Every Move You Make, Every Click You Take, I’ll Be Watching You

Just like the anti-Bush war protesters--the anti-Bush privacy protectors seem to have disappeared. This administration doesn't want a warrant for a search--just wants all your information, "just in case." I have serious doubts that this is about child pornography and is all about those who don't like Obama. All the lefties who objected to filters on library computers to protect children must be behind this. After their conversion, of course.

Belmont Club » Every Move You Make, Every Click You Take, I’ll Be Watching You#more-16002#more-16002#more-16002

The end of Obamanomics

What a ridiculously racist statement--Obama can't tax and spend his way to prosperity!

"As the U.S. debt crisis drags through next week and then spills over into next month and next year, one thing seems clear. These may well be the last days of Obamanomics and the general idea — adopted around the globe — that governments can tax and spend their way to prosperity via mass redistribution of income and wealth."

The end of Obamanomics | Economy | Financial Post

Yes we Spam: Phone calls to House spike again following Obama plea for action

Obama urges Americans to spam their congress people.

Phone calls to House spike again following Obama plea for action - The Hill's Hillicon Valley

A letter from 43 Senators about

Harry Reid's plan: "The plan you have proposed would not alter the spending trajectory that is putting our economy and national security at risk. In return for an unprecedented $2.4 trillion debt limit increase, your amendment reduces spending by less than $1 trillion over the next decade. Setting aside the $200 billion shortfall between the CBO scored savings and the $2.4 trillion debt limit increase, identified by the Congressional Budget Office, most of the proposal’s alleged savings are based on a false claim of credit for reductions in war-related spending that were already scheduled to occur. This amendment proposes no change to our military posture and, for that reason, these savings are the sort of widely ridiculed accounting gimmick that breeds cynicism about our ability to tackle our fiscal challenges. The only possible justification for a $2.4 trillion increase in borrowing authority is to allow the President to avoid any accountability for these issues before his 2012 election. " Signed by 43 Senators

Money not spent is money saved

Our "new" free washing machine works great!

Recently my washing machine died--it was just the right size for our tiny basement and it had a matching tiny dryer. To buy an energy and water efficient front load model for $800+ it would have taken 9 years to see the savings in utilities to make up the higher cost. And that’s assuming there were no repairs, that I used it exactly according to manufacturers recommendations, that the electric and water rates didn’t go up (due to people using less) and I were using it 12 months a year instead of 10 weeks. Obviously, even a math midget like me can see there had to be a better way to save money.

My neighbor gave me his old washer that may last another 3 years (and actually does a better job than my old one in spinning out water and accepting larger loads). He and his nephew even hauled it down our steep basement stairs that resemble a ship’s ladder. Even if water and electric rates go up, even if it is inefficient, this deal is better than any offered by the government or Sears.

And it doesn’t cost you, the tax payer, a dime. The tax credit on energy efficient appliances are paid for by all of us from the time they are a gleam in a politician’s eye until they get to the paperwork at the store and to your accountant who has to fill out several forms. That credit has passed through many hands. A 25% credit on an $800 washer might be a $200 credit on your taxes, but it costs the American tax payer much, much more than that, and of course, a low income person probably doesn’t itemize, or doesn’t file an income with the IRS at all, nor could she come up with the balance.

Another plus. The old washer in the photo was made in the U.S.A.

The down side of historic preservation

I love “historic preservation.” After all, preservation, conservation and confirming what was good in the past is what conservative politics means. It represents what is often years of work and lobbying by local groups.

But there is a down side of unintended (or sometimes intended) consequences. There is no place for the poor or low income in historic, authentic neighborhoods, whether it’s Lakeside, Ohio, the German Village area of Columbus, Bay Point, Michigan, or Williamsburg, Virginia. Even if the government (assuming it is done with government grants) has set asides for low income, the requirements would mean a low income resident would lose his home if his income rises, and it won’t bring back the former residents now scattered through subsidized housing--it will only draw new “poor.” Nor is there any way you can require that your next door neighbor on government assistance or who is a plumber's assistant with a 25 year old truck, will necessarily have the values of the rest of the "preservationists."

A case in point is the restoration and renovation of The Abigail Tearoom (1933-2008). I used to suspect that the wallpaper (pieces of which are for sale at the Archives) and grape vines were holding it together. We had many wonderful meals there from 1974 until it was sold and then closed and auctioned, purchased by a young, talented architect. The meals were not gourmet, but ham loaf, stuffed green peppers and Swiss steak tasted pretty good there topped off with home made peach pie, or Mississippi Mud cake. The Abigail was two houses--one on Central built in the classic 19th c. style, and one on Third, a former boarding house with sleeping porches. The two houses were probably only about 2 feet apart, so a passage was built, and a kitchen tacked on to the rear.

The 20th c. house has been finished, staged, and is for sale--for $549,000. The other one which is still a work in progress will have 5 bedrooms, a family room, huge bathrooms, a lovely patio and landscaping, plus all the amenities today’s family thinks it needs, and will probably be around a million. Not even school teacher DINKS will be able to afford such a home--it will need to be lawyer, businessman, funds manager with a stay at home wife, and some money in the family tree that will fall when shaken.

These renovations are private money, but there are always tax credits for “green” and energy efficient appliances and building innovations, even insulation, which most cottages don’t have. Tax credits are also something only the well off can afford--like cash for clunkers and home insulation breaks. And what they truly cost after they pass from the tax payer in Ohio to the agency in Washington which will redistribute the money though dozens of agencies and the paychecks of bureaucrats, to the appliance dealer who has to fill out the paperwork and the owner’s accountant who has to figure it all out next April, with several forms, each costing you. Home mortgage “loopholes” are something we’ve all come to expect, but which the low income can’t really qualify for. At least I hope we've learned from the last housing bubble that tried that and crippled the nation economically.

Huge storm over Lakeside

The home show has just finished and lots of people were strolling the lakefront for the craft show, and all of a sudden the skies opened and deluged the place. Even in a golf cart these people won't be protected!

My husband was stationed at the Kunze house on Jasmine because he designed it. He said he got lots of positive comments. He rolled up here on his bike as the first drops of rain fell.

GOP is looking for an Obama win in 2012

If the GOP caves on this cut cap and balance, they are handing Obama a win in 2012. Obama will blame them either way. I've tried to follow this in the news and it's too frustrating and confusing. We do know it's only a cut in the increase, not a true cut. We do know that Obama is just too clever and has too many brain dead followers for the likes of Boehner to go up against.

When has your credit rating ever been improved by doing what the Democrats want?

The GOP regulars and RINOs are unhappy with Conservatives and Tea Party folk. Was it John McCain who said something about their experience? Well, who got us into this mess? Republicans who believed the lies of the Democrats! And compromised.

Am I tech savvy or what?

Connectivity has been a huge problem, as I noted before. So I've set the laptop up on the porch on the "kitty condo" and I'm sitting on a low camp stool. I have a sailing book on my right knee and the mouse is on that. Things seem to be working right now. The cat has moved to the porch furniture and doesn't seem too upset with this arrangement.

This condo was purchased for our previous cat, the lynxpoint, that didn't live very long. She also never figured out what her tail was, and would race inside out through the little kitty condo chasing it.

Reagan's error or Obama's?

Can he spare a dime for fact checkers before he looks even more uninformed and foolish than he already is? The deal was made--Democrats reniged! That should be the lesson for today. We know there will be no cuts, but the tax increased will last forever!

Reagan’s Error - By Yuval Levin - The Corner - National Review Online

Back in Lakeside

but no internet connection, so like the vacationers, I'm at the coffee shop. Glad they have wireless, but it sure is inconvenient! And laptops are heavy, at least those bought 9 years ago!

Hot and muggy. People are setting up for the craft show which begins tomorrow. The home tour (run by the Women's Club) is also tomorrow. Too hot for me to stand in line, although I love to look at cottages.

Signing off at 6:54 a.m.

Where would spending be without Iraq?

Obviously, we'd still have a huge problem.

Chart from American Thinker using CBO figures.

Anders Behring Breivik

Mr. Breivik, the 30-something terrorist who has killed almost 100 of his fellow countrymen, is being called everything from a Christian to a war gamer to a neo-nazi to a right wing fanatic. No one is calling him a socialist, but that's the society in which he grew up. Why deny the biggest influence in his life? Norway has low unemployment, almost zero poverty, the environment is gorgeous and carefully nurtured,and in a word, it is government controlled at every turn. The Christian church has no influence there, even if babies are baptized and teen-agers are confirmed. I'm not sure this is still the case, but their taxes used to support the church; it was not the responsibility and act of worship of the believers as it is in the U.S.

Do you suppose Breivik saw the push for multiculturalism and diversity and the acceptance of the Muslim culture as a threat to Norway's tightly regulated national spirit? After all, socialism is no match for fundamentalist Islam. National socialism is first and always, national in focus.

Calorie counts found lacking in fast food restaurants

This is why I always order dressing on the side and use the dipped fork method rather than pouring it on.

"Posted calorie counts in chain restaurants are often inaccurate, and weight-conscious consumers who select soups and salads are especially likely to be served heftier dishes than advertised, according to a new study from Boston researchers [reported in JAMA]."

However, it's important to remember that there is a vendetta out on so-called "fast food" restaurants. So read with a word of caution. Eat less, move more--that's the plan that will help both your body and your brain.

Calorie counts found lacking - Boston.com

Magic of Ordinary Days

I watched the Hallmark movie (2005) last night and I thought it was quite good--The magic of ordinary days. The plot is a college woman is pregnant by her soldier boyfriend (a cad, but she doesn't realize it), so her father arranges a marriage for her to a farmer in a remote area of Colorado a super nice guy whom she doesn't at first appreciate) who agrees to be the husband and father. There's a subplot involving Japanese farm workers whom she befriends.

In the end, of course, they fall in love.

But did rural women really wear hats while singing in the church choir in robes (one very brief scene)?

The male lead is Skeet Ulrich, whose real name is Bryan Trout. He's very good, and has appeared on some TV series, most recently Law and Order; Los Angeles.

This was adapted from a book by the same name, which might be worth reading, and there is a sequel in the works according to Wikipedia.

Garth's Auctions--mid century modern

Early in our married life (1960s) I admired our friends who had Eames style furniture, but I think they are uncomfortable, and there must have been a million knock-offs in all sorts of weird colors.

I'm beginning to see why my Mom wasn't too excited about Grandma's furniture from the 1920s or 1930s. You hate to see your era become an "antique."

Garth's Auctions, Inc. - Auctioneers & Appraisers : Full Details for Lot 216

So I looked up a few Paul McCobb pieces of furniture (mostly designed late 50s) for the budget conscious that we bought around 1963. The prices are astounding, so I guess they are antiques now, too. But also, they are comfortable.

Bookclub selections 2011-2012

I'd better get busy. I usually use the summer to start to prepare at least for September. One book has 562 pages--maybe I should start that one now. The 1910 fire in Montana book sounds good--we were at Glacier National Park in 2003 when it was burning.

September 12
Two Girls of Gettysburg by Lisa Klein. (for middle school--we often select a children's or local author book) Led by Carolyn A. Author is from Clintonville, Ohio.

October 3
The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe led by Dorothy.

November 7
In a Heartbeat: sharing the power of cheerful giving by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy. Led by Justine.

December 5
Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed by Philip Hallie. Led by Peggy.

January 9
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski (562 pages!). Led by Judy. January's meeting will be at Panera's Beechwold meeting room from 2-4 PM

February 6
The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the fire that saved America by Timothy Egan. Led by Jean. February's meeting will be at Panera's Beechwold meeting room from 2-4 PM.

March 5
The Good Earth by Pearl Buck. Led by Patty. [I read this in high school--thought it was a great book.]

April 2
Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Led by Carolyn A.

May 7
Hold Up the Sky by Patricia Sprinkle. Led by Carolyn C.

The Story of Dick Cheney's Heart

Even if you hate Dick Cheney (as some of my regular readers do), this article is well worth reading. A first heart attack at 37? We've known people like that and the second one was usually fatal. He's had 5 and now suffers from congestive heart failure. After his last surgery he was in intensive care for 5 weeks, and then rehab.

A few years in heart research is a generation. But no medical miracles would matter if the patient didn't have spirit.

"You could, and some people do, become so fixated on the disease that they, well, they don't get to get on with their lives. You've got to get on with your life," Mr. Cheney says. "It's never stopped me, though there's nothing in particular special about me. It's a reflection about how good the technology has grown."

The Weekend Interview: The Story of Dick Cheney's Heart - WSJ.com

Terror blast in Oslo

By the time I heard about the blast (it has since been determined that it was a bomb) Obama was giving a speech and he was lying on all news outlets. Finally, (11:35 a.m.) Fox has moved its attention to Norway.

Michelle Malkin » Terror blast in Oslo – “massive vehicle bomb;” Update: Norway had taken action against jihadi cleric who threatened to kill politicians

Update: Shortly after the explosions, which appeared to be a bomb attack, a man dressed as a police officer opened fire on a summer camp for young members of the ruling Labor Party on the island of Utoya in the Oslo fjord, about 25 miles from the city, and wounded at least five, a Norwegian security official said.

“The situation’s gone from bad to worse,” said Runar Kvernen, spokesman for the National Police Directorate under the Ministry of Justice and Police, adding that most of the children at the camp were between 15 and 16 years-old. There were initial reports that Mr. Stoltenberg was scheduled to attend a meeting at the camp.

As fear spread through the capital, the police moved to lock down a wide area of the city center, where the streets were already nearly deserted.
NYT Europe

Update: A blond Norwegian who bought 6 tons of fertilizer has been arrested. Sounds like the Scandanavian Timothy McVey.

Would you follow this leader?

Warns against scare speeches and hyperbole, then gives scare speeches.

He blasts income tax rates as too low and only for the rich, then agrees to extend them.

Insults and regulates businessmen and bankers, and then complains and whines that capitalists aren’t investing in the American economy enough to bail him out of his bad behavior.

Presents a budget with a $1.6 trillion deficit and then says our spending is unsustainable.

Votes against raising the debt ceiling when he was in Congress in 2006 (Democrats), when it was manageable, and warns of the consequences if Congress (Republicans) doesn’t raise it in 2011.

Presents no plan to reduce costs, then complains about the Republicans’ plan which actually is a plan.

In March Assad of Syria (a dictator) was a “reformer,” and now Syria needs “regime change” (same dictator).

Was against wars the last administration was involved in and gave comfort to the enemy with his votes and words, and now he has started his own in Libya.

Guantanamo--who even knows what is going on there, but he was against its existence 4 years ago and promised to close it during his campaign, but hasn‘t done anything.

He’s against wiretaps, deep water drilling, etc. but it’s OK for other countries, even those near by.

Yes, this man who waffles and wiggles and lies, is our president.