freddie executives have already been awarded $51 million not a bad take. Who authorized that and why haven't you expressed your outrage at thi s group who are largely responsible for the economic mess we have right now?

I resent that you take me and my fellow citizens as brain-dead and not caring about what you idiots do. We are watching what you are doing and we are getting increasingly fed up with all of you.

I also want you to know that I personally find just about everything you do and say to be offensive to every one of my sensibilities. I promise you that I will work tirelessly to see that you do not get a chance to spend two terms destroying my beautiful country.

Sincerely,
Every Real American

Ms Kathleen Lyday

Ms Kathleen Lyday is putting it out there and could even be in danger of losing her position which would be a serious injustice.

The Past as seen in the eyes of a young boy…

This resulted from a Mom in Alabama asking her high school son to help with a commercial for the Tea Party she was involved in organizing. Boy, does it slam the message home. Here is her note: "I asked Justin if he could help me make a commercial for my group's Tea Party. He sat down at the laptop for about an hour, and then brought this to me and asked ' is this okay Mom?' After I finished watching it, my stomach was in my throat. Everyone that I have sent it to have really enjoyed it, so I wanted my friends to see it, I am so proud".

A very Powerful video, turn up the sound and sit back....!!!!
GUARANTEED GOOSE BUMPS.....

TeaPartyCommercial.wmv

I love this country! Let’s keep it safe and free for all.

The "Commish" reinstates Vick in the NFL

2009-07-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

The NFL is once again waiting for a team to take a chance on Michael Vick. The NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, on Monday reinstated with conditions Michael Vick to the NFL. The former quarterback can now participate in regular-season games as early as Week 1.

Per Roger Goodell, "This is a step-by-step process that goes up to Week 6; it is not a six-game suspension by any means," Ray Anderson, the league’s executive vice president of football operations, told NFL.com's Thomas George. "If all goes well, he could be playing anytime from Week 1 forward. Roger listened to ownership, NFL employees, friends, relatives, players, counselors, and people from animal rights groups. In his typical fashion, he sought input and listened to all before acting."

When the NFL season starts, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and the Commissioner said he would consider the quarterback for full reinstatement by Week 6, or October 18-19, at the latest.

It was in 2007 that Roger Goodell suspended Michael Vick indefinitely after Vick admitted bankrolling a dog fighting operation at his home in Virginia.

What Michael has to do is convince the Commissioner that he is sincere that he has turned his life around.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League," Vick said in a statement released by his agent, Joel Segal.

"I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given. I find it hard to believe that Michael Vick had a hand in writing that statement…so does he really mean it? We will find out over the next several days, weeks and months.

Vick never will be free from the crime, but he has done the time. Michael has taken steps to rebuild his image by meeting with the president of the Humane Society of the United States. He plans on working with the HSUS in a program designed to steer inner city youth away from dog fighting.

The Commissioner has also asked Coach Dungy, past coach of the Indianapolis Colts, to mentor Michael Vick.

Coach Dungy is a great mentor and should be a strong support for Vick to stay on track. This is an excellent idea and one that should have been done in years past to others. Maybe this will be a success story in the making and more mentor relations will be available for others that are in need of such leadership.

One other activity does come to mind that may not be shared by many. Why does the Commissioner of the NFL get to be judge and jury? I would like to see in the future that reinstatement and fines of NFL players be decided by a special committee made up of the Commissioner, NFL Legal Counsel, NFL Players Union Representation, Independent Arbitrator and any other representative that would be beneficial to the activity. Somehow the current suspensions and reinstatements by the Commissioner seemsein a little unfair. Just my opinion…what’s yours?

Good luck to Michael Vick, and hopefully a team will give him a chance to play again…not for the good of football…but for the good of the SPCA and the saving of forgotten animals.

Is Retirement Voluntary or Involuntary?

2009-07-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

Senior workers, or workers over 60, are concerned that they may not be able to retire when the time is right. What this means is that senior workers delay retirement. However, how about the seniors that loses their job at 62? Is there hope in finding a job, or should they retire? This is the twist that needs to be defined.

The current economy has caused many workers to lose their jobs, for whatever reason, at crucial ages near retirement. For example, if you are 62, lose your job, do you try and go out to the workforce again, or do you just retire? The current economy is making it more common to move toward using retirement attributes to continue surviving and to try and find another position.

Seniors are having to use social security benefits, if 62 or over, maybe cash in an IRA, or start taking an annuity payment, or maybe use their 403B, or SEP, or any other form of savings just to survive. You may even have an inheritance that you have been saving for retirement, or for your kids. Unemployment and social security benefits usually fall far short of the needs of the senor worker.

Using the retirement attributes as sources of funds prior to actual retirement age has caused many individuals to fall short of the needed funds to retire. Plus, many workers over 60 are still in the prime of life and health and do not want to retire, so why should they.

The experienced worker has a proven work record, has experience, is more dependable, will not get pregnant (most likely) and the employer gets more bang for the buck. So what’s the problem?

The current job market is limited and many positions have multiple applicants of all ages and all the qualifications. Who has the edge? Well, if you were the prospective employer you definitely have the benefit of choosing the best candidate.

Many jobs can be done by many, of all ages; the senior usually costs more per hour, or in salary, and in benefits. Basically, there is some discrimination when it comes to hiring a senior. The other objection is usually from a “younger” person in human resources saying you are “over qualified” so you will not be happy or you will quit as soon as you find something else.

Yes, many seniors are applying for positions they had years ago, but they are currently unemployed and jobs are limited and the economy is in a recession. If I were an employer I would definitely want someone with a positive track record and be a highly desirable employee for anyone.

The unemployment rate for older workers is below the national average, that number likely does not count many of the displaced or discouraged workers who are far more likely than younger individuals to drop out of the labor force when they lose their job.

Part of the problem for seniors is that nearly a tenth of the general population is out of a job, issues like age discrimination, out-of-date skill sets and resume gaps can make it even tougher for seniors to get hired. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics once unemployed, older workers tend to stay out of work longer than their younger counterparts.

I heard a car dealership say that he had about 30 positions to fill when opening up a new dealership and over a 1000 applicants. He basically said I have the option of choosing the cream of the crop and getting many for the fraction of the cost as in the past.

What can workers over 50 do to market themselves for employment? According to the website Workforce50.com (http://www.workforce50.com/) there are several things that can be done to help market your work history.

A strategic resume is one of the marketing techniques. If you have not written a resume in a while you may want to spend some time styling or getting it done professionally.

Another important marketing tool is the cover letter with the resume. This cover letter helps the recruiter understand what you want and what you have to offer.

Many recruiters will now start with phone interviews. Make sure you are prepared for the phone interview with a copy of your resume, cover letter, and the job description of the position you are applying for. This information in front of you will assist you in directing your responses to specific attributes of the job.

Whatever worker’s motivation, many economists are now focusing on their results. With 4.4 million job seekers nationwide out of work for more than 27 weeks or more in June, “those numbers are pretty grim,” per Hoyt Bleakley Jr., A University of Chicago economist, “People who claim they’re looking for work are not finding it”. It’s hardly surprising, then, how many have simply given up looking for work.

There were 430,000 people age 65 and over actively looking for work in June, a whopping 46% increase from a year ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you have been in the work force or an industry for 30 or more years, you should be earning at the top level, but not in this economy.

Retiring should be an honorable thing, a reward for all your hard work, not something you have to delay because you cannot afford the dreams you once had.

Health Care, Who Needs It!

2009-07-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

As the debate goes on regarding the Nations health plan what is the plan? Is there a plan? Why don’t we debate the plan and let the people of this country know what it is. If the plan looks like other socialized medicine plans then we are in deep trouble.

It was noted today that President Obama wants a health plan ready by August. Why, if the health plan won’t work? What is in the plan is more important then having a plan with not knowing what it represents.

Personally, I think that the health plan should be based more on preventive medicine then after the fact…or when it is too late.

An example heard today on Fox News with Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the house, “goes on the record” with Greta Van Susteren, identifying the fact that Alzheimer’s disease, when cured will save “trillions” of dollars in health care. Key words are “cured” and “save.”

The Congressional Budget Office is predicting that an additional 11 million would be added to the Medicaid rolls, this would account for about a third of the estimated 40 million uninsured Americans who would gain health insurance under the proposal. There are real questions as to whether the program could handle the strain of that many new clients. It is difficult in some areas now to find health-care providers who are willing to accept Medicaid patients.

The argument in favor of expanding Medicaid is largely one of efficiency. The existing program "is designed to meet the needs of low-income individuals and those with complex health needs and has an existing delivery, financing and administrative structure," says the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

My proposal is to review the health programs in Massachusetts, Canada, and in Europe. Find out what works and what doesn’t. In Canada what doesn’t work is the availability of doctors and hospitals. The lag time for treatment is months for even minor treatments.

Why not be proactive and promote the coverage of all “legal” individuals, whether citizens or “legal” immigrants. I would not cover “illegal” immigrants, but that is a whole different story. If you don’t pay…you don’t stay.

Promote the medical profession and pay them well, with full benefits for all positions in the medical field, including research. By having growth in more medical personnel and facilities then the lead times for medical care should not be effected with long waits.

Protect the medical professionals against endless lawsuits; this could eliminate the need for medical treatments that may not be necessary thus reducing the cost of unnecessary medical treatments.

Increase medical research and make it a high priority, with incentives to private business for assisting in this research. Take the “fear” out of practicing medicine and promote the team effort of solving problems and finding cures for the most severe illnesses like Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, organ transplants, and many others.

Promote the organ donor programs, giving blood, using better and more economical health supplies, make supplies more affordable.

Does everyone need health coverage? Yes, but they do not need a health program that is ineffective and puts one in the poor house, or covers individuals who are not paying a cent in taxes.

Committed the Crime, Did the Time

2009-07-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

Today Michael Vick was released after finishing a 23-month federal sentence for dogfighting and is a sort of free man. Is Michael really a free man? That question still has to be answered. One thing is sure, he should be given a chance to succeed in whatever career he chooses? What? In whatever career he chooses? Are you kidding me? Michael Vick is a football player and only a football player. He has one field of employment to make serious money and that is the NFL.

The NFL commissioner is correct is considering reinstatement, but there is a code of conduct to follow. Does the commish have to reinstate Michael Vick? No, should he? Yes! You have to remember that Michael is not the only NFL player to get caught or commit a crime. The crime does not have to be dogfighting.

If you remember recently that Donte' Stallworth served only 24 days of a 30-day jail sentence for pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter.

The commish has yet to rule on what will happen to Donte' Stallworth but there is a comparison to be made for the NFL code of conduct. If Stallworth comes back then Vick should also be reinstated as well. Both individuals will need to present their case and convince NFL commissioner Roger Goodell of their readiness and willingness to change. "Michael did an egregious thing," Goodell told The Associated Press in April. "He has paid a very significant price for that."

Michael Vick can help himself, football, and be a statesmen for groups against the cruelty to animals. Is Michael Vick really sorry for what he did? Only Michael know for sure. Would Michael be a good spokesperson for the animal rights groups? Yes, mainly because of the exposure he would be able to produce. Every time someone now thinks of Michael Vick it is associated with the cruelty to animals. Football is second to the animal rights groups.

What can Michael Vick do to help the animal rights groups? There is a strong need to keep the public aware of the need to protect, shelter and care for homeless animals of all types. What better spokesperson than a man who committed the crimed and served his time.

Using Mike as a spokesperson keeps the information in front of the public, hopefully more adoptions and financial support. With the current economy many pets are being brought to shelters, left by their owners to fend for themselves, or just plain killed.

I love my animals and could not possibly imagine dogfighting, then killing them if not performing. Even though Michael Vick plays football, he can still be a "favorable" spokesperson to keep the public aware that their is a constant need for the protection of animals.

Join The Humane Society of the United States as a monthly supporter and you'll help save animals from puppy mills, disasters, animal fighters, and more. http://www.hsus.org/

Here are some basic tips from the humane society on how to spot dog fighting in your community.

How to Spot Signs of Dogfighting in Your Community
1. An inordinate number of pit bulls being kept in one location, especially multiple dogs who are chained and seem unsocialized.
2. Dogs with scars on their faces, front legs and stifle area (hind end and thighs).
3. Dogfighting training equipment such as:
-treadmills used to build dogs' endurance
-"break sticks" used to pry apart the jaws of dogs locked in battle
-tires or "springpoles" (usually a large spring with rope attached to either end) hanging from tree limbs
-Unusual foot traffic coming and going from a location at odd hours.

FLY ME TO THE MOON

2009-07-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

It has been 40 years since the moon landing. Guess what, that was a fast 40 years and yes, I do remember what happened in 1969. I was discharged from the military, got married, buried my dad and then watched the lunar landing with the crew of Apollo 11. What a year 1969 was for me and many others.

As the 40th anniversary passes, the mission of landing on the lunar surface was absolutely unbelievable. To actually have men on the moon, playing golf, singing, walking on the lunar surface, collecting rocks and making that memorable saying by Neil Armstrong. "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." To me, this was the most miraculous event I had ever seen.

NASA has a wonderful website and I have summarized the purpose of the mission below with much of the information taken from the NASA website at http://www.hq.nasa.gov/

Apollo 11 had one mission, land men on the surface of the moon and then return the men safely to Earth. The astronauts picked for the Apollo 11 crew are Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, Command Module pilot and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. Lunar Module pilot.

The spacecraft was launched and inserted into lunar orbit about 76 hours into the mission. After a rest period, Armstrong and Aldrin entered the Lunar Module preparing for descent to the lunar surface. The two spacecraft were undocked at about 100 hours, when the Command and Service Modules separated from the Lunar Module. The spacecraft landed in the Sea of Tranquillity at 4:18 p.m. EDT. Afterwards, they ate their first meal on the Moon and decided to begin the surface operations earlier than planned.

A Lunar Module camera provided live television coverage of Armstrong setting foot on the lunar surface at 10:56 p.m. EDT. Just as he stepped off the Lunar Module Neil Armstrong proclaimed, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Aldrin emerged soon after, setting foot on the lunar surface at 11:16 p.m. EDT. Aldrin evaluated his ability to operate and move about and was able to move about rapidly and with confidence. Forty-seven pounds of lunar surface material were collected to be returned for analysis. The surface exploration was concluded in 2½ hours, when the crew re-entered the lunar module.

After lunar ascent, the Lunar Module docked with the Command and Service Modules at 128 hours. The crew transferred into the Command and Service Modules, the ascent stage was jettisoned and they prepared for trans-Earth injection. Only one midcourse correction was required, and passive thermal control was used for most of trans-Earth coast. Bad weather made it necessary to move the splashdown point 346 kilometers (215 miles) downrange. Atmospheric entry phase was normal, and the command module landed in the Pacific Ocean at 195¼ hours.

The landing coordinates, as determined from the onboard computer, were 13 degrees 30 minutes north latitude and -169 degrees 15 minutes east longitude.

With the success of Apollo 11, the national objective to land men on the Moon and return them safely to Earth had been accomplished.

Facts of the flight:

Life Off – Saturn v, July 16, 1969 at 9:32 a.m. EDT, KSC, Florida, Complex 39-A
Lunar Landing – July 20, 1969 at 4:18 p.m. EDT, Sea of Tranquility
Lunar Lift Off – July 21, 1969 1:54 p.m. EDT
Splash-down – July 24, 1969 12:50 p.m. EDT, Pacific Ocean
Duration – 8 days, 3 hours
Source: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo11/

Bad Breath from Medication

2009-06-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Bad Breath Caused By Norvasc And Other Medications

The human body has many disorders which thankfully are treatable with medications. Many medications are now available that can help a person live much longer healthy and productive lives. However, many of these medications come with side effects that have to be addressed. One of the very common side effects of several medications is bad breath. Medications such as Norvasc can cause bad breath.

The Importance Of Norvasc

Even though Norvasc can cause bad breath it is an important medication. Norvasc is prescribed by doctors to treat angina and high blood pressure which are both serious conditions. In todays society high blood pressure is quite common among all ages of adults. A person who takes Norvasc can not simply stop the medication because they have bad breath caused by Norvasc. Both high blood pressure and angina are potentially fatal conditions that have to be treated and Norvasc is a proven reliable drug to use. If a person discovers that, although Norvasc is helping with their specific medical condition, the also have bad breath caused by Norvasc there are some things that can be done to help.

Treating Bad Breath Caused By Norvasc And Other Medications

It is imperatve for a person with bad breath from Norvasc or other medications to find one or more suitable treatments for the side effect. There are several measures that can be taken to reduce the side effect of bad breath. One specific treatment may not cure the problem but several things can help.

The first thing a person with bad breath from Norvasc or other medications needs to do is to make sure that they have good oral hygiene. A person should brush their teeth several times a day with an electronic vibrating toothbrush and a strong toothpaste and should floss often. People who are away from home during the day may want to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with them to use once or twice during the day. A person can also carry a small bottle of mouthwash with them to help out. Mints and gum will also be quite helpful.

Some times the bad breath caused by Norvasc is because the mouth becomes very dry. A person can help this situation by keeping liquids by and drinking frequently. The increased fluids may also be helpful in treating the specific medical ailment but a person should check with their doctor regarding the amount of fluid intake they should have. Sometimes people with heart conditions have a fluid restriction. In this case gum and mints may also be helpful to keep the mouth moist.

Sports and Satellite TV

2009-06-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

On June 12, 2009 any television that has rabbit ears may not be able to receive signals. The time has come for satellite television, especially if you are a sports fan of any kind.

The National Football League (NFL) has taken football on television to the next level with the use of satellite television. Dirct TV with their NFL primetime package is fantastic and the only thing that can be improved is the size of the HDTV. With all eight screens the bigger the television the bigger the eight sections.

Even though the future will be moving more toward satellite activity, there are a ton of sports today that are available. With great sports shows like ESPN, NFL, College Football, and many other dedicated channels for specific sports such as baseball, basketball, hockey, wrestling, tennis, extreme sports, etc. The sports fan can have sports 24/7.

One of the bigger areas of concern for the sportsfan is economics. With the current economy the prices for tickets at stadiums is getting outragous. Unless you are financially well off you may not be able to afford a day at the ballgame, no matter what sport we are talking about.

The sportsfan has turned to social networking, fantasy leagues, and watching games at home with friends and family. With the money saved for gas, security, parking, food and souvenirs, the fan can afford to have a great barbecue in the backyard.

SOX in Construction

2009-05-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

For any company, whose securities are publicly traded, acceding to the unexpected cost overrun is only one problem. The larger issue may be the lack of proper management review and oversight coupled with a poor internal control environment—an investor relations nightmare that could have easily been avoided with more appropriate monitoring of the construction activities. For any senior management faced with this situation, the question is how to manage the unnecessary risks and exposures in light of the requirements imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).

To gain true perspective of the relevance of SOX and internal controls in the construction process, it’s necessary first to review the purpose behind SOX.

Purpose of SOX

SOX passed through both houses of Congress with record speed in 2002 as legislators reacted to the Enron and WorldCom scandals, and disclosures that senior executives or directors simply ignored—or otherwise allowed—managers to distort their company’s financial condition by hiding losses and liabilities from the company’s balance sheet, embezzling corporate funds for personal use, as well as failing to implement internal controls and processes to ensure the accuracy of financial reports. The statute passed the Senate 99–0 and cleared the House with only three dissenting votes.

As the extent of the fraudulent practices and lack of oversight for effective internal controls came to light, Congress was concerned that no one in senior management used effective oversight to ensure that internal controls were in place to prevent the fraud. Of equal concern to Congress, members of boards of directors likewise remained oblivious to monitoring the companies’ internal controls and financial condition. SOX is universally recognized as a tool to prevent the kind of conduct that led to scandals like Enron and WorldCom. It put the burden on corporations’ senior management, the boards of directors, and outside auditors to see that effective controls are in place to support the financial condition as periodically reported to shareholders and the public.

SOX imposes significant penalties on senior management, directors, and outside auditors with respect to its reporting and internal control provisions. Among the administrative remedies available to enforce this statute, the SEC has the authority under SOX section 1105 to prohibit officers or directors from serving in such positions for violation of the foregoing provisions. To enforce these provisions, the SEC may bring cease-and-desist proceedings in federal court.

SOX also establishes, for the first time, criminal penalties for persons “knowingly” or “willfully” violating these certification provisions; they may be fined up to $1 million and imprisoned up to 10 years, or both, for each offense. The statute enhances the criminal penalties for one who “willfully” violates the certification provisions, with a fine of up to $5 million, a prison term of up to 20 years, or both.

SOX and Construction Projects

Since the enactment of SOX, managements of publicly traded companies have been required to annually certify the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. While many have questioned the cost of SOX compliance, the investing community has embraced the related benefits, because of: 1) the decline in the number of financial statement restatements over the past few years; 2) the enhancement of corporate governance; 3) the strengthening of underlying controls, including management monitoring and oversight; and 4) the increased transparency in financial reporting.

Although SOX is intended to focus on mitigating the risk of management override and fraudulent financial reporting, its relevance and applicability has often been extended to internal projects with significant financial consequence. For corporations involved in large-scale construction, SOX provides management with an opportunity to leverage internal controls to manage the company’s financial, business, and reputational risks, as well as enhance operating efficiencies with best practices.

Some contend that cost overruns and related lack of control on construction projects should not trigger SOX concerns over internal controls, claiming the amounts involved are not material. From the authors’ perspective, however, corporate indifference to how construction projects are monitored is an invitation to serious trouble for management.

The construction industry contributes nearly 6% of U.S. gross domestic product, with more than $1 trillion spent annually in the United States on construction projects. The media regularly report on projects, large and small, that experience massive cost overruns and delays long beyond their contract completion dates.

To be SOX-compliant, management must have an effective process in place to accurately record and report related expenses or capitalizable costs in the proper period and to ensure disclosure of significant events. Such a process is critical to the timely identification and investigation of significant cost overruns, the communication of related findings to senior management, and the consideration of the findings for proper disclosure.

The bottom line: Significant construction project overruns, if caused by poor management oversight or fraudulent activities, could raise concerns about the integrity of the company’s internal control environment and effectiveness of its antifraud program. The authors believe that senior management of publicly traded companies should appreciate the reach of SOX to their construction projects. Furthermore, in view of the recognized prevalence of cost overruns and delays that beset this industry, management is obligated to take affirmative steps to establish effective controls that will monitor project exigencies.

To minimize the risk of cost overruns and possible consequences resulting from project delays, management should factor the following actions into the contracting process before the commencement of each construction project:
Define the roles and responsibilities of its project managers and third-party advisors and consultants; Conduct a detailed risk assessment; Rank the related operating and fraud risks based on their likelihood and potential dollar impact; Identify and develop specific actions to mitigate such risks; Establish formal guidance and directives to ensure proper authorization, approval, and review of change orders, increases in scope during the project, and related activities; Ensure that employees involved in the construction process have the necessary experience and training; Develop a formal process to review, analyze, and investigate results that significantly vary from the budget or plan; and Establish a formal communication process to facilitate the information flow from project managers to senior management.

In addition, management should establish formal milestones and specific due dates to prevent the risk of delay.