The First Amendment is offensive to Democrats

Judge Rosemary Pooler, a Clinton appointee, agreed with New York’s position [to ban the 'Choose Life' license plate design] in her majority opinion. She took this view even though she also ruled that license plates are private speech subject to First Amendment protections. Despite these protections, however, she said that so many New Yorkers could find a plate advocating an anti-abortion position 'patently offensive' that the DMV was justified in suppressing the speech.

Liberals on the couch again--the fainting couch--seeing something they disagree with could be offensive. Almost every speech the President gives is offensive to me, but I think he has the right and responsibility to speechify.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/05/22/n-y-allowed-to-exclude-choose-life-plates-from-specialty-license-plate-program-because-they-are-patently-offensive/

Why the recovery remains sluggish

“Whereas jobs are the first priority for most Americans, the Administration’s regulatory and legislative agenda has had the effect of reducing jobs rather than creating them. Energy and environmental regulation, new financial legislation, the new health care law, and proposed tax increases all serve to drive jobs abroad rather than foster domestic growth.”

If you look at the recovery from the Depression of the 1930s, particularly 1937 when a “2nd” recession kicked in the the implementation of Social Security, you see the same Democrat pattern, regardless of who is president.  More regulations, more taxes, more taking advantage of a crisis to work in a social program.  Kill it when it starts to breath.

Regulatory barriers to employment

It’s just a couple of paragraphs, but tells volumes

“Rancor and polarization in Washington are nothing new, and indeed are deeply rooted. Psychologists have noted that hard conservatives tend to be traditionalists predisposed to maintaining the status quo at almost all cost, while extreme left-leaners want and demand “change.” In other words, the far left lives for change; for traditionalists, it’s a four-letter word. Is it any wonder they can’t get along?

You can see this in liberals’ well-intended idealism about income equality and other social progress, without regard for the financial consequences. You can see it in conservatives’ unrelenting cries for an unfettered free market, without regard to the social consequences. Nothing gets done when these two unmovable sides cling to their extreme views. “

Think about these words.  Exactly who are the “extreme left-leaners?”

• Communist, anarchists, Occupiers, Black Power elitists and angry atheists.  They kill people.  They put them in prison.

And who are “traditionalists who want the status quo” for whom change is a 4 letter word.  

• Almost no one I can think of.  Certainly not the Tea Party who are not a party, have never killed anyone, and are looking for and promising change; not libertarians who are primarily whiners, morally whip lashed by abortion and gay marriage and also have never killed or imprisoned anyone, and definitely not Republicans who are spineless and almost without any virtue. You can’t even throw capitalists into that bag because that would be millionaires like the Clintons and the Kardashians.

The author of those paragraphs (don’t know his affiliation, but I’m guessing he’s a capitalist who votes Democrat) is in charge of an obesity think tank who seems to think responsibility for fat America is either big food or big government or both, and if they’d just work together, we’d all be healthier.  Well, I’ve lost a lot of weight in my life time, and I know neither one is responsible for my putting it on, nor did they assist in my taking it off.

We don’t need a single purchase of processed or packaged food to add weight and calories.  You just need a delicious recipe, frequent eating out, and lots of couch sitting.

Hank Cardello

Search my blog for recipes

And I don’t for a minute believe that leftist organizations and non-profits want a healthier America.  They just want food corporations out of business. But then I’m a conservative.

Meet Lawrence O’Donnell, proud to be a liberal liar

This guy sure doesn't know his American history. Republicans were the champions of blacks and voting rights. Democrats fought them all the way--with the KKK, btw. They didn't end segregation--they furthered it until someone realized blacks vote, at least when Democrats allowed them. It wasn't liberals who got women the right to vote, it was women of all parties and philosophies, thank you very much. And they were already voting in the state and local elections. Liberals have contributed to the destruction of over 50 million Americans, 38% of them black, and half of them female, by advocating abortion as a "health" plan. All major social programs up to Obamacare which was just theft from the private sector, had full support of both parties. Neither party should brag on the War on Poverty which both have supported because it has left the poor wounded and victimized. None could have been passed without Republican support. Wear your badge proudly, Mr. O'Donnell, but you win no prize for truth telling.

The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood

The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is not difficult to understand:  First the individual, then the family, then the society and the globe to Islamicize all areas of life.  “A fundamental transformation” . . .it may be on the ropes in Egypt, but is alive and well in the U.S. well connected to the White House through friendships, organizations and appointments.

http://www.hudson.org/policycenters/6-current-trends-in-islamist-ideology

Score card for the coming Islamicization of the globe

More than you'll want to know about ISIS, al-Qaeda, AQAP, Houthis, Salafism, Muslim Brotherhood, The Caliphate, Isa bin Maryam [Koran name for Jesus] and the various leaders and jihadists, their history and ties to "total transformation" of the globe to Islam. Don't try this on your phone. You'll need at least a laptop and perhaps a printer to focus. 6 articles, 128 pages. No time? Bookmark it. You might need it.

http://www.hudson.org/content/researchattachments/attachment/1470/current_trends18.pdf

Opening night at Hoover was early this year

The kick-off in a coolish  Hoover Auditorium last night was “The Sounds of Sousa Band” with director Marcus L. Neiman. Tonight will be “Let’s Hang On”, a Frankie Valli Tribute show—which was here last summer and was very good. It should be a good draw for tourists on the peninsula who aren’t acquainted with Lakeside.   There will be 2 week-ends of programming before the Methodists come.  We’re seeing friends and neighbors already, and the Patio restaurant opened yesterday for lunch (my husband hung his paintings in there on Thursday). The book store and gift shops are open, and today is the big plant sale.  Walnut Street is a riot of color.  And there are the usual interesting yard sales, which I will try to avoid, because I sure don’t need more “stuff” or books. When we walked past the miniature golf course on Thursday afternoon, we couldn’t believe it would be ready, but it is and looks fabulous.  All new holes and wonderful landscaping. I’m not particularly fond of the game, but did play a bit when I was younger, and when I was looking for something for the children to do.

“As part of Lakeside Chautauqua’s Memorial Day weekend entertainment, “Let’s Hang On!” Frankie Valli Tribute Show will return to Hoover Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23. “Let’s Hang On!” is a tribute show that leads the audience through the ca­reer of Frankie Valli & The Four Sea­sons, a popular group from the 1960s and the musical, Jersey Boys. Not only do the four members of “Let’s Hang On!” sing the songs of this iconic group with a four-piece live band, but they also tell the story of how Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons originated.

After the group came to fame in 1962, their success grew rapidly. Although Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons were a hit in the 1960s, the music of this band has not faded. The musical Jersey Boys is popular again with 10 years on Broadway and two touring companies. Last summer, Clint Eastwood di­rected the movie “Jersey Boys,” star­ring John Lloyd Young and Christopher Walken.” from Lakeside  calendar of events

Sunday evening is Jack Hanna.

Do you really want this couple to be Bill Clinton’s third term?

Organizations addressed by Bill Clinton include the U.S. Islamic World Forum (between $250,000 and $500,000 contributed), a South Korean energy and chemical company ( between $500,00 and $1 million), the China Real Estate Development Corp., and the Qatar First Investment Bank (both paying between $250,000 and $500,000).

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/05/22/clinton-foundation-reveals-up-to-264m-in-previously-undisclosed-payments/

Dark Chocolate is good for us

I have one or two cups of dark chocolate drink in the morning.  I make my own brew. Lately, I’ve been having the chocolate drink before my coffee.  Hersey’s dark chocolate powder, brown box, 100% cacao, adding half the sugar/sweetener recommended. I like it made with about 1/4 cup decaf coffee, with milk added. Yummy and energy inducing.

1) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Heart

2) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Brain

Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. Dark chocolate also helps reduce your risk of stroke.

Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you're falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier.

3) Dark Chocolate Helps Control Blood Sugar

Dark chocolate helps keep your blood vessels healthy and your circulation unimpaired to protect against type 2 diabetes.

4) Dark Chocolate is Full of Antioxidants

Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging process and may be a cause of cancer.

5) Dark Chocolate Contains Theobromine

Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been shown to harden tooth enamel. Theobromine is also a mild stimulant, though not as strong as caffeine.

6) Dark Chocolate is High in Vitamins and Minerals

Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health.

• Potassium
• Copper
• Magnesium 
• Iron

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate.html

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/heart/prevention/nutrition/food-choices/benefits-of-chocolate

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/07/chocolate-brain-blood-flow-thinking-skills_n_3721880.html

http://darkchocolatebrands.net/top-health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate.html#.VV-IYWfbL0c

Bison return to Illinois

The next time I’m in Franklin Grove, I think I stop by the preserve and try to see the bison.

At least 30 million bison grazed the North American prairies in the 1500s, allowing plants to grow and attract native animals. But over-hunting killed most of the iconic creatures, crushing the population to less than 1,000 by the 1800s, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

With the help of ranchers and conservationists, bison have made a comeback. A 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture census shows more than 198,000 bison on private properties across the country, with more than 1,200 in Illinois. An additional 20,000 bison roam public land in the U.S.

Ninety miles west of Chicago, staff and volunteers have worked since 1986 to restore Nachusa, a 3,100-acre mosaic of agricultural land and prairie fields. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-04-22/news/ct-illinois-bison-met-20140422_1_prairie-fields-bison-tallgrass

And a new baby. http://www.inquisitr.com/1992159/illinois-baby-bison/

Islamic TV in Columbus

I watched a segment on our Islamic channel this morning about dawah, or proselytizing/preaching and offering an invitation. The speaker said 1) Listening is the key to establishing a relationship, then 2) thank the person for his question no matter how abusive and misinformed because that disarms the hate. Since both Muslims and Christians are learning the same messaging techniques, let's hope the message of salvation is different.

In another segment, the speaker had a red, white, blue ball cap with stars and stripes, and long white beard, a Midwestern good ol’ boy accent, and explained how to tangle Christians in their own misinformation about their own religion as they are led to Islam. Culture awareness swings both ways.

Also, there was religious leader advising parents on their children's marriages--good English, accented, alternating with phrases in Arabic, and I think he was speaking from Sri Lanka, but is U.S. based. He warned them--there are plenty of good women, few good men of character and honesty. He suggested they stop seeking the perfect mate for their daughters--we don't live in the same culture of even 10 years ago. Don't tolerate long engagements--just a reason for sex and unhappiness for your daughters. Sometimes abortions. He counsels them and hears what their parents don't. He railed against social media--Twitter and Facebook--and said the only reason he used it was to promote Islam, but that their children could be led astray.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Ravi Zacharias Baccalaureate address 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdxVhqncmP4

We hear about some that aren’t so good, this one is excellent.

And Ben Carson in 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-Foz-EjZ3g

Our lost blood and treasure—frittered away by Obama and followers

“The hasty retreat this week of the Iraqi army from the capital of Anbar province, the country’s largest and the heartland of its Sunni minority, clearly stunned an administration that has argued it is making steady progress toward Obama’s goal of debilitating and defeating the Islamic State.” WaPo, chief lap sitter of the WH

Good God, even Washington Post?

Take his daughter to work on your tax dollar

I was reading the USDA page about waste (Americans waste an obscene amount of food, much of which I’m convinced is because of government regulations about safety, labeling, quality, etc.) http://www.usda.gov/oce/foodwaste/# So as I was browsing, I saw there was a blog. I’m a blogger, so I clicked and found out it was written by a 15 year old who had gone to work with her dad, Director of the USDA Climate Change Program Office in Washington, D.C. —several states away in Michigan, since he was a government employee attending a conference with people (farmers, producers, processors) who also had flown in to Michigan from around the country slurping up fuel and leaving a huge carbon footprint in the process. http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/04/28/on-bring-your-daughter-to-work-day-a-local-student-learns-about-climate-change/

She’s been brainwashed about Earth Day and Climate Change (it’s her father’s livelihood), but what I noticed was how much money was being wasted for show. I attended many conferences in my professional life, and made wonderful friends, some still on Facebook with me, but they are opportunities for cities and hotels and invited speakers to make money and the people in the profession to add to their resume for Promotion and Tenure.

So here’s the comment I left on the blog.

I didn't know "Take your daughter to work day" was still in place. But the "cha-ching" of the cost of doing this, travel, hotel, food, conference facilities, flying people around the country to attend a conference that could easily have been done via Skype or e-mail or just reading the literature is the first thing that jumped out at me. And then the really big one: "incentives," aka my tax money. And carbon credits--what a scam. All for Earth Day, to honor Rachel Carson who killed more black children than the cross Atlantic slave trade after she got DDT off the market before there were replacements.

If Bush lied, then Democrats committed treason

Of course, Bush lied--well, maybe not. Perhaps Democrats like Clinton, Biden, Reid, Pelosi, etc. lied about WMD? First supported the war, then stabbed our brave military personnel in the back.  They warned us about the security threat from Saddam. Don't let them rewrite history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhZ2ZvS2t_E&feature=youtu.be

European union will fight illegal immigration—will we?

“LONDON — The European Union on Monday [May 18, 2015]  approved the use of military force to take on migrant smugglers in the Mediterranean, significantly escalating Europe’s response to a crisis that has left at least 1,800 people dead this year.

The decision allows European governments to move ahead with plans for a naval operation that has been taking shape for weeks and that officials say is crucial to any attempt to confront the burgeoning tide of smuggler vessels ferrying migrants from North ­Africa to Europe.” Washington Post

Exercising with Eric

Today the YouTube I found for my exercise routine was our own Pastor Eric Waters in an "reenactment" of his July 4, 2010 sermon of several years ago. We're not usually here in the summer, but I did attend this meeting. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AseCsgLcrvw

If you Google Eric Waters, you’ll have to wade through all the ones about an athlete by that name.

Why there is an income gap

Five people in a household working make more money than one person working part time.

Households with two full-time workers earn five times as much as households in which nobody works.

Here is a summary  (from 2010) of some of the key demographic differences between American households in the bottom and top income quintiles in 2010:

1. On average, there were significantly more income earners per household in the top income quintile households (1.97) than earners per household in the lowest-income households (0.43).

2. Married-couple households represented a much greater share of the top income quintile (78.4 percent) than for the bottom income quintile (17 percent), and single-parent or single households represented a much greater share of the bottom quintile (83 percent) than for the top quintile (21.6 percent).

3. Roughly 3 out of 4 households in the top income quintile included individuals in their prime earning years between the ages of 35-64, compared to only 43.6 percent of household members in the bottom fifth who were in that age group.

4. Compared to members of the top income quintile, household members in the bottom income quintile were 1.6 times more likely to be in the youngest age group (under 35 years), and three times more likely to be in the oldest age group (65 years and over).

5. More than four times as many top quintile households included at least one adult who was working full-time in 2010 (77.2 percent) compared to the bottom income quintile (only 17.4 percent), and more than five times as many households in the bottom quintile included adults who did not work at all (68.2 percent) compared to top quintile households whose family members did not work (13.3 percent).

6. Family members of households in the top income quintile were about five times more likely to have a college degree (60.3 percent) than members of households in the bottom income quintile (only 12.1 percent). In contrast, family members of the lowest income quintile were 12 times more likely than those in the top income quintile to have less than a high school degree in 2010 (26.7 percent vs. 2.2 percent).

Coffee research

Free image from Pixabay.com

Do you need some more reasons to enjoy that cup of coffee in the morning? I switched to decaf because of a-fib, but it still has the good stuff. A really good summary of current research. http://samadimd.com/latesthealth/coffee-and-your-health

I watch Dr. Samadi on week-ends on Fox, and find him a good balance between sound research and alternative concepts.

I've tried several brands of decaf (never brewed coffee until about 2 years ago) and have settled on Folger's. I like it with some half n half, or if mixing it with dark chocolate, about half a cup of 2% milk. I use a little Mr. Coffee machine, and have no problem with reheating in the microwave, which brings nightmares to purists.

Exercise for body, mind and spirit

My exercycle is in my office. I try to use it 35-45 minutes a day, in 1 mile segments--which is about 6 minutes, 24 calories. I've learned to walk around some after each so I don't irritate my bursitis. But I really don't like exercise, never have, so I look through the worship bulletin (Lutheran) and select a hymn or two, Google it with the words You Tube. Sometimes it's just audio, but that's really what I want. That way I'm helping body, mind (hearing but not reading is terribly challenging for me) and spirit; a good way to start the day. This morning I found instruction on The Athanasian Creed. That may be more than I wanted to know and it's 19 minutes--good for 3 miles.

If we say this creed once a year at UALC: Upper Arlington Lutheran Church I'd be surprised. It's difficult, long, theological and quite dogmatic. Those qualities make it challenging for 21st century Christians who prefer to clap, swing and sway during worship.

The narrator/scholar seems to want no inconsistencies, nothing illogical, no paradoxes, everything linear, in other words, very 20th century. I prefer to think it a wonderful statement/summary of 4th-5th c. Christianity, one it wouldn't hurt to review from time to time.