Hello, It’s Me!
8 years ago
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year 2011!!
New Year's Day. When I was a kid, it was a day to watch parades on television. I loved watching the floats and bands. As I grew older, it was a day for watching the Bowl Games (back when Bowl Games meant something). Now, it just might be a day for reflecting on the past year and planning the new year. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions....but, it might be a good idea to set an overall goal for this next year. I might just try it this year. Now I'm not talking about renaming a "resolution" as a "goal," I'm talking about a making an overall goal for life in the upcoming year; something like "making a conscious decision to look on the bright side" or "being more assertive" or "trying to be more spiritual." What about you? Do you have an overarching goal for the New Year? I may want to borrow yours.......smile......
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Sal Guinta Story
It's been a while since President Obama announced the award of the Medal of Honor to Sal Guinta for his actions in Afghanistan. Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington have produced a great clip telling Guinta's story. It's a bit long (about 15 minutes) but well worth the time to watch. What is very impressive is Guinta's humility and attitude about receiving the Medal of Honor. Watch the whole thing.....it's worth it!
The Sal Giunta Story from SebastianJunger/TimHetherington on Vimeo.
The Sal Giunta Story from SebastianJunger/TimHetherington on Vimeo.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Multiculturalism Hits The Wall
Multiculturalism Hits The Wall
This article by JR Dunn is fantastic. Although it's a bit lengthy, it's well worth the read!
This article by JR Dunn is fantastic. Although it's a bit lengthy, it's well worth the read!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
It's a No-Brainer, Folks!
We've all been inundated with news about whether or not Congress should vote to extend the Bush Era tax cuts and keep tax rates at their current levels. But just to summarize; "the right" wants to keep the tax rates as they are, while "the left" wants to keep tax rates in place for some and let the "temporary" tax cuts expire for those making more than $250,000 a year. We're not talking about a tax cut at all....despite pundits on both sides that talk about a tax cut....we're talking about whether or not to keep tax rates as they are. To me, this seems like a no-brainer: give the taxpaying citizens of this country some certainty and make the "cuts" permanent!
How can we expect private citizens and businesses to plan for the future, when the future of their tax liability is completely unclear? How can we expect any job growth or business expansion when employers have no idea what impact taxes may have on their endeavors? How can we expect to recover from an economic recession when everyone is afraid to spend, because they need to keep a reserve in case their taxes are increased? Short answer....we can't. Both private citizens and employers need to have an idea of what their tax liability may be. Only then will there be a possibility of growth; in the job arena or in the economy.
Congress needs to act, soon. Congress needs to make the current rates permanent. Congress needs to quit posturing and trying to make political points through sound-bites. The "left" in Congress needs to stop trying to start a class-war by arguing that the current tax rates favor the "rich." They don't. The current tax rates won't do much to stimulate job growth or economic recovery....after all these tax rates were in place when the economy tanked. But raising the tax rates for anyone is economic suicide. Raising tax rates at any level, will only grow the amount of our money going to the Government to support "pet" projects for politicians and bureaucrats. Raising taxes is stupid. Period. It's a no-brainer.
How can we expect private citizens and businesses to plan for the future, when the future of their tax liability is completely unclear? How can we expect any job growth or business expansion when employers have no idea what impact taxes may have on their endeavors? How can we expect to recover from an economic recession when everyone is afraid to spend, because they need to keep a reserve in case their taxes are increased? Short answer....we can't. Both private citizens and employers need to have an idea of what their tax liability may be. Only then will there be a possibility of growth; in the job arena or in the economy.
Congress needs to act, soon. Congress needs to make the current rates permanent. Congress needs to quit posturing and trying to make political points through sound-bites. The "left" in Congress needs to stop trying to start a class-war by arguing that the current tax rates favor the "rich." They don't. The current tax rates won't do much to stimulate job growth or economic recovery....after all these tax rates were in place when the economy tanked. But raising the tax rates for anyone is economic suicide. Raising tax rates at any level, will only grow the amount of our money going to the Government to support "pet" projects for politicians and bureaucrats. Raising taxes is stupid. Period. It's a no-brainer.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veteran's Day
It's Veteran's Day. It's a day to both remember and a day to be thankful. We should take time to remember the young (and some not-so-young) men and women who made the decision to serve. Serving in the military is not easy. Those who make the decision to serve do so knowing that they'll encounter a great deal of mental and physical stress. Most of the time, their service demands separation from family and friends. Most of the time, their service demands that they master new skills. Most of the time, their service demands that they place their lives in jeapordy; willingly. We should be thankful for those who have served and who do serve. It's not easy.
We should also take time today to say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who made the decision to serve, and paid "the ultimate price" for that service. Remember those who did not come home to their family and friends. Remember their families. They died that we may enjoy the freedoms and liberties we have.
We should also take time today to say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who made the decision to serve, and paid "the ultimate price" for that service. Remember those who did not come home to their family and friends. Remember their families. They died that we may enjoy the freedoms and liberties we have.
Veteran's Day Article from VA Guest Blogger
I don't often have guest bloggers on here....not sure why.....today's an exception. Kevin Pearia, who blogs at VAbenefitblog.com, has written an information article that is particularly important on Veteran's Day. Here it is:
Service members should own a home in the country they protect. There’s no better time of the year to make use of the VA loan.
With Veterans Day comes a feeling of appreciation. Restaurants, stores, medical offices and other businesses offer deals and discounts. Civilians volunteer and participate in the festivals and memorials of Veterans Day. Local VA offices encourage the promotion of newer and existing veteran benefits such as the VA loan.
The VA Loan
Many veterans do not know about the VA loan. However, its popularity grows every year. In the past four years, home purchasing in the veteran community rose 63 percent, according to the VA in a Nov. 1 press release.
“Home ownership is one of the foundations of the American dream,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said in the press release. “VA is honored to administer a benefit that for two-thirds of a century has profoundly affected the lives of our Veterans, our military service members and their families.”
There is no better time than now to purchase a home. The VA loan program booms with excellent benefits. The housing market offers super-low mortgage rates. Foreclosure and “serious delinquency rates” were the lowest in the “housing industry” for the “last six quarters,” according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Delinquency Survey.
Benefits
The VA loan is one of the last no down payment programs in existence. Buying a home becomes a tangible reality for active duty and veteran service members due to low mortgage and interest rates.
Eligible members can save up to $300 more every month with the VA loan, as opposed to traditional loans. Why?
•No monthly private mortgage insurance payments
•A stress-free process
•Less stringent credit and income standards than conventional loans
•No prepayment penalties
•Various options such as interest-rate-reduction loans
•A buyer can obtain a loan up to $417,000
Eligibility
Most veterans, active duty military members, Reservists and National Guard members are eligible for a VA loan. Surviving spouses may also be able to apply. Anyone with a dishonorable discharge will not be considered for the loan.
Beginning the Process
It seems scary to start the home buying process. However, veterans need not fear. “During the past decade, VA loan specialists have helped more than 150,000 families hold onto their homes,” the VA press release said.
VA loan specialists guide first time and seasoned veteran home buyers through the process. They find useful avenues that help home buyers to make realistic, affordable and desired decisions.
VA Home Loans for Veterans Day
Service members should own a home in the country they protect. There’s no better time of the year to make use of the VA loan.
With Veterans Day comes a feeling of appreciation. Restaurants, stores, medical offices and other businesses offer deals and discounts. Civilians volunteer and participate in the festivals and memorials of Veterans Day. Local VA offices encourage the promotion of newer and existing veteran benefits such as the VA loan.
The VA Loan
Many veterans do not know about the VA loan. However, its popularity grows every year. In the past four years, home purchasing in the veteran community rose 63 percent, according to the VA in a Nov. 1 press release.
“Home ownership is one of the foundations of the American dream,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said in the press release. “VA is honored to administer a benefit that for two-thirds of a century has profoundly affected the lives of our Veterans, our military service members and their families.”
There is no better time than now to purchase a home. The VA loan program booms with excellent benefits. The housing market offers super-low mortgage rates. Foreclosure and “serious delinquency rates” were the lowest in the “housing industry” for the “last six quarters,” according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Delinquency Survey.
Benefits
The VA loan is one of the last no down payment programs in existence. Buying a home becomes a tangible reality for active duty and veteran service members due to low mortgage and interest rates.
Eligible members can save up to $300 more every month with the VA loan, as opposed to traditional loans. Why?
•No monthly private mortgage insurance payments
•A stress-free process
•Less stringent credit and income standards than conventional loans
•No prepayment penalties
•Various options such as interest-rate-reduction loans
•A buyer can obtain a loan up to $417,000
Eligibility
Most veterans, active duty military members, Reservists and National Guard members are eligible for a VA loan. Surviving spouses may also be able to apply. Anyone with a dishonorable discharge will not be considered for the loan.
Beginning the Process
It seems scary to start the home buying process. However, veterans need not fear. “During the past decade, VA loan specialists have helped more than 150,000 families hold onto their homes,” the VA press release said.
VA loan specialists guide first time and seasoned veteran home buyers through the process. They find useful avenues that help home buyers to make realistic, affordable and desired decisions.
Monday, November 1, 2010
VOTE!!!
Tomorrow is election day. Whatever you have to do tomorrow, you should take the time to exercise one of the fundamental rights (and responsibilities) of citizenship: VOTE!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Time Traveler Discovered?
Check out this video from CNN....it's a clip from a 1928 Charlie Chaplin movie where an extra walking in the background appears to be talking on a cell phone....in 1928??? What do you think???
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What? Double Standards?
OK....so NPR fires commentator Juan Williams for saying that when he sees airline passengers who obviously identify with their Muslim faith, he gets nervous. Personally, I agree with Mr. Williams and think that his firing was totally unfair. I also feel that Mr Williams was well within his rights to express an opinion. He wasn't disrespectful or vulgar, nor did he personally attack anyone. His firing is an example of "political correctness" gone so very wrong. I also strongly believe that NPR, with their blatant political bias, should not be funded with any taxpayer money whatsoever.
Today, we have liberal TV personality Joy Behar from "The View," ranting about a Sharon Angle political ad, and calling Ms Angle a "bitch" on national TV. Like Mr Williams, she was expressing her opinion; however she went too far when she called Ms Angle a "bitch" and said that Ms Angle is "going to hell, this bitch." She personally attacked Ms Angle, in a very vulgar and disrespectful way. Ms Behar is entitled to her opinion about the political ad, and about Ms Angle; but there is no call use the "b-word" in a personal attack. In my opinion, this goes beyond "political correctness" and into the realm of viciousness. In my opinion, calling a woman the "b-word" is akin to calling a black person the "n-word." There is no place for it in civilized society, no matter what your political orientation.
Now, I wonder, will there be a response to Ms Behar's vicious personal attack? Or, will she be given a "pass" because of her political leanings? Will Ms Behar be asked to leave "The View," as Mr Williams was asked to leave NPR? Somehow, I doubt it....because, after all, she is a liberal. Double standard? You bet!
Today, we have liberal TV personality Joy Behar from "The View," ranting about a Sharon Angle political ad, and calling Ms Angle a "bitch" on national TV. Like Mr Williams, she was expressing her opinion; however she went too far when she called Ms Angle a "bitch" and said that Ms Angle is "going to hell, this bitch." She personally attacked Ms Angle, in a very vulgar and disrespectful way. Ms Behar is entitled to her opinion about the political ad, and about Ms Angle; but there is no call use the "b-word" in a personal attack. In my opinion, this goes beyond "political correctness" and into the realm of viciousness. In my opinion, calling a woman the "b-word" is akin to calling a black person the "n-word." There is no place for it in civilized society, no matter what your political orientation.
Now, I wonder, will there be a response to Ms Behar's vicious personal attack? Or, will she be given a "pass" because of her political leanings? Will Ms Behar be asked to leave "The View," as Mr Williams was asked to leave NPR? Somehow, I doubt it....because, after all, she is a liberal. Double standard? You bet!
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