Sunday, July 27, 2008

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...

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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

Saturday, July 19, 2008

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...

Saturday, July 12, 2008

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...

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

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.

Monday, July 07, 2008

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