sallycp's blog

Prager University: The Middle East Problem - Informative Video

2011-11-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

Why is the Middle East Problem so intractable? Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated talk show host and best-selling author, answers that question in this thought-provoking video course:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63hTOaRu7h4

Less than six minutes, well worth the time to watch.

Thought concerning Long-term Unemployment

2011-11-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Michigan and way back then I could see the beginning of the hand witting on the wall for the auto industry.

After I graduated from college I went to work for a container producing company. We were working on qualifying steel from overseas to use in producing containers. I remember asking if we buy supplies overseas where will people in this country get jobs to buy the product packed in the containers we produce.

Of course there is another side to this story. I also remember how much the union rules interfered with my doing my job by not allowing me to write the various codes on the containers I used in my research. I had to stand over a union worker to make sure he wrote the correct codes on each container so two of us were required to do a job that should have taken me half the time to do alone.

When I was unemployed for several months and much younger I put on a short shirt and tended bar. A few weeks I made more money as a bar-maid then in my technical field. I also worked as a waitress to support my kids while I looked for a job in my field. I even jumped from the consumer field to the aerospace field with about a 10% reduction from my last job. I collected unemployment when necessary but never stopped looking for a job. But then I'm from another generation, not that of the OWS.

Chernobyl disaster 25 years ago

2011-10-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

How quickly time goes by. I was working for McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company at the time of the melt-down at Chemobyl. One of our helicopter test pilots knew one of the Russian helicopter pilots involved in covering the reactor. The Russian needed a bone marrow donor. I never heard more so I would guess he's long dead, one more victim.

During the near melt-down at Three Mile Island I was working for the Thomas J. Lipton Company in New Jersey. I traveled to one of our plants many times in Harrisburg, PA about 20 miles from Three Mile Island. Of course I didn't go to the plant during the crisis. However, I remember the fear on the part of the plant people, they were packed and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

I’m all for drilling, solar, wind, thermo, etc. but not nuclear, radioactive half-life is nearly forever.

Social Security COLA

2011-10-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Great news about the proposed raise in Social Security, however, I doubt I'll see much of a differience.

To save money I go to Mexico for meds and dental work. I pay for Plan D, however, still far cheaper to go to Mexico for my blood pressure meds. I just had seven crowns, two extractions and a partial for $1,510.00 or about the cost of two crowns in the US. The dental clinic I went to, IMO, was more advanced than any I've been to in the states. I met people who traveled by commercial air and stayed at motels during dental work and saved money over having work done in their home state.

Atlas Shrugged Revisited

2011-08-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

The good eBay members on the Chat Room The Soapbox are at it again. Well, I guess I started it by asking, Who is John Galt? I just posted:

True, the productive industrialists in Atlas Shrugged were interested in making a profit. However, to make a profit they had to employ people and produce a product or in Dagny's case provide rail transportation. Profitable companies not only create jobs, they provide a return on investment to their share holders who invested their venture capitol in the company.

In Atlas Shrugged the govt and far less able industrialists created regulations to artificially limit productivity by the able and to re-distribute money from a successful company to a failing company.

Atlas Shrugged takes it's title from Atlas who holds the earth of his back. The productive industrialists got tried of being exploited by a corrupt govt and failing businessmen and shrugged their collective shoulders and disappeared. Their businesses were zeroed out, no debts and few resources left to be looted by those who coveted their profitable businesses.

Tonight I heard a small business owner saying she may have to close her business and let her employees go. She is likely just the tip of the business closing iceberg.

Riots in the UK Bring Back Memories of Pass Riots

2011-08-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

   I was working at my first place of employment after college on the far south side of Chicago when Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. I was working at a tech center and we had hundreds of employees. We usually left work in three groups 15 minutes apart to avoid traffic congestion. We were all told to go home at the same time. Decades later I can remember seeing one of our security people standing on the roof watching for shooters. One of my co-workers heard the ping of a bullet by his feet. After I got in my car I was stuck in a traffic jam in front of the tech center for a long time, me with my bleached blond hair piled high as was the fashion.

   I picked up my kids from the baby-sitter and went home to follow the news. It looked like the south side of Chicago was going up in flames. 40 plus years later, still like yesterday!

   At that time I was dating a fireman. He told me later of driving to work with a gun in his hard resting on his steering wheel to warn off looters. When he'd be up on the ladders fighting the various fires he was being shot at. Not enough that he risked his life fighting fires, now he had to hope to not get shot.

   Buildings were burned down by some of the people who lived there. Stores were looted. A really terrible time.

The Kindle Book and Nextbook save Trees!

2011-08-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

Much as I love to read my Kindle Book instead of buying paper books I bought a netbook, brand Nextbook. I'm a classical music/ Opera lover. I've saved the price of the Nextbook, $199.00 on HSN, by the great saving available through MP3 downloads. I mentioned before creating playlists on my computer and listening to hours of great music while reading my Kindle. I can download my MP3 purchases to the Nextbook and listen to my music anywhere. Think of the paper no longer required as in the past for LP record covers. Think of not needing the material required in creating a CD and the plastic sleeve/ cover.

Another plus, I was able to download the software to read Kindle format books to both my computer and my Nextbook. So if I'm in bright light I can read the Kindle with ease. If it's dark I can read the back-lit screen on the Nextbook. The Kindle, computer and Nextbook can sync with each other to last page read.

We are a throw away society, but perhaps trough electronics we're moving a little bit pass that.

What I wanted for my 70th Birthday was an Adult Tricycle, What I got was an Increase in my Medical Insurance!

2011-07-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

I’d just go ahead and buy the rather bulky three wheeler, however:

1. I have a summer home and a winter home I don’t have enough room in my Mini Winnie to carry a tricycle cross country

2. The very expensive fold-up three wheel bikes would fold up enough to consider transporting in the Mini; however, it looks to me like my backside would be a few inches above the road. I’d like to make it to my 71th birthday. I think I’d get run over in one of these low-rider

3. So I would need a tricycle for Michigan and one for Arizona

Back to medical insurance, I received a nice greeting from the insurance company telling me I’m a year older, like I didn’t know. This supplemental insurance has gone up 50% in five years. However, I’m grateful to have medical coverage.

I can remember wanting a two wheeler as a child, now I want a three wheeler, whine, whine, and whine!

More from eBay, Questions About Heaven and Fear of Death, No!

2011-07-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Fear of Death, No!

   No, not of death, however, I'm hoping to be spared a lingering death. I nearly drowned when I was very young. I was floating along and remember seeing the blue sky through the water covering my face. It was very peaceful until my sister and one of her friends pulled me to the surface. I recall seeing the terrified look on my face as I held onto something. Perhaps for a short time I left my body, I just don't know but death has never frightened me, however, I'm concerned for my family and I feel that God has more for me to do here..

   Sunday services at our Sandy Pines park chapel is always uplifting, however, a few weeks ago perhaps more so. The pastor talked about one of my favorites, 2 Timothy 4; Paul knows he is about to executed by the Romans and is writing to Timothy:
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

   eBay and thoughts concerning Heaven to follow.....

More Wild Weather

2011-07-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

I've learned two new words recently, Derecho and Haboobs both of which hit close to home.
A derecho is a widespread, long-lived windstorm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. The mornimg of 7/11 we were hit with a pretty active storm early in the morning. A little later the major storm hit us. Our park in Hopkins, MI had a number of trees snapped and/or blown over. We were lucky compared to other parts of Michigan and many in the midwest. We were also very lucky to only be without power for about eight or nine hours. I had chairs, etc blown from my deck and a small branch blown across the street from my neigbor's tree. My son also has a site in the park so I checked his place out. His site was OK with little stuff blown around. However, two site from him was a mess. Trees were down and what you can barely see are two golf carts buried under a tree.
http://www.myneatstuff.com/personal/3562ca00.jpg

A haboob is a type of intense sandstorm commonly observed in arid regions throughout the world. They have been observed in the Sahara desert. now it would seem in Phoenix, AZ. It hit with little warning likely about a hundred miles from my winter home. I lived and worked east of Phoenix for years. I talked to friends who took a direct hit. Days later a few friends were still cleaning up the sand, another is staying inside until the air is clear. In the unlikely event any f you missed the images, check out the weather dot com website, I understand it was far worsethan the sandstorm a few years ago. Now there is a concern that there will be many cases of Valley Fever as a resultof the haboob.

Enough already!

Is the Economy Turning Around?

2011-07-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

   I'm less than two months from a decision whether or not to do the same Texas markets I did this spring traveling from Arizona to Michigan, only reversing them. I did make some money during the five weeks of Texas markets late March and April. The big however, is that I mostly got back my cost of goods sold plus rent and gas.

I keep hearing that huge companies are sitting on lots of cash that could be invested in creating jobs. I don't know if this is true but why should these rich companies risk stockholders money in a very unfriendly to business environment? As an example, the company I get a small pension from, Boeing. I guess in a very small way I'm a little like the big companies as I plan to sit on my better inventory and small horde of scrap silver, doesn't eat or spoil..

   I just read a book written 20 years ago, The Illuminati by Larry Burkett. It is fiction, however, it's possible to pick out several of today's players. The fictional President Hunt starts out as a liberal but actually turns out to be pretty decent so he was taken out by the power behind the govt. There is a George Soros look-alike. The book has a Christian orientation, however, IMO even unbelievers will find many similarities to the present these 20 years later. What many consider to be an inexperienced president making lots of dumb decisions that hurt our country I see is an agenda driven president doing the bidding of Soros and his ilk.

   I'm down to using my RV for so few markets that time to time I consider selling it and buying another high top van. Then I think about how self-sufficient the RV is, even has a large solar panel.

Do I think we're at an economic turning point? Perhaps we are past the tipping point, I pray not. However....think I'll keep my RV just in case.

Corruption starts at the local level, WTG Quartzsite!

2011-07-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Many of us pay far more attention to national politics while over-looking the activities of our local govt. My winter home of Quartzsite, AZ goes from a population of a few thousand during the summer to hundreds of thousands in the winter. Interesting times in this little dusty desert town.

Jennifer Jade Jones Arrested - June 28 Quartzsite Arizona Council Meeting going Viral Online!

Jennifer "Jade" Jones -- had her elbow injured (hospitalized) during outrageous and mysterious arrest - disorderly conduct - during peaceful statements at public podium during a town council meeting. Jones had the floor. Police chief Jeff Gilbert (positioned at wall) was directly involved. Many in Quartzsite do not understand why this police chief is not under suspension because Arizona State Dept of Public Safety is already investigating him for criminal accusations by officers in his department. Presiding officer of the meeting (Mayor) could not dissuade police from their mission. Many suspect conspiracy between police chief and council members, other than the mayor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPY3BIsVQq8

I'm a resident of Quartzsite, AZ and one of a little over a thousand registered voters. I missed this eventful Quartzsite, AZ city council meeting as I'm in Michigan for the summer. There has been a war of words between many people in Quartzsite including Jennifer and the board over out of control spending. The times I heard Jennifer speak at council meetings she seemed to me to be within the law. A year or so ago we registered voters in Quartzsite voted Ed Foster in as mayor. He, Ed has a very hostile council who voted to trim the mayor's authority after Ed was elected, but before he took office. The council is very hostile to the swap meet vendors who buy yearly city sales licenses and collect the very high Quartzsite sales tax.

I believe in the rule of law, however, I'm not so sure about the Quartzsite city council. Seems like they are a law onto themselves. The city of Quartzsite has been on a spending spree for years and there has long been a question of how legal it was. Mayor Ed Foster is trying to get some control over spending but is bullied by the council. I found the council meeting to be great drama and a reminder that corruption starts at the local level.
If this is not enough, Quartzsite declares a state of emergency, what a bunch of nonsense..

http://nation.foxnews.com/state-emergency/2011/07/13/az-town-declares-state-emergency-police-chief-takes-power-after-viral-video
WTG Quartzsite!

A quiet summer in Sandy Pines

2011-07-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

A facebook friend asked me where I was and what I'm doing. My reply got rather long so I thought I'd post it on my blog that only I ever read.

I've been mostly kicking back in Michigan and doing just the monthly flea markets in my park. I'm reading, reading and reading. Just finished Tim LaHaye's new book "Thunder of Heaven, fiction however... Next onto non-fiction and "Entebbe:... A Defining Moment in the War on Terrorism" by Idde Netanyahu.

I bought a new computer last month and discovered "ripping" Cd's to the hard drive and bought a DVD copier. I have now loaded most of my collection of operas to the computer and can set up a play list that plays for hours. I've hardly watched TV in weeks, enjoying a vary quiet and reflective summer again mostly reading and listening to music. I have the four opera Ring set on DVD or so I thought. After coping 15 hours of pagan myths to my computer I discovered that I was short the final DVD of "The Twilight of the Gods," the most important DVD, the end of paganism. Oh well, the music is great. Although Wagner got a bad rap due to Hitler liking his operas, I think Wagner was a Christian as in several of his operas the pagan gods/goddesses are discredited in the end. Reminisced of the "fallen" angles of the Bible and their Earthly off-spring. God stands outside of man's line line so I guess the pagans picked-up/ incorporated and distorted Biblical truths in their belief systems. Wagner and Christianity, something to investigate.

Sandy Pines in Hopkins, MI where I spend my summers is celebrating it's 40th year. Our park chapel i also 40 year old. Some refer to Sandy Pines as the Bible Belt of Michigan, yes. This summer our Bible Study is again one in Ray Vander Laan teaching series, "Fire on the Mountain." and Wednesday will be the third in the series of six lessons. Perhaps you, Marissa, Barbara, the ladies from the BLM Bible study group and I could have a Bible study this winter after Cloud's Jamboree. I plan to stay in the southwest until mid June next year to celebrate my mom's 100th birthday June 2012. Miss you guys and will see you this fall.

Atlas Shrugged Revisited - Another Post to eBay Chat Room

2011-06-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Have those of you how who drudge up a few negative blogs concerning this rather worn out criticism of Aye Rand actually read her book Atlas Shrugged? Any of her other books? In addition to reading several of her books, I've read Atlas Shrugged several times over the years. I was able to download a free text copy that I emailed to Kindle and received a Kindle Book compatible file that I copied to my Kindle Book. Much easier than dragging around my well worn hard copy.

I realize it's a long book, however, now 50 plus years later it reads like current events. In her book the job producers didn't send jobs overseas, rather they closed their books, paid off anything out-standing, converted their assets to gold bricks and disappeared. So whether the jobs disappeared overseas or because the producers chose to shrug their shoulders, same result, no jobs here.

Instead of asking Who is John Galt perhaps a better question would be Where is John Galt?

Earthquakes, A Pattern?

2011-03-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

On March 11 I posted on a forum that FOXNEWS just provided the link I've been following since the 2010 Easter Day earthquake. Now on the 16th once again I seem to be ahead of FOXNEWS with respect to the lead up to the 8.9 magnitude earthqu...ake as they are now discussing it. I don't have any supernatural insight, only of opening my eyes.

There were many, many earthquakes of 4.5 magnitude and above before the 8.9, a pattern?Earlier this year I noted that there were about 100 earthquakes in the BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION in about a 48 hour period.

I did a little analysis of the data from USGS and it seems the average Latitude is nearly the same as for the series of earthquakes OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN. Again, a pattern concerning the fire of fire?

This link provides a listing of earthquakes in last seven day: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_all.html In addition to the listing of earthquakes by:o Clicking on "MAP" shows the relative size and locations of earthquakeso Clicking on UTC Date time and then on Maps to get to Google Earth - Google Earth looks like the area has a severe case of measles. Interesting information.

Why I dislike Unions!

2011-02-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

With this mess in WI I reflected on the reasons I dislike the unions, early memories from shortly after graduating from college with a technical degree. BTW, divorced mother of two during last three years as a student. So here I was in 1966 with a good entry level job, a strong work ethic and two small children to raise.

Three things that happened really pi##ed me off.

1. As I was walking into the tech center on my first job there were people outside handing out fliers. The flyer concerned organizing professional employees into a technical/ engineering union. I refused the paper and said something to the effect that I worked hard to get a college degree and didn't need a union, engineers, etc. are not interchangeable.

2. As a researcher I was allowed to put up test packs in the heavily union pilot area, however... when I wanted to take my test samples back to the lab I could take only what I could carry in my arms. Only union members were allowed to push a lab cart, give me a break!!

3. I was about to label another test pack with control and test variable identifications. No I couldn't write on the test cans (of beer) or the control bottles of beer, union job. So I had to instruct the union guys on what to write on what bottles/ cans and hope they got it right. No surprise that my control bottles of beer disappeared from one test.

4. I picked my kids up after work and went shopping. I couldn't understand why it was so difficult to get the packages of meat out from under a plastic sheet. I got my meat and when to pay for it. I was told I couldn't buy meat because it was after 6:00 PM, union rules. I was polite but expressed my opinion of the unions for both making it hard on a working person to buy meat and for causing meat to go to waste. At that time I was living in Illinois and the unions were powerful. I don't know if the meat cutters' union still has so much control.

As for me and IMO, unions suck.

Going Green

2010-11-30T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here I go again on going green. I posted this on an eBay chat room:

For two years I walked the talk plus I paid for my solar setup out of my pocket, not by reaching into the taxpayers' pockets. I didn't even try for any tax credit. I used solar with a generator backup for days the panels were covered with snow, wash day and in my shop. To me the value of solar was to enable me to live in a remote area miles from the grid. I hauled water from co-op wells and loved the peace and closeness to nature. I moved back to the grid when I had to foreclose on the house I had sold on a seller carry-back years earlier. Except for solar on my RV I'm now firmly connected to the grid but I miss the independence of living off the grid. I just paid my yearly winter park rent but I am thinking more and more of staying on the BLM land next winter in my RV.

IMO alternative/ renewable energy should be used along with current energy sources. However, logic must prevail. The cost is very high and the pay back period is very long. Battery technology is a limiting factor, however, wind and sun are a free gift from God. Even my summer park in Michigan is going a little green. We're using passive solar to heat our indoor pool and geothermal energy to heat water in the laundry. Also, we're replacing propane with readily available and less expensive natural gas.

That said, I'm believe in using common sense when promoting going green. This whole green movement for the sake of going green is, IMO, a way to drag our country to the level of a third rate country. There is something very evil about the climate change, formally global warming near religion adherents.

Is God losing patience?

2010-09-08T18:07:00.000-07:00

Is God losing patience with us? My concern is that He just might have had enough. A few examples:
o In the last week, there was a 7.0 point earthquake and three 6.0 plus plus earthquakes on planet Earth.
o Sept. 6, 2010: Colombian authorities confirmed that a "giant fireball" that fell from the sky in central Colombia, was a meteorite that left a crater 100 meters in diameter when it crashed into the earth in the San Joaquin municipality in Santander.
o Sept. 7, 2010: An Indonesian volcano has spewed a towering cloud of black ash high into the air in its most powerful eruption since awaking last week from four centuries of dormancy.o Sept. 8, 2010: NASA says two small asteroids discovered just days ago will zip harmlessly past Earth on Wednesday, a double flyby that should be visible through a telescope.
o Lots of names storms; Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine and now Igor. Hurricane Earl was huge and tracked for days. Earl was more show than go. Hardly noticed was Hermine until she was hours from causing flooding and tornadoes
o Lots of tornadoes.
o Super bugs spreading diseases.
o Lots of fires; currently in Colorado and Detroit
We can only poke our thumb in God's eye so long. Add to that the fact that we are backing away from Israel, the apple of His eye. Obama referred to Israel as occupiers, by this rational, Arizona and California should be given back to Mexico.

More Discussion on eBay Concerning Faith

2010-08-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Posted on eBay's Store Chat Room 8/30/10:
kathie wrote, While I'm not sure I see God's hand in our current economic situation - the fingerprints of the politicians are all over it. I'm sure I see God's hand in our current economic situation. Meecabay, you are doing a very courageous job of defending the Faith. It's a difficult undertaking these days, the Bible warned of great deception.

I'm a life-time student. After 9/11 I read up on Islam and what I read would be more frightening if I didn't know God is in control. Our leaders, and I include both Presidents Bush's, have and are backing away from Israel. You'd think we learn that God was very serious in his text book, the Bible when he said in Genesis 12:3:
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."
We turn our backs on Israel and often within days we have a natural disaster and/or economic set-back. We now have a very anti-Israel president and his minions in office.

David Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders which presents America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage. I heard David speak on Cable and have a set of his DVDs on my wish list.

I've likely recommended this book before, a quick but informative read: Fast Facts on False Teachings By Ron Carlson, Ed Decker is an easy–to–use resource that provides powerful insights for sharing the biblical gospel with people ensnared by false religions and philosophies. The authors are cult experts provide readers quick, clear facts on the major cults and false teachings of today. Short, informative chapters contrast the cults’ theologies with the truth found in God’s Word. Included is Atheism, Buddhism, Evolution, Hinduism, Islam, Satanism and more.

For those of you who are offended by the use of God and/or Jesus please understand that it was/ is a directive:
The Great Commission - A Personal Instruction:
The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible. First, it's the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Second, it's a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth. The Great Commission is found in the Gospel of Matthew.

Before many of you marginalize the Bible by saying it's a book made up by man. The Bible is the Word inspirited by God and was written by about 40 authors over a period of hundreds of years. Hundreds of prophecies have been fulfilled. Here is a link to a list of Prophecies that Jesus Christ Fulfilled, Link. This is a very good source of information as it's a table lay-out of:
o What the prophecy was
o Where in the Old Testament the Prophecy is written
o Where in the New Testament the Prophecy is fulfilled

I feel a great sadness for the many lost souls and yes, There will be tears in Heaven, I knew, why didn't I tell you......

Michigan State University - When Did It Go So Wrong?

2010-08-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

IMO, another sign of a declining country.

I've long recommended a college education in a field sought after by businesses, usually technical in nature. Once the graduate has worked a few years, go for an advanced degree, usually paid for by your employer. I realize that not all high school graduates want to go to college/ are cut out for college so learn a trade which will usually provide a good living.

Earlier this month a student from Michigan State University (MSU) called for a donation. I graduated from MSU way back in 1966. I asked about the current cost of tuition. When I attended MSU we were on term hours and 180 term hours were required to graduate. MSU went to semester hours long ago so now 120 semester credits are required to graduate. When I went to MSU tuition was $112.00 a term for 12 or more credits or about $1,344.00 for four years. Now tuition is $371.00 per semester hour for the first two years and $406.25 per semester hour for the final two years. This would be nearly $47,000.oo in tuition compared to $1,344.00 in my day.

Inflation, lets check it out. I had a job offer several months before I graduated from MSU, $7,500.00 per year or roughly 5.58 time as much as my tuition for four years. I haven't checked what 2010 grads are making to start out in my field but I'm sure it's not 5.58 times $47,000 tuition. BTW, back in the day (6/1966) $7,500/ year was a good starting salary.

I'm still a promoter of achieving a solid and salable college degree, however, the Return on Investment has sure gone to he##. What happen? I had great teachers in high school and in college, technical degree not a liberal arts degree. I was able to get good paying jobs throughout my career. Back in the day, and IMO, there was a far greater bang for the buck for college tuition. Fold in books, fees and housing and the many students graduating with a not in demand degrees, OMG!

Quartzsite, Arizona and Political Malfeasance

2010-05-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

I attended tonight's Quartzsite, AZ City Council meeting. We elected a new mayor last week, however, the outgoing mayor held sway over most of the meeting. The swearing in of the new mayor could not be done until after the election was approved. This was done at the end of the meeting rather than the beginning as was the usual case. Also, early in the meeting with the out-going mayor still in charge ordinances were passed to "revise the powers and duties of the mayor." Goes to show you political malfeasance starts at the local level. I suspect that several members of the City Council will be recalled ASAP!

An eBay Chat Thread: Re: Economy- What im seeing is NOT good- how about you?

2010-05-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

A member wrote Susan...think about pasta, flour, beans and rice too. Airtight containers for the bugs. Coffee, salt, oil and drink mixes.

I added my experience/ advise:
Plus water and some way to purify water. Wind power/ solar power to create electricity. Solar oven perhaps. If you're in a cold climate, a wood burning stove that does NOT depend on an electrical fan. I think pellet stoves require a fan so stick with those that use wood. I have a metal shelving unit that I wanted to get rid of until I thought, a perfect drying rack. And to repeat for the hundredth time, get rid of credit and buy silver!

I have to go to my summer home in Michigan and prepare it for sale. Then back to Arizona and getting serious about stocking up. I'll likely add another solar panel to my RV and check into making/ buying a solar oven. One major drawback to solar/ wind is batteries but better than no power. I have a fairly large mobile here in Arizona but am considering selling it and living in my Mini Winnie on a smaller RV site or on the BLM. This year it cost $180.00 to be allowed on BLM land for seven months. The BLM supplies free dump stations and water.. So once a week or so off to the dump station and and taking on fresh water. If you're fussy, you can go in town for filtered water.

I'm not new to this as I had the perfect survival home in the mid to late 90s. Wood burning stove, 4,000 gallon water store tank, co-op well, solar backed up with a generator, propane refrigerator and a large green house. I had to drive 25 miles of gut wrenching dirt roads, the chicken laid about two eggs a week and was eaten by the wild critters plus the rabbits ate my vegetables. I really didn't take the coming millennium seriously and sold the place for a tidy profit just before the millennium.

I didn't really expect the world to come crashing around us and a total break-down of society, however, the wheels are coming off so I rather expect .......

Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva Urges Boycott of Arizona

2010-05-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is month old news, however, Congressman Raul Grijalva has not backed down. So here is our own Arizona member of the United States Congress recommending other states boycott Arizona. Facebook has a group BOYCOTT EVERYBODY WHO BOYCOTTS ARIZONA!: I would like to add, Boycott Congressman Raul Grijalva in the November election!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=123635724328686

Saudi woman beats up virtue cop

2010-05-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Normally I'm a Law and Order person, however, the repression in Saudi Arabia is beyond the pale: Saudi law does not permit women to be in public spaces without a male guardian. Women are not allowed to drive, inherit, divorce or gain custody of children, and cannot socialize with unrelated men. Here is the link to this story:

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=175779

The woman involved could be imprisoned and beaten. And to think our president bowed to the Saudi king. Harbingers of things to come?

White House: No New Drilling Until Answers on Accident

2010-04-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

White House says it will not go forward with new offshore drilling until oil spill cause has been reviewed White House: No New Drilling Until Answers on Accident
Link

As soon as I heard about the Earth Day Oil Spill given the timing I thought I'll bet eco-terriorists were involved. However, every follow-up article I've read says it was an accident and/or carelessness. Offshore rigs have survived hurricanes, etc. However, and of course, the White House appears to be using this to promote it's green agenda (cap and trade, etc). That said and as I often said before I lived the green life for two years with the exception of gas for a back-up generator which I seldom used. I'm for renewable/ alternative energy to free us from depending on oil from people who want to kill us as infidels. Also let's drill, build wind farms, passive and non-passive solar, etc. now! Wind and sun is FREE!

Wind Generator in my Backyard

2010-03-29T23:28:00.000-07:00

Although I live in Quartzsite, AZ I have five plus acres of high desert land near Holbrook, AZ. My neighbor gave me a heads up to the fact that permits have been applied for to build a wind farm across the road from my property. I have long criticize the Kennedy's for fighting wind generators in their yachting area so...now in my backyard. Actually I'm rather excited to think that by not blocking the construction of these generators, I'm helping in my small way. Can't wait to see them!

Israel basks in heatwave as Europe freezes

2010-01-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

Israelis headed for the beach at the weekend to enjoy a winter heatwave, with temperatures rising into the high 20s Celsius (high 70s Fahrenheit) as much of northern Europe shivered in a cold snap.

Link: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1141331.html

Meanwhile, More than 150 flights from Germany's largest airport, Frankfurt, have been cancelled as snowfall continues. Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8449906.stm

Germany is just one of the European counties suffering from extreme weather. It seems much of the planet is ignoring God's promise to the Jews:
Genesis 12 3:
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Goodby Wally?

2009-11-30T17:53:00.000-08:00

My neighbor Wally was just taken to the hospital. Last night his girl friend took him out to eat and he couldn't get out of the bathroom so the fire dept. got him out. He refused to go to the hospital so his friend finally got him home and into his 5th wheel. Later he again couldn't get up so back came the fire dept. Today I checked on him and again he couldn't get up. I helped him as best I could so he could at least relieve himself. Today I checked the fire dept to see what could be done, nothing as long as he refused help and was alert. Tonight his girl friend hoped to get him to eat but again we couldn't get him up off the floor. The fire dept came out again, third time in a little over 24 hours. He agreed to go to the hospital until they had him on a stretcher. He said no but the fire fighter got his to go. The last I saw of him he was getting a much needed an IV.

He's been a great neighbor and I'll miss him as I doubt that he'll be able to live on his own. Up until last year he was able to walk several miles every day. He just fell apart health wise. Just a reminder of how times can change so quickly. I pray that he is OK with the lord, only God knows.

Abortion of the Unborn OK but don't Hurt the Cats and Dogs

2009-11-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

I'm a FOXNEWS fan, however, they run anti-cruelty to animals advertisements showing images of beaten dogs, starved carts and more. Now, should you attempt to show an aborted baby, not allowed.

Here is a link to images of the horror of aborted babies, many fully developed:
http://www.100abortionpictures.com/Aborted_Baby_Pictures_Abortion_Photos/

I saw the diagrams of how babies were aborted by the Dr. Tillers of the world. Line drawings don't begin to show the horrific results.

Please understand that I love animals and would turn anyone in who is abusing them. However, could we just show a little more concern for the unborn?

Someday we'll all stand in judgement for what we did "for the least of these." How will you be judged? Should you ask for forgiveness? It is not too late.

A Trip Down Computer Memory Lane

2009-10-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

In a Coffee Cup chat room someone started us on a trip down computer memory lane. Here is my musing:

I think it was a Sinclair that I used with my TV as a monitor. I learned a few Basic lines, circular goto and run and would watch a looping message. I got pretty adapt with C-64's Consultant and maintained about a thousand record file of square dance calls on it, I was learning to dance at Challenge Level Four. I burnt out on challenge square dancing but not computers. The C-64 taught me to create a sequential file and pull it into a new file description. Then something before a 280, a 380 and on and on. For a number of years I had a PC at work that could operate in PC mote or as a terminal to the IBM mainframe. I joked that I was too much woman for one computer and would often be running procedures on both. I never really knew what I was doing but I did it well. I was self-taught in 4GLs such as SAS, FOCUS, Clist, Culprit and more. I still use circa mid 80s dBase III Plus to maintain my telephone list. Learned early to hate menus as to controlling, still love the dBase lll dot command.

Almost forgot, first storage was a C-64 tape then an external floppy disk drive, thought I was in high cotton. After the C-64 had a Compaq 30 pound lunch box with an external hard drive that cost a cool thousand dollars for 20 MB. A laptop and then a series of notebooks and now an aging Dell XPS that is nearly four years old and dropping the o key unless I hit it hard.

2009-09-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Sept. 10, 2009 - Chavez Calls for Israeli Withdrawal from Occupied Syrian Golan:
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2009/09/10/244312.htm

Sept. 13, 2009 - Powerful quake rattles Venezuela:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8252950.stm

I guess Chavez doesn't take God's Word seriously:
Genesis 12 3 "I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."

Sad to say, our president and his associates seem to ignore God's Word as well. Could this arrogance be responsible for the sad state of our country?

911 Big Difference Between 2001 and 2009 - Could It Be Who's in Charge?

2009-09-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Obama wants 911 to be a day of service, so was he watching as 300 plus firefighters ran into the towers only to be crushed to death. What of the people who helped strangers. Perhaps Obama wants us to forget what Muslims following the Quran did that horrific day.

I almost expect Obama to ask these terrorists to be his friends on Face Book. We are getting soft on the very terrorists who want to kill us.

Compare Obama's rhetoric with President Bush's comments after 911:

"Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended," spoke President Bush, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, after Islamic terrorists hijacked passenger jets, flying two into New York's World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon and one which crashed in Pennsylvania. That evening President Bush stated: "Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. Pictures of planes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger." President Bush continued: "America was targeted...because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world...I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve...I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.'" On September 13, 2001, President Bush stated: "Scripture says: 'Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.' I call on every American...to observe a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance...In the face of all this evil, we remain strong and united, 'One Nation Under God.'"

I fear for our country, as
Glenn Beck would say, Wake up America!

Rather a differience in Libya's Reaction to President Obama than to President Bush

2009-09-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

I seem to recall that Quaddafi told President Bush and/or the UN that they could come to Libya and look for weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Now under President Obama Libya is set to flaunt the Lockerbie bomber’s release at the climax of today’s celebrations marking Colonel Muammar Qaddafi's 40 years in power.

It seems to me that Obama is trying to be friends and with a people who have killed Americans, are killing Americans and will kill American whenever possible. In my opinion we are far less safe with Obama in control or lack there of.

While I can't know what's really in Obama's heart, I question his profession of Christianity. He is pulling support from Israel and is disregarding God's Word:
Genesis 12:3 (King James Version) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Many think than Obama still adheres to Islam, the religion of his father and step-father. Again, I don't know what's in this man's heart, however, here is a reprint from an article of interest:

The February 4th edition of the Federal Register announced that on January 27th President Obama signed an executive order supplying $20 million in aid to enable Palestinian refugees from Gaza to migrate to the United States. All of these would be supporters of the terrorist organization called Hamas!

There appears to be a definite pattern developing in Obama’s early decisions regarding the Muslim world:

o His first call to any head of state was to Mahmoud Abbas, resident of the Palestinian Authority.
o His first one-on-one interview with any news organization was with Al Arabia television.
o He ordered Guantanamo Bay closed and all military trials of the terrorist detainees halted.
o He ordered all overseas CIA terrorist interrogation centers closed.
o He withdrew all charges against the masterminds behind the USS Cole and 9/11 terrorist attacks.
o He announced that he is ready to negotiate with Iran and the Taliban.
o He announced that Israel must accept the creation of a Palestinian state within its heartland.

Terrorist Compassionate Release - How Crazy is That?

2009-08-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

"The Scottish government is said to be close to announcing that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, a Libyan who is serving a life term with a minimum of 27 years, will be freed next week because he is gravely ill with terminal prostate cancer. "

Are these people nuts? The only way Muslims are assured that the moon god Allah will welcome them to the so called "Islamic paradise" is to be killed in jihad, the Arabic word for "holy war." So here we have a terrorist dying of natural causes, no guarantee of paradise. What better candidate is there for jihad than a dying Islamic adherent seeking paradise? I heard politicians referring to Islam as a religion of peace, what planet are they from. In theory the terrorists are Islamic Fundamentalists. However, any Muslim who obeys the Quran is tasked to perform jihad.

My prayer is that more Muslims will convert to Christianity, a true religion of peace. If they applied their intense religious orientation, what evangelists they would be. Actually, many Muslims are turning to Christ, risking honor killing by their families, may the true God protect these converts.

Really Great Ecommerce Shopping Cart

2009-08-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a fellow eBay member about Coffee Cup's ecommerce software. Here is my response for anyone who may be looking for a shopping cart:

Coffee Cup (CC) cart is really easy to work with. My shop is nearing 700 items and I really, really like and recommend it. I plan to continue to take advantage of eBay's five free auctions a month and 35 cent FP listing. eBay is still the industry icon.

CC cart Negatives at this time:
o No counter so I use Google Analysts which only shows category number and product ID so you have to cross reference with a list of item id
o No in-site search and CC's flash search doesn't seem to work with the cart, some in the CC cart community have added in-site search, beyond me at this time
o Only one category depth
o No inventory control, just qty on hand field

CC cart Positives:
o Ease of creating and adding to cart
o Interface with CC's site mapper and ease of submitting to Google
o Great CS
o Helpful forums
o Free upgrades for registered software
o Works with more than PayPal
o Copying and/ or moving an item from one category to another is simple
o Shop source is on my computer, a biggie for me
o and more

The pro version should be out soon and will be backward compatible. The cost of pro still not published.

For years I maintained an off-eBay store built with cuteSITEbuilder. Lots of work as it's not an ecommerce software. I had to break my store into several sub-directories and build parent-child relationships for product to category, a real pain and made for large files. CC's cart is far, far better!

Check the CC forums. I'm very happy with the cart and expect it to get even better.

Charity Giving

2009-07-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

I was looking at some of the discussions I had with libs before the presidential election of 2008. Here's what I found concerning giving to charity:

1. Sen. Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, have given an average of $369 per year to charities during the past decade, according to tax returns posted today to Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign Web site.

2. Sen. John McCain, the Republican Presidential nominee, in 2007 reported $405,409 in total income and contributed $105,467, or 26 percent of his total income, to charity.

3. Sen. Obama, and his wife, Michelle, donated $240,000 in 2007, or about 5.7 percent of the couple’s $4.2-million in reported income.

The libs want the so called rich to "Pay their share". Sounds like the libs are the ones who should pay their share. As for me, I'm on a low fixed income and give to faith based organizations and church, after all, God takes care of me so it's only right that I give back. Oh my, there I go again judging others, oops, I keep forgetting what the Master said, "Judge not that you may not be judged."

1918 Influenza - Family Loss

2009-07-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

Concerning Swine Flu or the more PC name, H1N1 Flu, it hits rather close to home for me. I think Michigan was running a few months behind the country with respect to the timing of the flu and people were still dying in 1919.

My 97 year old mother tells me of when she, her mother and all her then four sisters except one had the so called 1918 Influenza. My healthy grandfather and my Aunt Minnie took care of the family. All in my mom's family recovered but not so with my father's family. Dad lost both his grandmothers in the spring of 1919 to the influenza according to family sources. Imagine losing both your grandmothers as a little child. Pictured above are Barbara Thayer Armitage and Elisabeth Paul Cooper dead decades before my parents met.

Mom's family were farmers with deep roots in the soil of Michigan and all survived. My father's family were more city folks and suffered losses. Perhaps that made a difference.

The Hand of God Protected Sandy Pines!

2009-07-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

About 4:00 AM or so last Saturday morning we were having an impressive thunder storm here in Sandy Pines, http://www.sandypines.com/ my summer home. My 75 pound dog crawled in bed and plastered her trembling body against me. I listened for a warning siren, none. I finally got up and turned on the TV, nothing. By now the rain was coming down so hard you couldn't see outside. Then I thought it was hailing. The drapes on my porch were blowing and one rod was blown off. The wind was unbelievable and over in a flash. I finally went back to bed, got up and ate breakfast. I heard chain saws and finally hopped in my golf cart to check out the neighborhood. The park loop where my son has a place was blocked by a huge tree across the road on the right. I was able to drive around the loop from the left by dodging around more trees. My son's place was OK. God bless his little Agnostic heart, as he rocked in his trailer he said he thought that he might find out if mom's right about the after-life. At least that's a little progress....

More than a hundred trees were knocked over or uprooted in the park. Some claim it was only a wind sheer and other (including me) think it was a small tornado. Our park has camp sites and trees fell between tents not hurting anyone. My neighbor about 230 feet down the road lost part of a huge hardwood tree. Surely God keep us safe. Another neighbor had a tree fall between his RV and car doing no damage. In another phase a tree sliced through a park model to within a foot of a couple asleep in their bed, quite a way to wake up.

There were many stories of how close people and or property came to having trees drop on them. No one was hurt and property damage was very limited.

Our park is a religious park for the most part. So...yes, the hand of God protected us. Thank you Lord Jesus!

To the Honorable Raul M. Grijalva - My US Representative

2009-04-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

I emailed my Representative concerning the upcoming Hate crime legislation. I expanded the email to include other concerns. I've written Rep. Grijalva a number of times only to receive form emails. Email as follows:

Me again! Once again exposing myself to the consequences of speaking out. Speaking out, once guaranteed by the First Amendment, puts me at risk of being labeled an extremist.
The Democrats won an overwhelming victory in Nov. You now control the gov't, however, remember that you and your fellow Democrats will someday stand in judgement of God. As for me, I want to hear myself referred to as "My good and faithful servant", what of you and your fellow Democrats? Before voting on hate legislature please reflect on the Word of God. Do you really want men of God being persecuted for quoting the Bible?
I've always been and remain a loyal American, in fact, I was awarded a total of three secret level clearances in the 80s. I now fear we are being sold out by those in power. Now as a Bible believing Christian I'm branded as an extremist, good grief, have we come to that? Just what is going on in the minds of Democrats? Do you as a political party still hate President Bush to the point of blindness? Hate crime legislation that will impact speaking the Word of God, abortion rights, embryo stem cell research, witch hunts that compromise our national security, what is your party thinking? Add to that our backing away from support of Israel!
I will continue to pray for your well-being as well as all those in power here in America. I also pray that God will bless you and open your eyes as you vote.

Jesus Christ has Risen!

2009-04-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

As I sit here on my computer during this, the Holy Week I wonder at the blindness of people. Several cable stations are carrying investigations as to the reliability of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The Heavens declare the Glory of God! Only someone naive could look at the night sky and say there is no Creator, just a Big Bang and all is a result of random events. Please, our Creator spoke the World into existence. He came to Earth as a man to ransom himself for our salvation. What a simple thing it would be for Jesus to return to life? It's easier to believe in the Divinity of Jesus that to deny it.

Will God Still Bless America?

2009-01-25T22:48:00.001-08:00

With the new president comes Executive Orders concerning supporting international abortions, stem cell and same sex marriage. I suspect that hard on the heels of these major deviations from any moral compass will be a lessening of support for Israel.
Genesis 12:3:
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Our country certainly needs God's blessing and Israel needs our support. But then, much of Washington DC is on board to forget God.

Music from Bear Valley - My Witness on the Today Show

2008-11-26T00:07:00.000-08:00

Are we accelerating down that slippery slope to a Godless country? I was reminded of the time I was interviewed by a Today Show employee; here is my witness:

I had a God given chance to testify on national TV in the early 80s. I was living and working in the Bay area of California and camping in Bear Valley weekends. Bear Valley in the Sierras above Angles Camp taking route 49 as I recall. There is something called "Music from Bear Valley" for three weekends during the summer. I raved to the ticket sellers/ takers at the concerts how wonderful to be able to camp and attend concerts at the same time. The next weekend the Today staff was filming a special segment on the concerts in Bear Valley and wanted to interview a camper who came to camp and for the concerts. As I was one of two campers they knew about and the only tent camper (I was younger then), I was chosen. The Today people came to my campsite in the very open free camping area. I was asked if I thought this was a proper place for concerts and I was taken back. I asked "What better place for concerts than God's cathedral". The interesting thing is that Today recorded three hours of film and cut it down to four minutes. My testimony was included but I wonder if it would be today as we, as a country, stray further from God.

According to Jesse Jackson "Decades of putting Israel's interests first" would end with a President Obama

2008-10-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Of course this is coming from good old Jesse, he of playing the race card. Jesse does more to hold the blacks back than any white bigot possible could. The Rev. Martin Luther King was a great man and must be doing flip-flops in his grave over how Jesse has sold out the blacks for his own political gain. Now Jesse is suppose to be a good Christian. Perhaps he thinks that Geneses 12:3 no longer applies America, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you". Remember Jesse, God was talking about how we treat the Jews.

America is slipping in her support of Israel. What has happened to this country that was founded as a Christian nation? We kill the unborn and celebrate immoral behavior.

Here is the Jesse link, you decide his agenda:

http://www.nypost.com/php/pfriendly/print.php?url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/10142008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_o_jesse_knows_133450.htm

Freedom of Speech, where is it? For Democrats only?

2008-10-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Senator Obama just plain scares me.

Free speech is under assault: Today's Feature... Hands up! You're under arrest for saying 'Hussein Obama!' Here's the link:

http://www.gopusa.com/theloft/?p=795

From the article:
Sheriff Scott stepped to the podium and said, "On November 4, let's leave Barack Hussein Obama wondering what happened." Seems Sheriff Scott had a visit from the FBI for pronouncing Senator Barack Hussein Obama complete name.

When I first hear about the massive amounts of money being given to Senator Obama I too wondered if a major portion of this money was coming from Islamic countries. Seems lots of money in his coffers from unknown overseas donors.Whatever happens in November, we, the American people will get the president voted in.

I remember living in the Chicago area in the mid 60s to mid 70s. Every election the senior Mayor Daley would prove once again that he could resurrect the dead as many in cemeteries arose to vote for the Democratic party. Rather than worrying that the Republicans will steal the election, more likely the Dems.

Tax Payers Against a Wall Street and Mortgage Bailout

2008-09-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the link:

http://www.petitiononline.com:80/bailout/petition.html

DVD "Obsession"

2008-09-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I bought the DVD "Obsession", a copy for me and one as a gift. Now DVDs of this film are being mass distributed via newspapers. No surprise the liberal bias new sources are crying foul and that this must be a GOP plot to scare voters. Well, we should be scared! There are people who hate us and want to kill us, blue states as well as red states. If you receive a DVD, please take the time to watch it.

As far as radical Islam is concerned, read the book, "What Every American Needs To Know about the Qur'an - A History of Islam & the United States" by William J. Federer. Chapter and literally verse!

The fact that CAIR, Council on American-Islamic Relations, is also crying foul suggests that the film hits just a little too close to home.

For Two Years I Walked the Talk with Respect to Alternative Energy

2008-09-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

More than 10 years ago I lived off the power grid for two years. I had six 55 watt solar panels, four golf cart batteries, four huge batteries that I think were T-12 or something and a Trace Inverter/converter. As many appliances are on standby and use power when turned off, I kept my TV and satellite controller box on a power strip which I kept on off when not in use. I used low input/ high out light bulbs. My Trace would invert DC to AC for household use. When I'd use the wash machine, I turn the generator on. The Trace would convert the AC power into DC and charge my batteries. I usually got by on solar except when washing clothes, the panels were covered with snow or on those few overcast days in Arizona. I moved back on the power grid in 1997 but enjoyed the near energy independence for those two years.

As for today, I have a solar panel on my Class B RV and use compact fluorescent bulbs at home. Several years ago I started a chat room for ALTERNATIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY, http://www.ioffer.com/clubs/show/256 several years ago but found little interest.

Will the Dems Ever Quit Their Witch Hunt? "Obama May Bring Criminal Charges Against Bush"

2008-09-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

Sounds like these two ding dongs would make old Senator Joseph McCarthy look reasonable:

http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/bush_criminal_charges/2008/09/04/127696.html?s=al&promo_code=6958-1

If you enjoy your freedom and the right to speak up, vote Republican!!!

And I wonder why nothing gets done by our Congress!

2008-08-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

On July, 31. 2008 I sent the following to my US Congressman:

Dear Congressman Grijalva,
U.S. JUDGE SAYS WHITE HOUSE AIDES CAN BE SUBPOENAED
It's email titles like this that really make me question just how hard any of the Democrats (and some Republicans) are working for their fellow Americans, more to the point, do you care? Is this continuing witch hunt of more importance then your fellow Americans?
Drill off-shore, etc. Stop the spin that the oil companies have so many leases not being explored, dud, like they would not drill if they (the oil companies) thought they could turn a profit; capitalism that built this great country. In addition to drilling off-shore what of Alaska? In that vast land surely a little area can be spared to keep us from supporting our enemies with buying imported oil.
We live in Arizona where the wind and sun are a given, what of wind generations, solar cells. I hope you don't share Senator Kennedy's hypocrisy of "not in my neighborhood (in his case not in his yachting area).
If I sound mad, yes I am. I worded for decades as a technologist and computer geek. Had I ever been rated anywhere near as poorly as Congress is, I'd been fired.
One person can make a difference! Stand up for your fellow American and encourage your co-workers in Congress to remember who them work for.
Thank you and God bless you and God bless America,

******************************************************************
Here is the Congressman's reply, well someone in his office. All I can say is that my email was read selectively. The reader picked up on my desire for alternative/ renewable energy but miss the earlier paragraph where I said Drill now! ******************************************************************
Reply from Rep. Raul Grijalva August 19, 2008
Thank you for writing to me to express your views about the need for alternative energy sources. I am heartened by the number of constituents who have taken the time to contact me and speak up on this important issue.
The energy crisis is undeniably one of the most pressing issues facing our country today. I believe strongly in the need for a coherent, forward-thinking energy policy, and I spend a great deal of time and effort in pursuit of that goal as a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. The further we progress toward a comprehensive renewable energy portfolio, the less we will be forced to rely on the artificial price controls that are often necessitated by the volatile oil and gas market.
I and other Democrats in Congress will continue to make every effort to support funding for increased fuel efficiency standards on automobiles, research and development of alternative sources of energy, and promotion of new technologies that would reduce our dependence on nonrenewable sources.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns with me. I hope you will continue to stay in touch on the issues that matter most to you.
Sincerely,
Raul M. Grijalva
Member of Congress

Do the Social Progressives (SP) hate America and Want to Destroy it?

2008-08-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

It's estimated that we send 700 billion dollars over-seas to buy oil with lots of the money
going to our enemies:

1. Think of it, we provide the means to buy the bullets that are killing our military.
2. Russia is saber rattling again and coming from a position of strength due to their oil
reserves
3. Childish Iran is playing with it's grown up toys bought with oil money

In addition to security factors, what of our economy:

1. Developing our resources here would assure our energy independence
1. Developing our resources here would create jobs
2. We would keep that 700 billion dollar a year in our country
Although a native of Michigan I've lived in the Southwest for nearly 30 years. People say
there are two things for sure in this world, death and taxes. Wind generators, solar panels,
passive heating and more, lets just get off our back sides and do it. Oh wait a minute,
our devoted Congress is on it's extended and unearned vacation.

2008-08-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

From my website "thePoliticallyincorrect club"

I was born in a very small town in Michigan. I remember growing up knowing that the election held little important. If you won the Republican Primary, you could count on winning the election. So regardless of the years I was a registered Democrat or Independent, I'm a "Cradle Republican."
On my father's side, my grandfather was a State Representative for seven sessions. Also, he owned five small town newspapers at various times. My grandmother wrote for the papers and raised her family. Later my father took the papers over and sold them to a syndicated chain. Both of my father's parents had graduated from college with two year degrees, quite an accomplishment in the late 1800's.
My mother came from a farming family. As a child, I can't remember a time when either grandmother wasn't working. Both grew huge gardens. During World War II my mother, a Registered Nurse, was a "Rosie the riveter" for a while. Two of our ancestors fought in the American Revolution and one in the War of 1912. Some of my mother's ancestors settled in America in the early 1600's.
My parents were divorced when I was a toddler. At age six I contracted polio which left me with a disability and a "can do" attitude. I had two children in my late teens and a divorce a few years later. At the age of 22 I was a broke single mother and a freshman in college. I graduate in 1966 a broke single mother and in debt. It took me years and a few threats from my debtors to get my student loans paid off. I had people tell me how lucky I was to have a good education that allowed me to procure good jobs. Luck may have played a part, the luck of being raised with hard working role models was far more important. As a result I have little tolerance for those people who expect to be taken care of by our government, people who will not take personal responsibility.
After two college degrees and 30 plus years in the corporate world as a hybrid Packaging Engineer/ System Analyst, I retired for medical reasons. Not one to kick back, I now pursue more creative venues creating and selling handcrafted jewelry Online as well as twisting the tail of the out-of-control liberals.

What's Happening with California's Time Warner and the Christian Channels?

2008-08-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Time Warner Cable in the Palm Desert, CA area has moved the two Christian channels to three digits numbers from two digits numbers. The result is that now viewers have to get a receiver and pay to get the channels they could before as part of their basic service. As I understand, a controller box will be required for each TV set. As far as I can find out, only these two have been bumped up. My mother and many of her The Greatest Generation friends have great difficulty getting to church and are on fixed incomes. So one more expense and more electronics for these wonderful ladies to deal with!

It has often been said that the only group one can put down in this PC climate is the Christians. Imagine if the channels effected were any other religious group!

I have calls in to Time Warner to clarify the issue and to TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network).

Follow-up note from 8/13/2008:
I understand that Time Warner is taking lots of heat for their decision to change the status of the above two Christian networks. The controller boxes will be free but there will be a monthly charge of $7.50. Add to that the cost to have a tech install the controller box is $30.00 and each TV will require one.
Given that my mother is 96, extremely low vision and about 2,400 miles from my summer home suggests that she will have to pay the $30.00 per set. All this just to get what viewers had as part of their basic service until last week.
More discrimination against Christians?

Follow-up note from 8/27/2008:
Talked to my mom today. Seems this was discussed at the Palm Desert Senior center. Time Warner has had so many complaints that they are considering moving the Christian stations back to two digit numbers or a return to last month's service. Who knows, I don't trust Time Warner at this time but just maybe.
As for me, I called and called; religious organizations as well as Time Warner headquarters and their local office. You see, I recall the old hymn, "Onward Christian Sholdiers". I think too many of today's Christians belong to the Laodicea Church.

I support Drilling as Well as Alternative Renewal Energy

2008-08-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

As Congress takes their August recess the average American struggles to purchase gas and higher priced food, etc resulting from high energy costs. We must develop our resources as well as renewable. Please check out the T. Boone Pickens Plan at http://www.pickensplan.com/.

As regards renewable energy, I walked the talk. I lived off the power grid for two years. I had six 55 watt solar panels, four golf cart batteries, four huge batteries that I think were T-12 or something and a Trace Inverter/converter. As many appliances are on standby and use power when turned off, I kept my TV and satellite controller box on a power strip which I kept on off when not in use. I used low input/ high out light bulbs. My Trace would invert DC to AC for household use. When I'd use the wash machine, I turn the generator on. The Trace would convert the AC power into DC and charge my batteries. I usually got by on solar except when washing clothes, the panels were covered with snow or on those few overcast days in Arizona. I moved back on the power grid in 1997 but enjoyed the near energy Independence for those two years. While I'm back on the power grid, I do have a large solar panel on my Class B RV and use compact fluorescent bulbs at home.

So Little Time So Many Selling Websites!

2008-08-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

As with all my selling venues, my original website, Universal Expressions features The Sara Jane Collection, my handcrafted jewelry made with turquoise, coral, malachite, amber, amethyst, lapis, Rhodochrosite, rhodonite, jasper, magnetic, millefiori, candy jade, opalite and more. In addition to my handcrafted jewelry and crafts, I have an extensive inventory of jewelry crafted by Native Americans as well as imported jewelry including turquoise, coral, lapis and other stores set sterling silver. I offer men's and women's bracelets, rings, necklace, earrings and jewelry sets.