Slobokan's Test Pattern

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Louie Gohmert

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:08:18 +0000

Rep. Louis Gohmert (R-TX) speaks on the House floor following the vote on the $700 billion bailout.

The BailOut Fiasco: Nanny State Nancy Pelosi

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:55:23 +0000

Speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks in support of the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Mike Pence

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:15:19 +0000

Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Virginia Foxx

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 02:47:26 +0000

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Phil Gingrey

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 02:46:28 +0000

Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Thaddeus McCotter

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:34:35 +0000

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) speaks on the House floor following the vote on the $700 billion bailout.

The BailOut Fiasco: Applauding The Arrival Of Socialism

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:04:16 +0000

The U.S House votes (for the second time) on the $700 billion bailout.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Ron Paul

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:00:06 +0000

Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Marcy Kaptur

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:46:00 +0000

Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Marilyn Musgrave

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:33:13 +0000

Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Mike Pence

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:22:14 +0000

Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Jeb Hensarling

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:12:09 +0000

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: Rep. Pete Stark

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:53:17 +0000

Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) speaks in opposition to the $700 billion bailout before the historic vote on the House floor on October 3, 2008.

The BailOut Fiasco: The Vote

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:45:40 +0000

The U.S. Senate votes on the $700 billion bailout. It's a disappointing day for America

The BailOut Fiasco: Sen. Bill Nelson

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:56:20 +0000

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) speaks on the Senate floor, in opposition to the $700 billion bailout.

The BailOut Fiasco: Sen. Jim DeMint (Part 2)

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:55:12 +0000

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) speaks on the Senate floor, in opposition to the $700 billion bailout. This is the second part of his speech.

The BailOut Fiasco: Sen. Jim DeMint (Part 1)

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:33:28 +0000

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) speaks on the Senate floor, in opposition to the $700 billion bailout. This is the first part of his speech.

The BailOut Fiasco: Sen. David Vitter

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:50:51 +0000

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) speaks on the Senate floor, in opposition to the $700 billion bailout.

The BailOut Fiasco: Sen. Lamar Alexander

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:58:37 +0000

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), the Republican Conference Chairman, speaks at the Senate Republican Press Conference this afternoon. He spoke about the bailout rescue plan and auto dealers who have turned away one-third of those applying for car loans when the normal rate is less than 20%. Doesn't that indicate they shouldn't have the loans in the first place? With the few changes they have made, it's basically the same bill the house failed to pass with lots of pork and beans added to the bill. We need to work on a solution to this problem, but adding pork to influence votes only hurts us, the taxpayers. The Senate votes tonight on the measure, contact your Senators and urge them to vote against this bill.

The BailOut Fiasco: Sen. Jon Kyl

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:29:58 +0000

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), the Senate Minority Whip, speaks at the Senate Republican Press Conference this afternoon. He spoke about the bailout rescue plan and referred to the 'mark to market' rules, as well as the increase in FDIC protection. With the few changes they have made, it's basically the same bill the house failed to pass with lots of pork and beans added to the bill. We need to work on a solution to this problem, but adding pork to influence votes only hurts us, the taxpayers. The Senate votes tonight on the measure, contact your Senators and urge them to vote against this bill. Posted at Blip.tv, YouTube, and DailyMotion.

The BailOut Fiasco: Sen. Judd Gregg

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:12:11 +0000

Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), the Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member, speaks at the Senate Republican Press Conference this afternoon. He spoke about the bailout rescue plan making three points. #1. He claims it contains strong taxpayer protection. He states that every dollar we put in "will probably" have a significant return and every dollar made will go to reduce the national debt. #2. People will not be allowed to game the system. There won't be golden parachutes. There will not be high compensation. #3. They want to make sure people stay in their homes. No amount of oversight will convince me that putting the government in charge of mortgages and other investment programs is a good idea. We need to work on a solution to this problem, but adding pork to influence votes only hurts us, the taxpayers. The Senate votes tonight on the measure, contact your Senators and urge them to vote against this bill. Posted at Blip.tv, YouTube, and DailyMotion.

The BailOut Fiasco: Sen. Mitch McConnell

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:51:36 +0000

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the Senate Minority Leader, speaks at the Senate Republican Press Conference this afternoon. He spoke about the bailout rescue plan and referred to it as a plan for main street, not wall street, yet it's the same bill the house failed to pass, with lots of pork and beans added to the bill. We need to work on a solution to this problem, but adding pork to influence votes only hurts us, the taxpayers. The Senate votes tonight on the measure, contact your Senators and urge them to vote against this bill.

Test Pattern #92: The Path We Take

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:02:54 +0000

As you know, the House rejected the $700 billion bailout yesterday. You could hear the screams from Chicken Little soon after the vote took place and because of the panic that ensued the Dow dropped 777 points. We were told things would get worse every day until action was taken. Congress took no action today, they recessed for Rosh Hashanah, and the market rebounded 485 points. In his comments today, the President shocked me. He said, "it matters little what path a bill takes to become law, what matters is that we get a law". Is he serious? The path a bill takes to become law matters more than just getting a law irregardless of the consequences. We don't need a law for the sake of having a law. What matters is that we get a good law that protects the American people and their wallets. No matter what the President thinks, the path of the law does matter! Contact your Senators and Representatives and tell them to do it right this time. Our future depends on it.

The BailOut Fiasco: The Speech That Killed The Bill? Part 2

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:51:16 +0000

The U.S. House Of Representatives voted on the $700 billion bailout today. 95 Democrats and 133 Republicans voted against it. There is a rumor going around that some Republicans who had agreed to vote for the measure were taken aback by Nancy Pelosi's speech on the House floor. Was that the reason for the failure of the bill? I doubt anyone changed their mind because of that speech, but if they did, I guess you could say that it was the speech that killed the bill.

The BailOut Fiasco: The Speech That Killed The Bill? Part 1

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:34:15 +0000

The BailOut Fiasco: The Motion Is Not Adopted

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:39:32 +0000

The House voted on the $700 billion bailout today. Bills pass the House with a simple majority. Democrats hold that majority. Nancy Pelosi failed to get the Democrat votes needed to pass the bill. Maybe now she will sit down with Republicans and work on a bill that actually helps everyday people and not just the corporate types on Wall Street.

The BailOut Fiasco: I'm Not Gunna Eat That Cow Patty

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:15:47 +0000

Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) tells it like it is.

The BailOut Fiasco: I Am With Them

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:59:28 +0000

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) says more in 3 minutes than any other politician has said in 3 days. I for one, agree with him. The bailout is a stupid idea.

Test Pattern #91: The Bail Out

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:28:16 +0000

Nancy Pelosi is questioning the patriotism of House Republicans. This comes from the woman who hasn't upheld a single promise from the 2006 campaign, who has single-handedly controlled every piece of legislation that hit the House floor for the past two years, who closed down the House while you and I were paying more than $4 per gallon of gasoline, and when Congress came back from their five-week vacation, pushed her own energy bill on the American people. Now, with the impending financial collapse of the stock market and banks on our doorstep, she wants to work with Republicans, who have been working for us. They have been doing what they can to keep higher taxes out of our paychecks and $700 billion worth of useless bank notes off our tables. Our Congress should be working to make sure this 'bailout' does not contain money for earmarks, rewards for executives, funds for ACORN, or raise our taxes. To do so, would be unpatriotic.

Test Pattern #90: The No Drill Energy Bill

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:28:40 +0000

During the month of August, House Republicans asked for a vote on their energy bill, the American Energy Act. When House Democrats returned from their five week recess, Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised a vote on a comprehensive energy solution. The bill she introduced is anything but comprehensive. It offers no provisions for oil shale exploration, nuclear power expansion, or clean coal or coal-to-liquid technology. There will be no drilling in ANWR, and the bill does not even provide for one new oil refinery. The drilling provision also calls for drilling 50 miles from our nation's shores. Most of the oil available is located 3-50 miles, so in essense this bill is a "no drill" energy bill. Nancy Pelosi's so called comprehensive energy bill is anything but comprehensive. It won't even produce more American made energy for Americans. She has made it abundantly clear that she intends to drive oil companies from America completely.

Test Pattern #89: We Got Nothing

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:17:56 +0000

When Congress came back from their five-week recess, Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised they would discuss energy on the House floor and there would be a vote on energy this week. She lied. The first week has passed and there has been no debate, no discussion, and no vote on American energy. Amid protests from Republican House memebers on Thursday, the Democrats in the House voted to adjourn rather than work on an all-of-the-above energy solution. When they come back Monday, they'll have just 10 days to work on energy before Congress adjourns for the remainder of the year. The American Energy Act would solve our energy problems, decrease our dependence on foreign oil, and put more money in our pockets. Instead, thanks to Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats, we got nothing.

Test Pattern #88: Welcome Back!

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:53:05 +0000

On August 1, 2008, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi brought the gavel down to adjourn the House of Representatives. As the gavel dropped, more than 50 House Republicans were standing on the floor waiting to speak. Nancy Pelosi turned off the microphones, shut down the cameras, and switched off the lights. In addition to a traditional Congressional recess, it was the start of an historic event never before witnessed in our country. Republicans returned to the floor each day of the recess to discuss an all-of-the-above energy solution. Today, Congress returns from that vacation. This is the first day that a Democrat was seen on the floor of the House since August 1st. Now that they're back, there is just one thing left to say... Welcome Back! Too bad Speaker Pelosi didn't come back with her fellow Democrats. Maybe she lost her way?

Test Pattern #87: The Beginning

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 06:26:50 +0000

House Republicans concluded their five-week energy protest on the House floor today. As some Republican House members stated today, this is not the end, this is just the beginning. Starting Monday, it's up to all of us to keep the pressure on Nancy Pelosi to allow an up or down vote on the American Energy Act. Please, take a moment to call your Representative and voice your concerns. Call Speaker Pelosi's office at (202) 225-0100. Tell her you demand a vote on an all-of-the-above energy solution. I will be wrapping up my House energy series with one final video on Monday, after that Test Pattern will return to it's normal format covering all sorts of topics. I hope you enjoyed my daily summaries of the protest, and I hope they educated you about what your Congress is and isn't doing for you.

Test Pattern #86: Fundamental Issues

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:19:40 +0000

Today was day 24 of the Republican 'staycation'. Tomorrow is the last day of the House energy protest. One hundred thirty-five Republicans have been there. Discussing energy. Waiting to work. House Democrats were nowhere to be found. Nancy Pelosi was out selling her book and enjoying her five-week vacation so they didn't bother to come back either. Meanwhile, we have all been paying $4 per gallon for gasoline. Maybe I should write a book.

Test Pattern #85: Two Places, One Message

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:21:16 +0000

Proving true to their word, the House Republicans held two news conferences today. One from the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, and the other from the U.S. House of Representatives. One hundred thirty-four members of the House Republican Conference have stayed in Washington or returned to speak on the House floor about the American Energy Act and solving America's energy situation. If I had a Democratic member of Congress representing me, I would be really pissed off. Since August 1, not one Democrat has been seen on the House floor. While I was paying $4.00 per gallon for gasoline, they were partying their asses off in Denver at their convention. It's no wonder our government is in the shape it's in, especially if the House leadership handled every other issue like they are handling the energy debate.

Test Pattern #84: Ready To Work

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:25:31 +0000

It's day #22 of the Republican 'staycation'. The lights are still out on the House floor as well as in Nancy Pelosi's head. Congress still hasn't done anything to help solve our current energy crisis or work on a solution for the future. Republicans are continuing their discussion of the American Energy Act, and they are waiting for a vote on the House floor. Great job, Madame Speaker! While the House Democrats have been home enjoying their vacation, or partying it up at the Democratic National Convention, the House Republicans have been present and accounted for. They've been on the floor of the House, ready to work.

Test Pattern #83: A Glimpse Of The Future

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:17:49 +0000

The entire month of August has passed without a single Democrat showing up on the floor of the House of Representatives. Over 133 Republicans have shown up, day after day, to discuss our nation's energy problems and to debate the American Energy Act. Nancy Pelosi has proven what kind of leader she is by ignoring the American people, closing down the house and embarking on a failed book tour. If Mrs. Pelosi does not call Congress back, they are set to resume work on September 8th. The target date for adjournment is September 26th. That's just 15 working days to finish all of the business for the year including solving our nation's energy crisis. Fifteen days. until they adjourn for the remainder of the year. Nancy Pelosi is not working for you. She is not working for me. Hell, it appears she isn't working at all.

Test Pattern #82: It's Insane

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:11:36 +0000

Twenty days and counting. The House Republicans have continued their discussion of the American Energy Act for 20 days. While House Democrats partied in Denver and waited to see Senator Obama accept his party's nomination for President, House Republicans remained on the House floor talking about energy. They have been discussing wind, solar, nuclear, and other alternative energy sources. They have been discussing drilling for oil and natural gas, to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats walked away from the House when there was still work to be done. No Democrats have returned to Washington to discuss energy. None of them have been seen on the House floor since August 1st.

Test Pattern #81: The Lady Is A Liar

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:54:04 +0000

On the August 24th episode of 'Meet The Press', Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi denied that her investment in Clean Energy Fuels Corporation was worth $100,000 to $200,000. She lied. While everyone thought she adjourned the House so she could embark on a spectacular book tour, she was instead, making sure the focus was kept off of her real reason for not wanting to solve America's energy crisis. She promised the most ethical Congress in our nation's history. She lied. Shame on you Speaker Pelosi. Special thanks to Bill Collier at The American Freedomist (http://blog.freedomist.info) for breaking this story with his post "Pelosi LIED To Brokaw". Find out more about Mrs. Pelosi's investment and what you can do about it by visiting his blog.

Test Pattern #80: Just Crazy

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:57:16 +0000

In 1978, Jimmy Carter signed the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 into law. The amendments were designed to help move our domestic energy production forward with environmental safeguards in place and to assure that Outer Continental Shelf energy resources contributed more to our domestic energy supplies. We're still waiting for that to happen. Why? Drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf has been banned since 1981 when Congress passed a Department of Interior spending bill that included a moratorium on department funds being used to lease acreage in the banned areas (which include our east and west coasts as well as a great portion of the coast along the Gulf of Mexico).

Test Pattern #79: The Pro Forma Session

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:37:24 +0000

Republicans are standing in front of the microphone everyday asking Nancy Pelosi to call Congress back into session so they can begin debate on the American Energy Act. A few of these representatives have called on the President to do so, since Mrs. Pelosi has no intention of doing it. The problem is, he cannot do it. The President cannot call Congress back into session if either the House or the Senate are in session. Harry Reid has made sure that the Senate is kept in "pro forma session" to keep the President from making recess appointments, and ironically, calling Congress back into session to discuss energy solutions. Watch this video to learn more about the pro forma session, and see one (in full length) as it transpires.

Test Pattern #78: An American Issue

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:24:35 +0000

It's the 18th day of the Republican 'staycation'. While the Republicans were busy speaking to the American people about real energy solutions for our real energy crisis, Nancy Pelosi spent her day huddled with Democrats talking amongst themselves and then insulting real Americans asking her to do her job. The energy crisis we are facing is not a Republican issue, it's not a Democrat issue, it's an American issue. Call Nancy Pelosi's office today, at (202) 225-0100 and tell her to Call Back Congress and get back to work.

Test Pattern #77: Let's Get Real

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:13:14 +0000

Everybody knows we need to find alternative energy solutions. There will come a day when we will no longer be able to rely on fossil fuels for our energy needs. It's just a matter of time. Nancy Pelosi does not want to talk about drilling for oil, to get us through the transitional period until we develop alternative sources of energy. She has no problem, however, talking about natural gas as an alternative. Contrary to what she may say (and what you believe) natural gas is not a renewable energy source. It is a fossil fuel like coal and oil. It takes thousands of years for natural gas deposits to develop and it too must be drilled to access it. Let's get real Mrs. Pelosi. Come back to Washington and bring the American Energy Act to the floor of the House of Representatives.

Test Pattern #76: Monkey Business

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:21:46 +0000

In the weeks and months leading up to August 1st, Nancy Pelosi made sure that members of the House congratulated the University of California-Santa Barbara Soccer Team. She also made sure that they declared National Passport Month, National Train Day, and International Year of Sanitation. Heck, she even made sure that monkeys everywhere would be safer by making sure the House voted on the Monkey Safety Act. Meanwhile our gas prices were rising from $2.22 per gallon to $4.14 per gallon. Doesn't it make you feel warm and fuzzy to know that monkeys around the country are safe, while you're paying so much for fuel at the pump? Nancy Pelosi needs to come back to work. She needs to get back to Washington and call Congress back into session. She needs to give an up or down vote on the American Energy Act, and she needs to stop the monkey business.

Test Pattern #75: Use It Or Lose It

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:27:02 +0000

Today was the 16th day of the House Republican 'staycation'. With each passing day, it's abundantly clear that Nancy Pelosi has no intention of calling back Congress. She has no intention of cancelling the remainder of her book tour, even though the number of people who have shown up on the House floor to listen to Republicans discuss the American Energy Act has outnumbered her book sales by a great margin. It's clear she has no intention of coming back to do the job she was elected to do. At this point I doubt her decision is purely political in nature, and it's only a matter of time before she is called to the carpet for her unethical investment in the Clean Energy Fuels Corporation as well as her lack of leadership of the House Of Representatives. Call Nancy Pelosi's office at (202) 225-0100 and tell her to come back to work.

Test Pattern #74: Controlling Our Destiny

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:47:46 +0000

Day #15 of the Republican 'staycation' and 129 members have returned to the House floor to continue the discussion of the American Energy Act. The energy problem we are facing right now started many years ago as we increased our demand on foreign oil and did nothing to encourage the development of alternative energy solutions or develop our own fuel resources. Nancy Pelosi still singlehandedly making this crisis worse by refusing to return to Washington and do her job as Speaker of the House. Call her office at (202) 225-0100 and tell her to call back Congress, today.

Test Pattern #73: Cause A Storm

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:28:11 +0000

Day #14 of the Republican 'staycation'. Today, Minority Leader John Boehner returned to the House floor to ask Speaker Pelosi to call the Congress back into session, to begin debating the issue of energy reform. The American people, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, are speaking up and talking to their Representatives, demanding that Congress do something to help bring prices down at the pump. Day #14, and still not a Democrat to be seen in the House. This is not a partisan issue, it's an American issue. The fact they won't even acknowledge their own consistuents is shameful.

Test Pattern #72: Pursuit Of Happiness

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:04 +0000

It's day #13 of the House Republican 'staycation'. As House Republicans wonder how the Sierra Club can endorse a Democratic Energy Plan that no one has seen, the American people wonder when the Speaker of the House is going to 'know her power' and get her ass back to Washington. We are running out of time. If she waits until September to come back, the Congress will have just 15 working days to complete all of their business (including this energy bill) before they adjourn for the rest of the year. That's right people. If they don't pass an energy bill before the end of September, there will be no energy bill before the new year. Call Speaker Pelosi's office at (202) 225-0100 and tell her to call Congress back and get back to work.

Test Pattern #71: Feet To The Fire

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:47:03 +0000

As we enter the third week of the House Republican 'staycation', we still haven't seen a Democrat in the House. Nancy Pelosi is still out selling books, you and I are still paying nearly $4 per gallon, and Mrs. Pelosi's investment in the Clean Energy Fuels Corporation is making more and more sense. Over the weekend Mrs. Pelosi said she plans to introduce a bill when Congress comes back. It's nice to know that her book sales and her natural gas investments are more important to her than winter heating oil costs for the American people. Americans understand the issue in front of us and are demanding they come back. Contact your representative and tell them to get back to work. If they wait until September, they only have three weeks to work on a solution before they adjourn for the rest of the year.

Test Pattern #70: The Score Is 112-0

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:29 +0000

It's been 2 weeks since the House Republicans told Speaker Pelosi and the nation that they were not going home for their traditional August recess. For the past two weeks we have heard 112 Republicans ask Mrs. Pelosi to call Congress back in session to discuss our nation's energy situation. The Republicans have introduced The American Energy Act, which is a comprehensive "all of the above" solution for our future energy needs, while the Democrats have remained silent. In fact, no one has even seen the Democrat plan for energy production. Today's episode is another recap of the remarks made by the House Republicans at their daily press briefings, along with a little surprise in the middle of the video. I had some issues with one of the video files, so it's a bit jumpy in parts. Have a great weekend.

Test Pattern #69: The American Energy Act

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:21:47 +0000

The American Energy Act will increase our supply of American made energy. It will improve conservation and efficiency as well as promote new and expanding energy technologies. All of this will help lower the price at the pump and reduce our costly dependence on foreign oil. But Nancy Pelosi wants you to think it's all about offshore drilling. In this episode of Test Pattern I mention all of the different energy solutions also covered in the bill. The American Energy Act is an "all of the above" solution to our nation's energy problem. If we think hard and focus on the issue at hand, I believe we can solve this problem. But we can only do it if we all work together. Come back to Washington, Mrs. Pelosi. We're running out of time.

Test Pattern #68: Explanation Time

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:06:04 +0000

House Republicans were back on the floor today. They continued discussion on the American Energy Act and wondered once again why their Democrat colleagues weren't anywhere to be found. Could Nancy Pelosi have a reason for wanting to keep them off the floor? Does she have something to gain by asking them to maintain their silence? Some say silence in golden. In this case, she may have thought so. Nancy Pelosi has some explaining to do. Her investment in the Clean Energy Fuels Corporation is a clear conflict of interest, and she needs to come clean on the details involving that investment. As Speaker of the House, she owes it to the American people.

Test Pattern #67: Business As Usual

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:21:34 +0000

When Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House, she promised the most ethical Congress in history. She lied. Speaker Pelosi invested a lot of money in Clean Energy Fuels Corporation, the largest supplier of vehicular natural gas in North America. Could this investment be her true motivation for blocking a vote on the American Energy Act? Republicans returned to the floor of the House today to continue discussion of the bill. They're still discussing energy, with no Democrats in sight.

Test Pattern #66: Who's Painting The Lady?

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:50:02 +0000

Republicans returned to the House floor today to continue their 'staycation' while Nancy Pelosi took time to appear on Larry King Live. Too bad Larry King didn't ask her about her sizeable investment in Clean Energy Fuels Corporation and the real reason she is stalling the energy vote in the House. So much for her more ethical Congress. At least now we know what's been motivating her to do nothing.

Test Pattern #65: It's Time

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:43:40 +0000

Today was Day #6 of the Republican House "staycation". There were still no Democrats to be found on the floor. It's been one week since the first group of Republicans remained on the floor to do the people's business. In that week 30,000 people have signed the petition to Call Back Congress, and Nancy Pelosi sold just 3,000 books. The American people will not get relief if Congress doesn't start talking about it. Call Speaker Pelosi's office and ask her to Call Back Congress.

Test Pattern #64: Day 5

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:23:50 +0000

Today was day five of the Republican House 'staycation'. While Republican House members made it clear they had America's priorities in mind, Speaker Nancy Pelosi was busy traveling to Michigan to sell books. She wasn't even doing a good job at that.

Test Pattern #63: Still Waiting

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:55:14 +0000

The momentum of the #dontgo movement is picking up steam. More and more everyday people are showing up to watch the proceedings in the House. Today was day #4 of the Republican "staycation" and there is still no sign of Nancy Pelosi in Washington, DC. There is no sign that the Democratic leadership has any intention to work on a bipartisan energy plan. I sure hope Mrs. Pelosi's book is worth it. Come back to Washington now Madame Speaker. We're still discussing energy, without you.

Test Pattern #62: In Their Own Words

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:29:27 +0000

Today was day #3 of the Republican House "staycation".

Today was busier than any other day, thanks to the attention that the MoveOn organizers inadvertently brought with them when they decided to protest the event. Thanks guys!

In this episode, the politicians speak for themselves.

Test Pattern #61: Come Back

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:50:15 +0000

On Friday, Nancy Pelosi adjourned the House for a 5-week vacation, but Republican members of the House stayed to keep the discussion going.

Today, Republican House members showed up and did just what they said they would. They discussed our nation's energy situation all day.

This is the second video in this series highlighting each day the Republicans stay to get the message out that they are willing to get the job done.

Test Pattern #60: The Life And Death Of Tacos

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:22:57 +0000

Each weekend we make homemade tacos for the kids. Each weekend they devour all of them.

They sure don't last long.

Test Pattern #59: Don't Go

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:35:18 +0000

August 1, 2008 was an historic day in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi adjourned the House for a 5-week vacation, but some members were not ready to leave. Republican members of the House remained on the floor to discuss domestic drilling and alternative energy solutions.

We cannot acheive energy independence if the House can't even bring the subject up for debate on the House floor. We need energy reform in America, and we need it now.

It's time to cancel vacations and come back to work.

Test Pattern #58: Clarification & Review

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:19:50 +0000

Some people aren't convinced that Section 3091 of the "American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008" is as bad as I made it sound in my last podcast.

Join me this time as I clarify the real impact of transaction reporting and review why Section 3091 is really, really, bad for us as Americans.

Test Pattern #57: Who's In Your Wallet?

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:19:43 +0000

Over the weekend, the Senate held an unusual Saturday session in order to pass the "Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008" or was it the "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008"? No wait. Wait, wait, wait. It was the "American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008". That's it.

Test Pattern #52: An Afternoon On The Rails

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:31:21 +0000

It's amazing what happens when the kids take the video camera. Sometimes it's magical. Sometimes, it's deadly.

Please be advised that no actual piggies were injured or killed during the filming of this video. In fact, they are all still wandering aimlessly along the tracks.

Test Pattern #54: How Not To Treat Your Customers

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:20:52 +0000

In this episode of Test Pattern, I describe the wonderful experience I had last Friday calling T-Mobile customer service.

Needless to say, I won't be calling them ever again.

Test Pattern #53: An Afternoon At The Buffet

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:44:55 +0000

I decided to set up the camera and record the bird feeder for three hours. It seems there was one cardinal who thought it was an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Test Pattern #56: Do They Make Watermelon Jelly?

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:16:48 +0000

We were eating watermelon the other night, and I casually asked my wife if people actually made watermelon jelly. She wasn't sure ,but was determined to find out.

Before I knew it, I was standing in the kitchen slicing watermelon and getting things ready.

I can honestly say, that yes, people do make watermelon jelly, and it is quite delicious.

Test Pattern #55: Noisy Neighbors

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:33:56 +0000

There was a a lot of activity around here last night. In fact, the neighbors were being so noisy that we could not sleep.

Being the hip new media guy that I am, I decided to capture all of their shenanigans on my digital camera.

They didn't settle down until well after 3 a.m., but we finally got some sleep.

Test Pattern #51: Day Dreaming

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:06:16 +0000

It was a beautiful day today, so I decided to sit outside and relax for a bit. People are so busy sometimes, they forget to look up for a couple moments each day.

Just look at what they're missing.

Test Pattern #50: Family Fireworks

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:33:08 +0000

I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July.

We celebrated the day with a fun family barbecue and then a small fireworks show at the end of our driveway.

Test Pattern #49: The 2 Minute Blackberry Jam

mtb@slobokan.com (Michael T. Barrett) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:39:59 +0000

We are fortunate to live in an area that is abundant with wild blackberry bushes. There is a little bit of work involved, but the reward is worth it. There is nothing like the taste of homemade blackberry jam.

Enjoy this quick video that demonstrates how to make this delicious (and almost free) treat.