Friday, December 30, 2011

Schedule Change

Returning to Normal Schedule on January 3, 2012

Hey folks,

Happy Friday to ya. Just got back from a meeting and I have some news. I will NOT be here this Sunday as had hoped. Something came up that I just CAN'T turn down. It will be taking most of my time Today and Tomorrow. Then, Tomorrow being New Years Eve. I was reminded that this is only the SECOND time that myself and my Wife will be off together for New Years Eve. Normally, I really could not care less about NYE. But spending time with my Wife on a Special Occasion seems to be few and far between. So she has some plans for us Tomorrow Eve.

So having said all that, to say this, sorry folks, but I can't say no to either situation. But fret not. Returning to Normal Schedule on January 3, 2012, which will lead us up to the Big Sunday Edition on January 8th, 2012 where we WILL indeed be awarding the Idiot of the Year, ETC.

Wishing you all a VERY Happy and SAFE New Year. For those of you that are going out to the Parties, PLEASE remember that the Police are also out there. Do yourself a favor, do NOT Drink and Drive. Forget going to Jail, you could kill or injure someone, including yourself. Jail, dead, crippled? None of that is a reasonable price to pay for watching a clock tick past 12am. Or even a Ball drop in Times Square. Happy 2012 to ya. May it be better than 2011, and may you have Health, Happiness, Peace, and Prosperity.
Peter

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Tension Builds In The Strait Of Hormuz

With the Keystone Pipeline in place, we would need not worry about this type of insanity.

Hey folks,

So on Tuesday, Iran threatened to close down the Strait of Hormuz. It is the strip of water separating Oman and Iran, which connects the biggest Gulf Oil Producers, including Saudi Arabia, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. This is where we, and many others around the World get a big portion of the supply for our Energy Needs.

On Tuesday, Iran said if Obama and Crew, America, and some of the rest of the World even think of imposing tougher Sanctions on Iran, or interfere in any way in their Nuclear Program, they would Shut the Strait of Hormuz down and STOP any flow of Oil from going through. They said Closing it down would not be difficult,,,,

"it will be easier than drinking a glass of water,"
Now to assure Americans and our Allies around the world, WE are starting to talk tough. According to Reuters - U.S. Fifth Fleet says won't allow Hormuz disruption by Parisa Hafezi and Myra MacDonald; Editing by Alison Williams

(Reuters) - The U.S. Fifth Fleet said on Wednesday it would not allow any disruption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran threatened to stop ships moving through the world's most important oil route.

"Anyone who threatens to disrupt freedom of navigation in an international strait is clearly outside the community of nations; any disruption will not be tolerated," the Bahrain-based fleet said in an e-mail.
So how will we stop them if they try? There is only one way. Attack the Iranian Ships. Right? Use FORCE against FORCE. Do you think that they will just go home? Nope. They will use Force and CLAIM Self Defense. Ship to Ship has the potential to turn out to be a full Fledged War.

Now many feel that this is not a REAL Threat.

A British Foreign Office spokesman called the Iranian threat

"rhetoric," saying: "Iranian politicians regularly use this type of rhetoric to distract attention from the real issue, which is the nature of their nuclear program."
Which is TRUE, however, have you seen the Price of Gas? That's right, just based on this new Threat, Oil hit $100 a Barrel and has the potential of climbing higher, which means, the Price at the Pump, which has been pretty reasonable lately, will start to go up as well. So even though Iran is no match for the US Fifth Fleet, even a few day or Weeks disruption will cause havoc on American People who are already hurting financially and will feel the sting at the pump if it goes up to $4 plus again.

Meanwhile, Iran continues it's Nuclear Quest and WILL achieve their goal if allowed to do so. They WILL Bomb Israel, and they WILL attack US. They said so. That has been a goal of Little Hitler {President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad} for YEARS. To "Wipe Israel of the Map." Israel is not going to wait too much longer.

As I keep pointing out to you. When Bush said, "We WILL Drill more here. We WILL use our own resources." The Price of Oil PLUMMETED. It fell like a ROCK. Just the mere mention of this. When Obama said, "No we won't." Threaten to bankrupt the Coal Industry, announced Cap and Tax, put a Moratorium in place, then a de facto Moratorium, and started to attack ANYTHING Oil, the Price SKYROCKETED again. If we only had started ACTUALLY doing it back when Bush SAID, we would be flowing with our OWN Oil right now. Then with the Keystone Pipeline, that Obama is blocking, we would create Tens if not Hundreds of THOUSANDS of Jobs, Lower Prices, and INCREASE National Security. We would be getting 92 percent of our Liquid Energy Needs from RIGHT HERE and our friends in the North. NOT from these Countries that HATE us.

Forget the Jobs. Forget the cost of Oil. It would be real easy for Iran, or ANYONE, to cripple the US by shutting down the Oil Routes. It would be hard to fight a War with no Fuel for the Ships and Planes. Just for the National Security Aspect of it, we NEED the Keystone Pipeline and we NEED to use our own resources.

Yet, here we are, playing War games with Iran in the Strait Of Hormuz. Russia is up to it's old tricks and Putin is on his way back to the Presidency, China is a bit uppity over our Debt, and NO ONE knows what to expect of North Korea. The Islamofascists have all but taken over the Middle East, with help FROM Obama, and Obama just opened the Door for Little Hitler himself to walk right into Iraq. Meanwhile, thanks to Obama and Crew, we are STILL reliant on Foreign Governments, most of which HATER us, for our Energy Supply Needs. For someone that is suppose to be the most Brilliant Person to ever hold Office, still no proof of this whatsoever, this should not be hard to understand. It's NOT Brain Surgery. The World is getting more Dangerous, and WE are doing NOTHING to protect ourselves. It is time for a CHANGE.
Peter

Sources:
Reuters - U.S. Fifth Fleet says won't allow Hormuz disruption

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Laws For 2012

Why I do not live in California.

Hey folks,

Well, there are MANY Reasons I do not live in California. But the Biggest is due to it being DESTROYED by Liberalism. Lets see, coming up on Jan 1, 2012, along with all the other insanity and stripped away Freedom, they have some NEW laws to look forward to.

Got a Cold? Do not go to the local Drug Store. You will NOT be able to get NyQuil. Nope. ANYTHING with Dextromethorphan? You better go to the Doctor's Office, or ER, first, and get a Prescription. They tried this before and FAILED, but they are working on it again. Yes, YOU are too stupid and untrusted to NOT turn this into a Drug. {Sigh} So forget going and spending $4 to $6 Bucks, now you have to PAY a DOCTOR or Run up an ER Bill in order to get the same stuff. Which will of course cost MORE.

But that's OK. If you are in California ILLEGALLY, then you will be covered. You see, California will now be prohibiting any State or Local Government from requiring Employers to use the E-Verify Program. That is unless of course it is a condition of receiving Federal Funds. {Laughing} Hey, they are not giving up free money.

California also has their OWN Dream Act. That's RIGHT. It you are there for Three Years? Graduate from a CAL High School? SAY that you want to be a Citizen. You're all set. YOU get FREE Money that those that live there LEGALLY will pay for. Congrats.

Oh, and while you are IN School, forget Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. No, no, no. You are NOW going to be LEGALLY REQUIRED to learn Gay History. Yes folks, California has Passed a LAW Mandating it Brainwas,,,,uh,,,I mean,,TEACHES Gay History. The Law also BANS anything that they can deem "discriminates against those groups." You know, any alternative view other than it's Cool and GREAT to be "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans." But don't you even DARE to whisper "God." It is now Illegal. Or say why a TRADITIONAL Family, Mom and Dad is better and teach the attributes and benefits of having both a MALE and a FEMALE, LOVING Parent in the Household. That may be offensive and deemed to "discriminates against those groups." Therefore that would ALSO become Illegal. {Sigh}

OH, and forget letting your Teen go to a Tanning Salon. That is now Illegal. Since they are too Stupid and YOU are too Stupid to know that this is Bad for them, it is now Illegal. They want a Tan, they can go to the Beach. They don't have to Study. Don't worry about the SATs. California has now accepted "“alternative methods." Both of IDs and the Test itself. Well, they are working on that too. So no worries. You see, as long as you allow the Government to take care of you from Cradle to Grave, THINK the way they want you to Think, Live the way they want you to Live, DO what they tell you to do, they WILL take care of you. No Worries. If you can not pay for it? No worries there either. As long as you are a Good Little Citizen, others will pay for all of it. You just OBEY.

Meanwhile we have a President that wants this for ALL States. That wants Liberalism to sweep the Country. To use California as a Model for the REST of America. You like want you see in California, that is Bankrupt by the way, GREAT, Vote Obama 2012. If not, then Vote Anyone BUT Obama. You want REAL Hope and Change? Time to change Leadership. And it IS, just that simple.
Peter

Sources:
The Washington Times - New laws: No caffeine in beer, shark fins in soup

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Happy Hanukkah To All

Ah Freilichen Chanukah



Wishing all my Jewish Friends a VERY Happy Hanukkah
May you have Health, Peace, and Prosperity in this Holiday Season.
Peter

Green Energy Can NOT Sustain Itself

Another example of Green Energy NEEDING Propping up by YOU.

Hey folks.

Happy Tuesday to ya. Hope you all had a GREAT Christmas and ARE having a GREAT Hanukkah. We are now counting down to the end of 2011 and heading to 2012 at Warp Speed. Are you ready? But it IS Tuesday, and back to Life and to Reality for most. Well, for a couple of days anyway. There WILL be a Big Sunday Edition this week complete with the Idiot of the Year and Display of Logic Award for the Year this Sunday. The very FIRST day of 2012.

But it IS Tuesday, December 26th 2011, so lets check in at the Energy Front. We have been talking about the Free Market. The fact that the Free Market WORKS. We have been talking a LOT about the Keystone Pipeline and the fact we have a President that would rather NOT increase American Security, DECREASE Energy Costs, and CREATE Tens if not HUNDREDS of Thousands of NEW and long lasting JOBS, in the name of Politics and pushing a FAILED agenda.

No, he and others would rather continue to Push the Green Dream, even know the Green Dream is NOT Sustainable WITHOUT using YOUR Tax Money to prop them up. Well, it not just here. According to the UK Guardian - Bright future for solar dims after feed-in tariff cut guardian.co.uk, Sunday 25 December 2011 16.00 EST

It can come as no surprise that the Department of Energy and Climate Change lost the feed-in-tariffs case (Report, 22 December). No matter what the motivation, you cannot make changes prior to the close of a consultation period. However, after the celebrations or commiserations, ministers will hopefully take the opportunity to address the two fundamental problems that still exist: lack of a sufficient budget to support this growing industry, and a proposed structure that disadvantages smaller companies.
OK so basically, all these people were attempting to get Solar Panels installed, not because they wanted to GO GREEN, but because there is a pretty good PAYOUT by the Government to do so. The ONLY reason that most of these people applied and were going to actually BUY the Industry's Product, was because they were going to GET Money from the Government to Pay for them. No money from the Government, or a CUT in the Money from the Government, means that they would NOT want to foot the Expense themselves, therefore no one would buy the Product, {Solar Panels} meaning that the Companies would shut down. So even though there is no money to support this, they Government has been told by this Judge that they CAN'T cut the funding. They are using a Legal Maneuver to keep the Gravy Train going.

The decision to decrease the percentage return on solar photovoltaic to single figures is sensible and expected. However, to base these rates on budget levels calculated as part of the comprehensive spending review, set in November 2010, is out of line with the current economic picture. Since the decision was taken last year to create a fixed budget for the tariff, the government has changed its overall strategy and now recognises the need to inject funds into the economy to stimulate business and create jobs. The emerging renewable energy industry is showing sustained growth, with companies investing millions to satisfy the growing demand for solar microgeneration, creating thousands of new jobs. This is now in jeopardy.
But see this is all nonsense. It really is. IF there IS a "growing demand for solar microgeneration" then funding for it would EXIST. The Free Market WORKS. Look at the I Phone 4S. It isn't cheap. Yet, the Growing Demand for it is insane. People are PAYING full price and lining up to do so. Apple is happy. They can't make them fast enough. No Subsidises needed. No Tax money going out to reimburse people for buying it. The more people buy it, the CHEAPER it will become. THAT is a Demand. That is the Free Market. NOT Government funded PROP.

Second, one of the fastest-expanding industry sectors – small businesses installing solar PV – will be squeezed out of the market if the government's plans on linking feed-in tariffs to energy efficiency measures goes ahead. Most SMEs are specialist installers not geared up to install energy-efficient measures such as cavity or solid-wall insulation. Only larger companies who can invest in the infrastructure necessary to offer a total installed solution would be able to cost-effectively operate in the marketplace.
So what? Apple can afford to make the I Phone 4S. They are reaping the rewards. Smaller companies CAN'T, so they make OTHER things. Not get the Government to give them money to make up the Difference. This is all completely ridiculous. If I build homes and I have the money to invest in building Million Dollar Homes, Marble, Gold Faucets, ETC, then I reap the rewards by people BUYING my Homes. If you CAN'T invest in these things, then you build Modular Homes and sell them. If you can not invest in THAT then you should get out of the building business all together. The Free Market WORKS folks. And YES, those that take chances and INVEST in their Passion and Field of endeavour, sometimes reap the Rewards of their Investments. Sometimes they fail and have to reevaluate.

If the model set out in the consultation goes ahead, the industry will no longer be one dominated by SMEs. It will unfairly favour large organisations which can offer a far more diverse package of products. The sustainable energy industry is one of the few success stories where performance is going in the right direction. With a little care and foresight, it will gather momentum and stimulate economic growth, while contributing to energy security.

Paul Roche
Director of renewables and sustainability, Grafton Group
So what Mr. Roche is saying here is simple. Another example of Green Energy NEEDING Propping up by YOU. There is NO REAL GROWING DEMAND. It is FALSE. Phony. It is a SHOW. It is people being PROPPED UP by Government, funded by YOU, and sustained with handouts. It is NOT Supply and Demand. It is NOT the Free Market. And it IS, just that simple.
Peter

Sources:
UK Guardian - Bright future for solar dims after feed-in tariff cut

Monday, December 26, 2011

Happy Hanukkah Day Seven

Ah Freilichen Chanukah



Wishing all my Jewish Friends a VERY Happy Hanukkah
May you have Health, Peace, and Prosperity in this Holiday Season.
Peter

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Happy Hanukkah Day Six

Ah Freilichen Chanukah



Wishing all my Jewish Friends a VERY Happy Hanukkah
May you have Health, Peace, and Prosperity in this Holiday Season.
Peter

Merry Christmas 2011

Regardless of what ANYONE tells you, there is only one reason for Christmas.


Christ Mass. It is a time we have set aside to remember and honor the Birth of THE Christ, Jesus.

1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Matthew 2

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2
MERRY CHRISTMAS! To all of you and to your families. May you have a Happy and Healthy Holiday.
Peter

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Happy Hanukkah Day Five

Ah Freilichen Chanukah



Wishing all my Jewish Friends a VERY Happy Hanukkah
May you have Health, Peace, and Prosperity in this Holiday Season.
Peter

Friday, December 23, 2011

Happy Hanukkah Day Four

Ah Freilichen Chanukah



Wishing all my Jewish Friends a VERY Happy Hanukkah
May you have Health, Peace, and Prosperity in this Holiday Season.
Peter

Roxy has a HOME!!!

A TRUE Holiday Story, is NOW Complete.

Hey folks,

Happy Friday to ya. If you are like most, you are off today. Maybe you are traveling, in wish case God Bless you and keep you safe, or you are home getting ready for friends a family to arrive. Whatever the case, you in the Holiday Spirit. So am I. However, I woke up this morning in a good mood, NOW I'm in a GREAT Mood. Roxy has a HOME....

It all started back when Rich Stevens of "The Conversation with Rich Stevens" on 850 WFTL announced his Pet Project. 12 Dogs that by no fault of their own, found themselves Homeless for the Holidays. I posted the Pics here. I posted on Facebook. YOU Posted on Facebook, Twitter, Told a Friend, whatever. WE all got the word out there. It was truly touching and GREAT to be able to bring you news on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, that 11 out of the 12 Dogs all found Homes for the Holidays.

Well, yesterday morning, there I was minding my own business, when Rich sent me a Text saying "Big Announcement coming right up." I sent one back saying I can't wait. Then, Yesterday Morning, the Big News came. Thanks to all of you out there, spreading the word, almost ALL the Dogs have been Adopted. 11 out of the 12 NOW have NEW Homes for the Holidays. Isn't that GREAT News?!? 11 out of the 12 are now in Homes that love them, and that they can be what they are, Loving, companions and protectors. Friends ready to show their new families Unconditional Love.

So I do not care what is going on in the World right this second. I am Extremely Happy right now. But we are not one hundred percent done yet. There is still one Dog remaining. Roxy.
WELL?!? Like I said folks, I woke up this morning in a GOOD Mood, now I'm in a GREAT Mood. Why? Roxy has a Home. That's right, ALL 12 Dogs have homes for the Holidays.

For ALL of you who participated, no matter how much or how small, THANK YOU!!! If you Adopted one of these Dogs, of course, THANK YOU. But if you Posted this on YOUR Blog, Facebook, Twitter, or just took a Minute to tell a friend, THANK YOU!! Here is a Message from Rich Stevens DIRECTLY to YOU.

When I started Rich Stevens Pet Project, it was a dream of mine to get these 12 dogs new homes. The response was overwhelming, via text, phone and emails to me, to your friends & family...YOU took action... YOU helped make this a true holiday miracle!

I am so happy to tell you that in one week, thanks to your kindness...ALL 12 of these amazing dogs have new homes for the holidays!

I am touched and grateful to bring you this awesome news...I am humbled by your generosity, and deep concern along with me for these animals.
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU

- Rich Stevens!
A TRUE Holiday Story, is NOW Complete. Have a happy and Safe Holiday Season folks, See you soon. and once again, a sincere and Heart Felt, THANK YOU!!!!
Peter

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Hanukkah Day Three

Ah Freilichen Chanukah



Wishing all my Jewish Friends a VERY Happy Hanukkah
May you have Health, Peace, and Prosperity in this Holiday Season.
Peter

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Happy Hanukkah Day Two

Ah Freilichen Chanukah



Wishing all my Jewish Friends a VERY Happy Hanukkah
May you have Health, Peace, and Prosperity in this Holiday Season.
Peter

A Holiday Story

A SINCERE Thank you.

Hey folks,



Yesterday, at Sun down, began the first day of Hanukkah. We are now officially 4 days away from Christmas. It's the Holiday Season in full swing. I AM in a GREAT mood. I do not want to talk about Politics. I do not want to talk about Obama. I do not want to talk about the News. We'll get back to all that soon enough. What I DO want to do, is tell you a Holiday Story.

A couple of weeks ago, Monday, December 12, 2011, I asked you a question. Do you like Dogs? I told you about my friend Rich Stevens, over at 850 WFTL, "The Conversation with Rich Stevens and Dave McBride." I told you about his "Pet Project." and I posted this from his Website.

If you know me at all you know that I love dogs!

Even though dogs are caring, smart, lovable, sometimes it is beyond their control of where they end up living. These 12 adorable dogs ended up in the shelter.

My mission with "Rich Stevens Pet Project" is to get these 12 dogs a new home for the holidays!

Look at their faces, they want to be part of your family and are ready to come home with you today.

If you are not looking to adopt a dog, I am sure you must know a loving family that does want to adopt, would you take a moment and post this page to your Facebook wall, and email it to people you know that can share it as well?
Let's pull together and get them all new homes for the holidays!
Thanks so much and Happy Holiday's,

Rich Stevens
I told you how I felt about Dogs. The Unconditional Love that you can only get from Dogs.

Look, over the years I've had MANY Pets. Cats, Birds, Fish, Ferrets, Frogs, Ginnie Pigs, Hamsters, I even had a Chinchilla. But Dogs are a totally different Animal. Most Pets will come to you, make noise, or do something to let you know they want food. You feed them, if you are lucky, they may let you Pet, handle them, for a sec, then they are off doing whatever they do. But not Dogs. Dogs ARE Unconditional Love.

Dogs do not care how young you are. They do not care how old. They do not care how Fat you are. They do not care what Race, Religion, or Class you belong to. They LOVE YOU. They do not care if they live on Rio Drive or Rio Dive. They do not care what you do for a Living. Most would rather you stay home with them all day. They will lay at your feet, protect your Home, you, and everything you care about. They will even lay down their very own Lives to protect yours. Dogs are truly the best Friend you could ever have.
It is true. I told you how these Dogs were Homeless for the Holidays and needed a good Home. I said that I knew we could get these Dogs adopted to good Homes where they would indeed show the people that adopted them Unconditional Love.

Well, yesterday morning, there I was minding my own business, when Rich sent me a Text saying "Big Announcement coming right up." I sent one back saying I can't wait. Then, Yesterday Morning, the Big News came. Thanks to all of you out there, spreading the word, almost ALL the Dogs have been Adopted. 11 out of the 12 NOW have NEW Homes for the Holidays. Isn't that GREAT News?!? 11 out of the 12 are now in Homes that love them, and that they can be what they are, Loving, companions and protectors. Friends ready to show their new families Unconditional Love.

So I do not care what is going on in the World right this second. I am Extremely Happy right now. But we are not one hundred percent done yet. There is still one Dog remaining. Roxy.

Roxy (ID# 437777)

Can I be your new best friend? I’m a 3 year young, 47 pound boxer mix who lost my home because my family is moving and can’t take me along. I’m the perfect adult dog who is potty trained, good with other dogs and I like to go to the dog park and play. Please adopt me…you won’t be disappointed.
Roxy is there all by herself. Just waiting for someone to adopt her. Could that be you? We have seen a Holiday Miracle. One that is helping to restore my Faith in Humanity. The kindness and compassion of People, when they learn of something like this, IS truly amazing. I know we can get Roxy a new Home. Won't you help? Spread the good news about the other 11, and let everyone you know, know that Roxy is waiting for them. Lets make the Holiday Miracle complete, with ALL these Dogs finding GREAT Homes.

To all those that DID adopt, THANK YOU. A Sincere THANK YOU from me, Rich, and of course, all the Dogs. Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season folks. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and may you all have Health, Peace, and Prosperity.
Peter

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Happy Hanukkah or Chanukkah

Ah Freilichen Chanukah



The Story of Chanukkah

Chanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

Chanukkah is probably one of the best known Jewish holidays, not because of any great religious significance, but because of its proximity to Christmas. Many non-Jews (and even many assimilated Jews!) think of this holiday as the Jewish Christmas, adopting many of the Christmas customs, such as elaborate gift-giving and decoration. It is bitterly ironic that this holiday, which has its roots in a revolution against assimilation and the suppression of Jewish religion, has become the most assimilated, secular holiday on our calendar.

The Story

The story of Chanukkah begins in the reign of Alexander the Great. Alexander conquered Syria, Egypt and Palestine, but allowed the lands under his control to continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree of autonomy. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews assimilated much of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language, the customs and the dress of the Greeks, in much the same way that Jews in America today blend into the secular American society.

More than a century later, a successor of Alexander, Antiochus IV was in control of the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non-kosher animal) on the altar. Two groups opposed Antiochus: a basically nationalistic group led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee, and a religious traditionalist group known as the Chasidim, the forerunners of the Pharisees (no direct connection to the modern movement known as Chasidism). They joined forces in a revolt against both the assimilation of the Hellenistic Jews and oppression by the Seleucid Greek government. The revolution succeeded and the Temple was rededicated.

According to tradition as recorded in the Talmud, at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. Oil was needed for the menorah (candelabrum) in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. There was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle. Note that the holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil, not the military victory: Jews do not glorify war.

Traditions

Our rabbis taught the rule of Chanukkah: ... on the first day one [candle] is lit and thereafter they are progressively increased ... [because] we increase in sanctity but do not reduce. -Shabbat 21b, Babylonian Talmud
Chanukkah is not a very important religious holiday. The holiday's religious significance is far less than that of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, and Shavu'ot. It is roughly equivalent to Purim in significance, and you won't find many non-Jews who have even heard of Purim! Chanukkah is not mentioned in Jewish scripture; the story is related in the book of Maccabees, which Jews do not accept as scripture.

The only religious observance related to the holiday is the lighting of candles. The candles are arranged in a candelabrum called a menorah (or sometimes called a chanukkiah) that holds nine candles: one for each night, plus a shammus (servant) at a different height. On the first night, one candle is placed at the far right. The shammus candle is lit and three berakhot (blessings) are recited: l'hadlik neir (a general prayer over candles), she-asah nisim (a prayer thanking G-d for performing miracles for our ancestors at this time), and she-hekhianu (a general prayer thanking G-d for allowing us to reach this time of year). See Chanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings for the full text of these blessings. After reciting the blessings, the first candle is then lit using the shammus candle, and the shammus candle is placed in its holder. The candles are allowed to burn out on their own after a minimum of 1/2 hour.

Each night, another candle is added from right to left (like the Hebrew language). Candles are lit from left to right (because you pay honor to the newer thing first). On the eighth night, all nine candles (the 8 Chanukkah candles and the shammus) are lit. See animation at right for the candlelighting procedure. On nights after the first, only the first two blessings are recited; the third blessing, she-hekhianu is only recited on the first night of holidays.

Why the shammus candle? The Chanukkah candles are for pleasure only; we are not allowed to use them for any productive purpose. We keep an extra one around (the shammus), so that if we need to do something useful with a candle, we don't accidentally use the Chanukkah candles. The shammus candle is at a different height so that it is easily identified as the shammus.

It is traditional to eat fried foods on Chanukkah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. Among Ashkenazic Jews, this usually includes latkes (pronounced "lot-kuhs" or "lot-keys" depending on where your grandmother comes from. Pronounced "potato pancakes" if you are a goy.) My recipe is included later in this page.

Gift-giving is not a traditional part of the holiday, but has been added in places where Jews have a lot of contact with Christians, as a way of dealing with our children's jealousy of their Christian friends. It is extremely unusual for Jews to give Chanukkah gifts to anyone other than their own young children. The only traditional gift of the holiday is "gelt," small amounts of money.

Another tradition of the holiday is playing dreidel, a gambling game played with a square top. Most people play for matchsticks, pennies, M&Ms or chocolate coins. The traditional explanation of this game is that during the time of Antiochus' oppression, those who wanted to study Torah (an illegal activity) would conceal their activity by playing gambling games with a top (a common and legal activity) whenever an official or inspector was within sight.

A dreidel is marked with four Hebrew letters: Nun, Gimel, Hei and Shin. These letters stand for the Hebrew phrase "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham", a great miracle happened there, referring to the miracle of the oil.

The letters also stand for the Yiddish words nit (nothing), gantz (all), halb (half) and shtell (put), which are the rules of the game! There are some variations in the way people play the game, but the way I learned it, everyone puts in one coin. A person spins the dreidel. If it lands on Nun, nothing happens; on Gimel (or, as we called it as kids, "gimme!"), you get the whole pot; on Hei, you get half of the pot; and on Shin, you put one in. When the pot is empty, everybody puts one in. Keep playing until one person has everything. Then redivide it, because nobody likes a poor winner.



Happy Chanukkah to all my Jewish Friends.
Peter

Judaism 101

American energy can jump-start US recovery

Tapping abundant US energy deposits would create jobs and restore prosperity By Paul Driessen

Our nation’s economic growth may finish an anemic 2% on the year. Faced with looming taxes and regulations, few companies are expanding, hiring or buying equipment. More than 14 million Americans are unemployed, excluding the nearly 9 million who have been forced to take part-time jobs, or the 2.5 million who’ve given up on finding work. Meanwhile, 140,000 have been added to government payrolls, and the nation is spending $4 billion a day more than it’s taking in.

That is unacceptable, demoralizing – and unnecessary. The White House and Democrats are clueless about reinvigorating the economy. But they have proven they know how to kill jobs, prosperity and hope.

Their energy policies are especially destructive. As President Obama made clear, under his tutelage electricity costs would “necessarily skyrocket,” gasoline prices would soar, “green” energy would become the law of the land, and he would “fundamentally transform” America. He is keeping his promise.

America’s vast storehouses of untapped oil, gas, coal and uranium could generate millions of jobs and hundreds of billions in revenues. Electricity generation industries and the factories and other businesses that depend on reliable, affordable energy could do likewise, if they were unshackled from excessive regulations that often actually harm health and environmental quality.

Instead, the Environmental Protection Agency, Departments of Energy and the Interior, and other government bureaucracies continue to impose a near-total shutdown of onshore and offshore oil and gas leasing. They drag their feet or simply reject drilling permits, display antipathy toward hydraulic fracturing to tap our 100-year supply of shale gas, and impose truckloads of punitive air and water rules designed to shutter dozens of coal-burning power plants.

The President claims he will “pare back regulation” by several billion dollars – out of an estimated $1 trillion in total annual regulatory compliance costs. EPA alone promised “$126 million” in supposed paperwork reductions, while imposing several hundred billion dollars in new EPA regulations. Mr. Obama finally suspended EPA’s proposed ozone rules, which many had warned would be the most expensive environmental edicts in history. But they will be back with a vengeance after the 2012 elections.

Meanwhile, bowing to EPA and environmentalist pressure, he postponed action on the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have created 20,000 almost-shovel-ready construction jobs. Now EPA wants 230,000 new bureaucrats, just to process future carbon dioxide emission permits, based on bogus climate chaos models and scenarios. Even our worst nightmares cannot fathom the job-killing compliance costs this would impose on the 6,000,000 businesses these regulations would affect.

Again using questionable to fraudulent assertions about catastrophic manmade climate change to justify its actions, EPA is also demanding 54.5 mpg fuel economy standards – which will result in thousands of deaths and millions of injuries, as cars are further downsized and plasticized.

Even businesses on the leading edge of the “green revolution,” crony capitalism and lobbying for dollars are faring poorly. After lapping up $1.5 billion in government red-ink subsidies and loan guarantees, three US solar companies filed for bankruptcy and fired over 2,000 workers. And still the Energy Department shoveled more billions of tax dollars into more wind and solar projects, despite voter objections. DOE also sponsored programs that cost $20 million to create 14 jobs and weatherize four Seattle houses in a year. It spent $80 billion to create 225,000 “clean energy” jobs – at $356,000 apiece. It shells out $6 billion a year to grow corn on an area bigger than Indiana, and convert it into ethanol that gets a third less mileage per gallon than gasoline.

This isn’t “green” energy. It’s “greenbacks” energy. It requires perpetual infusions of taxpayer money, confiscated from hard-working, productive sectors, and given to companies that have better political connections. That is unconscionable, and unsustainable.

America must promote and permit projects that actually generate energy, jobs and revenues. It must reward and encourage companies that provide affordable 24/7 energy to power virtually everything we make, grow, transport and do. Unleashing America’s vast supplies of shale oil and gas, conventional petroleum, coal and nuclear energy isn’t a magic potion. But it is a vital part of the solution to what ails our nation.

The petroleum industry alone currently supports some 9.2 million jobs, but could do much more. Recent studies by Wood McKenzie, ICF International and other analysts conclude that opening currently off-limits onshore and offshore areas could generate an additional $800 billion in government revenues and another 1.4 million jobs, by 2030. That includes primary jobs for roughnecks on rigs; secondary jobs in steel making, construction, pipelines, refineries, transportation and other sectors; and indirect jobs in hotel, restaurant, retail and other sectors that benefit from the increased energy, payrolls and economic activity. We could do likewise with coal, nuclear and hydroelectric projects.

We need American energy for American jobs – tapping resource bounties to help balance the budget, drive down unemployment and get the country going again. We can and must protect human health and environmental quality – from real threats, not exaggerated, speculative or computer-generated threats. We can and must do so without raising energy and business costs even higher, killing more jobs, and stifling private sector and government revenue opportunities.

Over-regulation brings energy poverty and blackouts, destroys jobs, impairs families’ living standards and nutrition, leads to foreclosures and homelessness, increases stress and alcohol abuse, makes it harder for families to afford proper heating and air conditioning, and harms people’s health and welfare. Those impacts must be fully considered, along with putative benefits of current and future regulations.

If laws and rules don’t pass muster, they need to be rewritten, rejected or repealed. Subsidies do not create jobs. Getting overzealous government out of the way, ending government deficit spending, letting business work within a sensible regulatory system, ensuring that companies have the affordable energy they need – that creates permanent, sustainable jobs and brings renewed prosperity. That generates revenue streams that curb the need to raise taxes on productive companies and workers.

As election year 2012 dawns, voters must demand that presidential and congressional candidates explain how they will reform our legal and regulatory system, to tap US energy bounties, while protecting environmental values from actual risks, and ignoring exaggerated, imagined and invented dangers.

Unaccountable politicians, bureaucrats and environmental ideologues have strangled our economy long enough. We the People must now lay the foundation for producing more domestic energy, creating jobs, and ensuring that our children can look forward to a brighter future. American energy can ignite America’s renewal, and restore American jobs, opportunity and prosperity.

Voters need to send Congress, the White House and EPA a message: We need American resources for an American recovery. Slash the crippling regulations. Drill here in America. Produce affordable energy, to create jobs and fix our economy. Do it now!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Guest Blogger On Tuesday

When seeking answers, ask those with the FACTS.

Hey folks,

I will not be here Tuesday, but fret not, the OPNTalk Blog will be. So will the "From the Energy Front" Segment. We will be having a Guest Blogger filling in. His name is Paul Driessen.

Back on Sunday, November 15, 2009, I posted this. OPNTalk - Canada Free Press Calls Al Gore A Junk Science Huckster Of course, we were talking about Global Warming and Al Gore. I Posted a Piece from this guy, Paul Driessen. Paul Driessen is Senior Policy Adviser for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), which is completely against Global Warming. He also is a Senior Policy Adviser to the Congress of Racial Equality and Author of "Eco-Imperialism: Green Power - Black Death."

As we went through his Piece together, I said this. "I couldn't have, wait, I HAVE said all this. But he is saying it better. {Smile}" He was on quite the Roll. I wrapped it up with this.

OK. I officially love this guy. Wake up American Journalist. The FACTS are out there. How about actually REPORTING the FACTS and the TRUTH? There is NO THREAT! GW IS BS. And Cap and Tax will KILL the already hurting Economy. I know. I'm a dreamer. But I do hope more people start waking up.
Peter
All the FACTS that he put out there were one hundred percent true. I know, I know, FACTS are something that the Libs HATE. Gets in the way of Agendas.

Well, thanks to a Mutual Friend. MR. Driessen is back. He will be filling in as a Guest Blogger Tomorrow. When our Friend asked if I would be interested, I jumped at the opportunity. So check it out Tomorrow. You will NOT be disappointed.

See you soon.
Peter

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Catskill Comedy Show Video, Hunger Strike

Preview For Sunday 121811

Hey folks,



Welcome to the Big Sunday Edition of the OPNTalk Blog, I AM of course your Provocateur of thought himself, Peter Carlock. Glad you stopped by. Before we get to the Idiot Congressman who is joining in the "Hunger Strike" with the Occupy Morons, I wanted to update some of you that were asking about the Photos of somewhere I attended recently, where Hunger was hardly a thought. That's right, the Catskill Comedy Show with Feddie Roman and Dick Capri.

Hunger was not an issue there thanks to TooJays. The VIP lounge was full of GREAT Food and fellowship. We were all there to laugh and have a GREAT time, and that is exactly what we did. Thank you to Rich Stevens, 850 WFTL, The Coral Springs Center for the Arts, and of course, Feddie Roman and Dick Capri.

I tried to post the Video here, but I'm not happy with the way it came out, so to see it the way it should be, go HERE and you can see a 5 Minute Video of the Event. Can you spot me? It really WAS a Great Night.

So coming right up today? We will be spending some time in Pitman, NJ. It is important to understand that just because you may not be willing to accept Truth or Reality, doesn't mean everyone else needs to cater to you. Make sense? It will soon. Coming right up?

Putin Is NOT Going Anywhere
30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself
8 Steps To Help Prevent and Shorten The Common Cold
‘Keep Christ In Christmas’ Sign Stirs Controversy
DLA For Sunday 121811
IWA For Sunday 121811


All that in just a minute. So, Occupy, well, Good Air, stink it up, abuse Women, Drink, Drug, and cause Property Damage, be a Terrorist, or anything ANTI - Establishment, has become the Time's "Person of the Year." Time is a Joke. I'm surprised that anyone still reads it. But, NYT is still there too. As long as you leave out words like Tea Party, YOU are the "Person of the Year" if you go down and camp out somewhere for "Weed and Chicks." If you have a CLEAR Message, want Smaller Government, and Freedom, then you are to be all but ignored, insulted, and called "astroturf."

Besides all that, no one, not even a lot of the Protesters, even know why they are there. Their list of Demands are a Joke, and NO ONE CARES, why they are making Jack Asses of themselves. That is the truth folks. No one cares.

So gone are the days that he could ride the coat tails of "Making History." The First. A Historic Election. No not Obama being the First Black President, gone are those days as well, but being the First Muslim Elected to Congress. Yes, Rep. Keith Ellison IS the First Muslim to Serve in the House. Big Wooptido. So now that he was Elected, like Obama, People want to know, what now? People, contrary to popular opinion, CARE about Policies and Actions. Oh, it does say a lot of where our Country is now, compared to where we came from, by electing Obama, but NOW they want actual Policies and Actions that will HELP the Country. The People of Minnesota now want Rep. Keith Ellison to DO something more than just BE Muslim. He has done NOTHING to help the People of Minnesota. Gone are the days of feeling good for their pick based SOLELY on the Historic Nature of the Election.

So this Idiot wants another 15 minutes? Is he trying to sure up his Base? Does ANYONE actually CARE? According to the The Washington Examiner - Congressman on hunger strike to show solidarity with Occupy By: Aubrey Whelan 12/16/11 11:16 AM.

Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., embarked on a 24-hour hunger strike in solidarity with four Occupy DC protesters who have gone without food since Dec. 8 to advocate for D.C. voting rights.
{Laughing} Unless he is actually Camping out, how will anyone know if he actually ate anything? Besides that, in 24 hours he will have Filet Mignon while the Occupy Morons are sleeping in Tents Freezing the Tush off. All for something that NO ONE CARE'S about. If Voting Rights were what this was all about, Cool. At lease it would have more support. But along with Voting Rights, they want Debts Forgiven, Energy Companies Stopped, Free Collage, ETC. Things that will help INCREASE the Damage and hasten the demise of our very Country. In their Declaration, "We believe that human rights are universal. Among these rights are the right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the basic right to economic security." So they feel that the only way to INSURE Life, Liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness," is through Big Government, Socialistic Control. They believe that it's a RIGHT to have "Economic Security." Which MEANS, no mater what you do, your Financial Needs will be met, even if that means taking from someone else. That is NOT America folks. Work hard, reap the Rewards. NOT Work hard and have your Rewards TAKEN from you and given to someone else who is sitting in their Home watching TV and Drinking Beer all day.

Ellison, the first Muslim to serve in the House, met with the hunger strikers Thursday and pledged to read their declaration – which calls for full voting rights for District residents as well as legislative and budget autonomy – on the floor of the House of Representatives to enter it into the congressional record.

The hunger strikers have been meeting with various lawmakers and their staffers on Capitol Hill this week. Success has been mixed. On Wednesday, strikers staged a sit-in outside House Speaker John Boehner's office for hours, but didn't get a meeting with the Ohio Republican.
So a Congressman, that no one cares about, is meeting with Protesters, that no one cares about, to join them in their quest, that no one cares about. {Sigh} You know though, this is not the sad thing about all this. No. The sad thing about all this is that they, The Protesters, most likely ACTUALLY believe that HE Cares and that ANY of this is going to make a difference.

Anyway, we are FULLY Loaded and ready to go today. Going to fill my cup. Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
The Washington Examiner - Congressman on hunger strike to show solidarity with Occupy

Putin Is NOT Going Anywhere

I don't know if I can say the same about Mikhail Prokhorov.

Hey folks,

So who is Mikhail Prokhorov? He is a Russian Billionaire who wants to challenge Putin for President. Now there are two possibilities here. Only TWO. Make no mistake about this. It has always been the plan to put Putin back in power as President. President Dmitry Medvedev was, and has always been, nothing more than keeping the seat warm. A Figure Head. Putin as Prime Minister was still running the Show.

The plan is simple, President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin, simply swap Jobs. Medvedev becomes PM and Putin is once again President. But now there is Mikhail Prokhorov? Yes. The one that owns the New Jersey Nets.

Now they want you to think that this guy is Legit. He may very well be. That Stupid, that is. First he has to acquire two million signatures he needs to get on the Ballot. Then he needs a Platform that he claims he will announce soon. Then he needs to get the Majority to Vote for him over Putin. Putin is NOT going anywhere. I don't know if I can say the same about Mikhail Prokhorov.

You see the last guy that Challenged Putin is rotting in a Jail Cell as we speak. Mikhail Khodorkovsky who was The Yukos Oil Company Chief, found his Company destroyed and now sits in Jail. Does the same or worse Fate await Mr. Prokhorov? You just do not mess with a Dictator's Master Plan.

Or? Option two, which is the one I would subscribe to more. He is nothing more than a Puppet. Working with Putin. This is a theory many "in the know" are starting to float. You see, there really are some in Russia that want nothing to do with the old USSR. They LIKE Freedom. They LIKE their new Life. We all know that Putin has been attempting to regain all the Territories that split with Russia post Mother Russia, USSR days. He wants them all back. He wants a new Cold War with America, if not an outright one. He WILL be the Russian President again very soon.

People, perhaps taking a cue from the "Arab Spring" and falsely believing that this is a Freedom Movement that overturned Regimes, started Protesting and Rioting. They wanted to let the World know that they we not part of Putin's Plan and wanted no part of it. But what other Option is there. It's a done deal. Putin becomes President, Medvedev the Prime Minister. So along comes Mikhail Prokhorov. The hope. The Change. The PAWN. The Protesters all go away. Plan commences as planned, Prokhorov loses, in perhaps an even close election, Putin is President. This gives the Illusion that Putin was picked BY the People.

This is not some tin foil hat wearing thing. Even Mikhail Prokhorov's FRIEND says so. He is not the only one.

"Prokhorov's task is to accumulate protest voters and help Putin get elected," Boris Nemtsov, an opposition leader and Prokhorov friend, told the Interfax news agency. Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov, who also is running for president, echoed that view.
Of course he denies this. But do you really believe that he stands a chance? Even if he was this stupid?

You know, one of the Problems with people here, observing Elections elsewhere in the World is that they tend to look at things the way they know. The way they are here. They are not US. This is why I could tell you without doubt, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was going to win his re-election, and why I'm telling you Putin is back. This is also why it is SO important to STOP Voter Fraud HERE. So these type of things do NOT happen here.

Folks, make no mistake about it. There are people here that try to play these games. Obama WILL NOT WIN in a Straight and Fair Election. So his, and the State Run Media's, main Job is getting the person they FEEL is the best chance to satisfy those "annoyed Urban Communities." As Vladislav Surkov, the Kremlin's powerful Domestic Policy Chief calls them. The Left call Conservatives. But the trick is to pick someone, DESTROY anyone else that DOES Pose a threat, and allow Obama to walk into another 4 years.

That is all that is going on here folks. Do not get excited about seeing someone stand up to oppose Putin. Either he is working WITH him, or he just will no longer be around. Putin is BACK. Then again, he never really left.
Peter

Sources:
The Wall Street Journal - Russia Mogul to Vie With Putin for Presidency
Critics Say Prokhorov's Bid Intends to Aid Prime Minister by Diverting Unhappy Voters
By GREGORY L. WHITE And IRA IOSEBASHVILI

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

Now this is GREAT!!! The Runner Up for the Friday Post.

Hey folks,

My friend Laura Posted this on Facebook. I clinked the link to see how bad I am to myself and found that I was guilty of quite a bit of these. I think a couple are more important than you think when you first read them. I'll comment a little, but really? No comment is needed. Check this out.

Marc and Angel Hack Life
Practical Tips for Productive Living
30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1.Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

2.Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.

3.Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.

4.Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

5.Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

6.Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.

7.Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.

8.Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.

9.Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.

10.Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.

11.Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.

12.Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.

13.Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.

14.Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

15.Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.

16.Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”

17.Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.

18.Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.

19.Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.

20.Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.

21.Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.

22.Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.

23.Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.

24.Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.

25.Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.

26.Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.

27.Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.

28.Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.

29.Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.

30.Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.
You know what? I'll stick with no comment needed. You know who you are, and you know what applies to you. Think about it. Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
Marc and Angel Hack Life
Practical Tips for Productive Living
30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

8 Steps To Help Prevent and Shorten The Common Cold

Do whatever you have to, to keep healthy.

Hey folks,

Most of you know that I am just getting over a Severe Case of Bronchitis. You see, with the COPD thing, I don't get Colds anymore. When I get sick, I get SICK. Bronchitis and Pneumonia are the standard enjoyment for me to look forward to. Two times a year most of the time. May, and December. Two to three weeks off at a time. It's no fun at all.

But you don't have to have COPD or a Weakened Immune System to dislike the Common Cold. No body likes getting Sick. Most of us start worrying about it when the Kids go back to School and bring Home more than just Homework.

Well, here are 8 tips by our Friends over at Yahoo Health - 8 Ways to Beat the Cold and Flu By Bill Phillips and the Editors of Men's Health

Growing up, cold and flu season meant . . . oranges. My mom bought bags of them at the first sign of a sniffle. I was fine with it: I love oranges, especially when I’m sick. But truth is, even though vitamin C has been shown to boost the immune system, it’s never been proven to effectively shorten the duration of either colds or flu.

You probably have your own go-to prevention techniques and remedies: chicken soup, zinc supplements, hot tea, stiff shot of whisky. Some of my colleagues here at Men’s Health purchase Purell by the case every winter. Some of these may even work. But, truth is, the active ingredient in most of them is the placebo effect.

This cold and flu season will be different. Your new approach: science. We've assembled the latest research on how to arm your immune system so it'll strike at the first tickle in the throat. Or immediately after a suspicious double sneeze. Or right after that vague, blah feeling begins creeping in. In the past we've always allowed the cold virus to establish a beachhead in our bodies before fighting back. This time, the second it lands, we hit and we hit hard.
This is VERY interesting. I will be following some of these. Some are actually a bit surprising.

Strategy #1: Eat an Antiviral Breakfast

Woke up sick and tired? The right morning meal can help quash the cold virus before it quashes you. In a recent study from the Netherlands, researchers found that consuming a 1,200-calorie breakfast increased blood levels of gamma interferon, a natural antiviral agent, by 450 percent. Going hungry caused a 17 percent decrease. That doesn't mean you should reach for the pancake syrup. Instead, hit your quota by eating a bowl of Kellogg's Raisin Bran (with 2 percent milk), a glass of orange juice, and a toasted English muffin with peanut butter and grape jelly, followed by a Stonyfield Farm smoothie.
OK, yeah. I never eat Breakfast. Ever. Maybe this IS something I should look into. The next one is interesting. Stress yourself WELL?

Strategy #2: Strike Back with Stress

An Ohio State University study found that exposing yourself to short-term stress—the kind you have some control over—can supercharge your immune system. "Stress response is a normal protective coping mechanism," says Jos A. Bosch, Ph.D., the study author. "The body prepares itself for potential harm and activates its immune resources." To use stress as medicine, Bosch suggests taking on a small extra project at work or helping a coworker with a task. "It shouldn't take longer than a day or half a day," he says
OK still not sure I get this one. Next I agree with 100 percent.

Strategy #3: Brew a Cup of Cold-Virus Killer

Swap your 3 p.m. coffee for green tea. When Canadian researchers added green tea to lab samples of the adenovirus (one of the bugs responsible for colds), it stopped the virus from replicating. All the credit goes to EGCG, a chemical compound found in certain kinds of tea, but in the highest concentrations in green tea. Start pumping green tea into your bloodstream at the first sign of a cold and you should be able to stop its attack. "It's the difference between staying home for 2 or 3 days, and going to work and just sniffling a bit," says Joseph M. Weber, Ph.D., the lead study author. The best brand to brew? Tetley; it was one of the most effective in Weber's study. Note: To brew the maximum amount of EGCG, boil a mug of water in the microwave, toss in a tea bag, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey.
OK, I know, I know, I need to work on this next one too.

Strategy #4: Recharge Your Immune Response

Thinking about staying up for Tosh.0? Consider this: When the amount of sleep you're logging decreases by 40 percent or more (for instance, you sleep 4 hours instead of the usual 7), the effectiveness of your immune system declines by 50 percent, says Michael Irwin, M.D., a sleep researcher at UCLA. And for the immune system to operate at full strength, you'll need to sleep a straight 8, the amount shown to produce the highest levels of "natural killer cells," which attack viruses.
Now this next one we talked about before.

Strategy #5: Play Prevention D

People with the highest vitamin D levels in their blood are the least likely to suffer respiratory infections, says a recent study of nearly 7,000 adults in the British Journal of Nutrition. Choose vitamin D3, which is more bioavailable than D2. It’s difficult to get all the vitamin D you need in the winter, since the sun isn’t strong enough to trigger D production in many northern regions. As a rule of thumb, vitamin D production happens as long as your shadow is shorter than your body during the middle of the day. And while many foods have vitamin D, it’s hard to get enough unless you eat plenty of D-rich foods like salmon every single day. If you don’t, take a supplement like GNC’s Vitamin D3.
Take vitamin D with dinner. A study found significantly more absorption of that nutrient when it was consumed at the largest meal, which tends to have more fat, than at breakfast. Also I have a feeling that this is one of those odd facts that will stay with me forever..."As a rule of thumb, vitamin D production happens as long as your shadow is shorter than your body during the middle of the day." {Smile}

Strategy #6: Take a Walk

Regular exercise can strengthen the body’s resistance to colds by stimulating movement of certain immune cells, says David Nieman, DHSc, a professor of health and exercise science at Appalachian State University. In research comparing sedentary adults with moderately active adults (those who took 45-minute brisk walks five days a week), Nieman found that walkers caught colds half as often as nonwalkers. Walk with friends or play a team sport for the added benefit of social interaction. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that people with diverse social networks suffer fewer colds than people who are introverted and socially isolated.
No problem there. I walk a lot. Now this next one? I was like, uh, OK, sometimes I do, until I read it.

Strategy #7: Lie on Your Stomach

In a Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine study, researchers divided several dozen volunteers into two groups: one received a traditional Swedish massage and another a session of light touch (but no actual massage-therapy techniques). After each 45-minute session, blood samples were taken. The result: The Swedish massage group experienced a significant increase in their lymphocytes—white blood cells that play a large role in protecting the body against disease—and a decrease in their levels of the stress hormones. The light-touch group didn’t not. “We found that biological changes occur as a result of even a single session of massage, and that these changes may benefit even a healthy individual,” says Mark Hyman Rapaport, M.D., one of the study’s authors.
Well, DUH! Message helps you feel better? Really. Now there is a treatment I would not mind a bit. And finally....

Strategy #8: Fire Up the Crock Pot

Eating bean-based chili is a delicious way to warm up after a winter walk—and it can also help prevent colds and the flu if you make it with the right ingredients. Wake Forest University nutritionists say chili contains an arsenal of immunity-boosters. All of the vegetables (including the onions and garlic) offer immune-system-strengthening phytochemicals, but the tomatoes are particularly powerful. In addition to the phytochemical lycopene, tomatoes contain potassium and vitamins A and C. The tofu and beans supply an immunity-boosting isoflavone called daidzein, and the hot sauce will open up your nasal passages to avoid congestion.
I have read other studies that suggest Italian Food is good for you for the same reasons. Three of my favorite things. Onions, Garlic, and Tomatoes. I also love spice, so, this works for me again.

So the next time you are starting to feel it, you know when it's coming, why not try some of these. They all make sense, well, except the Stress thing. I don't get that. But they all make sense. Maybe if I do some of these more often, perhaps I will not get sick as often to begin with. Who knows. Can't hurt.
Peter

Sources:
Yahoo Health - 8 Ways to Beat the Cold and Flu By Bill Phillips and the Editors of Men's Health

‘Keep Christ In Christmas’ Sign Stirs Controversy

So to Pitman NJ.

Hey folks,


Lets spend some time in Pitman NJ. A little Town of like 14,000 people. It's Christmas time. There is a Sign that the Knights Of Columbus has put up for 45 years. No one complained. Now? It's an Issue? Because some Moron in Wisconsin says it is? Here is the Story.

CBS Philly - ‘Keep Christ In Christmas’ Sign Stirs Controversy In South Jersey Town December 13, 2011 5:52 PM By Robin Rieger

PITMAN, N.J. (CBS) – Some residents of a South Jersey town are calling a Knights of Columbus banner that hangs over Broadway in Pitman, a sign of the season.

It reads “Keep Christ in Christmas.”

“I think it’s wonderful, Christ is Christmas,” said Maria Marandino of Vineland.

Some unnamed residents who live in Pitman and who believe the sign that hangs across Main Street violates the Constitution, contacted the Freedom from Religion Foundation in Wisconsin that promotes separation of church and state. The group’s consultant told Eyewitness News by phone that they've asked the town to remove the sign.

“It’s a group endorsing religion over a public right of way,” said Andrew Seidel, the group’s constitutional consultant.

The town’s mayor says the sign is attached to private property and hanging over a county road.

“I think it’s a sad state of affairs that our country, we kowtow to the minority and not the majority of people who like that sort of thing to stay,” said Mayor Michael Batten.

Some residents say a nativity scene was removed from a Christmas display because the park it was displayed in is Pitman’s property.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation says they will look for private property in Pitman now to hang their sign, which reads:

“At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds,” said Seidel.

Anna Dora Shipley said the sign has been hung every Christmas in the 45 years she’s been here. She doesn’t like the Foundation’s sign but says they have a right to put it up.

“Just don’t take mine down,” said Shipley.
Now we will be spending some time on this. But this is completely ridiculous. This is another clear case of those Idiots that feel they have the right to dictate to everyone else how they should live. A Religious Bigot, Hate filled, Ignorant Moron, THINKS that he has a right to tell a Town in another State what Sign they should display. I'm glad that the Mayor is NOT going to listen to this Fool. He has no reason to. If someone in Pitman is not happy, let them speak up for themselves. This Moron in Wisconsin doesn't like it, don't go to Pitman. Something tells me he would not be that welcomed anyway.
Peter

Sources:
CBS Philly - ‘Keep Christ In Christmas’ Sign Stirs Controversy In South Jersey Town

DLA For Sunday 121811

So keeping Christ in Christmas is offensive to Little Minds.

Hey folks,

Back to Pitman. Told you we would be spending some time there today. So for 45 years, the Knights of Columbus have hung a Private Sign that says, "Keep Christ in Christmas." For 45 years, no one complained. This year, an Religiously Bigoted, close minded, hate filled FOOL from Wisconsin contacts the Mayor of Pitman NJ, and says some "Unnamed Residents" are offended and want the Sign taken down. Moron.

So, Christ-Mass or Christmas, is the day set aside by those who understand, to worship the Birth of our Lord Jesus, THE Christ. His NAME is in the Name of the Holy day, aka Holiday. If it were not for Christ, it would not be called CHRISTmas.

But this Moron from Wisconsin CLAIMS someone in Pitman contacted him and wants the sign removed. No names. Proof, NO Constitutional Bases whatsoever. Just one Moron from out of Town attempting to Dictate to the Mayor of another Town, in another State, what he can and can't display.

Our Winner of the Display of Logic Award goes TO that Mayor for his response to this Ignorant Jackass.

The town’s mayor says the sign is attached to private property and hanging over a county road.

“I think it’s a sad state of affairs that our country, we kowtow to the minority and not the majority of people who like that sort of thing to stay,” said Mayor Michael Batten.
He will not be taking it down. Good for him. More on this Moron in a bit.

Look, you don'[t like Christmas? Don't participate. I have Jehovah Witness friends that do not Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Birthdays, Whatever. But they do not go around telling everyone that they are not allowed to. They simply do not participate.

If you are offended by Christ in Christmas, then you may want to rethink the 4th of July if the Military Offends you. Do not accept the Day off for Presidents Day if you are offended by this Country the Way it is Founded. Keep your opinions to yourself. Create your own Holiday, like, I don't know, Festivus. I will respect your Holiday, you respect mine.

Congratulations Mayor Michael Batten, for standing up for what is right, for telling the Truth, and NOT "kowtowing to the Minority" or in this case One Idiot, "and not the majority of people who like that sort of thing to stay,” you ARE the Winner of the Display Of Logic Award, for Today, Sunday, December 18, 2011. I only wish MORE Public Officials were not so Cowardly to not do the same.
Peter

Sources:
CBS Philly - ‘Keep Christ In Christmas’ Sign Stirs Controversy In South Jersey Town

IWA For Sunday 121811

Can you explain to me what Christmas means?

Hey folks

Christ - Mass The day we have set aside to Remember Jesus the Christ. Period. To Worship the Birth of Our Lord Jesus THE Christ. Christmas IS a Holy Day. Can someone tell me what the Holiday Christmas is? The Commercialization of Christmas. The Holiday Season is, in essence, the hijacking of the Holy Day Christmas. Jesus turned into Santa. A Tree replaced the Cross. We decided that going out and spending ourselves into debt to spoil those we love during this Season is a GOOD thing.

So? Businesses took advantage of all this. This is why you go into Box Stores and Malls following Thanksgiving, you hear Jiggle Bells and see Christmas Decorations all over the place. It's all about MONEY.

This reminds me of a Conversation I had on the Radio with Rich Stevens of, well, The Conversation with Rich Stevens over at 850 WFTL. He was upset that in the Station, all he saw everywhere he looked was Christmas Decorations. Problem as he sees it, is that like 90 percent of the People who work in the Studio Building are Jewish, and all that they had up was one Menorah in the Lobby. I called in and told him he should feel too bad about it. They just haven't found a way to Commercialize Hanukkah yet. When they do, then he will see Hanukkah stuff all over the place as well. My point was that it really is not a compliment, or promotion of Jesus, it's GREED. At lease most see Hanukkah for what it is still. They leave it alone to those who observe it.

But even with all this, we can not forget that the WHOLE reason for the Season IS Christ. There would be no Holy, aka, Holiday Christmas, if it were NOT for Jesus THE Christ. So for those of us who WILL continue to Celebrate the HOLY Day Christmas, and share with some that may not even understand the REASON for it, the TRUE Meaning, we WILL keep Christ in Christmas.

Herein lays the problem for those of little Minds. They just can't allow others to see things different than them. The Ignorance of these imbeciles and close minded Fools are on full Display, shining as brightly as the White House Christmas Tree, every year, this time of year.

Today's Idiot of the Week is no different. He is Andrew Seidel, of the Freedom from Religion Foundation in Wisconsin. What is his issue in Wisconsin? Uh, nothing. His issue is with a little Town in NJ called Pitman. Now I told you this story, I'm sure some of you had little doubt that this was our Winner this Week. It's not even in his town. Or State even. Here is a reminder who this Idiot is.

Some unnamed residents who live in Pitman and who believe the sign that hangs across Main Street violates the Constitution, contacted the Freedom from Religion Foundation in Wisconsin that promotes separation of church and state. The group’s consultant told Eyewitness News by phone that they've asked the town to remove the sign.
Sorry, in my opinion, this is complete BS. If someone doesn't like the sign that has been there for like 45 years, they THEY should speak up and make themselves known. THEY can explain to the MAJORITY of Residence of Pitman who have no problem with it, what the damage and or harm it is causing them.

We will leave aside the FACT that the CONSTITUTION does NOT prevent ANYONE from ANYWHERE from practicing their FREEDOM OF Religion. That actually includes STATES that CHOSE to allow Religious Symbols from being displayed. The Constitution PREVENTS the FEDERAL Government from interfering in STATES RIGHTS and FREEDOM OF not FROM, Religion. But of course this Idiot probably believes it does contain the Wall of Separation. {Sigh}

“It’s a group endorsing religion over a public right of way,” said Andrew Seidel, the group’s constitutional consultant.
That has no clue what the Constitution actually SAYS.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation says they will look for private property in Pitman now to hang their sign, which reads:

“At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds,” said Seidel.
Why not ask one of those "unnamed Residents" permission to post the Sign on THEIR Property. I actually hope that you DO get permission to put up your Religiously Bigoted, Hate filled, Ignorant Sign. It will show people just how ignorant YOU and People LIKE you truly are. I agree with...

Anna Dora Shipley said the sign has been hung every Christmas in the 45 years she’s been here. She doesn’t like the Foundation’s sign but says they have a right to put it up.

“Just don’t take mine down,” said Shipley.
Hey if we are going to be honest, and tell people the TRUTH and share the Reason for the Season, then lets be honest and tell people the TRUTH that there really are Ignorant Little Minded People out there that HATE other People's Freedoms.

Congratulations Andrew Seidel, you are without a doubt, the Idiot of the Week. Just another in the long line of Idiots that THINK they are more Intelligent than anyone else and that others should actually CARE what you think. May I be the first to say to you Sir, well, I doubt I'm the first, SCREW OFF. Oh, and Merry Christmas. {Smile}
Peter

Sources:
CBS Philly - ‘Keep Christ In Christmas’ Sign Stirs Controversy In South Jersey Town
December 13, 2011 5:52 PM By Robin Rieger