A NEW Contract With America, or Something More?

This should be interesting to watch.

Hey folks,

Happy Hump day to ya. I really have nothing to add right this second. This indeed should be interesting to watch. It's going to be posted later today. Can't wait the read the full and signed Document.

CNS News- Nation’s Top Conservatives Will Sign Philosophical Declaration of War against Big Government Tuesday, February 16, 2010 By Fred Lucas, Staff Writer

(CNSNews.com) - The nation's top conservative leaders will gather Wednesday at Collingwood in Alexandria, Va.—a property that was once the site of George Washington’s River Farm—to sign a document organizers are calling the Mount Vernon Statement. It is designed to signal that a united and resurgent conservative movement is declaring philosophical war against the big government and moral relativism advanced by the nation’s liberal cultural, academic and political establishments.

The statement emphatically says no to the type of "change" pushed by political leaders who ignore the Constitution's limits on government power.

“In recent decades, America’s principles have been undermined and redefined in our culture, our universities and our politics,” says an excerpt from the statement. “The self-evident truths of 1776 have been supplanted by the notion that no such truths exist. The federal government today ignores the limits of the Constitution, which is increasingly dismissed as obsolete and irrelevant.

“Some insist that America must change, cast off the old and put on the new,” says the statement. “But where would this lead--forward or backward, up or down? Isn’t this idea of change an empty promise or even a dangerous deception?”

“The change we urgently need, a change consistent with the American ideal, is not movement away from but toward our founding principles,” it says.

The full document will be posted online at www.themountvernonstatement.com after 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The statement was drafted under the auspices of the Conservative Action Project, a coalition led by Edwin Meese, who served as a top White House adviser and then attorney general to President Ronald Reagan. Other leaders of the coalition include L. Brent Bozell III, president of the Media Research Center (the parent organization of CNSNews.com); Heritage Foundation President Ed Feulner; Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist; Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, American Conservative Union President David Keene, Concerned Women for America President Wendy Wright; Coalition for a Conservative Majority Chairman Ken Blackwell; former Reagan Domestic Policy Adviser Ken Cribb; Let Freedom Ring President Colin Hanna, and Al Regnery, publisher of the American Spectator.

More than 80 prominent conservatives from around the country are expected at Collingwood for Wednesday’s signing ceremony. Among them will be people prominent for their efforts on behalf of the conservative cause in economics, social and cultural issues and national security.

The statement intentionally harkens back to the Sharon Statement of 1960, which was signed at the home of William F. Buckley Jr. in Sharon, Conn. That statement of conservative principles helped launch an era of conservative activism that first led to Sen. Barry Goldwater winning the Republican presidential nomination in 1964 and then to Ronald Reagan being elected president in 1980.

“The whole purpose of it is to give an updated version of what are the principles that draw conservatives together,” said Meese, who came with Reagan from California to the White House in January 1981. “And so it was felt both that it was appropriate to draw attention to the Sharon Statement but also to update that in terms of generally how conservatives think today, which is basically the same principles restated in what you might call modern language.”

“At this important time, we need a restatement of constitutional conservatism grounded in the priceless principle of ordered liberty articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution,” says another excerpt of the statement released by the organizers.

After President Barack Obama’s election along with a Democratic majority Congress in 2008, some commentators argued that conservatism had perhaps permanently lost its hold on the American electorate and the American mind. Over the past year, however, the fiscally conservative Tea Party movement has risen up from the grass roots, and Republican candidates have won convincing victories in statewide elections in Virginia, New Jersey and even Massachusetts.

Meese told CNSNews.com that if the Republican Party wants to continue this winning trend it must heed conservative principles. “The Republican Party has been successfully when it subscribes to conservative principles,” said Meese. “You go back to 1980, go back to 1994, those were the guiding principles that provided for Republican successes.”

While a number of conservative commentators and organizations will be publishing policy prescriptions this year that they believe can help lead to conservative victories in 2010, the Mount Vernon Statement will not be a campaign document that focuses on individual issues or one election cycle. Rather, it will focus on broad principles, said Media Research President Brent Bozell.

“It’s a document that we hope is going to serve as a compass for the movement so that when we have a debate such as, for example, on socialized health care, there should not be a degree to which government participates in national health care but whether government has the authority, the right to interfere in this issue,” Bozell told CNSNews.com. “If it doesn’t have the specifically enumerated right and responsibility spelled out in the Constitution, then the federal government should not be involved period.”

“Rather than worrying about the size of the deficit and the debt, why don’t we start asking questions about the size of the government itself,” Bozell said. “We need to have that conversation again. Why do we have a Department of Education? Whatever happened to federalism? You’re not going to have that debate until you’re grounded in first principles again.”

When the Sharon Statement was signed, conservatives had only National Review and Human Events to publicize it, said Bozell. But now conservative Web sites, talk radio shows, and social media will make it possible to quickly spread the word to millions about the Mount Vernon Statement.

“Look at the opportunities today,” said Bozell. “When the statement is released, I will be able to send it instantly to 540,000 members of the Media Research Center, grassroots members. The Heritage Foundation has more than 600,000 members. They will be able to send to their membership who will receive it in a matter of minutes.”

That is one hell of a group of Conservatives, and one hell of a Document that we can see right now. I think the tide is a CHANGING, and that the mood of most are ready for TRUE hope and change. This may actually be a GREAT move on the Conservative Movement's part here. But they do have to be careful to KEEP it if the American People give them a chance. Failure to keep the Contract with America is what ultimately did in the Republicans. If you are going to talk the talk, you BETTER be ready to walk the walk.
Peter

Sources:
CNS News- Nation’s Top Conservatives Will Sign Philosophical Declaration of War against Big Government Tuesday

Utah delivers vote of no confidence for Climate Alarmists, and Scam Artists,

We should have a Vote of No Confidence here.

Hey folks,

For more than just Man-Made Climate Change. Look at these headlines in the foreign Press. this is ALL since Valentine's Day. UK Guardian - Utah delivers vote of no confidence for 'climate alarmists', UK Times Online - World may not be warming, say scientists, UK Express - THE GREAT CLIMATE CHANGE RETREAT, MAIL Online - Climategate U-turn as scientist at centre of row admits: There has been no global warming since 1995. Even Reuters, Reuters - U.N. climate panel admits Dutch sea level flaw.

We need a Vote of No Confidence here. Seriously. I have been telling you for years that this is all a SCAM. In the last couple of years, more and more Scientists are coming out telling you this is all a Scam. Scientists that Al Gore quoted in his Sci Fi Movie, An Inconvenient Truth, came out after seeing it saying that they NEVER said anything like what Al Gore Displayed. We learn that the IPCC, the Inventive Panel on Coning Chumps, uh AKA, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has turned into, always have been really, nothing more than a Saturday Night Live Skit. NOW ladies and Gentlemen. Even some MAIN AUTHORS and Scientists involved are now coming out.

Lets look at just one of these latest Headlines, MAIL Online - Climategate U-turn as scientist at centre of row admits: There has been no global warming since 1995.

Data for vital 'hockey stick graph' has gone missing There has been no global warming since 1995 Warming periods have happened before - but NOT due to man-made changes

The academic at the centre of the ‘Climategate’ affair, whose raw data is crucial to the theory of climate change, has admitted that he has trouble ‘keeping track’ of the information.

Colleagues say that the reason Professor Phil Jones has refused Freedom of Information requests is that he may have actually lost the relevant papers.

Professor Jones told the BBC yesterday there was truth in the observations of colleagues that he lacked organisational skills, that his office was swamped with piles of paper and that his record keeping is ‘not as good as it should be’.

The data is crucial to the famous ‘hockey stick graph’ used by climate change advocates to support the theory.

Professor Jones also conceded the possibility that the world was warmer in medieval times than now – suggesting global warming may not be a man-made phenomenon.

And he said that for the past 15 years there has been no ‘statistically significant’ warming.

He also, while attempting to explain that he LOST the data Global Warming is based on, admitted that the "Science is no settled." Really?

According to the UK Times Online - World may not be warming, say scientists

The United Nations climate panel faces a new challenge with scientists casting doubt on its claim that global temperatures are rising inexorably because of human pollution.

In its last assessment the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said the evidence that the world was warming was “unequivocal”.

It warned that greenhouse gases had already heated the world by 0.7C and that there could be 5C-6C more warming by 2100, with devastating impacts on humanity and wildlife. However, new research, including work by British scientists, is casting doubt on such claims. Some even suggest the world may not be warming much at all.

“The temperature records cannot be relied on as indicators of global change,” said John Christy, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a former lead author on the IPCC.

The doubts of Christy and a number of other researchers focus on the thousands of weather stations around the world, which have been used to collect temperature data over the past 150 years.

These stations, they believe, have been seriously compromised by factors such as urbanisation, changes in land use and, in many cases, being moved from site to site.

There is even evidence that some of these measuring "sticks" have been tampered with. This is why I told you that this has now just become silly. Anytime I hear a News Story of Massive Floods, Dying Species, Those Poor Polar Bears, or anything that is Doom and Gloom thanks to Global Warming in OUR Media, I just sigh. Sad really. Our media simply report what they are told to. Mindlessly reporting the SCAM as fact to help our President further his agenda.

Have you seen the fact that Professor Phil Jones admits we haven't warmed since now 95? Or that he admitted that we were most likely warmer in the Past? AFP had the story of the Netherlands over two weeks ago. Reuters JUST NOW started reporting on it. The truth is out there folks. GW is nothing more than BS. One day, when it can no longer be ignored, the US Press MAY start reporting on it.

So why am I harping on this again? I will continue to talk about this SCAM as long as there are people that use this SCAM to attempt to pass things like Cap and Tax. As long as there are people that attempt to use this SCAM to progress Socialism, and Tyranny in this Country.

Americas News Online - US Congress Left Stunned On What To Do On Cap And Trade Bill By Audrey Howard on February 15, 2010, 9:08 am is a perfect example of what I'm talking about.

Back in the summer, the road to cap and trade seemed all but certain. Passage was supposed to be easy. Democrats were comfortable in painting the energy lobby into a corner and making Republicans cave to mounting scientific pressure on the dangers of global warming. A series of missteps, scandals and Mother Nature herself has made Democratic leaders in both houses of Congress take a second look at the certainty of passage, and what they see have them in a quandary.

Seems Audrey Howard is upset about this. MANY on the Left are. Those stinking snow storms. {Smile} Truth is, it NOT the snow storms. It's REALITY. It's TRUTH. It's the fact that anyone with an IQ over 10, can now see that the "mounting" evidence is that this is nothing more than a SCAM.

You know folks, it really is just silly anymore. It's like me saying to you that there is a Purple Bunny in your back yard. You go out there, and you do not see it. People come in and do a thermal scan, dig up your entire yard looking for Rabbit holes. People camp out waiting to catch a glimpse. NOTHING. They come to you and say, NOTHING. Then I come back and say to you, "Bunny is gonna get ya." {Laughing}

The sad thing is this. There are people that would still stay locked in their homes because "What If?" What if the Bunny is real? I think I would rather be safe than sorry. {Sigh}

Folks, there is no threat. Those that attempted to further the notion that there is, are now even admitting that there is most likely not. There is no bases for Cap and Tax, or anything else that some in the Leadership of this country would like you to believe they need to do to save you from this SCAM. One day, I hope, the US media will wake up and start reporting the truth.
Peter

Sources:
UK Guardian - Utah delivers vote of no confidence for 'climate alarmists'
Reuters - U.N. climate panel admits Dutch sea level flaw
Times Online - World may not be warming, say scientists
UK Express - THE GREAT CLIMATE CHANGE RETREAT
MAIL Online - Climategate U-turn as scientist at centre of row admits: There has been no global warming since 1995

Obama Signs Up More Dept, No More Kennedys, Biden and Iran

The current national debt is $12.3 trillion. Check out the National Debt Clock, which tells you your share of that -- roughly $40,000 per citizen, $113,000 per taxpayer.

Thank you Obama.

Hey folks,

Welcome to the Big Sunday Edition of the OPNTalk Blog. Glad you could make it. You can also follow us on Twitter - peteropntalk, Facebook - Peter Carlock, Tom Sullivan Listeners Club, and of course, the Email as always is, opntalk@gmail.com

So National Debt is now $12.3 Trillion. So cut spending? Stop the Insane agendas? Nope. Just increase the cap. {Laughing} But, do it behind the closed doors, in the smoke filled room, away from the Public view. I'm not kidding. According to ABC News Political Punch - President Obama Signs Law Raising Public Debt Limit from $12.4 Trillion to $14.3 Trillion

Behind closed doors and with no cameras present, President Obama signed into law Friday afternoon the bill raising the public debt limit from $12.394 trillion to $14.294 trillion.

The bill also establishes a statutory Pay-As-You-Go procedure requiring that new non-emergency legislation affecting tax revenue or mandatory spending not increase the Federal deficit – in other words, that any new spending or tax cuts be paid for with new taxes or spending cuts.

It will be NEW TAXES. It is ALWAYS new Taxes. But there is GOOD news out there. No more Kennedys.

Oh, coming right up today?

Snow in Rome?
A Newsman As Senator
Six Year Old Taken Out of PSL School TWICE.
Senator Dick Durbin Calls Washingtonians Wimps
Sweet Science: The Health Benefits of Chocolate
DLA for 021410
IWA For Sunday 021410


That's right. No more Kennedys. According to AP - Kennedy won't seek re-election, marking end of era By ANDREW MIGA and MICHELLE R. SMITH, Associated Press Writers Andrew Miga And Michelle R. Smith, Fri Feb 12, 8:15 am ET

WASHINGTON – Rep. Patrick Kennedy's decision not to seek re-election will leave Washington without a Kennedy in political office for the first time in more than 60 years.

The Rhode Island Democrat's term ends early next year but he says in a television message viewed by The Associated Press on Thursday that his life is "taking a new direction" and he will not seek a ninth term. The video was provided to the AP by Kennedy's congressional office.

The 42-year-old son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy does not give a reason for the decision but says it has been a difficult few years for many people and he mentions the death in August of his father.

"Illness took the life of my most cherished mentor and confidante, my ultimate source of spirit and strength," he said, as a black-and-white photo of him as a boy sailing with his father appeared on the screen. "From the countless lives he lifted, to the American promise he helped shape, my father taught me that politics at its very core was about serving others."

The announcement is to air Sunday on Rhode Island television stations.

Even the Kennedy family gets it. Brown winning "Ted's Seat" has them all scared to death. It is really not that hard to understand his decision here folks. He does not want to suffer a devastating and embarrassing loss himself.

Now to Iran. We just visited with Little Hitler. We just learned that Obama and the Libs want more Sanctions that will not work. But do they really? People are still trying to figure out why Obama and Crew will not get serious about this real and growing threat. Well, they DO have ideas on this. Yes they do. Vice President Biden did give us a plan right AFTER 911.

Biden on Iran: Vice President Biden has long favored a policy of denial and appeasement towards Iran. In the weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Biden suggested appeasing Iran to show the "Arab world" that the U.S. was not bent on its destruction. Speaking with his Senate staffers, Biden said "Seems to me this would be a good time to send, no strings attached, a check for $200 million to Iran."

{Laughing} That's great. Kill three thousand of us, get PAID $200 Million. Why do you think we still have a Pirate problem? They get PAID.

In 2005, Biden said that Iran's quest for nuclear capabilities were understandable and called on the U.S. to address Iran's "emotional needs" by signing a non-aggression pact with Iran. In 1998, Biden was one of only four senators to vote against the Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act, a bill punishing foreign companies and other entities that sent Iran sensitive missile technology or expertise.

He was not alone. Obama said "I do believe is that Iran has legitimate energy concerns, legitimate aspirations." These people are kindred spirits with these people. They ADMIRE people like Little Hitler, Chavez, Castro. They WISH they had their power. They do not care about 3000 Americans killed going to work. They THINK they could actually get these animals that are trying to destroy us, to love us, by paying them off. By playing nicey nice. They are wrong. DEAD wrong.

Now: In recent days, Iran has proven that its nuclear and missile ambitions are moving full-steam ahead. On September 28, 2009, Iran test-fired missiles to cap off two days of war games. Moreover, on September 25, 2009, Iran admitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency announced that it was building a second uranium enrichment plant in addition to its existing facility at Natanz. These developments came just days before the first direct talks in decades between the United States and Iran at Geneva on October 1, 2009.

Now they are INCREASING their uranium enrichment?

Be right back.
Peter

Sources:
ABC News Political Punch - President Obama Signs Law Raising Public Debt Limit from $12.4 Trillion to $14.3 Trillion
GOP.gov. Biden on Iran
AP - Kennedy won't seek re-election, marking end of era
OPNTalk - Iran's Nuclear Program, President Obama, North Korea, President Clinton

A Newsman As Senator

Why Not? The MMD are Already State Run.

Hey folks,

Another and more important reason I'm going to talk about this is that I do NOT want you to be fooled. That's right Owner of the The Atlantic Monthly, and the U.S. News & World Report, the current publisher of the The Daily News, Mort Zuckerman, is looking into a possible Senate run against the crippled and easy target, Kirsten E. Gillibrand. The one that took Sen Clinton's place when she foolishly took up Obama's offer for Secretary of State.

Now Zuckerman is said to be putting out feelers and is considering whether to commission a Poll to test the viability of a Candidacy. He would be in for some stiff compensation by Harold E. Ford Jr., who is also deciding about a Primary run against Ms. Gillibrand.

So how can he do this? Since he is not officially registered to any Party, he will simply PICK one, most likely an Independent or Republican. According to the NYT - Zuckerman Is Said to Be Weighing Bid for Senate By MICHAEL BARBARO and TIM ARANGO Published: February 12, 2010

Though not currently enrolled in a party, he is known as a Democrat. But if he ran for the Senate, it would very likely be as a Republican or independent so he could avoid a costly primary.

As a candidate, Mr. Zuckerman would be following the path of a close friend and fellow media executive, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who switched his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican to run for office.

Mr. Zuckerman, whose fortune is estimated to be about $2 billion, owes most of his wealth to the real estate industry. He co-founded Boston Properties, which owns and manages office buildings in New York and elsewhere, in 1970, and is now chairman of the board. He bought The Daily News in 1993.

We all know Bloomberg is NO Conservative and was a RINO just to get elected. Then had New York's Constitution amended to allow for a THIRD Term as Mayor. Something my former fellow NYers Voted against THREE times in the past. Some question the Victory by four Percentage Points. I contribute it to the fact there were EIGHT people on the ticket. Either way, NY is bankrupt, and it is taxed to death with more affluent residents leaving town in droves.

So PLEASE, do not be fooled. If Mort Zuckerman runs with an R at the end of his name. He is not Conservative. He is no Republican. People are getting tired of the games. We need REAL Conservatives running. Not RINOs Fakes or Frauds. Yet, one does have to wonder, how much free press does one receive being the OWNER of the MMD?
Peter

Sources:
NYT - Zuckerman Is Said to Be Weighing Bid for Senate
Washington Post - Bloomberg's reelection did not come easily

Snow in Rome?

Snow EVERYWHERE.

Hey folks,

I was just going to mention this is passing during the Sunday Preview, but then I started seeing that it is not just Rome, it's snow EVERYWHERE, even right here in Sunny Florida. And what are we told by the Chicken Little Crowd? "Oh, we are having all this snow BECAUSE of Global Warming. {Sigh}

First we are told No Snow = Global Warming. All during pretty light season, Global WARMING!!! Proof!! You see?

Sen Byrd in 2002? "We need a climate change strategy badly. Look at the kind of winter we've had here in Washington. One snow, three inches? I don't need a scientist to tell me that. We had better do something about it."

Sen. Feinstien in 2005? "The Sierra Nevada snow pack is the largest source of water. The snow pack equals about half the storage capacity of all of California's man-made reservoirs. By the end of the century, the shrinking of the snow pack will eliminate the water source for 16 million people."

Sen. Boxer in 2007? "The most optimistic climate models for the second half of this century suggest that 30 to 70% of the snow pack will disappear. Now, no wonder we have people visiting our offices who are just already hurting from the recreation industry in this nation. They see what's happening. They see the handwriting on the wall. We have to act."

She also said this. "The potential consequences will be devastating for our families in the future and for the world. Now we're seeing the early warning signs. People can come down to this floor and say whatever they want. We've seen melting of snow, we have seen melting of permafrost, increased temperatures, warming of lakes, rivers, oceans, changes in the seasons."

Then in 2009, Boxer said this. "Looking at the United States of America, the IPCC clearly warned that unchecked global warming will lead to reduced snow pack in the western mountains, critically reducing access to water, which is our lifeblood."

So all this "The Sky is falling" and the melting Snow is inarguable proof that Global Warming exists, we going into 2010 winter season. RECORD SNOWFALL All over the place. There is SNOW in EVERY State in our Union. There is Snow in Rome. According to Reuters - Rare snowfall in Rome as cold snap grips Italy

ROME (Reuters) – Tourists took rare pictures of snow falling on the Colosseum and the Trevi fountain on Friday, and the Pope reportedly appeared at a Vatican window to watch Rome's heaviest snowfall in nearly a quarter century.

In scenes usually only glimpsed in souvenir "snow domes" Italy's capital was blanketed in white, snarling road and air traffic but delighting many Romans who rode scooters with their feet on the ground and snapped pictures with mobile phones.

Rome was last dusted in snow in 2005, but one meteorologist said the steady snowfall through Friday morning was the heaviest seen in the Italian capital in 24 years.

According to News On 6 - OU Student Collecting Pictures of Snow in All 50 States

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- A University of Oklahoma student is taking an extra interest in this week's snow storms in the south and northeast and is working to document the events in a very unique way.

Patrick Marsh said it's likely by the end of the week snow will be on the ground in all 50 states.

From Ardmore all the way to Dallas and even in Louisiana, the south is snowed in. For many, it's a winter wonderland in places that rarely see such weather. But none of it comes close to the mess up north where two blizzards have blown through in a week.

We just got some snow up in Northern Sunny Florida. Snowing all over the place. So this PROVES Global Warming is Bunk, right? WRONG. All this snow is CAUSED by Global Warming. {Laughing} I know it's just completely idiotic. But the WHOLE thing is idiotic. So how is this? Well, the SCAMMERS say that higher temperatures causes more water evaporation, which increases the chances of heavy precipitation events, such as floods and snowstorms. Of course the IPCC is chiming in, even though NOTHING they say can be believed. Globally, precipitation has increased in regions over 30 degrees north according to the Inventive Panel on Coning Chumps, uh AKA, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but has been declining in tropical regions since the 70s.

OK. I guess it's settled. No snow, Global Warming. Record Snow, Global Warming. No storms, Global Warming. Increased storms, Global Warming. Rain fall? Global Warming. Dry seasons? Global Warming. The Temperatures getting cooler? Global Warming, Global Warming, Global Warming! Just except it already Damn it! {Sigh}

No thank you.
Peter

Sources:
Reuters - Rare snowfall in Rome as cold snap grips Italy
News On 6 - OU Student Collecting Pictures of Snow in All 50 States

Rush - Radio Show {Friday}

Six Year Old Taken Out of PSL School TWICE.

YCMTSU 021410

Hey folks,

This is completely insane on so many different levels I do not know where to start.

OK. First, we have a Six Year Old 37 pound little Girl go berserk in class, storm out, and destroy a Principal's Office by throwing things around. The Police are called and they Handcuff this little girl with one cuff due to the size of her wrists and take her out of school.

The NEXT DAY, IN SCHOOL? What the Hell was she doing back there the next day? Anyway, the next day, SAME THING happens. This time she throws things at an eight month Pregnant Teacher. She is then committed into a Mental Institution for evaluation. Why not the first time.

Then we learn the Parents ADMIT that their precious little angel has an anger management issue. You THINK?

The Mother seems like a real winner. She claims to work in a Day Care setting, which is also disturbing to me, and claims she knows what to look for in Kids. Then the story states that the Mother and Father were contacted NUMEROUS Times to discuss their Angel's behaviour, and they never bothered to show up.

Sorry, this kid needs help. I would want to know if she has ever tortured small animals. I would want to know what other tempter issues may have manifested in the past. If the Parents can not handle her, someone needs to. Someone needs to help this little girl, or keep others safe from her.
Peter

Sources:
ABC 25 WPBF - Girl, 6, Handcuffed, Committed Because Of Classroom Behavior

Senator Dick Durbin Calls Washingtonians Wimps

No real Commentary.

Hey folks,

Just found this funny and wanted to share. According to The Hill - Durbin: D.C. residents panic as if snowstorm is 'a nuclear attack' By Jordy Yager - 02/12/10 02:03 PM ET

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) blasted Washingtonians for going “into a full-scale panic” during snowstorms, unlike people from Illinois who “know how to live with it.”

“I first came here as a student in 1963 … I lived a big part of my life, at least part-time, in Washington, D.C.,” Durbin said in remarks delivered on the Senate floor on Thursday. “I never could get over how people in this town reacted to snow.

“I am convinced that infants born in Washington, D.C., are taken from the arms of their loving mothers right when they are born into a room where someone shows a film of a snowstorm with shrieking and screaming so that those children come to believe snow is a mortal enemy, like a nuclear attack, because I have seen, for over 40 years here, people in this town go into a full-scale panic at the thought of a snowfall.

“We joke about it. Those of us from parts of the country that get snow and know how to live with it cannot get over how crazy the reaction is many times."

Durbin, however, acknowledged that this past week’s worth of snowfall — which, with more than 55 inches, broke D.C.’s record — was due cause for D.C.-area residents to be concerned.

“But in fairness, this has been a heck of a snowstorm … You had every right to be concerned. Some of the other [storms], maybe not, but this one was the real deal.”

{Laughing} Washington did shut down for three days this past Week, and WILL be shut down all next week for "President's Day recess." Guess all those "Must pass NOW" initiatives will have to wait a bit longer. {Smile}
Peter

Sweet Science: The Health Benefits of Chocolate

Good News On Valentine's Day.

Hey folks,

If you are a guy, and you did not get some Chocolate for your significant other, then you are most likely in the dog house and you do not have to worry about it. However, here is a way you can get out of it.

You could say, "Hey, I was going to get you some Chocolate, but I thought it was bad for you. However, I just read that it is actually GOOD for you and so I went out and got you this REALLY BIG Box of Chocolate, or Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, and this bottle of Red wine." It may or may not work. Outcome not guaranteed.

But let's look at Chocolate in our Health and Science Segment this week. According to Live Science - Sweet Science: The Health Benefits of Chocolate By Rachael Rettner – Thu Feb 11, 4:16 pm ET

Yet another health benefit has been linked to eating chocolate: It may decrease your risk of stroke, a new study suggests.

The analysis, which will be presented in April at the American Academy of Neurology's 62nd Annual Meeting, reviewed the results of three previous studies. One study with more than 44,000 participants found that those who ate a weekly serving of chocolate were 22 percent less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate no chocolate.

That's good news.

The researchers caution however, that more studies are needed to confirm the link, and other factors besides chocolate consumption could be contributing to the decreased stroke risk. Also, one reviewed study showed no connection between stroke risk and chocolate consumption.

Still, the results add to a growing list of potential advantages to eating chocolate, including a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. But this doesn't mean you should gorge yourself on the candy this Valentine's day either.

Among the pros and cons of chocolate:

Chocolate can be good for you

Many previous studies have linked eating chocolate with health benefits, including:

A 2008 study found that people who ate a small amount of dark chocolate a day (about 6.7 grams) had lower levels of a protein that is associated with inflammation in their blood.

Other recent studies have found that blood platelets clump together more slowly in chocolate eaters. Clumping platelets can lead to the formation of blood clots, which in turn can cause a heart attack. Chocolate consumption may lower blood pressure, help prevent formation of artery plaques and improve blood flow, according to other research.

Eating chocolate may even help with math, or at least counting. A study reported in 2009 showed that people did a better job of counting backwards in groups of three after they had consumed a hot cocoa drink containing large amounts of a compound found in chocolate. These compounds, called flavonoids, which we'll get to later, may increase blood flow to the brain.

Chocolate may also have anti-cancer benefits because flavonoids may help reduce the cell damage that can spur tumor growth.

"More and more research is showing that [eating chocolate] is really more beneficial than we ever imagined," said Katherine Tallmadge a registered dietician and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

However, she notes that the advantages you get still appear to be quite small. "It's not anything major, but it's still an advantage, and even slight advantages can make a difference for some people," she said.

Not all chocolate is created equal

Certain forms of chocolate are better for your health than others, and it comes down to one key component of the rich snack: flavonoids.

These compounds, which are found in the seeds of cacao plants (from which chocolate is made), are antioxidants that are thought to help protect cells against damage that might come from environmental toxins, or simply byproducts of vital processes in the body.

Hold on a second. Have you ever tried one of those RICH Candy Bars made of lit 70 percent Cacao? They really are EXTREMELY good. Yet, I can only eat about two bites at a time. WAY too rich for me. I do not have a huge sweet tooth. But you should try them sometime. They are a bit more expensive. Like $2.50 or $3.00 a bar, but they are worth it.

Consuming flavonoids has been linked to heart benefits. But since flavonoids are bitter, most commercial chocolate goes through processing steps that remove these compounds. Less processed, or darker chocolates, will tend to have higher levels of flavonoids. Your best choice in terms of healthiness is to go with natural, unsweetened cocoa powder, Tallmadge said.

"You can have mounds of it," because it is low in calories and full of flavonoids, Tallmadge told LiveScience.

Runners-up for health benefits are bittersweet and semisweet chocolate with a high cocoa percentage, she said. Unfortunately for milk-chocolate lovers, this type of chocolate has lower levels of flavonoids.

Now the BAD news.

Chocolate can be bad for you

The underlying health benefits don't give you an excuse to eat chocolate by the pound.

"Because we mainly eat it as a candy with sugar added, it's going to be high in calories and not necessarily good for you in high quantities, because it will take the place of more nutritious foods," Tallmadge said.

For instance, if you gorge on chocolate, you might skimp out on fruits and vegetables, which are also important for heart health and disease prevention.

Wait. That doesn't mean that it's bad for you. It means you have no control.

Tallmadge advises that people who want to eat chocolate limit themselves to one ounce per day. "Any more than that and you're probably going to take in too many calories for weight control," she said.

Other foods and beverages can also provide flavonoids, including citrus fruits, onions, green tea and red wine.

So just eat high Cacao Bars and enjoy, but do not over do it, or you may get fat. I'm glad the Experts are there to tell us these things. {Smile} Everything in moderation folks, everything in moderation. Happy Valentine's Day again to all of you out there. Just do not name it after me.
Peter

Sources:
Live Science - Sweet Science: The Health Benefits of Chocolate

DLA for 021410

Really? Imagine this.

Hey folks,

What do you do, in your life, in your home, when you find that perhaps you over spent? Be it Christmas, Birthdays, or that over priced car that you HAVE to have? Yup. You cut somewhere else. You reduce your spending. No matter what you spend, most of us have a set income coming in. So you spend more, you HAVE to cut somewhere else. Logical, reasonable, and Sane.

So what does Government do? Spend more. So what happens when someone in Government comes a long and says, "Enough already?" The Libs get ticked off. {Laughing}

According to News Channel 2 - N.J. Gov. Christie Freezes Spending
With State's Budget In 'Shambles,' New Governor Slices Into School Surpluses, NJ Transit Subsidies; Dems Furious

The snow isn't the only thing that's causing a chill in the Garden State.

Calling New Jersey's budget a "shambles," Gov. Chris Christie announced Thursday he is immediately freezing all state spending.

Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. Among them, aid to school districts that have excess surpluses.

"Today we are going to act swiftly to fix problems too long ignored. Today I begin to do what I promised the people of New Jersey I would do," Christie said.

Good. Of course, he is a REPUBLICAN. Which this story doesn't come right out and tell you.

The move had Democrats in an uproar, angry the governor used his executive powers instead of working with the Legislature.

Why should he? Nothing would have changed. This is a BOLD move on Christie's part. I am willing to bet it works.

"What that's going to mean is that those school districts without that money are going to be raising property taxes in the upcoming year to make up for that shortfall," said Assemblyman John Wisniewski, D-19th District.

NO IT ISN'T. They have a SURPLUS.

The governor also cut state subsidies to New Jersey Transit, saying it needs to become fiscally efficient.

"Revisit its rich union contracts," Christie said. "And they may also have to consider service reductions or fare increases."

"It's really foolish. It undermines not only the environment but our economy because people need transit to get to work," said Jeff Tittel of the Sierra Club.

Idiot.

But one tax group applauded the governor.

"Yes it's going to be difficult to make some of these choices as were highlighted today, but education, health care and these things tend to be sacred cow and they need to be taken out of that category," said Jerry Cantrell of the Taxpayers' Association of New Jersey.

Fellow Republicans said some school districts have been abusing the money they get and it's about time a governor called them on it.

"I think the record indicates that there are a number of school districts that have been overspending, misappropriating," said Assemblyman Joe Mallone, R-30th District.

The governor said he doesn't anticipate schools cutting programs or jobs right now, but sources within the administration said there are no guarantees for the next fiscal year.

Christie warned lawmakers that next year's budget may include even harsher cuts in spending and aid.

{Laughing} No more free rides in NJ folks. Keep it up Gov. Christie. Do not let these morons fool you. This is just standard Lib. Rhetoric. "If we have to cut the budget, we will have to cut Schools, Fire and Police." Truth is, most of the time that is nothing more than complete BS.

Congratulations Gov. Christie. You ARE the Winner of the Display in Logic Award for Sunday 021410. Keep up the good work. Logic in Politics? Who knew?
Peter

Sources:
News Channel 2 - N.J. Gov. Christie Freezes Spending
With State's Budget In 'Shambles,' New Governor Slices Into School Surpluses, NJ Transit Subsidies; Dems Furious

IWA For Sunday 021410

This is completely unbelievable.

Hey folks,

Remember back in 2007, when asked about the Surge Plan for Iraq, our Idiot said this.

"He's dead, flat wrong. The fact of the matter is that there is -- that this -- uh -- this idea of the security gains we made have had no impact on the underlying sectarian dynamic. None. None whatsoever. Can anybody envision a central government made up of Sunni, Shi'a, and Kurds that's going to gain the trust and respect of 27 million Iraqis? There have been some tactical gains, but they have no ultimate bearing at this point on the prospect of there being a political settlement in Iraq that would allow American troops to come home without leaving chaos behind."

Then he said THIS.

"The surge isn't going to work either tactically or strategically. Tactically it isn't going to work because ... our guys go in and secure a neighborhood, but because we don't have enough troops, we have to turn it over to the Iraqis, and they can't hold it or won't hold it.”

Then in 2008, our Idiot released THIS statement.

“As we mark the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War tomorrow, we should ask two questions: Are we any closer than we were a year ago – when the surge began – to ending the war? And what is the Administration’s plan to do so? Those are the questions most Americans want answered, but this Administration cannot or will not answer. The surge has helped bring violence down, but when it ends, we will be right back where we started: with 130,000 troops in Iraq, with the country no nearer to self-sustaining stability and with no end in sight for America.

Treading water in Iraq does not equal progress and we can’t keep doing it without exhausting ourselves. When Congress returns, the Foreign Relations Committee will hold two weeks of hearings to look at where we go next and how we can start to leave Iraq without leaving chaos behind.”

He, together with other Antiwar Kooks, attempted to do any and every thing in their power to get us to LOSE in Iraq. They stood in the way. They stalled funding. They called our Troops names and said that they were committing War atrocities and terrorizing women and children.

Now? Jump ahead to 2010.

"I'm very optimistic about -- about Iraq, and this can be one of the great achievements of this administration. You're going to see 90,000 American troops come marching home by the, uh, end of the summer. You're going to see a stable government in Iraq that is actually moving toward a representative government."

What? Really? Let's forget for a second that the withdraw of 90,000 troops was put in place by BUSH, before Obama and Idiot took office. Let's look at what he said.

"Can anybody envision a central government made up of Sunni, Shi'a, and Kurds that's going to gain the trust and respect of 27 million Iraqis?"

That's exactly what is happening. The Surge WORKED. Iraq is counting down. NOW Biden wants to take credit for it? Sorry Joe, it ain't so. I know you and your ilk LOVE to attempt to rewrite history. Yet, truth is, history nearly ALWAYS proves you on the wrong side. Congratulations Joe Biden, you ARE the Idiot of the week. You most definitely earned THIS accolade.
Peter

Sources:
Democratic Underground - Biden Press Release

God Speed William Culhane AKA Irish Godfather

GOD SPEED BILL

Hey Folks,

I got an Email at 1:22 am this morning that has to be the worst Email I have ever gotten. It was from Barb Culhane, Wife and long time partner of William Culhane, AKA Irish Godfather. Bill passed away last night.

Back on Febuary 8, Bill was taken to the Hospital. Just at 7:03 pm last night, I got GREAT news.

"Bill is doing great they moved him to a regular room tonight. So if anyone wants to send him a card,,,,"

The the bad news cam just a few hours later.

"Bill called me at 10;30 tonight and told me he loved me. At 11;42 the Hospital call and said that he had taken a turn and that the Dr's are here with him. I got to the hospital as fast as I could and he was gone. They said that there was blood coming out of his mouth and that his heart hurt The next thing he was gone."

This TRULY is a SAD day for me. I have been "Friends" with Bill since the beginning. When I was just popping in and out all over the Internet, from this DB to that one, debating the "Hot Button" Issues, Irish Godfather was there. Bill became one of the, if not THE, very first true OPNer. He was there from day one.

Over the years I found not only an Internet "Friend" but a TRUE Friend. We did not always agree, and he was never to shy to say so {Smile} but we were truly kindred spirits on most issues. I can TRULY say I love Bill, and will miss him dearly. THIS truly is a SAD DAY for me.

May Barb and the rest of his family have the peace and comfort they need in this very dark time. God speed my old friend. May you truly rest in peace.
Peter

President Palin?

The Left is scared

Hey folks,

Happy Friday to you. Glad you could make it. Since it is Friday, time to go to the Emails. This one is short and sweet. Just watch.



Thank you Newsy.com.

So? What do you think? I'll leave this one to you. The Blue Blood Country Club Republicans do not like her. Some Independents do not like her. The Left is SCARED to death of her. As the one "expert" contemplated, "600 in a Ballroom or even tens of Millions?" Well that's a bit of a difference. {Smile} Should be interesting to see if she DOES run in the Primaries.

I bet you this. The Media will actually BACK her and be all for her, if they think that he opponent could win. They do not feel SHE has a chance in hell. If there is a Republican that they feel could beat Obama in the Race, all of a sudden, they will get behind her, just like they did McCain.

Could she win? My opinion? Honestly? It all depends on who her VP choice is. If she picks someone like Armstrong Williams, Lloyd Marcus, or a Thomas Sowell? Should be interesting to watch. If not? I'm not quite sure that the anger has reached a "ANYONE BUT OBAMA" pitch yet. It's getting there. But not there yet.
Peter

Note: From The Emails is a weekly Segment every Friday, or occasionally anytime, that appears here at the OPNTalk Blog. Please feel free to Email any Articles, Comments, Thoughts, Whatever, that you may like to share to opntalk@gmail.com As always, you never know what you may see here.

US Threatens, Iran Boosts Nuclear Enrichment

Visit with Little Hitler.

Hey folks,

OK. Let's check in with, you know him, you love him, Little Hitler himself, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Me - "Hey Mahmoud. Hows it going?"

LH - "Good, Good, Peter, How are you?"

Me - "Oh I'm fine. Can I ask you some questions?"

LH - "Of course. Of Course."

Me - "Now I understand that you set dozens of centrifuges spinning Tuesday to begin enriching uranium stocks to a significantly higher level?"

LH - "Yes. Yes. It is a great day for the Iranian people."

ME - "Well, you know that that spurs suspicion that you are really building a nuclear bomb. Wha,,,,"

LH - "What suspicion? I have come right out and said I will Wipe Israel off the map. Death to all those that attempt to stop us. That include the Great Satin. Uh, Nothing personal of course. If you convert, I will spare you."

Me- "No thanks. Our President,,,"

LH - Laughter

Me "Our President just said that the sanctions process is moving along quickly, but he gave no specific timeline of course. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he believed the U.N. should slap new sanctions on Iran in 'weeks, not months,'and France also said your action left no choice but to push harder for a fourth set of U.N. Security Council sanctions."

LH " Sanctions Smantions. What's all this talk about,,,eh, What do I need from you? I have all the money I could ever want. I have Land, Oil, Food, everything. Don't these Idiots realize that I'm on a mission for Allah? I answer only to him. The World will convert to Islam or be destroyed. How many times do I have to say sanctions will not stop us? OK. Again. Like our Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said, any plan by the West to impose new Security Council resolutions would be a "mistake. They are completely wrong if they think our people will back down even a single step," he said. Never mind. It just buys me more time."

Me - "Well, Obama did say "They have made their choice so far, although the door is still open," to reporters at the White House."

LH - "Of course, Of course. We are a peaceful people. Your President is weak and gul,,I mean, a great man. Of course we will keep the door open. {Smile} Hi Obama."

Me - "Well, Obama did say this also. The United Nations penalties are only one part of an international squeeze on Iran, a reference to a sequence of economic strictures that could be applied by the European Union and individual countries over the next several months."

LH - "What do I need of them?"

Me- "Yeah, but,,,"

LH - "Did you not see the AP piece? IAEA suggests Iran's new enrichment modest By GEORGE JAHN, Associated Press Writer George Jahn,

VIENNA – Iran expects to produce its first batch of higher enriched uranium in a few days but its initial effort is modest, using only a small amount of feedstock and a fraction of its capacities, according to a confidential document shared Wednesday with The Associated Press."

LH - "See? Read on."

But the document also indicated that Iran was keeping silent on whether or not it would ramp up production, which would bring it closer to the ability to produce the fissile core of nuclear weapons.

The internal International Atomic Energy Agency document was significant in being the first glimpse at Iran's plan to enrich uranium to 20 percent that did not rely on statements from Iranian officials.

Iran says it wants to enrich only up to that grade — substantially below the 90 percent plus level used in the fissile core of nuclear warheads — as a part of a plan to fuel its research reactor that provides medical isotopes to hundreds of thousands of Iranians undergoing cancer treatment.

LH - "I LOVE these guys."

But the West says Tehran is not capable of turning the material into the fuel rods needed by the reactor. Instead it fears that Iran wants to enrich the uranium to make nuclear weapons.

LH - "Stupid Infidels"

Iran denies such aspirations. But its move is viewed with concern internationally because it would create material that could then be processed into weapons-grade uranium more quickly and with less effort than Iran's present stockpile of 3.5 percent enriched uranium.

On Wednesday, Iranian Vice President Ali Akhbar Salehi said the process of higher enrichment was going smoothly, a day after Iranian officials announced a start of the operation, but gave no details on the scope of the new activities. The restricted IAEA document, however, indicated that, for now at least, they were was modest in scale.

"It should be noted that there is currently only one cascade ... that is capable of enriching" up to 20 percent, said the document. A cascade is 164 centrifuges hooked up in series that spin and re-spin uranium gas to the required enrichment level.

The document, relying on onsite reports from International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors, also cited Iranian experts at the enrichment plant at Natanz as saying that only about 10 kilograms — 22 pounds — of low enriched uranium had been fed into the cascade for further enrichment.

Agency inspectors were told Wednesday "that it was expected that the facility would begin to produce up to 20 percent enriched ... (uranium) within a few days," said the one-page document.

Iran has over 8,000 centrifuges at Natanz, although not all are working. It has amassed about 1.8 tons of low-enriched uranium — more than enough for one warhead should it opt for that choice.

Iranian officials have said that they expect to produce 3 to 5 kilograms (up to 12 pounds) of 20-percent uranium a month. David Albright of the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security, said that at that rate, it would take Tehran about three years to produce enough for further enrichment into the 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of weapons-grade uranium needed for one warhead.

LH {Laughing} "You see, nothing to worry about. With THAT plant at least." {Smile}

The IAEA document said the agency had asked for details on "the timetable for the production process (including the starting date and the expected duration of the campaign), along with other technical details." Albright said that indicated that the Iranians were keeping silent on how long they would enrich to the higher grade and thus how much material they intended to produce.

"The IAEA is asking how much are you going to make, and they are not answering the question," he said, adding that IAEA chief Yukiya Amano "has to assume the worst; that this is an open-ended campaign where more cascades are brought on line."

Iran's decision to enrich to higher levels has led to a spike in concerns about its nuclear arms — and led Washington on Wednesday to impose new sanctions on several affiliates of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps over their alleged involvement in producing and spreading weapons of mass destruction.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced that it would freeze assets in U.S. jurisdictions of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Rostam Qasemi and four subsidiaries of a construction firm he commands, which was hit with U.S. sanctions in 2007.

The sanctions expand existing U.S. unilateral penalties against elements of the Guard Corps, which Western intelligence believes is spearheading Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

Western powers blame Iran for rejecting an internationally endorsed plan to export its enriched uranium, enrich the material further and return it in the form of fuel rods for the reactor — and in broader terms for turning down other overtures meant to diminish concerns about its nuclear agenda.

Iran, in turn, asserts it had no choice but to start enriching to higher levels because its suggested modifications to the plan were rejected.

That plan was welcomed internationally because it would have delayed Iran's ability to make a nuclear weapon by shipping out about 70 percent of its low-enriched uranium stockpile. Tehran denies nuclear weapons ambitions, insisting it needs to enrich to create fuel for an envisioned nuclear reactor network.

The proposal was endorsed by the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany — the six powers that originally elicited a tentative approval from Iran in landmark talks last fall. Since then, however, mixed messages from Tehran have infuriated the U.S. and its European allies, who claim Iran is only stalling for time as it attempts to build a nuclear weapon.

France and the U.S. have said Iran's action left no choice but to push harder for a fourth set of U.N. Security Council sanctions to punish Iran's nuclear defiance. China remains opposed, but Russia, which has close ties to Iran and has resisted new sanctions, appeared to edge closer to Washington's position, with senior officials saying the new enrichment plans show the suspicions about Iran's intentions are well-founded.

In an online briefing Wednesday, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said that "we have no other choice today but to work with our partners to strengthen measures against Iran." And Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax news agency that "working out a new sanctions resolution (now) takes on additional relevance."

Still, he suggested Moscow was not in total sync with Western nations, saying they "are thrusting sanctions upon us."

LH - "You see. All this worrying for nothing. It's pointless you know? We are doing it for Cancer patients. We are compassionate. We are Allah's chosen people. You can be too. Yes? You do not have to die. Just join us. What you think?"

Me- "I think a few well placed bombs would stop you from acquiring a Nuclear Weapon that I'm SURE that you will use."

LH- "Really? Not with THIS President. {Laughing} Not with this Congress you have now. Maybe with the old one. Notice I did not do much back then. That Bush guy was nuts. But this one? Yes? I think, uh, I think, he would rather take over your country. Hey, maybe he will make America better. Maybe we will not have to blow you up. You see, we could actually become friends. Uh, after we get rid of Israel of course. Thanks for visit. I have to go execute more protesters. Lot's to do you know."

The above is SATIRE. Yet, all the facts are true. Below is the sources from the news the last few days. Folks, I keep telling you. I have been following LH AKA Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for YEARS now. I have watch him ascend to power. I have LISTENED to what he has SAID and watched what he has done since his involvement with the hostage crises, to his becoming President. From the deals he has made with China and Russia, to the covert War assistance he has given our enemies. There is NO SECRET as to his intentions. There is no secret to the fact Sanctions simply have NO effect. There is NO DOUBT.

He will not stop. He will have a Nuclear Bomb. He will USE IT! When are those in power going to wake up? You can not negotiate with someone who's starting point is "You die." He WANTS a one world government run by Islamic Law. He wants Israel wiped off the map. He said death to America. He JUST said he has a surprise for us tomorrow. Have no idea what that is, but I doubt it's good. He IS serious. Time we become serious too.
Peter

Sources:
Iran Focus - Obama: US developing new sanctions for Iran
AP - Iran boosts nuclear enrichment, drawing warnings
Iran Focus - New Iran sanctions move likely 'within weeks': Gates
AP - IAEA suggests Iran's new enrichment modest

Outsourcing Green?

From the Energy Front 020910

Hey folks,

Remember this back on January 8th, Obama gave this big Energy Investment Speech? He said this.

"It’s clear why such an effort is so important. Building a robust clean energy sector is how we will create the jobs of the future — jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced. But it’s also how we will reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, a dependence that endangers our economy and our security. And it is how we will combat the threat of climate change and leave our children a planet that’s safer than the one we inherited."

Let's leave aside the fact that this is all based on a SCAM, for a second, on January 10th I posted this. OPNTalk - Analysis Of Obama's Clean Energy Investment Speech I said this about THAT Statement.

All complete BS. Why can these jobs NOT be outsourced? Who is making some of the Solar Panels in use TODAY? What an ignorant thing to say. ANYTHING can be outsourced. I'm not sure when that could be said to be good. But Anything can and WILL be, if some Company Heads discover, "I can move my plant to XWZ, NOT pay Taxes, NOT be regulated to death, NOT be forced to pay Oppressive Healthcare costs. Hell, why not."

Well, well, well. What do we have here? According to the LA TIMES - California solar startup Ausra acquired by French nuclear energy giant Areva February 8, 2010 3:00 pm -- Todd Woody

French nuclear energy giant Areva has jumped into the U.S. renewable energy market with the acquisition of Ausra, a Silicon Valley solar power plant startup backed by high-profile venture capitalists.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but in an interview on Monday, Areva executive Anil Srivastava said that the price the company paid for Ausra was in line with the $418 million that rival Siemens spent last year to acquire Solel, an Israel solar power plant builder.

That would be a decent payday for Ausra’s investors, which include marquee Silicon Valley venture capital firms Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Khosla Ventures.

“The current shareholders are very well-reputed venture capitalists and I can assure you they negotiated very well,” said Srivastava, the chief executive of Areva’s renewable energy division.

Well, GOOD for them. But uh, what happened to AMERICAN Jobs? Being Done by American Companies and American people?

Ausra burst onto the green tech scene in 2007 after relocating to Silicon Valley from Australia and announcing plans to build a gigawatt's worth of solar thermal power plants.

Though the startup raised about $130 million from investors, early last year it abandoned plans to build its own solar projects to focus on supplying solar equipment to other developers. Then in November, Ausra said it would seek a buyer.

With the sale to Areva, the world’s largest nuclear power company, Ausra is back in the power plant-building business.

“Good technology was not enough to give what customers needed,” said Robert Fishman, Ausra’s chief executive, who will stay on to run Areva’s global solar division out of Ausra’s Mountain View, Calif., offices. “We needed the financial strength to guarantee that our technology had a global footprint. By joining forces with Areva, we’ve solved that problem.”

They did NOT join forces with them. They SOLD OUT to them. Because there is no MARKET for this on a mass scale yet. There will not be for YEARS to come.

While Areva is new to the solar market, the company’s $18 billion in annual revenues should help reassure bankers who tend to shy away from financing multibillion-dollar solar power plants using new technologies.

Wait? $18 Billion? That's a lot of "Windfall Profit," is it not? Why should Obama and Crew not go after THEIR Profits? Where is Pelosi? Clinton? Where is Congress? Give them time.

Areva will also continue to sell Ausra’s solar thermal equipment, which uses rows of long flat mirrors to focus the sun on water-filled tubes suspended over the arrays. The superheated water creates steam for industrial uses or to drive an electricity-generating turbine.

Srivastava said Areva would target the desert Southwest in the United States as well as markets in Europe, the Middle East, Australia and South Africa.

So? Obama said?

"Building a robust clean energy sector is how we will create the jobs of the future — jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced. But it’s also how we will reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, a dependence that endangers our economy and our security."

I guess it will not be so bad to work for the French. Right? Or that we will now have to rely on the French Government for our "Green Jobs" here. In Solar anyway. Right? Well, that worked out well.

Folks, Drill here, Drill Now. Let's keep Energy Costs affordable to all. Let's Employ workers HERE with AMERICAN Companies, and lets wean ourselves off of dependence of foreign Governments. Things we could actually do TODAY. Just a thought. {Sigh}
Peter

God Speed John Murtha

GOD SPEED REP JOHN MURTHA

Regardless of what you thought of him, and I was no fan, as many of you know, John Murtha had a long career in the House. He served Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1974 until his death this day, February 8, 2010.

May his family have the peace and comfort they need during this time. God Speed John, Thank you for your service.

Peter

Snowmageddon, Global Warming, Reuters

WASHINGTON – Life in the nation's capital ground to a halt Friday as steady snow fell, the beginning of a storm that forecasters said could be the biggest in modern history.

{Laughing} Hey folks,

Welcome to the Big Sunday Edition of the OPNTalk Blog. Glad you made a little time to spend with us today. Remember, you can also follow us on Twitter - peteropntalk, Facebook - Peter Carlock, and as always, the Email is opntalk@gmail.com.

Thats right folks, That was the headline Friday Night. According to the AP - Mid-Atlantic shuts down ahead of huge snow warning By NAFEESA SYEED, Associated Press Writer Nafeesa Syeed, Associated Press Writer

A record 2 1/2 feet or more was predicted for Washington, where snow was falling heavily by evening, with big amounts expected elsewhere throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Authorities already were blaming the storm for hundreds of accidents and the deaths of father-son Samaritans in Virginia.

The region's second snowstorm in less than two months could be "extremely dangerous," the National Weather Service said. Heavy, wet snow and strong winds threatened to knock out power, clog roads and paralyze the region's transportation and retail.

Airlines canceled flights, schools closed and the federal government sent workers home, where they could be stuck for several days in a region ill-equipped to deal with so much snow. Some area hospitals asked people with four-wheel-drive vehicles to volunteer to pick up doctors and nurses to take them to work.

The National Zoo closed at noon and the Smithsonian museums were to close Saturday, as they did during a major storm in December. U.S. Park Police spokesman Sgt. David Schlosser said the Lincoln Memorial and other monuments in Washington would remain open as long as conditions allowed.

At Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, most flights had been canceled by early Friday afternoon. In the virtually empty Southwest terminal, someone announced Flight 677 to Denver — "our last flight till Sunday morning to the West Coast."

Thank God For Global Warming. {Smile} So was it the biggest Snow fall in history? Not quite yet. Right now nearly 2 feet of snow Saturday in one of the worst blizzards in the city's history. The nearly 18 inches recorded at Reagan National Airport was the fourth-highest storm total for the city. At nearby Dulles International Airport, the record was shattered with 32 inches.

I bring this up because we are going to spend a lot of time on GWBS today. I was going to talk a bit about it on Tuesday, during the From the Energy Front Segment, and how it relates to Cap and Tax, but I was not here. So, I put it on my desk for Wednesday. Then Wednesday came and more stuff starting coming in about Global Warming, Made-made Climate Change, whatever. Thursday? Friday? The stack just keeps getting bigger. So today, we are going to spend a lot of time on this. It really has just become silly. It really is just silly to attempt to have an intellectual debate about GWBS. The IPCC has become a real life Saturday Night Live Skit. More on all this in a few minutes. Coming right up today?

GWBS Just Silly
Global Warming: The Other Side
The Lib Agenda Carries On In The Face Of Reality
Depression and The Internet
Tea Party Members, Real Americans
IWA For Sunday 020710


All that coming right up. However, I do have to ask the question. What happened to Reuters? I'm actually being serious here. I use to love Reuters. I never would have thought that they could be bought out, or strong armed by this or any other Administration. Yet, TWICE in three days I find that they first print a really good story, then they change it or retract it. Why? The only reason I can see is that they were critical of Obama and this Administration.

Remember OPNTalk - Three Times, Same Article, Different Perception That was all about the Economy. BG sent it in to me via the Emails and said this.

BG - Paragraph 1: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The economy grew at a faster-than-expected 5.7 percent pace in the fourth quarter, the quickest in more than six years, as businesses made less-aggressive cuts to inventories and stepped up spending.

Paragraph 11: For the whole of 2009, the economy contracted 2.4 percent, the biggest decline since 1946, the first year after the end of World War II.

Unbelievable, how the sycophants lie for their messiah.

Turns out it was the first of three different versions that Reuters kept reposting to make it sound better than it was. Well folks, they have gone and did it again. This time it was this. Reuters - Advisory: Backdoor taxes to hit middle class. Problem is, if you go there, it's NOT there. That's right. It has been removed with this message left in it's place. "The story Backdoor taxes to hit middle class has been withdrawn. A replacement story will run later in the week"

What was so offensive with this? Was it this?

The Obama administration's plan to cut more than $1 trillion from the deficit over the next decade relies heavily on so-called backdoor tax increases that will result in a bigger tax bill for middle-class families. In the 2010 budget tabled by President Barack Obama on Monday, the White House wants to let billions of dollars in tax breaks expire by the end of the year -- effectively a tax hike by stealth. While the administration is focusing its proposal on eliminating tax breaks for individuals who earn $250,000 a year or more, middle-class families will face a slew of these backdoor increases.

They are just telling the truth here. Maybe it was just the Headline that upset them? Either way, they caved twice in three days. It really is sad. They have lost a lot of my respect. I'll keep checking them out. Hell I check out the NYTs from time to time, but I no longer trust that they will report on something that may shine the light on the Obama Administration. Someone there seems to be owned by the White House now. They seem to have completely sold out. It's a shame.

Going to fill my cup. Go get yours. I'll be right back to dive into GWBS in depth, in just a second.
Peter

Sources:
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