Information, Political and Social Rants and Other Opinions.

A Colossal Fracking Mess Business: vanityfair.com

2010-06-28T11:41:00.000-04:00

A Colossal Fracking Mess Business: vanityfair.com

Professional Determination from Social Security???

2010-06-21T18:37:00.000-04:00

It is understood that applying for Social Security Disability can be difficult but, you never know how incompetent they can be until you experience it yourself. During February of 2009 I had contracted pneumonia. Three months later I still have it. Can't shake the darn thing. After doctor visits and x-rays they refer me to a Pulmonologist who makes a diagnosis of Emphysema. Calcified spots were found and medication prescribed. After all, YOU CAN'T BREATH RIGHT!

During this time, every 60 days or so I an Oncologist who takes blood monitoring Multiple Myeloma. A couple of days after my last visit with the Pulmonologist, I called him to ask about the fluid that was built up from my ankles to the tops of my thighs and abdomen; my face bloated like a melon. He recommends going the ER. By the time it is all over I have Congestive Heart Failure, high blood pressure and Amaloidysois; a protein deposited by Multiple Myeloma on my lower heart.

OH! One more thing! I have a diagnosis of being a low to moderate risk for sudden cardiac arrest!

I have been hospitalized only two times this year from heart congestion. Those familiar with all this know what "normal activity" is like. Being in the sun long is a hazard. Because of the uniqueness of my condition, my doctors are going to recommend me to the "Amyloid Treatment and Research Program at Boston University" because there is no more they can do now.

Th insult comes when Social Security determines that "Although you may experience discomfort, the evidence shows you are still able to move about and to use your arms, hands, and legs in a satisfactory manner..."

Read the full page. It is interesting and sad with its misspelling and apparently not following their own guidelines. They forgot the Emphysema and I didn't bother mentioning much about the double herniated disk.

Note on the list of reports there is an entry for a Neurologist; I never saw one. The Pulmonologist at that time was sharing space with a Neurologist and that was explained to them via phone AND email.

End of my RANT!

BBC News - Nigeria: 'World oil pollution capital'

2010-06-15T21:15:00.000-04:00

BBC News - Nigeria: 'World oil pollution capital'

OpenSecrets.org: Money in Politics -- See Who's Giving & Who's Getting

2010-04-14T11:02:00.000-04:00

OpenSecrets.org: Money in Politics -- See Who's Giving & Who's Getting

2010-02-22T13:32:00.002-05:00

A wonderful Message by George Carlin
=====================================

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller
buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower
viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less.

We buy more, but enjoy less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families, more
conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but
less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more
medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly,
laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too
late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much,
and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.

We've added years to life not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have
trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.

We conquered outer space but not inner space.

We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less.

We plan more, but accomplish less.

We've learned to rush, but not to wait.

We build more computers to hold more information, to produce
more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big
men and small character, steep profits and shallow
relationships.

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier
houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway
morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills
that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and
nothing in the stockroom.

A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a
time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to
just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they
are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in
awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave
your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because
that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and
it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your
loved ones, but most of all mean it.

A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep
inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday
that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share
the precious thoughts in your mind.

- by George Carlin.

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | China's rising nationalism troubles West

2010-01-29T21:36:00.001-05:00

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | China's rising nationalism troubles West

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BBC News - Guantanamo guard reunited with ex-inmates

2010-01-12T08:35:00.001-05:00

BBC News - Guantanamo guard reunited with ex-inmates

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Managing Conflict with Communication Ethics - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

2009-12-27T12:39:00.001-05:00

Managing Conflict with Communication Ethics - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

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Iraq inks preliminary deal to develop southern oil field_English_Xinhua

2009-12-22T11:39:00.001-05:00

Iraq inks preliminary deal to develop southern oil field_English_Xinhua

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Facebook | William Green

2009-12-17T09:38:00.001-05:00

Facebook | William Green

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The most important news and commentary to read right now. - The Slatest - Slate Magazine

2009-12-16T08:54:00.001-05:00

The most important news and commentary to read right now. - The Slatest - Slate Magazine

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A MESSAGE FOR JOE LIEBERMAN

2009-12-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

^{Proverbs 16:19}

It is better to be humble in spirit

with the lowly than to divide the spoil

with the proud

U.S. House of Representatives - Salon.com

2009-12-15T11:25:00.001-05:00

U.S. House of Representatives - Salon.com

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10 Companies to Avoid This Holiday Season | Rights and Liberties | AlterNet

2009-12-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

10 Companies to Avoid This Holiday Season | Rights and Liberties | AlterNet

6 Sex Mistakes Women Make

2009-12-05T11:29:00.000-05:00

6 Sex Mistakes Women Make

Time you women take some blame for your decisions.

Twitter

2009-12-03T17:52:00.000-05:00

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/kiNSsXVsj6JplSA2?cmpid=ey_fb_self

The most important news and commentary to read right now. - The Slatest - Slate Magazine

2009-12-03T09:02:00.000-05:00

The most important news and commentary to read right now. - The Slatest - Slate Magazine

2009-12-03T08:57:00.001-05:00

The most important news and commentary to read right now. - The Slatest - Slate Magazine

2009-12-03T08:57:00.000-05:00

The most important news and commentary to read right now. - The Slatest - Slate Magazine

WHO SAID IT WOULDN'T WORK!

The Next Islamists: The Wide Green Smudge That’s Changing Our World | RDBook | ReligionDispatches

2009-12-02T22:19:00.000-05:00

The Next Islamists: The Wide Green Smudge That’s Changing Our World | RDBook | ReligionDispatches

2009-11-20T10:53:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 11:12

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

but a man of understanding remains sile

Economic Meltdown - Widget

2009-11-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

10 Foods Most Likely to Make You Sick

2009-11-19T11:46:00.001-05:00

10 Foods Most Likely to Make You Sick

Leafy Greens, Eggs, and Tuna Are Among Foods Mostly Like to Cause Food-borne Illness

10 Foods Most Likely to Make You Sick

WISDOM

2009-11-16T09:25:00.000-05:00

^{PROVERBS 8}

⁴ “To you, O men, I call,

and my cry is to the children of man.

⁵ O simple ones, learn prudence;

O fools, learn sense.

⁶ Hear, for I will speak noble things,

and from my lips will come what is right,

⁷ for my mouth will utter truth;

wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are righteous;

there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

⁹ They are all straight to him who understands,

and right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold,

¹¹ for wisdom is better than jewels,

In House, Many Spoke With One Voice - Lobbyists’ - NYTimes.com

2009-11-15T14:35:00.000-05:00

Creative politicians now delivering speeches written by Lobbyists as they take their money!

In House, Many Spoke With One Voice - Lobbyists’ - NYTimes.com

China's role on world stage is no cause for alarm, says Obama | World news | The Observer

2009-11-15T09:47:00.000-05:00

The Chinese hierarchy are Communist and should not be trusted.

China's role on world stage is no cause for alarm, says Obama | World news | The Observer

Healthcare Reform - Salon.com

2009-11-12T11:54:00.000-05:00

Healthcare Reform - Salon.com

This is more important than federally funding abortion.

Credit Card Reform:

2009-11-10T13:15:00.000-05:00

Credit Card Reform:

YouTube - NZ Maori haka v Ireland A

2009-11-10T08:22:00.001-05:00

WHAT!!! YOU VOTED AGAINST THE HEALTH CARE BILL!!!!

Help Keep Out of State Groups Jepordizing Working Families! | Massachusetts Jobs with Justice

2009-11-09T13:37:00.000-05:00

Help Keep Out of State Groups Jepordizing Working Families! | Massachusetts Jobs with Justice

True wisdom cannot be defeated, take heed Rpublicans.

2009-11-07T11:01:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 3:2

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

7 Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Failing the Midterms

2009-11-06T18:28:00.000-05:00

Failing the Midterms

Those elections mean N O T H I N G!!!

Try again repubs.

Seniors, doctors groups throw their support behind House healthcare bill -- latimes.com

2009-11-05T15:17:00.000-05:00

Seniors, doctors groups throw their support behind House healthcare bill -- latimes.com

Washington needs to wake up! The Repubs think the past local elections were victories. If they don't pass the Health Care Bill as is they will learn how much of a victory it WASN'T!!!

GovBenefits.gov - Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS)

2009-11-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

GovBenefits.gov - Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS)

The New Faces of Day Labor | CommonDreams.org

2009-11-02T17:10:00.000-05:00

The New Faces of Day Labor | CommonDreams.org

The Great GOP Purge | PEEK | AlterNet

2009-11-02T12:41:00.000-05:00

The Great GOP Purge | PEEK | AlterNet

IT'S TRUE!!! THEY EAT THEIR OWN!!!

Lower Premiums, Stronger Businesses: How Health Insurance Reform Will Bring Down Costs for Small Businesses

2009-10-30T10:10:00.001-04:00

Lower Premiums, Stronger Businesses: How Health Insurance Reform Will Bring Down Costs for Small Businesses

Instead of listening to ideologues and liars, get the facts straight from the source. If more people spent as much time searching the whole, factual truth about an issue as much as they spend arguing they would not need to argue so much.

Hate Crime Legislation

2009-10-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

Hate Crime Legislation

A long time need FINALLY acknowledged and passed!

Contaminated Nation: Old meth lab poisons dream home in Indiana

2009-10-27T15:38:00.000-04:00

Contaminated Nation: Old meth lab poisons dream home in Indiana

Intolerance in America - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

2009-10-24T14:40:00.001-04:00

Intolerance in America - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

I'm sure this ignorance will raise its ugly head a bit more before people become better Christians.

National Institute on Drug Abuse - The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction

2009-10-23T14:13:00.000-04:00

National Institute on Drug Abuse - The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction

Contaminated Nation: ExxonMobil ruled liable for well toxins in New York

2009-10-21T10:39:00.000-04:00

Contaminated Nation: ExxonMobil ruled liable for well toxins in New York

There seems to be no end to this total lack of concern for peoples welfare. They should pay for he medical care instead of Washington!

Side-by-Side Comparison of Major Health Care Reform Proposals - Kaiser Family Foundation

2009-10-20T13:57:00.000-04:00

Side-by-Side Comparison of Major Health Care Reform Proposals - Kaiser Family Foundation

FRONTLINE: sick around the world: five capitalist democracies & how they do it | PBS

2009-10-20T13:46:00.000-04:00

FRONTLINE: sick around the world: five capitalist democracies & how they do it | PBS

This debunks the lies and distortions told by the Repubs about healthcare and countries with healthier people than ourselves.

Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness | Pesticides | US EPA

2009-10-20T12:14:00.000-04:00

Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness | Pesticides | US EPA

FORGET THE COMMERCIALS!!!

Feds Won't Arrest Medical Marijuana Users and Suppliers

2009-10-19T09:26:00.001-04:00

Feds Won't Arrest Medical Marijuana Users and Suppliers

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This a MAJOR breakthrough for pain sufferers.

OpEdNews - Article: AS THE BIG BANKS POST RECORD PROFITS AND PAY OUT OBSCENE BONUSES, WHAT SHOULD WE THE PEOPLE DO: STAND UP OR ROLL OVER?

2009-10-18T22:33:00.001-04:00

OpEdNews - Article: AS THE BIG BANKS POST RECORD PROFITS AND PAY OUT OBSCENE BONUSES, WHAT SHOULD WE THE PEOPLE DO: STAND UP OR ROLL OVER?

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Limbaugh Defenders Ignoring Long Record of Racist Remarks

2009-10-16T18:20:00.001-04:00

Limbaugh Defenders Ignoring Long Record of Racist Remarks

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Billionaire, 5 Others Charged In Insider Trading Case : NPR

2009-10-16T16:03:00.001-04:00

Billionaire, 5 Others Charged In Insider Trading Case : NPR

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What do the Repubs say all the time about the market correcting itself????

Contaminated Nation: Illinois Community Files 30 Brain Cancer Lawsuits

2009-10-16T11:41:00.001-04:00

Contaminated Nation: Illinois Community Files 30 Brain Cancer Lawsuits

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Multiply this by the many harmed people across the country and you have another reasons for Health Care.

CDC - Podcasts

2009-10-15T18:42:00.001-04:00

CDC - Podcasts

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Good information during this multi-flu season.

Basic Information | Fuel Economy | US EPA

2009-10-15T15:16:00.001-04:00

Basic Information | Fuel Economy | US EPA

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Some Coal Plants Cleanse the Air at the Expense of Waterways - Series - NYTimes.com

2009-10-14T11:40:00.001-04:00

Some Coal Plants Cleanse the Air at the Expense of Waterways - Series - NYTimes.com

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US Coal Plants Dump Thousands of Gallons of Waste Into Drinking Water Supplies a Day | Water | AlterNet

2009-10-14T09:40:00.001-04:00

US Coal Plants Dump Thousands of Gallons of Waste Into Drinking Water Supplies a Day | Water | AlterNet

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If you read my article about water, this is an excellent follow-up about what should be an on-going concern with health care. This stuff is guaranteed to make you sick and die.

Street Sights Newspaper

2009-10-13T16:11:00.001-04:00

Street Sights Newspaper

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This group has the daunting task of working in a political environment that cares little for the homeless. They need all the donations and support they can get.

Crime and Poverty

2009-10-12T20:00:00.000-04:00

Depending on your religious persuasion, poverty has been with us since the Old Testament with the ejection of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden to struggle and toil in the soil to survive and with the first recorded crime (biblically) when Cain murdered Able. Pride and jealousy were the first motivations for that crime.

During the rest of recorded history; it has always been the nature of many people to accumulate wealth at the expense of others, believing in their form of Darwinism; others justify violence against those who have much more than the rest to obtain some form of equilibrium (or socialism depending on your view) while others have the need to subjugate and dominate others while administering their own form of justice by virtue of their imposed authority. “I will administer the law and determine what is fair and just as I see fit because I have dominated you.”

Ecclesiastes 1:9-10
1:9 What exists now 1 is what will be, 2 and what has been done is what will be done;there is nothing truly new on earth. 3 1:10 Is there anything about which someone can say, “Look at this! It is new!”? 4 It was already 5 done long ago, 6 before our time. 7

This refers to the actions and behaviors of human beings; there is nothing new.

Poverty alone does not produce crime. Poverty can cause the psychological stresses motivating people to criminal behavior. There are millions in poverty and most do not commit crimes. Crime is committed by those who become desperate, frustrated, and angry at systems that ignore or deny the basics for survival and respond negatively to those feelings (Bolland, 2003). Worse, they feel hopeless and have nothing to lose by resorting to crime.

Jealousy results from those who desire what others have and combined with hopelessness, frustration and desperation will result in ant-social behavior and criminal behavior. The sum of these feelings is anger, even rage-rage at those who have much as the source of their frustration. Youth are particularly susceptible to these summed feelings converting those feelings to anger, bias, and hatred. These feelings severe enough can also produce substance abuse, depression, and suicide

Institutions perpetuating poverty…capitalism as an institution while not designed to impoverish; It does through the manipulations of criminal investors and investment institutions to produce illegal or immoral profits through convoluted transactions that produce nothing but paper.

It has become a complicated lottery that; when fails, begs for corporate welfare at the tax payers’ expense. Retirements are wiped out. People living off these investments fall into or near poverty and must return to work, if possible, to survive. The failures of Enron, AIG, the major banks, Lehman Brothers are just a few whose failures improvised people.

BBC NEWS | Business | Obama defends new consumer agency

2009-10-09T18:11:00.001-04:00

BBC NEWS | Business | Obama defends new consumer agency

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Will this make the Repubs SCREAM!!!

Thousands of U.S. Homeowners Blame Chinese Drywall for Ills - NYTimes.com

2009-10-08T13:57:00.001-04:00

Thousands of U.S. Homeowners Blame Chinese Drywall for Ills - NYTimes.com

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Getting ill in this country is hazardous enough without importing it!!!

U.S. Fails to Make Top 10 in Quality of Life Index, or Why Right-Wingers Really Hate the U.N. | World | AlterNet

2009-10-07T10:24:00.001-04:00

U.S. Fails to Make Top 10 in Quality of Life Index, or Why Right-Wingers Really Hate the U.N. | World | AlterNet

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Anything that supports the quality of life is hated by the right.

Our Drinking Water is in Danger - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

2009-10-06T17:14:00.001-04:00

Our Drinking Water is in Danger - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

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White House Moves To Extend Safety Net for Unemployed

2009-10-06T08:36:00.001-04:00

White House Moves To Extend Safety Net for Unemployed

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This is a great help but for how long?

Triond - Submit Content

2009-10-04T14:20:00.001-04:00

Triond - Submit Content

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All sin is equally egregious; not just liberals sins. I guess they find no wrong with the racist, extremist hate-mongering right behaviors which are absolutely unchristian yet the Christian Right continually makes a distinction between whose sin is the greater sin.

Again, the hypocrisy displayed from the Christian Right is disappointing. There is no command to put people on cards and pray for liberals as if only liberalâs sin. Every issue they disagree with and imply those issues to be a liberal priority are also condoned by numbers in the Republican Party which has more than its share of evil to pray for.

Pew Forum: Religious Groups Weigh In on Health Care Reform

2009-10-03T11:12:00.001-04:00

Pew Forum: Religious Groups Weigh In on Health Care Reform

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The question here is "who more closely follows the teachings of Christ and who more closely follows ideology?

Jon Stewart to Dem Senator: You're a F***ing Idiot (Video)

2009-10-03T10:42:00.001-04:00

Jon Stewart to Dem Senator: You're a F***ing Idiot (Video)

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The party does need a backbone and get to work WITHOUT the Repubs.

2009-10-02T09:47:00.001-04:00

Share

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Until companies are comfortable with conditions will they begin hiring.

Curious Clusters of Cash: Major Lobbyist-Client Connections among Health Care Interests | OpenSecrets

2009-10-01T20:06:00.001-04:00

Curious Clusters of Cash: Major Lobbyist-Client Connections among Health Care Interests | OpenSecrets

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Senator Helped Mistress?s Husband, Raising Ethics Flags - NYTimes.com

2009-10-01T17:55:00.001-04:00

Senator Helped Mistress?s Husband, Raising Ethics Flags - NYTimes.com

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Republican Leaders Call on Pelosi to Rein In Grayson - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-10-01T17:12:00.001-04:00

Republican Leaders Call on Pelosi to Rein In Grayson - Political News - FOXNews.com

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Well! As the worm squirms! Not only do they not demand their racist senator to apologize to Congress who shamed himself to most Americans, they squawk like chickens after getting the crap they have been spouting for months!

Preserving the Harvest: Pear, Port, and Thyme Conserve : Planet Green

2009-10-01T09:10:00.001-04:00

Preserving the Harvest: Pear, Port, and Thyme Conserve : Planet Green

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This is a wonderful skill to learn; preserving and pickling foods. Aside form the health benefits, you have additional choices for ingredients for dishes such as pork tenderloin roasts, roster chicken or duck.

Foreclosure Rate Surges 17 Percent - washingtonpost.com

2009-09-30T10:56:00.001-04:00

Foreclosure Rate Surges 17 Percent - washingtonpost.com

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As bad as this is there is always an opportunity for some one buying these properties.

Secret Service Probing Obama Assassination Poll on Facebook - Science News | Science

2009-09-28T17:54:00.001-04:00

Secret Service Probing Obama Assassination Poll on Facebook - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News - FOXNews.com

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Latinos to CNN: Dump Lou Dobbs Now! | | AlterNet

2009-09-26T11:12:00.001-04:00

Latinos to CNN: Dump Lou Dobbs Now! | | AlterNet

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What we don't need is another hate-sputtering bigot whose only concern are their personal biases.

From Subsidies to Entitlement in One Breath! - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

2009-09-23T20:15:00.001-04:00

From Subsidies to Entitlement in One Breath! - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

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The baloney never ends. When it is done, their supporters will be using it like everyone else

Why We Need to Talk About Obama and Racism | Newsweek Newsweek - Raina Kelley | Newsweek.com

2009-09-19T13:50:00.001-04:00

Racists and those who are indifferent live for such opportunity. When the outrage is hard enough they will crawl back into their hole. This is beyond education. These people CHOSE to be this way.

Why We Need to Talk About Obama and Racism | Newsweek Newsweek - Raina Kelley | Newsweek.com

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Who Really Crashed the Economy? | CommonDreams.org

2009-09-18T10:29:00.001-04:00

Who Really Crashed the Economy? | CommonDreams.org

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Get a piece of the whole picture.

Where Am I Now When I Need Me: Scenes From a Divorce #1

2009-09-15T09:22:00.000-04:00

Where Am I Now When I Need Me: Scenes From a Divorce #1

WHFoods: Who We Are

2009-09-13T09:34:00.001-04:00

WHFoods: Who We Are

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Learn about the healthiest foods beyond the commercial hype.

Global Voices Online For Bloggers

2009-09-12T10:19:00.003-04:00

Global Voices OnlineFor Bloggers

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Evil Hearts Exposed

2009-09-11T12:23:00.002-04:00

Please Sign in to Blogger

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Conservatives for Filthy Hands - WSJ.com

2009-09-08T16:56:00.001-04:00

Conservatives for Filthy Hands - WSJ.com

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A Discussion About Faith - Associated Content

2009-09-08T12:21:00.001-04:00

A Discussion About Faith - Associated Content

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The Journal: Profits Before Patients | Bill Moyers | PBS Video

2009-09-05T21:50:00.001-04:00

The Journal: Profits Before Patients | Bill Moyers | PBS Video

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WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!

2009-2010 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

2009-09-04T13:25:00.001-04:00

2009-2010 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

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Political Racism

2009-09-03T16:55:00.003-04:00

Contrary to the belief of many, racism is alive and well in America. Because more minorities have become successful in many areas does not mean racism and bigotry has died. On the contrary, it has transformed into modern racism. It is much more subtle and insidious, the “smile in your face; stab you in the back” type of racism. The old, violent racism is still there of course but it is hazardous there days for them to enact that violence.

Creating another “Willie Horton” is not enough.

Michael Steele will learn about that some time soon.

The recent activities fostered by the Republican Party and their supporting media hosts have allowed those fringe groups a platform to raise their ugly heads and display their vulgar behavior and character.

Political Racism unfortunately is a common tool of those with weak character to win what they could not accomplish otherwise. When autocrats are losing their assumed power over the country, they obviously resort to any low tactic to regain their former positions.

When you look through history, particularly the 20th century you see the same methods of political action and behavior. If they can’t win with reason, they will resort to bigger and bigger lies. In addition, they will hint at violence and stereotyping to encourage those who had been relatively silent about raise their heads, shaking their guns and spouting all sorts of venom while claiming to be Christian.

The likes of Glenn Beck are an example of the Christian-claiming hypocrite. I remember while living in Florida when we had revealed that he had been saved from alcoholism by an unnamed Christian denomination which he belonged to at that time. This was about the year 2000 on WFLA out of Tampa, Fl. Then, he was not the race hater/baiter he is now, unless it was all a sham. He is now a member of the LDS-Church of Latter- Day Saints. I wonder how proud they are of his hate-mongering and machinations.

Racism seems to be becoming a “respectable sin.” (Bridges,2007)

What is particularly disturbing is the lackadaisical manner the Democratic Party seems to be taking the vulgar convolutions of the Republicans. President Obama particularly has to step up and send some heat and challenge their character condoning and encouraging violence in their speech and through their proxies.

Bridges, Jerry, Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate (2007), NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO

Healthy Begins Here: Bulk Up and Save $500 a Year

2009-09-02T19:46:00.001-04:00

Healthy Begins Here: Bulk Up and Save $500 a Year

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Witnessing to New Agers | Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry

2009-09-01T22:00:00.001-04:00

Witnessing to New Agers | Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry

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African American

2009-08-30T11:51:00.001-04:00

African American

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The GOP's health care solution. - By Timothy Noah - Slate Magazine

2009-08-28T21:31:00.001-04:00

The GOP's health care solution. - By Timothy Noah - Slate Magazine

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The most important news and commentary to read right now. - The Slatest - Slate Magazine

2009-08-28T08:57:00.001-04:00

The most important news and commentary to read right now. - The Slatest - Slate Magazine

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Craft a Coracle

2009-08-26T09:05:00.001-04:00

Craft a Coracle

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NIH News Release

2009-08-25T19:33:00.001-04:00

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6 Reasons Why Women Cheat | Lifescript.com

2009-08-25T12:25:00.001-04:00

6 Reasons Why Women Cheat | Lifescript.com

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The Value of Honey - Associated Content

2009-08-24T19:38:00.001-04:00

The Value of Honey - Associated Content

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The Gravel Landscaping War

2009-08-23T18:12:00.000-04:00

What happens when you purchase a lot with what initially looks like an inch or two of pea gravel and you decide to move it and lay sod or grass seed? I had been laid off and I decided to keep busy so we decided the yard needs to be green and I badly wanted a garden and fruit trees. It took most of that year to dig myself into then out of this trap or war and remove almost all the gravel. I will never, ever buy a lot with that stuff again! Standing in that yard under full sunlight was like a broiler and an oven; heating elements top and bottom.

The heat would beat down on you and would also radiate up off the gravel. Sampling only a tiny area that was only a couple of inches deep, I ASSUMED that the whole yard was only that deep. OOPS! After moving a few 5-gal buckets full I started finding areas where the gravel was 2 then 3 then 4 then 5, and some areas 6 inches deep.

By the time I realized this, I had already moved quite an amount of gravel. While standing there and just about to decide to stop, a neighbor walks over snickering and she says “You really don’t think you’re going to move all that are you?” I was kneeling down doing something and I turned and looked up at her and said “I had been expecting you.”

She obviously misunderstood that statement by the look on her face. So to ease her mind I told her that I could hear them and “yes” I am going to move the gravel. Well! That was all I needed.

Its one thing to sit in your screened deck talking and giggling at me (I could hear them); it is another to come over and challenge me to my face and assume I was making a play for her too! Thanks to her, I made up my mind.

The gravel war is on. Before I continue, and this is for the guys who are cheap. Get a sturdy wheel-barrow. This means one with pneumatic tires, preferably one with two front tires. You understand momentarily. Also, you will learn that a garden spade is nowhere as good as a square-point shovel for gravel.

I started with a garden spade and a two five gallon buckets. After each bucket was filled, I would walk them over to the area where I started this mini mountain and dumped them. This is ok until about the 25th trip and your traps and hands and calves are burning. As the mountain grew then my shoulders begin taking a beating from lifting the buckets up enough to dump them out. All the while you can hear your neighbors giggling and chatting and drinking beer watching me.

It took a few days but finally the buckets broke and I had to buy a wheelbarrow. Purchased along with the wheelbarrow, I got a square point shovel, major improvements. Now that I’M using a wheelbarrow I soon realize that I need to clear paths through the gravel otherwise you would just end up killing yourself.

Karen came out to help me one day…one day and I never saw her there again except to bring me something cold to drink and a wet towel. My body ached more than any time playing sports, power lifting; nothing compared to that.

Another lesson learned is that while the yard looked level that was because enough gravel was laid to make it that way. DUH! Once you remove the gravel you uncover uneven ground. Hit one good bump and you dump the load so care had to be taken until I traversed the yard enough that most of the bumps were smoothed out. The wheelbarrow was a blessing and a curse.

Yes, you carried more gravel and faster but, as the mountain grows you can’t keep dumping the gravel at the base because it only spreads out. The curse comes when you have to shovel that gravel twice, into the barrow then out of the barrow. Eventually, the pneumatic tire never stayed inflated and the frame was bent pretty good but I never bought another one. It just had to do.

To prevent the mountain from spreading out I set stakes around the mountain to hold the gravel back. I learned to cut 2x4’s and set them deep enough so the weight wouldn’t collapse them. This meant buying a sledge.

Spend more money!

With the first mountain made, I began letting people know that there was pea gravel for free. Just come and get it. From here I started the garden and created a small area where I chopped most of a stump out and covered with garden soil and top soil and planted roses.

I won’t go into all the people who came by but I will tell you about the best three. The first was a bunch of guys with a full size pickup and trailer who, upon looking at my mountain laughed and said they could take it all at one time. I gave them a slight grin and said “ya really think so?” I did to them what my neighbor did to me.  After a few minutes you could see the truck bed sink lower and lower and lower. They weren’t paying too close attention because a couple of guys were loading the truck bed and the others were loading the trailer.

I just watched, snickering to myself. “Think ya can get out?” I asked him and of course he said yes with an expletive. He got in, started it up, hit the gas and…..nothing! Both truck and trailer were bottomed out. They didn’t budge an inch. You look at the mountain and it didn’t look they even touched it HAHAHA! They had to work again to unload enough to get out. They said they would come back but they never did. What a hard lesson in humility.

The next bunch was a group of retirees who were members of a local church and they came with a full size pickup truck. These guys came pumped up and raring to go! Four of them, each had a shovel; a couple drove their own vehicles. They too had misconceptions about how much gravel was there and how much they would actually leave with.

I asked these gentlemen as they shoveled if they thought they could take all that and they enthusiastically affirmed their commitment. They worked so aggressively that on a number of occasions there were near misses at people’s heads with the shovels. I decided to go inside awhile. Karen came out and offered cold drinks.

It was dejavous all over again only this time they checked before they tried to drive away. One of them ran his hand along the tire to learn that OOPS! It is bottomed out! As happened to the last bunch, they had to shovel gravel out to get out.

This time though I was sympathetic because of their ages. By the time they were done, one was sitting slouched on the gate, another was trying to clean out his shoes and moving slowly, another one was half out of his car and he said that he will never do that again. Where have I heard that before? Once the truck got out, they never came back. Another bunch bites the dust of the mountain.

The last was the best. A group of four moms and six kids came by asking for gravel. They came with buckets, one lady used the trunk of her car, and others had wagons, kid’s wagons…red ones! I loaded the car, not bottoming it out then I loaded up the kid’s buckets and wagons. They all lived only a few blocks down the street. Once loaded up they began to leave except for one little girl who started crying because the right rear wheel broke and fell off her wagon.

So I told her to hang on a minute while I went to the work shed. I got a pair of pliers and a hammer, straightened out what was left of the cotter pin and we walked together down the street stopping now and then to fix the wheel. She was so happy she could contribute! More people came by but nothing happened worth noting. After that week, I built the equivalence of two more of those mountains but the amount of work was much less and I didn’t have to spend as much time on it.

The neighborhood committee was so happy to see it go then they turn around giving me warnings of fines because I wasn’t moving the gravel fast enough and the property looked “ugly.” Retirees with nothing better to do. If I could have, I would have dumped a ton in front of the clubhouse door.

We finally got them off our backs. Eventually, I had a beautiful, productive garden, so much so I had to give food away. The yard was green and we had six fruit trees, aloe plants and a grape vine. I was in pretty good shape after that too.

This is when I cleared enough to start a garden. The pic on the bottom right is the garden progressing.

.

This is where I work most of the time.

2009-08-22T16:36:00.002-04:00

Know the Difference between Dental Insurance and Supplemental Discount Plans.

2009-08-21T13:51:00.003-04:00

When researching supplemental dental insurance you must keep in mind that it is NOT insurance through the word is used. Supplemental coverage is a discount plan that MAY be used in conjunction with your dental insurance, or, it can be used separately.

There are many companies offering discount plans, but it is recommended that you refer to known, reliable companies. Also, states have different regulations and some companies may not operate in your state. While this site is recommended on WikiAnswers.com is you find it “www.nadp.org” members companies so your information may be limited.

Where there is solid information available is at http://www.dentalplans.com. Here I found clear information to examine the differences between insurance and discount plans, the clauses involved, where you may or may not use a particular plan with a dental insurance policy. You can also find a doctor servicing that plan by Zip Code and the other plans that doctor participates in.

This site also lists by Zip Code, well-established companies who participate in your area. There is a comparison guide where the differences between a discount plan and insurance are listed in clear, plain language. Entering your Zip Code at the bottom of the page you get a list of providers in your area with the yearly rates and associated services. Many offer vision care and discounts on glasses.

Some even offer chiropractic care. Reputable companies listed are Aetna, Cigna, Optimum Health, and Signature Wellness. While comparing companies, look for information concerning the “non-duplication clause”. This clause will prevent “double payment” and of course it varies state by state. Inquire about CoB provisions or “coordination of benefits” where it states which policy pays first and also protects against payment beyond the cost of treatment. Please research the CoB provision in your state. The above description is an example and may not be exactly the same in your state.

“Purpose of COB
A COB provision ensures that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. If you or an eligible dependent have a claim that is covered by two or more group medical plans, one plan—the primary plan—pays its benefits first, regardless of the amounts payable under any other plan. The other plans—the secondary plans—will adjust their benefit payments so that the total benefits paid to you do not exceed 100% of the charge for covered expenses. http://www.ufcwmidwest.org/health/hp_cob.html

One important point to consider, beware of those plans that “are as low as…” While researching, you will find references to plans as low as $5.00 per month. Compare services and restrictions and also if anyone in your area actually honors those plans. Always remember, “BUYER BEWARE”.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_do_you_get_supplemental_dental_insurance

One in nine Americans uses food stamps.

2009-08-20T10:25:00.001-04:00

One in nine Americans uses food stamps

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CNN

2009-08-16T18:38:00.002-04:00

2009-08-15T18:29:00.001-04:00

The homeless population in the US is continually maintained and grows from foreclosures, mentally disabled and untreated veterans and other citizens, by job loss and a growing lack of affordable housing. Sometimes one gets the impression that certain political persuasions are trying to establish of “serfs” or peasants who are willing to work under any conditions to earn a living. Why it that the first things cut from budgets are those items for those who need it most.

In Rhode Island there are three “tent cities’. One tent city is in East Providence, two others in Providence. We have an ongoing saga about people bumped from an uncaring society, being ordered about form place to place while the state has sent technicians to offer state services to them but where is the roof?

True concern and compassion can be seen by Chief Wilfred “Eagle Heart” Greene and a descendant of the Revolutionary War hero Nathanial Greene, of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe on the Wampanoag Nation Reservation has offered to take them onto their lands but where is the state taking the lead in all this? Where they have taken the lead is in issuing restraining orders barring them from state owned property because the land is “unhealthy, unsafe and illegal.” This is what happens when you’re homeless! Too bad they couldn’t expend as much energy in finding them a place to live. Why can’t this state “break their yoke of poverty?

Isaiah 58:6 “Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?
7 “Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into the house;

Non-profit agencies such as NOP (Neighborhood Opportunities Program) barely hanging on themselves, never lost focus on what is important to our society; that ALL are part of society. NOP was saved by a campaign conducted by Rich (Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless) who had to force legislators and politicos to acknowledge the plight of the homeless and the work of NOP by reinstating funds that were cut…there it is again…for the year 2010. But what happens the next year? The state pays more than that to undeserving certain retirees who make more in retirement than when they were in service. More than that gets paid to the over-time cheats we see on the news.

As of August 14, 2009, the State of Rhode Island has asked a judge to evict tent city residents while they accept government funds to bail them out of their own mismanagement.

http://www.abc6.com/news/53233012.html

http://www.abc6.com/news/53037317.html

Gregory Smith, Providence Journal Staff Writer, Saturday, August 8, 2009

www.nationalhomeless.org/.../ForeclosuretoHomelessness0609.pdf

More crap from the demagogues

2009-08-14T19:17:00.001-04:00

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