Another Real Life Example, Reality Vs Dream

Solar can NOT stand on it's own.

Hey folks,

Happy Tuesday to ya. Since it is Tuesday, time to check in at the Energy Front. Last week I posted this. OPNTalk - Solar Can NOT Stand On It's Own We talked about how some in the Solar Industry are crying because the see themselves going out of business, unless the Government steps in and gives them more money. I talked about how if it was so good and effective, they would not need Government, the Free Market would make them Millionaires and would put Big Oil out of business. I used the OCAN analogy.

Last week, we were talking about the Business end of it. Well, what about the consumer? What about the people who actually buy into it? They go out and spend the big Chunk of Money to get it going. What about them? According to Philly.com - Cloudy day for solar homes Incentives that got some Pennsylvanians to commit to alternative energy are quickly disappearing. By Hal Marcovitz

When I converted my Bucks County home to solar power in 2009, I was delighted to learn that utilities in Pennsylvania and elsewhere would pay me for the right to claim the energy produced on my roof as their own. Last year, I earned more than $1,600 selling what are known as alternative-energy credits.

Pennsylvania and other states require utilities to generate a portion of their energy from renewable resources such as sun and wind. Since utilities in the Northeast generally don't maintain large solar or wind farms - as their counterparts in places like Arizona and New Mexico do - they satisfy the requirements by claiming ownership of power produced by rooftop systems.

For home and business owners who shoulder the significant up-front costs of converting to solar power, alternative-energy credits are crucial to making the expense worthwhile.

In other words folks, it is too cost prohibitive for most to even consider, without some kind of benefit given to them by Government, which means YOU. Your Tax Money. You are paying them to TRY this new Alternative Energy Experiment.

But clouds have gathered over the rooftops of Pennsylvania's solar-powered homes and businesses. The state's alternative-energy credit law, adopted in 2004, has fallen woefully out of date. As a result, credits here are selling for a small fraction of what they earn elsewhere.

The state's law set the renewables threshold - the amount of power utilities must generate from sun and wind - very low. The current solar requirement is a paltry 44 megawatts a year. Since the state's solar-system owners are producing more than 80 megawatts a year, it's easy to see why the bottom has fallen out of the market.

Last year, I earned $275 for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours my system produced. But the agent who sells my credits on the market recently told me that he expects to receive no more than $90 or $100 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours.

When the 2004 law was passed, there were only about 200 homes and businesses powered by solar in Pennsylvania. Now there are more than 3,300. Those of us who have converted have done so out of a commitment to clean energy, to be sure, but the economic incentives matter.

"We did it because we care, but, uh, WE WANT MONEY!! {Laughing} This is not worth our wild if we are not getting top dollar for saving the Earth." Is this NOT what they are saying? They want to make more money for being "Green?" Other area's are paying more. They just want their fair share. Right?

Pennsylvania lags

Congress has provided some generous tax credits for those who convert to solar, and the state provides grants under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Program. Together, they can cover nearly two-thirds of the cost of a system. Still, since the typical conversion can cost $30,000 or more, sales of credits remain important.

You read that correctly. The "typical conversion can cost $30,000 or more." Do you have $30,000 laying around to pay to convert your home to Solar? Hey if you make $1600. a Year, it will only take you 18.75 years to break even. But then after that is pure Profit. If it works. Not including Panel Replacements. Storage? ETC. It goes on to talk about how "ridiculously low" Pennsylvania's solar thresholds are, and how many other States are taking more of YOUR money to fund that of which can not stand on it's own. Of course, who is to blame for this? Yup. Big Oil and Coal.

That's right. Pennsylvania doesn't care about the Greenies, that care more about that "Dirty Energy" than those that have made a commitment to Dream Green. The VERY last Sentence says it all.

Only a vigorous alternative-energy market can keep the state's homeowners and businesses investing in solar power.

I want you to think of two things here. First, if we were all going to die because of Global Warming, NOTHING ELSE WOULD MATTER. The WORLD would come together to fight it. To find a solution. To stop it. As I used in the past, an ASTIRIOD is coming. It will hit us. We will all die. NOTHING ELSE WOULD MATTER. Money? It would be spent by EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE to do what ever we could to stop it. Nothing else would matter. Not Jobs, the Economy, not discussions of who will play a bigger part. Not discussion on who to divide all the money. Not projections of 10 to 20 years in the Future. Not agreements to "Talk" more about it in the future. NOTHING would matter more than stopping the Asteroid.

Since we already know Global Warming is a Scam. They even had to change the Name to Climate Change because we are COOLING now. You have to ask yourself WHY. Why is it so predominate. Why are other Countries going along with it? Now think about this.

$30,000 to convert to Solar. {If you are in an area that Solar will work}
$20,000 to convert to Wind. {If you are in an area where Wind will work}
$30,000 to $50,000 to buy an Alternative Vehicle.
$20,000 to replace the batteries in some Solar, and AVs in like 4 to 5 years.

Carbon Credits = Money taken from Individuals and Businesses to Claim Green, Given to others as PURE Profit.

Allowance of Governments to Create Laws restricting Daily Activities of it's Citizens and fines and penalties {Money} going to Governments for non-compliance.

PURELY about Power, control, and all that Money.

Now, solution? There is no Man-Made Global Warming, therefore no reason for ANY of this. There is however, and World that runs on and is OK with Oil and Natural Gas. No one needs incentives to go to the Gas Station. No one needs Incentives to pay their Electric Bill {Some would love them} generated from Coal, Nuclear, and Oil.

So why is it, with more and more Scientists coming out and calling Climate Change what it is, nothing more than natural cycles, taking so long for the SCAM to die? Human Nature. With all that Power, Control, and of course MONEY, floating around out there for people to take, what they feel is there fair share, it is going to take a long time for Reality to overtake the Dream.
Peter

Sources:
OPNTalk - Solar Can NOT Stand On It's Own
Philly.com - Cloudy day for solar homes

Memorial Day

Memorial Day.

Hey Folks,

Just a brief history of today.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's

Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his Gerenal Order No. 11 , and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy redThat grows on fields where valor led,It seems to signal to the skiesThat blood of heroes never dies.

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.

There are a few notable exceptions. Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Program). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.

But what may be needed to return the solemn, and even sacred, spirit back to Memorial Day is for a return to its traditional day of observance. Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend in with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day. As the VFW stated in its 2002 Memorial Day address: "Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

On January 19, 1999 Senator Inouye introduced bill S 189 to the Senate which proposes to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th instead of "the last Monday in May". On April 19, 1999 Representative Gibbons introduced the bill to the House (H.R. 1474). The bills were referred the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Government Reform.

To all the Families of those that Paid the ultimate price, and to all those that Serve today, who may be asked to do the same, THANK YOU. You shall NEVER be forgotten.

Peter

Federal District Judge Lynn Hughes Says Jesus Is OK

Preview for Sunday 052911

Hey folks,

WELCOME to the Big Sunday Edition of the OPNTalk Blog. It's been a while. What is it Three Week? Two. Two weeks? Anyway, seems like it's been forever since I got to sit in The Chair and bring to you the Big Sunday Edition. The good news is that it seems that the folks over at Google and Blogspot.com are working out all the problems they have been having. It gets a little better every day. Lets hope we can make it through the Sunday Edition with everything working the way it should. Or at least close to the way it should.

Glad you could stop by. You can also find me over on Twitter, Facebook, and occasionally on the Tom Sullivan Facebook Page. As Always, if YOU want to be a part of the OPNTalk Blog, the Email is opntalk@gmail.com.

So coming right up today?

Obama Parties, Some Not Happy
Signs Of Alzheimer's
DLA For Sunday 052911
IWA for Sunday 052911

All that as we move along. First up though, did you catch this? Texas Federal District Judge Lynn Hughes says the name Jesus is OK to use in a Memorial Day Prayer. I kid you not. A Federal Judge had to say it's OK. Not that the Government can say it's NOT. According to the Huston Chronicle: VA agrees not to interfere with holiday prayers Agency backs down after losing court fight over pastor's mention of Jesus in Memorial Day invocation at Houston cemetery By TERRI LANGFORD HOUSTON CHRONICLE

The nation's agency for military veterans has agreed to stay out of religious refereeing for now, backing down from its attempt to tell a minister how to craft a prayer for a Memorial Day invocation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Hindrichs told federal District Judge Lynn Hughes that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will not demand that Memorial Day prayers at Houston National Cemetery Monday be as non-denominational as possible.

"(The agency) will let the prayer go on this Monday," Hindrichs told Hughes.

The change of heart came one day after the judge granted the Rev. Scott Rainey a temporary restraining order against the agency after officials told the pastor to edit his prayer to make it as general and non-denominational as possible. Rainey's prayer, submitted for review at the agency's request included the recitation of the Lord's Prayer and thanked Jesus Christ, the Christian savior, in closing.

"The ... prayer/message is specific to one belief," wrote Arleen Ocasio, director of the Houston National Cemetery.

"I've never said a prayer in my life that didn't end with Jesus Christ," Rainey said after Friday's hearing. "It was unrealistic expectation for me not to include the name of Jesus Christ."

Veterans Affairs officials informed Rainey that if he wanted to give the invocation, he would have to keep the language in his prayer "general" and "non-denominational."

Rainey filed a lawsuit against the agency Thursday, claiming the government was censoring his speech and asked the judge to stop the agency from doing so.

Judge warns agency

Hughes granted a temporary restraining order which will stay in place through Monday's Memorial Day. The judge said that while he was not doubting the government's word, he was "an experienced optimist" who didn't want to leave room for the government to change its mind before Monday.

Yesterday, the judge warned the agency it had stepped too far, saying officials were essentially "decreeing how citizens honor their veterans."

"The government cannot gag citizens when it says it is in the interest of national security, and it cannot do it in some bureaucrat's notion of cultural homogeneity," Hughes wrote.

Way to go Judge. Folks, the Constitution says that we can practice our Faith ANYWHERE and ANYWAY we chose and the Federal Government can NOT "prohibit the free exercise" of Religion. Sorry Fred. Sorry Arleen. There is no room for Political Correctness here. The LAW is not on your side. Maybe you should attend. A little Prayer in your life may be good for ya.

Alright folks, going to fill my cup. Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
Huston Chronicle: VA agrees not to interfere with holiday prayers

Obama Parties, Some Not Happy

No one should be.

Hey folks,

Imagine if Bush was in Europe, staying at Buckingham Palace when Katrina hit. Imagine if you would, Bush traveling to Africa to find his roots. Or taking so many Vacations in General. After all, being President IS a tough Job. Playing Golf while the Country burns? Record High Unemployment, record high Foreclosures. Skyrocketing energy Costs. Bush? Vacationing, Playing Golf, and hosting Parties at the White House. Imagine Mrs. Bush going on a Spending Spree Vacation to France. Now imagine the Media coverage and the Liberal Leadership in the House and Senate.

So Obama Parties in Europe, while the folks in Joplin try to recover whatever they can, and mourn the loss of Loved Ones. Forget all the rest of the idiocies from the Moron who is holding the office of President at this time, just THIS. This is worse than Katrina. Where is Obama? Where is the Media? Where is the Outrage?

A close second to the Winner of the Display of Logic Award this week, is one person NOT happy with this. Radio Talk Show Host Michael Savage.

Radio talk show host Michael Savage lashed out at President Barack Obama on Friday, criticizing him for his lavish European tour while residents of Joplin, Mo., work to reclaim their lives after a devastating tornado tore through the town.

Savage, known for his diatribes against Obama, told Newsmax:

"Obama is doing nothing! He is disgracing the office of the president, disgracing America's standing in the world and partying across Europe. Now, it may be that Joplin is under water, but he's not [President George W.] Bush. Therefore, ignoring the deaths and destruction at home so he can sip $1,000 wine while Michelle Obama wears $2,000 dresses is not at all embarrassing or a sign of negligence.

"Soon, big daddy will be home to make a short detour to Joplin. After forgiving Egypt $1 billion in debt, ($1 billion for the Muslim Brotherhood!), he'll toss a few bills to the peasants in Missouri from Air Force One and depart for D.C., where he can get on with his Leninist agenda."

I could not have said it better myself. Where is the Outrage? Seriously? Where are the stories from the Media that Obama doesn't care about the folks in Joplin? Where are the stories from the Kooks out there that Obama DIRECTED the Tornadoes to hit Joplin. Where is the simple QUESTIONS that everyone wants to know. What is FEMA doing? Why did it take so long for the FEMA Director to get there? Why is Obama NOT cutting his Vacation, Vaca number???? short to go there and attempt to help? So the folks in Joplin should feel what, that The One will make an appearance today when his Vacation is up? Comforted? Esatic? What?

This is why is it SO important that this Idiot, Obama, is thrown out of office in 2012. I do not care if we have another McCain or NOT. I do not care if Phineas or Ferb was on the ticket. I would Vote for them. We can not have another 4 years of this Moron. The Country may not survive it.

Way to go Michael.

Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
Newsmax.com: Savage Savages Obama Over Brit Ban

Signs Of Alzheimer's

"What to look for?"

Hey folks,

Back on Sunday, May 8, 2011, I posted a Two Part Series on Alzheimer's. Some of you have Emailed me and asked me about my Story and various questions about Alzheimer's and Dementia. I'm no expert in the field. I'm not the one to answer any Medical Questions at all. But the folks over at The Alzheimer's Association CAN answer your questions. Go to THEIR site and check it out. It is well worth the time. It is a Treasure Trove of information from what Alzheimer's and Dementia is, the Warning Signs to dealing with someone who suffers from the disease. They are GREAT people also. I'm in contact with some over there and they REALLY want to get you this information.

But a friend of mine asked me, "Pete, I saw your Post on Alzheimer's. I do not talk about it, but I think I may be seeing some early signs of it in my Mom. I would be lying if I said I was not starting to get a little scared, but I do not want to read something into nothing." So again I directed him to The Alzheimer's Association Website. But since this IS something that many of us will have to deal with, I figured why not discuss this a bit more in this weeks Health and Science Segment.

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer's, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor. Learn how Alzheimer's affects the brain and take the Brain Tour.

10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What's a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What's a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What's a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

What's a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

New problems with words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").

What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What's a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

Decreased or poor judgment

People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What's a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

Changes in mood and personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What's a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Copyright © 2009 Alzheimer's Association®. All rights reserved.

So I told my friend, if his Mom is showing any of these signs, and I'm telling YOU, if YOU or a Loved One of YOURS is showing any of these signs, PLEASE go to the Doctor and get checked out. Time is NOT on your side.

Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
Alzheimer's Association - 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's

DLA For Sunday 052911

In the face of disaster, he gets it.

Hey folks,

Yeah it's real easy to use a crisis to further an agenda. Just as the Libs. Just ask Rahm Emanuel. “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” It's easy to play the blame game. Something bad happened, it's ABC's Fault. It's because of XYZ. ETC.

Since this Tornado Season is one of the worst in History, many want to use it to further agendas. Global Warming. Power, Control, and of course, all that Money. But there is one person, WHO, could use this to gain more support, is standing up for TRUTH.

We have seen the destruction, the complete Annihilation of Joplin Missouri. Do not fret folks, I hear the ONE will go there to comfort the people, uh, as soon as he, uh, gets back from Vacation. Today I think. Anyway, someone who IS there and trying to help those in need is of course Missouri Senator Roy Blunt. According to CBS St Louis - Blunt Wants Federal Government To Do More For Joplin Kevin Killeen May 26, 2011 11:53 AM

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri Senator Roy Blunt says he’s asking the federal government to reimburse 100 percent of the cost to local governments dealing with the Joplin tornado aftermath.

Blunt, who had an office in Joplin for 14 years, says he toured the town earlier this week and found it almost “unrecognizable” with a six-mile long swath wiped almost clean and lacking familiar landmarks except some knocked over street signs.

The latest death toll in Joplin is 126 and President Obama is scheduled to visit the town on Sunday.

Well I'm sure they are all relieved by that.

In a phone conference with reporters Thursday, Blunt says he has asked Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to do more.

“I’m asking for 100 percent federal reimbursement to local governments,” Blunt said, “They’ve agreed to 75. I think they have to come to a better number than that, and the right number, I think, would be 100 percent.”

When asked to rate the federal response to the Joplin disaster, Blunt gave generally good marks to FEMA, but noted that FEMA’s director didn’t show up in Joplin right away.

Picture if you will, KATRINA? Yeah.

With the damage estimate in Joplin estimated from $2 to $3 billion, Blunt was asked if it’s possible insurance rates could be going up for all Missourians.

“Well, it could happen,” Blunt said, “I think there is generally a community rating for property damage. These tornadoes of this spring may very well be figured into that to some extent. I don’t think they’ll have great impact, because so much of the country can be affected by this kind of storms.”

But HERE is the Million Dollar Question. It doesn't say by whom, but someone asked him. Is this Man-Made Global Warming? Uh, I mean Climate Change?"

“There’s always some pattern of climate change,” Blunt said, “I think it’s more likely that this is a year when the winter-spring transition just created this environment.”

THANK YOU. What did he just say? The cold and the warm are fighting it out, and you get what you get. Cycles. Natural occurring Cycles.

Now I'm not sure in this case, if I would really recommend Sen Blunt standing up for the Truth here. If he would only LIE and jump on the GWBS Band Wagon, "Yes! This has EVERYTHING to do with Man-Made Global Warming. Look at this devastation. Look at all this death and destruction. We caused this. WE did. Through our Greed and Ignorance. We need to pay for our Sins. This is why we NEED MORE Government control and intervention in our lives. LOOK! Anyone who denies Global Warming is a fool. Just LOOK what it did here. Your town could be next!" If he said THAT, he would most likely have money POURING in. Not only from Obama and Crew, but Al Gore, and other Liberals that stand to make BILLIONS on the SCAM that is Global Warming.

Missed opportunity? Maybe. But congratulations Sen. Blunt. For not only understanding the TRUTH, but for in the face of disaster, having the courage to stand for it and speak it, you ARE the Winner of the Display of Logic Award for today, Sunday, May 29, 2011. Our hearts and Prayers are with you, and EVERYONE in Joplin, and EVERYWHERE in this country that are facing similar hardships.
Peter

Sources:
CBS St Louis - Blunt Wants Federal Government To Do More For Joplin

IWA for Sunday 052911

This guy lives and is loved in HIS World.

Hey folks,

Problem is, his world is based on LIES and DISOR,,,no, I stick with lies. His world is where he does not think. He needs not to. He does not have the ability to apply Logic or Reason to whatever he sees, reads, hears, whatever. He doesn't have the ability to QUESTION things that he is told.

No folks, in his World he actually believes that the Obama Stimulus, not only created Jobs, well, it did in Government, but he believes it created Jobs in the Private Sector, and helped save us from Financial Ruin. Yeah I know. How does he believe this? This is what he is told. His Bosses tell him this. His President tells him this. His Colleagues in the Media tell him. So why doubt it? Why think about it? It must be true.

Yes, in HIS World, American Muslims have no interest in Shariah law. No, they want nothing to do with Islam. {Islam IS Shariah law, and Vice-Versa} But in HIS World They care not for Shariah law. Why? Say it with me. This is what he is told. His Bosses tell him this. His President tells him this. His Colleagues in the Media tell him. So why doubt it? Why think about it? It must be true.

In HIS World, he actually believes that it is a settled issue. Done deal. All Scientists agree, Man-Made Global Warming is REAL and we are all going to die if nothing is done. {Laughing} I know I know. But why does he believe this. Oh, there is no doubt in my mind that he actually believes it.This is what he is told. His Bosses tell him this. His President tells him this. His Colleagues in the Media tell him. So why doubt it? Why think about it? It must be true.

And in his World folks, if YOU do ask questions, if you DO apply Logic and Reason and disagree, YOU must be ignorant. But do not worry. It's not your fault. No, no, no. It's the fault of those you listen to. Yes. YOU are to ignorant to change the channel. You are most likely too busy Praying and Shooting cans of Tree Stumps to go to a REAL News Source like the one HE writes for. You can't help it. You are what makes up the Republican Base. You are the ignorant ones. You are prey to people like Fox News. You probably listen to Talk Radio too. You are too ignorant to understand the Smart People. You know, like Obama and the Liberals out there.

So who is this Idiot? Tim Dickinson. What is this credible and indisputable News Source that he Writes for? Rolling Stone Magazine. {Laughing} I know, I know. He is the smart one. He is the Truth Sayer. If you disagree with him, well, what he is told, then YOU are wrong, and completely stupid.

According to his piece in Rolling Stone. He is AMAZED that, because of Fox News:

"The result of this concerted campaign of disinformation is a viewership that knows almost nothing about what’s going on in the world. According to recent polls, Fox News viewers are the most misinformed of all news consumers. They are 12 percentage points more likely to believe the stimulus package caused job losses, 17 points more likely to believe Muslims want to establish Shariah law in America, 30 points more likely to say that scientists dispute global warming, and 31 points more likely to doubt President Obama’s citizenship. In fact, a study by the University of Maryland reveals, ignorance of Fox viewers actually increases the longer they watch the network. That’s because Ailes isn’t interested in providing people with information, or even a balanced range of perspectives. Like his political mentor, Richard Nixon, Ailes traffics in the emotions of victimization."

OK. Lets look at this. Shall we Timmy? First, the Stimulus DID cause Job Loss. It continues to create Job Loss. Record High, and GROWING Unemployment. Record high and GROWING Foreclosure numbers Yeah the Stimulus DID create new GOVERNMENT JOBS. But it did nothing for the Private Sector. The numbers and FACTS are out there Timmy. Sorry, those that believe that the Stimulus caused Job Losses is RIGHT.

Muslims want Shariah law in America? Ask Little Hitler himself, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He said he will not rest until the ENTIRE WORLD, including The Great Satan, AKA AMERICA, are all under Shariah law. Ask people like bin Laden who have said to America, Convert of Die. Really Timmy? Again, the facts are out there. This IS reality. THIS is TRUE. So those that believe it, are right.

As for the Birth of Obama? I know many, not even just some that watch Fox, still question this. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter that it took Two years to produce and no one can actually VERIFY the authenticity, but it matters not. No one can get the past two Years back. I do not know anyone who is seeking to do it. He produced a Certificate. Great. Move on. It doesn't matter now.

So in your World Timmy, you are the one who is living in a bubble. YOU may want to start watching Fox, or better yet, step outside. Look around. Talk to people that are NOT Liberal Kooks. Maybe THEN YOU Sir, may know what is REALLY happening in the World around you. Congrat,,, what? I forgot something? OH. Global Warming. {Sigh}

I guess Timmy didn't get the message. They changed the Name to Climate Change. Why? Because the World is COOLING right now. Remember, I just posted that it is because of the Temperature has dropped 15 to 20 degrees which is what is causing all the Tornadic activity. There are more Scientist today saying that CLIMATE CHANGE IS happening, and it DOES all the time. It's not because of Man, nor Cows Farting, it is Natural. It's Cycles. Hot, Cold, Wet, Dry, Storms, no Storms, ETC. But to say all Scientists agree that Global Warming is real is just silly. It's wrong on so many levels that I do not know where to start. It's pointless to argue with Timmy on this one because this is what Al Gore told him like, what, two, three years ago?

Congratulations Timmy, you ARE the Idiot of the Week. Live and learn Timmy. Live and Learn.
Peter

Sources:
The Rolling Stone - How Roger Ailes Built the Fox News Fear Factory

Third Party Example In NY 26

Real Life reason we do NOT want a Third Party.

Hey folks,

I really didn't have any desire to discuss some Special Election in NY. Do you even know where District 26 in NY IS. What is covers? Do you live there? Does it mean ANYTHING to you who won there? I could not even tell you if I went to NY, if I was IN NY-26 at any given time. I had to look it up. It's up by Rochester and Niagara Falls. Way Upstate. So this Election will effect YOU, HOW?

Lets forget for a second that "Crazy Jack" Davis is a Democrat who spent $2 million dollars of his own money to pass himself off as a "Tea Party Candidate." Yes he is. He is a Democrat that has run two times before as a Democrat. Failed all attempts, but he did. He had no intention of actually winning. He was running this time to GUARANTEE Democrat Kathy Hochul's Win. It worked.

Now I do not care one iota what the Media and the Left have to say about this whole Election was about Paul Ryan and the Republ,,,WAIT, no. The Paul Ryan Healthcare, Medicare, reform proposal. This has nothing to do with the Media distortions on what reforming Medicare will do. This has NOTHING to do with the 2012 NATIONAL Election save this.

WE DO NOT WANT A THIRD PARTY! What NY-26 showed clear as glass, is that a Third Party will do nothing but guarantee a Democrat Victory. I was listening to Talk Radio, yesterday, or the day before, and this guy called up and told the Host, I can't remember the Show, Rush, Tom, whatever, he told the Host that he has a Job, so Unemployment doesn't bother him. He has a house, so Foreclosures do not bother him. He doesn't care about $4.00 a gallon gas. He loves Obama and doesn't think he is doing a bad Job as President because he is Black. I kid you not. HE will Vote Obama in 2012 if his own house was burning down and Obama was standing there with a Match. He just WILL. Those on the Left WILL Vote Left no matter what shape this country is in. No matter how much they may be hurting. THEY WILL VOTE DEMOCRAT, no matter WHO THE DEMOCRAT IS.

Now likewise, there are those on the Right, who, just like those on the Left, WILL VOTE Republican. No matter who the Republican is. RINO, Faux Conservative, ETC. There is only a SMALL Minority that would consider, wasting their Vote to "Prove a point" on a Third Party. Most of those? Yep. They are on or lean Right. So what happens? Well in NY-26? Kathy Hochul D 15,191 48.14% Jane Corwin R 13,337 42.26% Jack Davis 2,724 8.63% Ian Murphy 307 0.97%.

Now look at this closely folks,

Kathy Hochul D 15,191 48.14%
Jane Corwin R 13,337 42.26%

6 points. A 6 point win for the Democrat. Why?

Jack Davis 2,724 8.63%

That's right. The FAKE Tea Party Member, AKA "Third Party Candidate" siphoned off 8% of the Votes from the Republican Jane Corwin, who lost by 6%. Which MEANS of course, the Republican would have WON.

No folks, we Conservatives do NOT want a Third Party. We WANT the Republican Party to return to it's Roots, and become the once great Party it use to be. I also know many on the Left and Many Independents that do not want a Third Party. They want the Once Great Democrat Party back from the Kooks and Liberals that control it today.

Third Parties CHANGE Elections. Whichever way the Third Party Candidate leans, that is who will lose the Election. They will siphon off the Votes from those who are "on their side." A Kook Lefty will take Votes away from the Left, and Kooky Righty, will do the same from the Right. Third Parties just will not work. And it IS, just that simple.
Peter

SEVERE WEATHER: Global Cooling?

Joplin Tornado due to Man-Made Global Warming? No.

Hey folks,

I knew, as soon as I tuned in and saw the massive destruction in Joplin Missouri, that it would only be a matter of time. It would be a mere matter of time before the Far Left Wing Kooks, the Environuts, and those that have been mislead, would be crying "The Sky is Falling, The Sky is Falling. You see. Man-Made Global Warming. WE caused this. We are to blame."

The GWBS Movement has all but died. Little to no Scientists out there are trying to push it anymore. One most basic reason is the Economy. No one has the extra money to give to the cause. As we all know, and have talked about for YEARS here, is that GWBS IS all about Power, Control, and of course, MONEY. Just like any other SCAM, when the money drys up, it goes away.

SO? Again, we here at the OPNTalk Blog are keeping those in Joplin Missouri in our Hearts and Prayers. May they have the Comfort and peace, strength and courage, that they all need in this very devastating time. We here at the OPNTalk Blog, and YOU, if you are a true OPNer, KNOW that this has nothing to do with MAN-MADE Global Warming. We understand that this is simply Nature doing it's thing.

I think the best explanation I have heard since this happened was from Joe Bastardi over at Weatherbell.com. It is as I have been telling you for years. It's called CYCLES. Natural occurring cycles. We are hot. We are Cold. Wet, dry. Record Snow, no Snow. Storms, no Storms. ETC. Last year was a record SLOW Tornado Season. This year? We are getting what we are getting. Joe, and the folks over at Weatherbell, have put together some information. REAL FACTS. According to Weatherbell.com - SEVERE WEATHER: Global Cooling? May 23 10:28 AM by Joe Bastardi

All the wild weather that has taken place may be due to the dramatic global cooling that is taking place.

The decrease in temperature in the mid-troposphere (between 12,000 and 25,000 feet) is quite impressive.

The graph below shows the current 25 thousand foot reading versus 2010.

Similarly, at 2 meters, the cooling is quite evident as well.

While the cooling at 2 meters is significant, it pales in comparison to the cooling taking place at higher altitudes.

At 25,000 feet, not only are we experiencing the largest single year drop on record, but temperatures are now at the coldest levels since at least 1998

The cooling is taking place where the IPCC "trapping hot spots" were supposed to be showing up.

The colder upper atmosphere is causing more instability and may be a cause for the all the severe weather across the United States. Tornadoes were much more prevalent during the 1970's when the atmosphere was cooler.

SO? Joplin Tornado due to Man-Made Global Warming? The simple answer is, NO.

Peter
Sources:
Weatherbell.com - SEVERE WEATHER: Global Cooling?

Solar Can NOT Stand On It's Own

If it worked so well, it would.

Hey folks,

Happy Tuesday to ya. I know, I know, you are use to stories like these. The Headline indicates how GREAT Solar is. But then you actually READ the Article and you find that this is NOT really the case. According to Philly.com - Pennsylvania's solar-energy industry suffering from success By Andrew Maykuth Inquirer Staff Writer

The Pennsylvania solar-energy industry is collapsing under the weight of its own good fortune.

But IS it? Seriously? What "good fortune" is it that they are discussing? It is that EVERYONE wants it. It works so well it's about to put Oil and Natural Gas out of business? How well IS it working?

OR? It the "good fortune" Government Mandates, and YOUR Tax Money propping them up?

Spurred by hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state incentives, solar developers have built so many projects in recent years that they have created an oversupply of solar-energy credits, the market instruments that provide the developers with a critical income stream.

Which MEANS, that without YOUR tax money, they will go bust. YOU are their "critical income stream." NOT what they are actually producing. NOT the Energy that they produce to supply the demand. NOT that they are saving the planet. Oh, more on Saving the Planet and Global Warming Tomorrow. But NO. Not the FREE MARKET. Government.

The price of solar credits in the state has plummeted as much as 75 percent in the last year, dramatically shrinking the income-producing potential of new and existing solar projects.

OK. I knew I would not get through this without stopping every five seconds to comment. Folks, YOU go out and create a NEW Paint. OCAN. OCAN stands for One Coat All Needed. You go out to the market and you convince people that if they buy this paint from you, they will never again have to paint, whatever it is they paint. Be it a house, or a Car. A Deck, or a Toy. OCAN is also "Environmentally Safe." One Coat. Less Garbage. Yeah it coasts a bit more, but you will never again have to worry about whatever it is you are painting. Do it ONCE, never again.

So? Some people buy it. If it works, they tell others. Others buy it. Companies buy it. It takes off. YOU get Rich. Thompson and Thompson come along and offers to buy the rights. Other, older and out dated Paints become a thing of the past. Other VERSIONS of OCAN hit the Market. Before you know it. Standard Paints are history. Stories that Dads tell their Sons. "You know Son, when I was growing up, there was no OCAN. You had to Paint two of three Coats, Every other year or so." Son to Dad. "Dad, come on." THAT is the Free Market. Not Government Mandating then PAYING you for it, if it works or not.

"We're in some ways a victim of our own success," said Maureen Mulligan, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Solar Energy Industries Association, which is predicting a crash.

"Anybody who's talking about putting up a new project now is thinking, 'Wow, there's no support anymore,' " said State Rep. Chris Ross (R., Chester County).

The SUPPORT should come from those receiving the product. It WOULD if it was actually WORKING. The DEMAND would be there and people would be WILLING to pay a little more.

On Tuesday, Ross plans to introduce a legislative rescue for the industry that would increase the amount of solar energy that utilities must buy through 2015, propping up the price of solar credits.

Artificially increasing the Price. Is that NOT what we are told Oil Speculators do?

The bill also would close Pennsylvania's solar markets to out-of-state producers. Developers here say cross-border imports of solar power are driving down prices in Pennsylvania.

"Everybody who knew anything about the market knew this was going to happen," said John F. Curtis III, chief executive of Green Energy Capital Partners L.L.C., a Whitemarsh developer. "Now, there's a big panic to do something about it."

Of course, there is a Devil to overcome. No not convincing YOU to take more of YOUR Money. No. Not that it is NOT working well enough to stand on it's own. No. No. No. It's Big Oil.

The legislative rescue is likely to encounter resistance from traditional utilities and competing fossil-fuel power suppliers, which argue that renewable-energy mandates drive up consumer costs.

Uh they DO. Then YOU pay more in Taxes to MAKE the Mandates happen. So YEAH. Twice.

"The reality is, this is kind of what happens when you flood the market with solar," said Eugene Barr, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

Although they can legally recover the cost of renewable power by passing it on to customers, the utilities say they are worried that higher costs will tap out consumers and deprive the utilities of funding for improvements to the distribution system.

"Didn't the developers of these solar projects make a business decision and take a risk when they decided to build these projects?" asked Terrence J. Fitzpatrick, head of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania. "At what point do you just let market forces deal with it?"

There is NO Risk involved when it comes to Liberal Ideas, and Government Programs. They just throw more money at it. It's not their money, so they do not care. They lost NOTHING. YOU pay the price.

The solar lobby, which failed for two years to persuade the legislature to increase the mandate for photovoltaic solar systems, characterized the Ross bill as a scaled-back effort to save a nascent green industry.

"People will lose jobs, and the market will stall," said Mulligan. Some solar-installation businesses will not survive, she added.

Prove it. How many Jobs? Where? How many Jobs have we lost during Obama Moratorium, and De facto Moratorium on Drilling? How many Jobs will we GAIN if he was, which he wasn't, but if he WAS Serious about INCREASING our Domestic Oil Exploration, Drilling, and Usage. We KNOW those numbers. This next Paragraph says it all. It tells you all you need to know about this.

Solar power is dependent on subsidies to compete in electrical markets, where prices have been depressed since 2008 by a combination of the economic slowdown and low natural gas prices.

It goes on to talk about how Pennsylvania and several other States have MANDATED Solar Usage and the fact that it is not really working. It wraps things up with this.

Curtis said his firm may cancel four planned utility-scale solar farms.

"We're seriously considering moving operations to California because they have a more generous program," he said.

We can get more free money in Cal. So California, here we come. Do not be mislead folks. There is no new Permits, Leases, or an increase in Domestic Exploration or Drilling. Obama doesn't mean anything he just said last week. It's getting into the 2012 Election Cycle and he wants to be re-elected. We already know that $4.00 a gallon is the tipping point in this country. People are Hurting, and they are getting angry. The answer is right here in front of us. Or under us, if you will. It is NOT Government Mandates and Tax Payer subsidies on things that show little consistent promise. Yes, it really IS, just that simple.
Peter

Sources:
Philly.com - Pennsylvania's solar-energy industry suffering from success

Joplin Tornado

Unlike our President

Hey folks,




As our President lives it up at Buckingham Palace, we here at the OPNTalk Blog are keeping those in Joplin Missouri in our Hearts and Prayers. May they have the Comfort and peace, strength and courage, that they all need in this very devastating time.
Peter

This is a test

Just to see if it is working.

Hey folks,

This is a test. This is ONLY a test. To see if the Blog is working this week.

For those of you who get the Post instantly, as soon as Posted, this is to check to see if formatting, Pictures, and Posting, is actually working. It has not been. Two weeks ago, I could read only. Then, I could Format, space, paragraph, ETC. But Pictures were not working. Then when looking like all was well last week, I tried to post the Big Sunday Edition. I had the IWA done, and tried to Post it, but NOTHING happened when I hit Publish Post.

If this is working FINALLY, We will try to pick up where we left off on Tues. From the Energy Front. If not. I'll try again soon. When I calm down a bit. {Smile}

Yesterday was Laura's Birthday, so I did not even try this past weekend. But I am getting antsy and want to get back to doing what I love to do. That is Write, and spend time with you.

I also have something else I'm looking into. Another Blog. If I decide to go with it, it will be a completely Faith Based Blog. I have been entertaining the though for a while and hoped to have BOTH Blogs here. However, I am having a hard enough time with all the problems they have been having here just hosting the OPNTalk Blog, so I haven't really wanted to attempt to start something New here at this time.

So lets keep our figures crossed and hope this Posts. Thank you all for hanging in there with me. Lets hope the folks at Google and those that host Blogspot.com have got all the bugs out. Hope to see you soon.
Peter

Went To Save-A-Lot, 31 Different Versions?

Preview for Sunday 050811

Hey folks,

It has been a while. From Bugs at Google, to my own "bugs," {Just getting over the second Case of Walking Pneumonia this year.} I'm BACK. Then again, getting sick AGAIN. Started Thursday? Anyway, I'm here now.

So it has taken a bit, but MAN, am I glad to be back in The Chair. Welcome to the Big Sunday Edition of the OPNTalk Blog, glad you stopped by. A lot to cover in the health and Science Segments. Yes plural. and more on the bin-Laden Killing.

Remember, you can follow along on Twitter, Facebook, and as always, even when I'm not here, you can Email me at opntalk@gmail.com.

Coming right up today?

Cost Of US Health Care Vs The Cost In The World Part Two
Alzheimer's Thief of the Mind. Part One
Alzheimer's Thief of the Mind. Part Two, Boomers
DLA for Sunday 050811
IWA For Sunday 050811

So I went to Save-A-Lot Yesterday. I left the house at 1:44pm, with Eli in tow. I went down Cove, to Willoughby Blvd. I took that to Monterey Road and made a left. I took that to State Route 76 where I pulled into the Parking Area. I parked on the North East Side and went in with Eli. I went to Isles 1,3,5,6, got my items, paid, left. I took State Route 76 straight back to Cove and back Home. I will not share what I purchased, that is Top Secret {Smile} But there are the FACTS.

OK, so now you ask me tomorrow, "Did you go to Save-A-Lot." My answer would sound like this. I left the house at 1:44pm, with Eli in tow. I went down Cove, to Willoughby Blvd. I took that to Monterey Road and made a left. I took that to State Route 76 where I pulled into the Parking Area. I parked on the North East Side and went in with Eli. I went to Isles 1,3,5,6, got my items, paid, left. I took State Route 76 straight back to Cove and back Home.

Ask me two, three, Four days from now. The SAME. Why? Because it's the FACTS and THAT is what happened. So now, we are up to what? 31 DIFFERENT version of what happened a Week ago? 31? 31 DIFFERENT Versions of the SAME supposed recorded incident. And they wonder WHY some people do not believe them?

Would you believe me if I told you what I just did about Save-A-Lot, then three hours later tell you, No I went down 76 and back Willoughby Blvd. No Eli was not with me. I took a Train Plane, and Trike. I went to Isles 2,4,6,7. I,uh, went Naked. No. You would not believe me because I keep changing my story.

Rush did a good Job just touching on some of these Versions on Fri,,wait, yeah, Friday. Here it is.

There was a firefight. There wasn't a firefight. Osama was resisting. He wasn't armed. The SEALs thought he was reaching for an AK-47 at arm's length that remained at arm's length even after he heard the chopper land and after he heard the first shot. First shot took place on the first floor. Osama is up on the third floor. The AK-47. He's in his underwear or pajamas or some such thing. He used his wife as a human shield. He didn't use his wife as a human shield. His wife was killed. There were three wives in there for six months, along with him in there for six months. They accuse us of torture. He didn't use his wife as a shield.

She ran at a SEAL who shot her in the leg but she's okay. Some other woman was used as a shield by somebody downstairs, don't know who she was. She was killed but maybe she wasn't. But who was she anyway? Nobody knows. Bin Laden's son was killed, unless it was some other guy. Bin Laden's daughter saw him get killed. They were gonna capture Bin Laden until the problem with the helicopter, which was mechanical trouble, it did a hard soft landing, it crashed, it clipped a wall with the tail rotor, it had to be blown up. Parts of it were just carted off by the Pakistan military. They never were gonna capture him. It was a kill mission all the time. No, it wasn't, it was a kill mission from the get-go. No it wasn't. They were gonna capture him. The chopper blew up. No, the SEALs blew it up.

Panetta said the pictures would be released. Then Obama said they wouldn't be released. Panetta said there wasn't any video in the Situation Room. Hillary said, (paraphrasing) "No, I wasn't frightened about what I was seeing. Are you kidding? I just had an allergy problem." Yeah, Obama was in there, we got him off the golf course. He's wearing a golf shirt. We found him an Air Force windbreaker to put on in the Situation Room in the 60 Minutes interview with Steve Kroft that's gonna be broadcast on Sunday. The pictures are not gonna be released, it would offend Muslim sensibilities, which he worries about a lot.

Break,,,

Of course we got a treasure trove of stuff from the hard drives but there was no Internet access, there were no phone lines and there was no television, but there was a giant satellite dish in the backyard. What was that for, if there was no phone and no television and no Internet access? And then yesterday, if he was naked, we were gonna capture him. And then if he was naked, that meant he wasn't armed, and so we could capture him. But if he had any kind of clothes on it meant we had to shoot him. This is what it has been. This is the degree to which this story has changed. And that's really just a brief outline.

From the Washington Times today: "Intelligence analysts are sifting through phone numbers and e-mail addresses found at Osama Bin Laden’s compound to determine potential links to Pakistani government and military officials while US officials and analysts raise concerns about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear materials. According to three US intelligence officials, the race is on to identify what President Obama’s top counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan, has called Bin Laden’s 'support system' inside Pakistan. These sources sought anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to reporters." Right, but they are leaking this. We still don't know. They haven't shown us a picture of Bin Laden. So the stories here have just been all over the place and now they continue even today in the Washington Times.

Yeah so no Internet, no Phones, YET, "Intelligence Analysts are sifting through phone numbers and e-mail addresses found at Osama Bin Laden’s compound?" Why? Anyway, you get the point. I have a bit more on the Photo thing, if we get to it.

Going to fill my cup folks, today's Coffee? Boca Java White Chocolate Raspberry Reef. Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
Rush - A Composite of All Versions of the Raid That Killed Osama Bin Laden
Save-A-Lot
Boca Java

Cost Of US Health Care Vs The Cost In The World Part Two

Part Two is in.

Hey folks,

On Friday I posted this. OPNTalk - Cost Of US Health Care Vs The Cost In The World I told you about our new friends over at Business Pundit. I advised you about a GREAT Infograph that they put together highlighting US Healthcare costs, vs the Healthcare costs in the rest of the World. I said this.

I can think of TWO reasons right off the top of my head. One, Uninsured. Second, out of control and completely bogus Litigation.

Well I got good news for ya. Part Two is in. You can see the Infograph HERE

The richest and most advanced country in the world, the United States, has fallen behind other nations in providing affordable health care to its citizens. Americans spend $477 billion a year MORE on health care than other advanced countries, which amounts to $1,645 per person every year. Our friends at Medical Billing and Coding put together this graphic to show exactly why we pay so much for health care compared to other wealthy nations.

Turns out I was partly right. According to the Infograph, the reasons are as follows.

We Drink and Smoke too much.
We live longer.
We are Obese.
Lack of Tart Reform.
Lack of Regulation means Providers can charge more.
The Administration Leaders make too much.
Massive Outpatient Costs {41 percent of Healthcare Costs totaling $850 Billion}
Our Doctors are over Paid. {Doctors are Paid 5 x their average Patient}

I believe we could cut a lot of these down with one. Tort Reform. Doctors charge what they do to cover costs of Personal Liability Insurance. Hospitals likewise. Even some cost of Insurance in general might go down with Tart Reform.

Obamacare, or Universal Healthcare, is not the answer. However, the Industry in total, is in need of Reform and Regulations. Also however, in a totally Free Market, where Government is NOT involved, the Free Market would dictate Price. If I can get the Gold plan with ABC, and the same coverage plus, the Platinum Plan with XYZ, for the same price, ABC will have to lower their price or go out of business.

As for the Obesity, Drinking, Smoking, thing. I would through in there Laziness also, that has to be a personal choice and solution. By all means I'm all for Education and Instruction on HOW to live better, but I'm TOTALLY against the Government dictating to me, you, or anyone else, what to eat, not eat, drink, not drink, ETC. I'm all for Education and Instruction on how to Exercise, but I'm TOTALLY against Government Mandated Exercise Programs and monitoring.

These are really usefully and interesting Infographs. Please take the time to clink the Links and check them out. We can do much better in this Country. Starting with the Lawyers, we could make much headway in the right direction. Thanks again Tony.

Be right back.
Peter

Alzheimer's Thief of the Mind. Part One

Her name is Vera.

Hey folks,

I've told this story, in one form or another in the past. If you heard it, please bear with me. If not, her name is Vera.

Vera was a 90 year old, sharp as a tack, quick witted, beautiful Woman. I met her while doing a stint in the Nursing Home Industry. I would sit with her for HOURS, talking, laughing, just sharing eachother's company. I, mostly listening. She would tell me stories of the Past, talk about her family, and would always ask how things were with me.

One day, Vera starting to talk to me about this young, beautiful Blond, CNA, named Laura. She would kid about how cute a couple we would make. She then started telling me that Laura thought I was cute.

Little did I know, at the same time, she was talking with Laura when Laura when on her breaks. She was telling her the same about me. That I thought she was cute, and what a beautiful couple we would make.

Fast forward, Marriage, two Sons, and a pretty happy life. Vera was right. So we continued to sit and talk with her, now together. Even after I left, I would still go in and meet with her. She even got to meet Joshua when he was 6 Months old.

As time when on, we noticed Vera slipping away. She started to fade in and out. One minute she was there engaged in the conversation, the next, she was changing subjects abruptly, repeating things she just said, ETC. As time went on, Vera was more out than in, if you will. She would think that I was her Son, Laura her Daughter, however, for some reason, she ALWAYS knew Joshua was Josh. She would start talking about things we had no clue about, but when she looked back at Josh, she would call him by name and even ask how he was doing. Then, she was gone.

It truly was a heart breaking experience. Now my Father In-law is starting to show the signs. What is it? Alzheimer's. Quite literally, the Thief of the Mind.

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's disease (AD), is one form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Memory impairment, as well as problems with language, decision-making ability, judgment, and personality, are necessary features for the diagnosis.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Age and family history are risk factors for AD.

As you get older, your risk of developing AD goes up. However, developing Alzheimer's disease is not a part of normal aging.

Having a close blood relative, such as a brother, sister, or parent who developed AD increases your risk.

Having certain combination of genes for proteins that appear to be abnormal in Alzheimer's disease also increases your risk.

Other risk factors that are not as well proven include:

Longstanding high blood pressure

History of head trauma

Female gender

There are two types of AD -- early onset and late onset.

In early onset AD, symptoms first appear before age 60. Early onset AD is much less common than late onset. However, it tends to progress rapidly. Early onset disease can run in families. Several genes have been identified.

Late onset AD, the most common form of the disease, develops in people age 60 and older. Late onset AD may run in some families, but the role of genes is less clear.

The cause of AD is not entirely known, but is thought to include both genetic and environmental factors. A diagnosis of AD is made when certain symptoms are present, and by making sure other causes of dementia are not present.

The only way to know for certain that someone has AD is to examine a sample of their brain tissue after death. The following changes are more common in the brain tissue of people with AD:

"Neurofibrillary tangles" (twisted fragments of protein within nerve cells that clog up the cell)

"Neuritic plaques" (abnormal clusters of dead and dying nerve cells, other brain cells, and protein)

"Senile plaques" (areas where products of dying nerve cells have accumulated around protein).

When nerve cells (neurons) are destroyed, there is a decrease in the chemicals that help nerve cells send messages to one another (called neurotransmitters). As a result, areas of the brain that normally work together become disconnected.

The buildup of aluminum, lead, mercury, and other substances in the brain is no longer believed to be a cause of AD.

In Part Two, we will look at what is coming on the Horizon. As the Baby Boomers come of age, so does the risk of the increase of the number of case of people with Alzheimer's. Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
Pub Med Health - Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's Association - Generation Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Thief of the Mind. Part Two, Boomers

The Boomers are coming.

Hey folks,

One of the things that we hear all the time is "the Boomers are coming." That means Social Security will not be able to support it. An increased strain on the Healthcare System. Less people working to pay for those not. ETC. Another thing that needs to be looked at, is the increase Cases that WILL come, of Alzheimer's.

Our friends over at Alzheimer's Association, put together a new Report dealing with this issue. First, some News Facts.

This year, the first wave of baby boomers are turning 65 – and with increased age comes increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Our new report, "Generation Alzheimer's: The Defining Disease of the Baby Boomers," sheds light on a crisis that is no longer emerging – but here.

Many baby boomers will spend their retirement years either with Alzheimer's or caring for someone who has it.

An estimated 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's.

Starting this year, more than 10,000 baby boomers a day will turn 65. As these baby boomers age, one of out of eight of them will develop Alzheimer’s – a devastating, costly, heartbreaking disease. Increasingly for these baby boomers, it will no longer be their grandparents and parents who have Alzheimer’s – it will be them.

"Alzheimer’s is a tragic epidemic that has no survivors. Not a single one," said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. "It is as much a thief as a killer. Alzheimer’s will darken the long-awaited retirement years of the one out of eight baby boomers who will develop it. Those who will care for these loved ones will witness, day by day, the progressive and relentless realities of this fatal disease. But we can still change that if we act now."

According to the new Alzheimer’s Association report, "Generation Alzheimer’s," it is expected that 10 million baby boomers will either die with or from Alzheimer’s, the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. But, while Alzheimer’s kills, it does so only after taking everything away, slowly stripping an individual’s autonomy and independence. Even beyond the cruel impact Alzheimer’s has on the individuals with the disease, Generation Alzheimer’s also details the negative cascading effects the disease places on millions of caregivers. Caregivers and families go through the agony of losing a loved one twice: first to the ravaging effects of the disease and then, ultimately, to actual death.

"Most people survive an average of four to six years after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, but many can live as long as 20 years with the disease. As the disease progresses, the person with dementia requires more and more assistance with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, eating and household activities," said Beth Kallmyer, senior director of Constituent Relations for the Alzheimer’s Association. "This long duration often places increasingly intensive care demands on the nearly 15 million family members and friends who provide unpaid care, and it negatively affects their health, employment, income and financial security."

In addition to the human toll, over the next 40 years Alzheimer’s will cost the nation $20 trillion, enough to pay off the national debt and still send a $20,000 check to every man, woman and child in America. And while every 69 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease today, by 2050 someone will develop the disease every 33 seconds - unless the federal government commits to changing the Alzheimer’s trajectory.

"Alzheimer’s – with its broad ranging impact on individuals, families, Medicare and Medicaid - has the power to bring the country to its financial knees," said Robert J. Egge, vice president of Public Policy of the Alzheimer’s Association. "But when the federal government has been focused, committed and willing to put the necessary resources to work to confront a disease that poses a real public health threat to the nation – there has been great success. In order to see the day where Alzheimer’s is no longer a death sentence, we need to see that type of commitment with Alzheimer’s." The full text of the Alzheimer’s Association’s "Generation Alzheimer’s" report can be viewed at www.alz.org/boomers.

Generation Alzheimer's: The defining disease of the baby boomers

This year, the first baby boomers turn 65. While Alzheimer’s is not normal aging, age is the greatest risk factor for the disease. This report conveys the burden of Alzheimer's and dementia on individuals, families, government and the nation's healthcare system.

Get the Whole Report HERE. Some Highlights?

Today, 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. But it’s only going to get worse — and fast.

With the aging of the baby boomers, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s will likely reach 13.5 million in 2050 — and could be as high as 16 million.

Here is something you may not know.

Alzheimer’s disease is not just a little memory loss. It eventually kills you, but not before it takes everything away — slowly, gradually, painstakingly, inevitably.

Right now, we are losing the battle against Alzheimer’s disease. Death rates for other major diseases — HIV, stroke, heart disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer — are declining. Our country’s significant commitment to combat these conditions has saved lives.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

• The number of Americans that die each year from Alzheimer’s disease has risen 66 percent since 2000.

• Each year, Alzheimer’s kills more Americans than breast and prostate cancer combined.

• Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the top 10 causes of death in America without a way to prevent it, cure it or slow its progression.

• Death rates for other major diseases, including the number-one cause of death (heart disease), have declined — thanks to the government’s commitment to research.

This is why it is so important for us to continue to Research the causes, effects, and possible cures. We can either fund the Research NOW or we can pay for it later.

• In 2010, Alzheimer’s and other dementias cost American society — families, insurers and the government — $172 billion.

• In 2050, those costs will increase to over $1 trillion (in current dollars).

• Over the next 40 years, Alzheimer’s will cost America over $20 trillion, enough to pay off the national debt and still send a $20,000 check to every man, woman and
child in America.

• Between 2010 and 2050, the costs to Medicare of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s will increase over 600 percent — and the cost to families in out-of-pocket costs will grow more than 400 percent.

• A person with Alzheimer’s disease on average, costs Medicare three times more and costs Medicaid nine times more than someone without the disease.

So with this on the Horizon, the Government must be doing something about it, right? You know, they say an once of prevention is worth and ton of cure. Better to spend some money now than Trillions later. Right?

The federal government currently spends much less money on Alzheimer research, prevention and a cure than on other conditions such as cancer, heart disease and HIV — $6 billion for cancer, $4 billion for heart disease, $3 billion for HIV/AIDS. But just $480 million for Alzheimer’s disease.

$480 million for Alzheimer’s ? Rush Limbaugh raises over $3 million dollars, in 45 minutes, one time a year, for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. $3 Mil, from people just like you. In 45 minutes, ONE DAY a Year. The Government can spend $90 Billion in “programs that were deemed either ineffective, marginally adequate, or operating under a flawed purpose or design.” According to the White House in 2009, we can spend more than $480 million on Alzheimer’s Research. Cut some of those, and fund that which will cost us ALL much much more in the future. The Report, again you can get the whole thing HERE, wraps it up with this.

When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, there are no Republicans or Democrats. It affects all of us, and with baby boomers aging, it is only going to get worse — and very fast.

There IS Hope.

Scientists believe we are on the verge of realizing that hope. The only unanswered questions are: Will we have the resources to push it over the edge and to make the difference? Will the federal government make the commitment to an innovative approach that will yield results, a return on our investment and the cure we so desperately need?

Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease. Let’s make Alzheimer’s disease a distant memory. This is a fight we can win.

Folks, I've been through it. Watching someone I love fade away. I'm about to go through it again with my Wife and her Family, in dealing with her Dad. I wish this on no one. It only makes sense to cut funding to stupid, useless, redundant, and FAILED Government Programs and START really funding the Research that will someday lead to help, and a cure for this Thief of the Mind, Body, and Soul.
Peter

Sources:
Opntalk - Alzheimer's Thief of the Mind. Part One
Alzheimer's Association - Boomer Report
Alzheimer's Association - Generation Alzheimer's
Bill Shrink.com - 12 Outrageous Wastes of Taxpayers’ Money