Some tv's will become nothing more than paper weights...

One local television station has the daily countdown to when those who don't have cable or one of the converter boxes will no longer be able to access what used to be ability to have free television stations. The system of handing out coupons is a joke, as an example, we never got ours but the website claims we did when I tried to request two, so we could very well not be able to access television when this happens. It will create more room on the tv stand in the living room, unless I decide to leave it there to pretend we actually have a television in that room...

Should your credit rating matter?

One of the things that has always made me wonder when it comes to auto insurance quotes is the reliance on your credit history score as a factor. Using someone's driving record is completely understandable, but the idea that your credit score somehow should be a factor in the price that you pay to insure your home or your car has always been puzzling. Those who are poor have not been statistically proven to be worse drivers than those who are rich, it's one of those strange things that if we as consumers were not forced to purchase insurance as we are in some states, we might have a better ability to create change.

A Tale of another Kennedy...

For some reason this moment is not getting much media face time given the most recent Kennedy expressing they should be automatically considered for office, I came across it when I was searching for background on a quote:

Back in 2001, the ninth son of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, Max Kennedy, flirted with the idea of running for political office. A story in the New York Times Magazine recounted his ill-fated attempt at a stump speech riddled with trite one-liners like these: "I want to fight for all of you. I'll commit myself heart and soul to be the kind of congressman who cares about you. I'll dedicate myself to fighting for working families to have a fair chance. I make you this one pledge: I will always be there for you."

Kennedy's handler pressed him repeatedly for a "take-away message," something of substance that his audience would remember. "What do you want people to take away from it?" he asked several different ways. The would-be candidate stammered and couldn't think of much other than "I'm a nice guy," until finally he admitted, "I don't know. Whatever it has to be."

Las Vegas has a reputation of freedom...

One of the things you hear often about Las Vegas is "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" but there is an interesting side note to the City that many might not know as they book into that las vegas hotel and walk out on the strip.

Judges have consistently ruled that the walkway under the Fremont Street Experience is a public forum, meaning the First Amendment applies there. On the strip, the courts stated that such activities as handing out pamphlets, even ones that advertise the services of escorts or other "personal" services are protected there as well.

Quotes...

I was searching quotes and came across this one:

Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. – John Adams (1814)

It's surprising how often that quote is used, and the many times it has been debated. In searching for more information on the actual quote, I came across this post that you may find very interesting, Democracy = Death that was written in 2004. The part pertaining to this quote:

WE MUST ATTACK AND DEFEAT DEMOCRACY!

That is the summation of Founder theory on the matter of democracy. Alexander Hamilton: “Our real disease - which is democracy.” John Adams: “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.” Fisher Ames: “The known propensity of a democracy is to licentiousness which the ambitious call, and ignorant believe to be liberty.” Albert Gallatin: “The Bill (of Rights)…establishes some rights of the individual unalienable and which consequently, no majority has a right to deprive them of.” James Madison: “A pure democracy…can admit no cure to the mischiefs of faction.” Gouverneur Morris: “We have seen the tumult of democracies…everywhere terminated, in despotism.” John Quincy Adams: “of all human governments, democracy was the most unstable, fluctuating and short lived.” John Whitherspoon: “Democracy cannot subsist long…it is subject to the madness of popular rage.” Benjamin Rush: “A simple democracy…is one of the greatest evils.” Noah Webster: “(Democracy) is one of the most tyrannical governments on earth.”

Some might find that offensive but the reality is, the United States was not designed to be a "true" Democracy, we are a Republic. It's always always amazed me the number of people that don't realize there is a difference...

I thought of a clothing designer...

As I was searching and came across the name,Patek Philippe, I first thought he had to be some type of clothing designer. I discovered it's actually the name of a Swiss watch company that is known for making watches for not only the rich and famous but for others as well. It was interesting to discover the most expensive watch ever sold at a Sotheby's auction was designed by the Pate Philippe company, selling for $1.49 million dollars.

It was a tourbillon watch, which I learned meant that it was designed to negate the effect of gravity that at one time was felt to have an affect on time keeping pieces.

Mistaking Libertarianism for "right wing" doctrine

I came across this piece and wanted to share it since I think it addresses some of the misconceptions out there that some hold when it comes to especially the social issue aspect of what most Libertarians believe:

Libertarianism is often thought of as “right-wing” doctrine. This, however, is mistaken for at least two reasons. First, on social—rather than economic—issues, libertarianism tends to be “left-wing”. It opposes laws that restrict consensual and private sexual relationships between adults (e.g., gay sex, non-marital sex, and deviant sex), laws that restrict drug use, laws that impose religious views or practices on individuals, and compulsory military service. Second, in addition to the better-known version of libertarianism, right-libertarianism, there is also a version known as “left-libertarianism”. Both endorse full self-ownership, but they differ with respect to the powers agents have to appropriate unappropriated natural resources (land, air, water, etc.). Right-libertarianism holds that typically such resources may be appropriated by the first person who discovers them, mixes her labor with them, or merely claims them—without the consent of others, and with little or no payment to them. Left-libertarianism, by contrast, holds that unappropriated natural resources belong to everyone in some egalitarian manner. It can, for example, require those who claim rights over natural resources to make a payment to others for the value of those rights. This can provide the basis for a kind of egalitarian redistribution.

Small businesses still the future...

With all of the focus on bailouts and millions if not billions of dollars spent on these larger industries. At times I think our government forgets that one of the main creators of jobs in the United States is the small business. Despite the economic downturn, there are still quite a few different types of small business opportunity scenarios out there that could be of interest. While it's always crucial to research any business opportunity, there are a industries where now might just be the time if you've dreamed of owning your own small business.

Key words designed to catch your attention...

Part of marketing is to use key words to get your attention, which is especially true when it comes to credit card offers. It stands to reason when you see something like, 0 apr 15 months it's going to catch your interest. While I always recommend reading the fine print, the whole goal of marketing is to first draw your attention to the major selling point of the product.

T-shirts with humor and at times not always funny...

I have quite a few t-shirts with sayings that I don't always wear but are almost like a collection, normally I prefer funny t shirts though I have quite a few from a variety of political campaigns. One that strikes me as becoming more and more of how I feel but is designed to be in humor is this saying:



There's quite a bit of temptation in that motto for 2009...

Libertarians want there to be no Government?

The headline of this opinion piece caught my attention, How America's Greatest Libertarian Experiment failed; but as I sat down to read it, I have to say I did not agree with a great deal of what was stated. What I thought might be an interesting post turned out to be one that was not only not correct but was an anti-libertarian piece:

As an example:

One way to view them is this: Libertarians are to Government as Atheists are to Religion. Atheists want there to be no God. Libertarians want there to be no Government.

Atheists don't believe there is a God, therefore it's not a matter of them "wanting" there to be no God, that would imply they believed he existed. Nor do Libertarians want there to be no Government. They want a more limited government, one that is more true to the functions of the Constitution and one where personal freedom is not overly impacted by Government.

This article though is a good example of the misconceptions out there that exist about what Libertarianism is.

The latest on the weight loss product world

In the past few years there have been a variety of products that have hit the internet and store shelves designed to help people loose weight. From different types of berries or fruits to different chemical compounds the diet industry has grown to be a multi-billion dollar one. The most recent product to get quite a bit of attention is alli which has not only been advertised online and on television but there was a huge display with information and the product at several local grocery stores in town. It's interesting to watch which products go mainstream and which ones remain an internet focus.

Will the toaster make it through security...

My oldest daughter is home visiting and she has decided that she wants to take her toaster back with her when she goes back to California. My husband is convinced that if she tries to take it in her luggage as a carry on that it will never pass through screening, that she'd be lucky to have it pass through as a checked bag.

He's offered to ship it to her, but the reality is since it was an inexpensive toaster it would realistically almost be cheaper to buy a new one there than it would be to ship it. How will this end? I'll keep you updated as to the next episode of "As the Toaster Travels".

A Libertarian Defense of Social Conservatism

I'm not sure I agree with everything that Randall Hoven wrote about liberals, but his piece A Libertarian Defense of Social Conservatism makes some points that are worth not only reading but discussing. A small bit of what he shared:

Who are the true liberty killers?

The most obvious point to me is that it is the do-gooding liberals who are telling us all what we can and can't do. The religious right usually just wants to be left alone, either to home school, pray in public or not get their children vaccinated with who-knows-what. Inasmuch as the "religious right" wants some things outlawed, they have failed miserably for at least the last 50 years. Abortion, sodomy, and pornography are now all Constitutional rights. However, praying in public school is outlawed, based on that same Constitution.

Just think for a moment about the things you are actually forced to do or are prevented from doing. Seat belts. Motorcycle helmets. Bicycle helmets. Smoking. Gun purchase and ownership restrictions. Mandatory vaccines for your children. Car emissions inspections. Campaign ad and contribution restrictions. Saying a prayer at a public school graduation or football game. Trash separation and recycling. Keeping the money you earned. Gas tax. Telephone tax. Income tax. FICA withholding. Fill in this form. Provide ID.

For the most part, the list just cited is post-1960. Neither Pat Robertson nor James Dobson ever forced any of that on us.

Fat burners make me think about the other fat

Whenever I see commercials or websites about fat burners I can't help think about what if there was a magic cure that could make fat disappear from more than just people. What if there could be a quick and painless way to cut fat from a budget, or a company or an educational system. Of course there isn't just as even with some of the fat burning products out there it always requires a bit more than just taking a product, it requires following a reasonable eating plan and exercise...

Would a Republican return to "morality" help the Libertarian Party?

This comment that was left on my other blog made me think...It was on the topic of the Ohio Republican party being split on should their focus be on social issues and morality or fiscal conservative/small government. There appears to be a split where some from the part of the party that supports the social issue/morality aspect wanting to have the candidate for the new director of the Ohio GOP not be selected:

I think myself that the Republican Party needs to be the party of "morality". We already have a party that looks after least government: the Libertarian Party. The Republican Party has been whoring after the "Religious Right", and now is thoroughly associated with it. If I want to vote for a party whose only interests is fiscal responsibility I think Libertarian, not Republican. Hopefully, the Republican Party will split between the "moralists" and "fiscal conservatives". It looks like we'll be seeing a new tripolar political system in the next election.

Credit and car insurance...

The reality is the insurance industry is in existence to make a profit, else they would not exist, what I've always found interesting about car insurance is the fact that it's not just your driving record in some places that affect what your rates will be, your credit history can also have an impact. It's as if the implication is being made that if you have bad credit you will somehow be a bad driver. Ironically most of the bad drivers I know, have enough money that the fear of increased rates doesn't seem to affect their ability to change their driving habits...

What if Bob Barr had won?

I came across this article that was written on November 4th that takes a look at what would have happened had Bob Barr won on election night. Of course we know with the way the media and the political process is set up to keep us attached to the two party system what a long shot this would be, but rather than take a serious look at what Barr could have accomplished? We have pieces like this one that are mocking:

JULY 4, 2009

Standing outside of Faneuil Hall in Boston, Barr delivers an Independence Day speech denouncing "tyranny in all its forms," citing especially Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and cookbooks. "Who is Irma Rombauer to tell you how to braise that coq au vin?" he tells a confused crowd. Gourmet magazine achieves political awareness.

DEC. 17, 2009

Prostitution is officially decriminalized. Eliot Spitzer high-fives an imaginary friend and returns to begging for change.

Is it any wonder few take the National Post serious?

What POS means...

Here in Ohio and I'm sure in other places we have a not so nice reference to junk cars where we will call them a "POS" so it was not until recently I discovered that the real definition for "POS" was "point of sale" and that there are many different retail pos systems out there that retail stores use. This has of course influenced my thinking and now when someone talks about why they feel their car is a total "POS" I have to laugh and let them know what the term really means, which in a way could still fit since a few would be more than happy to unload these cars.

:-)

Television's forgotten candidates

Gee, it's always nice to read about presidential candidates being compared to missing children on milk cartons...That is however unfortunately a true comparison that is made in this Miami Herald article. Some of the recommended article:

The lefty media critics at Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting issued a Barr Nader study Tuesday that says the three broadcast-network news divisions -- ABC, NBC and CBS -- have mentioned Barr and Nader a total of 31 times all year along. (In poor Nader's case, two of the mentions came when he was the punchline in jokes by late-night comedians that were included in newscasts.)

The study, which also mentions two lesser third-party candidacies (the Green Party's Cynthia McKinney and the Constitution Party's Chuck Baldwin, notes that the traditional network explanation for excluding everybody but Republicans and Democrats -- that they won't attract enough votes to make a difference -- "makes this outcome more or less a self-fulfilling prophecy." That's a fair point, though I'm not sure it's entirely correct: Until the bottom dropped out of the economy a few weeks ago, the election looked close and it's entirely conceivable that Nader or Barr could deprived one of the candidates of victory, as Nader arguably did to Al Gore in 2000.

Problem is no one is going to do anything about it, we've allowed the two party system to take total control and the media is just as responsible for that as the two parties are. They could cover these candidates if they were actually interested in real historic firsts or new ideas.

I could never be a patent engineer...

I came across the description through the patent office for ball lock pins because someone mentioned it and I really was not sure what it was. When I read the description, it was much more confusing than looking at an actual picture of what a ball lock pin was. First the description:

A device for holding together two objects with aligned holes has a body formed with a passage centered on an axis, a tubular bolt axially displaceable in the passage and having a front end projecting from the body and a rear end, and a first spring braced between the bolt and the body for urging the bolt axially rearward relative to the body. A pin axially displaceable in the bolt is formed with a radially outwardly open recess having an angled front flank. At least one retaining element, normally a ball, is radially displaceable in the body front end between a retaining position projecting radially from the bolt and a retracted position recessed in the bolt and engaged in the recess. A second spring urges the pin axially rearward in the bolt and thereby urges the angled flank axially into engagement with the retaining element to press same outward into the retaining position.

Now the picture, and if you are like me, you said, "Oh...Now I know what that is."

Interview with Bob Barr

Recommended interview in the AJC that I found while searching tonight. A few parts of what was reported:

His purpose now is to make the difference between Obama and McCain in as many states as possible in the final days, Barr said. Power, and respect, comes with the ability to change the outcome of a given situation.

“We’ve deliberately left the last several days very flexible, depending on what the poll numbers and the spread between Obama and McCain show in several state,” Barr said. Which Ohio, North Carolina — and at least two days here. He’s got a 2 p.m. Monday appearance at the University of Georgia in Athens.

“From what I’m hearing, and looking at the numbers, the dramatic increase in registration, the dramatic numbers of early voters, there is an awful lot of support building for Obama. And I think Republicans have a lot to be worried about in Georgia,” he said.

I remember when...

I remember when updating your computer to 128 was "the ultimate" and had as much memory as your computer could handle. Now of course that's different and you need more than that just to run the Windows operating systems. Thankfully while the required amount of memory has changed, how easy it is to add more memory to your computer has not changed. It's one of the easiest things you can do on your own to enhance your online experience.

Nader polling above Barr

It would be interesting to figure out why Nader is polling above Barr. I know several democrats who have stated that they would vote for Nader as a protest vote, yet I wonder if some of the traditional libertarians are leaning towards McCain because they believe the election is going to be close...

Wearing many hats...

Part of the reason I've been absent here has been because I'm involved in trying to promote a non-partisan voter information forum here in Toledo for the unhoused and volunteers who work in our community. In addition to that, my "normal" life duties of being a mother, a wife, a grandmother and a weekly newspaper columnist have made me feel as if I'm wearing more than one hat at a time. It's been a challenge, but one that is worth it.

The election has been crazy...

For those who have noted my absence, my other local blog has been really time consuming. I'll be glad when this election is over. That said, an interesting article that suggests that Both Parties Should Lose this Election that makes some very valid points.

A few of those:

The anchor of this election season has been a fairly fixed sentiment among the electorate that they have had enough of George Bush and Republican rule.

That, in and of itself, doesn't determine the outcome. Candidate races come down to: Compared with whom? John McCain, for example, has consistently outperformed the Republican brand in the presidential race.

Left largely unexamined, however, is the flip side of the sentiment to give the Republicans the boot. What would it mean if voters gave Democrats largely unchecked power at the national level, the presidency and large enough majorities in Congress to run over the Republican minority? Would the result be something the American people want?

In reciting this litany, however, it becomes clear how little grounds the Republicans have to criticize it, except for taxes.

Big government spending programs? Bush proposed the largest expansion of the federal role in education since Jimmy Carter with No Child Left Behind and the largest expansion of the entitlement state since Lyndon Johnson with his Medicare prescription-drug benefit. Most congressional Republicans supported them.

Racking up deficits? Bush is the champ.

Interfering in the private economy? The Bush administration just partially nationalized the banks, forcing healthy banks to accept public capital they didn't want.

John McCain once could have legitimately claimed to serve as a check on Democratic excesses, particularly on spending. And Americans seem to like divided government.

However, McCain supported the $700 billion bailout and proposes that the federal government spend an additional $300 billion buying up mortgages at face value. Vetoing earmarks isn't going to make up for that.

So, there you have it: An election Republicans deserve to lose but Democrats don't deserve to win.

The plastic bag weight loss theory?

My husband is convinced if he wears a plastic garbage bag under his shirt that he will increase his sweating and somehow loose more weight. I can't seem to convince him that while it will make him sweat more that he's not going to drop any appreciable pounds that way. He'd be much better off looking at some of the top rated diet pills or finding a low calorie diet that he can live with. Not to mention I wouldn't have to hear him crinkle every time he walks by...

Go wireless young man..

Cheesy take off on "Go West Young Man" but having a wireless router can make things much easier when it comes to having more than one computer in your house. It stops you from having to run cat 5 from the top floor to the basement and with some of the new routers they have out there, there is no huge difference when it comes to connection speed.

Most new laptops have a wireless card built in but even with towers it's not a difficult situation to add a wireless card or to use a USB.

Media coverage of third party candidates

I was shocked, USA Today actually wrote about third party candidates, in Georgia while at first you might think it was nice to see some actual news coverage for once. A few parts of the recommended article first create hope that it might actually be real coverage:

ATLANTA — One is a blunt-spoken former Georgia congressman who helped lead the drive to impeach President Clinton in 1998 and later became a strong advocate of civil liberties after the 9/11 attacks.

The other is a firebrand former Georgia congresswoman who filed articles of impeachment against President Bush and Vice President Cheney and later became an impassioned voice for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Then we get to the typical way third party candidates are treated:

David Johnson, CEO of the public relations and public affairs agency Strategic Vision, doesn't expect Barr to exceed 3% on Nov. 4. "This race is very close," he says of the national campaign. "Republicans who might have basic difficulties with McCain, former Hillary (Rodham Clinton) supporters who might have basic difficulties with Obama, they're not going to waste a vote on a third-party candidate."

Third-party candidates usually poll better early in a campaign when voters disgruntled by major-party candidates consider voting for them, says Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia. "But as you approach election day, it is obvious that either the Democrat or the Republican will be elected president," he says. "At that point, people do not want to throw away their vote."

Any vote is never a throw away or a wasted vote...

Still on the topic of babies...

Currently we have one of those portable play pens that we use when my grand daughter is over to play in and take naps in. Now with a second baby arriving in the family it seems as if it's time to purchase a crib to have here. Since the baby area of the house is in the living room, I started searching for crib bedding that would not totally throw off the color scheme for the rest of the downstairs. At BabyEarth I found some really nice sets, some in organic cotton that would perfectly match what I have without it looking as if I've turned my living room into a nursery room. Another plus to this site is orders over $99 are shipped free.

On a happier note...

Not long ago I learned I was going to be a grandmother again, which probably isn't the proper way to phrase that since once you are one, you are one. It's way to early to know the sex of the baby, but it is never too early to start shopping for items like baby bedding since there are many styles and patterns out there that would work for either a boy or a girl. At times you can find some really great deals.

Gee even with the bailout stocks still slumping...

I don't know why some of our media is shocked that the bailout plan that was already quickly signed by President Bush didn't help the stock market to recover. It's pretty clear that quite a few experts realized that it wasn't the solution, or at least the way it was written wasn't the solution and that it would take years for this to have a real impact on the "Main Street" they keep trying to say they are focusing on. It makes you wonder if anyone in Congress has taken any kind of budgeting and planning courses to even have a common sense clue as to how we got here and what it will take to fix it.

Rehabbing our government...

At times when you watch our government and it's addiction to pork and spending, I can't help thinking what would happen if we created some type of a 12 step drug treatment program for government and elected officials. Would it help create a scenario where they saw their self destructive behavior needed to be addressed?

Then I remember one of the first steps of drug rehab, you have to actually first admit you have a problem before any type of help would work. Getting our government and especially some of our elected officials to take personal responsibility instead of finger pointing might be more than we could ever expect...

Carlo Lottieri and Italy...

One reason I want to visit Italy, is to learn more about Carlo Lottieri who studied philosophy in Genoa and sociology in Geneva who is a well known Libertarian. His thesis was written under the direction of Raymond Boudon and his topic was Idéologie et science dans la sociologie politique de Gaetano Mosca. In 1989 he received a Claude Lambe Fellowship from the Institute for Humane Studies, (Fairfax, VA), in 1990 a fellowship from the European Council and in 1991 another one from the Murst (Italian department of the universitarian education).

Another reason would be to actually try Italian recipes in Italy, from what I understand there is a difference in how we've americanized many of the dishes...

The Libertarian Case for McCain

From Reason Magazine, I recommend the full piece, but one that I have felt before has some validity:

2) Divided government!

As George Will put it in his Washington Post column today, "Divided government compels compromises that curb each party's excesses, especially both parties' proclivities for excessive spending when unconstrained by an institution controlled by the other party. William Niskanen, chairman of the libertarian Cato Institute, notes that in the past 50 years, 'government spending has increased an average of only 1.73 percent annually during periods of divided government. This number more than triples, to 5.26 percent, for periods of unified government.'"

Other marketing things I notice...

One tip I've learned when it comes to marketing things online is the purposeful use of a misspelled word to help enhance search ranking terms. This is because they realize that there is a large number of people out there that misspell words, take as an example the phrase weight loss pills instead of "weight loss pills," there are thousands of products out there for that term but less for the misspelling...Recognizing this helps some of these companies gain a higher search ranking for their product which in turn, helps them sell more.

Natural products make sense to me...

I've never been a huge fan of chemical products, not just because of the environment, but because of the economic factor. That said, I always find it funny when I see that organic products or products with the "natural" label attached to them typically cost more. It is a very smart marketing ploy attached to products from natural acne treatment to natural cereal, because it makes some consumers feel good to buy products that are "natural" and in many cases they are willing to pay more. If they were not? The free market would create a scenario where they would have to drop their prices for the product to sell.

Bob Barr and privacy...

Interesting article for those concerned about privacy:

The Democratic and Republican candidates for U.S. president aren't giving enough emphasis to privacy and civil rights issues, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate for president, said Friday.

Privacy issues received no mention at the Democratic and Republican national conventions during the past two weeks, said Barr, a former Republican congressman from Georgia, speaking at an EPIC press conference. Debates about privacy and civil rights issues, including government surveillance of U.S. residents and routine searches of laptops at U.S. borders, were "nowhere to be seen" at the conventions, Barr said.

Barr spoke during the launch of a new EPIC campaign called Privacy '08. The goal is to make privacy issues a larger part of the campaign debate and to educate voters about privacy issues, said Marc Rotenberg, EPIC's executive director. "We need to have this debate," he said.

Barr called on the next president to rein in government surveillance of U.S. residents and called on Congress to update privacy laws by limiting what private businesses can do with personal data. Libertarians generally oppose new laws and new regulations, but Barr said limitations on the use of personal information are needed.

As we know, both Obama and McCain support the federal government's ability to spy on it's citizens.

Why I don't envy the man cave...

While I would love my own part of the house where I could blog in peace, the only spot currently available is the basement and my husband has taken it over for his "man cave". Since it's an older home, and the basement walls are not quite "leak proof" while there is no standing water, the older dehumidifier that we have just doesn't eliminate that musty basement aroma for me. So until the day we start looking at newdehumidifiers my husband is safe having his computer and his television and his playstation, in the basement. If I could lure the assorted children to spend more time down there? I would have my own private space...

Health insurance costs can change from state to state

We discovered the differences in medical costs when one of my daughters moved to California, what she was quoted there for chiropractic and dental services was almost triple what it costs here in Ohio. Actual health premium costs can vary, with those seeking NC health insurance appearing to pay just a bit less than here in Ohio and a lot less than those in California.

Prevent furniture weathering...

My deck furniture is made of bamboo, and if it were left out there in the elements with no protection it would weather and decay faster than it would using outdoor furniture covers. While I didn't spend that much on the furniture, it still makes sense to take just a bit of extra care to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Another great reason is if you have ever thought you were sitting down on something that was dry, only to discover the cushion was damp or wet? Covers prevent that...

Wayne Allyn Root interviewed by local radio show...

One of our great local talk show radio programs is done by Troy Neff, and for those of you who are fans of Bob Barr, you might be interested in the interview that his running mate did today.

Not many of the other presidential candidates take the time to talk to local radio...and Wayne Allyn Root makes some good points that I think are worth listening to.

Politics get you heated?

We are now approaching the last 60 days till the election, or as those of us who have followed politics for quite some time call it, the "crazy season" where it's hard to not get heated, get passionate and at times make you feel as if you are so stressed that you will break out in a rash to the point where people will suggest acne treatments or friends no longer are friends because you really can't believe they would be so stupid to vote for the person you can't stand.

Being libertarian or leaning libertarian creates a whole different set of problems, you will be told you are "throwing your vote away" or be accused of helping another candidate win by not voting for one of the main party candidates. To me, as long as you vote, you are not throwing your vote away. If you can't vote your conscience in a presidential election, that to me is more of a problem than voting for someone that maybe will not win.

PA Gop suing to have Barr removed by ballot...

News story about the lawsuit here:

In a petition filed in Commonwealth Court, Victor Stabile alleged that the Libertarians misled people who signed their ballot petitions because they listed Rochelle Etzel of Clarion County as the presidential candidate even after the national party picked Barr at its convention in May.

Barr is a former GOP congressman from Georgia who some Republicans fear could hurt presumptive GOP nominee John McCain in a close election this year. The Libertarian Party formally substituted Barr's name on the Pennsylvania ballot just last week.

Stabile, the Cumberland County GOP chairman and a Harrisburg lawyer, acknowledged that state election laws allow such substitutions as long as they are made within the allotted time, but said he thinks this case "crosses the line."

"I don't like to see anything taint that process," he said.

Mik Robertson, the state Libertarian Party chairman, said the party had to list a stand-in candidate for president when it started gathering signatures in February because there wasn't a nominee at the time.

Bob Barr on Beck...

No, I haven't become a fan of Glenn Beck, he still makes me cringe, but it was interesting to watch this video clip of Bob Barr being on the show:

Hurricanes and the moving business

Years ago I worked for a company that rented out moving trucks where one of the things I learned was when a storm like a hurricane was forecasted, there would be a rush to make arrangements to have the many trucks closer to that area as possible so that if there were orders to evacuate people would have access to the rental trucks they needed.

I also learned that while the economic impact to those who lost their homes was devastating that there are industries like moving companies or those who make products for home construction/repair that do actually increase/improve as a result of one of these storms.

It was to me an interesting look at the supply and demand side of our economy...

Why is Branson such a destination spot?

A friend recently told me he was taking a trip with his wife and his in-laws and they were going to Branson which got me thinking about all of the other people that I know that have been there and return there. I'd always thought that Branson was for those who really like country western music, which I'm not one of those. Yet when I looked at this Branson Getaways website, I saw there was much more to Branson than country western music.

I was surprised at the number of different vacation packages that were offered, from the Platinum to the Titanium, each one offering a variety of options and a range of things do to for both those on a smaller budget and those not. Something else I wasn't aware of, I didn't realize there was a theme park there, Silver Dollar City, that has roller coasters and water rides as well as other attractions.

After seeing some of the show listings, even music wise there is a selection of different music genres, Legends in Concert as one example. It became clear why I know so many people who go to Branson, and the next time I head out west, a place I'd like to check out.

Libertarian response to Biden selection...

Dear friend of liberty,

A text message arrived at my phone this morning announced that Democratic Senator Barack Obama had selected Delaware Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. I looked at it, said, “No surprise there,” and went back to sleep.

After all, there isn’t much to Biden that the public doesn’t already know. He’s a career Senator with more than 30-year history of being a “Congress critter.” Biden is not only a part of the political establishment, he’s a senior member of it!

In fact, Biden has only spent four years working in the private sector after graduating from college.

As our acting Executive Director said, Biden’s pick was “predictable and typical.”

Biden is a bit of a loose cannon that should make this election season a little more interesting. He’s notorious for being a narcissistic windbag, making testy, off-the-cuff comments such as, “You cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin’ Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent,” or, when he said in response to a question about what type of grades he received in law school, “I think I have a much higher IQ than you do.”

Obama, who has constantly been under the microscope for elitist-sounding comments, has picked for his V.P. a man that also can be criticized for the same.

But what about his voting record? Though being mostly middle-of-the-road, Biden’s record in Congress displays a track record of big spending and big government.

The following are just a few of the things I found:

* Voted against an amendment that would prohibit the use taxpayer money for abortion.
* Voted for the economic stimulus plan that costs taxpayers billions.
* Voted to prevent drilling in ANWR.
* Voted against eliminating the “Death Tax.”
* Voted to increase the minimum wage.
* Voted for McCain-Feingold.
* Voted against a moratorium on earmarks.
* Voted for hate crime legislation.
* Voted for No Child Left Behind.
* Voted to spend $48 billion overseas to fight diseases in foreign countries.
* Voted against protecting firearm manufacturers from lawsuits.
* Voted for using federal funds for anti-gun activities.
* Voted against making English the official language of the United States.
* Voted against limiting taxpayer subsidies to AMTRAK.
* Voted for punishing states that did not comply with motorcycle helmet laws.

We just wanted to let you know our take on Obama’s pick, and thank you for your continued support of the Libertarian Party!

If you’re looking to get more involved, please email us to find out how to volunteer for liberty!

Also, please take a few minutes to watch our presidential nominee with Neil Cavuto on Fox News talking about the recent conflict in Georgia.

Live Free,
Andrew Davis
National Media Coordinator
Libertarian Party

Bob Barr...not only a libertarian but a funny one...

A recent performance by Bob Barr:



Thanks to PolickerPA.

My favorite joke, how many libertarians does it take to screw in a light bulb? None they sit back and wait for the free market to do it...

Politics can be stressful...

At times reading posts on the various message boards, forums, blogs and candidate websites can make you feel as if your head is going to explode. Reading some of the tripe out there that people write can make you question the intelligence of our nation as well as question if you are one of the few sane people out there. There have been some days it's been so tense in the blog world that I've felt I needed massage therapy to make the stress of the day go away. Especially on my one blog where things get heated...

Fun with video

I love taking video and making movies online, it's become a great way for me to share some of the political things happening in my area instead of having to write up huge posts from the notes I took at meetings or events. It was not too long ago that all you needed to blog was internet access and now, to really be more of a citizen journalist you need either a digital camera that takes video or a camcorder to be "cutting edge." With the many ways you can directly upload directly from both? It makes getting videos out there online even easier.

Barr makes the ballot in another state...media doesn't notice

Organizers for the Bob Barr campaign for president plan to turn in petitions to the West Virginia Secretary of State this past Friday. The signatures are expected to surpass the 15,000 needed to gain ballot access in West Virginia.

Organizers have been collecting signatures for the past couple weeks to get the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate on the ballot.

Yet, giving this campaign about as much attention as they would give indoor lighting the media did not cover it...

CNN askes how bad is the economy

It was interesting reading the responses to the question asked by CNN:

So is the economy going to get significantly worse over the next few months, or are we actually closer to the end than the beginning of this...slump, downturn, recession or whatever you want to call it?

What was surprising was those that felt things were not really that bad, which confirms my belief that it is not just media driven but geographically driven. There are parts of the country that are not suffering to the extent that others are. A few of the comments that were shared:

"Many of the hard times today are the fault of the people who swipe their home ATM to buy another new SUV or a house beyond their means. It is certainly a tough lesson to learn, but it has to happen," he wrote. "People who lived beyond their means now can't pay back that debt due to ballooning costs. Turns out they should have saved money while they could."

"The economic slump comprises industries that are slumping (airlines, autos, homebuilding, mortgages, real estate, etc.) and industries that are expanding (agriculture, energy, health care, mining, technology, etc.). The gains outnumber the losses, so we get slow growth. But, the growth is slower than the rate of productivity gains, so jobs are slowly shed."

Ohio is easier than California in many ways

There may be more employment opportunities in California right now, but as my one daughter has recently discovered, the bureaucratic mess in California makes simple things like switching car insurance or driving your car more complicated. She had to pay to have her car inspected, then instead of being given her license on the spot as happens in Ohio? She had to wait for it to be mailed which has taken over a month.

Many decide to not bother and to keep their drivers licenses from the state they lived in and I can see why, they actually don't seem to have any interest in providing fast or good customer service...

Easy ways to cut your energy bill...

When most people think of ways to cut their utility bills, they may focus on just turning off a few lamps and maybe adjust their thermostat a bit. There are other ways to save on energy when it comes to your home lighting beyond installing new energy efficient lights. You can still save energy even using your favorite lamps and lamp shades.

Most of the energy efficient bulbs on the market now will work with almost any lamp style. While they are a bit more expensive at the onset, the fact that they last longer an use less energy will translate to savings. Not only in the wattage used for your home but in the replacement costs of bulbs.

If you in the market for a new floor lamp, don't forget to check out the many styles of torchieres that are available. Some of them use non-traditional bulbs or can be fitted for energy efficient bulbs. I also highly recommend using outside light fixtures with a sensor, if your house is like mine, hours of light use can be saved by not having to remember to turn off the porch lights...

Bob Barr Says: Maintain Economic Growth, Find New Energy Sources, Confront Global Warming

WASHINGTON, July 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bob Barr, former member of Congress from Georgia and Libertarian Party Candidate for President, today issued the following statement on energy and global warming:

As America confronts a variety of domestic and foreign challenges in the future, it is essential that we preserve our prosperous, productive, and innovative economy. Without a strong economic foundation, it will be impossible for our nation to deal with the many serious financial, social, and environmental problems facing the U.S.

One of the most complicated and controversial issues facing America is global warming. Although temperatures have increased in recent decades, the scientific community has been unable to make definitive judgments as to the past cause or future course of climate change. Indeed, the models which predict problems in the future did not predict the lack of any temperature increase over the last decade. Unfortunately, many climate processes are not yet clearly understood.

Thus, we need to conduct more and better scientific research about climate change to assess likely problems in the future and develop appropriate solutions. More dialogue is key to understanding global warming and developing the best means of dealing with the important questions surrounding the phenomenon. This dialogue must include scientists from all sides of the issue, including those who are skeptical of the assertion that humans are primarily responsible for global temperature changes and that those changes pose a substantial danger to humanity.

Moreover, we must develop cost-effective policies which will not undermine the U.S. economy. So-called cap and trade legislation, recently rejected by the U.S. Senate, would do grievous damage to the American economy, threatening to create a permanent recession by reversing industrial growth and destroying millions of jobs. Attempting to adjust global temperatures by artificially cutting energy consumption would undermine the very prosperous and innovative market system upon which we must rely for answers to everything from health care to international poverty to environmental protection.

Our energy future must be built on a commitment to both find more conventional energy sources and expand use of alternative fuels. The U.S. has large deposits of petroleum, oil shale, and natural gas. Barriers to their development in the Outer Continental Shelf, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and other federal lands should be lowered or eliminated, which would provide Americans with a more secure source of energy over the short term and help bring down today's high prices, which are causing such economic hardship to so many Americans. Such steps would also allow us to begin seriously considering and developing alternative sources of energy that will be essential in the long term.

The development of alternatives to fossil fuels would provide the country with many benefits, ranging from lower CO2 emissions to greater diversity of energy supplies. Given the failure of past government subsidy programs, this transformation can only be led by the private sector.

The government must remove regulatory barriers, which limit the development of alternative as well as conventional energy sources. Moreover, public officials should cease their demagogic attacks on the energy industry, which has made money only by finding, refining, and transporting gasoline, natural gas, and heating oil for the American people. Vote-minded legislators risk creating an environment in which companies are punished for doing good, which will only make them more reluctant to invest in all technologies and fuels, alternative as well as conventional.

Indeed, the challenge of promoting continuing energy innovation should cause us to reconsider other policies which discourage business investment and capital formation more generally. Americans for Tax Reform recently reported that the tax and regulatory burden rose at both the state and national level over the last year. America's corporate income tax is one of the highest in the world, creating a self-inflicted economic wound. Congress now routinely votes for new spending programs for which we have no way to pay, putting our entire economic future at risk.

The challenges that we face are serious, but I am convinced we can find solutions. We are more likely to develop policies that simultaneously promote economic growth, expand energy supplies, and lessen any adverse effects of climate change, if we promote a genuine dialogue among contending factions. Although I do not agree with the tax and regulatory policies advanced by former Vice President Al Gore, I do believe his call for greater reliance on alternative energy could be given positive effect by American industry. Only the market economy can balance his passion with the reality of preserving the growing economy upon which our future -- and that of our children and grandchildren -- depends.

We must address the issue of climate change, but do so realistically, recognizing the importance of simultaneously expanding energy supplies and maintaining economic growth. Our greatest strength in confronting the problems of the future is our free market economy. Only by reducing government barriers to private research and development are we going to achieve the innovative, even transformational, changes necessary in the years and decades ahead.

Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, where he served as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Financial Services. Prior to his congressional career, Barr was appointed by President Reagan to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, and also served as an official with the CIA.

Since leaving Congress, Barr has been practicing law and has teamed up with groups ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the American Conservative Union to actively advocate every American citizen's right to privacy and other civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Along with this, Bob is committed to helping elect leaders who will strive for smaller government, lower taxes and abundant individual freedom.

Paid for by the Bob Barr 2008 Presidential Committee

BobBarr2008.com

When flash memory isn't enough...

While having one or two flash memory sticks around is something that I recommend, I recently experienced some major computer problems that necessitated me having to use a loaner computer. It wasn't feasible to use flash memory for that, and trying to burn cd's would have been really time consuming. So I opted to purchase an external hard drive which made things much easier to transfer back and forth.

I wished after I had gotten it that I would have purchased one quite some time ago...

Cutting federal spending like dieting...

At times I think our government acts as if it were as simple as just taking diet pills to eliminate all of their federal fat. Similar to dieting there is no quick fix, there are things that can help you get to your goal faster but the real truth is before you even get to the hard work part, you have to have an actual desire to make it happen.

You can talk about it, "I really want to lose some weight" "I really want to cut the deficit" but without action? The fat remains...

Sure there is a trophy for that...

Ever dreamed of having your own display case of trophies? Sure most of us would not do that, but it's entirely possible for you to have a trophy for almost anything and be able to order it right from your home. Want to surprise a loved one with a trophy or if you are involved in some type of team sports where an "official" trophy is needed has never been easier.

Considering how my day has been, I deserve the patience of a saint trophy.

:-)

What is a Libertarian?

A favorite of mine:

How much liberty is good for the individual?
How much government do we need?

The libertarian, or "classical liberal" perspective is that individual well-being, prosperity, and social harmony are fostered by "as much liberty as possible" and "as little government as necessary."

These are open-ended answers that leave a lot to explore: What's possible? What's necessary? What are the practical implications? The unsolved problems?
According to Funk and Wagnall's Dictionary

lib-er-tar-i-an, n. 1. a person who advocates liberty, esp. with regard to thought or conduct.... advocating liberty or conforming to principles of liberty.

According to American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

NOUN: 1. One who advocates maximizing individual rights and minimizing the role of the state.

The Challenge of Democracy (6th edition), by Kenneth Janda, Jeffrey Berry, and Jerry Goldman

Liberals favor government action to promote equality, whereas conservatives favor government action to promote order. Libertarians favor freedom and oppose government action to promote either equality or order.

According to Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000 © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation

Libertarianism, political philosophy emphasizing the rights of the individual. The doctrine of libertarianism stresses the right to self-ownership and, by extension, the right to private ownership of material resources and property. Advocates oppose any form of taxation and favor a laissez-faire economic system.

According to David Boaz, Libertarianism: A Primer, Free Press, 1997

Libertarianism is the view that each person has the right to live his life in any way he chooses so long as he respects the equal rights of others. Libertarians defend each person's right to life, liberty, and property-rights that people have naturally, before governments are created. In the libertarian view, all human relationships should be voluntary; the only actions that should be forbidden by law are those that involve the initiation of force against those who have not themselves used force-actions like murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, and fraud.

I admit it, I don't like killing things...

One of the primary reasons I have never really gotten into the whole playstation 3 game playing that happens here in this house is simple. I don't really get into killing things on a television screen and most of the games are designed to kill things. With the rare exception of getting talked into doing the dance pad game that the girls have (which I think they only do when they want to be able to beat someone) my gaming time is mainly on my computer where I play simulated games that don't involve how quick I can be on the trigger finger...

Barr says Obama should stand up for Constitution

Release sent from the Bob Barr for President campaign:

ATLANTA, July 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Sen. Barack Obama should lead the fight against legislation giving the president authority to bypass the Constitution in spying on Americans," says Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party presidential nominee. "Without his leadership, the bill is certain to pass with Democratic as well as Republican support." Unfortunately, notes Barr, "these days no one is surprised when Republican legislators refuse to support the Fourth Amendment, but many Democrats are no better, including the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee."

"Defending the Constitution is always important. That duty is even more vital today, when the president and top administration officials argue that the executive branch may break the law whenever the president deems it to be necessary in a time which he declares to be wartime," explains Barr. "If Congress will not defend the law, why does it believe the administration will obey new rules after ignoring the already relaxed warrant standards of the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act?" To surrender to the administration is irresponsible, "a violation of the oath to defend the Constitution taken by every member of the House and Senate."

Sen. Obama claims to represent change. "I challenge Sen. Obama to represent real change by standing for the people's liberties and against the administration's unlawful surveillance program," says Barr. "I call on Sen. Obama to oppose any measure that protects phone companies from liability for aiding illegal government spying. Those who violate the Constitution and the law, whether politicians or businessmen, should be held accountable for their actions."

No wonder the American people believe the country is going in the wrong direction and are cynical about what to expect from Washington. "When it comes to protecting the people's fundamental liberties, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama are Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum," observes Barr. "If Sen. Obama will not confront the Bush administration over years of lawless conduct, why is he running for president?"

Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, where he served as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Financial Services. Prior to his congressional career, Barr was appointed by President Reagan to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, and also served as an official with the CIA.

Since leaving Congress, Barr has been practicing law and has teamed up with groups ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the American Conservative Union to actively advocate every American citizens' right to privacy and other civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Along with this, Bob is committed to helping elect leaders who will strive for smaller government, lower taxes and abundant individual freedom.

Looking westward...

As some of you know my oldest daughter moved to California to take an engineering job and after spending some time out there with her, there are variety of reasons I'd love to move out west. One of which is how the difference in the levels of humidity/altitude make me feel from a health aspect. The difficult part has been to get my husband to start looking for jobs out that way, anywhere from San Jose to Los Angeles jobs would work.

Eventually new glasses is on the agenda

Earlier this year I tried to get eyeglasses and I discovered that I can't handle the bi-focals that I'm supposed to have. I ended up having to take the glasses back, it was impossible for me to be able to work using my computer. Which means I have to go back through the whole process all over again, which I've put off because at least now I can see to work. I was surprised to learn that I can actually order glasses online once I have a prescription that's re-done. The selection and price is better than what I just paid for the pair that I had to return.

Barr says Libertarian Party only one to offer real alternative

ATLANTA, July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Americans are deeply dissatisfied with the direction their country is going and desperately want real change," says Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party presidential nominee. "But real change will not come from the two major parties, with their well-established commitment to the status quo. It will only come from outside the current system -- and through the Barr presidential campaign and the Libertarian Party."

The American people have made their feelings known in the latest Zogby poll, which found that six percent of them favor Libertarian Party nominee Bob Barr. "And that is without benefiting from all of the media attention paid to the primaries and the big advertising campaigns already initiated by the other parties," notes Barr.

At six percent "we have more than three times the support of any other alternative party," Barr explains. Seven percent of conservatives, 11 percent of independents, and 43 percent of libertarians said they backed the Barr campaign. Pollster John Zogby observed that "Bob Barr has some juice among conservatives..."

With this level of support, "which will only grow as the Barr campaign's message of limited government and individual liberty reaches more people, it is only fair for the American people to include the Libertarian Party nominee along with the candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties in all public forums, from candidate town halls to national debates," says Barr.

"The November election should be about issues, not personalities," notes Barr. "The American people have suffered for too long from the big-spending policies and partisan antics of Republicans and Democrats alike in Washington." The country desperately needs an alternative. "The latest poll demonstrates that the one real alternative is the Bob Barr campaign and the Libertarian Party," Barr adds.

Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, where he served as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Financial Services. Prior to his congressional career, Barr was appointed by President Reagan to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, and also served as an official with the CIA.

Since leaving Congress, Barr has been practicing law and has teamed up with groups ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the American Conservative Union to actively advocate every American citizens' right to privacy and other civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Along with this, Bob is committed to helping elect leaders who will strive for smaller government, lower taxes and abundant individual freedom.

Paid for by the Bob Barr 2008 Presidential Committee BobBarr2008.com

Mmmmm toasty!

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today which has made me think about one of my main comfort foods, tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. I realize most people like them smooshed and "grilled" but for me, I prefer them as they come out from toaster ovens since to me it creates a better end result. Especially when you are planning on dipping the sandwich into your soup.

Most appliances have changed in the years since their creation and toaster ovens are no different. There are even combination appliances out there that include a coffee maker and a toaster oven. Or, a toster oven with a toaster, which is my favorite design style since it gives you the ability to toast the traditional way and to be able to use the toaster oven as well.

Another food item that I also think turns out better with toaster ovens is frozen pot pies. You can supposedly microwave some of them but it never gives you the best crust result and you can of course use a traditional oven but that seems like such an energy waste if you are only making one or two. Pot Pies are another one of those comfort foods from my past that are still easy and cheap to make.

CMES says Congress to renege on Medicare Competive Building Program

When does your word mean your word? Depends on who it is:

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Congress has introduced a new bill that would delay the implementation of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program, according to the Contracted Medicare Equipment Suppliers Association of America (CMES). This program would have drastically reduced the amount of money Medicare spends on items such as walkers, oxygen, and power wheelchairs. The program would also reduce the out of pocket expense to patients by an average of 26%. In addition, it would virtually eliminate fraud, and require that all suppliers are inspected and accredited by the same organizations that accredit hospitals. For seniors, says CMES, it's a pretty good deal.

Not so, says Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), who has crafted a bill to delay the program (HR 6252). This bill seeks to delay the program for up to 18 months due to complaints of problems by those who lost. Unsuccessful bidders put intense pressures on Congress over the last few months complaining they were unfairly disqualified mostly for financial reasons. According to Medicare most simply bid too high. However, there is a process in place to review those complaints. Medicare also reports that they randomly re-reviewed 100 unsuccessful bids and found that the rejection was justified in each case.

In May, 325 providers, mostly small business, were awarded contracts to provide products in 10 areas of the country. Those businesses have collectively spent millions preparing for this program. Unfortunately, Stark's bill would leave them with nothing more than a pile of debt. That's their thanks for dealing with the government.

This bill seeks to terminate the contracts of the program's bid winners, with no reason given. The bill fails to give any concession to the small businesses that have expanded their operations, some using SBA financing, solely to implement the government's program. The bill simply leaves them high and dry.

This bill is on the fast track through Congress as it will likely be added onto the "doc fix" legislation and will be voted on this week. To compound this problem patients are being notified by Medicare that the program will be going into effect July 1, 2008.

Should the program go live, the Contracted Medicare Equipment Suppliers Associations members assure seniors that they are ready, willing and able to implement this program beginning July 1. There is no reason seniors shouldn't get the savings they were promised years ago when this program was signed into law.

Folding kitty sunglasses...

You may think I have temporarily lost my mind, but as I was searching for some historical information, I happened to see this link for vintage sunglasses and I couldn't resist taking a few moments to check it out. Then, I saw something that I had owned for many years, folding kitty sunglasses...Though mine were not grape they were white. Alas those were the days before I had to wear glasses, I don't think they make them in prescription strength, if they did? I'd probably sport a pair...

Libertarian detractors via books

I was searching the list of books that buy.com has on their website to see what was new or what I had missed and I came across a book called "The Libertarian Illusion." I guess it goes to demonstrate that being a Libertarian has reached the level of attention when books are written to show a critique of libertarian policy proposals on both the conservative and liberal spectrum of the concept of libertarianism. I haven't bought the book yet, waiting for it to go just a bit cheaper in price...

It's become like American Idol...

The other day one of my web friends who is a Democrat and is more liberal than I am made the statement in reference to Obama that perhaps part of the problem was the American Public treated this past primary more like "American Idol" than what it was supposed to be, a presidential election. Now, those on the other side have stated this, but this demonstrates to me that even the Obama supporters realize that it's become too much about looks and less about substance.

You start to wonder if now rather than working on a real platform of change the first thing discussed is the list of best diet pills out there or which plastic surgeon does the best botox....

Ron Paul stick firm to no endorsement of McCain...

HOUSTON (AP) -- Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul said Thursday night he is ending his campaign but will keep spreading his message by working to help elect libertarian-leaning Republicans to public office around the country.

"The campaign is going to shift gears. It's going to accelerate. It's going to get much bigger," Paul told The Associated Press in an interview before a rally where he was making the announcement. "To me, it's a technical change."

Paul formally announced the move - his new "Campaign for Liberty" - in a speech to supporters attending the Texas Republican Party state convention. He said he expected many at his Thursday night rally and other supporters from around the nation to attend an alternative mini-convention he will host Sept. 2 in Minnesota to coincide with the Republican National Convention in St. Paul.

"Freedom is very popular. Not only is freedom popular, freedom works," Paul told supporters.

Hundreds of people rushed into a Houston hotel ballroom to hear Paul speak. They listened to a guitar player perform peace and freedom songs and gave loud cheers when Paul said the U.S. needs to bring home the troops from the Middle East. They also broke into applause when he spoke out for following the law and the Constitution.

He repeated his stances on other major issues, speaking against the United Nations and the income tax.

"Get more people," he urged. "They're paying attention, and it's across the political spectrum."

In the AP interview, Paul said his political message would not change and that he'll continue to speak out, just as he has since he first ran for Congress from Texas.

"It's just now that there's so much more enthusiasm, and so many more people involved," he said. "This last year has been astounding. ... We have to keep it going."

The announcement is a formality. The 72-year-old congressman won few delegates during the Republican primaries, but he raised large amounts of money online and developed a huge grass-roots following.

Jesse Benton, Paul's campaign spokesman, said Paul is beginning a "Campaign for Liberty."

The presidential campaign still has about $4.7 million in the bank, which can now be used for the new effort, Benton said, describing it as a "permanent campaign."

"We're going to work with the grass roots," Benton said. "People are really eager to continue and grow these efforts."

Paul opposes the war in Iraq and is a champion of small government. His campaign also drew support from independents and Democrats opposed to the war. His supporters have been pushing for him to have a speaking role at the GOP national convention.

But Paul has refused to endorse likely Republican presidential nominee John McCain, and he told the AP that was unlikely to change.

Songs get stuck in your head...

Ever hear a song and then feel as if it really fits what you are feeling at the moment? That happened to me earlier tonight with this song that I had never heard before from Shadows Fall:

A crack forms in the foundation
Fault line through your defenses
Illuminating the essence
Once clouded by a myth

Store bought conformity
Force-fed duality, I warp reality

The comfort that you will find,
As you remain hidden.
The light betrays,
casting your true self away,
They remain blinded.

As Vanity possesses me
I am further away
Gripped by a belief in empty words
Driven by a need to prove

The shell may wither
But the fire burns eternal

You hide behind
...cower...
The light that blinds

Will never find
What burns inside
You remain blind
Behind the light

Bob Barr applauds Ron Paul...

ATLANTA, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Upon hearing that Rep. Ron Paul has ended his campaign for the Republican Presidential nomination, Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party candidate for president, issued the following statement:

"Congressman Ron Paul has fought tirelessly in both the Libertarian Party and the Republican Party to minimize government power and maximize individual liberty. I want to thank him for all that he has done for liberty in this nation, and encourage him to continue his fight through whatever avenues he sees fit."

Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, where he served as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Financial Services. Prior to his congressional career, Barr was appointed by President Reagan to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, and also served as an official with the CIA.

Since leaving Congress, Barr has been practicing law and has teamed up with groups ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the American Conservative Union to actively advocate every American citizens' right to privacy and other civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Along with this, Bob is committed to helping elect leaders who will strive for smaller government, lower taxes and abundant individual freedom.

Not quite gothic anymore but...

Years ago I was more into the gothic culture especially when it came to home decorating, now the majority of my home decorating happens on my computer while playing The Sims. However, I do have to admit the idea of having a home large enough to have a place to display a suit of armor would be appealing. Years ago we stayed at a Bed and Breakfast that was designed as a replica castle, and it had several examples of armor that really added to the appeal and overall experience.

Cruise trips...

My oldest daughter returned from a cruise not long ago after findnig some great cruise deals online. Her only complaint was the large number of children that were left unattended by parents and since it was not a cruise designed for children there were not many things for them to do. Which would mean parents who are taking children on a cruise might want to make sure there will be a selection of activities for their little ones.

Libertarian goals...

A short list of libertarian goals, a balanced budget amendment. Term limits. Restoration of the gold standard. Those are the three main things that most libertarians would like to see happen. The Gold standard is one of the main ones, which many focus on since it's key to our current financial situation. However, most people don't stop to think about gold unless they are thinking about which gold anklet to buy.

Smart financial tips...

Many people decide to forgo life insurance believing that if finances are tight that it's something they can not afford. Some rely on life insurance through an employer, yet then if that employment ends, they are left without any coverage. There are a variety of different places online where you can get a life insurance quote with many different types of terms and conditions that can fit into almost any budget.

Technology and the bathroom...

For many who have problems getting in or out of a bathtub or shower there are new advances in construction such as walk in showers with special railings and of course the walk in bathtub. Yet for many the expense of re-doing a bathroom is out of their reach, which creates a need for shower chairs which have also come quite a ways when it comes to design than when they were first put on the medical supply market.

Mattresses made in the USA

One of the things I always check for when I buy any kind of a mattress is where it was made, because the materials used and the location they are made can have an impact on the quality of the product. I like this particular foam mattress for that very reason. The materials used to make it are made here in the US, and by a really well known company, BASF. Once years ago we bought a low cost mattress and discovered it was made of used shredded material that did not even appear to be clean. That really soured me on less expensive mattresses where you don't know where the material came from.

Too much focus on the package rather than the contents...

I often wonder what would have happened if some of our previous presidents who were not exactly "attractive" were running today with the way the media is and the public focus so much on looks rather than the actual content of the character or the qualifications of a candidate. Back then candidates focused more on words rather than if they needed botox or acne treatments to look good for that next 30 second tv sound bite...

Not all conservatives for McCain...

(Denver, Colorado) In his keynote speech on May 23 to the Libertarian Party National Convention, Richard A. Viguerie, one of the founders of the modern conservative movement, declared today that John McCain is “trying to get conservative support on the cheap.”
“Senator McCain has had the Republican presidential nomination sewn up for over three months and has done nothing to convince conservatives to come off the sidelines and enthusiastically support him,” Viguerie said.
In his speech, “Conservatives are off the GOP Reservation: Will they find a home in the Libertarian Party?,” Viguerie said that Democrats and Republicans have both failed America.

“Republican leaders have treated conservatives with utter disrespect and, in turn, conservatives have lost all respect for Republican leaders. Millions of grassroots conservative activists and donors have left the Republican Party and taken with them their volunteer time, their checkbooks, and their votes,” he said.
Viguerie said, “Today, the Libertarian Party has a historic opportunity to provide leadership for America.”
A complete text of the speech is posted on ConservativeHQ.com at http://conservativehq.com/news-from-the-front/libertarian-convention

A great thing to have when traveling...

I like to take quite a few photographs, so when I fill up a card from my camera and then delete those after uploading to the computer, I like to make a quick back up of the photos on my flash drive as a safety back up. Having experienced laptops being stolen and/or crashing, there's nothing worse than discovering all of the previous photos you took were gone. For me it's one of those situations where now that I am doing this, it's never become needed.

The land down under...

I was listening to the song "Down Under" by Men at Work, which started me thinking about the "Land down under". Even before an old friend moved to Australia, the idea of vacationing there has been on our list of dream vacations. Once you start looking at some of the different deals for Sydney Hotels or Melbourne Hotels you discover that it's really much more affordable than you might imagine to stay in Australia.

For me the history aspect of a visit would be my primary focus, the lure of Brisbane Hotels being one of strolling the areas where Aboriginal tribes first lived before the English settlers arrived. The whole history of the original creation of a penal colony there has been something I've spent many an hour reading about. It's entirely possible that some members of my family that stayed in England could have very well ended up in Australia.

Then of course there is Perth, the first free settlement in Australia where not only is there a rich history but the temptation of Perth Hotels where some of the room service offerings include the famous vegemite sandwich.

Huckabee makes a tastless joke but...

When you watch the video of former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, it's clear the joke was a stupid one and one that he's apologized for. It's clear that his off the cuff joke made when a chair fell is coming from a point of view that Obama would be afraid.

Most people would be afraid when a gun was aimed at them. I don't think the offensive nature of the joke can be defended. What is interesting though is the crowd laughed, not a huge amount of laughter but some did. It does not sound as if the crowd reacted negitively to Huckabee's statement.

The belief out there that if Obama was president someone would try to assassinate him has been broached by Obama supporters. One fashion designer created shirts asking Who Killed Obama. Doris Lessing stated:

"He would probably not last long, a black man in the position of president. They would kill him,"

Some have stated this fear is a reason to not vote for Obama.

Even Obama's wife has addressed this as a concern.

Which means, while the joke was offensive, those that are expressing outrage that anyone would even think of this (beyond the outrage over how stupid the joke was) seem to be forgetting that despite the stupidity of the joke, the initial expression of an attempt to kill Obama has been talked about again and again.

I'm fairly certain that out there somewhere a black comic has made jokes about Obama or some other black presidential candidate being killed, there was a whole Chris Rock movie where that was mentioned. There have also been quite a few jokes out there that while don't involve death, could be considered offensive:

"In New York, Catholic groups have forced an art gallery to shut down an exhibition of a six-foot image of Jesus in chocolate. Or, as Democrats call it, Barack Obama." --Bill Maher

"Barack Obama was in New Hampshire Sunday. When informed of this, President Bush excitedly asked, 'Did we catch 'em?' --Seth Meyers

Bottom line, over and over again people are selective in what outrages them...

Live and let live to a point...

I'm not an anti-bug person and I try to be a live and let live person when it comes to the variety of wasps, bees, etc., that come into activity this time of year. Yet we discovered that carpenter bees were trying to set up shop behind some of the vinyl shutters we have on the house as we were getting ready for a party to be held here.

Since they do cause damage by boring holes into the wood, it was necessary to kill the few we found and to re-seal around the shutters so that more did not appear. While they look large and mean and are very agressive in protecting their terrority I've been told that the larger males do not have stingers. I did not attempt to test this out though...I'm allergic to bees and even if I wasn't? I'm not that adventuresome when it comes to wanting to learn certain things first hand...

The exterior package meaning more than what's inside...

Following on the theme of us expecting perfection in our candidates that at times borders on unrealistic expectations, the judgemental nature of how we critique the dress and appearance of candidates has also made me ponder how superficial we are as a nation. Rather than focus on what the candidates plans are or their qualifications, we critique their dress, their showing of clevage, their haircuts making them focus on running to get acne treatment at the first sign of an inopportune pimple as opposed to communicating what they can do to make this country better.

Perhaps in some ways the days before television did have it's purpose, since there was not the ability to show the same clip repeatedly of one moment and people actually read the whole speeches in print, or the audio only so that the decision was based on the actual content as opposed to how it was packaged...

Questions of morality in politics...

Recently there were two high profile stories here in Ohio related to elected officials and sexual misconduct. One created a resignation, one is refusing to resign, at the face value both acts were consenual in nature, neither created a situation where the elected declared they had a problem and headed off to alcohol rehab but they both created questions of public trust.

This made me start thinking about previous issues of sexual misconduct of elected officials and the difference in how the media treated events years ago compared to today. Today we need to know everything, and we judge accordingly most times with the trials taking place by public media venting. Years ago the press knew of these affairs, knew of quite a bit of the personal misconduct but did not reveal that information. It was felt that even electeds had the right to a "private life" as long as a crime was not committed.

While I believe the public has a right to know some of these scenarios, I also can't help wonder how many of us would hold up as well under the constant public eye of scrutiny...

Cities divesting of property...

There has been quite a bit of discussion in my city when it comes to the topic of commercial real estate since our city owns quite a few pieces of land. Some purchased, but a majority of the smaller parcels that are not worth much (in the $400 - $500 range) that were given to the city.

A land deal has been getting quite a bit of discussion, which while the price would be below what the assessed values, would get the city out of being the owner of many of these pieces in one area. This makes sense since a city should concentrate on provide basic services as opposed to being in the land speculation business.

Can politics drive you to drink?

At times I wonder about the pressure of politics and the fact that it seems there have been quite a few who have gotten into trouble for drinking a bit too much. Then I look at the stress angle of some professions with a demonstrated increase in alcohol related issues compared to other professions. I know just from a blogger standpoint that at times the self imposed deadlines and the pressure can make you wish that you had several subscriptions to the wine of the month club daily...

Word association with company names...

Ever come across a word and think that it's mispelled then discover what it really is? Take festool as an example, when I saw it, I thought that it was "festoon" yet I discovered Festool is a company that makes industrial tools. Apparently a rather popular brand at that.

While some parts of our economy is struggling, it's clear that we have many companies out there making and selling products here in the US and over seas.

The ease of online payments...

Almost every bill that I have can currently be paid online, which for me is easier since I don't have to leave the house nor do I have to worry about checks, money orders or if a payment was received. I was recently surprised to learn that not every insurance company offers the ability to make online car insurance payments. This was rather surprising since a good majority of the companies out there not only allow you to sign up but to make payments online.

The wrinkle industry...

I'm one of those lucky ones who don't look my age, yet for many men and women more and more focus has turned to fighting looking as if they have aged. This creates the scenario where many turn to the internet to find the best wrinkle cream and some turn to Botox as was made more famous with former presidential candidate John Kerry. It's interesting how much attention has turned to electing politicans on the base of their looks, especially when you go back into history and look at some of our previous presidential candidates. Quite a few of them if we were using the same "yardstick" of looks measurement that seems to be in place now, would most likely have never made it...

Libertarian candidate Wayne Root does local interview

On a local Toledo area talk radio show, Troy Neff, Libertarian Presidential candidate Wayne Root does an interview that is a recommended listen.

For even more information on Wayne Root, his campaign website is Root For America. Creative use of his last name.

:-)

Ohio Libertarian Convention happening now

The Ohio Libertarian Party is holding their annual convention this weekend in Columbus this weekend. If you are interested in learning more they have quite a bit of information available on their website.

Including information on their Repeal the Income tax Petition (RIP).

Branson & the Libertarian party...

When it comes to Libertarian Party the name Branson does not mean Branson rentals it means Richard Branson, the owner of the Virgin brand of over 360 companies. He's been an active participant in the Libertarian cause in England, honored by the Conservative government in the 1980s, and was briefly given the post of "litter tsar" by Margaret Thatcher—charged with "keeping Britain tidy."

Some have proposed the concept of him running for Mayor in London...

One way to make more room space...

When you have a small home, one way to create more space would be to take advantage of a tv mount system to be able to eliminate the need of having to have a television on a stand. For me I could also see where this helps reduce the clutter that seems to accumulate next to the television. Then of course for those of you who have flat screen televisions, you are going to want to invest in a sturdy mounting system...

Gravel decides to go Libertarian

The reality is I don't think Mike Gravel will do any better as a Libertarian candidate given his numbers as a Democrat but it was interesting to learn that:

WASHINGTON (CNN) – One-time Democratic presidential hopeful Mike Gravel announced Wednesday he is abandoning his political party and will run for the White House as a Libertarian.

Gravel, a former senator whose presidential campaign was never taken seriously by most political observers, made the proclamation in a message posted on his Web site.

“The fact is, the Democratic Party today is no longer the party of FDR,” Gravel said. “It is a party that continues to sustain war, the military-industrial complex and imperialism — all of which I find anathema to my views.”

Personally I think Ron Paul would be the candidate that could get a larger following if he would have been the one to make the jump but he's stated on the record that he is not going to make a third party run.

Not just Democrats calling for the end of the war...

While most of the attention gets placed on some of the Democratic groups that are out there calling for an end to the war in Iraq, I think it's important to point out that this is an area where the Libertarian Party has been speaking on for quite some time. The 5th anniversary of the war on Iraq did not go unnoticed:

It is with a heavy heart that I woke up on March 19, 2008, in a country still at war in Iraq, now five years after it first began. It is also with great disappointment that neither Republicans nor Democrats have provided a plan to end what is shaping up to be a "forever war." On this five-year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the Libertarian Party renews our call to bring American troops home without undue delay. May the courage and sacrifice of the 3,990 soldiers who have died in Iraq while serving their country never be forgotten.