The newest poll about the 2012 presidential election says one-third of Democrats and independents who lean to the left side of the field are unhappy with Barack Obama as the party’s standard-bearer and are looking for some new faces to enter the race
The startling results are from the newest WND/Wenzel Poll conducted by Wenzel Strategies. The telephone survey was conducted Oct. 22-25 and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.
Responding to a question about how satisfied they are with Obama as the nominee, only 55 percent said they were very satisfied. Another 24 percent said they were somewhat satisfied, but that group apparently started falling away quickly, because fully one-third (35 percent) said that would “prefer that someone else enter the race” for the nomination.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
KEVIN JOSEPH DOOOEY - My Nephew
The drumsticks were shortly cast by the roadside however when “Sister Jane gave (him) her old acoustic guitar.” Dooley admits it’s been “’unplugged’ ever since”. Dooley would eventually move from his home state of Michigan to Colorado upon graduating from Albion College. He would work as Community Service Director for the Y before totally committing to his music.
His first gig in Colorado would be in Boulder at Fred's. Alone or with other bands he would play many legendary clubs that now only live on in memories: Peggy's Hi-Lo, The Walrus, The Hotel Boulderado and the original Penny Lane to name but a few. He would release his debut disc, the eponymous Kevin Dooley in 1994 and begin touring on a regular basis.
Kevin Dooley was a twelve-track CD featuring all original material. He would be backed by such local legends as Drew Emmitt and Mark Vann from Leftover Salmon and The Left Hand String Band, Steve Mullins, Brock Edwards, Julie Hoest and more. It included such songs as the lead-in “Close Your Eyes" and “Anasazi Wind”. This would also lead to his being featured on KBCO's Local Music program and a gig at Studio C Performance as well.
The Midwest, Texas and The Southwest would soon become familiar territory to Dooley as he would be touring and performing live whenever he was in between projects. (To date he has “played from coast to coast” in various venues including such events as the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Telluride Blues Festival ,The Paonia Roots Fest and The Colorado Irish Festival.) His career would hit another recording highlight a couple years later (1996) when he would work with other artists to put out a compilation album titled Collage Volume 1. It would be released on the ASH Records label and include other Boulder Artists such as Laughing Hands, Julie Hoest, Marty Peters and Cody and Stewart. This project would also involve a live show at The Boulder Theatre.
The following year (1997) would also be a noteworthy one as Dooley would release another solo album Everyday Dreams. This one included more of his original material such as the title track, “Everyday Dreams”, the opener “Decidin’ Time” and fan favorite “Thirty Bucks and a Muffin”.
The new millennium would witness the release of Dooley’s next new disc titled Twilight Drive. Highlights here include “Rebecca”, and a cover of the classic cut “16 Tons”. This project would be mixed at Purplefish Studios by “the ever subtle” James Tuttle and mastered by "the master" David Glasser. It would also include guest artists such as Grammy winner Sally Van Meter on dobro and E-Town music director Chris Engleman on bass.
It would be well-received enough to encourage the release of yet another studio album in 2003. This one, Home Cookin’, in Dooley’s words included “a new bunch of original tales from the road, home and campsite.” He adds: “I play a number of instruments, drums and bass and even sing some harmonies” stating that they were both “simple and affordable” and that he will probably “put out more of them, more often.”
The next year he would bow to the requests of his fans. “I’ve been asked a bunch of times to record a CD of solo blues performances. Speaking of the 2004 release How Late'll Ya Play Til? He says: “This is it.” He also recorded a collection of folk-rock and traditional fan favorites in another album out that year called Midnight Special.
Dooley would begin a regular gig performing with an acoustic original and traditional Irish song-playing band named Parting Glass in 2006. Their weekly shows at one venue are said to be “going very well with . . . good attendance at all area shows” as well. In fact, the group was encouraged to release Live at The Bader House: Parting Glass. This is said to be 13 tracks of “very fun live” material recorded in an “intimate setting” and features band mates Beth Leachman, Steve Mullins and Chris Engleman.
When not in the studio Dooley has also opened for such legends as Bo Diddley and Leon Russel as well as “contemporaries” such as Catie Curtis, John Smith, Brooks Williams and Chanting House. He has also shared stages with artists such as Nanci Griffith, Marc Cohn, Los Lobos, Hot Tuna, Missy Raines, PineTop Perkins and more. Dooley has also managed to find time to appear on other compilations in the recent past including Colorado Blues Society 2001 (Vol.1),American Street's and Cafes (Vol. 2), Oasis Music, Acoustic Sampler (Vol. 23), Benefit for OUR House and more.
He has even had the time to score top honors such as the Crossroads Acoustic Blues Award, inclusion on the “Best of Boulder” list, was chosen to play the “main showcase” at The SWRFA Conference in Austin, Texas and was invited to join the faculty at The Rocky Mountain Folk Festival’s "Song School" on numerous occasions.
Earlier this year, however, Dooley stepped out of the studio once again with yet another solo CD. This one is titled Moonlight Highway. Dooley handles the acoustic guitar and vocal chores and is assisted by an assortment of additional artists including: Diego Voglino (drums and percussion), Eric Thorin (upright bass), Gurf Morlix (electric and bottleneck guitar and lap steel), John Magnie (accordion, Hammond B-3 and background vocals), Steve Amedee (percussion and background vocals), Jessie Burns (4 and 5 string fiddle), Eric Drobney (background vocals), Bret Billings (pedal steel) and Brian McRae (percussion).
The album opens with “Mystery Wheel”. This is one of four Dooley originals on the disc. It is also a local radio fan favorite. This is one of the best cuts on the album.
“Love’s Been Linked to the Blues” is the second selection. It’s a great, gruff cover of a song by David Olney. It has an interesting organ intro and was even chosen for inclusion on a local cable-TV channel show. Specifically, it’s used for the Longmont Happenings Music List at Oscar Blues and Larry's Guitars Concert Listings. While it is, unfortunately, not an original Dooley composition it still receives “Critic’s Choice” here . . . perhaps because Dooley makes the tune his own. It’s just an honest number.
“Silvery Moon” is an upbeat Kevin Dooley tune. It has an upbeat, traditional sound and yet in truth it’s actually very new. A cover of producer Todd Adelman’s “Ocean-Breeze, First Kiss” follows. It focuses on memories of a relationship and love at the beach or at the shore depending upon which coast one lives.
The next number is “Car Outside”. This is a clever cover of a Jimmy LaFave tune. “Ferryman” follows here. It’s a traditional piece with a new arrangement by Dooley and features Casey Driessen on fiddle.
Up next is “A Showman’s Life”. This is a cover of a tune by Jesse Winchester. It seems quite appropriate here. Another cover is next.
“This Old Porch” is actually a Robert Earl Keen song. It’s highlighted by Tommy Detamore on dobro. “Old Man at the Mill” comes next and is yet another traditional piece with a fresh arrangement by Dooley.
"Moonlight Highway" is the title track. This is also another fan favorite and successful radio cut composed by Dooley. Recently, the tune took the top slot on the ReverbNation Americana charts for CO and the number 22 spot nationally.
“The Big Easy” was written by Ray Bonneville. It’s about the disaster in New Orleans. It’s highlighted by the Kesslerettes on background vocals.
Another original Dooley work, “Sunset Town” is next. It’s yet one more example of what Dooley can do. He closes the CD with a nice cover of Tom Waits’ “Shiver Me Timbers”.
Dooley’s music is at times vaguely reminiscent of Van Morrison or even—at his best—James Taylor. His vocals are expressive and the music is produced in such a way as to not take away from the guts of the songs. Polishing up anything here would take away the personality. While a few critics might point out that Dooley is more American than Celtic on this album it seems a moot point. The truth of the matter is Dooley seems to have put together a disc that tells us something about him regardless of toward which country the music often leans.
Indeed, while the idea of a guy with a guitar traveling from tavern to tavern and singing for his supper and then going on to be recorded on albums may date back to at least the early days of Woody Guthrie’s career, Kevin Dooley holds claim to his own interesting take on the experience and successfully shares it with others on his CDs.
LINK TO KEVIN
Blindness Not Enough To Sideline California Teen
by Gloria Hillard
Taylor Howell told Vasquez High's football coach that if he wasn't blind he sure would love to play football. The coach told him he'd have to come up with a better excuse than that. The sophomore now plays center on the junior varsity team.
It's afternoon practice for the junior varsity football team at Vasquez High in Acton, Calif. A high desert wind somersaults a discarded paper plate across the line of scrimmage just before it becomes a pile of white jerseys and purple helmets.
"You were offsides," the coach yells after blowing his whistle.
The players dust themselves off and line up for the next play. At center, is Taylor, a lean 15-year-old. His quarterback, Bryan McCauley, is a few yards behind him in shotgun formation.
"Down, set, hike, good," Bryan says.
That "good" from the quarterback is valuable information for Howell, who is blind. It means his aim was dead on.
"Breaking out of the huddle after he calls the play, it's up to my guards to get me up to the line of scrimmage, make sure that I know where the ball is," he says.
On the field the tackles tell him what to do and if Taylor has a question he goes to Bryan.
"I make sure he's straight so he doesn't snap the ball crooked," he says.
Taylor Howell told Vasquez High's football coach that if he wasn't blind he sure would love to play football. The coach told him he'd have to come up with a better excuse than that. The sophomore now plays center on the junior varsity team.
It's afternoon practice for the junior varsity football team at Vasquez High in Acton, Calif. A high desert wind somersaults a discarded paper plate across the line of scrimmage just before it becomes a pile of white jerseys and purple helmets.
"You were offsides," the coach yells after blowing his whistle.
The players dust themselves off and line up for the next play. At center, is Taylor, a lean 15-year-old. His quarterback, Bryan McCauley, is a few yards behind him in shotgun formation.
"Down, set, hike, good," Bryan says.
That "good" from the quarterback is valuable information for Howell, who is blind. It means his aim was dead on.
"Breaking out of the huddle after he calls the play, it's up to my guards to get me up to the line of scrimmage, make sure that I know where the ball is," he says.
On the field the tackles tell him what to do and if Taylor has a question he goes to Bryan.
"I make sure he's straight so he doesn't snap the ball crooked," he says.
New Christmas Tradition Follow Up
Follow up on my "Christmas" idea of promoting local, American Made, and buy local GIFT CARDS.
GIFT CARDS
GIFT CARDS
Do Your Pets Notice the Switch From Daylight Saving Time?
You might think it unlikely that this weekend's switch from daylight saving time (DST) to standard time could throw your cat or dog's busy schedule — eat, sleep, eat, sleep — off-kilter. But, as it turns out, some animals are so in tune with their owners' schedules that falling back an hour can cause our furry friends some confusion.
Just like humans, animals have their own internal clocks that tell them when to eat, sleep and wake up. This biological timekeeper, also known as circadian rhythm, is set in motion by natural sunlight. However, for pets this effect is minimized by the artificial environment they live in, where light comes and goes not only with the rising and setting sun, but most often with the flip of a switch.
Native American group slams Kardashian mom comment
A Native American group is denouncing a comment Kim Kardashian's mother made on national television as being "wrong and hurtful."
The comment from Kardashian's mom, Kris Jenner, came on "Good Morning America" Thursday, when Jenner was asked if her daughter should return Kris Humphries' $2 million engagement ring after their 72-day marriage ended.
Jenner responded with a laugh, saying: "Well, I hate an Indian giver. Don't you? It's a gift. Keep your gift."
The National Congress of American Indians wasn't amused.
"The phrase 'Indian giving' is wrong and hurtful," Jacqueline Johnson Pata, executive director of the tribal advocacy group, said in a statement.
"The cultural values of Native Americans are based on giving unconditionally and empowering those around them. Instead this cultural value is forgotten when negative stereotyping of Native people occurs."
Pata noted that November is Native American Heritage Month and invited the Jenner and Kardashian family to "join with the country in learning more" about American Indian culture.
Conaider the source of the comment before making a judgement.
Take a serious look at Newt Gingrich
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has long insisted he belongs in the top tier of Republican candidates for the 2012 nomination--even in the wake of campaign staff implosions and embarrassing reports of his free-spending patronage of Tiffany's.
And as Gingrich gains noticeable momentum in the polls, the prediction markets are also starting to take him more seriously. Gingrich's stock in prediction markets such as Intrade has been gaining ground over the past few weeks, but took a sharp upward turn on Monday as the media broke a round of damaging allegations about Herman Cain: claims of sexual harassment dating to Cain's 1990s tenure at the National Restaurant Association, together with reports of campaign fundraising violations.
In the short term, the unorthodox Cain campaign has yet to show signs of flagging in the face of the charges--a new Washington Post/ABC poll shows him essentially tied with Mitt Romney atop the GOP field. But a look at the larger picture via the prediction markets shows that Cain's likelihood of actually winning the nomination is getting smaller each day. The reason that prediction markets have been so skeptical of Cain's success, from the beginning, is that no one has vetted him--meaning that the greater public scrutiny that comes with a higher-profile candidacy would produce unwelcome revelations such as the harassment charges. The insider handicappers who typically participate in prediction markets have also noted that Cain's command of social, economic and foreign policy issues comes across as amateurish.
Cain's recent troubles have created a significant opening for Gingrich, since many GOP primary voters are continuing to search for an alternative to Romney--and since the last vetted anti-Romney candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, is contending with plenty of campaign woes of his own.
Gingrich is now the third most likely Republican nominee--still way behind Romney, but just behind a still falling Perry. Thanks to his tenure as House Speaker, Gingrich is the most thoroughly vetted of all of the potential nominees. Of course, Americans have notoriously short-term memories when it comes to politics; Gingrich resigned in 1998 amid very low popularity following the government shutdowns of 1995 and 1996 and the perceived hypocrisy surrounding the Monica Lewinsky scandal and President Clinton's impeachment. You can still expect his far from scandal-free personal life to be a major issue for the religious right as social conservatives weigh his candidacy going forward.
Yet, despite such baggage, the good news for Gingrich is that the field of likely anti-Romney candidates is steadily thinning--leaving him the likeliest candidate for reconsideration among conservative GOP voters. Ron Paul is a libertarian and while he has maintained consistent support and attracted a passionate following, he has not broken into the mainstream of Republican conservatism. Jon Huntsman has been running as a moderate, gaining no traction with the Republicans. And Michelle Bachman and Rick Santorum have positioned themselves as hardline conservative candidates--in a way that has so far prevented them from garnering serious support outside the social-conservative camp.
MORE INFORMATION ON GINGRICH
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Christmas 2011 - Birth of a New Tradition
I received this today, good idea, something to think about.
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone - yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the Summer, or driveway plowed all Winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants - all offering gift certificates. And, if your intendet isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains - this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community (and 35 cents of THAT is TAX). If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this blog to everyone on your mailing list - post it to discussion groups - throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city - send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
ONE JUST OCCURRED TO ME .......... how a a Gift Card .... for Gasoline
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone - yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the Summer, or driveway plowed all Winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants - all offering gift certificates. And, if your intendet isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains - this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community (and 35 cents of THAT is TAX). If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this blog to everyone on your mailing list - post it to discussion groups - throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city - send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
ONE JUST OCCURRED TO ME .......... how a a Gift Card .... for Gasoline
CBS commentator Andy Rooney dies at 92
(CNN) -- Legendary CBS News commentator Andy Rooney, known to millions for his dry commentaries on mundane topics, died Friday night in New York. He was 92.
He had been hospitalized after suffering complications following minor surgery last month.
"It's a sad day at '60 Minutes' and for everybody here at CBS News," said Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News and the executive producer of '60 Minutes.' "It's hard to imagine not having Andy around. He loved his life and he lived it on his own terms. We will miss him very much."
He had been hospitalized after suffering complications following minor surgery last month.
"It's a sad day at '60 Minutes' and for everybody here at CBS News," said Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News and the executive producer of '60 Minutes.' "It's hard to imagine not having Andy around. He loved his life and he lived it on his own terms. We will miss him very much."
Bankrupt church wants donations for pastor’s sick wife ferried in limo
Some members of a bankrupt Orange County, Calif. megachurch are expressing outrage after fielding an email request for congregants to deliver food to waiting limos so that it can ferried to the founder's sick wife. The appeal comes weeks after a lawsuit charged that the founder of the Crystal Cathedral house of worship, Rev. Robert Schuller, and his family had been paying themselves lavish salaries and other benefits while the church was in financial straits.
"They've completely depleted the church's funds," one member, Bob Canfield, told the Orange County Register. "But they have shown that they have absolutely no remorse for what they've done. They're still being chauffeured around in limos. We, the congregants, have nothing."
An email sent recently by Crystal Cathedral administrators said that Schuller and his wife, Arvella, "would appreciate meals over the next three to four weeks." It added: "They are to be sent to the church in order to be transported to Arvella. The limo drivers could pick up the dinners or meet in the Tower Lobby around 4:30 p.m."
Arvella Schuller has been suffering from pneumonia, and the email asked that the food be low in sodium and include items such as fruit, meat, soup and eggs.
Crystal Cathedral Ministries filed for bankruptcy last month. A lawsuit filed by creditors alleges that the Schullers borrowed more than $10 million from the church's endowment fund, and used it for salaries and regular church expenses.
"R.H. Schuller used his control and influence to cause the [cathedral] to enter into the agreements that benefitted himself and his family, to the detriment of the creditors and in breach of his fiduciary duties" to the church, the suit charges.
A spokesman for the church, John Charles, said the food request was in keeping with the church's commitment to Christian charity. "As Dr. Schuller always says, 'Find a need and fill it,'" he said. "I think that's what we were trying to do here."
But Canfield sees things differently. "These are millionaires who have limos and chauffeurs," he said. "Why in God's name would they want the congregants to deliver meals? It's ludicrous."
Friday, November 4, 2011
Sandwich arrest stirs debate over eating in stores
Now there is a debate about "eating in stores." Eating while shopping and then paying for it .... BS
I could live very comfortably on what gets EATEN in Walmart and NEVER gets paid for. I see opened pop cans, candy wrappers, some half eaten sandwiches and more on each visit to Walmart.
Pay for it, then eat it. End of discussion. When doing demos at Walmart I have often had both food and drink and ALWAYS had a receipt taped to the item.
How many, I wonder, would take a tuna salad sandwich, slowly munch on it while shopping .... well, no one saw me .... its eaten now ......... "maybe I will just drop the wrapper in the trash and not pay for it."
BUY IT ............. then ............. eat or drink it, just don't give me that crap ........ "I was gonna pay for it," Yea, right .......... that's why WALMART LOSES 3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR ..... to theft.
I could live very comfortably on what gets EATEN in Walmart and NEVER gets paid for. I see opened pop cans, candy wrappers, some half eaten sandwiches and more on each visit to Walmart.
Pay for it, then eat it. End of discussion. When doing demos at Walmart I have often had both food and drink and ALWAYS had a receipt taped to the item.
How many, I wonder, would take a tuna salad sandwich, slowly munch on it while shopping .... well, no one saw me .... its eaten now ......... "maybe I will just drop the wrapper in the trash and not pay for it."
BUY IT ............. then ............. eat or drink it, just don't give me that crap ........ "I was gonna pay for it," Yea, right .......... that's why WALMART LOSES 3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR ..... to theft.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
A RARE opportunity in Ohio
Rarely do voters in any state get to confront the arrogance and greed of public employee unions at the ballot box.
When taxpayers get that chance, as in Wisconsin (the birthplace of government worker unions), they vote to defeat government of, by and for the staff and re-institute government of, by and for the people.
Such an opportunity is now before the voters of Ohio.
Issue 2 on the Nov. 8 ballot is a referendum by WeAreOhio.com of Senate Bill 5, which was championed by Ohio's new Republican governor, John Kasich, and passed last March by the new Republican majority in the Ohio Legislature.
S.B. 5 removes pension and health issues from collective bargaining while retaining collective bargaining rights for wages and hours for about 400,000 government workers in Ohio.
S.B. 5 prohibits public worker strikes, prohibits government unions from charging "fair share" dues to employees who opt out of union membership, and authorizes increases in government employee contributions (up to 15 percent) for health insurance and pensions.
A "yes" vote will keep S.B. 5, and a "no" vote will repeal it.
A similar reform effort in Wisconsin resulted in a nationally televised confrontation but has resulted in "unexpectedly" balanced budgets in school districts and city governments. School teachers have not been fired, cops are on the beat, firefighters at the ready.
Wisconsin has fallen out of the national media because Gov. Scott Walker and the Republicans were right and the unions were wrong. Reform has saved teacher jobs that were in jeopardy because of falling tax revenues.
When taxpayers get that chance, as in Wisconsin (the birthplace of government worker unions), they vote to defeat government of, by and for the staff and re-institute government of, by and for the people.
Such an opportunity is now before the voters of Ohio.
Issue 2 on the Nov. 8 ballot is a referendum by WeAreOhio.com of Senate Bill 5, which was championed by Ohio's new Republican governor, John Kasich, and passed last March by the new Republican majority in the Ohio Legislature.
S.B. 5 removes pension and health issues from collective bargaining while retaining collective bargaining rights for wages and hours for about 400,000 government workers in Ohio.
S.B. 5 prohibits public worker strikes, prohibits government unions from charging "fair share" dues to employees who opt out of union membership, and authorizes increases in government employee contributions (up to 15 percent) for health insurance and pensions.
A "yes" vote will keep S.B. 5, and a "no" vote will repeal it.
A similar reform effort in Wisconsin resulted in a nationally televised confrontation but has resulted in "unexpectedly" balanced budgets in school districts and city governments. School teachers have not been fired, cops are on the beat, firefighters at the ready.
Wisconsin has fallen out of the national media because Gov. Scott Walker and the Republicans were right and the unions were wrong. Reform has saved teacher jobs that were in jeopardy because of falling tax revenues.
YES, fix it ..... as long as it doesn't affect me ..
Voters in Ohio are FICKLE.
They voted Republican, and put a new Governor in office. He stated he would cut spending, and he was elected for that reason. Now, he is in office implementing his promises and he has stepped on a few toes, so now, they are against his proposals.
Issue 2.
Some employees, that DID NOT in the past, are now, if the Issue passes, going to have to pay their fair share. They don't like that.
Certain departments want to do their own IDEAL staffing, regardless if the personnel are available or not.
THEY liked the concept, but didn't like the execution of it. They wanted the state to SAVE money, but not if it effects them
SAVE money, but not if it effects me.
ADD Staff, even though there is no money to do so.
WE want to live in an IDEAL world.
WE want our CAKE and WE want to EAT it TOO.
If someone is trying to FIX a problem, work with them to do so, don't bring up EMOTIONAL ISSUES to try to get a response across. Don't THREATEN me or my life with situations that could arise, IF?????
They voted Republican, and put a new Governor in office. He stated he would cut spending, and he was elected for that reason. Now, he is in office implementing his promises and he has stepped on a few toes, so now, they are against his proposals.
Issue 2.
Some employees, that DID NOT in the past, are now, if the Issue passes, going to have to pay their fair share. They don't like that.
Certain departments want to do their own IDEAL staffing, regardless if the personnel are available or not.
THEY liked the concept, but didn't like the execution of it. They wanted the state to SAVE money, but not if it effects them
SAVE money, but not if it effects me.
ADD Staff, even though there is no money to do so.
WE want to live in an IDEAL world.
WE want our CAKE and WE want to EAT it TOO.
If someone is trying to FIX a problem, work with them to do so, don't bring up EMOTIONAL ISSUES to try to get a response across. Don't THREATEN me or my life with situations that could arise, IF?????
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Owner of car dealership labelled "Taliban Toyota" wins millions
Iranian-born Shawn Esfahani, owner of Eastern Shore Toyota in Daphne, Alabama, sought $28 million in compensatory and punitive damages from Bob Tyler Toyota, claiming employees at that Pensacola, Florida-based dealership falsely portrayed him as an Islamist militant to customers.
"The feeling I received in the courtroom for the truth to come out was worth a lot more than any money anybody can give me," Esfahani told Reuters on Tuesday.
Esfahani's lawsuit said that Bob Tyler sales manager Fred Kenner told at least one couple considering buying from Eastern Shore Toyota in 2009 that Esfahani was of Middle Eastern descent and was "helping fund the insurgents there and is also laundering money for them."
Firm says shale fracking caused earthquakes
LONDON (Reuters) - Shale gas exploration triggered small earthquakes near Blackpool in northwest England earlier this year, UK firm Cuadrilla Resources said, adding to concerns about the safety of a technology that is transforming U.S. energy markets.
A spokesman said on Wednesday tremors were triggered by pumping vast quantities of water at high pressure 3 kilometres underground through drill holes in a process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which is designed to prop open shale rocks and release trapped gas.
"It is highly probable that the hydraulic fracturing of Cuadrilla's Preese Hall-1 well did trigger a number of minor seismic events," a report commissioned by the company said.
Environmentalists on both sides of the Atlantic have lobbied politicians to ban fracking on concerns it leads to pollution of ground water and leakage of gas into the atmosphere.
Britain suspended fracking following the May tremor and commissioned a report into the process, but Cuadrilla has since said there was little risk that the tremors in April and May of 2.3 and 1.5 on the Richter scale, respectively, would be repeated.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Mighty Sealer ........... it works!!!!!!!!
Check out this product, I have used it a number of times and it REALLY WORKS ........... saved us having to get all new carpet and some furniture when we had a plumbing leak ........ just check it out ........
I WANT TO TAKE A LOOK
Thanks, let me know your success story .......................
I WANT TO TAKE A LOOK
Thanks, let me know your success story .......................
Political TELEPHONE Solicitation
I get a few calls a day from Parties, Issues or Politicians, and they all seem to come in as
CALLER UNKNOWN
They plaster yard signs all over the neighborhoods.
They put ads on radio and TV.
They wear their little name badges, and show up EVERYWHERE.
They appear on television on panels and question and answer shows.
And, they want me to see THEIR NAME BADGE so I know WHO to vote fore.
They have their names everywhere ........... so ........
WHY don't they want me to know they are on the phone?????????
OH, we don't answer CALLER UNKNOWN calls.
If THEY don't want me to know they are calling,
I DON'T want to VOTE for them, their party OR their Issue.
How our FRIENDS vote ..............
How they vote in the United Nations:
Below are the actual voting records of various Arabic/Islamic States which are recorded in both the US State Department and United Nations records:
Kuwait votes against the United States 67% of the time
Qatar votes against the United States 67% of the time
Morocco votes against the United States 70% of the time
United Arab Emirates votes against the United States 70% of the time.
Jordan votes against the United States 71% of the time.
Tunisia votes against the United States 71% of the time.
Saudi Arabia votes against the United States 73% of the time.
Yemen votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Algeria votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Oman votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Sudan votes against the United States 75% of the time.
Pakistan votes against the United States 75% of the time.
Libya votes against the United States 76% of the time.
Egypt votes against the United States 79% of the time.
Lebanon votes against the United States 80% of the time. India votes against the United States 81% of the time.
Syria votes against the United States 84% of the time.
Mauritania votes against the United States 87% of the time.
US Foreign Aid to those that hate us:
Egypt, for example, after voting 79% of the time against the United States, still receives $2,000,000,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.
Jordan votes 71% against the United States and receives $192,814,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.
Pakistan votes 75% against the United States and receives $6,721,000,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.
India votes 81% against the United States and receives $143,699,000 annually.
WHY? THEY ACTUALLY BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS THEM.
Popular tattooed Barbie causes controversy
The doll with the dragon tattoo?
With pink hair and tattoos across her shoulders and neck, U.S. toymaker Mattel's latest collector's edition Barbie doll could be compared more to the edgy female heroine of author Stieg Larrson's best-selling Millennium trilogy than to the more traditional Barbies.
Since its release earlier this month online, the $50 (31 pound) limited edition doll designed by Los Angeles-based fashion company tokidoki and aimed at adult collectors, has sold out but not before causing controversy.
"Is the New 'Tokidoki' Tattoo Barbie Inappropriate for Children?" the magazine U.S. News & World Report asked in a recent headline.
Some parents in the United States also questioned whether the toy company that launched the original Barbie in 1959 should be promoting body art.
"It's teaching kids to want tattoos before they are old enough to dress like that," Kevin Buckner, of Virginia, told a local television station.
No one was available from Mattel to comment on the issue but not all the feedback has been negative. Some adults said the doll reflected modern fashion and pop culture.
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