MN-06: Bachmann: "God then called me to run" for Congress". Talking Points Memo. ... Retrieved 2009-01-23. ^ Interview with Rep. Michelle Bachmann
Bush said to James Robinson: 'I feel like God wants me to run for President. I can't explain it, but I sense my country is going to need me. Something is going to happen... I know it won't be easy on me or my family, but God wants me to do it.'
Schmidt said he asked Palin about her serenity in the face of becoming “one of the most famous people in the world.” He quoted her as saying, “It’s God’s plan.”
I believe that it was God's will to send a youth from here into the Reich, to let him grow up, to raise him to be the leader of the nation so as to enable him to lead back his homeland into the Reich.
Adolf Hitler
April 1938, closing speech of election campaign in Vienna on eve of polling
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
What the Climate Change "Hoax" has Brought to Consumers
It seems one of the most interesting discussions in American society has been lately is whether or not there is such a "thing" as climate change, or as many like to refer to it "global warming."
I believe the whole argument of "is there " or is there not" climate change is actually a red herring used by those who stand in the corner of energy companies and benefit from energy companies profits. The idea of climate change has wrought great news for the average consumer where electrically operated devices for the homeowner now use less electricity and cost the consumer much less money to operate.
The appliance in most homes that uses the most electricity to operate is the air conditioning condenser, the use of which was once a luxury, but has become a necessity in recent years. There was a time when this device was very costly to operate and a huge drain on the local electric grid. The US government recently set standards of efficiency where the least efficient air conditioner a consumer can buy used to be the MOST efficient just 10 years ago (from 10 SEER or less to at LEAST 13 SEER present day) which means the average consumer is able to operate an air conditioner much less expensively than in years past. Efficiency standards for furnaces have also been improved costing the consumer less for natural gas in winter months to heat their homes. The savings are especially realized when the homeowner makes certain their homes are properly insulated. I would strongly advise against setting ones thermostat to higher temperatures when one is not home as it does take more work for the air conditioner to remove heat energy from the home that has accumulated during a summer day, than it takes to keep ones home a constant temperature throughout the day, whether one is at home or not. In winter months, I DO suggest turning the thermostat to cooler temps when one is away as it does not take as much energy to ADD heat energy to a space.
Another way the average consumer is able to save money on energy is by the use of compact florescent light bulbs, or their more expensive cousin the LED light bulb. The homeowner can operate a CFL bulb emitting the light of a 200 Watt "normal" light bulb while using only 55 Watts. The CFL and LED bulbs do not produce as much heat as a "normal" bulb and the CFL and LED'S last longer as well. The CFL light bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury and should be disposed of properly. Many local fire stations and city halls have receptacles for CFL disposal which makes this easier for the consumer as well.
There are many other appliances which have become less expensive to operate from refrigerators to washers and dryers as a result from this "debate" and from government mandates. The consumer has also benefited from rebates and tax credits for purchasing more efficient appliances as well. The wise consumer who chooses energy efficient appliances benefits almost immediately from using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs in their homes.
So, we may not all agree that climate change is "real" or a "man-made" event. We may not all have the same political philosophies or agree on the same ideologies.
But, most people do agree on trying to save money for themselves and their families, and higher efficiency appliances are a smart way to realize great money savings. Some savings one sees over time, but a lot of savings are almost immediate.
Your electric company will miss your hard earned dollars!!
I believe the whole argument of "is there " or is there not" climate change is actually a red herring used by those who stand in the corner of energy companies and benefit from energy companies profits. The idea of climate change has wrought great news for the average consumer where electrically operated devices for the homeowner now use less electricity and cost the consumer much less money to operate.
The appliance in most homes that uses the most electricity to operate is the air conditioning condenser, the use of which was once a luxury, but has become a necessity in recent years. There was a time when this device was very costly to operate and a huge drain on the local electric grid. The US government recently set standards of efficiency where the least efficient air conditioner a consumer can buy used to be the MOST efficient just 10 years ago (from 10 SEER or less to at LEAST 13 SEER present day) which means the average consumer is able to operate an air conditioner much less expensively than in years past. Efficiency standards for furnaces have also been improved costing the consumer less for natural gas in winter months to heat their homes. The savings are especially realized when the homeowner makes certain their homes are properly insulated. I would strongly advise against setting ones thermostat to higher temperatures when one is not home as it does take more work for the air conditioner to remove heat energy from the home that has accumulated during a summer day, than it takes to keep ones home a constant temperature throughout the day, whether one is at home or not. In winter months, I DO suggest turning the thermostat to cooler temps when one is away as it does not take as much energy to ADD heat energy to a space.
Another way the average consumer is able to save money on energy is by the use of compact florescent light bulbs, or their more expensive cousin the LED light bulb. The homeowner can operate a CFL bulb emitting the light of a 200 Watt "normal" light bulb while using only 55 Watts. The CFL and LED bulbs do not produce as much heat as a "normal" bulb and the CFL and LED'S last longer as well. The CFL light bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury and should be disposed of properly. Many local fire stations and city halls have receptacles for CFL disposal which makes this easier for the consumer as well.
There are many other appliances which have become less expensive to operate from refrigerators to washers and dryers as a result from this "debate" and from government mandates. The consumer has also benefited from rebates and tax credits for purchasing more efficient appliances as well. The wise consumer who chooses energy efficient appliances benefits almost immediately from using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs in their homes.
So, we may not all agree that climate change is "real" or a "man-made" event. We may not all have the same political philosophies or agree on the same ideologies.
But, most people do agree on trying to save money for themselves and their families, and higher efficiency appliances are a smart way to realize great money savings. Some savings one sees over time, but a lot of savings are almost immediate.
Your electric company will miss your hard earned dollars!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
U2 360 Tour News Article
Bono to return to stage in weeks - McGuinness
June 23, 2010
Source: Evening Herald
by Aoife Anderson
BONO will be back on stage in a matter of weeks despite his recent emergency surgery, according to U2's manager Paul McGuinness.
The Irish rocker (50) was operated on after becoming temporarily paralysed -- forcing the band to cancel the start of the US leg of their 360° Tour and their headline slot at Glastonbury.
An optimistic McGuinness told the Diary: "He's making a full recovery. The doctors told me he's going to be fine. It was serious surgery but we expect him to make a full recovery. He's pretty fit."
McGuinness said there was no reason to believe the tour's massive stage production had anything to do with the singer's injury.
"It's a big stage to run around, but no," he said. "I'll be very relieved when I see him running around the stage again. The European leg of the tour starts in Turin on August 6 and that has not been postponed.
"Rescheduling the American leg is quite difficult because it is an outdoor show; we can't do it in the winter because it's the northern hemisphere.
"So what we're doing now is trying to seek availability of the buildings that we had already pretty much sold-out, so we're getting availabilities and routing a coherent tour for next summer in the US and Canada. We've nearly done it so I hope we'll be able to announce that shortly."
McGuinness insisted the rest of the band hasn't been enjoying an impromptu holiday while Bono recovers.
"No not really, they're doing some work and planning to do some recording. It never stops really," he said.
(c) Evening Herald, 2010.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Roosevelt's 4 Freedoms Speech
In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.
RESOURCE: World Civilizations
http://www.wwnorton.com/college/history/ralph/workbook/ralprs36b.htm
Page created by Thomas Pearcy, Ph.D. and Mary Dickson.
Direct questions or comments to Webmaster.
Last revised February 4, 1997
Copyright (c) 1997. W. W. Norton Publishing. All Rights Reserved
The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world.
The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world.
The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world.
The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the world.
That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called new order of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb.
To that new order we oppose the greater conception -- the moral order. A good society is able to face schemes of world domination and foreign revolutions alike without fear.
Since the beginning of our American history, we have been engaged in change -- in a perpetual peaceful revolution -- a revolution which goes on steadily, quietly adjusting itself to changing conditions -- without the concentration camp or the quick-lime in the ditch. The world order which we seek is the cooperation of free countries, working together in a friendly, civilized society.
This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and heads and hearts of its millions of free men and women; and its faith in freedom under the guidance of God. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights or keep them. Our strength is our unity of purpose.
To that high concept there can be no end save victory.
From Congressional Record, 1941, Vol. 87, Pt. I.
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http://www.wwnorton.com/college/history/ralph/workbook/ralprs36b.htm
Page created by Thomas Pearcy, Ph.D. and Mary Dickson.
Direct questions or comments to Webmaster.
Last revised February 4, 1997
Copyright (c) 1997. W. W. Norton Publishing. All Rights Reserved
Sunday, June 13, 2010
A Few Random Birthday Thoughts
Today is my birthday.
It seems that on birthdays or other of life's milestones it is in our nature to wax a bit nostalgic, so please indulge me as I ramble through some random thoughts of my own self serving nostalgia so that I may feel like I am actually sharing things that are relevant to you as well.
If life is about learning and doing better and climbing obstacles, then I consider my life the finest university. I have made good decisions, bad decisions, and decisions that seemingly have been neither good or bad (should I have the turkey or roast beef today?)
I have reveled in the good decisions. Learned sometimes very painful lessons from the bad decisions, and have learned that even the neutral decisions have had consequences, even if I don't realize the neutral decisions directly.
I would have learned nothing in life if I have not realized that anything I decide not only affects myself, but every decision affects others as well.
My life is a part of a grand scheme of your life, and your life is a grand scheme in my life.
We are all connected.
The myths of "rugged individualism" and "pulling yourself up by your boot straps" are myths hoarded by the greedy seemingly perpetuated to the masses so that those needing help would be too ashamed to ask for it. These myths are also the dogma for those who have received help from the time they were young, but have gotten their very large piece of "the pie" but still perpetuate the myth so that their "pie" remains very large.
You are not a "rugged individual" and you have never "pulled yourself up.." you and I have had help every step of the way throughout our lifetimes. By the very fact that you are reading this and I am writing this; the fact that you and I have survived to this age, no matter what age you are, means that someone has fed and clothed you and educated you. You are not here right now by your own merit. We all need each other to continue to exist and survive.
This day, being my birthday, has caused me to remind myself to be less selfish and exclusive, and to be more selfless and inclusive. Less dogmatic and more to seek gnosis and to find whatever the truth is no matter WHAT the truth is and to walk the path that gnosis and truth leads me to no matter what the path is.
So, welcome to my birthday nostalgia. I am hopeful you will find peace and joy and happiness in any path and in any decision you choose to take.
It seems that on birthdays or other of life's milestones it is in our nature to wax a bit nostalgic, so please indulge me as I ramble through some random thoughts of my own self serving nostalgia so that I may feel like I am actually sharing things that are relevant to you as well.
If life is about learning and doing better and climbing obstacles, then I consider my life the finest university. I have made good decisions, bad decisions, and decisions that seemingly have been neither good or bad (should I have the turkey or roast beef today?)
I have reveled in the good decisions. Learned sometimes very painful lessons from the bad decisions, and have learned that even the neutral decisions have had consequences, even if I don't realize the neutral decisions directly.
I would have learned nothing in life if I have not realized that anything I decide not only affects myself, but every decision affects others as well.
My life is a part of a grand scheme of your life, and your life is a grand scheme in my life.
We are all connected.
The myths of "rugged individualism" and "pulling yourself up by your boot straps" are myths hoarded by the greedy seemingly perpetuated to the masses so that those needing help would be too ashamed to ask for it. These myths are also the dogma for those who have received help from the time they were young, but have gotten their very large piece of "the pie" but still perpetuate the myth so that their "pie" remains very large.
You are not a "rugged individual" and you have never "pulled yourself up.." you and I have had help every step of the way throughout our lifetimes. By the very fact that you are reading this and I am writing this; the fact that you and I have survived to this age, no matter what age you are, means that someone has fed and clothed you and educated you. You are not here right now by your own merit. We all need each other to continue to exist and survive.
This day, being my birthday, has caused me to remind myself to be less selfish and exclusive, and to be more selfless and inclusive. Less dogmatic and more to seek gnosis and to find whatever the truth is no matter WHAT the truth is and to walk the path that gnosis and truth leads me to no matter what the path is.
So, welcome to my birthday nostalgia. I am hopeful you will find peace and joy and happiness in any path and in any decision you choose to take.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Saving Ducks, Eating Chicken
A peculiar event happened to me today, but I must preface this with events leading to today.
Rewind to a few weeks ago when;whilst doing my job as a heating and air conditioning technician, I was on a roof of an indoor pool that is adjacent to a park that has a pond that attracts ducks. It has been mating season for the ducks so also, it has been nesting season.
While maintaining the equipment on the roof I noticed a duck that seemed to be loitering around a certain machine, and would get a little "quacky" whenever I approached the machine. Upon further inspection I realized this was the mother duck and she was protesting my vicinity of her nest and 5 eggs. "Hmm.." I thought. "How the fuck is she going to get her ducklings off of here?"
In subsequent visits to this roof, I continued to ask myself this question. I also cursed her as a bad mother duck. Though she never did abandon the nest. She stayed with the eggs every time I was there, sitting on her eggs and seemingly tending to making sure her young hatched.
Fast forward to today. Weeks have passed and I return to do a repair on a machine on this same roof that I have been awaiting (and received) a part for.
The mother duck (I recognized her because she had some unique black and white markings) was now on the ground near where I parked my vehicle. She was buzzing me and making all sorts of noise. "Shut the fuck up." I said to her as it WAS early morning and I really did not want her annoyance. I took a few steps and realized "Oh shit! I bet I am gonna find her ducklings on the roof."
I climbed the access ladder, opened the roof hatch and pulled my tools and part up on a rope I secured everything to before the climb, as I was pulling, here was the mother duck again. Now on the roof with me being noisy, seeming yelling at me that I was too close to her young.
I checked the nest and found it empty. I walked the roof, looking, searching the ground.
There they were. 4 of the 5 eggs are now ducklings.
I found myself in a dilemma of what to do. There no water on the roof. It's Friday and so even if I put water up on the roof, it will be gone by Monday, and these damned ducklings will haunt my mind all weekend. I know damned well they'd be dead by Monday if I left them where they were.
They were huddled near the edge, a small wall the only thing keeping gravity from taking them to their death. I did not know if I approached whether they could jump over, so I retreated.
I climbed off the roof and went to a fire station that is across the street and asked them if they did duck rescues. "Just leave them there." The fire man said crushing the image of any cat up a tree rescues we all have seen in the movies.
I called a co-worker who told me the same thing "let nature be nature." and he also called me "a big softy" I ignored the chiding and the advice.
I realized I had a box that my replacement part came in just downstairs. I retrieved the box and cut 2 square holes in the flaps to put my rope through. My mission was to get the ducklings, put them in the box, then lower the box down with the rope, climb down, and release the ducklings to their mom. All whilst making sure they did not do a suicide dive off the roof.
I approached, the ducklings tried to jump over the small wall, but fortunately they were too small. I gently cupped one, then two, setting them gently in the box. Three and four made a run for it, but tripped themselves on some stones that cover the roof. I quickly scooped them up, too and put them in the box. All the while they were sounding their tiny alarm to mom...who I have not seen for a while. I thought for sure she'd be screaming at me as well.
I tied a nice secure know through the flaps on the box and lowered the box to the ground. I climbed down to the box, I saw mom, took the box nearer to her while she screamed at me, and released the ducklings on some grass there.
Immediately mom got the ducklings to the pond. They followed her closely and with intent. Looks like they were swimming great and dad showed up, too.
It felt right to interfere with nature. I realize that some things should be left alone, but my conscience would not have let me have a nice weekend without helping.
On my way home, I stopped and got a chicken dinner from the market deli.
My conscience does not bother me about that.
Rewind to a few weeks ago when;whilst doing my job as a heating and air conditioning technician, I was on a roof of an indoor pool that is adjacent to a park that has a pond that attracts ducks. It has been mating season for the ducks so also, it has been nesting season.
While maintaining the equipment on the roof I noticed a duck that seemed to be loitering around a certain machine, and would get a little "quacky" whenever I approached the machine. Upon further inspection I realized this was the mother duck and she was protesting my vicinity of her nest and 5 eggs. "Hmm.." I thought. "How the fuck is she going to get her ducklings off of here?"
In subsequent visits to this roof, I continued to ask myself this question. I also cursed her as a bad mother duck. Though she never did abandon the nest. She stayed with the eggs every time I was there, sitting on her eggs and seemingly tending to making sure her young hatched.
Fast forward to today. Weeks have passed and I return to do a repair on a machine on this same roof that I have been awaiting (and received) a part for.
The mother duck (I recognized her because she had some unique black and white markings) was now on the ground near where I parked my vehicle. She was buzzing me and making all sorts of noise. "Shut the fuck up." I said to her as it WAS early morning and I really did not want her annoyance. I took a few steps and realized "Oh shit! I bet I am gonna find her ducklings on the roof."
I climbed the access ladder, opened the roof hatch and pulled my tools and part up on a rope I secured everything to before the climb, as I was pulling, here was the mother duck again. Now on the roof with me being noisy, seeming yelling at me that I was too close to her young.
I checked the nest and found it empty. I walked the roof, looking, searching the ground.
There they were. 4 of the 5 eggs are now ducklings.
I found myself in a dilemma of what to do. There no water on the roof. It's Friday and so even if I put water up on the roof, it will be gone by Monday, and these damned ducklings will haunt my mind all weekend. I know damned well they'd be dead by Monday if I left them where they were.
They were huddled near the edge, a small wall the only thing keeping gravity from taking them to their death. I did not know if I approached whether they could jump over, so I retreated.
I climbed off the roof and went to a fire station that is across the street and asked them if they did duck rescues. "Just leave them there." The fire man said crushing the image of any cat up a tree rescues we all have seen in the movies.
I called a co-worker who told me the same thing "let nature be nature." and he also called me "a big softy" I ignored the chiding and the advice.
I realized I had a box that my replacement part came in just downstairs. I retrieved the box and cut 2 square holes in the flaps to put my rope through. My mission was to get the ducklings, put them in the box, then lower the box down with the rope, climb down, and release the ducklings to their mom. All whilst making sure they did not do a suicide dive off the roof.
I approached, the ducklings tried to jump over the small wall, but fortunately they were too small. I gently cupped one, then two, setting them gently in the box. Three and four made a run for it, but tripped themselves on some stones that cover the roof. I quickly scooped them up, too and put them in the box. All the while they were sounding their tiny alarm to mom...who I have not seen for a while. I thought for sure she'd be screaming at me as well.
I tied a nice secure know through the flaps on the box and lowered the box to the ground. I climbed down to the box, I saw mom, took the box nearer to her while she screamed at me, and released the ducklings on some grass there.
Immediately mom got the ducklings to the pond. They followed her closely and with intent. Looks like they were swimming great and dad showed up, too.
It felt right to interfere with nature. I realize that some things should be left alone, but my conscience would not have let me have a nice weekend without helping.
On my way home, I stopped and got a chicken dinner from the market deli.
My conscience does not bother me about that.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
On Being in Pain.....
The most painful thing in years happened to me last week when; through bad nerves and being worried, I found myself chewing on taffy during the day, and grinding my teeth at night.
I remember the very painful culmination of my dilemma. It was in the very early morning hours when I rolled over with force while at the same time grinding my already aggravated teeth.
This was the moment when my already weakened upper left molar (which had subsequent major work on it and was already weak) became severely cracked. I tried to ignore it, but from that moment on, this cracked tooth was not only going to cause severe pain and keep me sleepless for 4 nights. This tooth was also going to get very infected as the crack exposed my gums and sinuses to all the bacteria that my own, or any other human mouth harbors.
The bacteria and infection caused the tooth to become higher than the teeth surrounding it, so that anytime I bit down, I was pressing very hard on that sole tooth and the infection behind it.
The pain was unbearable. I don't know exactly why I did not go to the dentist sooner;I think it was denial and sleeplessness that caused the mind to be irrational, as well as his absence from the office.
It's a strange situation the human psyche finds itself in when so much pain is present.
From cussing an imperfect god that would make such a thing as "these fucking teeth!!" To pleading with a more perfect god for help. To finally doing the only smart thing and going to the dentist, who with his skill can relieve the pain and set the patient on their way much happier ( though poorer) than when they came in.
So, after a few days, and a scare yesterday that made me realize just how ill I was (I got severely dizzy in the shower after pressing on to do a lot of household chores all day) I realized that the human body is a wonder and a vulnerable vessel all at the same time. I have had the good fortune in life to have escaped illnesses that many others have succumbed to. I have often taken my good health for granted, while being thankful that I rarely ever get colds of flu that many others I know seem to battle every year. Save for the occasional migraine, I have been fortunate in health and life.
So, being laid up this past week made me realize that I really AM a fortunate person. I also realized that I do at times press myself too far and in too many directions. From work to school, to the Masonic meetings to the activities with the kids....it has been a whirlwind of activity for me these past few months.
I have decided to slow it down a bit. Concentrating mostly on school and maybe not striving so hard to become a Mason. This will come in time. But graduating has to be my first goal in my personal life right now. I am very close to this goal with a graduation date of spring 2011.
Life is good!! Take stock of what you have and strive to make life better for you and everyone you care about.
Til next time!!
I remember the very painful culmination of my dilemma. It was in the very early morning hours when I rolled over with force while at the same time grinding my already aggravated teeth.
This was the moment when my already weakened upper left molar (which had subsequent major work on it and was already weak) became severely cracked. I tried to ignore it, but from that moment on, this cracked tooth was not only going to cause severe pain and keep me sleepless for 4 nights. This tooth was also going to get very infected as the crack exposed my gums and sinuses to all the bacteria that my own, or any other human mouth harbors.
The bacteria and infection caused the tooth to become higher than the teeth surrounding it, so that anytime I bit down, I was pressing very hard on that sole tooth and the infection behind it.
The pain was unbearable. I don't know exactly why I did not go to the dentist sooner;I think it was denial and sleeplessness that caused the mind to be irrational, as well as his absence from the office.
It's a strange situation the human psyche finds itself in when so much pain is present.
From cussing an imperfect god that would make such a thing as "these fucking teeth!!" To pleading with a more perfect god for help. To finally doing the only smart thing and going to the dentist, who with his skill can relieve the pain and set the patient on their way much happier ( though poorer) than when they came in.
So, after a few days, and a scare yesterday that made me realize just how ill I was (I got severely dizzy in the shower after pressing on to do a lot of household chores all day) I realized that the human body is a wonder and a vulnerable vessel all at the same time. I have had the good fortune in life to have escaped illnesses that many others have succumbed to. I have often taken my good health for granted, while being thankful that I rarely ever get colds of flu that many others I know seem to battle every year. Save for the occasional migraine, I have been fortunate in health and life.
So, being laid up this past week made me realize that I really AM a fortunate person. I also realized that I do at times press myself too far and in too many directions. From work to school, to the Masonic meetings to the activities with the kids....it has been a whirlwind of activity for me these past few months.
I have decided to slow it down a bit. Concentrating mostly on school and maybe not striving so hard to become a Mason. This will come in time. But graduating has to be my first goal in my personal life right now. I am very close to this goal with a graduation date of spring 2011.
Life is good!! Take stock of what you have and strive to make life better for you and everyone you care about.
Til next time!!
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