Our Father...

 

 Christians around the world say this prayer every day.  It is a beautiful prayer, taught to us by our savior, Jesus Christ.  Christians say the beautiful words with their hearts, as well as with their voices.  But do we really mean what we say when we say this prayer?

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name...do we ever take the Lord's name in vain?

 

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven...do we really try to have God's will done here on earth by what we say, do, watch, and listen to?

 

Give us this day our daily bread...a recognition of our dependence on God's providence for the very necessities of life; knowing full well that the very talents we possess are gifts from God that allow us to provide the food we eat.

 

and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us...THIS IS HUGE!  How often do we "forgive" someone, but still hold a grudge?  Still plan our "payback"?  Still talk mess about the person we forgave?  Look at what we are asking God to do - forgive us the same way we forgive!  Once you ask for God's forgiveness, it is over.  He will never bring up our sin again; he will not hold it against us.  Once He forgives us, it is as if it never happened.  How often do we forgive totally?  Remember, you are asking God to treat you the way you treat others.  This could have eternal consequences.

 

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Amen.  Help us to avoid temptation, and if we do go down that road, we ask God to please give us the grace to make the decisions necessary to be delivered from the evil that surrounds us.

 

 





Allowance Day in the USA

Each month food stamps, re-named the “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”, are distributed to citizens of the U.S.A. who “need” them.

“Allowance Day” as I like to refer to it, is actually “Allowance Days” as the largesse of hard working Americans is distributed during the first half of each month among the following dates: 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 13^th, and 15^th.

People in need (a record percentage of Americans these days) can then use them to buy healthy, nutritious, wholesome snacks and foods which will help them and their children achieve more and get them off food stamps SNAP.  For example, with SNAP benefits, you can buy:

• Sodas
• Ice cream
• Candy
• Snack cakes
• Bakery items
• Wedding cakes
• Expensive meat & seafood (t-bones, rib-eyes, shrimp, lobster)
• Sugar laden cereal
• Toaster pastries
• Many other nutritionally devoid foods

Perhaps even more disturbing than what they can buy, is what they’ve given away: their freedom.  By being beholden to the government for the very basic necessities of life, they subject themselves to the whims and wishes of government.  I believe that most people currently on SNAP would do whatever government tells them to do in order to keep their SNAP benefits.  It is their allowance from the government – and it controls them.

In Case You Don't Know...

At the bottom of each of my posts is a comments area.  It looks like this:

Post a Comment

Comments are always welcomed, but this is a family friendly blog. Comment with care.



I urge you to use this area for your feedback, points, questions, and disagreements.  I promise not to get in an argument with you!

Caucus Actuals vs. Predictions

OK, so here it is - Sunday, February 7, 2016.  Caucus day in Iowa was Monday, February 1.  I took my best shot at predicting the outcome of that nights festivities (left of candidate's name).  Let's compare final totals (to right of candidate's name) to my predictions (all totals rounded):


Republicans
(Prediction - Name - Actual)
27%  Ted Cruz             28%
23%  Marco Rubio      23%
22%  Donald Trump   24%
  8%  Ben Carson           9%
  5%  Rand Paul             5%
  4%  Jeb Bush               3%
  3%  Mike Huckabee    2%
  2%  Chris Christie      2%
  2%  Carly Fiorina       2%
  2%  John Kasich         2%
  2%  Rick Santorum    1%

Democrats
(Prediction - Name - Actual)
50%  Sanders      50%
44%  Clinton       50%
  6%  O'Malley      1%

What's the Difference?

We all hate the rich, don't we?

Filthy, disgusting, slime-ball, lying, cheating, abusive rich people.  They screw the little guy over in order to get rich, and then the IRS to avoid paying taxes.  They have off-shore accounts, Swiss bank accounts, trusts, investments, accountants, lawyers, lobbyists, and minions of all types making sure they pay very little, if no, income taxes at all.  Many politicians and "leaders" in this country make a lot of political hay over the evils of the rich and their scheming ways. 

But is that much different from...


Anyone else who does all they can to avoid the tax man?:

- The waiter/waitress that does not report all their tips
- The person that babysits for cash only and doesn't report the income
- The "lawn technician" that does not report income
- The "handyman" that insists on cash payments, and then doesn't report it to the IRS
- The welfare recipient that sells their benefits for .50 on the dollar to get cash (obviously not reported)
- Drug dealers you won't find reporting their income to the IRS
- People who sell at garage sales, on Craigslist, et al. and don't report the income
- People who get loans forgiven by friends/relatives and don't report that as income


So next time you get on your high horse and bemoan the fact that "the rich" don't pay their fair share - do you?





Remember what happens when you put 'the' and 'IRS' together: 'theirs'

Iowa Caucus Prediction

OK, so here it is - Monday, February 1, 2016.  Caucus day in Iowa.  I'm going to take my best shot at predicting the outcome of tonight's festivities.  Without further adieu...

Republicans
27%  Ted Cruz
23%  Marco Rubio
22%  Donald Trump
  8%  Ben Carson
  5%  Rand Paul
  4%  Jeb Bush
  3%  Mike Huckabee
  2%  Chris Christie
  2%  Carly Fiorina
  2%  John Kasich
  2%  Rick Santorum

Democrats
50%  Sanders
44%  Clinton
  6%  O'Malley



Come back on Friday to see the actual results compared to my predictions.

It'd Be Funny If It Weren't True



Please Stop

You. Yes, you.


Do us all a favor.


Catch up to the 2010's.


Get on board.


Get with it.


Understand what really happens when you finish doing it.


Pick up the pace.


Quit waiting.


Ask your kids, grandkids, whoever about it.


All we are saying, praying for, pleading for, hoping for, is that you...

STOP WRITING CHECKS!!

When you write a check at a major retailer, the check is turned into an electronic payment just as if you have used a debit card anyway, so you might as well just use a debit card.  A debit card is faster, more efficient, and doesn't take time to write out (especially if you wait until you are told the total before you even begin writing any part of the check).

People in line behind you don't like you when you write a check because it holds up the line.

To review:

Writing a check is the same as using a debit card; you take forever when you write a check; people in line behind you don't like you because you are writing a check; and you, and the people behind you, get home that much more quickly when you don't write a check.

If you don't believe me, **ahem** check it out!

I'm Wondering...

If Caitlyn Jenner packs on a few pounds...

would he she be known as a "trans fat"?

Why Must Everything Be In Spanish, Too? English Edition

This is the English translation of last week's post which was in Italian.

Why do Spanish speakers get preferential treatment among immigrants?

Throughout our rich history, immigrants of many different nationalities, cultures and languages came to our shores seeking the American dream.  For most of our history, these immigrants knew that learning English was one of the ways to access the American dream.  Immigrants that spoke German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and in the past, even Spanish worked hard to learn English and become masters at it.  Generally speaking, the next generation were raised using, and becoming proficient at, English.  This helped assimilate immigrants into the melting pot of America, strengthening both the nation as a whole, and the immigrants individually.

Unfortunately, recent immigrants, mainly from Mexico, Central, and South America have not had to learn English as our government has mandated that all public notices, ballots, etc. be printed in both English and Spanish.  Where are the government printings in Korean? German? Russian?  There are none because those groups wanted to fully integrate into the American culture and take their best shot at achieving the American dream.  Sadly, part of the Hispanic population refuses to learn English and is kowtowed to by our government.  This keeps the immigrants (let’s just say legal right now) from being fully integrated into society and sets up enclaves within this country that are virtually indistinguishable from a neighborhood in Mexico.  Within these areas, potentials are not fully fulfilled, and the country misses the full breadth and scope of the talents of many individuals.

Why are these immigrants so reluctant to adapt?  Because they’re not forced to in the USA.

Why do they look at me and smirk when I don’t know Spanish?  Because they insist I adapt to them in the USA.

Why will some languish and depend on government generation to generation?  Because some “leaders” want them to so they will stay wards of the State – thereby preserving their power.

Why Must Everything Be In Spanish Too?

Why is the following post in Italian?  Why not?  Why can't something be in Italian instead of Spanish in this country?  To find out why, check out this blog next week sometime for the English translation of "Why Must Everything Be In Spanish Too?"

Motivo per ottenere un trattamento preferenziale tra gli immigrati ispanofoni?

Nel corso della nostra storia ricca, immigrati di molte nazionalità, culture e lingue sono arrivati sulle nostre coste alla ricerca del sogno americano. Per la maggior parte della nostra storia, questi immigrati sapevano che imparare l'inglese è stato uno dei modi per accedere il sogno americano. Immigrati che parlavano tedesco, italiano, cinese, coreano, russo e in passato, anche spagnolo ha lavorato sodo per imparare inglese e diventare maestri a esso. In linea generale, la prossima generazione sono stata sollevata utilizzando e diventare esperto presso, inglese. Questo ha aiutato assimilare gli immigrati nel melting pot di America, rafforzando sia la nazione nel suo complesso e gli immigrati individualmente.

Purtroppo, immigrati, soprattutto dal Messico, centro e Sud America non hanno dovuto imparare l'inglese come il nostro governo ha ordinato che tutti gli avvisi pubblici, scrutini, ecc essere stampato in inglese e spagnolo. Dove sono le stampe di governo in coreano? Tedesco? Russo? Ci sono nessuno perché quei gruppi volevano completamente integrare nella cultura americana e prendere loro miglior negozio a realizzare il sogno americano. Sady, parte della popolazione ispanica si rifiuta di imparare l'inglese e si inchinavano dal nostro governo. Ciò mantiene gli immigrati (diciamo legale in questo momento) da essere completamente integrati nella società e imposta enclave all'interno del paese che sono praticamente indistinguibili da un quartiere in Messico. All'interno di queste aree, i potenziali non sono pienamente soddisfatte, e il paese manca la tutta l'ampiezza e la portata dei talenti di molti individui.

Perché sono questi immigrati così restii ad adattarsi? Perché non sei obbligati a negli Stati Uniti.

Perché mi guardi e sorrisetto quando non conoscono spagnolo? Perché insistere mi adatto a loro negli Stati Uniti.

Perché alcuni languire e dipende dal governo di generazione? Perché alcuni "capi" desidera che vengano così rimarranno reparti dello stato – preservando così il loro potere.

A Prediction

Even though it's only August 5, I am willing to make a prediction on who Time's Person of the Year will be: Bruce Caitlyn Jenner.

Time will hail his her courageous stand to be who he she was meant to be.  Others will be interviewed about him her and grace us with their wisdom and insights such as:

"Dad Mom will be even closer to me now than ever before, sharing his her life and feelings just like the rest of us girls (giggle)" - Kendall Jenner

"I hope he she doesn't use my plastic surgeon" - Kim Kardashian

Uncontrollable crying - Female fans of the 1976 Olympic decathlon winner

"Gross, I used to kiss him her" - Kris Jenner

"You the man woman!" - Insert your favorite liberal celebrity name here

"Is she seeing anyone?" - Bill Clinton

How Did I Do?

Last Tuesday morning, Election Day, I posted my guesses for the final tally on Republican pickups in the House, Senate, & Governorships (see previous post).  So, how did I do?

House - My guess: Republicans +7-10 seats; Actual pick ups: +12
Senate - My guess: Republicans +8-12 seats; Actual pick ups: +8
(with LA TBD, so probably +9)
Governorships - My guess: Republicans +2-3 seats; Actual pick ups: +3

Not too shabby.  Now if I could only pick lottery numbers...

Elections Predictions

A quick prognostication on today's midterms:

House of Representatives: Republicans pick up 7 - 10 seats

Senate: Republicans pick up 8 - 12 seats

Governors: Republicans pick up 2 - 3 seats

 

Tune in your favorite news channel tonight to marvel at my brilliance!!

A Business Proposition for You

Listen, I know you’re very busy and have a million things on your mind, but I have a business proposition for you.

I know that you and your spouse have been waiting.  And planning.  And saving.  Finally, the big day has arrived.  Your new car is here.  And boy is it a beauty!  For some, it’s a convertible.  For others, a sedan, a crossover, an SUV, a truck, maybe even a hybrid.  Look inside.  Rich, supple leather seats, premium sound, mp3 port.  The latest safety features.  Air bags, side air bags, anti-lock brakes.  And of course, you purchased option package #7: factory floor mats, map lights, trip odometer, remote trunk and fuel filler door releases, power windows and locks, intermittent wipers, and cruise control.  You’re proud – and you should be.

 

Now for the aforementioned business proposition.  After a “grace period” wherein you spend a  couple of weeks with your car, bring it to me.  Every morning, before you go to work, bring your vehicle to my home and leave it with me.  For a low fee of only $150 a week, I’ll “break it in” for you 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.  You know how important the “break in” period is on a vehicle.  The engine’s pistons and valves settle in to the rhythms of the driver – me!  Of course, you can keep the car when you go on vacation, on holidays, and as always, weekends are your special time together.

 

 

 

The car of your dreams.  Can I drive it?

 

 

By now, you’ve probably thought I’ve lost my mind.  Have I?  Why do you consider this idea crazy?  This is a generally accepted practice in this country.  Not for our vehicles, but for something much more valuable and precious – our infants and toddlers as they are dropped off en masse at day care facilities on a daily basis.

 

 

Parents who no doubt love their children think nothing of leaving them off with someone else to raise a majority of the time.  These same parents don’t hesitate to leave their children with those very people they wouldn’t trust with their new car.

 

What?  You won't leave your car but you'll leave me?



And why do people leave their children off with virtual strangers every morning?  I don’t know for sure, but sadly I think that a lot (not all) do so for selfish reasons.  The parents have a lifestyle they aren’t willing to give up: the new cars, latest computers, cell phones, mp3 players, stereos, famous label clothing, designer shoes and handbags, expensive vacations, fine home furnishings, and expensive lunches.  Please understand that only those parents can answer the question about whether or not they’re both working for lifestyle.

 

We can’t say, just by the fact that someone leaves their kids at day care, that both parents don’t have valid reasons for needing to work.  What we can do is think about the following questions in order to conduct a national conversation about what is best for our children:

Are both parents working out of necessity, or are both parents working to maintain a “lifestyle”?  Could these parents readjust their schedules so that they wouldn’t have to leave the kids at day care?  Could one of the parents work only part-time?  Could one of the parents quit working until the child goes to school?

The first 3 to 5 years are very important in a child’s life.  The family bonding, traditions, and rapport that form during that time set the foundation for the rest of a person’s life.  The optimum circumstance for a child is to spend time with their parents, the people that love them the most, not some nanny for hire.  It doesn’t take a scientific study or a control group to tell us that, just common sense. 

Again, my business proposition must be answered:  Would you be willing to pay me to keep and drive your brand new car 8 hours a day, 5 days a week?  If you said “no way”, then you must face the second question:  Why are you willing to pay someone to take care of something much more valuable and precious – your child?

If you have searched your heart and can honestly, without justification, say that both parents have to work just to make ends meet, not in the lifestyle mentioned above but a solid, basic lifestyle, then so be it.  It happens, and it’s a shame for both you and your child.  But if you can’t say that both parents have to work just to make ends meet, logically you should feel good about paying me to take care of your car.

See you Monday morning.  Don’t forget your extra keys.  I accept cash or money orders.

Underappreciated

Underappreciated: this must be fixed

 

 

One of the great travesties of the ages (well, since 1992 anyway) has bugged me immensely.  Over the years, the level of frustration with this situation has risen exponetially.  Every time I think of this miscarriage of justice, it cries out for immdiate rectification.  Brain Donors is one of the most underappreciated, hilarious movies made, and it is about time it received that recognition.

Climactic ballet scene - Brain Donors, 1992

Doctor, Doctor!

 

Released in 1992, Brain Donors stars John Tuturro, Mel Smith, and Bob Nelson as three idiots involved in trying to milk an old rich widow out of her money through the establishment and running of a ballet company, as stipulated in her late husband's will.  The old rich widow, Lillian Oglethorpe, is brought to life by the delightful Nancy Marchand.  Throw in John Savident as the blue blood lawyer Edmund Lazlo; he of proper manners, social courtesy, propriety, and all things befitting a man of honor and distinction.




John Tuturro stars as Roland T. Flakfizer, a lawyer quite often on the wrong side of the law.  His practice of the judicial arts annoys Lazlo as Flakfizer seeks out accident victims, passes out his business card in the hospital emergency room, and literally chases ambulances.




Mel Smith plays Rocco Melonchek, Flakfizer's driver and sidekick. Bob Nelson is Jaques, hired on a whim by Flakfizer for the simple reason that it makes Lazlo angry.




The movie is based on the Marx brothers film "A Night at the Opera" and is a laugh a minute.  WARNING: The first time you watch it, you may be underwhelmed.  That is because while laughing, you will have missed so many jokes because they come so fast.


Do yourself  a favor and watch this gem a couple of times.  You'll be glad you did. 


Come back and comment afterwards.



Then Vs. Now

I was just thinking how different my childhood was when compared to my kids' today.  With the internet and social media, they are exposed to so many things, so quickly. 

When I was young, here is what Isis meant.

 

A TV show on Saturday mornings, back in 1975-1976

 

 

 

And sadly, for kids today, this is what Isis means.

A horror show on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or TV.

 

 

And it is said that we've progressed...sad!