Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak;
courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
- Sir Winston Churchill
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Can There Be Fairness In Criticism?
First, let me say, I am not a diehard Repulican and I don't like war. My voting decisions are usually based on moral issues regardless of party affiliation. There has been so much criticism of President George W. Bush and the Republican party which I think has been unfair. I don't think President Bush is without any fault, but criticism should be fair. Below is an example of Democrats who chose war. If you don't like war and are guilty of criticizing President Bush for the Irag war, be sure to add the below Democrats to your criticism.
There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January. In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January. That's just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq. When some claim that President Bush shouldn't have started this war, tell them the following:
F. D. Roosevelt (DEMOCRAT) led us into World War II. Germany never attacked us; Japan did. From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ... an average of 112,500 per year.
Truman (DEMOCRAT) finished that war and started one in Korea. North Korea never attacked us. From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ... an average of 18,334 per year.
John F. Kennedy (DEMOCRAT) started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us.
Johnson (DEMOCRAT) turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ... an average of 5,800 per year.
Clinton (DEMOCRAT) went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent. Bosnia never attacked us. He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions.
In the years since terrorists attacked us, President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran, and, North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people. And the Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking. But wait, there's more.
It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno (DEMOCRAT) to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51-day operation.
We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton (DEMOCRAT) to find the Rose law firm billing records.
It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick.
It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida !!!
But Wait ...There's more!
JOHN GLENN (on the Senate floor - January 26, 2004) Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living. This exchange between Senators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaum is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living.
This IS a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the military. Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn):
'How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?'
Senator Glenn (D-Ohio): 'I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank. I ask you to go with me, as I went the other day... to a veteran's hospital and look those men ... with their maimed bodies ... in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job!
You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee ... and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DAD'S didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery , where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this nation, and you have the gall to tell ME that those people didn't have a job?
What about Metzenbaum? For those who don't remember During W.W.II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney representing the Communist Party in the USA. Now he's a Senator!
There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January. In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January. That's just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq. When some claim that President Bush shouldn't have started this war, tell them the following:
F. D. Roosevelt (DEMOCRAT) led us into World War II. Germany never attacked us; Japan did. From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ... an average of 112,500 per year.
Truman (DEMOCRAT) finished that war and started one in Korea. North Korea never attacked us. From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ... an average of 18,334 per year.
John F. Kennedy (DEMOCRAT) started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us.
Johnson (DEMOCRAT) turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ... an average of 5,800 per year.
Clinton (DEMOCRAT) went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent. Bosnia never attacked us. He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions.
In the years since terrorists attacked us, President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran, and, North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people. And the Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking. But wait, there's more.
It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno (DEMOCRAT) to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51-day operation.
We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton (DEMOCRAT) to find the Rose law firm billing records.
It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick.
It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida !!!
But Wait ...There's more!
JOHN GLENN (on the Senate floor - January 26, 2004) Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living. This exchange between Senators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaum is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living.
This IS a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the military. Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn):
'How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?'
Senator Glenn (D-Ohio): 'I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank. I ask you to go with me, as I went the other day... to a veteran's hospital and look those men ... with their maimed bodies ... in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job!
You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee ... and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DAD'S didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery , where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this nation, and you have the gall to tell ME that those people didn't have a job?
What about Metzenbaum? For those who don't remember During W.W.II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney representing the Communist Party in the USA. Now he's a Senator!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Update
Some have e-mailed asking about my mom and my eyes so here's an update.
My mom has started therapy and is gaining strength in her arm. The doctor said she can now stay alone for a few hours at a time. My sister lives next door to her, so she checks in on my mom throughout the day and is still staying with her at night. Mom can now reach to the side of her chair and pull a tissue from the box and raise it to her face. Brushing her teeth and eating with her right hand is still progressing, but she can get the toothbrush or fork to her mouth. She has been to a few church services and even went with my sister on an overnight trip to a conference. The doctor still doesn't want her lifting any amount of weight with her right arm and my sister and I have to continually remind her not to pick up her purse or open the car door. Considering all things, I think she is doing great. Hopefully, her recovery will continue to progress and exceed expectations.
Concerning my vision, well, it's a challenge. This is not a sudden problem but something that has been progressing for years. My left eye is just not functioning as needed. The retina specialist sent me back to the opthamologist last week for further testing. Those test results are being sent to the retina specialist and my primary optometrist. I will return to the retina specialist in January. My hope is to get a miracle for Christmas and surprise the retina specialist when I return. :) The ladies committee I work with recently had their annual fall board meetings. It was tedious trying to focus on the small print and my eyes began to hurt and tear. The president and secretary were so kind and kept the lights dimmed to ease my discomfort. I appreciate their thoughtfulness and all of the committee members agreeing to work in softer light. The first exam with the retina specialist gave me some trauma to my optic nerve and it is slowly recovering. Sometimes bright light feels like a sharp needle in my eye and I use big dark glasses.
I'll finish this post with a funny story. My eyesight at night is really poor. The other night Blake and I were going to meet my husband, Bryce and Bryn at the church office. I drove to the back of the church where it is the closest entrance to Brian's office and Blake started to get out of the car. I saw a man coming across the parking lot and I told Blake to wait until the man passed the car. Blake said, "Mom, it is just dad!" You'd think after nearly 30 years of marriage I would at least recognize his gait, huh? LOL
My mom has started therapy and is gaining strength in her arm. The doctor said she can now stay alone for a few hours at a time. My sister lives next door to her, so she checks in on my mom throughout the day and is still staying with her at night. Mom can now reach to the side of her chair and pull a tissue from the box and raise it to her face. Brushing her teeth and eating with her right hand is still progressing, but she can get the toothbrush or fork to her mouth. She has been to a few church services and even went with my sister on an overnight trip to a conference. The doctor still doesn't want her lifting any amount of weight with her right arm and my sister and I have to continually remind her not to pick up her purse or open the car door. Considering all things, I think she is doing great. Hopefully, her recovery will continue to progress and exceed expectations.
Concerning my vision, well, it's a challenge. This is not a sudden problem but something that has been progressing for years. My left eye is just not functioning as needed. The retina specialist sent me back to the opthamologist last week for further testing. Those test results are being sent to the retina specialist and my primary optometrist. I will return to the retina specialist in January. My hope is to get a miracle for Christmas and surprise the retina specialist when I return. :) The ladies committee I work with recently had their annual fall board meetings. It was tedious trying to focus on the small print and my eyes began to hurt and tear. The president and secretary were so kind and kept the lights dimmed to ease my discomfort. I appreciate their thoughtfulness and all of the committee members agreeing to work in softer light. The first exam with the retina specialist gave me some trauma to my optic nerve and it is slowly recovering. Sometimes bright light feels like a sharp needle in my eye and I use big dark glasses.
I'll finish this post with a funny story. My eyesight at night is really poor. The other night Blake and I were going to meet my husband, Bryce and Bryn at the church office. I drove to the back of the church where it is the closest entrance to Brian's office and Blake started to get out of the car. I saw a man coming across the parking lot and I told Blake to wait until the man passed the car. Blake said, "Mom, it is just dad!" You'd think after nearly 30 years of marriage I would at least recognize his gait, huh? LOL
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Dedication to Helen
Helen and I have different political views but have become fast friends. I want to dedicate this song to her.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Christians Need to Repent
For a few weeks, I have been pondering 2 Chronicles 7:14. The scripture begins, "If MY people which are CALLED BY MY NAME....." If we are His people and called by His name then that means the "Christians," the "SAVED" people. THEN, the scripture continues and says, "...will turn from THEIR WICKED WAYS..." Tell me, what are the "wicked ways" of the people of the Name?
The church (people of the Name) has not seriously considered this scripture and diligently sought to discover and remove whatever this wickedness may be. I'm not sure what it is, but I believe it could include the pride of life and lust of flesh. Many of "the church" have become pompous, proud, and seek to fulfill their own fleshly desires above the will of God. There are too many Pharisees in the "people of the name." 2 Corinthians 13 seemingly has been forgotten. Where is charity? Until the "people of the name" realize this, join forces in sincere prayer AND REPENT, America will continue to slide into gross immorality and become further diseased. Christians, it is our obligation to remove all wicked ways from ourselves before God will send healing to our land.
The church (people of the Name) has not seriously considered this scripture and diligently sought to discover and remove whatever this wickedness may be. I'm not sure what it is, but I believe it could include the pride of life and lust of flesh. Many of "the church" have become pompous, proud, and seek to fulfill their own fleshly desires above the will of God. There are too many Pharisees in the "people of the name." 2 Corinthians 13 seemingly has been forgotten. Where is charity? Until the "people of the name" realize this, join forces in sincere prayer AND REPENT, America will continue to slide into gross immorality and become further diseased. Christians, it is our obligation to remove all wicked ways from ourselves before God will send healing to our land.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Grieve Not
He is a man of sense who does not grieve for what he has not,
but rejoices in what he has.
- Epictetus
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Interesting E-mail I Received
HOW LONG DO WE HAVE?
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government."
"A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury."
"From that moment on, the majority always voted for the candidates who promised the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."
"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years."
During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage.
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election:
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 Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great 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.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal's and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government."
"A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury."
"From that moment on, the majority always voted for the candidates who promised the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."
"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years."
During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage.
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election:
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 Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great 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.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal's and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Another Perspective On Investments
If you had purchased $1,000 of AIG stock one year ago, you would have $42 left. With Lehman, you would have $6.60 left. With Fannie or Freddie, you would have less than $5 left. But if you had purchased $1,000 worth of (since I don't drink, I am adding the word "root") beer one year ago, drank all of the root beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have had $214. Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-Keg...............it's okay, go ahead and chuckle. LOL
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
A Friend Loveth At All Times
A friend is one who sees through you and still enjoys the view.
- Wilma Askinas
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
It's Gonna Get Ugly!
This morning, from a cave somewhere in Pakistan , Minister of Migration Mohammed Omar, warned the United States that if military actions against Iraq continues, authorities intend to cut off America 's supply of Convenience Store Managers and Motel 6 Managers. And if this action does not yield sufficient results, Cab Drivers will be next, followed by DELL and AOL Customer Service Reps. Finally, if all else fails, they have threatened to send us no more candidates for President of the United States ! It's gonna get ugly!!!
DISCLAIMER: It's Just A Joke
DISCLAIMER: It's Just A Joke
Sunday, October 26, 2008
HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY, BRYN!!!
What a card!
Love that charm! LOL
Awww! What a smile!
She loved her dinner!
Wish made and candles are nearly out!
Fun! Present time!Today my baby, darling, princess is seven years old. I have to admit, this has been the most fun seven years of my life. She is my lil partner. Where has time flown to and is there any way of slowing it down?!?!? This has actually been a "birthday week" for Bryn. Her paternal grandparents were leaving on a trip to Europe so we met them on Tuesday to celebrate Bryn's b-day. Yesterday, we celebrated her birthday with the rest of the family at our house. This is the first birthday, of all three of my kids, where I didn't cook. After Brian cooked for my birthday at the first of the month, Bryn decided to ask daddy to cook for her. She placed her order telling him, "We can first have Benihana soup and salad as the appetizer, and then the vegetables, Hibachi chicken and shrimp and fried rice as the main dish. Oh, I want a red cake, too." There is no way daddy was going to tell his princess, "No." LOL I should add, Brian has figured out several of the Benihana recipes including the ginger sauce and salad dressing which is sooooo good! Bryn enjoyed her dinner, cake, and excitedly opened presents. She is such a doll and brings so much joy to our home.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Californians Vote "YES" On Prop 8
This link shows the importance of your vote on California Proposition 8
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1815825713
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1815825713
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I AM GETTING MAD
Below is an Associated Press article that caught my attention. First, let me establish one thing. I don't agree with the Catholic Church stand against contraceptives, but I do believe they have the right to teach such to their parishioners. Furthermore, I think people of the Catholic faith have the right to establish pharmacies as stated in the below article. Why are religious freedoms being fought so ferociously??? If you want birth control, don't shop at the below pharmacy. You can usually find a pharmacy within 10 blocks of any location. Pick a different one. But DON'T try to block the pharmacy that practices their religion. Let me give you an example. There is a doctor in our community who refuses to perform circumcisions based on his religious beliefs. Infant boys have been assigned this pediatrician in the hospital. If the parents want their son circumcised, they are instructed to select a different pediatrician. This doctor has not been sued nor had boycotts to suspend his license. Instead, parents choose a different doctor. I am sick and tired of having beliefs and lifestyles crammed down my throat with which I don't agree. You have your right to your belief but don't force it on me. Furthermore, why steal my freedom of religion and force me to violate my convictions? Is freedom only granted to those who share the same view?!? ABSURD!!!
Oct 22, 12:28 AM (ET)By MATTHEW BARAKAT
CHANTILLY, Va. (AP) - A new drug store at a Virginia strip mall is putting its faith in an unconventional business plan: No candy. No sodas. And no birth control. Divine Mercy Care Pharmacy is among at least seven pharmacies across the nation that are refusing as a matter of faith to sell contraceptives of any kind, even if a person has a prescription. States across the country have been wrestling with the issue of pharmacists who refuse on religious grounds to dispense birth control or morning-after pills, and some have enacted laws requiring drug stores to fill the prescriptions. In Virginia, though, pharmacists can turn away any prescription for any reason. "I am grateful to be able to practice," pharmacy manager Robert Semler said, "where my conscience will never be violated and my faith does not have to be checked at the door each morning."
The store only sells items that are health -related, including vitamins, skin care products and over-the-counter medications. On Tuesday, the pharmacy celebrated a blessing from Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. While Divine Mercy Care is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, it is guided by church teachings on sexuality, which forbid any form of artificial contraception, including morning-after pills, condoms and birth control pills, a common prescription used by millions of women in the U.S. The drug store is the seventh in the country to be certified as not prescribing birth control by Pharmacists for Life International.
Entire article here: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20081022/D93VAPIG0.html
Oct 22, 12:28 AM (ET)By MATTHEW BARAKAT
CHANTILLY, Va. (AP) - A new drug store at a Virginia strip mall is putting its faith in an unconventional business plan: No candy. No sodas. And no birth control. Divine Mercy Care Pharmacy is among at least seven pharmacies across the nation that are refusing as a matter of faith to sell contraceptives of any kind, even if a person has a prescription. States across the country have been wrestling with the issue of pharmacists who refuse on religious grounds to dispense birth control or morning-after pills, and some have enacted laws requiring drug stores to fill the prescriptions. In Virginia, though, pharmacists can turn away any prescription for any reason. "I am grateful to be able to practice," pharmacy manager Robert Semler said, "where my conscience will never be violated and my faith does not have to be checked at the door each morning."
The store only sells items that are health -related, including vitamins, skin care products and over-the-counter medications. On Tuesday, the pharmacy celebrated a blessing from Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. While Divine Mercy Care is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, it is guided by church teachings on sexuality, which forbid any form of artificial contraception, including morning-after pills, condoms and birth control pills, a common prescription used by millions of women in the U.S. The drug store is the seventh in the country to be certified as not prescribing birth control by Pharmacists for Life International.
Entire article here: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20081022/D93VAPIG0.html
Monday, October 20, 2008
Maxine On Cows, The Constitution, and The 10 Commandments
CO W S - Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.
T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N - They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq .... Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.
T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S - The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
What Group Are You In?
"People can be divided into three groups:
those who make things happen,
those who watch things happen,
and those who wonder what happened."
~~ John W.Newbern
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Investment Tips
With all the turmoil in the market today and the collapse of Lehman Bros and acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, this might be some good advice. For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks. Watch for these consolidations in later this year:
1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W R. Grace Co.
Will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2.) Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers
join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.
3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become:
MMMGood.
4.) Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining
will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa .
5.) FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become:
FedUP.
6.) Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become:
FairwellHoneychild.
7.) Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become:
PouponPants.
8.) Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become:
KnottNOW!
And finally...
9.) Victoria 's Secret and Smith &Wesson will merge under the new name:
(Welllllll, I don't know that it would be appropriate on a public forum, but a hint would be it rhymes with "ChittyChittyBangBang)
1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W R. Grace Co.
Will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2.) Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers
join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.
3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become:
MMMGood.
4.) Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining
will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa .
5.) FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become:
FedUP.
6.) Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become:
FairwellHoneychild.
7.) Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become:
PouponPants.
8.) Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become:
KnottNOW!
And finally...
9.) Victoria 's Secret and Smith &Wesson will merge under the new name:
(Welllllll, I don't know that it would be appropriate on a public forum, but a hint would be it rhymes with "ChittyChittyBangBang)
OH, YOU KNOW YOU WANNA LAUGH!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Prayer Request
It was about four years ago when I thought I must have some "gunk" on my left eye because it seemed foggy but there wasn't anything on/in my eye. This fogginess was intermittent and the optometrist and then the opthamalogist could not "see" anything. I knew something was wrong but felt frustrated the eye doctors could not figure it out. What was just a couple times a week became more frequent and now my left eye is foggy about 85% of the time. I cannot read or see clearly with my left eye. I am quite nearsighted and my right eye has changed from -800 to -900 because it has been compensating for my left eye. The last week of September I saw my optometrist and, again, she could not figure out the problem. She referred me to the opthamologist and on Wednesday he took pictures of my retina, optic nerve, etc. He found nothing but thought my retina may be wrinkled, swollen or have a mucous membrane laying on it and he referred me to a retina specialist. While my eyes were still dilated, my husband drove me to the retina specialist where they took more pictures of my retina, took pressure readings with a hammer like probe, and finally saw the doctor. He further examined my eyes with his bright lights and magnifiers causing tears to stream. Then, he said, "I see what you are talking about." WOW! After five hours at the doctor's office, we had a diagnosis. The doctor wanted to dilate my eyes further and look into my eye with more bright lights. He finally told us there was an opacity in the vitreous gel between my eye and the retina. This opacity was causing the fogginess in my central left eye vision. Many people experience "floaters" which are small bits of protein in the vitreous gel. People who are very nearsighted or sometimes age, causes the vitreous gel to form clumps. These clumps block vision and can eventually cause the retina to detach. The surgery is very risky and the doctor wants to run further tests before he determines my only option is surgery. Now let me build your faith - - - about 20 years ago, I had first stages of glaucoma and had lost a small amount of peripheral eyesight. At one of the camp meetings in Santa Maria, California, I went into a prayer line and received a miracle. God restored the lost vision and my eye pressures returned to normal. I KNOW God can heal and I am asking you to join me in prayer for another miracle. There is no cure or medicine that can help opacity of the vitreous gel but I know a God who can clear my vision. Thanks in advance for your prayers.Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wise Words
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them,
what they could and should do for themselves.
--Abraham Lincoln
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Few Quotes
If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed
-Mark Twain
Suppose you were an idiot; And suppose you were a member of Congress.... But then I repeat myself.
-Mark Twain
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill
-Mark Twain
Suppose you were an idiot; And suppose you were a member of Congress.... But then I repeat myself.
-Mark Twain
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Get Going
Don't wait for your "ship to come in"
and feel angry and cheated when it doesn't.
Get going with something small
- Irene Kassorla
I have often said, "With my luck, I'll be at the airport when my ship comes in!" Guess that means I better work with whatever I have regardless of how great or small.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Economic Lesson
This came from someone who works for Fidelity Investments:
Subject: Economics
OK, you don't have to drink beer to appreciate this.
Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them curve. 'Since you're all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost ofyour daily beer by $20.' Drinks for the ten now cost just $80. The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100%savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. 'I only got a dollar out of the $20,' declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, 'but he got $10!' 'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I got'. 'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'' Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!' The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them forbeing wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
Subject: Economics
OK, you don't have to drink beer to appreciate this.
Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them curve. 'Since you're all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost ofyour daily beer by $20.' Drinks for the ten now cost just $80. The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100%savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. 'I only got a dollar out of the $20,' declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, 'but he got $10!' 'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I got'. 'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'' Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!' The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them forbeing wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Behavior In Small Moments Count
Character may be manifested in the great moments,
but it is made in the small ones.
- Phillips Brooks
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
10 Predictions
The below predictions were sent to me via e-mail and I thought I would share them with you.
TEN PREDICTIONS (ABSOLUTES) NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?
TEN PREDICTIONS (ABSOLUTES) NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
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