You Go Monseigner Drennan....cool

We have this reaaly cool retired priest at our parish. He has got to be one of the nicest and positive people I have ever met. His sermons are always very up beat. He always can bring the gospel down to what you could persoannly do and what would Jesus think if you did it.

He had a good one yesterday. He was saying how Christians throughout the world were not losing the battle of Christ being taken out of Christmas. He mentioned how he overheard some people at the store wish each other Happy Holidays. At first he thought it was too bad that they were not wishing each other Merry Christmas. Then he put his normal "positive spin" on the situation. He said that everybody knew that the holiday season was about Christmas and although they may not say it......they knew it and were in fact, spreading the word.

Interesting way to look at it.

BTW

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Annother parenting issue....cool

My daughter sent me this video....Thankfully it was not a hint that I was being my normal knucklehead self. This is really good stuff.

Be a parent would ya......not cool

My customer service rep picked up call today. A mother was calling to complain about overdraft charges on her debit/credit card. A couple of weeks ago her son used his father's credit card to buy some stuff at our location. The inquiry started with the mother calling to tell us there were charges by us that were not hers. Only to find out....ooops my son did it. He was not supposed to do it....but kids will be kids I guess.

So what should any ass kicking parent do..???? Make the kid pay the overdraft charges and take away the car keys....right? Nope not this mom....let's call the vendor and tell them if they do not remove the charge and also pay her bank fees she is going to call the Better Business Bureau. And this knucklehead wonders why her kid would ever think to use her husbands credit card.


She must be related to the idiot who sued McDonald's over the coffee incident.

New Christmas Tree....cool?

Here goes on the trivial blogging!

So Denise has been bugging me for years to get an artificial Christmas tree. Yes the same Denise that has to cut a tree every year....because that's how "they" always have done it. Since moving to Missouri...I got closer each year to giving in on the real tree thing. This was due to the fact that Evergreens do not grow well in Missouri. Yes, they have tree farms...but when you have to spray paint the trees green....or pick out the best of the worst each year...it kinda sucks the spirit out of you. The other issue is that we have always had BIG trees. Even back in Colchester CY we cut 10-14 foot trees each year.

So last year Denise "gets" me to buy her the 12 foot fake. Of course it's after xmas so we can get a deal. It still cost a boatload of dollars....so much that I am embarrassed to tell people. It sat in the basement in three boxes until a couple of weeks ago.

A few things about these monsters...
They are heavy
They take an inordinate amount of time to set up....5-6 hours
You cannot lean the ladder into them to get to the top as you could with real trees....the branches are as flexible.
this leads to a very uncomfortable leaning experience

Now the good things:
They are Prelit......this will only be cool until those crappy little lights go out.....as they always do.
It looks real.....really

So our new fake tree is in place...honestly? it looks great. So does the real tree we had to go cut for the other room.....because as you can guess....we have to cut a tree still!!

Hard Time blogging.....not cool!

I have started this blog three times today. I am not sure what is holding me back from blogging away lately, but I think it's my over all desire to not get bogged down with all the negatives that are happening in the world. 20 years ago I gave up on network news and most newspapers due to their constant reporting of bad news. To be around bad news all day, every day sucks you into "their world" I'm not a big fan of negative people and try to keep them, along with bad news, at arms length.

I am finding, however, that the bad news is everywhere and it is not only corrupting me but everyone around me. The latest is this Bernard Madoff issue. I heard today on NPR that thousands of investors were taken over a 20 year period. I heard the number is 50 BILLION that this crook took from investors.

I then look for some good news in the paper this morning and I see the headline "banner year" So my eyes jump to the article only to find out that the article is about the banner year of bankruptcies.

We here at cable mountain continue to build our business. I only hope we can keep the bad news and thus the bad luck from our island.

All of this leads me back to the title of the blog today. I am going to try to find the funny side of life...the happy side of life and write about that. This day to day barrage of bad news is starting to bring me down\...or as my daughter tells me...."your killing me smalls"

One more thing about layoffs....not cool

OK- I wasn't the only one that thought the AB buyout to ImBev was crummy....but I knew that the "happy" crap about a great "merger" was just that ....crap.

I am not a fan of mergers. They are a financial opportunity for the few and mostly leave a mound of DEBT that needs to be paid back. Only two ways to pay your debts.....Bring in more revenue or CUT COSTS. I was amaazed at the number of people that thought that everything would be OK at AB. We were the King Of Beers remember!

Well.....the cutting has begun. The papers say there will be 1,000 people laid off in the next few weeks. I spoke with two AB people that confirmed that it will be more like 1,400....and that's just the first wave. They expect another 1,500 by spring.

In my opinion, sooner or later we will we spin offs of differnt companies or brands by Imbev. They will need to continue to raise money to pay off an enormous amount ofd debt. Maybe they will sell bak Rolling Rock to the town of Latrobe. I am sure all of the laid off workers would be happy to start up again. (Little ironic about Rolling Rock.....AB took them over and then closed everything, keeping just the name and green bottle)

Layoffs are hitting home....really not cool.

Over the years we have all read about thousands of layoffs. I never really knew a lot of people that had been laid off. This go around is different. In the past few weeks I have run into at least 5-6 situations of people I know that are being laid off. These are people that have 5-14 years of experinece, from sales to Vice Presidents.
It's interesting to see how each person takes the news. Some are not worried whereas others are totally devastated. I am sure these responses are due to the amount of warning the individul had about the impending change.

I can only pray that these families , friends of my family, land on their feet.
We can all try to make sometime to help these friends find a way to open a new door in their lives.

more and more cynical...not cool

It's hard to blog when you don't have a hero. We all want to cheer on the good guy. Politics has again reared it's ugly side....with the Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich issue. I don't care that he was a democrat. The issue is that "power corrupts". I think that's two governors in a row for Ill. They are not the only ones, the scandals throughout the political scene are too numerous to count.

The scary thing.....these people run our country.

Smoking...not cool...but who cares

Who knew that President-Elect was a heavy smoker? I knew about it. I also knew that the media never asked him about it....he never allowed them to take his picture while he was doing the nasty habit.....but now that the election is over and the press has their man in the White House.....now maybe they will go back to asking him the tough questions.

But Smoking? I cannot believe that anyone would of not voted for this guy because he smokes. Tom Brokaw interviews Obama and really "grills him" on this major issue. What a waste of 60 seconds on a news show. Who cares if the guy smokes.

BTW is Brokaw a drunk or what? Listen to him with your eyes closed....it's ridiculous this guy is in broadcasting.

30 Billion dollar loan......not so cool!

So they drove down to Washington to beg for 30 billion. Now we find out that it will be a 30Billion dollar loan. We also learn that Washington is telling them what they need to have in their plans. Here comes a warning....

Remember the 700 Billion....How they sold us on the idea that the GVT would purchase securities from financial institutions thus freeing up cash flow in the credit markets???? Didn't do it did they? Nope within two days Paulson says he may buy stock instead....may buy mortgages....now Congress is asking for some accountability for the money....really??? in less then a few months we now need to find out where the money is going? So no matter how they sell this next bailout....it's just a bailout....corporate welfare socialism at it's bets.

Next...they are now telling the big three how to make cars....maybe even tell GM and Chrysler they have to merge before they get the money!! This is even crazier. There sit congressman and Senators telling professional car manufacturers how to build cars....their kidding right? These idiots can't even dole out money in an effective manner.

Lastly, I am not a big fan of the Big three....but is the current situation their fault? NOPE...it's the Government's and our society at large for the most part. That's right...demand for cars is down from a 17 million run rate this year to 11 million. You cannot run your company on half the revenue without major surgery. Are people buying all those cars from someone else? Nope...they are not buying them. The credit mess is the culprit. The loosening of credit terms allowing for "stupid spending" along with the credit crunch has killed demand for high cost consumer items. Car manufacturing is complicated and capital intensive. We need to ensure these are LOANS with some personal Guarantees by the managment (this will never happen) We also need for Congress, most of which have never run anything but a campaign...get out the way.

Saving Money .....cool

Just saw a good coupon for all you Wal-Mart shoppers.
Sign up

spend $40 or more two times by Dec. 18th and get a $20 credit on your amex card statement. You need to sign up at the above link.

I called Amex and they said it was legit!

Spend $80 or so bucks and get $20 back...20% discount sounds good to me.

Gas Prices coming down...is that cool?

We went under the $1.50 mark for a gallon a gas last week. St. Louis has the least expensive gas in the country. Good for us right? I am really not sure if cheap gas is what we need in this country. My issue is our dependence on foreign oil. I would guess the reason we are dependent is that it's cheap. The free market dictates that given all things equal price prevails. Unfortunately "all things" are not equal. The American people however think they are.....We have again and again proved that buying American made products that keep jobs in this country are great....but not when I buy...I want the least expensive price for the best quality goods. Gas is in the same predicament. The amount of wealth that leaves this country everyday is unbelievable. The real scary thing is that the people the money goes to, are mostly not friendly to the United States.

There was discussion of having a floating tax on gas. It would work the following way; There would be an artificial floor price on gas. Let's call it $3.50. Let the markets work as they always do. Whenever the price went below $3.50, the price of gas would still be at $3.50 sending revenue to the Government to allocate to alternative energy. This may sound very strange from a right wing capitalist, but the energy issue is a complicated issue. We need to be "forced" to stand together.

By having an artifically high gas price, we would be forced ...or as I look at it, be given the opportunity to change our ways.

The news that brought this to mind today was an article in Business Week. Edmunds, the Internet based used car site, reported that searched of SUV's on their site have jumped to an average of 1.5 million searches last week as compared to an average of 750k a week for the past quarter. It's amazing how quickly the "ME" generation can get back in swing.

Thanksgiving......the coolest!

Happy Thanksgiving!

My favorite of all the holidays. A 4 day weekend with very little preparation. You eat, drink, nap, and then repeat. This thanksgiving we should spend some extra time thanking God for our blessings. It's been a tough year for many. The past 6 months economically have hit millions of people, in the next 6 months it will hit more. The war continues, although it "effects" a minority of US citizens, these are the families that protect our country. The crazy culture revolution continues to break down our American values....generations will be effected without even knowing it.

With all of these things happening, we should still take a close look and give thanks for our blessings. Everyone has them. It could be your health, it could be family, your job, the way you live...the country you live in...They may be small in some homes or it may be abundant.

At a retreat last year I gave a witness to Christian awareness. The main theme was on how our "luck" in life was really our blessings.


Our family has been blessed. We can only pray that our blessings continue.

Happy Thanksgiving....enjoy the nap!

God Bless

Totally embarrassed....not cool

I took this survey this morning

Sad to admit I only got 12 out of 20.....

It tells you how much you would need to read to keep up with the amount of information that comes out each day!

Interesting Video clip....cool

I had this sent to me earleir today. I think it's worth the view. I would say a few rthings however....thius clip is all about media bias and not taking shots at President Elect Obama. The video is right on......

Don't look at this as a smack to either party. BTW if they had taken McCain voters with the exact same questions...they would probabley be the same out come. Most people are not informed. We arer all to worried about getting cheap underwaer from Wal-mart...and then as we stand in line to pay for it, bitch about how jobs are being moved overseas!!

There is also a website that this video came from www.howobamagotelected.com It goes over a poll that was done with the same questions

700 Billion Bailout BS....not cool!

OK back on the box

So read back on this blog....when the weasels wanted 700 billion. I wrote of my concern of the loose terminology in the bill. I was suspect of giving so much power to one man....Paulson. I hate to say I told you so.....but I told you so.

They sold us on the plan that the 700B would be buying up securities....allowing for the capital markets to relieve their balance sheets of this "bad" debt. Giving them the cash they needed. We were alos told that most of the bad debt was not bad. That in fact we could possibly make money on this deal...Buy low, sell high. This all made sense....but I knew they were lying.

They have yet to buy the secutrities and in fact do not plabn to. They have bought bank stock instead...they are now talikng about bailing out the car industry, they have talked about bailing out the personal mortgage business....it's a cluster to the ninth degree.

Lastly I hear President Elect Obama thinks they will need an additional 700B...

interesting times.

too tired to blog....not cool

I am off my soap box and on my pity pot.

Since the election and my vacation I have not been in the blogging mood. Did Hillary get the nod for Secretary of State last Friday? Cripes I just heard Hannity report it....I am so out of it. This financial mess....this political mess.....has got me scratching my head. I am not one to not have an opinion, but.....

This is economic mess hurts my brain. I cannot even think of how they are going to fix this mess. I have decided not to worry, start getting back into the market and worry about my little island. Our company is blowing it out....no financial crisis in the cable business. We have just had the two largest months in company history. We have about 25 employees and with all of their spouses and children we have about 50-60 people on our "Island" We have all talked about the need to make sure our island isn't effected by the rest of the world. Keep our heads down, be cautious when spending money, and sell a lot of cables. Seems to be working.

Great for the business....not so great for the blog.

Pirates and Urine drinking????not too cool!

I read a few stories this week that took me by surprise.
The first is the story about pirates hijacking a oil tanker. An Oil Tanker????
This is the ship! In fact this is not to rare with over 36 ships hijaced this year. Mostly off the African coast. Sounds silly to me. It's not like you can hide these things....

Next is an article on the newest space station voyage. Nasa needed to update the space station. They had brought furniture, exercise equipment and new toilet and of cours a new machine that takes urine and sweat and turns it into drinking water.

There goes any thoughts I had about being an astronaut. Drinking urine???? no thanks.

Urine Machine

Back in the saddle.....cool!

Back from a great vacation! Denise and I went to florida for 9 days for our 20th. We had a great time. 80 degrees, golf, tennis, great food and drinks and lots of relaxing. Naples was an outstading location.

I have a lot to write about this week. But first I gotta get back in the saddle at work.

No surprise last night.........

I went into the final leg of this journey knowing that McCain would be defeated. As I posted last week, this saddened me.

Today is a crazy busy day....I am off on vacation tomorrow for my 20th with my bride!

I am sure I will be able to get some wireless connection to give you some thoughts on the President Elect Obama victory.

God Bless America!

The Blog Vote.....cool

21 of my readers voted on this blog. 13 for McCain and 8 for Obama. That's 61% for McCain

This is the biggest margin he has had in any of the national polls....maybe he will call me to discuss the results...LOL

I still think that McCain will not have the big come back....we will see.

Thanks for all the readers that are Obama fans for hanging in there and reading all my "fair" reporting. I will soon be back to cussing out the local waitress and bitching at the local guy behind the counter handing out horrible customer service. I may even spend sometime talking about network cables .....remember, cables pay the bills!

Can't wait to see the results of the real election!

I Voted.....cool

300 people in line at 5:30. I pushed the button at 7:30...there was another 250 people behind me.

Great News America....YOU CAN VOTE!

Go and Vote Today and make a difference!

The Election is upon us.....cool!

It's been a great season to blog. Thanks for tagging along for my slanted view of the world. Don't forget to vote on the blog....right side....and more importantly....go vote tomorrow.

I truly must say, I am afraid for our nation on this eve of election. I am not happy that McCain may win....and I am very frightened to see Obama win. I think that many people are unaware of the "change" we will see under an Obama presidencies.

I hope my buddy George is right. He believes that McCain will win. In each of the swing states where the race is close, George believes that McCain will win. It's going to come down to : Missouri, Ohio, PA, Virginia, NC and Florida.

Here are just two issues to think about:

"Spread the wealth" we already have spread the wealth. Most taxes are already paid by the few. It's a fact. The question is how much should they pay. Is 50%-65% "fair" Is having 1/2 the population not pay any income tax good for the country?
He not only believes this policy....but is very open to it. He wants the Government to take more from the very people who have not only worked hard and invested and risked the most, but then wants the gvt to spend more on social programs that are not working now. We need someone to go in and clean out the fat and corruption in the programs....not expand it and have more Americans feel that it's better to do nothing and get something!

Abortion and the Supreme court. He will have 2-3 judges retire during his term. He has already stated he will appoint judges to not only uphold Roe vs Wade but strengthens it! This is a guy who believes that all abortion is OK...believes it's OK for a minor to have an abortion without parental consent.....believes in Infanticide...watch the video I posted last week. He states..."I am going to bring up my two daughters with the right morals...however if they make a mistake why should they pay for that mistake with a child" This is not just a slippery slope....it's a downright avalanche. This is just a tip of the morality issue. Even if you believe abortion should be legal...I know no one that thinks infanticide and late term abortions.....where they yank the baby out piece by piece....is a good choice. Obama does and has stated so. Even though McCain says he is pro life....he would never get r vs w overturned. The more of the same may not be bad after all.


Go Vote Tomorrow.....if your voting for McCain...vote twice.....LOL

Obama caught again....cool!

Here is another example of how this guy's very liberal agenda and elitist agenda has been white washed in the past few months.....but you cannot take back the words you have spoken. He delivered this interview in Jan 2008. Did we not hear this guy say that he is for "clean coal" and nukes and all sorts of power and alternative power during his debate? YES we did. McCain did a lousy job proving his point that Obama is against Nukes, against drilling, and against COAL. OK Senator how will we power our world??? Yup...we will just keep buying oil from other countries and put us further in debt!

Happy Birthday Christopher

My youngest turns 11 today. All Saints day....and he is a little saint. I use to call him our miracle baby. As many of you know he was close to his deathbed at the age of 1. His undiagnosed "severe" case of Celiac disease almost took him down. It's a long story, but we thank God we lived in Hershey PA at the that time and today we have a 100% healthy, smart, funny little man in the house.

I could not ask for a better son. In a house full of women, we tend to stick together. Today we off to the pancake house again!
Yup.....the only polace that serves gluten free pancakes!


Christopher...you're a good man my friend. I know that we will always be this close. See you in the HotTub!
Love Dad.

OK this is funny stuff....cool

when you're as vocal as I am about this stuff you become the clearing house for all your buddies. One of my co-workers.....a dyed in the wool liberal sent me this....he has a great sense of humor. Thanks Dale.

Another Funny...WTG Biden....cool

I know that this may be hard to believe....but I watch the Daily Show on Comedy central. I am aware that Jon Stewart is a flaming liberal...but he is funny....and at times, he roasts both sides.

Click here to see this funny Biden video

Thanks to Denise for forwarding this video to me!

Happy Halloween.....cool

The coolest and best thing about this Halloween....????? My 11 year old son wants me to go with him. He was surprised when I told Denise that I thought I would be home this year. "No way Dad,...you're with me" Cannot get any better than that....period.

On that happy note...I give you a funny video in the honor of Halloween.....of course it has to be political!

Enjoy

Cut taxes for 95%....BS....not cool

If I hear Obama say he is going to give a tax cut to 95% of the people in the country one more time I may hurl. Let's take a peak at taxes...

Obama thinks the Bush tax cuts are horrible......yes he has said it many times...
Obama says that he will allow the Bush tax cuts to expire in 2009.....yes I have personally heard him say this also!

OK with that said....here is some tax information on how just that one decision will effect you:

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN (no changes)

Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250

OBAMA
(reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750


Now with that said..... He is going to allow the bush cuts to lapse and then he is going to give everybody a tax cut.....BULL S#&t

This guys will say anything to the American lemmings to get elected. His agenda is a social remake of this country. Did you hear that now he believes the Constitution is seriously flawed....OK I will go get the video of the socialist saying that too!

Berg Lawsuit continues....cool

A few weeks ago I posted this video


Here is an update....if you really read it...the DNC and Obama are trying to stall.....stall for what we should ask....just give up your birth certificate. period....

Here is the update
UPDATE CLICK HERE

READ THIS POST

Palin's background..........

Newt had a few choice words for a reporter. Talk about a smack! This is funny. Scary thing is not that Palin has little experience.....it's that Obama really has less. At least she is not the front runner on the ticket.

Bad customer swervice is the worst....not cool

OK so I have 2 stories of either bad customer service or the "order prevention department"

I needed a pallet of sod for my backyard. I called the local vendor and asked them for a pallet of fescue. The women tells me that they are sold out. I was just about to hang up when I figure....hmmmm....let em ask....."when will you be getting more in?" She answers..."in an hour" AN HOUR....this women runs a sod farm in the middle of "NOWHERE" crazy,.....

then yesterday I go to Noddles and Company. I order the same dish every time. Japanese pan noodles, no mushrooms with extra broccoli. Over the past few visits I have noticed that I get about the same amount of broccoli as the person I go with. So yesterday I mention to the girl who is taking my order to make sure there is extra broccoli....since she is charging me. Of course when she brings me my noodles......4 pieces of broccoli....I am done...I go and tell her and guess what miss nose pierce says?....yeah I noticed there wasn't much in there and shrugs....she then says she will bring me out some....well thanks a lot..I have already eaten half my noodles and then I get the plain steamed broccoli as a side dish...

Great customer service is a dying art.

Did we land on the moon?.........cool????not sure

We have all heard of the conspiracy that the moon landing was fake. This along with millions of other conspiracy theories have never really interested me. Times are a changing.....maybe I should adjust the tin foil beanie I made for myself last night. Sometimes too much information searching leads you to areas that I don't want to know about....


Anyway, cruising through Obama stuff.....I came along this video. It caught my attention because of the title. The video has nothing really specifically to do with McCain, but it was riveting....also very disturbing. Is any of this stuff true?

Your comments would be appreciated!

Global Poverty Act....really...that's the priority?? not cool right now

As the wheels come further off the Obama bus and we really start to see who this guy is.....hopefully it is not too late.
Although his accomplishments in the senate are almost nil.....he has only spent less then 200 days actually at the senate.....but he did get to work on one bill that has been slowly making its way through congress.

It's the 2007 Global Poverty Act.
Click on the link and you will see the actual bill. Look whose name is #! on sponsorship.......yup you guessed it....Senator Obama.

This is the priority? The US is in war, the economy was faltering (at the time of this bill introduction) and he is worried about poverty around the globe. Not poverty in the US....?????

BTW look at the cross outs. The bill gets introduced with the United Nations Millennium group listed as the manager of this program. Oops....let's lose the title United Nations.....just call it Millennium Group.


Here is a video that kinda explains it. Glen Beck is a knucklehead...but he is funny to watch. Be aware this video is 6 months old.

If you think you're gonna get a tax cut...watch out...not cool

The other night on Marc Levin...(.crazy right wing talk show host. but very funny to listen to) He mentioned how Obama sounded just like Clinton regarding the "95% tax cut" In fact not only did not give people tax cuts he raised the taxes of the middle class. Then in the famous Clinton "truths" he said that he always said "for paying for my programs" If you do the math......there is no way that 2-4% of the population (those making over 250K) will be able to pay for a tax break for the other 95% and also pay for all the new programs this socialist wants to buy! Read this article from the LIBERAL New York Times.

Clinton Lies

Buckle up everybody.......Obama is gonna tax everybody. He is a world thinker and in my next blog I will tell you where he wants to spend all of our monies!

Redistribtion of wealth ...not cool!

This is an audio clip of Senator Obama discussing redistribution of wealth. BTW we already have redistribution of wealth in the US. Fact is 20-25% of the population pay 70-80% of all income tax.

I am not sure why the GOP is not making more of this issue.

ok...this was a little crazy.....cool

If you read the earlier post from this morning, you will see that I posted right before I left for 9 o'clock mass. At mass the priest read a letter from Bishop Herman. It basically was my post!! He spoke to the issue of people's all consuming concern for the economy and not reminding themselves that there is A LOT on the table this election.

Anyway....here is a place you can see where the candidates are compared on social issues. If you agree with me or not....you should be informed.

Comparison Site

anyway...it was just a little "spooky" especially since I saw I am legend last night and at the end of the movie Will Smith gets a sign from God......interesting.

Abortion is not cool!

I can write a million words on this topic. As I get ready to leave for Sunday mass, I saw this video. With the ecoomy all over the news, we forget that Obama has some very radical ideas and HISTORY. View this entire video....even if you are pro choice.....are you this pro choice?


"Pro Choice" video


I am pro choice.......I choose life for all.

There is so many good videos....cool

take a look at this one....I love the political season....

Please be advised...this is rated PG13 and has many potty words in it.

Funny Cartoon.....cool!

A friend sent me this cartoon......It cracked me up!

Joe Biden speaks......thanks for the warning...cool?

Here is an audio of Biden a few days a ago.
Here is what he said:
ABC News' Matthew Jaffe Reports: Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., on Sunday guaranteed that if elected, Sen. Barack Obama., D-Ill., will be tested by an international crisis within his first six months in power and he will need supporters to stand by him as he makes tough, and possibly unpopular, decisions

."Mark my words," the Democratic vice presidential nominee warned at the second of his two Seattle fundraisers Sunday. "It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America. Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy

1-800-goog411....works and is cool

Mom...you were right goog411 is the best. Need telephone information when you are traveling? I earlier blogged about the new goog411 feature. I used it twice today. Worked like a champ.

I called 1-800-goog411. An Automated attendant asks for city and state...it then repeats your answer and asks for the business you are looking for. It then tells you it's first choice....both times it was the right place...then asks do you want more details or be connected. I tried both ways. The first time I was connected within seconds...GREAT The 2nd time I selected details and goog411 then went on to give me the number and address of the business...the connect me.....Fantastic!

It is all suppose to be free...except for the minutes used on your cell phone. There is not the $1.25 charge sprint hits you every time you use there 411. I will be watching my bill to make sure I do not see any "hidden" charges.

Iphone.....very cool!

We switched over to Iphones last week. Let me start by saying that I really have never been thrilled with cell phones......BUT....this phone is REALLY GREAT. I even have a deep dislike for Apple......But again...THIS PHONE IS GREAT.

The first thing I did was try to make a call on it....the number buttons on the screen are not the size of a pin head! Love at first site. The phone has a bunch of great features .....like
A real web browser.
A usable web browser.....yeah my treo had web access, but it was useless
EASE of USE is really a plus...

the list goes on.

They are expensive, but I think they are worth the extra dollars. If you use your phone like my partner and I do, the productivity gains will pay for the phones within a month.

Obama's response...he is just not as funny...cool

Here is the Obama roast of McCain....he is just not that funny.

McCain at the Alfred E Smith Dinner...cool?

This dinner was heldf last week. Arn't they all a little too close.

And BTW...Love to see a PRIEST/BISHOP sitting and yucking it up with a pro choice candidate.

My opinion....they are all a little too close. Sorry about the jumk at the end of the video.

Obama wants to spread it around....not cool

Here is a story fropm yahoo news....

Last Sunday as Obama walked through Wurzelbacher's Holland, Ohio, neighborhood, Wurzelbacher asked him whether his plan to increase taxes on those earning more than $250,000 a year would impede his ability to buy the plumbing company where he works. Obama replied that those making over $250,000 would be taxed more but that money would be returned to the middle-class through tax cuts. "I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody," Obama said.


this is the famous Joe the Plumber!!

Biden and counting....funny....not cool

My buddy Pete sent me this Youtube link. It's short and funny!!

The last debate....cool

I watched the debate last night and enjoyed McCain's feisty attitude,

Here are a couple of thoughts:

Obama did not look great, he looked tired.
McCain looked good for a guy who is 72. He was engaged and looked like a an anxious puppy.
McCain had some great lines...my favorite was:
I am not George Bush. Senator Obama, if you wanted to run against George bush you should of run 4 years ago. (this quote is paraphrased)
I like it when they take off the gloves...
Joe Biden Knocks
the eloquent speaking knocks
the no drilling dig



McCain I believe won this round....did he win enough to get more votes...not enough to win this thing in my opinion.

I think we McCain will lose this race. I really don't think most people understand his background and how much harm this socialist can cause.

It will be an interesting couple of weeks.

Mom is on her Tech stuff....so cool

Mom- you are such a geek! I got this link from my mom today for Google 411

It allows you to call 411 from your cell phone and not get charged that crazy $1 fee. This is one of my partners per peeves. So to all my readers, check it out and please post your feedback.

Kinda cool to post about technology instead of the crazy politics.

Great Video.....cables...cool

We run a Wednesday special each week. To get a few more visits, our marketing guy puts our video of the week at the bottom of the special. This week it's about cables....and it's very funny.

Check it out

http://www.showmecables.com/humpdayspecials.asp

Cool Math Problem

I read The Drunkard's Walk and came away with this really cool math problem.

Suppose you're on a game show, and you're given the choice of three doors: Behind one door is a car; behind the others, goats. You pick a door, say No. 1, and the host, who knows what's behind the doors, opens another door, say No. 3, which has a goat. He then says to you, "Do you want to pick door No. 2?" Is it to your advantage to switch your choice?

Here is the answer......don't be so quick to answer...think about it!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_problem

Enjoy!
BTW Chris was the only person I know that not only got the right answer.....but understood why!

The Presidential Poll is cool!

Thanks for the 9 people who have voted so far in the poll on the right side of the blog. Yes there are 10 votes....I voted! Right now our poll does not look like what the national polls bear out. We are 60% McCain where as in the national polls Obama has a slight lead.

NOW...no double voting....we are on scout's honor...I wish Acorn was!!

As the election draws near, I will slowly expose my desires in a new President. Unfortunately, I do not believe I will get what I want either way. As I have stated many times, Obama is very scary....and by elimination leaves me McCain...the tallest midget.

CableGuy's desires....politically that is!!

Limited Role Government.
They should be involved in the following:
National Security and armed forces
Infrastructure
including the roads, National parks and electrical grid to name a few
Space Exploration
Education..State and Local Gvt only
Food safety

There are a few more....but they are all about a national focus....

What I would like for GVT to get out of....social services. They are no longer a short term safety net...they are a cluster screw up and does not promote self reliance.

Enough on one topic....

Birthday Breakfast.....cool

One of the things I use to do is bring the birthday girl or boy to breakfast on their birthday. It usually was just the two of us. Shelby of course had asked early last month if we would have our breakfast...and also go to 7am mass....just the two of us. I said OK. Next thing I know we have one of her buddies over for the weekend and the breakfast has expanded to EVERYBODY!

I guess having a birthday on a Sunday allows for all the sleepyheads....yes you Jessica....to be up and at ’em for a freebie!

Shelby wanted to go to Bob Evans but acquiesced when she found out that the crew was going and that The Original Pancake Houses serves Gluten Free Pancakes.

It was a great morning. Having all the kids around the table laughing and eating...and eating....and eating...we even had leftovers. Although just the two of us would of saved me at least $60 .....the breakfast was ....priceless.

Happy Birthday Shelby!

Well my third became a teenager yesterday. Between the Birthday breakfast, soccer games, CAKE eating and church....there was no time to blog.

My sister did a nice job of blogging a birthday wish... check it out

http://thebigmove-crownridge.blogspot.com/2008/10/shelby-birthday-wishes.html

Shelby, Shelb, Shelbster, Shelby Lou, Mel.......who's mel, Melster, Shelby Melby, this kid has more nicknames then Carter has pills.....BTW does carters still make pills?

You are the best....Moo Moo!

Love you...see you at lunch today!

Christmas shopping early.....not cool...but needed

The financial crisis is all about credit....the stock market is what everybody is talking about....but the economists are all talking cash flow.  Remember the phrase...Cash is King.  The real issue uis commercial paper and credit lines that companies use to pay their everyday bills....inventory, payroll.  I heard a story last week that stated that Marriott borrows 35 million dollars a day to run their business.  They are a solid company....but they are having issues getting the commercial lenders to give them their daily dose.

So what does this have to do with Christmas shopping?  Inventories will be low is my guess.  Without a credit line or other types of borrowing, companies both large and small will not be able to bring in a lot of inventory and then wait for sales.  The vendors will want their monies when the inventory is delivered.

This whole credit issue s a vicious circle.  No loans for business....no inventory...no way o get sales....slow business....layoffs.....This will get worse before it gets better.  I think with the shopping season coming right at the credit crunch time....a shopping season whereas many retailers make their whole year in the 4th quarter....scary! 

So shop early or you will be giving gift cards!

Register and vote the same day....not cool

There is a new wave of laws regarding voting running a muck. (running a muck....is that spelled right?) and what is a muck anyway!

Ohio has done it for the past month and now Illinois is doing it for the next two weeks. They are allowing voters to register and vote at the same time before election day. This is a recipe for corruption on both sides.

Let's say I go down to the homeless shelter and feed these rascals and then put them on a bus and get them to not only register but to vote for me...what's the harm...it's being done by Obama in Ohio.

Or let's say I go to a retirement home....I treat the old bittys to a great lunch and then shuttle them (see the transportation difference) over to the register's office to register and vote....the whole way playing patriotic war songs........Don't think McCain not doing this


Either way....it's bad news. If only to truly validate voters,,,,never mind separating the vote actually gets people to think for themselves before they go into the booth....needs to be part of the voting process.

If you want to set up buses or shuttles ...ok....but lets not just buy votes.

I hate to say I told you so.......but....not cool

My biggest concern with the 700 Billion dollar "rescue...bail out" was the amount of control we were giving to the Secretary of the Treasury. This guy would have an open checkbook to do as he pleases....as long as he thinks its good for the economy.

I started to try to stomach this thing...the politicians spun it that we were really not spending the dollars on an item but rather an investment. That in fact the GVT was buying these financial instruments on the cheap due to the fact the businesses that owned them had no cash. Furthermore....that the US would most likely make money on these instruments.

So the idiots sign up for the bill....they suck some of the nation into thinking this is ok.

This morning the same old same old starts. Treasury now thinks that with this money they should be buying stock in financial institutions to give investors confidence. This is a bad thing....
Warning Wil Robinson....danger danger...... Now we have some political infighting as to whether the Secretary can do this under the bill.....sorry sad sacks...the horse is out of the barn and this guy is riding alone and laughing at you.

One issue....what if the gvt buys stock in a financial firm. Now they must by a lot in order to have any impact....OH....now they become a big enough shareholder to have a seat on the board....this is a mess waiting to happen.....Get Government out of the public sector and let the chips fall where they fall.

Good Article about McCains MISTAKE....cool

This is a good article on how John McCain became a liberal last night.

Click here to read it.

Enjoy

Another great email....cool

A broker sent me over this email.

Funny...but true and scary.!!

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 a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your 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 pay $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!" "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 for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

Renegotiating mortgages McCain...NOT COOL!

If McCain and all the rest of the politicians think that main street was mad about bailing out Wall Street....they are going to go ballistic when they find out that McCain is leading the charge in buying up all those "bad mortgages" and renegotiating with banks to not only lower interest rates for lenders...but to reduce the principal.

IS HE NUTS?

He must of taken an Obama pill.

I have now heard Palin and MCcain blame the big bad mortgage companies for the whole mess....what about the idiots that spent what they did not have and could not afford. How about some self restraint....and if you don't have it, then belly up to the bar and take responsibility for your own mistakes. Yes there are devious lenders, yes there crisis situations...but let's not let the tail wag the dog on this issue....I would guess the biggest issue is the jones issue.....keeping up with them that is....and buying stuff you can not afford.

BTW for those of you who have been sitting on the sidelines watching the market for the past 12 months...I think it's time to start to get back in the pool! There are a lot of really good stocks with great dividend yield that are cheap. Then again......could tank another 500 today!

Pete's Poll.....cool!!!!!!

I have about 15-20 people who stop by this site everyday. I thought since I have been on the soapbox for the past week, that I would poll you guys about who you will vote for. On the right side you can see the poll question.

Go ahead and vote......no one can tell who votes....so no one will know!

A trillion dollars in spending...not cool

Tonight Nashville hosts the 2nd Presidential debate. In my humble opinion, McCain needs to focus on the trillion dollars of new spending that he says Obama is planning to spend. I have heard McCain say this numerous times. Is it true? I have never heard Obama disagree with this statement,

If it is true....get to it McCain. Remember from another election....."it's the economy stupid" # 1 concern for the American people is the economy. Most people do not want the government to spend more....most people believe the government is full of waste...remember the $100 hammer!!?

He needs to get to the details of what Obama wants to spend this on.....how it HAS TO impact taxes....not just personal taxes....but small business taxes....small business, where most Americans work!

Stop with the "can't trust this guy" mud slinging....get into the facts that this guy is socialist and thinks government run programs are the solution.

Email I received funny...but not so cool

My buddy Gene sent me this email today. It is so scary....Funny and sad altogether.


How many zeros in a billion?

This is too true to be funny.
The next time you hear a politician use the
word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about
whether you want the 'politicians' spending
YOUR tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,
but one advertising agency did a good job of
putting that figure into some perspective in
one of it's releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.
E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain...
let's take a look at New Orleans ...
It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.
Louisiana Senator,
Mary Landrieu (D)
is presently asking Congress for
250 BILLION DOLLARS
to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number...
what does it mean?
A. Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child)
you each get $516,528.
B. Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.
C. Or... if you are a family of four... your family gets $2,066,012.

Washington , D. C
HELLO!
Are all your calculators broken??

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago...
and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt...
We had the largest middle class in the world...
and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?
Can you spell 'politicians!'

And I still have to
press '1'
for English.
I hope this goes around the
U S A
at least 100 times
What the heck happened?????

Bail Out Bill,,,,and PORK...not cool

I am hearing of a lot of piggies out there on this bill. This link will bring you to the full text of the bill.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/28/bailout-legislation-full_n_130063.html

After I read it, I will be summarizing the pork that the pigs in Washington thought was necessary to stick in the bill.

Disgusting....wait till you read this stuff.

Last Biden issue

My third point is Joe's opinion on mans hand in climate change.

He stated not once ...but let me repeat......(his favorite line in the debate) twice...that all ...THAT ALL climate change issues are man made.

This guy makes Al Gore look like a littering, gas guzzling maniac!

I am not sure how much man has to do with global warming and climate change. Of course we do some damage....we are here. But the scientist cannot even agree on how much. Biden stuck his neck out on this and the other two issues....I hope the talking heads on the radio cut it off!

#2 Biden Issue

The number two thing that scared the bejesus out of me is the mortgage conversation. Biden went on to say that Judges should not only be able to help those people who overspent on their homes by reducing their interest rates....but to be able to reduce the principal of the the distressed loan.

JOE....Are you kidding me?

Two issues Joe......If I am a bank and this nonsense is allowed...I am raising interest rates...A LOT...why? The risk of judges not only reducing my interest rate but now making me take a hit on the loan principal.

2nd....talk about ruining a neighborhood. So my neighbor makes a financial mess by borrowing to buy things they can't afford. The Joe and the boys drop his principal by 100 grand....They just devalued my house. My neighbor can now sell his home for less then he paid and not have any financial issue....thanks again Joe.

Debaste were cool #1 remark

I watched the debates last night. I will soak and listen some blues tonight....sorry Joe B.

Lots of thoughts on the debates.

1st Palin did a good job. She stayed to her 6 talking points no matter the question.

Biden also did a good job....no major Gaffes....that his party will have to bail out.

He however said three things that I thought were critical to understanding how Joe and Obama are so close to socialism....it's scary.

The first point was Joe's' comments about Distribution of wealth. I am paraphrasing.....I am tired of hearing distribution of wealth called distribution of wealth....it's just fairness

ARE YOU KIDDING ME....as Obama loves to say....you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig.

Wake up Biden...our tax system, our college tuition assistance, and most other revenue collecting and distribution systems in the US are just that WEALTH DISTRIBUTION.

Palin....stick to your lines.......would be cool

There is no way that a person who has never needed to...or ever has had the chance to work around....international politics is going to beat up; on a guy that has been in the senate 30+ years. Even by osmosis, which I am sure Biden has done, this guy just knows more about foreign policy. Palin needs to not challenge the guy on this issue. I read an article yesterday written by an independent that debated Palin. He said she is the best at the "no" answer. She takes her 40 seconds and says a lot of puffy stuff...relates it to her life and then ends....with no real answer given. I will be surprised if she does that on issues that she is well versed in....lets say energy. It's the best strategy in areas that she is weak.

Biden will gaffe himself, he can't help it. He will also pounce on Palin like a cougar on a chicken. That will be his mistake....she will be sweet as pie....he will look like the jerk that he is!

BTW, she has about as much foreign policy experience as Obama.

Should I watch the debate tomorrow or go over to Harrahs and see Joe Bonamassa

Tough decision. I did want to watch the debate live, that way I could form my own opinion before I heard all the talking points from the press. This is the first I have seen Bonamassa tour in St Louis so I think I may scoot over for this rare appearance.
So who the hell is Joe Bonamassa?

He is a blues guitarist.....not just any blues guitarist but one that is considered to be one of the best...take a listen

Upping the limit.....cool

I read that Congress is trying to raise the limit from $100,000 to $250,000 on the FDIC insurance you receive on your bank deposits. Funny thing is....the $100,000 limit is really not $100,000 for most people. Let me explain, you can have multiple accounts ion different banks....all the money is covered....

Next you can have multiple accounts in the same bank and be covered for more then 100k. The issue is how you set up to the accounts. As long as the accounts are different, your covered 100k for each account. Let's say a married couple do not want to have their money in two banks....they can have a joint account and then have individual accounts...enabling them to be insured up to 300k in the same bank.

I am not sure how many people have millions in a bank account......so the raising of the insurance limit is just a lot of smoke and mirrors.

Credit card T's and C's are not cool

Before our big trip this year I set up electronic banking.....what a mess. The guy at the bank tells me that the payment will be electronically sent to the credit card companies. Well that's sorta right.....first I find out that my payments were late.....$35 late fee and $300 of interest fees!!!!! I have never paid dime on in interest on credit cards until this month! Come to find out....the electronic file takes 5 days to happen.....5 days? I send wires to China all the time and it takes a matter of minutes for my vendors to get the money! Then the real kicker comes in.....

Lets say you are 1 day late....the cc companies take the total balance for the next month....please note you still do not know that you were late.....and they base the interest on the full month on the full amount!!!! Then to really kick you in the face...this happens next,

So now you have this big interest bill on the new statement....you send in your payment....ON Time....the next statement comes and there is still more interest on your bill. I called and asked why since I was not late. The terms are that until the 2nd month comes in on time...they keep charging interest. It is so scummy.

Now the interesting thing. It happened on my two main credit cards, a southwest rewards Chase and a Citi AAdvantage MasterCard,

Chase visa had the rudest person manage the issue. So rude that I wrote a letter....my cuz Sherrie would be proud. The Citi Card was polite and gracious and took care of the issue. I have had my citi card for over 25 years. They are the best credit card people to deal with....period.

Who voted for what

Dow closes down 700...holy cow this is bad.

Here is a link to find out how you representative voted on the bill.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/house_rollcall_stimulus

My congressman voted "no" I'm glad...but I don't have an answer to this mess and I don't believe congress does either.

Time to double down in the stock market. Things are cheap right now!!

Bailout is a bust....cool????I guess?

Just read that the bailout was cut down in the house! The market is in a free fall, I heard it's down 500 points......Oh Boy! This is scary...please keep buying network cables.

I read that the Republicans are blaming Nancy Pelosi...she could not help herself to go Bush bashing right before the vote. This women is a nightmare.

Debate.....not that cool

I had to tape the debate to watch my daughter blast one in the net to help the Pumas get their first win 3-1. I'm glad I did. 7th grade girls soccer "under the lights" is WAY more exciting then these two guys.
BTW I have not finished watching the whole debate...I fell asleep. I guess I will skip Prison Break tonight and finish it.....NOT.

Two things....
Politicians hate to answer direct questions....Obama comes off as an interrupter and a little pissy. I just do not like this spendthrift. McCain came off....as well....McCain. He has history, he has been around....so there really was no surprises. He tries hard to be polite and he has history to use against his opponent.

I guess the big news has been the new welfare program the nit wits in Congress are discussing....the talking heads cared little of the debate. I guess I was not the only one.

Write your Senator and Congressman....cool

If you have an opinion on this "bail out" write your representatives in Congress.

Who are they you may ask? How do I contact them? Go to this link for your Senator
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Send them an email....remember to copy the body of the email so you can send it to both Senators and your House Rep.

Here is The House of reps link:
http://www.house.gov/zip/ZIP2Rep.html

Make a difference......

Politcal Activist....Me? not so cool!

I have become Mr. town politics in the past week. I have attended two town meetings. One was a public meeting on the closing of a ski resort here in St Louis. I use the term "resort" very loosely. This pl;ace is smaller then powder hill in CT....OK now it's called Powder Ridge.....CT readers....is that place still open?

Last night I went to what I thought was a public hearing on our new town hall. In a town of 40,000...a whopping 30 people showed up. We have more people watching 10 year olds play football! The hearing turned out to actually be a brainstorming session with residents. It was interesting hearing different people's views. I tried to keep quiet...until they asked about finance issues.....then the conservative soap box came out and I went wild. The group I was in was mostly fiscal conservatives so I had a receptive audience when I was blabbing on and on!

Nancy Pelosi is a jerk....not cool!

I was again lefting out yesterday and listening to NPR. Getting the full scoop so you, my readers, see that I am fair and balanced!! LOL

This lady is a jerk. Check out her interview with NPR. She comes off like a B%$&ch

Here are some of the things that made me mad:

BLOCK: Do you think that Congress also owes the American people an apology? Doesn't Congress share in the responsibility?
PELOSI: No, not at all.

Really??? Congress runs all the regulatory agencies....congress overseas all the budgets....they make all the laws....CONGRESS DOES NOT SHARE IN THE RESPONSIBILITY? idiot

Maybe it's me...but she did not come off well in this little chat.

Take a listen. click here

The Huckster....still cool!

I knew I liked this guy......conservative both fiscally and socially.

I am on the Huckabee email list and this was sent to me earlier today. Check out his blog. He writes his opinion on the "Bail out" Mike's Blog

Again, I am not sure what the answer is....but my gut says that we need to slow down a bit and really think through what this "bail out" will do to the economy and capitalism.

Paulson and Bernacki...3 page proposal...Not Cool

I haer dumb and dumber went up tom the hill and asked for 700 billion. The proposal was basically a 3 page proposal....filled with trust us .....

You have got to be kidding me?

The lousy thing about a democracy?.......nothing can get done very quickly...if anything does get done at all...


The good thing about a democracy?......nothing can get done very quickly...if anything does get done at all...

Really hoping that our process slows down the rush to become a socialist state. The big dogs risked and stepped over the line....let the big dogs die on the vine.

Can't afford it......Don't buy it....Cool

This is a funny video about spending money....


scary how true it is!!!!!!

http://consumerist.com/consumer/clips/snl-skit-dont-buy-stuff-you-cant-afford-252491.php

Bail outs.....not cool!

When there is no risk, there is no need to worry about your actions. Businesses need risk, they need to worry that their decisions could derail their organization. This makes for better decision making. I don't pretend to know the answer to the financial mess.....but bailing everybody out is just bad for a capitalistic society. The strong survive.....the stupid go the way of the doo doo bird!

NPR Interview.....cool

I try to listed to both sides of the issues on the radio. On the right there are plenty of choices...Rush, O'Rielly, Ingram, Savage, Levin, Hannity....just to name a few. On the left there is the sole voice in St Louis, NPR. Overall, NPR is very easy to listen to....calming voices with story telling technique news.

This morning they had an interview with Ahmadinejad, the president of Iran. It was so good that I stayed in the car in the parking lot to finish listening to it.

Here is the link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94887472

The interview is 8 minutes long and you can listen to it from this link. It's amazing how people can look at things differently. I also thought Steve Inskeep did an excellent job. He was very forceful and in my opinion did not just loft softballs at the guy.

Take a listen.

Biden being dumped......Not so fast....Not Cool

People are starting to circulate the email that Biden will be excusing himself (what did he do, burp?) from the VP spot. The email also states that he will do this right after the VP debate.

I checked www.snopes.com and they say it's an "undetermined " story....meaning they don't know. Snopes is the Internet watchdog. The site tries to confirm or squash Internet chat. Click here to see the email and discussion on Biden:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/vpchange.asp

My take.....

If it does take place.....timing will be after the debate. They need to rip up Sarah Palin. Biden is the ultimate pit bull ....stupid and dangerous. Watch this debate...the nastier he gets....the more likely he will step aside and let her Thighness take the throne. If they were to do the switch, they cannot not the Hillster come off a s a mean bitch.....not again anyway...so they will allow Biden to do the dirty work.

I doubt they will change.....as the article points out, Obama would look like he could not make a decision and stick to it.

Interesting times ahead.

Addicted to Opium...that was funny....cool

Did you watch them all.......????

A great line I picked up was "that Washington is addicted to Opium"....

OPM .......Other Peoples Money.....

Now that is so funny that it hurts.

Truth hurts!

3rd and last clip of Hannity and Palin....cool

Clip # 3

Part 2 for all of you that are not getting the channel....cool

Here is the 2nd part of the interview.....

I don't get the fox channel.......NOT COOL

I get about 500 channels on that stupid dish....every crazy channel you can imagine. The one Channel I do not get is the Fox News Channel. I think the liberal media outlets want to squash that channel o they don't include it.

Anyway, Sarah Palin was on Hannity last night. OK...it's a bunch of softball pitches....but you do get to see the lady in action.

Here are some clips

Blogging Blues....not cool

I kinda have the blogging blues this week.....not sure why....maybe I have nothing to say?.....yeah right! We have been really busy at work and although there is a bunch of stuff to blog about...I'm a little tired.

Last night I stayed up and watched the movie, Blood Diamond It was very good. It was also really upsetting. Makes you appreciate our country. I was able to watch this movie due to Dish network running a special. Because I pay on-line they are charging me an additional PENNY per month to have 6 channels of Showtime.

I have been looking ahead and taping movies in the middle of the night. I probably will never watch all the ones I have already taped.

We are under attack by Socialism

Bear Sterns....then Freddie and Fannie....and now AIG. Not sure who Lehaman pissed off...big brother didn't feel that they needed them!

This whole corporate welfare program is very scary. I am not sure what to think on this issue. Is it good that we are bailing these idiots out? Are we taking the risk out of business for big business? As Obama said....this is above my pay grade. I do know that the 85 billion loan is putting us further in debt. My gut tells me to let the capitalistic nature of our economy do its thing.....let the strong survive. These companies made errors in judgements....and they should be made to pay the piper....

We do not want the government running private functions.....they now own a majority stake in an investment banker and an insurance company?????this is nuts. Freddie and Fannie were quasi gvt agencies....but that still is an issue.

It's pretty bad out there....let's just hope they keep buying network cables from yours truly.

Palin is getting grilled....not too cool!

I am OK with really investigating candidates....but let's make sure everyone gets grilled. Sarah Paline is getting grilled....now she being subjected to the tabloids....I want to know where the same "journalists" were when Obama came on the scene....and remember...that was not long ago.

I am surprised they are going after so hard on the experience issue. I am not saying she has tons of experience....but she does have more decision making experience then the democrats PRESIDENTIAL candidate.

I have been away from the rags, Internet, radio and TV for the past 3 days....can't wait to see what the next barrage of slights will be!

50 years....very cool

Congratulations go out to my in-laws. We helped them celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary over the weekend. We had the celebration in NYC. We had them picked up in a limo and drove them to Brooklyn. We started the weekend by having their vows renewed at the church they were married in 50 years ago. We then went to Tony and Tina's wedding. That was a little strange. It's an interactive play about an Italian wedding. What I didn't know was how dysfunctional the family was that was holding the wedding. It was "interesting" We had a great time.

It was a great time seeing everyone and my in-laws looked to have a fabulous celebration.

It was funny, over the past 2 weeks everyone that was there was celebrating an anniversary....50 years, 22 years , 20years (us) and 16 years.

We can only wish many more years of love for my in-laws!

Universal Health Care....not cool

This one of the scariest thoughts of these campaigns....overall I think it will never happen....but...

OK so you want Universal Health Care....Then everyone will have health care run by the government.....all of the people will be taken care of.....

A few thoughts.....

forget about choice...your free will to select where and when will be eliminated.....how do we know....I base it on the Universal Health Care the US GVT already has.....

The universal health plan that has been around for a long time is for veterans. They all are covered.....and look how that works.

Our health care system is not great. Many can not afford it...many companies do not offer it...but to put it in the hands of the bureaucrats.....crazy....

Marriage is cool.....

Today marks my 20th anniversary to Denise......wow....it's been a blink of the eye. We dated for 6 years...so she has been putting up with me for over 26 years....I can still remember that HOT freshman in the yellow sweatpants. The only thing she has lost over the years are the yellow sweatpants!!

We have had an outstanding 26 years.....we are truly blessed and thank God everyday for our good fortune and happiness. Marriage should never be taken to lightly.....it's not easy all the time...but it's the best game in town, especially when you have someone like I do.

Happy Anniversary FUP.

Love,
SUP

Hiring....not cool

In a growing company there is always hiring to do......it's a good problem to have, but it's still one of my least favorite things to do. The advertising for the position, the initial screening of resumes, the contact with the applicants, the interviews and then lastly the selection process.

Someone asked me just earlier this month what was the secret to hiring great employees.....I told her, after hiring probably a thousand people in my 23 year career...I had no idea. It's the most important piece of your company and it;'s the hardest to do. The most frustrating part is the part you cannot totally control....the success. It's amazing how the best candidate can turn out to be the worst employee.

I make most of my decisions on past success records and trying not to get emotional about a candidate. The success can be in anything.....but they must have a track record of success. Lastly...if any warning flags come up during the process....anything that gives you to think for a second.....delete the resume and move on.

Today, I have 3 screening interviews....the process begins......what fun!!

McCain did a great jon....cool

I am getting to know John McCain, and I like what I am learning.

His speech last night was relaxed. It felt like he was in my living room. I enjoyed the straight talk, the calmness and clarity in which he spoke.

Did I hear him same that he would pull 700 billion back from the support give away programs to other countries???? Did he actually say, lets stop funding other countries that do not like us?

Bottom line....this guy has the experience and character to be the President. Obama has almost no experience and we really do not know his character. McCain has proven it time and again...he is trustworthy and will try to do the right thing. Not all of which you may agree to.

I found myself saying "we need to get these two elected" Am I naive to believe that they will actually go to Washington and cut the crazy spending?
I hope not.....

NCR and the DCR are over........NC

It has been a great two weeks of television! I would hope Americans would watch both the conventions to compare the two candidates. I enjoyed the coverage.

Last night McCain gets the stage. First they put on a bunch of .....boring....speakers....even his wife. She is a fantastic role model and a great American....but like her husband...she is no...well should I say...Obama!!

I guess they put on people like Mutter and the rest of the "boring" people before McCain to make sure he did not follow guys like Rudy, Huckster and now Sarah.

Overall I liked McCains speech. Next post will explain why!

Pit bull with Lipstick.....cool

So another note about the republican love fest last night.

Sarah Palin- Overall the speech was great. It started out a little "cold" for me....but within the next few minutes she warmed up. The whole smaller government thing and lower taxes is right up my alley. She was smart, articulate and slammin Obama!!

Interesting fact from the liberals on NPR.....some said they thought she was shrill and a little too much on the slamming......come on...and they have Joe Biden who is not shrill....but he is boring...and he was out swinging from the first sentence. Funny how the libs now want to go after the Shrill thing.....wasn't that a republican thing to do???

The question....is she ready to be president? Well let's see......if you say no to her...then the community organizer is definitely not ready.....Biden is a blow hart...that leaves McCain. Tough decisions....although I am starting to better understand McCain's character....and not only do I respect it, I am starting to love it.

The Huckster....cool

Not sure if I told you, when Taylor was in Washington DC for the leadership conference she had the opportunity to see Mike Huckabee. He not only spoke to the conference, but played bass guitar at the function that night.

Anyway, his speech last night was great., He has a great way about him, very disarming.

Here is a link to his speech. It takes less then 10-12 minutes. If you missed it, check it out.

Click here for Mike's speech


here is another great quote from his speech.....

"Barack Obama's excellent adventure to Europe...

... took his campaign for change to hundreds of thousands of people who don't even vote or pay taxes here. But let me hasten to say that it's not what he took there that concerns me. It's what he brought back: European ideas that give the government the chance to grab even more of our liberty and destroy our hard-earned livelihood.
The fact is, my friends, most Americans don't want more government. They want less government."


ya gotta love the Lava story!!


Way to go Huckster!

RNC .....great night....cool

I spent some serious time in front of the tube last night. It was the big night for the republicans.
This is who I saw...
Carly Fiorna, Meg Whitman, Mitt Romney, The Governor of Hawaii (not a clue who , the Huckster...Mike Huckabee and lastly Sarah Palin.

The only one of these I didn't pay attention to was Carly's speech. Not surer why, the ADD was kicking in and I needed to see what else was on.

They all did a great job.....funny I see it that way right?

Best line of the night.....

"Let me make something clear tonight: I'm not a Republican because I grew up rich. I'm a Republican because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life poor, waiting for the government to rescue me."
Mike Huckabee, September 3, 2008 NCR

Fred Thompson's Speech .....cool

I have always liked Fred Thompson. Maybe it comes down to that I love Law and Order. His speech last night at RNC was almost great. The agenda, the content, the great digs on Obama....like "And we need a President who doesn't think that the protection of the unborn or a newly born baby is above his pay grade. " were excellent. He however at times looked like he lost his place in the speech and the constant clearing of his throat made me start clearing my throat.

I then listened to Joe Lieberman from my home state of Connecticut. Honestly, I fell asleep near the end. The democrats must just be seething. Here is a guy that is the Democratic VP choice in what 2004!! and now he is fighting for McCain.

After listening to all the "bull". I just wish that republicans would do what they preach....social conservatism and fiscal responsibility in Washington. I did not hear George W's speech, but I read that he was doing the talk on cutting pork......he id definitely not one to talk.

Baby out of wedlock....not cool

This political season has been a doozy.......

Now we have the GOP announcing that Sarah Palin's 17 year old daughter is 5 month pregnant. She will be marrying the boy......it was announced. A few things, I feel for her family. Trying to raise daughters in this society is brutal. The kid made a choice and that choice comes with repercussions. That decision will affect her entire life. She can forget the rest of a normal childhood, she will be thrust into motherhood before she leaves high school. I think everyone agrees that we need to prevent teenage pregnancies.....(lets be clear, I did not say terminate, I said prevent)

Now in regards to the Republican party....It has been reported that they were fully aware of the situation. Really? I am not really sure how I feel on this issue. I know that's hard to believe. This whole election....
We have a US senator with less experience than any other person in history running for president....He speaks to the Nation that we need change....that Washington needs to change...then he brings in a 30 year vet from the establishment.
On the other side we have this 71 year old Maverick...who is not always a conservative...he picks an unknown Governor, who now releases the fact about her pregnant teenage daughter.

Hollywood could not of come up with more of a soap opera plot line.