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To Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States

2011-07-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

There's a gaggle of Republicans trying to draw attention to themselves ostensibly so they can be the one to swear an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States as our next President.

All of them are doing their best to draw attention to themselves and prove they are worthy of that honor and responsibility. One of them Herman Cain, on Fox News Sunday told Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace that he supported a ban on the planned Murfreesboro mosque as an "infringement and an abuse of our freedom of religion."

This is a shame, and an opportunity for the other Republican candidates to distinguish themselves by speaking out against Cain's position. Certainly they should all stand up for his constitutional right to say such things, but if they truly aspire to protect and defend the constitution they must also chide him for falling short in recognizing the proper intent of the freedom of religion clause of the constitution.

There failure to do so is tantamount to a demonstration that they are unwilling to uphold the principles upon which our Constitution and democracy are built.

If they are unwilling to protect our constitution during the political campaign to seek this office, how can we expect them to honor it should they be elected? Is there not at least one of them who will stand up and say, Herman you are wrong?

We resolve these issue in our democratic system during campaigns, and candidates in these campaigns owe it to us and the process to sort out and defend the office and the constitution that creates it. Failure to speak up, is frankly un-American.

Maybe Michelle Bachman was right after all, just pointed in the wrong direction. It's the class of Republican candidates who need to be examined for their possible unAmericanism. That can occur as in Cain's case by staking an unconstitutional stance, or perhaps even worse, by all the others for failing to stand up and DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION from all enemies foreign and DOMESTIC. And by domestic we certainly mean all those who would dare stand and ask out support for their candidacy to be President of the United States.

-Earl Netwal

Gingrich Calls Ryan's Plan Radical

2011-05-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Newt Gingrich Slams Paul Ryan's Medicare Plan, Compares it to ...

“I don't think right-wing social engineering is any more desirable than left-wing social engineering,” he said when asked about Ryan's plan to transition to a “premium support” model for Medicare. “I don't think imposing radical change ...

Publish Date: 05/15/2011 19:43

http://politicons.net/newt-gingrich-slams-paul-ryan%E2%80%99s-medicare-plan-compares-it-to-obamacare/

Newt Gingrich Blasts GOP Budget As 'Right-Wing Social Engineering ...

"I don't think imposing radical change from the right or the left is a very good way for a free society to operate." Gingrich has distanced himself from the Ryan plan in recent weeks, calling instead for a system that would preserve the ...

Publish Date: 05/15/2011 10:33

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/newt-gingrich-blasts-gop-budget-as-right-wing-social-engineering.php

Minnesota Budget and Fortune 500 Companies A Fact Check

2011-05-14T11:17:00.001-07:00

Fact Checking The MN GOP On Budget bill

State Representative Ann Lenczewski fact checks various Republican claims about the budget bill, taxes and South Dakota. For example, if South Dakota has such a great business climate, why are there no Fortune 500 companies in South Dakota? And if Mi...

GOP Faces Backlash Against the Ryan Plan

2011-04-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

More Republican Congressmen Face Town Hall Backlash Over Tax ...

During a Buffalo Grove, IL town hall, Dold caught a lot of flack for supporting corporate tax breaks and voting to end Medicare: But Dold couldn't even get to the end of the presentation before audience members began peppering him with questions about the Ryan budget, named after House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin. It began with audience members telling Dold they don't believe chopping 10 percentage points off the highest corporate tax ...

Publish Date: 04/22/2011 0:10

http://www.progressivenewsdaily.com/?p=14917

Government Shut Down Averted

2011-04-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Close Cut: US saved from government shutdown by last min deal

The US Congress has thrashed out a budget, agreeing on spending cuts dangerously close to the deadline. The Republicans and Democrats were forced to overcome their differences, or risk the first government shutdown in fifteen years. If the shutdown h...

Is al-Queda infiltrating Libyan freedom fighters?

2011-03-31T17:36:00.001-07:00

Downing Street Says » Libya
Asked if there had been any evidence of al-Qaeda members infiltrating Libya, the PMS referred journalists to what the Foreign Secretary said yesterday: one of the reasons it was necessary for the European Union to make a bold, ...
Publish Date: 03/30/2011 10:45
http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2011/03/30/9679

Obama Leads the Nation and World With Speech On Libya

2011-03-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

The president once again showed the world his superior speaking skills and more importantly his well reasoned stance and policy leading to the US involvement in Libya. A far cry better than his predecessor.

Watch President Obama's Full Speech on the US Mission in Libya

Read full transcript: to.pbs.org In a prime-time speech Monday evening, President Obama addressed the nation on the US mission in Libya and the military's continuing role in coalition airstrikes protecting civilians from Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi...

All DFL'ers lead in Minnesota Governors Race in new poll.

2010-07-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

According to the blog of the the Minnesota Independant, a recent Rassmussen poll shows: -->

Governor’s race: Democrats lead in all possible match-ups
By Patrick Caldwell 7/21/10 1:06 PM Digg Tweet

GOP-endorsed gubernatorial nominee Tom Emmer trails every potential Democratic candidate in a new Rasmussen poll.

Former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton — who polls have shown leading the DFL primary — leads Emmer 40-36 percent. State House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher beats Emmer by almost the same margin, 40-35 percent. Matt Entenza is the only DFL candidate who doesn’t hold a substantial lead over Emmer, though he still beats the GOP nominee by one point. Independence Party candidate Tom Horner receives between 10 to 12 percent in the poll, depending on which Democrat is included.

Most recent polls have shown Emmer running behind the Democrats in the race, but the new Rasmussen numbers should be especially troubling for the candidate since Rasmussen is know to have a house effect slightly favoring Republicans. The new survey shows a large shift in favor of the Democrats from the last time Rasmussen polled the race back in May.

Dayton, Kelliher and Entenza promote Job Creation in Minnesota Governors Race

2010-07-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Kelliher has been talking about jobs more than other candidates. It is a cornerstone of her “No Stone Unturned Tour” to create more than 200,000 jobless Minnesotans back to work.

Her $25 million jobs plan is in addition to her plan to support $1 billion public works finance bills each of the first two years she is in office. That would be twice the typical bonding bill.

“We can afford that,” she said.

The Kelliher campaign still is studying the economic impact of her jobs plan, but said she is confident she can create jobs.

“By the end of four years, we believe we will have made a very significant dent on those 214,000 Minnesotans who are out of jobs,” she said.

Dayton also supports a $1 billion public works construction bill and includes plans to increase employment by boosting the green industry.

The former U.S. senator also promises to promote tourism, which he said brings a $20 return for every dollar spent. Dayton said that unlike other candidates, he has saved and created jobs during his time as state official, including a stint as economic development commissioner.

Entenza emphasizes green jobs, those in the environmental areas such as making wind turbines or remodeling buildings to make them more energy-efficient.

“It is not part of my plan to balance the budget, but it will bring in revenue,” Entenza said about increasing green jobs.

Since the state spends more than $10 billion a year on energy such as electricity, “if we spend even a fraction of that on ourselves, that will drive up state revenues as well.” He would make sure the Commerce Department and Public Utilities Commission push energy-efficient changes in state facilities to use more home-grown energy.

Attracting green jobs would help revitalize rural communities, where Entenza says the biggest export is their youth.

The DFL primary is August 10th and all three candidates see job creation as a major part of their campaign effort despite Minnesota's relatively better job position compared to the rest of the nation.

Minnesota Governor's Race is close.

2010-06-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Governor's Race is close.

Race for Minnesota Governor is Close
A new SurveyUSA poll in Minnesota finds Tom Emmer (R) is in a tight race for governor no matter who becomes his opponent. Mark Dayton (D) has an edge on Emmer in a general election match up, 38% to 35%, while Emmer holds small leads ...
Publish Date: 06/18/2010 9:21
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/06/18/race_for_minnesota_governor_is_close.html

Where do the candidates stand?

Snapshot of where leading candidates for Minnesota governor stand ...
Minnesota's next governor could decide the fate of proposals to expand casino-style gambling in the state. A brief look at where the leading candidates stand:
Publish Date: 06/18/2010 15:20
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/economy/snapshot-of-where-leading-candidates-for-minnesota-governor-stand-on-gambling-96678909.html

8 weeks to DFL Primary

SurveyUSA » Blog Archive » 8 Weeks To MN DFL Primary for Governor ...
In General Election Matchups, Republican Emmer Loses Some Ground: In three hypothetical, look-ahead general election match-ups for Minnesota Governor today, Republican Tom Emmer is in a tight fight no matter his DFL opponent. ...
Publish Date: 06/18/2010 7:43
http://www.surveyusa.com/index.php/2010/06/18/8-weeks-to-mn-dfl-primary-for-governor-dayton-out-in-front-but-kelliher-entenza-have-support-in-some-quarters/

DFL lead?

Poll shows DFLers ahead of Emmer in Minnesota governor's race ...
All three leading Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidates for governor hold firm leads over Republican endorsee Tom Emmer, a new statewide poll shows.
Publish Date: 06/08/2010 16:54
http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_15247346

Tom Horney.. Can he win?

Tom Horner - "How I win" Minnesota Governor Canidate 2010
Tom Horner - "How I win" Tom Horner is running for the Governor of Minnesota in 2010. Tom Horner is running under the Independent Party in Minnesota. Follow Tom Horner @ www.Horner2010.com Twitter: @horner2010 Facebook: www.Facebook.com/horner2010

Recent Twitter Talk:

Dayton leads DFL primary and likely GOP nominee for governor - Minnesota Independent http://tinyurl.com/2dqc4n4

By Love_Creations at 06/18/2010 21:30

Snapshot of where leading candidates for Minnesota governor stand on gambling: Minnesota's next governor could dec... http://bit.ly/bj0Q6V

By Examiner_Blogs at 06/18/2010 15:27

The Minnesota Independent.: Dayton leads in new gubernatorial poll: Number of comments: 2Mark Dayton. MnIndy file ... http://bit.ly/9TP5BF

By minnesotaBNN at 06/18/2010 12:33

Minnesota Governors Race

2010-06-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Some Recent Blog Posts:

AFL-CIO SKIPS ENDORSEMENT | Minnesota Democrats Exposed
In a stunning blow to Margaret Kelliher's campaign the labor giant AFL-CIO made no endorsement today at their meeting. After talking to people that have considerably more knowledge than I do about union politics this comes as a complete ...
Publish Date: 06/16/2010 17:24
http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/2010/06/16/afl-cio-skips-endorsement/

» In the age of social media hype, direct mail still a pivotal ...
The Ambrosino firm, with offices in San Francisco and Washington, has done work in Minnesota for former DFL U.S. Rep. Bill Luther. Tincher said that direct mail has advantages over advertising in the context of a primary campaign. ... GOP- endorsed candidate for governor Tom Emmer's campaign declined to discuss the role of direct mail in their campaign. Emmer's press secretary, Chris Van Guilder, said in an e-mail that “we do not publicly discuss campaign strategy. ...
Publish Date: 06/16/2010 15:05
http://politicsinminnesota.com/blog/2010/06/in-the-age-of-social-media-hype-direct-mail-still-a-pivotal-part-of-campaigning/

Independence Party candidate for governor Hahn brings campaign to ...
Independence Party candidate for governor Hahn brings campaign to Bemidji. As a former radio producer, a publisher and novelist, Rob Hahn brings no political background to the office of governor. But that's what he thinks people want. .... In K-12 education, Hahn would allow alternative licensing practices for teachers, and blames Education Minnesota for preventing it from being law this session. He favors performance pay for teachers, based on their students' progress. ...
Publish Date: 06/05/2010 0:00
http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/event/article/id/100019392/

The Daily Digest | Polinaut | Minnesota Public Radio
Full disclosure: the campaign "fact-checks" my story on his agency cuts. Several of the candidates for governor participated in a renewable energy forum. The Minnesota AFL-CIO is gearing up for a possible endorsement. ...
Publish Date: 06/15/2010 7:26
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2010/06/the_daily_diges_857.shtml

Some Recent You Tube Videos:

Differences with Republicans - Tom Horner Minnesota Governor Race 2010
Tom Horner, Minnesota Governor candidate for the Independence Party for 2010. Tom Horner on the differences with Republicans. Follow the campaign at www.horner2010.com

Mark Dayton Formally Announces His Campaign For Governor
Mark Dayton Formally Announces His Candidacy For Governor. 1/20/2010 Today Mark Dayton formally announced what we've known for some time--he's running for Governor. Introduced by people he'd helped and union leaders, he then spoke briefly. Afterwards...

Jonathon "The Impaler" Sharkey's 1st OFFICIAL Campaign Video For Governor of MN
This is the 1st authorized and approved message from Jonathon "The Impaler" Sharkey for his campaign for Governor of Minnesota. This is the only true Jonathon "The Impaler" site on YouTube. Also, the message was approved by Vlad The Impaler.

Herbal Solution to Bed Wetting

2010-04-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

The cardinal rule when it comes to controlling enuresis: never allow your child to drink excessive amount of fluids for at least one hour before bedtime. In addition, your child must cut back on drinking coffee, soda, and other beverages that contain caffeine, which triggers the increased production of urine. Instead, you can give your child a glass of cranberry juice before he goes to bed. You can also give him one teaspoon of raisins and two teaspoons of walnuts before he hits the sack.

Herbal products can greatly help in reducing the chances of your child wetting the bed. You can try Lemon balm, Zea, Horsetail, or Melissa officinailis. Herbal teas such as oak bark, pulstilla, bearberry, lycopodium, wormwood, ursi, and causticum are effective bed-wetting busters as well.

See: Natural Ways to Control Bed Wetting

Minnesota DFL Endorses Margaret Kelliher

2010-04-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Margaret Anderson Kelliher was endorsed as the DFL candidate for Governor in Minnesota in what will likely be one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial elections in the country this fall.

The DFL (Democratic) Party already has three other candidates planning on running in the primary. Susan Gaertner, Matt Entenza and Former Senator and department store heir Mark Dayton.

The Republican party appears to be on a more disciplined track to nominate a single candidate to serve as their standard bearer to replace outgoing Republican incumbent Tim Pawlenty, who has been actively running for President since the last election, when he was passed over by Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate.

The DFL endorsed candidate has not fared well in the past twenty plus years. Some say it's because the caucus system used by the DFL in Minnesota tends to discourage all but the most active members from participating effectively.

That is a large part of why so many talented and credible DFL candidates are bypassing the process and running directly in the primary.

If Kelliher looses the primary, and the Dems go on to lose in November, you can expect a movement to change the party process, but the odds of success of a significant change appears low.

Free New Moon Tickets Available

2009-11-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

I just checked and it seems as though its still possible to get Free tickets for the upcoming New Moon Premiere.

The second Twilight movie, New Moon, is coming to theaters on November 20th. It will take a bit of luck and initiative to get the Freebies but its well worth the effort.

Click here to get a chance at free tickets for New Moon. Get New Moon tickets. Click here to learn more.

Free SEO Loophole Report

2009-11-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

While Google is the Giant of Internet, it is not the only player in the game. Frankly the other guys can make you a lot of money, sometimes faster and cheaper.

Way too many beginning marketers waste way too much of their precious limited resources fighting the uphill battle of mastering Google. It can be done, but it's not as easy as the eBooks would have you believe.

Many smart marketers are focusing their SEO efforts on the results that other search engines can provide, and often ignore Google entirely.

It turns out that you can often get a better return on your investment, with less effort and cost on the other search engines.

While Yahoo and Bing are not as big as Google, they still have an impressive market share and a millions of active searchers that use them on a daily basis. What many people don't realize is that these non-Google search engines often have higher click through rates and sometimes significantly different and often better demographics.

A new free report called SEO Loophole explains why to venture beyond Google to optimize your campaigns and details the the best way to negotiate search engine rules.

To build a successful SEO campaign, it's best to be different and notable. By focusing your resources beyond Google, you can accomplish that easily. Stand apart from the crowd is goon not only for your product but also your marketing. The free SEO Loophole report details all you need to know to be successful without needing to genuflect to almighty Google. It's a powerful, but short and easy read.

Click Here To Download Your Free SEO Loophole Report

Are Genetics Keeping You From Losing Weight?

2009-11-14T14:47:00.001-08:00

Do or did you have an Uncle or Aunt who was overweight?

It may be a clue as to how your ancestors survived the pandemic famines, wars and hardships over the past tens of thousands of years of human existance.

It could well be that your body's genetics were designed to save the species and your family line in particular from starvation and extinction.

That may or may not make you feel like a hero or heroine.

For you, losing weight is not just about not eating and exercise.

Now in this free report you can learn why your body is different from your skinny friends, and more importantly, what you can do about it.

To get access to this free report, Click on Free Report

New Moon Opens November 20th

2009-11-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

The second Twilight movie, New Moon, is coming to theaters on November 20th and the author, Stephenie Meyer, will be having her first major interview on Oprah tomorrow.

This is bound to be a popular movie and its possible for people to get Free Tickets.

Click here to get a chance at free tickets for New Moon. Get New Moon tickets. Click here to learn more.

Minneapolis Mayor to Run for Governor?

2009-07-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

Minneapolis Mayor RT Ryback is thought to be running for Minnesota Governor despite being engaged in a reelection bid for his own office of Mayor.

Comments on the local Minneapolis based internet chat line indicate that the Mayor is all be ready to announce his intentions, but must wait until he wins re-election in November to his third four year term.

Current Governor and frequently mentioned GOP presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty has announced that he will not run for re-election. While his opponents think this is because he has trashed the state's multi-decade standing as a progressive bastion with high incomes, high test scores and a vibrant economy, most analysts see him spending his time focusing on the prize.

Burned but not admiting it by Sarah Palen's pick as John McCains VP choice despite Pawlenty's active support as co-chair of his campaign Committee, it appears that Pawlenty is determined to
fight for the top spot, or not go for it at all.

The opening has lead to long lines of candidates in both parties, so the Mayor may need to puch his plans ahead sooner rather than later. While he is likely to be elected overwhelmingly, voters tend to disfavor candidates runing for another office before they are elected to their current one.

Nonetheless, The Mayor has been conducting a major effort at building his presence on social networking sites like facebook and twitter, and it actively attacking Pawlenty and defending Obama. A move seen as indicative of his interest in higher office.

Arlen Specter And Al Franken tip the balance

2009-04-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

The strong rumors that Arlen Specter Republican of PA will be joining the Democrats added to the apparent win in Minnesota of humorist Al Franken sets the stage for a fillibuster proof Senate.

More importantly, it adds both power and moderation to the Democrats and forges a left center coalition that has a shot at setting policy in the nation for the foreseeable future.

Specter who already has crossed the aisle to provide critical votes for the new administration will be welcome in most circles of the Democratic party and will help it initiate long past due reforms blocked by the government is the enemy party.

While the right will squirm and deplore the fillibuster proof command that this development provides Obama, it is clearly the result of their own incompetence and negligence that has rained ruin and near ruin on so many in this country and the world.

Their dark little part of the world has gotten smaller, their big tent now a pup tent, of tired old and failed policies. They will rise again, but not as long as they continue to smear, obstruct and vilify. Those policies are what got them in their current predicament.

They may get lucky and get an Obama misstep at some point, but my bet is that this cool and collected leader will sail through his first term with mostly welcome victories setting up a decisive second term. After all comparisons to the prior four or eight years are going to be pretty easy to surpass. But more importantly, it's now possible for solid progress on a centrist left set of policies that may not fully excite the entire left of the Democrats but stand to pass with flying colors.

The old Rippon society Republicans have been homeless for a generation, lets welcome them and make policies that will rebuild America again.

Swine Flu Fear Spreads

2009-04-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Fear of a possible Swine Flu pandemic is now spreading across the world. And while the deaths appear to be localized to the point of origin which appears to be in Mexico, cases have been reported in California which is near by, New York which isn't and Kansas also not and normally though of as fly over territory.

Penetration into diverse point within the US suggests that the disease is communicable and able to leap tall buildings so to speak. The good news is that the disease has apparently a short incubation period of three days according to a NYC health Department spokesperson in a presentation on Saturday regarding the school children there believed to be NYC's victims.

A short incubation period means people are less likely to expose as many others as they might with a longer period before symptoms appear. The other good news is that the cases in the US so far appear to be milder that those in Mexico. This could indicate a weakening of the strain over time.

All of this of course is preliminary, and the threat of this or a similar flu epidemic is a constant threat. Since the avian flu scare of several years ago, much work has been done by public health agencies across the nation to prepare for a possible pandemic, but those plans are nowhere near complete nor adequate.

Let's hope this outbreak fades away quickly. But if it does, lets hope it doesn't lead to complacency. The threat of pandemic is perpetually with us. And while 1918 may seem like a long time ago, it could easily revisit us. Note that in that epidemic the healthiest young adults were among the most vulnerable. Possibly because they had relatively fewer past flu antibodies and a strong immune system that warred with the invading virus so vigorously the host died.

Much of the 1918 epidemic was not made public as it occurred during WWI and was treated as secret by the warring states governments so as not to give hope to their enemies.

New Swine Flu Benefits us all

2009-04-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Reports are circulating about a new strain of Swine Flu in Mexico and the US Southwest. About 30 years ago the threat of swine flu created a near panic across the US and lead to a massive inoculation program. Millions of Americans received Swine Flu shots at that time, will we need to do it again?

And what is the current status of the Avian "bird" flu. Haven't heard much about this threat lately, but I assume it remains ever likely to evolve and and wipe up a chunk of our population. Can we assume that the powers that be are continuing to develop strategies to set up vaccine resources?

Or has the lull of the past several years in public attention to the issue allowed funding and attention to slip. Perhaps the new swine flu will serve to redirect attention to the long term threat of pandemic disease yet again. If so, occasional outbreak of animal transmitted disease will bring us a benefit if only in terms of renewing vigilance.

Susan Boyle

2009-04-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Susan Boyle Bubble continues to excite the world, spreading from the UK to the States and beyond. How could such a wonderful voice be kept out of the limelight for so long? Because she was homely?

The opportunity for a fresh look at our obsession with outward appearances and missing the inner beauty abound, and are certainly part and parcel of the recent phenomenon. But does that mean we shouldn't pay attention to outward appearances? Only at your own risk.

It may be a chicken and egg situation. But it is clear that people judge on appearances and they judge quickly. And while on reflection this may seem unfair, and may hide the clear voices of the Susan Boyles in the world, there is a reason for the rush to judgment.

That reason simply is that there are so many judgments to be made. We as humans are constantly barraged with situations and circumstances from moment to moment. And while we may on occasion sit back and consider an issue, most of the time we are just too buys getting on to do so.

And so as a defense mechanism we develop shortcuts, and these judgments are just one aspect thereof. We tend to stick to our judgments, and that is another issue worthy of discussion. But the impetus to continuity is well documented.

The problem isn't that we make these judgments, and tend to stick with them, its that they are so infrequently exposed to cause us to pause and wonder. And Thank you Susan Boyle, you have made that easier for many more people to do. Now we also need to understand that these opinions of outward appearance influence all aspects of religion, economics, politics, music and what have you.

We need perhaps some sort of systematic initial judgment review. But what would that look like.

I will ponder further, as my initial judgment is that no one would be interested.

Tea Parties Steep in their own bitter juices

2009-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Across the US, in every city and hamlet, if your were to believe the hype, Americans are gathering today to protest taxes and taxation. The truth to be told, the event is a fizzle rather than a tempest. And for good reason. The tea kettle it turns out is calling the kettle black. But the cause of astronomical spending increases the nation has been forced to endure has been to pay for the malfeasance of the past administrations and and their lemming like adherence to a lo tax no tax policy that failed to pay the nations debts. Failed not only to pay them, but to count them, shoved billions of obligations off the books and pretending they didn't matter.

An administration that was so enamored with the hands off - the best government is no government philosophy that it failed to regulate our financial institutions, and permitted naked greed to be the informal "law of the land." And one that failed to tackle the great issues before the American people such as our indefensible health care non system.

Now there can be no doubt that the huge deficits being incurred today are not troublesome. But give credit to Obama and his people for actually counting it, and not shoving it under the rug.

And while health care reform will require additional debt and risk to our system, it at least results in significant savings in the long run to people and businesses and stands a chance of creating a new medical economy based on a sounder financial and ethical footing.

This new debate is yet to develop, but the tea parties of today are but the beginning of a concerted effort to undermine progress forward in that regard. And while those partaking in their tea today, will claim a historical Bostonian link, remember that the tea spilt in Boston harbor was a protest against taxation. It was a protest against taxation without representation. While today's tea drinkers won't admit it, Obama was elected to clean up the mess they created and to set the nation on a new course.

And when I brew myself a cup of Earl Gray this afternoon, I will toast not to todays tea parties but to a brighter American future. Because as great as the deficit is, we can rebuild this nation and forge a more prosperous future for us all if we are willing to look forward, and avoid the idocies of the immediate past.

Franken Wins, Coleman Refuses to Concede

2009-04-01T06:49:00.001-07:00

Franken Wins Court Case but will Norm give up? After an exhaustive recount and then court challenge, it appears that Al Franken has all but won the Minnesota Senate Seat. But not so fast, Norm Coleman appears headed to the Minnesota Supreme court and then to the US Supreme court. And while these maneuvers may not win him back his senate seat, they may serve to deprive Minnesotans of full representation in the Senate.

Minnesota Democrats are calling for action, and its likely that that call will get louder as they gather this weekend for the annual Humphrey Day dinner. While we have great representation from our able Senator Amy Klobochur, she can't do it all, one face book comment states.

The obstructionist approach taken by Coleman is seen as part and parcel of the national Republican party's approach to its minority status in Washington. Will this be the label Republicans want to carry?

The irony is that Coleman called on Franken to concede based on incomplete returns when he thought he had the upper hand. This ability to do a complete about face is one of Norm Colemans
least endearing characteristics that tends to drive his Democratic opponents up the wall.

The one time Democratic Mayor of St. Paul is seen as a turncoat by many in Minnesota.

April Fools Day Jokes and Pranks Ideas

2009-03-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Assorted Pranks to consider pulling on your friends

Put a rubber band around the push button of the spray nozzle (the kind with a hose) so the button stays down. Point it forward. When the victim uses the sink they will get a wet surprise!

Use a pin to make a few small holes in a plastic disposable cup. Offer a drink to the victim and watch while the liquid dribbles out onto their shirt.

Find a scrap of cloth. Place a dollar on the floor and stay nearby. When the victim comes by and bends down to pick up the dollar, rip the cloth loudly. Most people will reach back to see if they ripped their pants. One of the original classic April Fool's pranks of all time!

Get up really early and sneak into your victims bathroom and fill their hair-dryer with baby powder. And when they turn it on, their head will be pure white just like an old person!
Before one of your family members takes shower, remove the shower head and place a life-saver candy in it, replace the shower head with the candy now trapped in it. When the person takes a shower he or she will not notice, until they get out and start to dry off the towel will stick to them they will get back in the shower to rinse off... works like a charm.
Find a box about the size of a cake. Then cover it with frosting, making it look like a cake. Then put it out in the office kitchen, or wherever people leave free food. Sit back as one of your co-workers tries to cut a slice.
Take an empty coffee mix can and replace it with a can with coffee mix in it. Make sure coffee cans are the same brand, or it will not work. At the bottom of the can put a piece of paper that says April Fools. Make sure you help the person with making their coffee to see their reaction.
This ones for all you pet owners! First, put a walky talky some wear near the area of where your pet is laying. Go into another room with the other walky talky. Then, when your brother/sister goes to pet your furry friend, say something like..."Hey Pal! Get your grimy hands off me!" They'll get a kick outta this one!!!
Switch the "Pull" and "Push" signs on a set of doors. Watch as people get confused trying to open the doors. (Don't do this on fire escapes)
You will need a funnel, a coin, a couple of friends and, of course, a victim! Start playing the 'funnel game' infront of your victim. A game of skill that involves putting the funnel down the front of your pants and balancing the coin on your nose with your head tilted back. Tip your head forward to let the coin drop into the funnel. When you have the victim begging to do this put the funnel in his pants and get him to put his head back so you can balance the coin on his nose. As this is happening pour a large drink into the funnel!
Stick a post-it note under your friend's mouse so that the paper leaf covers the mouse ball - the mouse will no longer work! Align so that the sticky part of the note doesn't touch the ball. Costs next to nothing to do, and doesn't cause any damage.
Glue eggs to the carton and beg for eggs in the morning. When the victim gets them the eggs break!
When your victims asleep sneak into their room and draw eyebrows and a moustache on their face, make sure to be their when they look in the mirror.
Put some water in a cereal bowl, and place it in the freezer so that the water freezes. Offer to make your sister/brother cereal in the morning. Make sure you use that same bowl. Put their favorite cereal over the top of the ice, and serve. .

Earth Quake Rocks San Jose, California

2009-03-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale rocks San Jose California this afternoon. Relatively mild as earthquakes go, but a reminder that the Golden State is vulnerable. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

Natasha Richardson death caused Epidural Hematoma

2009-03-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

New York City medical examiner’s office announced confirmed that actress Natasha Richardson had died of a Epidural Hematoma.

The actress fell during a beginning skiing lesson and hit her head. Initially she apparently felt no major problems and was thought to be all right. The condition is sometimes referred to as "talk and Die syndrome."

The original injury causes bleeding in the brain. A buildup of blood occurs between the dura mater (the tough outer membrane of the central nervous system) and the skull. The condition can be deadly.

Because the buildup can take a while, many victims are unaware that they are seriously injured and will ofter refuse proper medical attention.

Symptoms of an epidural hemorrhage include:

— Headache;

— Loss of consciousness;

— Weakness on one side of the body;

— A change in mental status

Heather Schmidt: No Good Turn goes Unpunished

2009-03-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Heather Schmidt thinks terrorists are targeting her and has enlisted the FBI’s help. They have responded suggesting that this isn’t a publicity stunt but a genuine threat.

Heather Schmidt, a well known and world renowned classical singer, has her own charity-driven reality show "The Ambassador," which attracts 200 million viewers in China. She has dedicated her life to performing in poverty-stricken countries.

She’s also become the target of suspected terrorist threats.

Following the earthquakes in Pakistan, which killed thousand in 2006, Schmidt flew to Lahore, Pakistan to perform in a music festival to raise funds for the country, where she was interviewed by several media outlets.

"After my performance, I introduced myself, and talked about my own brush with tragedy (being present in New York City during 9/11) and how Pakistan stood by my country, and we were shoulder-to-shoulder there for them," Schmidt told Tarts. "I really struck a chord with the people, they really responded to what I was saying," according to Fox News.

Her performance and support got her invited to Governor’s Mansion by Pakistan’s then-President Pervez Musharraf. It appears photos with him may have tied her to him in Pakistani minds.

But it has been within the last few months that strange incidents have started occurring in Schmidt’s life, prompting her and her management to reach out to the FBI.
The FBI has deemed Schmidt’s case as a credible threat, and has filed a report, advised her to track all call and odd occurrences, to change her Web server, and to hire protection while out in certain public places.

"I feel like it’s my purpose to travel the world and performing in the East is part of my life plan. I’m not going to stop doing what I do," Schmidt added. "It’s obviously not a good feeling knowing that people are plotting things against you, but I felt like I had such a positive connection with Pakistan, and I don’t want it to be this way."

NCAA and NIT Set Stage for March Madness 2009

2009-03-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Both the NCAA and NIT invites have been announced setting the stage for the annual March Madness Marathon. 65 teams received the coveted invite to the NCAA dance and 32 to the second tier ball of the NIT.

Go to NCAA or to NIT for rosters.

Ponzi Scheme Crook Bernard Maddoff Finally Jailed

2009-03-12T10:41:00.001-07:00

After weeks of "house arrest" in his plush mega condo, "Bernie" Bernard Madoff is finally sent to jail. He plead guilty 11 times today in court and was taken into immediate custody. His ponzi scheme nicked not only many well heeled investors and personalities but untold charities.

Up tick rule rumors feeds stock frenzy

2009-03-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Rep Barney Franks comment that he had spoken with the Mary Shapiro, head of the FTC. He said he thought that the uptick rule would be returned by the end of the month. The uptick rule was one of many regulations initiated in the 1930's to provide stability to the stock markets. It was one of the rules eliminated by the anti government crowd that surround George Bush and led to the disaster we are facing economically in the US and world today.

The uptick rule, requires a person who sells a stock short to wait until their is an uptick, an increase in market price before they can buy. This serves to prevent a cascading descent where one short sale generates another driving stock prices down and creating a feeding frenzy of negativity.

The news seemed to set of a positive buying spree on today's markets which have been seriously oversold. If and when the rule change takes effect it will probably have a less significant effect, but will once again add stability to the market.

The underlying message is that some regulations are in fact healthy for the market. And those who championed the notion that all government regulation was evil were wrong.

USNS Impeccable Assault on the High Seas!

2009-03-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Piracy off Somalia is one thing, interference from Chinese government ship on the high seas is another.

Will the Obama Administration get is first international challenge from China?

It appears so. Numerous reports indicate a series of hostile actions taken against a US Naval Ship the USNS Impeccable.

Five Chinese vessels in a possibly coordinated effort yesterday “shadowed and aggressively maneuvered in dangerously close proximity” to a U.S. Navy ocean surveillance ship as it conducted routine operations in international waters, the Pentagon said today, according to Bloomberg news.

More information is available on the Impeccable and the incident on wikkipedia

Daylight Savings

2009-03-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Love it or hate it, daylight savings does come into effect today. Effective due to changes made in 2007, daylight savings comes into effect on the second Sunday of March each year and ends on the first Sunday in November.

Time officially changes at 2am local time, so at that time put your clocks forward one hour (yes, you will unfortunately lose one hour of sleep, but you’ll gain it back later).

Since I am posting this Sunday morning, you may assume I am already late.

Sportsbook.com website down

2009-03-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

Gambling 911 web site reports that the popular Sportsbook.com website, was down late Saturday afternoon.

They advised their viewers to visit Super Book (Superbook.com) which is part of the Sportsbook.com family.

Super Book is part of the Sportsbook.com platform and you should be able to reach your account there.

Pink Slip Parties

2009-03-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

With the economy in collapse and unemployment booming the Pink Slip party offers a creative way to gather a lot of people to a local bar restaurant to cry and party at the same time. Combined with a job recruiter where one can be found, this combo is the rage of the year.

With record unemployment there are plenty of folk with the time to party, if not the money. Misery loves company so there's a lot of potential there. Perhaps the local collection companies could be encouraged to sponsor the events. They are probably one of the few industries actively hiring these days. And they should understand misery.

Watchmen Review, Sex, Music and Altered Perceptions

2009-03-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

The overly long watchmen movie is in theaters. Grabbing a lions share of screens in many markets, the early reviews are not all positive. Graphic novel to film is a clash of media. Despite being a marketing wanna be it may fade into yesterday quicker than most. As scary as a 5 term tricky Dick may have seemed, after just two terms of Bush people are already scared enough for real.

The original graphic novels will probably be the biggest winners with Borders offering collected series for from $43.99 to $78.94.

As is the pattern these days trinkets of all sorts down to refrigerator magnets are in ample supply.

This movie contains simulated sex, nudity, strong language and graphic violence.

The sound tack may be the best part. There is also a nod of homage to “Apocalypse Now” and a soundtrack heavy with the baby-boomer anthems. The mosaic of music will raise some interest with everybody from Bob Dylan to Simon and Garfunkel, to Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Nat King Cole.

A dark movie in dark times. The biggest problem being I didn't read the graphic novels, so I don't know or care about the characters and still don't.

Sanja Gupta says no to Surgeon General post

2009-03-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent, has told network officials that he will not leave his television post, according to the Washington Post. He had been expected to join the Obama administration as Surgeon General.

Lately it seems as if the new president is having increasing trouble finding appointments who can pass the now tighter vetting process. Although no ilk yet of a problem with Gupta.

American Idol does 13 for a Bakers Dozen

2009-03-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

American Idol wild-card selections are Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud... and Anoop Desai. The surprise of the day was the addition of a 13th spot and Anoop Desai was the the lucky beneficiary.

John Stewart Scewers Santelli & CNBC

2009-03-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

America's financial markets took another black eye when Comedian newscaster John Stewart blasted Rick Santelli of CNBC for his comments about President Obama helping homeowners facing foreclosure. In the process Stewart took on virtually all the CNBC personalities for misreading the economic crises.

The disdain expressed by people like Rick Santelli who seem to operate out of principled peak at the real plights of millions of Americans is unlikely to win wall street or the market much support from the bulk of Americans who aren't feeling very prosperous.

I'm a fan of CNBC in general, but the entire staff should be forced to watch John Stewart and then discuss why he where he was right. I am sure they can find all kinds of reasons to challenge the details such as Santelli being Chicago Based and not on Wall Street.

The only real shortcoming of the Stewart piece is that it somehow managed to avoid skewering Kudlow, whose patrician airs appear to be the epitome of arrogant wealth.

Flyer acquire Carcillo and McLaren

2009-03-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired forward Daniel Carcillo from Phoenix and defenseman Kyle McLaren from San Jose.

The Flyers traded forward Scottie Upshall and a 2011 second-round draft pick to the Coyotes on Wednesday and gave the Sharks a sixth-round pick. They gave the Sharks a 6th round draft pick for McLaren.

Carcillo leads the league with 174 penalty minutes and has three goals and 10 points in 54 games. McLaren has not played for San Jose this season, but has 46 career goals and 207 points in 719 career games.

Kyle McLaren Traded

2009-03-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

Left handed Canadian Defenceman Kyle Mclaren was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2009 6th round draft pick.

McLarens Career as outlined by Wikipdia

McLaren was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the first round, ninth overall, during the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He played his first NHL season when he was just eighteen in the 1996 season, and was the youngest player on an NHL roster that year.

McLaren was traded to San Jose along with a fourth round draft pick for young defenceman Jeff Jillson and goaltender Jeff Hackett in the 2003 NHL season season after getting into a dispute with the Bruins' management. Reportedly, they offered McLaren a two-way contract, meaning that McLaren would make less money than if he were playing in the American Hockey League. An established NHL player at that point, McLaren was insulted and demanded a trade. He along with teammate Joe Thornton both were drafted by Boston but traded to San Jose.

In recent years, McLaren has developed a reputation for having one of the best hip checks in the league. His most notable hip check was in the first round of the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he pinned St. Louis Blues winger Petr Cajanek into the boards near the Sharks' blue line. Cajanek would not play for the remainder of the series. Other memorable hip check recipients include Petr Prucha and Trevor Letowski.

During the 2003 season he was was struck in the face by a slapshot from Vancouver’s Sami Salo and missed 6 games due to his injury. For the remainder of the season he played with a clear visor. He stopped wearing a visor until partway through his 2005 season, when he returned with a yellow tinted visor because its color helped prevent glare of the ice from affecting him. McLaren switched back to a clear one during the 2007–08 season, reportedly because his lucky visor was not helping change his ineffectiveness during San Jose playoff runs.

McLaren is in a three-year-contract worth US$7.5 million; the deal expires in June 2009. McLaren signed that deal citing how happy he was in San Jose and how much his family loved it there.

On October 7, 2008, McLaren was placed on waivers by San Jose Sharks' general manager Doug Wilson so that the team could accommodate the salaries of newly-acquired defencemen Brad Lukowich, Dan Boyle, and Rob Blake within the constraints of the NHL salary cap. He currently plays for the Sharks' American Hockey League affiliate Worcester Sharks; his salary does not affect the San Jose Sharks' salary cap as long as he remains in Worcester.

making home affordable

2009-03-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

The Obama administration launched the "Making Home Affordable" initiative today. It is a $75 billion loan modification program, which will be in effect for the next three years.

Owner occupied homes with values of up to $729,750 are eligible and can get interest rates as low as 2% and the term extended to as long as 40 years.

The new features are designed to reduce the level of foreclosures and help stabilize the existing housing stock.

Borrowers must provide two recent pay stubs, their past year tax return and an "affidavit of financial hardship" to qualify.

The program is aimed at helping up to 9 million Americans remain in their homes.

Harry Potter Actor's Killer Convicted

2009-03-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

Karl Bishop convicted today in the stabbing slaying of Harry Potter actor Rob Knox. This was big news in the UK last May when it occurred, but seems to have received less attention in the US.

Knox was stabbed more than ten times including one cut to his jugular. He apparently was going to the aid of his brother Knox played the role of Marcus Belby in the upcoming Harry Potter film.

Facebook koobeface Worm Reported

2009-03-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Users of social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and others are being warned about a new strain of the “koobeface” worm.

The latest version arrives as an invitation from a user’s friend or contact, inviting them to click on a link and view a video at a fake YouTube site and install an Adobe flash plug-in according to Trend Micro spokesmen according to NBC Consumer watch.

The worm installs a trojan horse program, giving control of the infected user’s computer.

Trend Micro, which documented the new strain, recommends using caution when clicking on links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
Also, don’t install applications or programs you aren’t looking for and research any program before installing it.

Frugal Coupon Mom

2009-03-02T15:28:00.000-08:00

Coupon clipping is getting to be noticed big time, as the recession cum depression takes hold. Frugality is king. Frugal mom coupon blogs have recently been written up in Minyanville, Wall Street Journal, and even the Financial Times of London.

While the coupon seeking behavior is noticed, not as much attention is given to more effective ways for merchants to use the coupon in their marketing portfolio. One exception is a small website call http://www.MicroBusinessSpecialist.com/blog which discussed among other things, how to bring the tools used by internet marketers to main street.

After all this time, it's surprising that basic concepts such as list building and the use of auto-responders that are so prevalent online have not made much headway with main street merchants.

It's as if they felt burned when they weren't stampeded with new traffic when they set up their web pages years ago and have concluded that web based marketing doesn't and won't work.

Rachel Ray, Now there's a hot dish!

2009-03-02T13:25:00.002-08:00

Rachel Ray appears ready to take on the "Girl's next door" with a provocative photo shoot.

The 30 minute "not a chef" likes her extra virgin olive oil, and apparently doesn't mind showing off her stuff.

Now we're fans of Rachel's and can't wait to get an eyeful.

"I thought if I'm gutsy enough to do this, this is a good thing for everybody," Ray said of being 35 and asked to pose in the magazine in 2003. "This is the everywoman, here she is. And I thought, what the heck? I asked my husband what he thought of it and he said, oh, kinda cool. And I did it and it was the most scared I've ever been and I wouldn't change a thing. I'd do it again tomorrow." according to a quote in the Huffington post citing an interview slated to be aired tonight on Nightline.

www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/02/rachael-ray-defends-fhm-s_n_171132.html

Ron Insana Returns to CNBC

2009-03-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ron Insana has returned to his alma matter CNBC as the economic turmoil thwarts his efforts to make money outside of the fourth estate.

Insana joined SAC as a managing director after closing his own fund of hedge funds shop, Insana Capital Partners, in August. He was responsible for advising the firm on its strategic development according to www.finalternatives.com.

His first appearance was today on Power Lunch, the CNBC noontime program.