Saturday, January 12, 2008

The Italian Grandmother

An Italian grandmother is giving directions to her grown grandson who is coming to visit with his wife. 'You comma to de front door of the apartmenta. I am inna apartmenta 301. There issa bigga panel at the front door. With you elbow pusha button 301. I will buzza you in. Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with you elbow pusha 3. When you get out, I'mma on the left. With you elbow, hit my doorbell.'

'Grandma, that sounds easy, but, why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?

'What . .. . . . You coming empty handed?'
Top Ten Thoughts For 2008

Number 10. Life is sexually transmitted.

Number 9. Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

Number 8. Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich.

Number 7. Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.

Number 6. Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.

Number 5. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.

Number 4. All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

Number 3. Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200.00 and a substantial tax Cut saves you $0.30?

Number 2. In the '60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world Is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

AND THE NUMBER 1 THOUGHT FOR 2008: 'Life is like a jar of jalapeƱos. What you do today, might burn your a$$ tomorrow'.

From
here
Interesting Trivia

In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"

Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"

.. and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S . Treasury.

Men can read smaller print than women can. Women can hear better.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
You Know You Are Living In 2008 When...

1. You accidentally enter your PIN # on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cellphone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :-)
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to send this…
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
Mobile Phone Tracking

This is interesting... Just click on the link, enter a cell phone number, and the satellite map will show you where they are.

It's called 'mobile phone tracker' and was first put to use to aid 911 responders. Using a satellite map, track any connected mobile phone with coverage anywhere in the world.

To give it a try, log on to:


Very interesting! Shows exactly where the cell phone is located. Good for finding that wandering husband, shopping wife, or mall rat teenager.
Minorities

We need to show more sympathy for these people.

* They travel miles in the heat.
* They risk their lives crossing a border.
* They don't get paid enough wages.
* They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do.
* They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language.
* They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day every day.

I'm not talking about illegal Mexicans; I'm talking about our troops!

Doesn't it seem strange that many Democrats and Republicans are willing to lavish all kinds of social benefits on illegals, but don't support our troops and are now threatening to defund them?

Please pass this on; this is worth the short time it takes to read it.
Helpful Hints From My Little Corner of the World

How many of these did you know about?

A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm...)

Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.

note: I started putting cords, manuals and documentation, and all the attachments to electronics (such as my cell phone, portable DVD player, MP3 player etc) in resealable baggies. I also store extension cords in baggies; might have to use the gallon size. Everything is neat and in one place.

For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)

note: I haven't tried this, I live in Florida, after all, so you're on your own and I assume no responsibility for this one!

To remove old wax from a glass candle holder put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.

Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).

Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I fin ally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way!

Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!

note: another use for Dawn or any dishwashing liquid. They are manufactured to remove proteins from dishes and cookware, and will also remove protein from fabrics. I've used it to remove spots from clothing when I've spilled or dropped food on my shirts. Hey! Don't laugh, I know it's happened to you, too!

Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.

note: make sure the bulb is cool when you spray it. Cool perfume on a hot bulb might make the bulb explode. Another suggestion is to use Febreeze air freshener.

Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.

Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.

To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!

note: You can also put plastic flowers in the dishwasher. You can try putting fabric type artificial flowers in a cloth bag in the washer on a gentle cycle.

To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.

Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains. Wish I had known this years ago!!

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness

Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.

Ants, ants, ants everywhere...well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.

Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........

Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China .

Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.

Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of (Heinz) White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.

Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn't it?

Friday, January 11, 2008

Is Anyone Really Surprised??

O.J. Simpson Held on Bail Violation

Jan 11, 4:23 PM (ET)

By KEN RITTER

LAS VEGAS (AP) - O.J. Simpson is in custody in Florida on allegations that he violated terms of his release on bail by calling one of his co-defendants in a Las Vegas armed robbery case, a court official said Friday.

Prosecutors allege that Simpson, identifying himself as "Miguel," telephoned Clarence "C.J." Stewart on Nov. 16 and expressed frustration with Stewart's testimony at a preliminary hearing, court spokesman Michael Sommermeyer said.

That was two days after a Las Vegas justice of the peace ruled that Simpson, Stewart and another co-defendant should stand trial on 12 charges, including kidnapping and robbery.

Clark County District Attorney David Roger was filing a motion Friday to revoke Simpson's bail, according to a court clerk.

Simpson was to go before a judge Wednesday.

"We understand he's in the custody of his bail bondsman in Florida right now and will be brought to Las Vegas for the hearing," said Elana Pitaro, a clerk for District Court Judge Jackie Glass.

A bail bondsman at You Ring We Spring bail bonds in North Las Vegas declined to comment.

Simpson was freed Sept. 19 on $125,000 bail following his arrest on allegations he and several friends burst into a Las Vegas hotel room and robbed two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint.

Simpson has maintained that he was retrieving items that belonged to him. He and the two other men are scheduled to stand trial April 7.

His lawyer, Yale Galanter, did not return phone messages seeking comment.


I'm only surprised that he thought he could get away with trying to intimidate a witness. Don't kid yourself, that's exactly what he was doing, he was only "frustrated" because Stewart wasn't going along with Simpson's game plan. And trying to get Stewart to change his testimony. Why should I be surprised? He's OJ Simpson and he already got away with murder.


Update from Fox News

Bail May be Revoked Because of Some Sort of Phone Message!
by Adam Housley

We got the tip late yesterday afternoon that OJ Simpson’s bail was being revoked and he would be heading back to ‘Sin City’ on Friday afternoon. Throughout Thursday night and into Friday morning we held the information and waited for OJ to get picked up in Florida.

At 1:15pm or so on Friday afternoon, the call came and within seconds the entire LA office, bosses included, were on the phone to every contact we know in Las Vegas and about this case.

E.D.’s show in New York was notified and we were on the air about 10 minutes later when we got a second confirmation from the court spokesman.

Here’s what we know. The District Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas is currently meeting with the judge in this case Jackie Glass. The D.A. has filed a motion in Clark County Court asking that O.J.’s bail be revoked. The hearing is set for this coming Wednesday.

O.J. is currently arriving at the Miami International Airport in the custody of his bail bondsman of You Ring We Spring Bail Bonds, or so I am told.

A close friend of O.J. says the former football star is “crushed” and was “really strict and abiding by the rules of the bail.” This close friend of O.J. also says that Simpson “even avoided Christmas parties where people involved in this case might have been.”

We are told the bail may be revoked because of some sort of phone message.

O’Reilly: Fox Vandalized, Attacked
Friday, January 11, 2008 12:10 PM

By: Jim Meyers

Bill O’Reilly says all Fox News employees are now “cautious” after several run-ins during coverage of the New Hampshire primary that were fueled by “anti-Fox hatred.”

In his syndicated column out this week, O’Reilly described attacks on Fox that border on violence.

“I saw the anti-Fox hatred first-hand when I traveled to New Hampshire. Fox News vehicles have been vandalized; FNC reporters cursed; and all Fox News personnel are cautious,” the cable news star writes.

O’Reilly also detailed in his column an encounter he had at a Barack Obama rally, which was aired on “The O’Reilly Factor.” O’Reilly described an Obama staffer’s attempt to block his camera crew “a blatant assault on press freedom.”

O’Reilly says the anger towards Fox is due to the network’s ratings success, which has created “a bitterness unprecedented in the U.S. press.

“So it comes as no surprise that Fox News, which gives equal time to conservative thought, is despised by many in the liberal press."

O’Reilly said that Democratic presidential candidates have refused to take part in debates sponsored by Fox News because “the far-left Web crazies told them to do it. Sites like the Daily Kos and Media Matters made it clear to the Democrats that anyone dealing with Fox would be punished.”

O’Reilly added: “Note that the GOP candidates haven’t played that game, appearing on ultra-liberal MSNBC and every other news network.”

MSNBC has also been in O’Reilly’s crosshairs.

Parent company GE was featured on "The O’Reilly Factor" Thursday night, including allegations the conglomerate went easy on the bin Laden family after the Sept. 11 attacks. GE has done business with the bin Laden family.

© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


I don't know that this is true; I wasn't there. But because there is a definite anti-Fox sentiment, I believe it did. Other network media and representatives don't like that Fox presents another side of the story. I've watched Fox News and I believe that the news is balanced. Now that's not to say that commentators like O'Reilly or Hannity or anyone else don't present their own opinions, they do. But remember, they are commentators, not reporters. I don't watch network news anymore because it is decidedly liberal and presents too much network opinion, not fact.

Look, this is my opinion. If you don't like what the media (MSM, cable, print, radio, whatever) reports, then either blog it, write your newspaper editor, start your own media service, talk to your friends, relative, co-workers, whoever will listen, or shut up. Don't try to stop people from reporting the news. Be an adult and find appropriate ways to express your opinion. You can't abridge freedom of speech or freedom of the press. And that goes for both sides.

Here's one idea: politicians, if you don't like the way a network or reporter reports on you, or a commentator talks about you, then go to them and try to make friends. You might find they are a little easier on you, or at the very least, they might understand you better once you have talked to them. Communication is the key to getting along with people, not assault, or even trash talk. Honest back and forth communication. You might not change anyone's mind, but they will at least understand why you think they way you do.
FairTax Supporters

Here is a short (but incomplete) list of economists who either helped to create the FairTax or support it. They understand that the FairTax will give power back to the people, it will put money back into the pockets of the people who earned it, and give them the wage earner the power of choice as to where and how they will pay their taxes.

Donald L. Alexander
Professor of Economics
Western Michigan University

Wayne Angell
Angell Economics

Jim Araji
Professor of Agricultural Economics
University of Idaho

Ray Ball
Graduate School of Business
University of Chicago

Roger J. Beck
Professor Emeritus
Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale

John J. Bethune
Kennedy Chair of Free Enterprise
Barton College

David M. Brasington
Louisiana State University

Jack A. Chambless
Professor of Economics
Valencia College

Christopher K. Coombs
Louisiana State University

William J. Corcoran, Ph.D.
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Eleanor D. Craig
Economics Department
University of Delaware

Susan Dadres, Ph.D.
Department of Economics
Southern Methodist University

Henry Demmert
Santa Clara University

Arthur De Vany
Professor Emeritus
Economics and Mathematical
Behavioral Sciences
University of California, Irvine

Pradeep Dubey
Leading Professor
Center for Game Theory
Dept. of Economics
SUNY at Stony Brook

Demissew Diro Ejara
William Paterson University of New Jersey

Patricia J. Euzent
Department of Economics
University of Central Florida

John A. Flanders
Professor of Business and Economics
Central Methodist University

Richard H. Fosberg, Ph.D.
William Paterson University

Gary L. French, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President
Nathan Associates Inc.

Professor James Frew
Economics Department
Willamette University

K. K. Fung
University of Memphis

Satya J. Gabriel, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics and Finance
Mount Holyoke College

Dave Garthoff
Summit College
The University of Akron

Ronald D. Gilbert
Associate Professor of Economics
Texas Tech University

Philip E. Graves
Department of Economics
University of Colorado

Bettina Bien Greaves, Retired
Foundation for Economic Education

John Greenhut, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Finance & Business Economics
School of Global Management and Leadership
Arizona State University

Darrin V. Gulla
Dept. of Economics
University of Georgia

Jon Halvorson
Assistant Professor of Economics
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Reza G. Hamzaee, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics & Applied Decision Sciences
Department of Economics
Missouri Western State College

James M. Hvidding
Professor of Economics
Kutztown University

F. Jerry Ingram, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics and Finance
The University of Louisiana-Monroe

Drew Johnson
Fellow
Davenport Institute for Public Policy
Pepperdine University

Steven J. Jordan
Visiting Assistant Professor
Virginia Tech
Department of Economics

Richard E. Just
University of Maryland

Dr. Michael S. Kaylen
Associate Professor
University of Missouri

David L. Kendall
Professor of Economics and Finance
University of Virginia's College at Wise

Peter M. Kerr
Professor of Economics
Southeast Missouri State University

Miles Spencer Kimball
Professor of Economics
University of Michigan

James V. Koch
Department of Economics
Old Dominion University

Laurence J. Kotlikoff
Professor of Economics
Boston University

Edward J. LĆ³pez
Assistant Professor
University of North Texas

Franklin Lopez
Tulane University

Salvador Lopez
University of West Georgia

Yuri N. Maltsev, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Carthage College

Glenn MacDonald
John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics and Strategy
Washington University in St. Louis

Dr. John Merrifield,
Professor of Economics
University of Texas-San Antonio

Dr. Matt Metzgar
Mount Union College

Carlisle Moody
Department of Economics
College of William and Mary

Andrew P. Morriss
Galen J. Roush Professor of Business Law & Regulation
Case Western Reserve
University School of Law

Timothy Perri
Department of Economics
Appalachian State University

Mark J. Perry
School of Management and Department of Economics
University of Michigan-Flint

Timothy Peterson
Assistant Professor
Economics and Management Department
Gustavus Adolphus College

Ben Pierce
Central Missouri State
University

Michael K. Pippenger, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics
University of Alaska

Robert Piron
Professor of Economics
Oberlin College

Mattias Polborn
Department of Economics
University of Illinois

Joseph S. Pomykala, Ph.D.
Department of Economics
Towson University

Barry Popkin
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Steven W. Rick
Lecturer, University of Wisconsin
Senior Economist, Credit Union National Association

Paul H. Rubin

Samuel Candler Dobbs
Professor of Economics & Law
Department of Economics
Emory University

John Ruggiero
University of Dayton

Michael K. Salemi
Bowman and Gordon Gray
Professor of Economics
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Carole E. Scott
Richards College of Business
State University of West Georgia

Carlos Seiglie
Dept. of Economics
Rutgers University

John Semmens
Economist
Phoenix College
Arizona

Alan C. Shapiro
Ivadelle and Theodore Johnson Professor of Banking and Finance
Marshall School of Business
University of Southern California

Dr. Stephen Shmanske
Professor of Economics
California State University, Hayward

James F. Smith
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Vernon L. Smith
Economist

W. James Smith
Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Professor of Economics
University of Colorado at Denver

John C. Soper
Boler School of Business
John Carroll University

Roger Spencer
Professor of Economics
Trinity University

Daniel A. Sumner, Director,
University of California
Agricultural Issues Center and the Frank H. Buck, Jr., Chair Professor,
Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics,
University of California, Davis

Curtis R. Taylor
Professor of Economics and Business
Duke University

Robert Vigil
Analysis Group, Inc.

John H. Wicks, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Department of Economics
University of Montana

F. Scott Wilson, Ph.D.
Canisius College

Mokhlis Y. Zaki
Professor of Economics Emeritus
Northern Michigan University

Some rather prestigious people mentioned here, holding some prestigious positions at equally prestigious institutions of learning. If the FairTax were a bad idea, would these people put their reputations on the line? In the world of academics, reputation is everything.
Should the ACLU Endorse the FairTax?

In another post about the REAL-ID driver's license plan being backed by the Department of Homeland Security, I mentioned that the Social Security card is not a form of ID; that it's purpose is to tie the wage-earner to his taxes with the IRS.

The American Civil Liberties Union has fiercely objected to the effort, (the REAL ID - ed.) particularly the sharing of personal data among government agencies. The DHS and other officials say the only way to make sure an ID is safe is to check it against secure government data; critics like the ACLU say that creates a system that is more likely to be infiltrated and have its personal data pilfered.

If the ACLU objects to the sharing of information between agencies, I would think that they would behind any effort to rid the American public of the IRS. It's not so much that the IRS shares information, but that it COULD be shared, or hacked into, and the information about tax payers distributed to unauthorized people. I might be stretching things a bit, but laptops with taxpayer information have been stolen, lost, and misplaced over the last few years. It's been in the news, so I know it happens. Whether hackers can get into the IRS, I don't know, but even with the firewalls and safeguards the IRS must have guarding their information, I'm sure hackers have at least tried, and maybe someday it will happen.

I wonder if the ACLU is familiar with the FairTax which would eliminate the IRS. The only need for any kind of a tax number would be a bank account number for the monthly rebate to be deposited into. hmmmm.....
US Unveils New Driver's License Rules
Jan 11, 11:22 AM (ET)

By DEVLIN BARRETT

Americans born after Dec. 1, 1964, will have to get more secure driver's licenses in the next six years under ambitious post-9/11 security rules to be unveiled Friday by federal officials.

The Homeland Security Department has spent years crafting the final regulations for the REAL ID Act, a law designed to make it harder for terrorists, illegal immigrants and con artists to get government-issued identification. The effort once envisioned to take effect in 2008 has been pushed back in the hopes of winning over skeptical state officials.

Even with more time, more federal help and technical advances, REAL ID still faces stiff opposition from civil liberties groups.

To address some of those concerns, the government now plans to phase in a secure ID initiative that Congress passed into law in 2005. Now, DHS plans a key deadline in 2011 - when federal authorities hope all states will be in compliance - and then further measures to be enacted three years later, according to congressional staffers who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because an announcement had not yet been made. DHS officials briefed legislative aides on the details late Thursday.

Without discussing details, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff promoted the final rules for REAL ID during a meeting Thursday with an advisory council.

"We worked very closely with the states in terms of developing a plan that I think will be inexpensive, reasonable to implement and produce the results," he said. "This is a win-win. As long as people use driver's licenses to identify themselves for whatever reason there's no reason for those licenses to be easily counterfeited or tampered with."

In order to make the plan more appealing to cost-conscious states, federal authorities drastically reduced the expected cost from $14.6 billion to $3.9 billion, a 73 percent decline, according to Homeland Security officials familiar with the plan.

The American Civil Liberties Union has fiercely objected to the effort, particularly the sharing of personal data among government agencies. The DHS and other officials say the only way to make sure an ID is safe is to check it against secure government data; critics like the ACLU say that creates a system that is more likely to be infiltrated and have its personal data pilfered.

In its written objection to the law, the ACLU claims REAL ID amounts to the "first-ever national identity card system," which "would irreparably damage the fabric of American life."

The Sept. 11 attacks were the main motivation for the changes.

The hijacker-pilot who flew into the Pentagon, Hani Hanjour, had a total of four driver's licenses and ID cards from three states. The DHS, which was created in response to the attacks, has created a slogan for REAL ID: "One driver, one license."

By 2014, anyone seeking to board an airplane or enter a federal building would have to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, with the notable exception of those more than 50 years old, Homeland Security officials said.

The over-50 exemption was created to give states more time to get everyone new licenses, and officials say the risk of someone in that age group being a terrorist, illegal immigrant or con artist is much less. By 2017, even those over 50 must have a REAL ID-compliant card to board a plane.

Among other details of the REAL ID plan:

_The traditional driver's license photograph would be taken at the beginning of the application instead of the end so that should someone be rejected for failure to prove identity and citizenship, the applicant's photo would be kept on file and checked in the future if that person attempted to con the system again.

_The cards will have three layers of security measures but will not contain microchips as some had expected. States will be able to choose from a menu which security measures they will put in their cards.

Over the next year, the government expects all states to begin checking both the Social Security numbers and immigration status of license applicants.

Most states currently check Social Security numbers and about half check immigration status. Some, like New York, Virginia, North Carolina and California, already have implemented many of the security measures envisioned in REAL ID. In California, for example, officials expect the only major change to adopt the first phase would be to take the photograph at the beginning of the application process instead of the end.

After the Social Security and immigration status checks become nationwide practice, officials plan to move on to more expansive security checks, including state DMV offices checking with the State Department to verify those applicants who use passports to get a driver's license, verifying birth certificates and checking with other states to ensure an applicant doesn't have more than one license.

A handful of states have already signed written agreements indicating plans to comply with REAL ID. Seventeen others, though, have passed legislation or resolutions objecting to it, often based on concerns about the billions of dollars such extra security is expected to cost.


I'm not so sure that a national ID is a bad idea. We already have at least one form of national ID that is available to all citizens - the passport. Every American citizen traveling abroad must have a passport - even underaged children. How about a Social Security card? It's not a form of ID and never was to be used as such. It even states that on the card. It's only a form of ID as far as the IRS is concerned; it ties you to your taxes. It was a right of passage when I got a SS card in high school. It meant I could (legally) work at a job (and pay taxes). Not anymore. Parents must request a SS number for their newborn child now or the child can't be claimed as a dependent. I wish I could claim my dogs and cats.

If the ACLU is against it, as far as I'm concerned, it's at least worth considering. I'm all for protecting the Bill of Rights, but I think the ACLU has taken this protection just a bit too far at times, so I question anything they are against.

I wish Washington would keep their big bazoos out of state's business, but since this is an item that is required in all 50 states, maybe it should be of uniform design and require uniform information. At one time, I would have suggested having your SS number as a Federal ID number, but in the days of identity theft, this isn't a good idea anymore. .

What is wrong with having a national identity card of some sort? I don't see it as any more than having a driver's license that is good in all 50 states. Oh, wait...I can drive in all 50 states because I am already licensed in Florida. hmmmmm.....

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

GOP Results Are In

The New Hampshire primary GOP results are in McCain takes the win with Romney in second and Huckabee in third.

All three candidates gave speeches indicating that they plan to be in this for the long haul. I'm still hoping for a Huckabee nomination, but after hearing McCain, well, he would be my second choice. His "thank you" speech was heartfelt and worthy of a President.

The Democrat results are too tight to declare a winner at this time.

I noticed something that made me think. This might not be exactly the place for it, but I've noticed that the candidates all spoke of God in some manner, either thanking God or asking God's blessing on those listening to their speech. Is is PC to invoke the name of God during an election? I'm not complaining, mind you. I think each and every one of the them need to thank God for the blessings God has bestowed upon them. But, where are the protestors? I've heard people voicing concern about Huckabee being a Baptist minister or Romney being a Mormon (neither of which bother me in the least).

I also noticed something else in the last day or two. The talking heads are now referring to Hillary as "Clinton", not Hillary as they have done up to just very recently.

Just thinking....
Hillary's Campaign Imploding?

I have no idea what will happen in today's New Hampshire primary or in the future. I don't pretend to be able to see two minutes into the future, much less hours, days, or years. At this point in time, it appears that Hillary isn't doing well in her campaign to become the first woman POTUS. She lost big in Iowa, and the polls seem to indicate that she is not going to do well in NH.

It's bad enough that reports are that Bill is calling in Paul Begala and James Carville to take over the campaign. How well this will go over with Hillary, I don't know. Some supposedly in the know say she's not going to take any changes well, if at all. We don't even know at this time whether it's true or not. When asked, Begala denied it. I haven't heard anything about Carville.

I've said all along that I didn't believe that she would win the White House. I don't believe that America is ready for a woman president - any woman. That doesn't mean a woman can't do it, it doesn't mean that Hillary can't. It simply means that I believe that we will have to elect a woman as Vice President first. When we can accept a woman as VP, we will be able to elect a woman President. It's simply a matter of progression - and acceptance. We've already broken the glass ceiling with two women as Secretary of State. Now Hillary is running for president. We're getting there. I just don't believe we're there yet.

I hope to soon see the day when a women is elected POTUS. But, I don't want to see just any woman elected; I want to see a woman who is fully capable and who has the backing of the country. I don't see Hillary filling my requirements. Perhaps Chelsea in twenty years.

I don't think it's Hillary's time. Not today.

Update: Newsmax reports that Carville is also denying that he will be taking over Hillary's campaign:

Carville Denies Joining Hillary Team
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 3:02 PM

By: Newsmax Staff

Democratic strategist James Carville has emphatically denied a Fox News report asserting that he is joining Hillary Clinton presidential campaign team.

A report filed midday Tuesday by Major Garrett on Fox stated: “It’s back to the future at Hillary Clinton’s campaign as some of the top advisers to former President Clinton are set to join Hillary’s faltering campaign as early as tomorrow.

“Senior Clinton sources tell Fox that Hillary intends to bring in as top day-to-day advisers James Carville and Paul Begala. The campaign could also add other strategists from Clinton’s presidential years, but Carville and Begala are the biggest names and are set to join the campaign after a post-New Hampshire strategy meeting tomorrow.”

But blogger Greg Sargent, writing on the site TPM Election Central, says that when he called Carville on his cell phone, Carville told him:

"Fox was, is and will continue to be an asinine and ignorant network. I have not spoken to anyone in the Clinton campaign about this. I have not done domestic political consulting since President Clinton was elected. I'm not getting back into domestic political consulting. If I do go back, it would be safe to say that I'm the biggest liar in America."

Asked if he knew if Begala would join Hillary’s team, Carville responded: "To the extent that I know anything, as of nine this morning, no he is not."

© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

Energy Efficient Windows

Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with that expensive double-pane energy efficient kind, and today, I got a call from the contractor who installed them. He was complaining that the work had been completed a whole year ago and I still hadn't paid for them.

Helllooooo, just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid. So, I told him just what his fast talking sales guy had told ME last year, namely, that in ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves! Hellloooo? It's been a year! (I told him.) There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just hung up.... He never called back.

Guess I won that stupid argument. I bet he felt like an idiot.
Jigsaw Puzzle Blonde

A blonde calls her boyfriend and says, "Please come over here and help me. I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get started."

Her boyfriend asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?"

The blonde says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a rooster."

Her boyfriend decides to go over and help with the puzzle.

She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table.

He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says,

"First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a rooster."

He takes her hand and says, "Second, I want you to relax. Let's have a nice cup of tea, and then..." he said with a deep sigh,




"Let's put all the Corn Flakes back in the box."

Monday, January 07, 2008

FARM KID
(Now At San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Training)


Dear Ma and Pa, I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. But I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing. Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much.

We go on "route marches," which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.

The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls -eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges They come in boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake . I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5'6" and 130 pounds and he's 6'8" and near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter,
Alice
THE CHICKEN BUSINESS

John the farmer was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred young layers (hens), called "pullets", and ten roosters, whose job it was to fertilize the eggs.

The farmer kept records and any rooster that didn't perform went into the soup pot and was replaced. That took an awful lot of his time, so he bought a set of tiny bells and attached them to his roosters. Each bell had a different tone so John could tell from a distance, which rooster was performing. Now he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report simply by listening to the bells.

The farmer's favorite rooster was old Butch, a very fine specimen he was, too. But on this particular morning John noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all! John went to investigate.

The other roosters were chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing. The pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover.

But to Farmer John's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one. John was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Renfrew County Fair and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.

The result...The judges not only awarded old Butch the No Bell Piece Prize but they also awarded him the Pulletsurprise as well.

Clearly old Butch was a politician in the making: who else but a politician could figure out how to win two of the most highly coveted awards on our planet by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them when they weren't paying attention.

Vote carefully...the bells are not always audible
50 Things Men Wish Women Knew

Everyone who reads this blog should know that I am not PC, and I do try to be fair. I found this on a site I often visit, and was intended to be a joke, but it looks as if there is some good information here. Take as a joke, or seriously; it's your choice.

So, in the interest of fairness, and in an effort to help my fellow women, I present
50 Things Men Wish Women Knew.

1. Express yourself. It makes us proud, even if someone thinks you're wrong.

2. You look hot in running shoes and shorts. And that top thingy with the stripes.

3. Bare, tan shoulders are underrated.

4. If you think I’m speeding now, you should see me drive when you're not in the car.

5. If you're truly interested in us, don't play hard to get.

6. Shopping is a chore, not an activity.

7. When I screw up, go ahead and tell me--once.

8. No question need ever be asked through a closed bathroom door if I'm inside. I love you less with each syllable you utter.

9. I'm hot for you, not your sister or your friend or your coworker.

10. My guy friends. Not only are they not negotiable, they’re your best sign that I’m not a whack job.

11. Don't be afraid to ditch the makeup. Natural is sexier.

12. Leave the eyebrows alone. Plucked ain't pretty.

13. You can have sex with us any time you want. Seriously.

14. When the game is on, we will pay attention to you if you're nice about it. Bark, and we shut down.

15. I don't ask for directions because I’m just happy to be driving. Anywhere.

16. Masturbation is merely practice for the big game. Encourage it.

17. We crave hugs and hand-holding too. And no, it doesn't always have to lead to sex.

18. But you can have sex with us any time you want. Did we mention that?

19. There's no better sound in the world than you, having an orgasm.

20. Though the exhaust note of a Porsche Boxster is pretty damn fine, too.

21. I just may lie to make you feel good. Don’t be angry about this. You really weren't looking for the truth anyway.

22. When you get angry over some stupid little pointless thing, I question your intelligence.

23. You’re really bad at faking it.

24. If I offer my help while you're getting ready, it means you’re late.

25. Never ask me to pick out your outfit. (See above.) I will invariably get it wrong and make us even more late.

26. Giving me two or three choices, however, can be fun. Assuming you will change outfits in front of me. Slowly.

27. Err on the side of hot; I love to show you off.

28. Unless we're meeting my parents.

29. When you call us at work "just to chat," we're not really listening; we're checking our e-mail.

30. Spring means baseball and skirts. Doesn't need to be a mini-skirt; it's been a long winter.

31. Chicks who drink beer are hot. Better yet: chicks who drink beer and watch the game. Better still: chicks who buy us a beer during the game.

32. We don't mind being told we look good. Just don't call it a "cute outfit."

33. We love ponytails.

34. Being good in bed means a) enthusiasm; b) a sense of humor; and sometimes c) patience.

35. The first time? We're as nervous as you are.

36. A random unexpected grope is always welcome, even in public. Especially in public.

37. Make us laugh and we'll want to hang around.

38. Yes, I laugh really loud around the guys. And I always will, so deal.

39. Sure, men stereotypically like to solve a woman's problems. But a woman who solves her own while we watch? Instant erection.

40. You can pick the movie, but have a reason.

41. Do not expect to have a conversation via text message unless you use the words "naked" and "waiting."

42. Sometimes we wonder why any woman would want to be with us, much less someone as amazing as you. So, thanks.

43. Anytime you cook for us, we're happy.

44. If you can hit a golf ball 150 yards, we just might fall in love.

45. No, I don't remember what he said next. Or she. Or anybody, for that matter. I'm a guy, not a tape recorder.

46. We love you even more because you know we need to go out with the guys once in a while.

47. And we love it when you hang with us guys, too.

48. We have a keen sense of imminent danger. It sounds like, "Do you think she's pretty?"

49. Don't rely on us for keeping you up on the news.

50. Never say, "I know you better than you know yourself." Nobody does.
Packers Sign New Quarterback

In a news conference Deanna Favre announced she will be the starting QB for the Packers this coming Sunday. Deanna asserts that she is qualified to be starting QB because she has spent the past 16 years married to Brett while he played QB for the Packers. During this period of time she became familiar with the definition of a corner blitz, and is now completely comfortable with other terminology of the Packers offense. A survey of Packers fans shows that 50% of those polled supported the move.

Does this sounds idiotic and unbelievable to you? Well, Hillary Clinton makes the same claims as to why she is qualified to be President and 50% of democrats polled agreed. She has never run a City, County, or State.

When told Hillary Clinton has experience because she has 8 years in the white house, Dick Morris stated "so has the pastry chef".