Is this scary or what How many zeros in a billion?,This is too true to be funny. The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.
A. A billion seconds ago it was 1972.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus had been gone just 70 yrs.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
D. A billion dollars ago was only 4 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
While this thought is still fresh in our brain...let's take a look at New Orleans .....It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division. Louisiana Senator,Mary Landrieu (D) is presently asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number...what does it mean?
A. Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528.
B. Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.
C. Or... if you are a family of four. ..your family gets $2,066,012.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
HOW MUCH "CHANGE" CAN WE STAND
LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE........FYI only.
George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years. The first six the economy was fine. A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.
4) the DOW JONES hit a record high--14,000 +
5) American's were buying new cars, taking cruises, vacations overseas, living large!... But American's wanted 'CHANGE'! So, in 2006 they voted in a Democratic Congress and yes--we got 'CHANGE' all right. In the PAST YEAR:
1) Consumer confidence has plummeted;
2) Gasoline is now over $4 a gallon & climbing!;
3) Unemployment is up to 5.5% (a 10% increase); (New figure: Approx 7.5%)
4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS and prices still dropping;
5) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.
6) As I write, THE DOW is probing another low~~ $2.5 TRILL ION DOLLARS HAS EVAPORATED FROM THEIR STOCKS, BONDS & MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS!
YES, IN 2006 AMERICA VOTED FOR CHANGE...AND WE SURE GOT IT! .... REMEMBER THE PRESIDENT HAS NO CONTROL OVER ANY OF THESE ISSUES, ONLY CONGRESS. AND WHAT HAS CONGRESS DONE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, TO CHANGE THINGS FOR THE BETTER ? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. NOW THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT CLAIMS HE IS GOING TO REALLY GIVE US CHANGE ALONG WITH A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS!!!!
JUST HOW MUCH MORE 'CHANGE' DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STAND?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
INFO FOR LOST IDENTITY
ATTORNEY ADVICE - NO CHARGE
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ' PHOTO ID REQUIRED .'
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers . The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed, anyone can get it.
4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine . Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve( s ) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.. 6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here's what is perhaps most important of all : (I never even thought to do this.)
7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.
The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. If you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.
Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.
1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ' PHOTO ID REQUIRED .'
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers . The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have It printed, anyone can get it.
4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine . Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have first hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve( s ) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.. 6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). But here's what is perhaps most important of all : (I never even thought to do this.)
7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.
The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. If you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW Aaron Tippin
"Drill Here Drill Now" by Aaron Tippin
Hello…..Is anybody out there listenin’ in Washington D.C.This is the suffering voice of America crying out for reliefNow I don’t know what a gallon of gas costs up on Capitol HillBut we sure know what it costs down here in RealityvilleAnd the damage already done has been a mighty heavy tollAnd if we’re gonna fix it we gotta start right here at home
CHORUS:Drill here, drill nowHow ‘bout some oil from our own soil that belongs to us anyhowNo more debatin’ we’re tired of waitin’ everybody shout out loudDrill here, drill now
Every time a foreign tanker pulls up to our shoreThey got us over a barrel while they bleed us a little moreAnd think how much it costs just to bring it all that wayAnd how many American jobs that’d make if we were drillin’ in the USAOh and God forbid if our oily friends should decide to cut us offWe’d be standin’ around with our britches down now listen to me ya’ll
REPEAT CHORUS
Well the winds of change are blowin’Yes and we recognize that needBut tractors, trucks, cars and planes can’t run on tomorrow’s dreamsSo while we’re workin’ on the future we can’t ignore todayCuz who knows how much time the alternative might takeSomethin’s gotta be done right now cuz friends it won’t be longBefore this great big country comes grinding to a halt
REPEAT CHORUS
Aaron
Hello…..Is anybody out there listenin’ in Washington D.C.This is the suffering voice of America crying out for reliefNow I don’t know what a gallon of gas costs up on Capitol HillBut we sure know what it costs down here in RealityvilleAnd the damage already done has been a mighty heavy tollAnd if we’re gonna fix it we gotta start right here at home
CHORUS:Drill here, drill nowHow ‘bout some oil from our own soil that belongs to us anyhowNo more debatin’ we’re tired of waitin’ everybody shout out loudDrill here, drill now
Every time a foreign tanker pulls up to our shoreThey got us over a barrel while they bleed us a little moreAnd think how much it costs just to bring it all that wayAnd how many American jobs that’d make if we were drillin’ in the USAOh and God forbid if our oily friends should decide to cut us offWe’d be standin’ around with our britches down now listen to me ya’ll
REPEAT CHORUS
Well the winds of change are blowin’Yes and we recognize that needBut tractors, trucks, cars and planes can’t run on tomorrow’s dreamsSo while we’re workin’ on the future we can’t ignore todayCuz who knows how much time the alternative might takeSomethin’s gotta be done right now cuz friends it won’t be longBefore this great big country comes grinding to a halt
REPEAT CHORUS
Aaron
Saturday, August 23, 2008
SCI FI FAN
I am an avid SciFi fan and I have heard that there is a remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" This is one of my all time favorite movies. I always thought it was something to think about.
I'm afraid that the remake will be a bust like "War of the Worlds"(boring) "Body Snatchers" (comical) I haven't seen it yet so I will reserve judgement. But------if it turns out to be a bleeding heart, Eco-Nazi, global warming, Hollywood production, so help me I'll scream. I'm sick of hearing about it. We get it , we're working on it. For the love of God -- MOVE ON.
The fact that the alien simply turned off the worlds power, everything, to get our attention, was brilliant.
This is Klaatu's speech at the end of the original 'The Day the Earth Stood Still:'
"I am leaving soon and you'll forgive me if I speak bluntly. The universe grows smaller every day and the threat of aggression by any group anywhere can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all or no one is secure. Now this does not mean giving up any freedom, except the freedom to act irresponsibly. Your ancestors knew this when they made laws to govern themselves and hired policemen to enforce them. We, of the other planets, have long accepted this principle. We have an organization for the mutual protection of all planets and for the complete elimination of aggression. The test of any such higher authority is, of course, the police force that supports it. For our policemen we created a race of robots. Their function is to patrol the planets in spaceships like this one and preserve the peace. In matters of aggression we have given them absolute power over us. This power cannot be revoked. At the first signs of violence they act automatically against the aggressor. The penalty for provoking their action is too terrible to risk. The result is we live in peace without arms or armies, secure in the knowledge that we are free from aggression and war, free to pursue more profitable enterprises. Now, we do not pretend to have achieved perfection, but we do have a system, and it works. I came here to give you these facts. It is no concern of ours how you run your own planet, but if you threaten to extend your violence, this Earth of yours will be reduced to a burned-out cinder. Your choice is simple: join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer. The decision rests with you."
I'm afraid that the remake will be a bust like "War of the Worlds"(boring) "Body Snatchers" (comical) I haven't seen it yet so I will reserve judgement. But------if it turns out to be a bleeding heart, Eco-Nazi, global warming, Hollywood production, so help me I'll scream. I'm sick of hearing about it. We get it , we're working on it. For the love of God -- MOVE ON.
The fact that the alien simply turned off the worlds power, everything, to get our attention, was brilliant.
This is Klaatu's speech at the end of the original 'The Day the Earth Stood Still:'
"I am leaving soon and you'll forgive me if I speak bluntly. The universe grows smaller every day and the threat of aggression by any group anywhere can no longer be tolerated. There must be security for all or no one is secure. Now this does not mean giving up any freedom, except the freedom to act irresponsibly. Your ancestors knew this when they made laws to govern themselves and hired policemen to enforce them. We, of the other planets, have long accepted this principle. We have an organization for the mutual protection of all planets and for the complete elimination of aggression. The test of any such higher authority is, of course, the police force that supports it. For our policemen we created a race of robots. Their function is to patrol the planets in spaceships like this one and preserve the peace. In matters of aggression we have given them absolute power over us. This power cannot be revoked. At the first signs of violence they act automatically against the aggressor. The penalty for provoking their action is too terrible to risk. The result is we live in peace without arms or armies, secure in the knowledge that we are free from aggression and war, free to pursue more profitable enterprises. Now, we do not pretend to have achieved perfection, but we do have a system, and it works. I came here to give you these facts. It is no concern of ours how you run your own planet, but if you threaten to extend your violence, this Earth of yours will be reduced to a burned-out cinder. Your choice is simple: join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course and face obliteration. We shall be waiting for your answer. The decision rests with you."
Monday, August 11, 2008
Explaining Fibromyalgia
I have fibromyalgia. Have had it for years. Even before it had a name. It is very hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it. Here is a letter compiled on the fibro web page that does a pretty good job.
TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
I look normal. Don't let my outward appearance fool you; I am in pain. I am not the same person I was a year ago, or two years ago, or 4, depending on when it was you last saw me. I look healthy; I am not.
My condition changes from day to day, sometimes even hour to hour. Today I might be able to walk with you a few miles; tomorrow I may not even be able to get up off the couch. A week ago I felt almost human; next week I may feel like something less than what the cat drags in. I may want to do all the same things I used to: to work out, take long walks, socialize, keep some semblance of household order, but I may not be capable of it.
If I say, "maybe later", please understand and accept this for what it is, which is not an excuse. It is a reason. I don't enjoy my new limitations; I hate it. I might even be physically able to do today what you wish for me to do, but if I know without a shadow of a doubt that pleasing you will mean for me later an incredible amount of pain, I must say no. I'm not lazy. I just hurt. And most of the time extremely tired.
I absolutely do not want pity. This is no reason to feel sorry for me--life is not perfect, and life happens to us all. This is the hand I have been dealt, and I intend to play it out. I don't blame the world for what I suffer, I don't rally against God. This is no one's fault. Not even my own.
I do not crave attention. I didn't decide one day that I was tired of living like a normal person, and that the means to a life of never again having to work, having my whims catered to, having friends and family treat me special and creating symptoms no one could see under a microscope. I loved my life the way it was; I was never depressed and I had plans. This isn't a cry for your attention. It just IS.
I don't feel sorry for myself. Why should I? Things don't always work out the way you'd like them to--this is one of those times. I can live with who I am now. I may not enjoy each day as much as I used to, but I still live for each day, and embrace whatever I can get out of life. Pain is my companion... But pain is not me.
I cannot force myself to readopt who I was before and resume the same roles. I might not be able to contact you every day as I did before, or engage in the activities we once did, whether it was shopping together and working out together, or just bowling, My life is going in new directions, and for me that might not be a bad thing. If the changes I have gone through disturb you, hold your comments and try to remember how it feels to have a very bad case of flu body aches and you can get an idea of how I feel every day.
If you think you know something that will help--I've already tried it. But if you must, I will listen politely and who knows, maybe it really is something new. Life deals us all a bad hand occasionally.
This is my turn. It happens, I accept it. I hope that you can, too.
TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
I look normal. Don't let my outward appearance fool you; I am in pain. I am not the same person I was a year ago, or two years ago, or 4, depending on when it was you last saw me. I look healthy; I am not.
My condition changes from day to day, sometimes even hour to hour. Today I might be able to walk with you a few miles; tomorrow I may not even be able to get up off the couch. A week ago I felt almost human; next week I may feel like something less than what the cat drags in. I may want to do all the same things I used to: to work out, take long walks, socialize, keep some semblance of household order, but I may not be capable of it.
If I say, "maybe later", please understand and accept this for what it is, which is not an excuse. It is a reason. I don't enjoy my new limitations; I hate it. I might even be physically able to do today what you wish for me to do, but if I know without a shadow of a doubt that pleasing you will mean for me later an incredible amount of pain, I must say no. I'm not lazy. I just hurt. And most of the time extremely tired.
I absolutely do not want pity. This is no reason to feel sorry for me--life is not perfect, and life happens to us all. This is the hand I have been dealt, and I intend to play it out. I don't blame the world for what I suffer, I don't rally against God. This is no one's fault. Not even my own.
I do not crave attention. I didn't decide one day that I was tired of living like a normal person, and that the means to a life of never again having to work, having my whims catered to, having friends and family treat me special and creating symptoms no one could see under a microscope. I loved my life the way it was; I was never depressed and I had plans. This isn't a cry for your attention. It just IS.
I don't feel sorry for myself. Why should I? Things don't always work out the way you'd like them to--this is one of those times. I can live with who I am now. I may not enjoy each day as much as I used to, but I still live for each day, and embrace whatever I can get out of life. Pain is my companion... But pain is not me.
I cannot force myself to readopt who I was before and resume the same roles. I might not be able to contact you every day as I did before, or engage in the activities we once did, whether it was shopping together and working out together, or just bowling, My life is going in new directions, and for me that might not be a bad thing. If the changes I have gone through disturb you, hold your comments and try to remember how it feels to have a very bad case of flu body aches and you can get an idea of how I feel every day.
If you think you know something that will help--I've already tried it. But if you must, I will listen politely and who knows, maybe it really is something new. Life deals us all a bad hand occasionally.
This is my turn. It happens, I accept it. I hope that you can, too.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Shameless Little Secret
OK I admit it, I watch Big Brother. I don't know why. It has to be some of the most mindless entertainment shows on TV. All I can figure out is I can yell at the TV and the people on there as much as I want without making anyone mad.
Just like in my car, I can roll up the windows and yell and scream at all the stupid drivers without having one of them stopping and poking me in the nose. Or in this day and time 'blowing me away'
What can I say, I LOVE TV
Just like in my car, I can roll up the windows and yell and scream at all the stupid drivers without having one of them stopping and poking me in the nose. Or in this day and time 'blowing me away'
What can I say, I LOVE TV
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Its a start
I live in a small town in Southwest MO in the Ozark Mtns (actually we call them hills) We have 3 lakes and beautiful wooded landscapes. At least we did 20 yrs ago before Country Music Theaters, some 60 to 65 of them, came here to perform live and along with some million or so tourist that come every year.
Don't get me wrong, this is basically a good thing. It brings a lot of jobs and they are dedicated to keeping the beauty, which we locals appreciate.
Yes you are right, we are hillbillies and proud of it because hillbillies are very resourceful people. We can grow about anything in soil that is known for growing rocks. We have indoor plumbing and we always wear shoes except on the creek bank.
My husband and I were high school sweethearts and have lived in the same county all of our married life. In fact my husband was Sheriff in this county for the 8 yrs prior to retirement and chief deputy 25 yrs prior to that.
I have never blogged before so don't know exactly how to do it. Never even kept a diary before. So I think I will sign off for awhile and go see what everyone else is saying.
Don't get me wrong, this is basically a good thing. It brings a lot of jobs and they are dedicated to keeping the beauty, which we locals appreciate.
Yes you are right, we are hillbillies and proud of it because hillbillies are very resourceful people. We can grow about anything in soil that is known for growing rocks. We have indoor plumbing and we always wear shoes except on the creek bank.
My husband and I were high school sweethearts and have lived in the same county all of our married life. In fact my husband was Sheriff in this county for the 8 yrs prior to retirement and chief deputy 25 yrs prior to that.
I have never blogged before so don't know exactly how to do it. Never even kept a diary before. So I think I will sign off for awhile and go see what everyone else is saying.
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