Thursday, December 19, 2013

Senator Baucus Going To China

It appears the President will announce that longtime Montana Senator Max Baucus will be his choice to serve as Ambassador to China.  Mr. Baucus who has served in the senate for over 35 years will be resigning his Senate seat.


Senator Baucus is not beloved by the media nor is he beloved by the more liberal wing of the Democratic Party but he is respected, admired and generally liked by the Washington establishment. Which is important when assuming a position as important as Ambassador to a country like China.

Mr. Baucus was a crucial ally to the President and was very important in passing The Affordable Care Act. So, the message sent to the Chinese is that the President is sending someone he is very close to and has confidence in to be his representative.

The appointment of Senator Baucus also gets him out of the way and the country for the 2014 Senate race in Montana. Polling suggests that Mr. Baucus has out lasted his welcome and the voters are ready for a new face.  The Democratic Governor is likely to appoint his Lt. Governor to the position with the hope that it will give the Democrats an advantage in the 2014 election.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Repugnant

Posts About Palin.......

Why is it that every time I post something about Sarah Palin I get really rude and inappropriate comments from cowards who hide behind the fact that I allow anonymous comments?


Perhaps it is just a reflection of the quality, integrity and intelligence of the people who support Mrs. Palin.

I suppose bottom feeding low life's need a role model and they certainly have one in Sarah.


Monday, December 9, 2013

Palin Announces New TV Gig

Sarah's got a brand new gig!


The Sportsman Channel announced that  quitter former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin will be hosting a travel show that highlights what she finds fascinating about America.

Since her previous show about her life in Alaska was an astounding failure it will be interesting to see if people embrace a show about other people.

Who am I kidding this show is going to be all Sarah all the time.  Sarah fishing in Wyoming, Sarah hunting in Montana, Sarah here Sarah there Sarah Sarah every where.

It will be interesting to see if the woman who can't even speak in complete sentences will be able to narrate a travelogue about this country.

Let's start a drinking game.  Every time Sister Sarah says "Real Americans or Real America" we all do a shot.  We'll be drunk by the second commercial and checking into Betty Ford by the end of episode 3.

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Cruz Off To South Africa

Right wing extremist, government shut down advocate, Tea Bagger extraordinaire and US Senator from Texas Ted Cruz will attend  the funeral of Nelson Mandela as an official representative of the U.S. Congress.


What is the over under that he will embarrass himself and this nation?

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

Explaining The War on Christmas to Idiots

A rant and I apologize in advance for the harsh language but....

Every year we put up with the Fox news and Conservative lie. The War on Christmas!

NO ONE IS STOPPING ANYONE FROM SAYING MERRY CHRISTMAS!

IF YOU WANT TO SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS

JUST FUCKING SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Oh and grow the fuck up and concern yourself with something important.

And, does Sarah Palin's poorly written book count as part of the war on Christmas since she is using Christmas to personally prosper - which does not seem like something Mary and Joseph would do.

So let me repeat myself

If you are so inclined say
Merry Christmas!

Last time I looked this was this The United States and we have freedom of speech and some of us prefer to say
Happy Holidays!
and you are un-American and do not believe in the freedom of speech if you criticize your fellow citizens who choose to say this instead.

In summation
THERE IS NO WAR ON CHRISTMAS - NO ONE DECLARED A WAR ON CHRISTMAS - IT HAS NEVER EXISTED AND IT DOES NOT EXIST NOW AND IT WILL NEVER EVER EVER FUCKING EXIST.

And, anyone who claims there is a WAR ON CHRISTMAS is an intellectual peer to Paris Hilton and moral peer to Liz Cheney!

Thank you




Flad

I was online looking up some dirt on someone else and of course I could not fight the urge to look my last name.
But, really what I think this means is that I am going to bite the bullet and research my past via Ancestry or Archive dot com.

This is some of what I found

I like these two listings 
  1. Urban Dictionary: flad

    www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=flad
    Flad. This term relates to a person who is a fit lad. Wow, you are such a Flad 
  2. ... Flad. Acronym for Fucked, Lame And Disastrous. This day is simply FLAD.
  3. This was interesting 
  4. flad Web definitions
  1. Flads and gloe lakes are different stages in the process where a bay in the sea turns into a freshwater lake due to post-glacial rebound.


This makes sense 
flad
has the following 4 definition(s) + add your definition
flat
flat is used in Danish
Danish meaning
even
even is used in Danish
Danish meaning
level
level is used in Danish
Danish meaning
smooth
smooth is used in Danish
Danish meaning
The word flad is used in Danish meaning flat,even,level,smooth


I am a lousy baker but perhaps we were great bakers in the old country 


Last name origins & meanings:
  1. German: from Middle High German vlade ‘thin (sheet) cake’; probably a metonymic occupational name for a baker.
  2. German: in southern Germany, a topographic name from Flad(e) ‘reed’, ‘sedge’.
  3. German: variant of Flath 2.

This was really upsetting

Famous People named Flad

No has submitted any famous Flads yet. Click here to add your own.

.......Then how do I explain why I am such a snob?




Thursday, December 5, 2013

The World Reacts - Nelson Mandela Dies

The world reacts to the death of Nelson Mandela

From the President of The United States

From Bill Keller for The New York Times

From the BBC

From USA Today

From the New York Times Editorial Board

From Muhammed Ali

From The Washington Post

From The Times of London

From Al Jazeera

From The New Zealand Herald

The cover of the New Yorker
cover\

There are thousands more.

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New Crime Prevention Efforts in NYC


Outgoing New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is forced to spend his last month in office defending his Stop and Kiss policy.

In an effort to combat the rising New York City crime rate the Bloomberg administration is encouraging it's police to stop young men they suspect may cause trouble some day and ask them about their current and future actions and to kiss them during the questioning.

The Mayor says this is preventing crime but critics are questioning why only young black men are being kissed.

I'll update you as more information is made public.
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De Blasio Reaches Back in Picking Bratton

Everything old is new again!


New York City Mayor-elect de Blasio will pick former Giuliani Police Commissioner Bill Bratton to be his administration's Police Commissioner.

Bratton has served as Chief of Police is Boston and Los Angeles and as a consultant to police forces around the world and a commentator on MSNBC.  He is held in high regard for his tenure as NY Commissioner.

We will find out shortly why Mr. de Blasio has decided to go back in time rather than find someone new for one of the most important appointments he will make.
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Sunday, December 1, 2013

GOP Tweet Fail on Racism

First the someone at the Republican National Committee Tweeted this

Today we remember Rosa Parks’ bold stand and her role in ending racism.

Then after a lot of comments on Twitter and else where that were either mocking or outraged someone at the Republican National Committee Tweeted this

Previous tweet should have read "Today we remember Rosa Parks' bold stand and her role in fighting to end racism."

And, now some 7 hours later it is still an issue on Twitter, Facebook and on blogs across the interwebs.

I don't know why people were mad that said racism was over. Things have been great for white people. Thats who I assume they meant.

It is true; once something is posted on the internet it never really disappears.

Was the original Tweet a mistake or are the Republican's still trying to convince the American people that because we have a black President this nations problems with race are over?

Are the Republican's trying to convince their base and others that their drive for voter suppression is not based on race?

Or was it a legitimate misstatement by someone either too stupid or with too much hubris to be bothered to check his or her work before hitting the publish button?

And lest we forget some other resent GOP comments on race there are these insightful and thoughtful comments from the party's leading light Sarah Palin - which Washington Post Writer Jonathan Capehart re-caps quite nicely.

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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Santorum Fails Again!

Here's something to be thankful for!

You may remember that once Little Ricky Santorum ended his embarrassing presidential campaign he decided to take on Hollywood.  He became a movie studio head and promised his reactionary Christian movies would rival the great studios and companies like Pixar.

Welp, apparently Rick Santorum knows as much about movie making as he does about running the worlds greatest democracy.  Which is absolutely nothing.

His first movie landed in theaters with a thud , the critics hated it and no one has gone to see it.  I bet more people bought Paris Hilton's last CD than saw this movie.

Perhaps if the story was about hot man on dog action, something former Senator Pervert seems to know a great deal about it he could have released it as porn and all of his hate mongering friends would have watched it.


The man who thinks a President wanting children to get a good education and go to college is a snob was a failed Senator, a failed Presidential candidate and now he is a failed movie mogul.

Let's face it Richard John Santorum is a failure. Maybe Sarah Palin will hire him to be a dog groomer for Todd's sled dogs.

Oh wait, given his disturbing interests that might not be a good idea.

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I have a lot to be Thankful for!


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Where To Dine In NYC!

Planning to visit New York City over the holidays?
 

 Looking for a place to grab a quick bite or full meal?

Here is the New York City Health Department Rating Map.

Here are The New York Times Restaurant Reviews.



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It Made Me Think About.....Me

Every month the Nazareth - Bath Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking lunch specifically designed to empower women but men are more than welcome.  I attend from time to time.  My company reserves two seats at the lunch each month and sometimes I am fortunate enough to attend.

Today's speaker was Michael Owen of the Heyman Talent Agency he discussed the importance of first impressions, self branding and how to present yourself.  It was pretty interesting and gave attendees something to think about the next time we have 30 seconds to sell ourselves and or our product / service.

He ended with this amazingly poignant ad from Dove.

The ad asks women to describe themselves to a sketch artist and then it asks other women to describe the women to the same sketch artist.  The differences are stunning.  The women's self image were often very negative and the when they saw the sketch of  the way others described them they were often surprised to see how beautiful others saw them.  The room got very quiet.

A poor self image is not limited to women.

When I worked for a different company we were given pretty extensive self evaluations to write at the same time our supervisors were writing their evaluations of us.  They were not allowed to read our self evaluations until we were officially given our evals, a follow up session was always scheduled to discuss the differences. For me these sessions always ended being a catharsis and encouraged me to believe in myself a little more.  I was grateful that my raises and promotions were based on my bosses evaluations and not my own.

When I could afford a shrink (a platinum HC plan helps) we discovered pretty quickly that a lot of my humor was directed at myself and we set about figuring out why but we didn't dwell on the negative we worked on fighting that impulse.  I have come a long way but I still have to fight to urge to make myself the punch line of all my stories or my Bitstrips. (I miss my shrink)

One of the things people notice once they get to know me is the ego and cockiness is pretty much a cover for a steaming cauldron of doubt and insecurities.  I never expected to still be a work in progress at this advanced age but here I am.


But, at least I am still working at it.

Not continuing the fight is not an option.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for those of you out there ready, willing and able to assist in that fight.

Shalom

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Monday, November 25, 2013

Come Visit Bethlehem; My Fair City

All things Winter/Christmas/Holidays are off and running here in The Christmas City.
 

No holiday visit to Bethlehem would be complete without visiting Christkindlmarkt .  Now in its 21st season this massive yet cozy craft, art, food and entertainment festival is a must do for any visitor to my fair city. There are over 125 vendors, an amazing Santa Claus and lots of tasty food and free music. The event runs Thursdays-Sundays now through the end of the year. If you have some young ones in your life treat them to breakfast with Santa.


When you've had your fill of Christkindlmarkt wander out to Third Street - hang a right and explore all the unique shops and restaurants in one of Bethlehem's two downtown's.

Then head north, cross the Lehigh River and explore Bethlehem's historic center city downtown where the shops, restaurants and museums on and around Main Street are waiting for you.  This year there will be 35 huts on Main Street and around the historic Sun Inn that will offer interesting crafts, food and art.  The Huts are open Friday-Sunday through the holidays but the shops are open everyday.  Don't forget to head up Broad Street you don't want to miss those places.

The historic residential area just East of of Main Street is an amazing neighborhood to walk around and after the sun goes down it is magical this time of year. If you're too tired to walk around, hitch a ride on of the horse and carriage rides around the hood.


The good folks at Artsquest and The Downtown Bethlehem Association are offering a free shuttle between Christkindlmarkt and Main Street


There is never a bad time to visit Bethlehem you will always find something going on but Winter and the Christmas holidays is a magical time to visit out town.

Let me know when you're coming - I'll let you buy me a drink or something.

http://www.christmascity.org/

http://www.downtownbethlehemassociation.com/

http://www.historicbethlehem.org/

http://www.artsquest.org/

http://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/





Saturday, November 23, 2013

Share Your Story About President Kennedy's Death & Funeral

I was 4 years old so my memory of President Kennedy's assassination is not very extensive.

Apparently as a child I used play with my mother's pots and pans a lot and I guess I had them out and in front of the TV watching Julia Child.

I remember my mother rushing to the front of the TV and then she started to cry not weeping but really crying.  I knew that a tissue would not do the job so I remember grabbing a dish towel and handing it to her.

Other than that I just remember my parents being glued to the TV and black and white flickering images.

The New York Times assembles an interesting cross section of Americans to share what they remember of that fateful day.

Where were you that day/weekend?  What do you remember about it?


If you are too young to have a memory what did your older family members tell you about that time?

Share your stories in the comments.
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Katy Perry Sings for Autism

This should warm up even the coldest heart.  Pop Princess Katy Perry  takes the stage at an Autism fundraiser to sing with an 11 year old girl.


Katy Perry has her critics, who doesn't but she does seem like a nice person with a big heart.  Her songs are positive and hopeful and she is very gay friendly.

The fact that she campaigned across the country for President Obama will always keep her in my Hall of Fame.

Well done you!  Katy Perry

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Kennedy (but not really one) Free on Bail

We all know the name Michael Skakel.

And, whenever we hear or read his name we hear or read that he is a Kennedy cousin.

He is not a Kennedy - he is the nephew of Ethel.

So, he is a cousin to her and Bobby's children?

But

He is not a cousin to John & Jackie's children.

He is not a cousin to Teddy & Joan's children.

He not a cousin to Eunice and Sarge's children.

He is not a cousin to Jean and Steve's children.

And, yet the media always describes him as a Kennedy... cousin 

Anyway the guy is out on bail while the DA decides to reissue charges.

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The Speaker Can't Get Coverage & Russert Shills For Him

_______________________________________________________________________

Boehner attempts to signup for Obamacare, it didn't go well:
_________________________________________________________________________________

NBC News ace super star reporter Luke Russert Tweeted a link to Speaker Boehner's web site  in which the man with tan recounts his attempt to sign up for coverage with the DC Health Care Exchange and according to the Speaker it did not go well.

The diligent Mr. Russert did not offer any independent verification that this actually happened.  It could have have been staged by the desperate Republican leader.


A number of things could have happened along the way that could have caused John Boehner some problems.

  1. John Boehner is a resident of Ohio and does not qualify for Health Care with the DC Exchange.
  2. Mr. Boehner's income is too high for coverage and he does not qualify.
  3. Mr. Boehner gets his health care paid for by his employer and does not qualify.
  4. Was Speaker Boehner sober?
  5. Why was John Boehner doing private and personal business on his employers time and using his employers computer.  That is grounds for firing in the private sector.
  6. The system was having one of its glitches.
Perhaps Luke Russert will offer a more full report tonight on the Evening News......or not.



Should We Drug Test Congress?

A rising star in the Tea Bagging movement US Congressman Trey Radel, GOP (of course) of Florida (of course) was busted and has now plead guilty for cocaine possession .


Mr Radel will be entering rehab in order to deal with his problem has of course apologized to his wife, his family and his country.  He will not be resigning and he will be donating his salary to charity while he is away from his official duties.  Of course he top of the line tax payer funded health care plan will be footing the bill for his stay.

Mr. Radel once voted to drug test all applicants for public assistance in order to protect the taxpayer.

Should we drug and alcohol test members of Congress to protect the taxpayer?  I suspect that it would never happen because Congressional Leaders don't really want to know how many of their members have a problem.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Celebrity Cafe Link Fail

This was the link I found on line 

Popular Threads


This is the actual headline for the article 

George Zimmerman arrested in central Florida after disturbance call, booked in county jail

By Gina DiFalco

Was this really awful editing?
Was this intentional?
Even in death Trayvon Martin is being blamed.


150 Years Ago The President Said This

President Abraham Lincoln came to a little town in Pennsylvania to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  This speech and Lincoln's second inaugural remain the gold standard for Presidential addresses.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

Monday, November 18, 2013

PA Marriage Equality Suit Proceeding

A federal district judge has issued a ruling that has cleared the way for a challenge to Pennsylvania's 17 year old law banning marriage equality.  The judge has set this Friday for a conference with all the interested parties to set the date and the ground rules for the actual case to be heard.

So, things are moving ahead - perhaps I won't be dead before I can get married in my home state.

And, next time you see Governor Tom Corbett thank him for spending hundreds of thousands of your tax dollars defending discrimination.  He's like a twenty first century George Wallace.




Sunday, November 17, 2013

Afghanistan: Last Jew Standing

This story amazes me:

There is only one person left in Afghanistan who is Jewish.

Maybe I'm naive or maybe I live in this rarefied world where things like this are not feasible to me but how can a nation have only one Jewish person?

There have been Jews in that part of the world since there have been Jews.  There is documentation that goes back more than 2000 years.

Zabulon Simintov owns a once thriving cafe and catering service but the new Afghanistan that The United States has spent billions of dollars on and gave thousands of lives to "save" has turned its back on it's Jewish population and has made life unsafe for them.

Is this what we intended to happen?  Is this the Afghanistan of Dick Cheney's dreams? (maybe it is)