Right As Usual

In a Financial Crisis, Is This the Best Way to Spend Money?

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 01:49:00 +0000

I realize that the Obama administration is top-heavy with unnecessary flunkies, but it's rather pathetic that they don't have something better to do than this.

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Now, THAT'S a Fighter!

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 13:33:00 +0000

I read (Via Cynthia Yockey, A Conservative Lesbian) this post that made me sit up, and resolve to stop letting myself quit. I think next year is going to be different - a lot different.

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Finally! Someone in the Conservative Universe Gets the Message on Marijuana

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:53:00 +0000

Mary Grabar has a post on Pajamas Media, in which she takes on the libertarians who want to legalize marijuana. She, like me, is a teacher; our take on the legalization is naturally filtered by our experiences with students who use/abuse the drug. Were the drug legal, we both agree that they would increase their use (because, after all, "it's legal" - which they think of as "it's a good thing").

The question I have is:

If you make use of marijuana legal, how do we then keep stoned students/possessing students out of schools? Is there anyone so stupid as to think that this won't become a HUGE problem for schools?

My students, on occasion, act dumb enough without impairment [NOTE: ALL teens, even my own precious children, act dumb at times - it's part of that inexperience thing].

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Constitutional Rights Deleted, By Executive Order

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:57:00 +0000

This, from the National Review, is quite disturbing - by Presidential Order, Interpol can now operate in the US, WITHOUT having to follow all of the hard-won American rights.

Further information here.
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Created or Saved

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:39:00 +0000

I should be a whole lot slimmer today, based on The Obama Diet. Here's how it works:

You plan out what you INTEND to eat. For example, PLANNED to eat the over-the-top "heart-attack" special - a 1/3 pound hamburger from Hardee's, with fries, shake, and, of course, a desert. I calculated it at around 2700 calories, more or less.
Then, you substitute a more normal fast food meal - about 750 calories.
Voila! This should have you losing weight FAST - after all, you saved about 1950 calories - that's about 1/3 of a pound - for just lunch. If you do the same at breakfast and dinner, you should be reed-slim in no time.

So, why am I still overweight?

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Inside the Abortion Reality

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:16:00 +0000

Are you a "pro-choice" advocate? So, once, was I.

Hear the words of some people, formerly inside the abortion industry, about the reality of the abortion business.

Warning - NOT for the faint of heart, nor the weak of conscience. Likely to challenge your thinking about abortion.

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More Alliance of Anti-Semitism with Islamicist Goals

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:08:00 +0000

More nonsense from the Leftists that blindly support Islamicist Fascists as "freedom fighters", while condemning Israelis as "racist thugs". Do they actually realize that in most Islamic countries, slavery is LEGAL?

Further, that anti-woman, anti-feminist attitudes are rife throughout the Islamic world? Read a harrowing story about an Turkish-German woman who experienced the horror of seeing an abused Turkish girl she was counseling shot before her eyes, in an attack that nearly killed her. She recently wrote a book, Islam Needs a Sexual Revolution, that has brought death threats to her (and when you receive Islamicist death threats, take them seriously!).

She also makes an important point about the difficulty that girls face in leaving their abusive families:

Social workers will help her start a new life. She cannot risk any contact with her family. But, we come from tribal culture. We have not learned how to be or live alone. Individualism is not valued. You are nothing without your family. But some very high-profile honor murders in Germany were due to re-establishing contact with a dangerous family. Often, the mothers would give their daughters a sob story to lure the girls home. The girls returned and were murdered. But your question is important. Some shelters offer only a nice place to stay, and that’s not enough, not even if you have the best furniture.

I think that's an important point that is not well understood by Western women - the belief that you can't make it on your own - that's a cultural foundation that is hard to overcome.

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Victory Marker?

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Read this article about an "Islamic Cultural Center" being built at Ground Zero.

For the culturally ignorant, let me explain why that is a bad idea. Symbolism is important in most of the world, especially in the Mideast. For their populations, it's important to not just BE victorious, but also to SEEM victorious. For the Islamic population, they mark their victories over "the infidel" with an ostentatious display of mosques. Sometimes, they build those mosques on the site of a battle; other times, they capture a church, and turn it into a mosque (as they did with the Hagia Sophia, Iraq, and many other places over the years. Phyllis Chesler, a noted feminist in the early days of the movement, writes about the issue of the Swiss ban on more minarets. Her post reflects her early experience as a wife to a Muslim in Afghanistan.

The "ownership" issue is addressed by Henrik R. Clausen, who writes:

Some Islamic leaders, like the current Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, take the idea of connecting Islam with conquest quite a bit further. Erdogan stated in 1997:

The minarets are our bayonets; the domes are our helmets
Mosques are our barracks, the believers are soldiers
This holy army guards my religion
Almighty Our journey is our destiny, the end is martyrdom.

Given the often hostile nature of the mosques, I think it is inappropriate and potentially dangerous to allow a mosque so close to the site of an Islamic battlefield. Surely the city can manage to come up with a reason to deny use of the mosque, whether real or specious. It is insensitive to allow it; it will lead to further trouble with Islamic fanatics. What sort of people would WANT to have their mosque there?

Conquerors, who wish to display their victory symbols.
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Vacation, Oh! Vacation!

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:53:00 +0000

Aside from the fact that Christmas is rapidly approaching, and the excitement is building for us Christian-types, this is the happiest season because:

No school for 2 weeks

Happy Dance! Happy Dance!

We get to see our children and grandchildren
No more waking up at ungodly hours, and working without coffee (to limit bathroom breaks)
Time to blog

My husband may be more kindly disposed toward my hobby right now, as I recently got a check from an advertiser - money does talk

My URI (upper respiratory infection) is nearly gone

What Your Tattoo Location Says About You

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:14:00 +0000

From the Cracked site.

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If Tattoos Told the Truth

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Funny Photoshops.

My personal favorite? Love the chemistry reference!

Re-Posting of Asthma Advice

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Asthma Explained - How it works, what NOT to do.

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Yeah, Northern Cold is Just Like That

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:32:00 +0000

I read this post from American Digest, and almost spewed my coffee:

In New England in December the cold does not come in on little cat feet. Instead some mountain god of the great north woods throws open the door to Canada late one night. When you step out the next morning your scrotum promptly goes into hibernation somewhere around your arm pit. The cold gets hammered down tight. And it stays that way. Until, oh, somewhere in the middle of March.

I have to say, Walmart DOES have very inexpensive stuff. Of course, you get what you pay for; the long-sleeved turtleneck shirts were thin, shrunk up about 3 inches (I really need the length, particularly in the arms), and, well, lost a little color. But, for $3 - yes, that was three dollars - they served me well if they only lasted 1 season. Sometimes, you just need something for the short term - like clothing for when you're gaining or losing weight, or pregnant, or for kids. Who needs the quality for a few months or less?

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Feeling Better

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:58:00 +0000

My cold is getting better, and I've started to order my Christmas gifts. I'm doing more of my shopping online - it's easier, and saves on gas.

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Home Again

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:41:00 +0000

I'm still off work - nasty cold - and am enjoying catching up on reading. Several posts have caught my eye:

This post, by Jeanette Pryor, addresses my concerns about the Obama speech at West Point.
Download the pdf of this report - I'm still plowing my way through it, but it's been worthwhile.
Sometimes wonder why Afghanistan is a mess? Wonder no longer.
Why is the pastor surprised?
in Muslim states the law of Islam can be enforced not only by the state, but by groups or by Muslim individuals. In Pakistan, Christians fear prosecution on trumped-up charges for blasphemy, but they also fear the punishment that is often meted out to them informally, by Muslims in a fury. And in the lawless or government-less conditions of wartorn Afghanistan and Somalia, the Taliban, and the Shebabe, mete out their own punishments, according to the Shari'a, confirming that the hudud is, for those Muslims who are most deeply and fanatically Muslim, still the law - the law of Islam if not the law of the land.

I'll keep reading, and post more lists of what catches my eye later; I may just mark them to be posted later in the week.

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Read BEFORE You Decide That USA Has to "Go Green'

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:25:00 +0000

This makes the most sense of anything I've seen lately. It is a powerful argument AGAINST Cap & Trade - please, read it.

Then, call your people in Washington, DC.

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There'll Always Be an England...

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Well, maybe not.

As of today, the Lisbon Treaty comes into force in Europe and Britain becomes just a province of that supranational authority

Can't say it will matter much to many in this country, my own family included. The closest connections I have to the Mother Country are a childhood friend, whose parents were British subjects, and my great-grandfather, who was born in England.

I grew up hearing stories about Churchill and the England of WWII. I own a set of the WWII histories that Churchill wrote, starting with "The Gathering Storm" - it's pure vintage Churchill. He wrote just like he spoke - you can hear his voice on every page. Not like today's politicians, who, if their autobiography sounds like them, have hired a good ghostwriter.

I'm old enough to have learned English history in school, and to have learned about the Magna Carta, and its significance in history.

No more will the English direct their own destiny - it's all in the fussy bureaucratic hands of Brussels.

Churchill must be whirling frenziedly today.

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Tough Week

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:33:00 +0000

I've been sidelined with a nasty cold. I'm working to finish my online class, keep up at work (we're heading into the week before the Awful High-Stakes Test), and, hopefully, clear out the mess that our living quarters has become.

But, first, the important things. Like politics.

The Health Care bill(s) - there are more than 1 version, you know. It makes it easier to say "oh, that's not in the bill" and not have your tongue fall off due to blatant lying. However, it's a shell game, and one that responsible lawmakers ought not to play.
Obama's Far East trip - meh. Not historic (despite the Obamite press superlatives), not worthy of mention. The bow? I think it's an attempt to deflect attention from the Saudi King bow. "Oh, THAT bow? Nothing to talk about. I do that all the time (except to the Queen of England, who I disrespected big-time)."
Twilight? Another soppy, Wuthering Heights-type gothic romance for silly girls and their even sillier mothers. Rather disturbing that Bella takes so lightly the loss of her soul, but probably to be expected in a secular-worshipping world.
The trials of terrorists? Shameful that precedent (and good sense) are to be ignored. I predict nothing but waste of money, bad legal precedents, and ridiculous amounts of publicity for the terrorist organizations.
Thanksgiving? I am truly thankful for my (relative) good health. My baby sister is facing surgery this Tuesday, outcome a total mystery. But, with all the prayers being offered for her, I am hopeful.
My dear SIL is facing probable lay-off; he and my daughter are making their Christmas plans with that in mind. It was probably inevitable that unemployment would hit a family member; many are facing a bleak Christmas. Let's not forget, however, that the gifts and spending are the smallest part of the holidays.

And, after all, we have much to be thankful for. We can face the uncertain future with the expectation that we will act as Americans - rising to the occasion.

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Serving the World's Poor - John Derbyshire - The Corner on National Review Online

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Serving the World's Poor - John Derbyshire - The Corner on National Review Online

I like the last suggestion - ship the illegals home with a kidney machine - it's humane, and cheaper than treating them here forever.

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Still Tweaking the Blog Setup

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:39:00 +0000

I've actually got some time this morning, so I'm fooling around with the setup of my Right As Usual page. I've added a quick button to enable readers to share posts (hope some of you try it out - and, please, give me feedback about it).

I'm thinking about changing the template - I've gotten a little bored with it.

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Facebook Share Button

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:33:00 +0000

I've decided to add a Facebook Share button, so readers can quickly select a post to share with their Facebook Friends. To try it, click below.

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Top Slogans for Cheney 2012

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:01:00 +0000

I found these on IMAO:

SLOGANS FOR DICK CHENEY IN 2012

“I know what the hell I’m doing.”

“You’d rather me on your side than against you.”

“Experience, leadership, normal-sized ears.”

“I shoot my friends in the face with a shotgun. What do you think I’ll do to America’s enemies?”

“I’m what the Mayans predicted.”

“Heart attacks don’t even slow me down.”

There's more at the link.

Payback for "Teabag" Term

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:41:00 +0000

I've decided that those who are being smeared, ridiculed, and besmirched by references to their movement of dissatisfied, over-taxed citizens, need to start responding in kind.

Therefore, I propose to start referring to leftists of that sort as Left Hand Jobbers - of course, simply because the Left is Handing out Jobs.

Of course, that's the ONLY reason for that term. There couldn't be any subliminal reason for the term, could there?

LHJs, for short. I think LHJs are great; everyone should know some LHJers; I, personally, think Anderson Cooper is a hard-core (snicker) active LHJer, don't you?

My New Motto

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:59:00 +0000

If you look at the motto under the Title, you may notice the new Right As Usual motto:

Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity

It's being given as a Heinlein quote (although I am not sure). Several references credited him; it does sound like his rather sardonic humor.

How does this all fit into the news of the day?

Well, it fits into the brouhaha about Obama's bow to the Emperor of Japan. No, he really shouldn't have done it, anymore than he did when he bowed to the mideast ruler (yes, he did - any lame excuses about how he didn't are just that - lame).

On the other hand, who does it harm?

Well, it harms the image of America. We call ourselves sovereign; but Obama's actions say that we are subservient. That's bad in international relations. Image is nearly everything - a low image emboldens other countries to attack, on the theory that we won't have the *&^%$# to do anything about it. It's happened before; it could happen again.

Myself, I think that Obama is embarrassed about his reflexive bow to the Saudi king; this bow is deliberate, and intended to minimize the meaning of the previous bow. If that's true, the only question is: will future bows be the norm?

Fighting Voter Fraud

rightasusual2003@gmail.com (Linda) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:52:00 +0000

I found this link at The NextRight, David Kralik's Blog. It demonstrates 4 easy ways to fight an all-too-common problem in American elections - voter fraud.

Republican candidates who get screwed in elections by Democrat / Leftist / ACORN voter fraud is so common that its deserving of its own Wylie Coyote routine.

This year, its time we stand up and fight.

We can send Jon Corzine packing this year if we prevent him & the New Jersey political machine from stealing yet another election.

The same goes for a myriad of other races today.

So, today we fight back.

And we fight back with Web 2.0.