After 30 years in public education, I've retired! I am now the President of AARP Chapter #1, in Youngtown, Az. - the 1st Chapter ever 'to Serve, not to be Served!' I offer important information, challenging opinions, and inane humor.
Please spread the word about this blog-site, so that others may avail themselves of my assistance. I will do my best to provide a voice - even if it is only MY voice! This is Az I See It....if you can handle the TRUTH!
Az I see it....for those who can handle the TRUTH!
Az I See It....
- Let's see if I've got this straight: Premise for Arizona SB1070 opposition - The majority of illegal immigrants, in Arizona, are hardworking, good people, who are only interested in making a good life for their families, and are NOT criminals.
Hmmm....if they are here illegally, then they cannot pay income taxes on their earned incomes, because they have no Social Security numbers. If they DO have Social Security numbers, it is only because they are fraudulent or stolen. So, they're NOT paying taxes, or they are, but have stolen someone's ID, in order to do so. They are a major source of income for Mexico, where American dollars are highly-valued, and in the meantime, they are sucking the lifeblood out of our already over-burdened medical, educational, social, and law enforcement systems, while also occupying jobs - however menial, laborious, and low-paying - which legal citizens have lined-up for, when available, given these difficult financial times.
Most countries, including Mexico, have extremely strict immigration laws. Mexico loves American tourist dollars, but when Americans are suspected to be in Mexico illegally, they are arrested, and typically not well-treated. Likewise, other nations, ie., Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran, will arrest illegal border-crossers as spies, creating international incidents in most cases.
And the several states, and the country of Mexico, that have filed lawsuits to stop SB1070? Follow the money! Those governments have been bankrupted(or close to it) by the illegals among their populations, and know that if the illegals flee Arizona, they will run to other 'sanctuary' states(them!) - or back to Mexico - NONE of which is prepared for the social or economic fallout of such an event. Mexico stands to lose many millions of dollars, annually, which is otherwise easily funneled away from the U.S and into the Mexican economy. And the audacity of many of the illegals who proclaim they are leaving Arizona - and going to Pennsylvania, Utah, or Michigan, or some other state - where they will STILL be illegal!
So, when Arizona SB1070 has some of its provisions stayed, or stricken, by the courts, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the few others who refuse to be politically correct(while Arizona becomes as destitute, defenseless, and defiled as California), they should begin arresting illegals as spies, and demanding they be traded for American citizens being held in Mexican jails(yes - there ARE hundreds!)
The opposition to SB1070 proclaims that this law is racist, comparing it to the Civil Rights riots of Black Americans, in the 1960s, and the anti-Gay legislation/demonstrations that still are pervasive in today's society. News flash! Black and Gay Americans ARE - and have always been - LEGAL citizens who deserve to be treated with equality under the U.S. Constitution. Illegals do NOT deserve equal American rights, because they are NOT U.S. citizens - they are ILLEGAL. This has NOTHING to do with race, except that the overwhelming majority of illegal immigrants ARE Mexican(probably because they respect U.S. law so much!)
Finally, this 'Boycott Arizona' nonsense - even boycotting Arizona Tea, which is made in Lake Success, New York(that's right!), and scare-tactic estimates that tourism will lose $90M(yeah, and the speed cameras were supposed to make $90M, too!) Well, how about this - let's have Arizonans boycott everything Mexican. Yeah - boycott On the Border, Ajo Al's, Valle Luna, El Patron, Filiberto's, Macayo's, Rubio's - and Taco Bell! Can you imagine if Americans stopped drinking Tequila, or Corona Beer? We'd have riots from one side of the border and DTs on the other!
Hmmm....if they are here illegally, then they cannot pay income taxes on their earned incomes, because they have no Social Security numbers. If they DO have Social Security numbers, it is only because they are fraudulent or stolen. So, they're NOT paying taxes, or they are, but have stolen someone's ID, in order to do so. They are a major source of income for Mexico, where American dollars are highly-valued, and in the meantime, they are sucking the lifeblood out of our already over-burdened medical, educational, social, and law enforcement systems, while also occupying jobs - however menial, laborious, and low-paying - which legal citizens have lined-up for, when available, given these difficult financial times.
Most countries, including Mexico, have extremely strict immigration laws. Mexico loves American tourist dollars, but when Americans are suspected to be in Mexico illegally, they are arrested, and typically not well-treated. Likewise, other nations, ie., Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran, will arrest illegal border-crossers as spies, creating international incidents in most cases.
And the several states, and the country of Mexico, that have filed lawsuits to stop SB1070? Follow the money! Those governments have been bankrupted(or close to it) by the illegals among their populations, and know that if the illegals flee Arizona, they will run to other 'sanctuary' states(them!) - or back to Mexico - NONE of which is prepared for the social or economic fallout of such an event. Mexico stands to lose many millions of dollars, annually, which is otherwise easily funneled away from the U.S and into the Mexican economy. And the audacity of many of the illegals who proclaim they are leaving Arizona - and going to Pennsylvania, Utah, or Michigan, or some other state - where they will STILL be illegal!
So, when Arizona SB1070 has some of its provisions stayed, or stricken, by the courts, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the few others who refuse to be politically correct(while Arizona becomes as destitute, defenseless, and defiled as California), they should begin arresting illegals as spies, and demanding they be traded for American citizens being held in Mexican jails(yes - there ARE hundreds!)
The opposition to SB1070 proclaims that this law is racist, comparing it to the Civil Rights riots of Black Americans, in the 1960s, and the anti-Gay legislation/demonstrations that still are pervasive in today's society. News flash! Black and Gay Americans ARE - and have always been - LEGAL citizens who deserve to be treated with equality under the U.S. Constitution. Illegals do NOT deserve equal American rights, because they are NOT U.S. citizens - they are ILLEGAL. This has NOTHING to do with race, except that the overwhelming majority of illegal immigrants ARE Mexican(probably because they respect U.S. law so much!)
Finally, this 'Boycott Arizona' nonsense - even boycotting Arizona Tea, which is made in Lake Success, New York(that's right!), and scare-tactic estimates that tourism will lose $90M(yeah, and the speed cameras were supposed to make $90M, too!) Well, how about this - let's have Arizonans boycott everything Mexican. Yeah - boycott On the Border, Ajo Al's, Valle Luna, El Patron, Filiberto's, Macayo's, Rubio's - and Taco Bell! Can you imagine if Americans stopped drinking Tequila, or Corona Beer? We'd have riots from one side of the border and DTs on the other!
Az I Laugh At It....
- George pulled up a stool at his favorite bar, and announced, "Sharon must really love me a lot!" "What makes you say that?" asked the barkeep. George explained, "I had to take a couple of days off from work. Sharon was so thrilled that every time the Postman or the UPS man came by, she'd run down the driveway, waving her arms and hollering, "My husband's home! My Husband's home!"
- Adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between the ages of 12 and 17, for example, children may see their parents age 20 years!
- Some people have no respect for age unless it's bottled!
- Nick was examining his son Alec's report card. "One thing in your favor," he announced. With this report card, you couldn't possibly be cheating!"
- A budget is a complete record of how you managed to spend more than you earned!
- Adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between the ages of 12 and 17, for example, children may see their parents age 20 years!
- Some people have no respect for age unless it's bottled!
- Nick was examining his son Alec's report card. "One thing in your favor," he announced. With this report card, you couldn't possibly be cheating!"
- A budget is a complete record of how you managed to spend more than you earned!
Az I Use It....
- Arizona's two biggest-ever scam industries are history - Payday Loans and government-run, state-imposed Redflex highway speed cameras!
- First Things First, Arizona's early childhood assessment program that is in jeopardy of the state legislature commandeering at least $330M in tobacco tax-generated funds(Prop. 302 on the November 2010 ballot), in a budget-balancing maneuver, is spending a pile of money on advertising, to convince prospective voters that the program is worth fighting for. Actually, they are now spending more money on their media blitz than they spend on assessments! Most of the payouts have been directed towards administrative salaries and benefits!
- 73% of married couples, with larger than full-size or double beds, end in divorce. Smaller beds tend to promote more intimacy, and therefore stronger bonds. It is interesting that couples with separate beds, or sleeping in separate rooms, had only a 37% divorce rate(absence makes the heart grow fonder?)
- Most major industries are reporting profits for 2010, with some of them attempting to scam the public by stating that profits are down - not losing money, mind you, just not as high profits as they would like to have. They even claim that they are in position to begin hiring again, but remain on the sidelines, as millions of Americans scratch and scrimp to make enough money to purchase whatever products they have to sell!
- There is general agreement that the electric battery will be one of the answers to the U.S. economy, and therefore the recovery of the nation's morale. The disagreement is whether it will begin with the U.S. auto industry's future electric vehicles, or the vibrating products from the adult entertainment industry!
- First Things First, Arizona's early childhood assessment program that is in jeopardy of the state legislature commandeering at least $330M in tobacco tax-generated funds(Prop. 302 on the November 2010 ballot), in a budget-balancing maneuver, is spending a pile of money on advertising, to convince prospective voters that the program is worth fighting for. Actually, they are now spending more money on their media blitz than they spend on assessments! Most of the payouts have been directed towards administrative salaries and benefits!
- 73% of married couples, with larger than full-size or double beds, end in divorce. Smaller beds tend to promote more intimacy, and therefore stronger bonds. It is interesting that couples with separate beds, or sleeping in separate rooms, had only a 37% divorce rate(absence makes the heart grow fonder?)
- Most major industries are reporting profits for 2010, with some of them attempting to scam the public by stating that profits are down - not losing money, mind you, just not as high profits as they would like to have. They even claim that they are in position to begin hiring again, but remain on the sidelines, as millions of Americans scratch and scrimp to make enough money to purchase whatever products they have to sell!
- There is general agreement that the electric battery will be one of the answers to the U.S. economy, and therefore the recovery of the nation's morale. The disagreement is whether it will begin with the U.S. auto industry's future electric vehicles, or the vibrating products from the adult entertainment industry!
The Reel Deal
SALT(rated PG-13) - starring Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber
When is Angelina ever NOT beautiful? Even when in captivity, badly beaten and bruised, she is still a knockout! Evelyn Salt(Jolie) is a CIA operative accused of being a double agent - a Russian spy - whose ultimate mission is to kill both the Russian and U.S. presidents.
The action was plentiful, the stunts were impressive(reportedly, Jolie did many of her own), and she has now re-invented herself, ala Madonna. Remember the Adventures of Lara Croft? Well, Evelyn Salt is now the new Jason Bourne(two more sequels?) The only problem with this film is the unbelievable - even preposterous - situations in which Salt finds herself, and extricates herself, from the foot chases to the car chases to the gun battles.
So, if you're looking for an exciting dose of fantasy espionage, this could be just the right spice for you. But, if you're looking for a believable storyline, you might want to take this one with a grain of SALT!
When is Angelina ever NOT beautiful? Even when in captivity, badly beaten and bruised, she is still a knockout! Evelyn Salt(Jolie) is a CIA operative accused of being a double agent - a Russian spy - whose ultimate mission is to kill both the Russian and U.S. presidents.
The action was plentiful, the stunts were impressive(reportedly, Jolie did many of her own), and she has now re-invented herself, ala Madonna. Remember the Adventures of Lara Croft? Well, Evelyn Salt is now the new Jason Bourne(two more sequels?) The only problem with this film is the unbelievable - even preposterous - situations in which Salt finds herself, and extricates herself, from the foot chases to the car chases to the gun battles.
So, if you're looking for an exciting dose of fantasy espionage, this could be just the right spice for you. But, if you're looking for a believable storyline, you might want to take this one with a grain of SALT!
Az I Laugh At It....
- George returned home after a long, hard day at workday, and collapsed into bed. He was just about asleep, when Sharon rolled over and said, "What would you do if I told you there was a beautiful, sexy, horny woman lying next to you?" George replied, "Don't worry, Sharon. I'd stay faithful to you!"
- PJ walked into a bar and ordered martini after martini, each time removing the olives and placing them into a jar on the side. When the jar was filled, and all the martinis consumed, PJ started to leave. "Excuse me," said the bartender, "but what was that all about?" PJ replied, "Oh, my wife sent me out for a jar of olives."
- What's the difference between a man and a government bond? Bonds mature!
- Nick's broker called, and asked, "Remember that stock you bought that I said you'd be able to retire on?" "Yes! Yes!" Nick replied. "Well," his broker continued, "your retirement age is now 97!"
- "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink all day!" - Anon.
- PJ walked into a bar and ordered martini after martini, each time removing the olives and placing them into a jar on the side. When the jar was filled, and all the martinis consumed, PJ started to leave. "Excuse me," said the bartender, "but what was that all about?" PJ replied, "Oh, my wife sent me out for a jar of olives."
- What's the difference between a man and a government bond? Bonds mature!
- Nick's broker called, and asked, "Remember that stock you bought that I said you'd be able to retire on?" "Yes! Yes!" Nick replied. "Well," his broker continued, "your retirement age is now 97!"
- "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink all day!" - Anon.
The Reel Deal
Inception(rated PG-13) - starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Ken Watanabe, Ellen Page, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
'Inception' is defined as planting an idea into one's mind, through the use of dreams, so that they will unwittingly believe that the idea is their own. Cobb(DiCaprio) is an expert in this field, and is hired by Saito(Watanabe) to do as such to a business competitor, for purposes of Saito's personal gain. Ariadne(Page) is the dream architect, and Arthur(Gordon-Levitt) is the one to select the team members. The beautiful Mal(Cotillard) is the wife of Cobb, and serves to disrupt his abilities to dream(hey, he's married!)
When the inception evolves into a 'dream-within-a-dream,' and then advances to multiple levels of dream sequences, the story may become too confusing for some, but it is really just a combination of two Oscar-winning film ideas from a while ago - The Sting(Newman & Redford), where many similar twists and deceptions developed into a sensational end, and The Sixth Sense(Willis & Osmont), where the entire tale spun around 'I see dead people!'
Confused? To some, it will be more like 'Sliding Doors'(another great film) and Ocean's 11(or 12, or 13), with fascinating possibilities, or hard-to-follow(or swallow) loose ends. The worst part of this film were the preposterous gunfights, with only the 'bad guys' getting blown away, even though their fire power and numbers were far greater than the 'Dream Team.'
A good film, with a great cast, exceptional special effects, and an intriguing, though sometimes confusing story line - but worth the money. Hey, what a great idea!
'Inception' is defined as planting an idea into one's mind, through the use of dreams, so that they will unwittingly believe that the idea is their own. Cobb(DiCaprio) is an expert in this field, and is hired by Saito(Watanabe) to do as such to a business competitor, for purposes of Saito's personal gain. Ariadne(Page) is the dream architect, and Arthur(Gordon-Levitt) is the one to select the team members. The beautiful Mal(Cotillard) is the wife of Cobb, and serves to disrupt his abilities to dream(hey, he's married!)
When the inception evolves into a 'dream-within-a-dream,' and then advances to multiple levels of dream sequences, the story may become too confusing for some, but it is really just a combination of two Oscar-winning film ideas from a while ago - The Sting(Newman & Redford), where many similar twists and deceptions developed into a sensational end, and The Sixth Sense(Willis & Osmont), where the entire tale spun around 'I see dead people!'
Confused? To some, it will be more like 'Sliding Doors'(another great film) and Ocean's 11(or 12, or 13), with fascinating possibilities, or hard-to-follow(or swallow) loose ends. The worst part of this film were the preposterous gunfights, with only the 'bad guys' getting blown away, even though their fire power and numbers were far greater than the 'Dream Team.'
A good film, with a great cast, exceptional special effects, and an intriguing, though sometimes confusing story line - but worth the money. Hey, what a great idea!
Az I Use It....
- You have all day TODAY to eat Jewish sliders, at any of the Phoenix-metro area's four(4) Chompie's restaurants, for only 99cents(reg. $3.99 each!)
- Mark your calendar - on Aug. 1st, in honor of Dave Anderson, the founder of Famous Dave's Barbeque Restaurants, if your first name is Dave, Davy, or David, you will receive a complimentary entree - up to $15 value - FREE! If your middle name is of the 'Dave' variety, then you will receive your entree at half-price, up to $7.50-off! Famous Dave's is a nationwide chain. Chow down, Dave!
- Check out www.redplum.com/dealoftheday for special birthday dining freebies and everyday discounts and coupons!
- A recent UCLA study reports that more than 1/3 of American drinkers, age 65+, are at risk of harm due to adverse alcohol interaction with their diseases, medicines, or because they drink too much!
- Half-a-million diabetic Americans take Avandia for controlling their blood-glucose levels. Recent reports warn of a 40% increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death among those users. See your doctor!
- The fastest-growing industry in Arizona is solar energy installation. The fastest-growing consumer scam industry in Arizona is solar energy installation!
- Don't hit that gas pedal just yet - speed cameras along Arizona highways will not be inactive until Friday, July 16th. Any tickets you receive up 'til then will be valid!
- Traveling by automobile? To find out where 'speed traps' are, nationwide, log-on to www.speedtrap.org />
- Having trouble with your swimming pool's chemical balance? Log-on to www.healthypools.org for a FREE chemical test-strip kit(Don't you just LOVE 'FREE!')
- 66,000 pounds of Buffalo meat has been recalled, due to possible e-coli contamination. This does NOT include Buffalo wings, because those are chicken!
- For the best deals on money-saving gift certificates at your favorite restaurants nationwide, log-on to www.restaurant.com Typically, they are on sale for either only $2 or $3, for a $25 gift certificate!
- Did you know that this is 'National Daughter's Week?' It is said, "A daughter will hold your hand for a little while, but hold your heart for a lifetime!" I don't know who said, but it sure does ring true!
- Mark your calendar - on Aug. 1st, in honor of Dave Anderson, the founder of Famous Dave's Barbeque Restaurants, if your first name is Dave, Davy, or David, you will receive a complimentary entree - up to $15 value - FREE! If your middle name is of the 'Dave' variety, then you will receive your entree at half-price, up to $7.50-off! Famous Dave's is a nationwide chain. Chow down, Dave!
- Check out www.redplum.com/dealoftheday for special birthday dining freebies and everyday discounts and coupons!
- A recent UCLA study reports that more than 1/3 of American drinkers, age 65+, are at risk of harm due to adverse alcohol interaction with their diseases, medicines, or because they drink too much!
- Half-a-million diabetic Americans take Avandia for controlling their blood-glucose levels. Recent reports warn of a 40% increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death among those users. See your doctor!
- The fastest-growing industry in Arizona is solar energy installation. The fastest-growing consumer scam industry in Arizona is solar energy installation!
- Don't hit that gas pedal just yet - speed cameras along Arizona highways will not be inactive until Friday, July 16th. Any tickets you receive up 'til then will be valid!
- Traveling by automobile? To find out where 'speed traps' are, nationwide, log-on to www.speedtrap.org
- Having trouble with your swimming pool's chemical balance? Log-on to www.healthypools.org for a FREE chemical test-strip kit(Don't you just LOVE 'FREE!')
- 66,000 pounds of Buffalo meat has been recalled, due to possible e-coli contamination. This does NOT include Buffalo wings, because those are chicken!
- For the best deals on money-saving gift certificates at your favorite restaurants nationwide, log-on to www.restaurant.com Typically, they are on sale for either only $2 or $3, for a $25 gift certificate!
- Did you know that this is 'National Daughter's Week?' It is said, "A daughter will hold your hand for a little while, but hold your heart for a lifetime!" I don't know who said, but it sure does ring true!
Az I Play It....
- The NBA's Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Steve Nash has been named as a 'person of interest' in a recent rash of blunt-force trauma head injuries, due to people being hit in the head with basketballs, for the sake of saving energy in their homes!
- Arky Muscato, of Peoria, Az., has qualified regionally for the World Golfers Championship, shooting an 89 at Sun City Country Club, in Sun City, Az. The next step is to qualify at the national level, at the Wigwam Golf Resort(Litchfield Park, Phoenix, Az.) September 9th thru 12th, with the winners receiving all-expense paid trips to the World Championships, in HUA-HIA, Thailand, representing the United States against all other participating countries, October 30th thru November 6th.
- Sun City Country Club has a great summer golf deal: $125 for ten(10) rounds - including cart & practice range balls. Anyone may use the issued punch card, and it is good thru September 30th!
- Arky Muscato, of Peoria, Az., has qualified regionally for the World Golfers Championship, shooting an 89 at Sun City Country Club, in Sun City, Az. The next step is to qualify at the national level, at the Wigwam Golf Resort(Litchfield Park, Phoenix, Az.) September 9th thru 12th, with the winners receiving all-expense paid trips to the World Championships, in HUA-HIA, Thailand, representing the United States against all other participating countries, October 30th thru November 6th.
- Sun City Country Club has a great summer golf deal: $125 for ten(10) rounds - including cart & practice range balls. Anyone may use the issued punch card, and it is good thru September 30th!
The Reel Deal
Knight and Day(rated PG-13) - starring Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise
Well - if you're looking for laughter, thrills, espionage, 'chemistry,' and just a good-old entertaining time - THIS is, so far, the movie of the summer! Diaz and Cruise certainly exhibit chemistry(watch out Katie!) and the excitement, plot twists, and fun just doesn't stop!
Cruise is an undercover spy - having given up his real life, long ago, for the benefit of the CIA. Diaz is an, at first, unsuspecting participant in an espionage scheme gone awry. Together, they weave a plot that is somewhat predictable, yet always interesting, and the chase scenes, shoot-outs, and other action scenes are exemplary - and you can tell they must have a laugh-riot making this film. See it at any price and come away satisfied that you got your money's worth - any Knight - or Day!
Well - if you're looking for laughter, thrills, espionage, 'chemistry,' and just a good-old entertaining time - THIS is, so far, the movie of the summer! Diaz and Cruise certainly exhibit chemistry(watch out Katie!) and the excitement, plot twists, and fun just doesn't stop!
Cruise is an undercover spy - having given up his real life, long ago, for the benefit of the CIA. Diaz is an, at first, unsuspecting participant in an espionage scheme gone awry. Together, they weave a plot that is somewhat predictable, yet always interesting, and the chase scenes, shoot-outs, and other action scenes are exemplary - and you can tell they must have a laugh-riot making this film. See it at any price and come away satisfied that you got your money's worth - any Knight - or Day!
Az I Laugh At It....
- Outside a church, in Boston, a young boy was weeping. An old lady approached him and asked what was the matter. The little boy said, "My Grandma passed away this morning." "I'm so sorry," the lady replied, "would you like me to call Father O'Riley?" "NO!" said the boy. "At a time like this, sex is the last thing I have in mind!"
- Sharon and George were at a NYC fashion show, when Sharon noticed him overly-staring at the models in their short skirts and revealing tops. "George," she carped, "Stop that! You act like you've never seen a woman's legs or breasts before!" "You know," answered George, "I was just thinking the same thing!"
- "Take every birthday with a grain of salt. It works much better if the salt accompanies a Margarita." - Maxine
- "There's only one more shopping day until tomorrow!" - Sharon
- Sharon and George were at a NYC fashion show, when Sharon noticed him overly-staring at the models in their short skirts and revealing tops. "George," she carped, "Stop that! You act like you've never seen a woman's legs or breasts before!" "You know," answered George, "I was just thinking the same thing!"
- "Take every birthday with a grain of salt. It works much better if the salt accompanies a Margarita." - Maxine
- "There's only one more shopping day until tomorrow!" - Sharon
Congratulations!
- 2nd Lieutenant Archangel(Arky) Muscato, II has graduated into the U.S. Army Infantry, and will now embark on a two-month training regimen to become a U.S. Army Ranger. Arky graduated from the Arizona State University Army ROTC program, in May 2009, with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, and is stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Az I Laugh At It....
- There are five fruits in a bowl. Which you would choose says a lot about you. Interpretations at bottom.
Fruit selection: A. apple B. banana C. strawberry D. peach E. orange
- Bernie was such a womanizer, so true to form, he was at a department store one afternoon and was attracted to the saleswoman, proceeding to ask her on a date for that evening. She snapped at him, "I know your type. You think you can get me into bed. I can read you like a book!" Bernie smiled, and said, "Well, then, don't miss chapter five - it's a doozie!"
- PJ was staggering home with a pint of booze in his back pocket, when he slipped and fell heavily. Struggling to his feet, he felt something wet running down his leg. "Please, Lord," he implored, "let it be blood!"
- Interpretation to fruit selection above:
A. You like apples
B. you like bananas
C. you like strawberries
D. you like peaches
E. You like oranges
Fruit selection: A. apple B. banana C. strawberry D. peach E. orange
- Bernie was such a womanizer, so true to form, he was at a department store one afternoon and was attracted to the saleswoman, proceeding to ask her on a date for that evening. She snapped at him, "I know your type. You think you can get me into bed. I can read you like a book!" Bernie smiled, and said, "Well, then, don't miss chapter five - it's a doozie!"
- PJ was staggering home with a pint of booze in his back pocket, when he slipped and fell heavily. Struggling to his feet, he felt something wet running down his leg. "Please, Lord," he implored, "let it be blood!"
- Interpretation to fruit selection above:
A. You like apples
B. you like bananas
C. you like strawberries
D. you like peaches
E. You like oranges
Az I Play It....
- The NBA's Phoenix Suns proclaim that they are staying out of politics, but will wear their 'Los Suns' uniforms on Wednesday, in support of repealing Arizona's laws against illegal immigrants. Players appear unified in their support. also. Maybe if an NBA player is killed by an illegal, instead of a police officer, or a border rancher - maybe then they would know how the majority of Arizonans feel. Most Suns players do not not even live in Arizona in the off-season.
And it is interesting - no, hilarious - that they are showing concern for the Latino minority population, a demographic that is among the least able to afford to attend their games. I, for one, will no longer watch the Suns games, as I DO get it, and when you proclaim that you are not being political, then remain silent on the issue. Except for the very few NBA players who are from South American countries, the only Latinos you'll see at NBA games are the towel boys, service and cleaning crews. So, don't bite the hand that feeds you!
- Wouldn't it be great if the Suns opponents wore uniforms that said 'Saint Anthony?'
And it is interesting - no, hilarious - that they are showing concern for the Latino minority population, a demographic that is among the least able to afford to attend their games. I, for one, will no longer watch the Suns games, as I DO get it, and when you proclaim that you are not being political, then remain silent on the issue. Except for the very few NBA players who are from South American countries, the only Latinos you'll see at NBA games are the towel boys, service and cleaning crews. So, don't bite the hand that feeds you!
- Wouldn't it be great if the Suns opponents wore uniforms that said 'Saint Anthony?'
Az I See It....
It was dark at 10:13pm, on Saturday, May 1st, eastbound, on the way back from a fun-filled, Laughlin, Nevada golf outing. The weather was great, the skies were clear and moonlit, and the roads dry, although under construction restrictions - only one lane in each direction. I sat in the seat directly behind the bus driver, on the aisle, with a clear view of the roadway.
Our loaded, Greyhound-sized charter bus was traveling under the posted speed limit, as a red Dodge Caravan pulled out from the side of the roadway ahead. As the bus neared the auto, it appeared the Dodge driver was distracted, for some reason applying the brakes. The bus driver slowed more, and then veered into the westbound lane to avoid a rear end collision, as the Caravan seemed to disappear to the right. A short sigh of relief vanquished as the Caravan reappeared, in a flash, and attempted to make a U-turn in front of the bus, with immediate, catastrophic results! The bus came to a stop on the westbound shoulder, as the Caravan continued its slide into the desert area just past the shoulder, some 30 feet ahead.
I immediately dialed 9-1-1, as others exited the damaged bus to see if the Caravan driver would need assistance. One returned to the bus, telling me to inform the operator that EMT services were needed, as it appeared that the woman driver was unconscious and bleeding. I gave our location - just east of the Lake Pleasant Marina entrance - and then called my wife to let her know I'd be late. The 9-1-1 operator then called back, saying we had been cut-off, but I think she was just hoping it was a prank call. She assured me that help was on the way.
The police later confirmed my suspicions - that the driver had probably been confused - missing the Marina turn-off, and most likely getting directions from someone on her phone - still clutched in her hand. That person probably said something to the effect that she missed the turn-off, and needed to turn around. I know that she never knew we were on the road behind her - never saw us - and hopefully never felt the impact. A Peoria policeman later would tell us that she did not live, after being airlifted out.
The bus driver was devastated, the end of our trip was emotionally ruined, and we all felt the same - had the driver not been on her cellphone, this accident would never have occurred. God rest her soul, but let this be a forewarning to others who oppose legislation against cellphone usage while driving.
When our replacement bus finally departed, at 1:35am, we noticed several small, white crosses, along the same desert roadside - remembrances of others who have lost their lives on this same stretch of road, either before or after having the time of their lives. The last times!
Our loaded, Greyhound-sized charter bus was traveling under the posted speed limit, as a red Dodge Caravan pulled out from the side of the roadway ahead. As the bus neared the auto, it appeared the Dodge driver was distracted, for some reason applying the brakes. The bus driver slowed more, and then veered into the westbound lane to avoid a rear end collision, as the Caravan seemed to disappear to the right. A short sigh of relief vanquished as the Caravan reappeared, in a flash, and attempted to make a U-turn in front of the bus, with immediate, catastrophic results! The bus came to a stop on the westbound shoulder, as the Caravan continued its slide into the desert area just past the shoulder, some 30 feet ahead.
I immediately dialed 9-1-1, as others exited the damaged bus to see if the Caravan driver would need assistance. One returned to the bus, telling me to inform the operator that EMT services were needed, as it appeared that the woman driver was unconscious and bleeding. I gave our location - just east of the Lake Pleasant Marina entrance - and then called my wife to let her know I'd be late. The 9-1-1 operator then called back, saying we had been cut-off, but I think she was just hoping it was a prank call. She assured me that help was on the way.
The police later confirmed my suspicions - that the driver had probably been confused - missing the Marina turn-off, and most likely getting directions from someone on her phone - still clutched in her hand. That person probably said something to the effect that she missed the turn-off, and needed to turn around. I know that she never knew we were on the road behind her - never saw us - and hopefully never felt the impact. A Peoria policeman later would tell us that she did not live, after being airlifted out.
The bus driver was devastated, the end of our trip was emotionally ruined, and we all felt the same - had the driver not been on her cellphone, this accident would never have occurred. God rest her soul, but let this be a forewarning to others who oppose legislation against cellphone usage while driving.
When our replacement bus finally departed, at 1:35am, we noticed several small, white crosses, along the same desert roadside - remembrances of others who have lost their lives on this same stretch of road, either before or after having the time of their lives. The last times!
The Reel Deal
Letters to Juliet(Rated PG) - starring Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Redgrave, and Christopher Egan
Okay - on May 7th, Ironman II premieres, and you know you guys are going to drag your women to see it, the first of this summer's blockbuster releases. Well, you need to promise the ladies that in return, you will take them to see Letters to Juliet, when it is released on May 14th.
The beautiful and always charming Amanda Seyfried is Sophie, an aspiring journalist who happens upon a touching, 50-year unrequited romance tale, herself in the throes of an engagement to a married-to-the-business type. Redgrave is Claire, the woman who as a teen, passed on an opportunity to fulfill her dreams of true love, due to family and cultural pressures in the late 1950's. Egan is Claire's grandson Charlie, ever the cynic, and protective of Claire's emotional well-being. Together, they set out to find Lorenzo(Franco Nero), Claire's long-lost love.
Predictable? - Sure. Some bad acting? - Sure - but not by Seyfried or Redgrave, who are charming together. Some schmaltzy writing in a few places prevents this film from really shining. And the over-the-top acting of Sophie's fiance, Victor(Gael Garcia Bernal) would get him quickly tossed even from America's Got Talent! Critics may say 'skip it,' but I gotta tell ya - it will be the first great 'date flick' of the summer. Not just a 'chick flick,' because the humor and Chloe(I mean Seyfried) will keep the men captivatedly entertained as well! Hey - let THIS film be your Back Up Plan!
Okay - on May 7th, Ironman II premieres, and you know you guys are going to drag your women to see it, the first of this summer's blockbuster releases. Well, you need to promise the ladies that in return, you will take them to see Letters to Juliet, when it is released on May 14th.
The beautiful and always charming Amanda Seyfried is Sophie, an aspiring journalist who happens upon a touching, 50-year unrequited romance tale, herself in the throes of an engagement to a married-to-the-business type. Redgrave is Claire, the woman who as a teen, passed on an opportunity to fulfill her dreams of true love, due to family and cultural pressures in the late 1950's. Egan is Claire's grandson Charlie, ever the cynic, and protective of Claire's emotional well-being. Together, they set out to find Lorenzo(Franco Nero), Claire's long-lost love.
Predictable? - Sure. Some bad acting? - Sure - but not by Seyfried or Redgrave, who are charming together. Some schmaltzy writing in a few places prevents this film from really shining. And the over-the-top acting of Sophie's fiance, Victor(Gael Garcia Bernal) would get him quickly tossed even from America's Got Talent! Critics may say 'skip it,' but I gotta tell ya - it will be the first great 'date flick' of the summer. Not just a 'chick flick,' because the humor and Chloe(I mean Seyfried) will keep the men captivatedly entertained as well! Hey - let THIS film be your Back Up Plan!
Az I See It....
It happened! Arizona's State Senator Russell Pearce(Republican - Mesa) sponsored the strictest anti-illegal immigration bill in the nation, it was approved by the State House and State Senate, and signed into law by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer. It is now a crime, and complies with federal law, to be in Arizona illegally. And opposition has come out in droves, with protests, talk of boycotts and other sanctions to repeal the law, which will go into effect in about 90 days.
Police will now be able to question a person's legal residency, when they feel there is reason to do so, possibly before any more officers or legal citizens are killed, injured, or otherwise criminalized - including identity theft and lack of job possibilities(that's a crime and a shame!) Since Arizona began a crackdown, last year, on working here illegally, the population(and expected growth) has greatly declined - along with serious crimes. Of the remaining serious criminal activities, much is attributed to human and drug trafficking - and most coming into Arizona from Mexico!
Foes say it is unconstitutional, and that it screams racial prejudice. Sen. Pearce pointed out that being in Arizona illegally is not racial, it is criminal. When Americans enter Mexico or Canada, or return to the U.S. from those countries, they must enter through Customs at legal border crossings, or face jail and deportation if caught. Mexico has a habit of not deporting Americans, unless pressured to do so, preferring to keep them jailed!
Furthermore, when stopped by a policeman, I must produce my license, registration and proof of insurance, or face legal consequences. I cannot board a commercial plane without proving(several times) that I am who I say I am. I cannot cash checks at the bank without proper ID, and I must provide a legitimate Social Security Number for purposes of employment. None of these actions are racially motivated, but I must prove that I am 'legal.'
Critics say that crime victims will fear retribution from gangs and other criminals facing jail or deportation for their crimes, and will refuse to identify and testify against such criminals. That is already the case. Now that we can really get rid of them, maybe people will be more inclined to cooperate with authorities. Many genres of crime go largely unreported, for various reasons that have nothing to do with race and deportation!
A recent ICE investigation of only 84 Arizona companies reveals that 43 of them have as many as 3,000 illegals working for them. Imagine if all companies were investigated - Arizona unemployment could be the lowest in the nation! One company just let 300 illegal workers go! Were they taxpayers? Only if they were using someone else's Social Security Number. Are they consumers? Yes, but they will be replaced by legal Arizonans who cannot now afford to be consumers - and will not send portions of such earnings to another country!
Legal challenges will fall short, except that a new, national immigration policy may now be on the forefront, but for now, Pres. Obama is looking bad for his decrying of this long-standing situation, and U.S. Secty. of Homeland Insecurity Janet Napolitano looks as incompetent and unconcerned as she has since her second stint as Arizona governor began, in 2006.
Human Rights are different from Civil Rights, and illegal residents in the U.S. have no U.S. Civil Rights standing. Their Human Rights should be respected, and they should be sent back to help their own legal country to help it become as good for them and others as the United States of America!
Police will now be able to question a person's legal residency, when they feel there is reason to do so, possibly before any more officers or legal citizens are killed, injured, or otherwise criminalized - including identity theft and lack of job possibilities(that's a crime and a shame!) Since Arizona began a crackdown, last year, on working here illegally, the population(and expected growth) has greatly declined - along with serious crimes. Of the remaining serious criminal activities, much is attributed to human and drug trafficking - and most coming into Arizona from Mexico!
Foes say it is unconstitutional, and that it screams racial prejudice. Sen. Pearce pointed out that being in Arizona illegally is not racial, it is criminal. When Americans enter Mexico or Canada, or return to the U.S. from those countries, they must enter through Customs at legal border crossings, or face jail and deportation if caught. Mexico has a habit of not deporting Americans, unless pressured to do so, preferring to keep them jailed!
Furthermore, when stopped by a policeman, I must produce my license, registration and proof of insurance, or face legal consequences. I cannot board a commercial plane without proving(several times) that I am who I say I am. I cannot cash checks at the bank without proper ID, and I must provide a legitimate Social Security Number for purposes of employment. None of these actions are racially motivated, but I must prove that I am 'legal.'
Critics say that crime victims will fear retribution from gangs and other criminals facing jail or deportation for their crimes, and will refuse to identify and testify against such criminals. That is already the case. Now that we can really get rid of them, maybe people will be more inclined to cooperate with authorities. Many genres of crime go largely unreported, for various reasons that have nothing to do with race and deportation!
A recent ICE investigation of only 84 Arizona companies reveals that 43 of them have as many as 3,000 illegals working for them. Imagine if all companies were investigated - Arizona unemployment could be the lowest in the nation! One company just let 300 illegal workers go! Were they taxpayers? Only if they were using someone else's Social Security Number. Are they consumers? Yes, but they will be replaced by legal Arizonans who cannot now afford to be consumers - and will not send portions of such earnings to another country!
Legal challenges will fall short, except that a new, national immigration policy may now be on the forefront, but for now, Pres. Obama is looking bad for his decrying of this long-standing situation, and U.S. Secty. of Homeland Insecurity Janet Napolitano looks as incompetent and unconcerned as she has since her second stint as Arizona governor began, in 2006.
Human Rights are different from Civil Rights, and illegal residents in the U.S. have no U.S. Civil Rights standing. Their Human Rights should be respected, and they should be sent back to help their own legal country to help it become as good for them and others as the United States of America!
The Reel Deal
The Back Up Plan(rated PG-13) - starring Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin - with cameo roles from Linda Lavin and Tom Bosley!
So, we're in Hollywood, CA., at The Grove, and there is a 'Girls Night Out' promotion, so Linda goes over and obtains two tickets to the Thursday premiere of this film. It takes forever to get it started(45 minutes late), and then we were told why - JLo walked in to thank everyone for attending her premiere! Pretty cool, huh?
Well, that was the last of the cool - except for one hysterically funny birthing scene, the rest was just banal comedy, with little enjoyment, and sooooo predictable(right, Sharon?) It was nice to see Linda Lavin(Alice), and Tom Boswell(Mr. C) again. O'Loughlin still hasn't found a niche outside of being a good vampire P.I. on Moonlight, but he re-invigorated the popularity of hairy-chested hunks for the ladies! Save your money on this one! Log-on to filmmetro.com for a Back Up Plan!
So, we're in Hollywood, CA., at The Grove, and there is a 'Girls Night Out' promotion, so Linda goes over and obtains two tickets to the Thursday premiere of this film. It takes forever to get it started(45 minutes late), and then we were told why - JLo walked in to thank everyone for attending her premiere! Pretty cool, huh?
Well, that was the last of the cool - except for one hysterically funny birthing scene, the rest was just banal comedy, with little enjoyment, and sooooo predictable(right, Sharon?) It was nice to see Linda Lavin(Alice), and Tom Boswell(Mr. C) again. O'Loughlin still hasn't found a niche outside of being a good vampire P.I. on Moonlight, but he re-invigorated the popularity of hairy-chested hunks for the ladies! Save your money on this one! Log-on to filmmetro.com for a Back Up Plan!
Az I Use It....
- Arizona solar rebates, by APS and SRP, have been drastically cut - and immediately so - further evidence that the solar industry and the state government are not interested in 'going green,' but only 'getting your green!'
- The makers of Bayer Aspirin have created a quick-release, crystalline form, for your nightstand, in case you experience a heart attack while in bed(most do occur at night), you may quickly ingest some that will more quickly get into your bloodstream - and it may save your life!(Thanks, Paul!)
- In an unrelated study, steady aspirin usage for heart health was found to lead to hearing loss in men over 50 years of age - especially if they stuffed the tablets in their ears, I suppose(try the crystals!)
- Consumers nationwide are complaining that now that they have conserved water, as requested by governments and their regulated utility entities, they are now facing extremely large increases in their water rates, because the income for those utilities is lagging 'costs.' Once again, it seems that 'going green'....!
- More airline fees? Fuel surcharges have resurfaced, as much as $20/RT; seat assignment fees; higher baggage fees; peak travel time fees - as much as $20/RT; Spirit Airlines is charging for carry-on baggage, while major carriers have so far declined to do so; and airport landing fees - try declining, and see if you are allowed to fly indefinitely!
- Wondering if it will rain anywhere you may be in the U.S? Log-on to: www.doineedanumbrella.com />
- Restaurant.com is again offering $25 gift certificates to some of your favorite restaurants for only $2. This deal ends soon - Monday, April 26th - so hurry(they'll offer another soon, if you miss it!) Use Promo Code: MEAL
- I know - you've been waiting for this one - well here it is: Do you wonder how to obtain movie tickets to 'Sneak Previews' and such? Log-on to: www.filmmetro.com and search your city for coming events. Really - it's FREE!
- The U.S. Treasury Dept. has released a new design for the $100 bill. When asking citizens if they approved of the new look, 99 of 100 Americans surveyed said they had never heard of, or seen, such a denomination. And it cost several million dollars for the design!
- Recent internet Obama joke: It appears Obama will seek to impose a 40% tax on aspirin, because it is white and it works!
- The makers of Bayer Aspirin have created a quick-release, crystalline form, for your nightstand, in case you experience a heart attack while in bed(most do occur at night), you may quickly ingest some that will more quickly get into your bloodstream - and it may save your life!(Thanks, Paul!)
- In an unrelated study, steady aspirin usage for heart health was found to lead to hearing loss in men over 50 years of age - especially if they stuffed the tablets in their ears, I suppose(try the crystals!)
- Consumers nationwide are complaining that now that they have conserved water, as requested by governments and their regulated utility entities, they are now facing extremely large increases in their water rates, because the income for those utilities is lagging 'costs.' Once again, it seems that 'going green'....!
- More airline fees? Fuel surcharges have resurfaced, as much as $20/RT; seat assignment fees; higher baggage fees; peak travel time fees - as much as $20/RT; Spirit Airlines is charging for carry-on baggage, while major carriers have so far declined to do so; and airport landing fees - try declining, and see if you are allowed to fly indefinitely!
- Wondering if it will rain anywhere you may be in the U.S? Log-on to: www.doineedanumbrella.com
- Restaurant.com is again offering $25 gift certificates to some of your favorite restaurants for only $2. This deal ends soon - Monday, April 26th - so hurry(they'll offer another soon, if you miss it!) Use Promo Code: MEAL
- I know - you've been waiting for this one - well here it is: Do you wonder how to obtain movie tickets to 'Sneak Previews' and such? Log-on to: www.filmmetro.com and search your city for coming events. Really - it's FREE!
- The U.S. Treasury Dept. has released a new design for the $100 bill. When asking citizens if they approved of the new look, 99 of 100 Americans surveyed said they had never heard of, or seen, such a denomination. And it cost several million dollars for the design!
- Recent internet Obama joke: It appears Obama will seek to impose a 40% tax on aspirin, because it is white and it works!
Az I Teach It....
- Vote FOR a state sales tax increase? NOT! More scare tactics are claiming impending doom - larger class sizes, loss of public services, more teachers, firemen, and police officers - virtually all public service sector layoffs! No talk of cutting expenses, such as duplication and wasteful and/or unnecessary spending, etc. No mention of administrators - in all sectors - losing their jobs. Why? Because the cuts are starting at the bottom, and working their way up. Education cuts will not mean the loss of overpaid, and unnecessary or duplicate administrative positions. Cutting just ONE administrator will save at least TWO teaching positions(usually more!) And there are NO specifics as to where the increased education funding will go, because each district has....wait for it....Local Control - and may use the money any way they wish! Historically, in Arizona, it has been administration first - classroom last - hysterically!
- Arizona Dept. of Education figures, as reported by an ASU research study, states that 85% of Arizona public school students do not switch schools, regardless of being labled Excelling, Failing, or anything in-between. Transportation and economics are the biggest factors in determining school choice, as well as local opinon, however uninformed. What was not reported was that as many as 10% of Arizona's children do not attendschool, or attend very minimally!
- Arizona Dept. of Education figures, as reported by an ASU research study, states that 85% of Arizona public school students do not switch schools, regardless of being labled Excelling, Failing, or anything in-between. Transportation and economics are the biggest factors in determining school choice, as well as local opinon, however uninformed. What was not reported was that as many as 10% of Arizona's children do not attendschool, or attend very minimally!
Az I Laugh At It....
- Sharon told George that they needed to divide the household chores more evenly. She suggested that George take care of the inside, and that she would pay someone to take care of the outside!
- The Principal was asked to forward a list of staff members, broken-down by age and sex. He responded with the following: "Attached is a list of my staff. We currently have no one broken-down by age or sex, however we do have a few alcoholics!"
- "Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence." - Anonymous(Duh - I wonder why!)
- The Principal was asked to forward a list of staff members, broken-down by age and sex. He responded with the following: "Attached is a list of my staff. We currently have no one broken-down by age or sex, however we do have a few alcoholics!"
- "Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence." - Anonymous(Duh - I wonder why!)
Az I See It....
Prologue:Â Failure is only an opportunity to begin again - more intelligently!
International: Mexico City is sinking at approximately 8" per year. With a population of 18.7M, the underground sewer system is rotting away, and water is eroding the city's base, creating potential for massive flooding!....Arizona's new immigration legislation, should Gov. Jan Brewer sign it into law next week, will make it a crime to be in Arizona illegally. The intent is to send the human flood back to Mexico, where more than 75% of illegals enter the U.S. annually - more than 750,000 in the past two years. Already claims of racial profiling, extra expense, etc., are making this law moot!....The Vatican - meaning Dope Benedict XVI - has issued specific guidelines, for the first time, that compel bishops and clerics, worldwide, to report sex abuse claims to local authorities - but only if they are required to do so by local law. He just doesn't get it!
National: In the U.S., women over 40 years of age are having more children than any other age group!....The Governor of Nebraska(a man) has signed two anti-abortion laws, which limit when a woman may have an abortion, as well as mandating mental screening, before allowing such procedures. While both will prove to be unconstitutional, I find it hard to believe that women have allowed this legislation!....The scare tactics will not stop - the latest being a supposed massive shortage of docors, considering the influx of 30M potential new patients. It does seem, however, that these presently uninsured patients ae presently being treated at hospital ERs, free clinics, etc., at taxpayer expense, and there has already been an uptick in physician training, med school enrollment, etc., in anticipation of this national breakthrough in human rights(a BFD!)....While Republicans are decrying supposed upcoming Obama-mandated tax increases, Sen. Lindsey Graham(R - SC) is championing a national 15 cents per gallon of gasoline tax increase. Major oil companies have historically opposed such hikes for fear that Americans would be strained, but are now in support, sensing that there is much 'wiggle room,' knowing that the market will bear prices up to almost $4/gallon before conservation and economic factors affect sales. Until then - Gentleman, raise your prices!
State/Local: Repubcan state representative Nancy Bartow says the federal government should not have the ability to tell anyone that they must buy insurance of any kind. Just try not purchasing auto insurance, though, and see how long before your driving privileges are suspended(right, Nancy?)....The Az. Senate has approved SB 1334, which prohibits texting-while-driving. This is merely a nuicance law, as offenders(if caught) will claim they were merely making a call. The legislature still hasn't the commonsense to ban cellphone use-while-driving, as other states have(except in case of emergency.) They will, if one of their fiends or loved ones is killed by a similarly distracted driver!....8th grade students may be required to pass a Civics test before being allowed to advance to high school. I'm betting this will not come-to-pass, because the majority of legislators could not pass the same test - unless it, too, was dumbed-down!....How about this combination - Arizonans no longer need a permi to carry a gun - concealed or otherwise - at the same time being a crime to be in Arizona if you are not a legal U.S. resident. Redneck target practice!....April is Arizona Anti-Child Abuse Month. It was recently 'celebrated' by the criminal courts handing down a five-year sentence to a mother who willfully drowned her newborn baby, because she did not want her husband to find out that she had a child that was fathered by someone else. Arizona is currently among the nation's leaders in child abuse cases and severity.  Child abusers are very thankful for the other eleven months. Happy Anti-Child Abuse Month, Arizona!
Epilogue:Â You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice that thorns have roses!
International: Mexico City is sinking at approximately 8" per year. With a population of 18.7M, the underground sewer system is rotting away, and water is eroding the city's base, creating potential for massive flooding!....Arizona's new immigration legislation, should Gov. Jan Brewer sign it into law next week, will make it a crime to be in Arizona illegally. The intent is to send the human flood back to Mexico, where more than 75% of illegals enter the U.S. annually - more than 750,000 in the past two years. Already claims of racial profiling, extra expense, etc., are making this law moot!....The Vatican - meaning Dope Benedict XVI - has issued specific guidelines, for the first time, that compel bishops and clerics, worldwide, to report sex abuse claims to local authorities - but only if they are required to do so by local law. He just doesn't get it!
National: In the U.S., women over 40 years of age are having more children than any other age group!....The Governor of Nebraska(a man) has signed two anti-abortion laws, which limit when a woman may have an abortion, as well as mandating mental screening, before allowing such procedures. While both will prove to be unconstitutional, I find it hard to believe that women have allowed this legislation!....The scare tactics will not stop - the latest being a supposed massive shortage of docors, considering the influx of 30M potential new patients. It does seem, however, that these presently uninsured patients ae presently being treated at hospital ERs, free clinics, etc., at taxpayer expense, and there has already been an uptick in physician training, med school enrollment, etc., in anticipation of this national breakthrough in human rights(a BFD!)....While Republicans are decrying supposed upcoming Obama-mandated tax increases, Sen. Lindsey Graham(R - SC) is championing a national 15 cents per gallon of gasoline tax increase. Major oil companies have historically opposed such hikes for fear that Americans would be strained, but are now in support, sensing that there is much 'wiggle room,' knowing that the market will bear prices up to almost $4/gallon before conservation and economic factors affect sales. Until then - Gentleman, raise your prices!
State/Local: Repubcan state representative Nancy Bartow says the federal government should not have the ability to tell anyone that they must buy insurance of any kind. Just try not purchasing auto insurance, though, and see how long before your driving privileges are suspended(right, Nancy?)....The Az. Senate has approved SB 1334, which prohibits texting-while-driving. This is merely a nuicance law, as offenders(if caught) will claim they were merely making a call. The legislature still hasn't the commonsense to ban cellphone use-while-driving, as other states have(except in case of emergency.) They will, if one of their fiends or loved ones is killed by a similarly distracted driver!....8th grade students may be required to pass a Civics test before being allowed to advance to high school. I'm betting this will not come-to-pass, because the majority of legislators could not pass the same test - unless it, too, was dumbed-down!....How about this combination - Arizonans no longer need a permi to carry a gun - concealed or otherwise - at the same time being a crime to be in Arizona if you are not a legal U.S. resident. Redneck target practice!....April is Arizona Anti-Child Abuse Month. It was recently 'celebrated' by the criminal courts handing down a five-year sentence to a mother who willfully drowned her newborn baby, because she did not want her husband to find out that she had a child that was fathered by someone else. Arizona is currently among the nation's leaders in child abuse cases and severity.  Child abusers are very thankful for the other eleven months. Happy Anti-Child Abuse Month, Arizona!
Epilogue:Â You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice that thorns have roses!
Az I AARP It....
- At the April breakfast event for the Surprise(Az.) Regional Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Eric Novak, a renowned, politically active orthopedic surgeon from Glendale, Az. spoke on the 'impending doom' that newly enacted national health care reform laws will have on Arizonans. He spoke of the probability that single mothers will face job discrimination and struggle to obtain and afford health insurance; that businesses with 49 employees will refrain from hiring the 50th; that Arizona would cut education, along with health care spending for the indigent and children, in order to be able to balance the state budget - because of added expenses mandated by this federal law; that young, healthy Americans should not be forced to buy what they do not need(most are one illness or injury away from being indigent themselves!); that it was unconstitutional for the feds to mandate its citizens to purchase anything, and that this particular battle would eventually lead to the U.S. Supreme Court, with lower court rulings setting plausible precedents(legal experts are already claiming precedent is with the President, and that Gov. Brewer and her cronies are wasting valuable taxpayer dollars!); and stated, specifically, that AARP was complicit with the insurance industries in their support of this legislation, and its evils, with unnamed insurance execs quickly proclaiming, "We won!"
I sat there, refraining from comment, because as President of AARP Chapter #1(Youngtown, Az) I am bound to abstain from political intervention. As a blogger, I may state my opposition to this elitist, and I will begin by stating the simplest - "Follow the money!" When asked why Arizonans could not purchase insurance from out-of-state networks, he replied that it was state law, and that it could be done by the legislature, if they wanted to do so. Yet he implied that the state should not be held responsible for education and health care cuts - and instead cut elsewhere - because they would have no other choice.(All state workers will receive pay cuts for the next fiscal year - except for legislators and the Governor's office!) Single mothers are already the largest group of uninsured, because they cannot afford the skyrocketing premiums, rising arbitrarily and much faster than any rate of consumer inflation index. He spoke in a room full of struggling, small-business entrepreneurs with only a few employees each, while it would be those with annual incomes of $250K or more(like the Dr.) who would bear the brunt of any tax increases. He ignored that Medicare is a forced insurance purchase - right from Social Security checks(Congress exempt), and Arizona mandates the purchase of auto insurance, and lenders are allowed to mandate purchase of mortgage protection and hazard insurances, among other mandates. Arizona has many alternatives to cutting education and health funds for children and indigents - they just do not hold those as priorities. And who pays for their expenses now? The ever-dwindling middle class. That's who! Not the high-dollar earner, who is refusing to share, because somewhere along the line, the word 'share' became synonymous with 'socialism.' It is forgotten that Social Security is just that - as well as the world's biggest Ponzi Scheme - promising to pay off the past investors with investments from present and future investors - yet Congress has borrowed from the SS pool to the point of eminent bankruptcy! And Medicare? A single-payer, government-run health insurance system. I know of NO seniors willing to cede their Medicare, yet many are also unwilling to share their good fortunes. Dr. Novak spoke of impending costs to seniors, but not a word of their gains, ie., closing the pharmaceutical 'donut hole,' assuring a longer life to Medicare, long-term care benefits, etc.
Since the Obama inauguration of 2009, critics have assailed the president as being anti-Christian - the basis for the founding of the United States of America. Right, wrong, or indifferent, is it very Christian-like to deny those less fortunate the ability to sustain health and well-being in a society that can well-afford it? Why do foodbanks exist, and how are they funded/supplied? Are Free Health Clinics, including ER visits, really FREE? And to those wealthy misers, or those who feel that their business prowess and financial successes should be esteemed over those 'worthless idlers, or supposedly those unwilling-to-work,' who do you think purchases items which you produce or market, so that you may attain your riches and lifestyle? It's about time the onus shifted a bit to the north of the economic scale.
I credit David Moss, the CEO of the Surprise Chamber, for sensing an unfairness to AARP, and the one-sidedness of the presentation, and he immediately expressed his concerns to me(Thank you, Dave!) I deferred comment to David Mitchell, AARP State Director. He has the legal authority to present AARP political issues. The rich will always be rich, and the poor will always be poor, but pain and suffering could be allayed to eliminate at least one of life's indignities. Follow the money!
I sat there, refraining from comment, because as President of AARP Chapter #1(Youngtown, Az) I am bound to abstain from political intervention. As a blogger, I may state my opposition to this elitist, and I will begin by stating the simplest - "Follow the money!" When asked why Arizonans could not purchase insurance from out-of-state networks, he replied that it was state law, and that it could be done by the legislature, if they wanted to do so. Yet he implied that the state should not be held responsible for education and health care cuts - and instead cut elsewhere - because they would have no other choice.(All state workers will receive pay cuts for the next fiscal year - except for legislators and the Governor's office!) Single mothers are already the largest group of uninsured, because they cannot afford the skyrocketing premiums, rising arbitrarily and much faster than any rate of consumer inflation index. He spoke in a room full of struggling, small-business entrepreneurs with only a few employees each, while it would be those with annual incomes of $250K or more(like the Dr.) who would bear the brunt of any tax increases. He ignored that Medicare is a forced insurance purchase - right from Social Security checks(Congress exempt), and Arizona mandates the purchase of auto insurance, and lenders are allowed to mandate purchase of mortgage protection and hazard insurances, among other mandates. Arizona has many alternatives to cutting education and health funds for children and indigents - they just do not hold those as priorities. And who pays for their expenses now? The ever-dwindling middle class. That's who! Not the high-dollar earner, who is refusing to share, because somewhere along the line, the word 'share' became synonymous with 'socialism.' It is forgotten that Social Security is just that - as well as the world's biggest Ponzi Scheme - promising to pay off the past investors with investments from present and future investors - yet Congress has borrowed from the SS pool to the point of eminent bankruptcy! And Medicare? A single-payer, government-run health insurance system. I know of NO seniors willing to cede their Medicare, yet many are also unwilling to share their good fortunes. Dr. Novak spoke of impending costs to seniors, but not a word of their gains, ie., closing the pharmaceutical 'donut hole,' assuring a longer life to Medicare, long-term care benefits, etc.
Since the Obama inauguration of 2009, critics have assailed the president as being anti-Christian - the basis for the founding of the United States of America. Right, wrong, or indifferent, is it very Christian-like to deny those less fortunate the ability to sustain health and well-being in a society that can well-afford it? Why do foodbanks exist, and how are they funded/supplied? Are Free Health Clinics, including ER visits, really FREE? And to those wealthy misers, or those who feel that their business prowess and financial successes should be esteemed over those 'worthless idlers, or supposedly those unwilling-to-work,' who do you think purchases items which you produce or market, so that you may attain your riches and lifestyle? It's about time the onus shifted a bit to the north of the economic scale.
I credit David Moss, the CEO of the Surprise Chamber, for sensing an unfairness to AARP, and the one-sidedness of the presentation, and he immediately expressed his concerns to me(Thank you, Dave!) I deferred comment to David Mitchell, AARP State Director. He has the legal authority to present AARP political issues. The rich will always be rich, and the poor will always be poor, but pain and suffering could be allayed to eliminate at least one of life's indignities. Follow the money!
Az I Use It....
- Did you forget, or don't you need any new appliances? Log-on to: www.arizonarebates.com But beware! While you must replace your older model(and surrender it to be recycled/trashed), you must also replace it with a qualified 'Energy Star' certified replacement. The trouble is that the standards for such a designation are so varied that you may be replacing your older model appliance with one that is less efficient, so be sure to check the specifications of whatever model appliance you are interested in upgrading!
- Now that income tax reporting week is upon us, it is time to prepare to destroy any older, unneeded documents that may contain sensitive or financially private information. What better place than Youngtown Plaza, where on Saturday, April 24th(9am to 12noon), AARP Chapter #1 will coordinate with the Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard's Office, and the Voice of Youngtown Business Assn. Expo - sponsored by the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce - to conduct its Annual Shred-a-Thon - and promote Goddard's anti-identity theft initiatives! Youngtown Plaza is located at the southwest corner of 111th Avenue and W. Alabama, in Youngtown.
- Now that income tax reporting week is upon us, it is time to prepare to destroy any older, unneeded documents that may contain sensitive or financially private information. What better place than Youngtown Plaza, where on Saturday, April 24th(9am to 12noon), AARP Chapter #1 will coordinate with the Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard's Office, and the Voice of Youngtown Business Assn. Expo - sponsored by the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce - to conduct its Annual Shred-a-Thon - and promote Goddard's anti-identity theft initiatives! Youngtown Plaza is located at the southwest corner of 111th Avenue and W. Alabama, in Youngtown.
Az I Laugh At It....
- Susan told Nick, "That young couple next door are so loving. Every day, when he leaves for work, he kisses her goodbye - and every evening, when he comes home, he brings her a dozen roses. Now, why can't you do that?" Nick replied, "Gee, Susan, I hardly even know her!"
- Sharon called George, sounding very disgusted. "What's the matter?" asked George. Sharon growled, "I just bought a jigsaw puzzle of a big rooster and I can't get any of the pieces to line up." "I'll be home soon," said George. Upon arriving home, Sharon led George to the kitchen table and showed him the puzzle. George said, "For Heaven's sake, Sharon, put the Corn Flakes back in the box!"
- After a long day of staff meetings, Bernie was sitting at a bar, looking quite dismayed, so the bartender asked him what was the matter. "The Principal gave an aptitude test today, to see what we're best-suited for," said Bernie. "So, what's the problem?" asked the bartender. Bernie replied, "Well, it seems I'm best-suited for unemployment!"
- A mother is cleaning her teenage daughter's room, when she finds a bondage magazine, hidden under the bed. She shows it to her husband and asks him what he thinks they should do. After flicking through the magazine, her husband says, "To be honest, I'm not sure, but I don't think spanking her is going to help!"
- Sharon called George, sounding very disgusted. "What's the matter?" asked George. Sharon growled, "I just bought a jigsaw puzzle of a big rooster and I can't get any of the pieces to line up." "I'll be home soon," said George. Upon arriving home, Sharon led George to the kitchen table and showed him the puzzle. George said, "For Heaven's sake, Sharon, put the Corn Flakes back in the box!"
- After a long day of staff meetings, Bernie was sitting at a bar, looking quite dismayed, so the bartender asked him what was the matter. "The Principal gave an aptitude test today, to see what we're best-suited for," said Bernie. "So, what's the problem?" asked the bartender. Bernie replied, "Well, it seems I'm best-suited for unemployment!"
- A mother is cleaning her teenage daughter's room, when she finds a bondage magazine, hidden under the bed. She shows it to her husband and asks him what he thinks they should do. After flicking through the magazine, her husband says, "To be honest, I'm not sure, but I don't think spanking her is going to help!"
Az I Play It....
- On the eve of the Masters Golf Championship, Billy Payne, the Chairman of the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club has decided to chide Tiger Woods, citing how 'he disappointed generations of golf fans, failed to live up to expectations, and blah, blah, blah.' Can you believe it? This exclusive club did not allow any Black members until 1990, will not divulge if any members are currently African-American, and women are NOT and NEVER have been allowed to join! Sounds like the irons are calling the woods Black!
Az I AARP It....
- It's not too soon to mark your calendar and plan on attending the next Chapter #1 meeting. On Friday, May 7th, we will honor longtime Board members Lucille Retheford and Daphne Green, who are retiring from active service. This will be the last meeting of this season, with meetings reconvening in September!
- On Saturday, April 24th, the AARP Chapter #1 Annual Shred-a-Thon will be held in cooperation with the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and Voice of Youngtown Business Association's Recycling/Business Expo. These events will be at the Youngtown Plaza, southwest corner of 111th Ave and Alabama, in Youngtown. The Recycling/Business Expo will be from 9am to 2pm, while the Shred-a-Thon will be from 9am until 12noon, and include distribution of anti-identity theft information from the office of Maricopa County Attorney General Terry Goddard. Individuals will be allowed up to two(2) Xerox-size boxes or bags of materials to shred - at NO charge. Additional boxes or bags will cost $10 each, with all monies being donated to the Valley View Community Food Bank, on Nevada Ave., in Youngtown.
The recycling effort is open to all, regardless of community residency, and will include appliances, computer and other electronic components, sealed paint cans and automotive batteries, etc. For more information, contact National Glass(a major sponsor), on W. Michigan Ave., in Youngtown, at 623-933-8203
Come on out and see what Youngtown and the other West Valley Community businesses have to offer!
- On Saturday, April 24th, the AARP Chapter #1 Annual Shred-a-Thon will be held in cooperation with the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and Voice of Youngtown Business Association's Recycling/Business Expo. These events will be at the Youngtown Plaza, southwest corner of 111th Ave and Alabama, in Youngtown. The Recycling/Business Expo will be from 9am to 2pm, while the Shred-a-Thon will be from 9am until 12noon, and include distribution of anti-identity theft information from the office of Maricopa County Attorney General Terry Goddard. Individuals will be allowed up to two(2) Xerox-size boxes or bags of materials to shred - at NO charge. Additional boxes or bags will cost $10 each, with all monies being donated to the Valley View Community Food Bank, on Nevada Ave., in Youngtown.
The recycling effort is open to all, regardless of community residency, and will include appliances, computer and other electronic components, sealed paint cans and automotive batteries, etc. For more information, contact National Glass(a major sponsor), on W. Michigan Ave., in Youngtown, at 623-933-8203
Come on out and see what Youngtown and the other West Valley Community businesses have to offer!
Az I Laugh At It....
- Bernie and Nick were finished with work. Bernie proclaimed, "As soon as I get home, I'm going to rip off my wife's panties!" Nick asked, "That horny, huh?" Bernie said, "No, the elastic in the legs are killing me!"
- Sharon was wearing a designer t-shirt with 'GUESS' on it. I said, "Thyroid condition?" She's still not speaking to me!
- The Sunday school teacher said to her students, "We have been learning how powerful Kings and Queens were in Bible times, but is there a higher power? Can anyone tell me what it is?" Little Nicky raised his hand, and said, "Aces!"
- Sharon was wearing a designer t-shirt with 'GUESS' on it. I said, "Thyroid condition?" She's still not speaking to me!
- The Sunday school teacher said to her students, "We have been learning how powerful Kings and Queens were in Bible times, but is there a higher power? Can anyone tell me what it is?" Little Nicky raised his hand, and said, "Aces!"
Az I Use It....
- It takes money to make money - on Monday, April 12th, beginning at 6:00am, log-on to: www.arizonarebates.com to register for one of 35,000 Energy Star appliance rebates, ranging from $75(dishwasher) to $425(electric heat pump.) Beware, though, as retailers know you're coming, so prices may no longer be discounted. Shop prices beforehand. In the long run, it is better to have a 'whole house' appliance insurance policy!
- A Tempe, Arizona restaurant owner(Caffe' Boa) has received death threats for having 'Bunny Rabbit' on his Easter dinner menu. Hey - it's not like the Catholic Church, which has indulged in fresh, young meat 'entrees,' regardless of Holidays, for decades!
- U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary(and former Az. Gov.) Janet Napolitano has agreed to send federal money to Rhode Island to assist after rivers flooded much of the state. She still refuses, however, to send money to Arizona to assist in stemming the flood of illegal aliens into the state!
- A Tempe, Arizona restaurant owner(Caffe' Boa) has received death threats for having 'Bunny Rabbit' on his Easter dinner menu. Hey - it's not like the Catholic Church, which has indulged in fresh, young meat 'entrees,' regardless of Holidays, for decades!
- U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary(and former Az. Gov.) Janet Napolitano has agreed to send federal money to Rhode Island to assist after rivers flooded much of the state. She still refuses, however, to send money to Arizona to assist in stemming the flood of illegal aliens into the state!
Az I See It....
Prologue: Diet tip - Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite, so you won't eat as much!
International: It is evermore evident that Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI had knowledge of, and were complicit in, protecting pedophile priests from authorities. It's about time the Catholics reverted to an Italian Pope!....Pope Benedict XVI blamed the Easter Bunny, because it has more expertise in moving things around and hiding them, yet the former Cardinal Joseph Alois Ratzinger refused to discipline, prosecute, or defrock the late Rev. Lawrence Murphy, who was suspected of molesting as many as 200 Wisconsin deaf boys, in the mid-1980s. Can you hear them now?....Islamist suicide bombers have hit the Moscow, Russia subway system. Too bad for them - more countries are now likely to assist the U.S. in both sanctions and warfare!....North Korea issued yet another warning, to South Korea and the U.S., of "unprecedented nuclear strikes," if political interference occurs. Someone should tell GWB where the WMDs are!....And in another disclosure as to the key reason GWB ordered the invasion of Iraq, U.S. and European officials have decided to not ban Iran's petroleum trade with the world, as a sanction for nuclear regulatory mandates. Such sanctions, it was reported, would severely harm Iran's economy, forcing compliance, but would also harm all other nations' oil imports, wreaking havoc on their economies. It's all about the oil!
National: While a recent Condomania study(based on 27,000 men purchasing TheyFit condoms) reports that Arizona ranks 5th for the nation's largest penises, all agreed that Washington, DC has the nation's biggest dicks!....It is amazing how gullible and stupid our younger generation is, regarding the new health care reform legislation. While they voice their opposition to a purchase mandate, citing their young & vibrant health status, they do not realize that they are merely one bacteria, virus, or injury away from becoming indigent!....Is it unfair that Pres. Obama is raising federal income taxes in 2014, of those who earn more than $250K, in order to fund health care reform? Well, Gov. Jan Brewer(R - Az), is proposing to raise state income taxes immediately, for those who earn more than $300K, in order to fund Arizona's indigent health care, regardless of any federal funding or legislation!....Another bl;ow to the U.S. housing industry - Texas-based Temple-Inland, Inc., will shutter two of its corrugated cardboard box plants(Glendale, Az & Evansville, Ind.) Severance packages will include refrigerator-sized abodes for each of the 160 lucky, soon-to-be-homeless employees!....Caution: police departments across the nation are suffering budgetary pangs, and so they are now ticketing drivers for peddling as little as 5 mph over the posted limits, regardless of 'reasonable and prudent' speed and conditions, and regardless of previous procedures. Don't say I didn't warn you!
State/Local: Out-going Gov. Brewer, and out-going Stupid-Intendent of Public Destruction Tom Horne, have successfully been denied as much as $250M in federal education grants - in the process, squandering $250K in grants from the Bill and Martha Gates Foundation, to pay 'experts'(local ties, I'm sure) to develop the application. While those responsible for the grants ranked Arizona's application second-to-last, receiving an 'F'(only uninhabited S. Dakota was worse), citing inept and incomplete responses, Horne differed in his opinion, and said the effort was consistent with Arizona's efforts to educate our youth! Yeah - THAT'S the point!....While many are vociferous(pretty good, huh?) in their displeasure with the national Health care reform budget, Gov. Brewer tossed 350,000 grateful-for-the-feds health insurance from state Kids Care, while also cutting Medicaid allotments by $38.5M - in the process jeopardizing $56M in federal funds for Kids Care, and $5B for Medicaid!....In a final kudo to Horne - Arizona will soon unveil the 'Grand Canyon Diploma' - a cutting-edge high school diploma for all eligible non-freshmen, who are bored with high school courses, and would otherwise most likely drop out. The diploma would not prepare students for entrance to any four-year colleges, so they would then be equal to students receiving a regular high school diploma(freshmen dropouts would remain legally bored!)....Sen. John McCain, in his final re-election bid for the position, is advocating 'If you don't ask, you don't get' - except for pork barrel projects. Still proclaiming that he is working to have them eliminated, he has only eliminated Arizona from receiving them. He does nothing to cause others to do the same. Fine example you are, Sen. McCain't!....Sarah Palin has done mor for the United States of America than Se. McCain - without her help, McCain could have been elected President!....Will Sheriff Joe Arpaio resign, and announce a run for Governor? Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas resigned, in a bid to obtain Terry Goddard's seat as Az. Attorney General. Say it ain't so, Joe - we'd end up with George Gascon as Sheriff(when SF throws him out!)....Tom Horne(running for AG) says Thomas has been a disgrace as County Attorney. He must be so proud of his legacy of one of the worst education systems in the nation!
Epilogue: Why is there no Chocoholics Anonymous? Because no one wants to quit!
International: It is evermore evident that Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI had knowledge of, and were complicit in, protecting pedophile priests from authorities. It's about time the Catholics reverted to an Italian Pope!....Pope Benedict XVI blamed the Easter Bunny, because it has more expertise in moving things around and hiding them, yet the former Cardinal Joseph Alois Ratzinger refused to discipline, prosecute, or defrock the late Rev. Lawrence Murphy, who was suspected of molesting as many as 200 Wisconsin deaf boys, in the mid-1980s. Can you hear them now?....Islamist suicide bombers have hit the Moscow, Russia subway system. Too bad for them - more countries are now likely to assist the U.S. in both sanctions and warfare!....North Korea issued yet another warning, to South Korea and the U.S., of "unprecedented nuclear strikes," if political interference occurs. Someone should tell GWB where the WMDs are!....And in another disclosure as to the key reason GWB ordered the invasion of Iraq, U.S. and European officials have decided to not ban Iran's petroleum trade with the world, as a sanction for nuclear regulatory mandates. Such sanctions, it was reported, would severely harm Iran's economy, forcing compliance, but would also harm all other nations' oil imports, wreaking havoc on their economies. It's all about the oil!
National: While a recent Condomania study(based on 27,000 men purchasing TheyFit condoms) reports that Arizona ranks 5th for the nation's largest penises, all agreed that Washington, DC has the nation's biggest dicks!....It is amazing how gullible and stupid our younger generation is, regarding the new health care reform legislation. While they voice their opposition to a purchase mandate, citing their young & vibrant health status, they do not realize that they are merely one bacteria, virus, or injury away from becoming indigent!....Is it unfair that Pres. Obama is raising federal income taxes in 2014, of those who earn more than $250K, in order to fund health care reform? Well, Gov. Jan Brewer(R - Az), is proposing to raise state income taxes immediately, for those who earn more than $300K, in order to fund Arizona's indigent health care, regardless of any federal funding or legislation!....Another bl;ow to the U.S. housing industry - Texas-based Temple-Inland, Inc., will shutter two of its corrugated cardboard box plants(Glendale, Az & Evansville, Ind.) Severance packages will include refrigerator-sized abodes for each of the 160 lucky, soon-to-be-homeless employees!....Caution: police departments across the nation are suffering budgetary pangs, and so they are now ticketing drivers for peddling as little as 5 mph over the posted limits, regardless of 'reasonable and prudent' speed and conditions, and regardless of previous procedures. Don't say I didn't warn you!
State/Local: Out-going Gov. Brewer, and out-going Stupid-Intendent of Public Destruction Tom Horne, have successfully been denied as much as $250M in federal education grants - in the process, squandering $250K in grants from the Bill and Martha Gates Foundation, to pay 'experts'(local ties, I'm sure) to develop the application. While those responsible for the grants ranked Arizona's application second-to-last, receiving an 'F'(only uninhabited S. Dakota was worse), citing inept and incomplete responses, Horne differed in his opinion, and said the effort was consistent with Arizona's efforts to educate our youth! Yeah - THAT'S the point!....While many are vociferous(pretty good, huh?) in their displeasure with the national Health care reform budget, Gov. Brewer tossed 350,000 grateful-for-the-feds health insurance from state Kids Care, while also cutting Medicaid allotments by $38.5M - in the process jeopardizing $56M in federal funds for Kids Care, and $5B for Medicaid!....In a final kudo to Horne - Arizona will soon unveil the 'Grand Canyon Diploma' - a cutting-edge high school diploma for all eligible non-freshmen, who are bored with high school courses, and would otherwise most likely drop out. The diploma would not prepare students for entrance to any four-year colleges, so they would then be equal to students receiving a regular high school diploma(freshmen dropouts would remain legally bored!)....Sen. John McCain, in his final re-election bid for the position, is advocating 'If you don't ask, you don't get' - except for pork barrel projects. Still proclaiming that he is working to have them eliminated, he has only eliminated Arizona from receiving them. He does nothing to cause others to do the same. Fine example you are, Sen. McCain't!....Sarah Palin has done mor for the United States of America than Se. McCain - without her help, McCain could have been elected President!....Will Sheriff Joe Arpaio resign, and announce a run for Governor? Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas resigned, in a bid to obtain Terry Goddard's seat as Az. Attorney General. Say it ain't so, Joe - we'd end up with George Gascon as Sheriff(when SF throws him out!)....Tom Horne(running for AG) says Thomas has been a disgrace as County Attorney. He must be so proud of his legacy of one of the worst education systems in the nation!
Epilogue: Why is there no Chocoholics Anonymous? Because no one wants to quit!
Az I Laugh At It....
- PJ wasn't feeling well, so he went to see the doctor. After a thorough evaluation, the doctor said, "PJ, based on my exam, the best thing for you is to cut out all sweets and fatty foods; give up alcohol; and stop smoking." PJ replied, " Well, to be honest with you doc, I don't deserve the best. What's the second best?"
- Kathy came into the newsroom to pay for her husband's obituary. She was told told, by the kindly newsman, that it cost a dollar per word. Kathy sobbed that she only had two dollars, and so wrote out "Bill died." The newsman thought Bill deserved more, and said he'd give her three more words for free. Sharon thanked him, and re-wrote, "Bill died. Boat for sale"
- George wondered, "Sharon, you never argue when we get mad at each other anymore. How can you control your anger?" "I just clean the toilet," answered Sharon. "How does that help?" queried George. Sharon replied, "I use your toothbrush!"
- Little Alec went to the barbershop, and the barber whispered to a customer, "This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch - I'll prove it to you!" The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand, two quarters in the other, and asks Little Alec, "Which do you want, son?" Without hesitation, Little Alec takes the two quarters and leaves. "What did I tell you?" laughed the barber. Later, when the customer leaves, he sees Little Alec coming out of the ice cream store, and stops him to ask, "Hey, son - why did you take the two quarters instead of the dollar bill?" Little Alec licked his ice cream cone and replied, "Because the day I take the dollar bill, the game is over!"
- Nick didn't get the job he'd applied for, so he asked Susan to review his job application. Question #1: List your high school, and when you attended. Nick's answer: " Watertown High School - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday..."
- Kathy came into the newsroom to pay for her husband's obituary. She was told told, by the kindly newsman, that it cost a dollar per word. Kathy sobbed that she only had two dollars, and so wrote out "Bill died." The newsman thought Bill deserved more, and said he'd give her three more words for free. Sharon thanked him, and re-wrote, "Bill died. Boat for sale"
- George wondered, "Sharon, you never argue when we get mad at each other anymore. How can you control your anger?" "I just clean the toilet," answered Sharon. "How does that help?" queried George. Sharon replied, "I use your toothbrush!"
- Little Alec went to the barbershop, and the barber whispered to a customer, "This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch - I'll prove it to you!" The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand, two quarters in the other, and asks Little Alec, "Which do you want, son?" Without hesitation, Little Alec takes the two quarters and leaves. "What did I tell you?" laughed the barber. Later, when the customer leaves, he sees Little Alec coming out of the ice cream store, and stops him to ask, "Hey, son - why did you take the two quarters instead of the dollar bill?" Little Alec licked his ice cream cone and replied, "Because the day I take the dollar bill, the game is over!"
- Nick didn't get the job he'd applied for, so he asked Susan to review his job application. Question #1: List your high school, and when you attended. Nick's answer: " Watertown High School - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday..."
Az I Use It....
- A typical lead pencil can write 45,000 words, or draw a line approximately 35 miles long. In the United States, about 75% of pencils are yellow, and they are actually made of graphite - not lead!
- As gasoline prices begin their early-spring/summer climb to $3.00-plus, check-out any of the following websites to track the best possible gas prices in your zip-code areas: www.fuelmeup.com, www.gasbuddy.com, www.gaspricewatch.com, or www.automotive.com/gas-prices/index.html And remember, there are very diminishing returns the further away you drive from your main destination, just to save a penny or two per gallon, when your vehicle may only hold 15 to 20 gallons or so.
- MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is adamant that there will be no added taxes on any Cactus League Spring Training tickets, in order to finance a new stadium facility specifically for Mesa's Chicago Cubs, saying it would not be fair to the other 13 Cactus League teams. The 'Cubs Tax' would ensure that Mesa's annual $138M in revenue would be maintained. Instead, he favors a proposal that would create a new Maricopa County-wide sales tax increase, because it is evidently more fair for all of Maricopa County's residents to share the burden of Mesa's potential loss - even if you do not benefit from Mesa's economy!
- Las Vegas, Nevada is home to the Hoover Dam(well, it's close), and while it produces massive amounts of energy, it cannot prevent flooding, as Vegas has more home mortgages 'underwater' than any other U.S. city - a whopping 81 percent!
- It's to the point that before I deposit money into a bank, I ask them what they have for collateral!
- As gasoline prices begin their early-spring/summer climb to $3.00-plus, check-out any of the following websites to track the best possible gas prices in your zip-code areas: www.fuelmeup.com, www.gasbuddy.com, www.gaspricewatch.com, or www.automotive.com/gas-prices/index.html And remember, there are very diminishing returns the further away you drive from your main destination, just to save a penny or two per gallon, when your vehicle may only hold 15 to 20 gallons or so.
- MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is adamant that there will be no added taxes on any Cactus League Spring Training tickets, in order to finance a new stadium facility specifically for Mesa's Chicago Cubs, saying it would not be fair to the other 13 Cactus League teams. The 'Cubs Tax' would ensure that Mesa's annual $138M in revenue would be maintained. Instead, he favors a proposal that would create a new Maricopa County-wide sales tax increase, because it is evidently more fair for all of Maricopa County's residents to share the burden of Mesa's potential loss - even if you do not benefit from Mesa's economy!
- Las Vegas, Nevada is home to the Hoover Dam(well, it's close), and while it produces massive amounts of energy, it cannot prevent flooding, as Vegas has more home mortgages 'underwater' than any other U.S. city - a whopping 81 percent!
- It's to the point that before I deposit money into a bank, I ask them what they have for collateral!
The Reel Deal
Chloe(rated R) - starring Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfried, and Liam Neeson
Erotica! Pure, adult erotica! Catherine Stewart(Moore) plays a suspicious housewife, whose handsome(?) husband David(Neeson) has plenty of opportunities - and offers - to sleep around, and she hires a beautiful, young hooker, Chloe(Seyfried) to see what her husband will do, when tempted. Seyfried(Mama Mia, HBO's Big Love, & Dear John) plays a Glenn Close 'Fatal Attraction-type,' whose intentions are twisted throughout, leading to several possible endings, while titillating the 'means-to-an-end.'
It is the sexual escapades of the women that make this 'thriller' have any thrills at all(if you're into that sort of thing!) While the script is weaker than the original idea, the explicit sex is what will bring this film a return on its money - but most likely on DVD in a very few weeks. And if you even think of bringing your children to see this one - Mama Mia!
Erotica! Pure, adult erotica! Catherine Stewart(Moore) plays a suspicious housewife, whose handsome(?) husband David(Neeson) has plenty of opportunities - and offers - to sleep around, and she hires a beautiful, young hooker, Chloe(Seyfried) to see what her husband will do, when tempted. Seyfried(Mama Mia, HBO's Big Love, & Dear John) plays a Glenn Close 'Fatal Attraction-type,' whose intentions are twisted throughout, leading to several possible endings, while titillating the 'means-to-an-end.'
It is the sexual escapades of the women that make this 'thriller' have any thrills at all(if you're into that sort of thing!) While the script is weaker than the original idea, the explicit sex is what will bring this film a return on its money - but most likely on DVD in a very few weeks. And if you even think of bringing your children to see this one - Mama Mia!
Az I See It....
Prologue: There is something to be said for being Zest-fully clean!
International: An Islamist website, sympathetic to Al-Qaida, advocates killing Christians, in Nigeria. You may want to ask your neighborhood Islamists who they are sympathetic to!....In Bavaria, native country of Pope Benedict XVI, Catholic bishops are shocked at the ever-widening scope of priest child-sex abuse incidents!....The FBI maintains there is no evidence that U.S. government employees were the actual targets, by drug cartel thugs in Juarez, Mexico - other than the fact that they were chased-down and then gunned-down!
National: Since FDR was able to create the Social Security system, most Democratic Presidents(and some Republicans) have attempted to implement universal health care, asserting it to be a basic American right! Well, it is now the law - and by 2014, 32 million of the present 47 million uninsured/under-insured Americans will have health care insurance. The remaining 15 million will be dead!....Nationwide, supposed Christian factions have denounced ObamaCare, because it will cost too much money. These are the same factions that protest in favor of illegal immigrant rights - on moral grounds! And shame on those who love their Medicare, yet refuse to allow the same benefits to those less fortunate!....Toyota sales were down 9% in February, but up 40% so far, in March. And most of the problems have not been satisfactorily explained or fixed yet!....Sen. John McCain is encouraging Arizonans to complete and return their 2010 Census forms, so that we can receive more federal money - to make up for the billions of Arizonan's federal taxes that he and Sen. Jon Kyl have diverted to other states, annually!
State: On May 18th, Arizonans will be asked to vote on Prop. 100, which would implement an additional, supposedly temporary 18% increase in state sales tax - from 5.6% to 6.6%. With the legislature's track record, it's not that I don't trust them - I JUST DON'T TRUST THEM! Vote NO! In lieu of Prop. 100 approval, the state will attempt to abscond with $325M, voter-approved Tobacco Tax funds, that is directed to First Things First, an early childhood development program. Knowing that their time is now limited, FTF officials have proposed a compromise - to loan money to the state. Legislators have indicated they would be interested in a compromise, if the terms are: $325M loan, with 0% interest, and no monthly payments - forever!....Walmart, known for its low-paying, part-time jobs, with little or no benefits, is Arizona's largest employer - and government and MLB officials want Maricopa County citizens to pick up the tab for a new Chicago Cubs spring training facility. Strike Three!....McCain Frozen Potatoes have been recalled, for possible salmonella poisoning. John McCain can't recall if he had potatoes for dinner last night!....It's official - Secty. of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has ended her political affiliation with Arizona, scrapping future development of the 'Virtual Fence' along the U.S.-Mexico border. Originally promised to be an 800-mile barrier, her decision comes after only 23 miles has been completed!
Local: If there is so much hatred for Sheriff Joe Arpaio - an elected official - why not attempt a recall? I'll tell ya why - most opposition is either unorganized, or not eligible/registered to vote(Hint: illegal), and Arpaio is typically re-elected by overwhelming majorities!....Rapper DMX, aka Earl Simmons, said he would never even fly over - let alone return - to Arizona, after his prison term for drugs, weapons and animal abuse concluded. He must have forgot. He was newly sentenced to an additional six months - for drugs, weapons and probation violation. Rap this!
Epilogue: "People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured, if you have enough money, you can have a key made!" - Joan Rivers
International: An Islamist website, sympathetic to Al-Qaida, advocates killing Christians, in Nigeria. You may want to ask your neighborhood Islamists who they are sympathetic to!....In Bavaria, native country of Pope Benedict XVI, Catholic bishops are shocked at the ever-widening scope of priest child-sex abuse incidents!....The FBI maintains there is no evidence that U.S. government employees were the actual targets, by drug cartel thugs in Juarez, Mexico - other than the fact that they were chased-down and then gunned-down!
National: Since FDR was able to create the Social Security system, most Democratic Presidents(and some Republicans) have attempted to implement universal health care, asserting it to be a basic American right! Well, it is now the law - and by 2014, 32 million of the present 47 million uninsured/under-insured Americans will have health care insurance. The remaining 15 million will be dead!....Nationwide, supposed Christian factions have denounced ObamaCare, because it will cost too much money. These are the same factions that protest in favor of illegal immigrant rights - on moral grounds! And shame on those who love their Medicare, yet refuse to allow the same benefits to those less fortunate!....Toyota sales were down 9% in February, but up 40% so far, in March. And most of the problems have not been satisfactorily explained or fixed yet!....Sen. John McCain is encouraging Arizonans to complete and return their 2010 Census forms, so that we can receive more federal money - to make up for the billions of Arizonan's federal taxes that he and Sen. Jon Kyl have diverted to other states, annually!
State: On May 18th, Arizonans will be asked to vote on Prop. 100, which would implement an additional, supposedly temporary 18% increase in state sales tax - from 5.6% to 6.6%. With the legislature's track record, it's not that I don't trust them - I JUST DON'T TRUST THEM! Vote NO! In lieu of Prop. 100 approval, the state will attempt to abscond with $325M, voter-approved Tobacco Tax funds, that is directed to First Things First, an early childhood development program. Knowing that their time is now limited, FTF officials have proposed a compromise - to loan money to the state. Legislators have indicated they would be interested in a compromise, if the terms are: $325M loan, with 0% interest, and no monthly payments - forever!....Walmart, known for its low-paying, part-time jobs, with little or no benefits, is Arizona's largest employer - and government and MLB officials want Maricopa County citizens to pick up the tab for a new Chicago Cubs spring training facility. Strike Three!....McCain Frozen Potatoes have been recalled, for possible salmonella poisoning. John McCain can't recall if he had potatoes for dinner last night!....It's official - Secty. of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has ended her political affiliation with Arizona, scrapping future development of the 'Virtual Fence' along the U.S.-Mexico border. Originally promised to be an 800-mile barrier, her decision comes after only 23 miles has been completed!
Local: If there is so much hatred for Sheriff Joe Arpaio - an elected official - why not attempt a recall? I'll tell ya why - most opposition is either unorganized, or not eligible/registered to vote(Hint: illegal), and Arpaio is typically re-elected by overwhelming majorities!....Rapper DMX, aka Earl Simmons, said he would never even fly over - let alone return - to Arizona, after his prison term for drugs, weapons and animal abuse concluded. He must have forgot. He was newly sentenced to an additional six months - for drugs, weapons and probation violation. Rap this!
Epilogue: "People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured, if you have enough money, you can have a key made!" - Joan Rivers
Az I Teach It....
- It has been discovered that many school districts have diverted money from Prop. 301 funds - voter approved for EXTRA teacher pay - and most claim that THEY interpreted the law as meaning they could use it for REGULAR pay, in lieu of state cuts to their budgets. Of the offenders, the Deer Valley District was reported to have diverted the most - as much as $1M - with officials saying it was used for maintenance, transportation, support staff, and additional administration for new student programs!
- National education standards are being drafted, and preliminary curricula for math and English appear to be years ahead of any Arizona standards, at current grade-levels. While education officials profess cooperation and interest, the truth is that 'local control' will again prevail, and the children of the Copper State will continue to suffer!
- A new moniker will be created to replace G.W. Bush's NCLB. In the meantime, Pres. Obama's 'Rise to the Top' initiative has denied grants to Arizona(which totaled $250M), deeming the state's education not to be progressive, dedicated, or committed enough(They must have read Az I See It!)
- Arizona's major universities announced that tuition will rise according to a new standard - if you still have money, they want it! As it is, available jobs, for new graduates, pay less than most other states, and along with the lack of adequate university education, it dooms them to long-term financial struggles!
- Az. Public School Stupid-Intendent Tom Horne has announced he will run for Attorney General. Not to worry - the majority of people that Horne's tenure has oppressed are not yet old enough to vote, so he will lose!
- Gotta hand it to teachers - they are consistent! Together with students and parents, they recently staged protests, over proposed budget cuts, but will take no significant action, even if legislative actions prove to be the rule!
- Highest rate of absenteeism, in Az public schools, belongs to lower to middle class White students!
- The newest drug in public schools is called Strawberry Quick(crystal meth), and looks like 'Pop Rocks,' the candy of choice for many students. It smells like strawberries, and also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape, and orange flavors! And yet teachers still allow students to eat candy in their classrooms!
- Congratulations to Meghan Hauter(Deer Valley Middle School) for being the recipient of a $150 Murphy Mini-Grant, awarded by the All Arizona School Retirees Association!
- On the first day of school, about mid-morning, the kindergarten teacher said, "If anyone has to go to the bathroom, hold up two fingers." From the back of the room, Little Nicky asked, "How will that help?"
- National education standards are being drafted, and preliminary curricula for math and English appear to be years ahead of any Arizona standards, at current grade-levels. While education officials profess cooperation and interest, the truth is that 'local control' will again prevail, and the children of the Copper State will continue to suffer!
- A new moniker will be created to replace G.W. Bush's NCLB. In the meantime, Pres. Obama's 'Rise to the Top' initiative has denied grants to Arizona(which totaled $250M), deeming the state's education not to be progressive, dedicated, or committed enough(They must have read Az I See It!)
- Arizona's major universities announced that tuition will rise according to a new standard - if you still have money, they want it! As it is, available jobs, for new graduates, pay less than most other states, and along with the lack of adequate university education, it dooms them to long-term financial struggles!
- Az. Public School Stupid-Intendent Tom Horne has announced he will run for Attorney General. Not to worry - the majority of people that Horne's tenure has oppressed are not yet old enough to vote, so he will lose!
- Gotta hand it to teachers - they are consistent! Together with students and parents, they recently staged protests, over proposed budget cuts, but will take no significant action, even if legislative actions prove to be the rule!
- Highest rate of absenteeism, in Az public schools, belongs to lower to middle class White students!
- The newest drug in public schools is called Strawberry Quick(crystal meth), and looks like 'Pop Rocks,' the candy of choice for many students. It smells like strawberries, and also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape, and orange flavors! And yet teachers still allow students to eat candy in their classrooms!
- Congratulations to Meghan Hauter(Deer Valley Middle School) for being the recipient of a $150 Murphy Mini-Grant, awarded by the All Arizona School Retirees Association!
- On the first day of school, about mid-morning, the kindergarten teacher said, "If anyone has to go to the bathroom, hold up two fingers." From the back of the room, Little Nicky asked, "How will that help?"
Az I Laugh At It....
- Complaint from young woman: "My boyfriend has a 30-year mortgage, a 5-year car lease, and a Lifetime gym membership - and he's afraid of commitment!"
- Women are taking fat cells from their buttocks, to have them injected into their lips. Gives a whole new meaning to the statement "Kiss My Ass!"(Thanks, Linda!)
- Sharon came crying, as though her heart was broken. "What's wrong?" I asked. She sobbed, "My beautiful antique vase - George broke it!" "Aw, how did he break it?" I comforted. She replied, "I hit him over the head with it!"
- PJ, with all of his ailments, proclaimed, "I feel like a brand new baby!" "Really?" I queried. "Yeah," he laughed. "No hair, no teeth, and I just wet my pants!"
- Nick: "My wife has the worst memory I've ever heard of."
Bernie: "Forgets everything, huh?"
Nick: "No - remembers everything!"
- A pipe burst at the doctor's house, so he called a plumber. After a few minutes, the job was complete, and the plumber handed the doctor a bill for $600. "This is ridiculous!" the doctor exclaimed. "Even I don't make that much as a doctor!" The plumber replied, "Yeah, neither did I , when I was a doctor!"
- As Howie emerged from the dressing room, the store clerk approached, and said, "No, no - those jeans look terrible on you. I'll get you another pair." Howie grumbled, "I was trying on the shirt!"
- Women are taking fat cells from their buttocks, to have them injected into their lips. Gives a whole new meaning to the statement "Kiss My Ass!"(Thanks, Linda!)
- Sharon came crying, as though her heart was broken. "What's wrong?" I asked. She sobbed, "My beautiful antique vase - George broke it!" "Aw, how did he break it?" I comforted. She replied, "I hit him over the head with it!"
- PJ, with all of his ailments, proclaimed, "I feel like a brand new baby!" "Really?" I queried. "Yeah," he laughed. "No hair, no teeth, and I just wet my pants!"
- Nick: "My wife has the worst memory I've ever heard of."
Bernie: "Forgets everything, huh?"
Nick: "No - remembers everything!"
- A pipe burst at the doctor's house, so he called a plumber. After a few minutes, the job was complete, and the plumber handed the doctor a bill for $600. "This is ridiculous!" the doctor exclaimed. "Even I don't make that much as a doctor!" The plumber replied, "Yeah, neither did I , when I was a doctor!"
- As Howie emerged from the dressing room, the store clerk approached, and said, "No, no - those jeans look terrible on you. I'll get you another pair." Howie grumbled, "I was trying on the shirt!"
Az I See It....
Prologue: "The greater a man is in power above others, the more he ought to excel them in virtue. None ought to govern who is not better than the governed." - Publius Syrus(42 B.C.)
International: The Vatican has criticized the installation of condom vending machines at a Rome, Italy high school, saying it sends the wrong message. Evidently the right message recently surfaced, when it became known that the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger knew about, and approved, transfers of child-abusing priests - and protected them, instead of exposing their atrocities, and turning them over to the proper authorities. Oh - and Ratzinger is now known as Pope Benedict XVI!
National: "Life's tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid!" - John Wayne....The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the use of the words 'In God We Trust' on U.S. currency, and 'Under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag!....The Dept. of Homeland Security announced that implementation of advanced cargo-screening technology has been scrapped, claiming it is too expensive, and that the new, human strip-search machines are way-cool already!....A now-senior Taliban commander was a prisoner at Gitmo, until he convinced the Bush Administration that he was just a simple man, wanting to return to his family, so he was released in 2008. Bush-whacked again!....U.S. Education secretary Arne Duncan says the title No Child Left Behind will soon be dropped, in favor of a still-to-be-decided title. How about Stop Throwing Us Politically Inept Designs(STUPID)....My home town, Buffalo, NY, ranks as the nation's 8th most miserable city. Cleveland, OH ranks 1st!
State: As the nation set their clocks forward, observing Daylight Savings Time, Arizona set their clocks back another 20 years, passing legislation which will plunge hundreds of thousands of citizens into further debt and squalor. The 2010 budget slashes funding for many major programs(children, seniors & social services) and education, while maintaining many tax breaks for the wealthiest of Arizonans - including the legislature! All government employees employees will take pay cuts, except for state legislators, who have already far-surpassed their annual salaries with extra per diem allotments for the historical extra-sessions required to pass the State budget!....The new budget depends upon a May 18th vote to increase the State sales tax by almost 18% - from 5.6% to 6.6%. With city taxes, we will pay almost a 10% tax on most purchases! The legislature has proven - almost EVERY time - that they cannot be trusted with our tax monies. Why should we vote to increase what we give them? Vote NO on an increase in Arizona's sales taxes!....And now the legislature wants to repeal the law that created term limits, saying it is too difficult to do business when people must consistently be trained to the order of business. THAT is why term limits came about(74% approval in 1992) - because the people were tired of the way the 'Good Old Boy' system conducted business! Let's keep it the way it is, and elect officials with integrity, intelligence and ingenuity - not greediness, gluttony, and gormandizing!
Local: Arizona Diamondbacks officials are urging passage of an additional countywide sales tax increase to support MLB Spring Training facilities. Why not have the teams pony up? In the present economy, and with those same teams still maintaining record gate receipts, it is just too expensive for the locals - who are already staring-down a 1% increase in the State sales tax!....A Scottsdale police officer. routinely assigned to high-profile, dangerous felony cases, is under investigation because he has been involved in six justified shooting incidents. Amazing he isn't investigated for his courage-under-fire!
Epilogue: There is always something to be thankful for. If you cannot pay your bills, you can be thankful you are not one of your creditors!
International: The Vatican has criticized the installation of condom vending machines at a Rome, Italy high school, saying it sends the wrong message. Evidently the right message recently surfaced, when it became known that the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger knew about, and approved, transfers of child-abusing priests - and protected them, instead of exposing their atrocities, and turning them over to the proper authorities. Oh - and Ratzinger is now known as Pope Benedict XVI!
National: "Life's tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid!" - John Wayne....The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the use of the words 'In God We Trust' on U.S. currency, and 'Under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag!....The Dept. of Homeland Security announced that implementation of advanced cargo-screening technology has been scrapped, claiming it is too expensive, and that the new, human strip-search machines are way-cool already!....A now-senior Taliban commander was a prisoner at Gitmo, until he convinced the Bush Administration that he was just a simple man, wanting to return to his family, so he was released in 2008. Bush-whacked again!....U.S. Education secretary Arne Duncan says the title No Child Left Behind will soon be dropped, in favor of a still-to-be-decided title. How about Stop Throwing Us Politically Inept Designs(STUPID)....My home town, Buffalo, NY, ranks as the nation's 8th most miserable city. Cleveland, OH ranks 1st!
State: As the nation set their clocks forward, observing Daylight Savings Time, Arizona set their clocks back another 20 years, passing legislation which will plunge hundreds of thousands of citizens into further debt and squalor. The 2010 budget slashes funding for many major programs(children, seniors & social services) and education, while maintaining many tax breaks for the wealthiest of Arizonans - including the legislature! All government employees employees will take pay cuts, except for state legislators, who have already far-surpassed their annual salaries with extra per diem allotments for the historical extra-sessions required to pass the State budget!....The new budget depends upon a May 18th vote to increase the State sales tax by almost 18% - from 5.6% to 6.6%. With city taxes, we will pay almost a 10% tax on most purchases! The legislature has proven - almost EVERY time - that they cannot be trusted with our tax monies. Why should we vote to increase what we give them? Vote NO on an increase in Arizona's sales taxes!....And now the legislature wants to repeal the law that created term limits, saying it is too difficult to do business when people must consistently be trained to the order of business. THAT is why term limits came about(74% approval in 1992) - because the people were tired of the way the 'Good Old Boy' system conducted business! Let's keep it the way it is, and elect officials with integrity, intelligence and ingenuity - not greediness, gluttony, and gormandizing!
Local: Arizona Diamondbacks officials are urging passage of an additional countywide sales tax increase to support MLB Spring Training facilities. Why not have the teams pony up? In the present economy, and with those same teams still maintaining record gate receipts, it is just too expensive for the locals - who are already staring-down a 1% increase in the State sales tax!....A Scottsdale police officer. routinely assigned to high-profile, dangerous felony cases, is under investigation because he has been involved in six justified shooting incidents. Amazing he isn't investigated for his courage-under-fire!
Epilogue: There is always something to be thankful for. If you cannot pay your bills, you can be thankful you are not one of your creditors!
Az I Laugh At It....
- "I like rice. Rice is great when you're hungry and you want 2,000 of something! - comedian Mitch Hedberg
- A woman never forgets the men she could have had. A man never forgets the women he couldn't have had!
- Never argue with a woman when she's tired - or rested!
- Blind man, in a bar: "Do you want to hear a blond joke?" The bartender says, "Before you say it, I'm blond, the bouncer is blond, and the two people on either side of you are blond. Do you still want to tell it?" The blind man replied, "Well, no - not if I'm going to have to explain it four times!"
- Sharon was sitting on the edge of the couch, watching the Food Network, when George asked, "Why do you watch those food shows? You don't even cook!" Sharon replied, "Then why do you watch football?"
- Alex arrived late for for Sunday School, and the teacher asked him why. Alex replied, "I was going to go fishing, but my dad told me I needed to go to church instead." Impressed, the teacher then asked, "Did your father tell you why it was more important for you to go to church, than to go fishing?" "Yes," said Alex. "My dad said he didn't have enough bait for both of us!"
Sign over the restroom hot-air hand dryer: Please push button for a message from Sen. John McCain
- A woman never forgets the men she could have had. A man never forgets the women he couldn't have had!
- Never argue with a woman when she's tired - or rested!
- Blind man, in a bar: "Do you want to hear a blond joke?" The bartender says, "Before you say it, I'm blond, the bouncer is blond, and the two people on either side of you are blond. Do you still want to tell it?" The blind man replied, "Well, no - not if I'm going to have to explain it four times!"
- Sharon was sitting on the edge of the couch, watching the Food Network, when George asked, "Why do you watch those food shows? You don't even cook!" Sharon replied, "Then why do you watch football?"
- Alex arrived late for for Sunday School, and the teacher asked him why. Alex replied, "I was going to go fishing, but my dad told me I needed to go to church instead." Impressed, the teacher then asked, "Did your father tell you why it was more important for you to go to church, than to go fishing?" "Yes," said Alex. "My dad said he didn't have enough bait for both of us!"
Sign over the restroom hot-air hand dryer: Please push button for a message from Sen. John McCain
The Reel Deal
Green Zone(rated R) - starring Matt Damon
If you are a FOX News devotee, you may as well not see this film. As entertaining as it is, it puts a 'conspiracy theory' to the forefront, re: Why did the U.S. really invade Iraq? Matt Damon is Chief Army Officer Roy Miller, concerned that U.S. intelligence is always wrong about the whereabouts of any WMD's - the major emphasis on the U.S. over-throwing Saddam Hussein. Miller is thwarted, by high-ranking U.S. officials, in his efforts to obtain the truth, because it would make the Bush Administration appear to be liars, murderers, and worse!
If you liked the Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker, this is even better! Not that it will win any Academy Awards, but The Hurt Locker didn't necessarily deserve all of its plaudits, either! Filled with action, worthwhile dialogue and intelligence(and humor), it will be worth your movie money to see it on the big screen. As for why the U.S. went into Iraq? This film says we were Bush-whacked!
If you are a FOX News devotee, you may as well not see this film. As entertaining as it is, it puts a 'conspiracy theory' to the forefront, re: Why did the U.S. really invade Iraq? Matt Damon is Chief Army Officer Roy Miller, concerned that U.S. intelligence is always wrong about the whereabouts of any WMD's - the major emphasis on the U.S. over-throwing Saddam Hussein. Miller is thwarted, by high-ranking U.S. officials, in his efforts to obtain the truth, because it would make the Bush Administration appear to be liars, murderers, and worse!
If you liked the Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker, this is even better! Not that it will win any Academy Awards, but The Hurt Locker didn't necessarily deserve all of its plaudits, either! Filled with action, worthwhile dialogue and intelligence(and humor), it will be worth your movie money to see it on the big screen. As for why the U.S. went into Iraq? This film says we were Bush-whacked!
Az I Eat It....
Pappadeux's Seafood Kitchen, on the northbound I-17 frontage road, between Peoria and Cactus Rds(Phx, Az.)
It was another Guy's Night Out, and this was a long-overdue return to a fine establishment. Specializing in Cajun-style seafood cuisine, I don't think that there is anything on the menu that is of less-than-superior quality! The portions are plentiful, the prices appropriate, the atmosphere comfortable. I had the Australian Lobster Tail(10oz.; $29.95), with Jambalaya, instead of Dirty Rice and Broccoli. Great choice(but you must insist!) Others tried the Big Bay Platter($25.95; Shrimp, Caribbean Lobster Tail, Dirty Rice, etc.), and the Stuffed Shrimp Montage($19.95).
Then came the desserts($6.95) - overly-healthy portions of several varieties of cheesecake, bread pudding, banana pudding, cakes, and the BEST Creme Broulee in the Valley - exquisitely presented - FRESH, and accompanied with several varieties of fresh fruit(blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries - and a tasty cookie wafer!) I've made the mistake of spending more(for a lot less satisfaction) at Red Lobster!
Pappadeaux's is a national brand, with varied cuisines, and several other names across the southwest, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia(Pappasito's Cantina, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappas Bros. Seafood House, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger, Pappas Grill Steakhouse, and Yia Yia Mary's Greek Kitchen.) Though I've only been to the Seafood Kitchen in Phoenix, my experiences tell me that I'd have no reservations about trying the others!
It was another Guy's Night Out, and this was a long-overdue return to a fine establishment. Specializing in Cajun-style seafood cuisine, I don't think that there is anything on the menu that is of less-than-superior quality! The portions are plentiful, the prices appropriate, the atmosphere comfortable. I had the Australian Lobster Tail(10oz.; $29.95), with Jambalaya, instead of Dirty Rice and Broccoli. Great choice(but you must insist!) Others tried the Big Bay Platter($25.95; Shrimp, Caribbean Lobster Tail, Dirty Rice, etc.), and the Stuffed Shrimp Montage($19.95).
Then came the desserts($6.95) - overly-healthy portions of several varieties of cheesecake, bread pudding, banana pudding, cakes, and the BEST Creme Broulee in the Valley - exquisitely presented - FRESH, and accompanied with several varieties of fresh fruit(blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries - and a tasty cookie wafer!) I've made the mistake of spending more(for a lot less satisfaction) at Red Lobster!
Pappadeaux's is a national brand, with varied cuisines, and several other names across the southwest, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia(Pappasito's Cantina, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappas Bros. Seafood House, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger, Pappas Grill Steakhouse, and Yia Yia Mary's Greek Kitchen.) Though I've only been to the Seafood Kitchen in Phoenix, my experiences tell me that I'd have no reservations about trying the others!
The Reel Deal
Crazy Heart(rated PG-13) - starring Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhall
I would be remiss if I did not review this film before the Academy Awards(this Sunday!) In fact, I'd be Crazy! Jeff Bridges is older C & W performer, divorced/alcoholic/down-on-his-luck kind of guy, who meets a small-town wanna-be reporter(Gyllenhall), who is divorced, with a child. Wouldn't you know it, they fall in love, but his misgivings are continuous, and the relationship ends.
What's the buzz about Oscar for Bridges? Who knows? It is simply overblown hype, for an actor who lays around acting drunk throughout the film. Gyllenhall deserves a stab at Best Supporting Actress, but that's a stretch, too! Best Song? - I hope not! The trailers add Robert Duvall, as an attraction, but his role is so minimal that Nick Habeeb could have done it! Hey, guys - even your wife won't buy into this movie, so if you decide to see it, you have a Crazy Heart!
I would be remiss if I did not review this film before the Academy Awards(this Sunday!) In fact, I'd be Crazy! Jeff Bridges is older C & W performer, divorced/alcoholic/down-on-his-luck kind of guy, who meets a small-town wanna-be reporter(Gyllenhall), who is divorced, with a child. Wouldn't you know it, they fall in love, but his misgivings are continuous, and the relationship ends.
What's the buzz about Oscar for Bridges? Who knows? It is simply overblown hype, for an actor who lays around acting drunk throughout the film. Gyllenhall deserves a stab at Best Supporting Actress, but that's a stretch, too! Best Song? - I hope not! The trailers add Robert Duvall, as an attraction, but his role is so minimal that Nick Habeeb could have done it! Hey, guys - even your wife won't buy into this movie, so if you decide to see it, you have a Crazy Heart!
Friends is Friends
- The world was a better place because of Herschel Meyer. He passed away after a long, valiant battle with illness, leaving behind his lovely wife, Fran, three adult children, and many other sorrowful friends and relatives. Hersch was always good with numbers, and it is so sad that his number was up. He'll be missed!
Az I Teach It....
- The USA Today reports that more high-schoolers are failing advanced placement tests, in Az. That means they will remain stock clerks, etc., instead of having careers as cashiers!
- The Arizona legislature will approve an increase in allowable Private School tuition tax credits, and attempt to end, or further limit, Public School tax credits. Most legislators, and their extended families, enroll their children in private schools. Go figure!
- First, no more seniority rights. Now, no more pay! Arizona legislators will soon attempt to implement a plan for teacher merit pay-only raises. Accountability will be placed solely on the teacher, with no consideration of student/family accountability or responsibility - and NOT on the already overpaid administrations, either!
- Arizona School Board officials fear that Pres. Obama's proposed school reform, 'Race to the Top,' the successor to Bush's NCLB, will lead to diminished local control, and not be in the best interest of Arizona children. Yeah, like that's working!
- Mr. Phipps asked his students, "Can people predict the future with cards?" "My mother can," said Little Nicky. "She takes one look at my report card and tells me what will happen when my father gets home!"
- The Arizona legislature will approve an increase in allowable Private School tuition tax credits, and attempt to end, or further limit, Public School tax credits. Most legislators, and their extended families, enroll their children in private schools. Go figure!
- First, no more seniority rights. Now, no more pay! Arizona legislators will soon attempt to implement a plan for teacher merit pay-only raises. Accountability will be placed solely on the teacher, with no consideration of student/family accountability or responsibility - and NOT on the already overpaid administrations, either!
- Arizona School Board officials fear that Pres. Obama's proposed school reform, 'Race to the Top,' the successor to Bush's NCLB, will lead to diminished local control, and not be in the best interest of Arizona children. Yeah, like that's working!
- Mr. Phipps asked his students, "Can people predict the future with cards?" "My mother can," said Little Nicky. "She takes one look at my report card and tells me what will happen when my father gets home!"
Az I Use It....
- CNN's financial whiz - Clark Howard - says to save money on the simple maintenance items for your automobile, like air filter replacement or wiper blades(about $30 each.) Says you'll save money and time, instead of going to a dealer or mechanic, and get a sense of satisfaction, too! Thanks Clark - how many people have the tools, the knowledge and adeptness to work 'under the hood' anymore? And have you ever dropped a screw in the engine compartment, or accidentally dislodged an air/vaccuum hose? Here's a better idea - if you have an Auto Zone retail store in your area(or a similar chain), they will typically install those easy-to-reach items(filters, wiper blades, etc.), when you purchase them at their store - for FREE! Otherwise, if Clark Howard(idiot!) cannot do it for you, pay the Piper!
- Major health insurer profits are up 56% over 2008, even though almost 3 million less people are insured. Premiums are rising much faster than consumer inflation, and more claims are being denied. People still blame Obama, even though NO health care reform has been enacted! Wake up, people!
- Are college degrees worth it? Rcent studies question the value of a Bachelor's degree, citing high unemployment, low wages and benefits, and generlly poor academic standards and preparation. Seems you should be able to party for four year for a lot less than many parents are shelling out for their students! It's still 'who you know,' more than 'what you know!'
- Log-on to www.vpike.com to view just about any address in the U.. - including your childhood home, present address, etc. You may have to use your mouse to 'turn' across the street, but it is pretty cool!
- Log-on to www.cougarden.tv to see what former minor league baseball player(Glendale Mt. Ridge HS/Nicholl's State University) Michael Muscato is up to lately!(he's the tall, handsome 'cub')
- Major health insurer profits are up 56% over 2008, even though almost 3 million less people are insured. Premiums are rising much faster than consumer inflation, and more claims are being denied. People still blame Obama, even though NO health care reform has been enacted! Wake up, people!
- Are college degrees worth it? Rcent studies question the value of a Bachelor's degree, citing high unemployment, low wages and benefits, and generlly poor academic standards and preparation. Seems you should be able to party for four year for a lot less than many parents are shelling out for their students! It's still 'who you know,' more than 'what you know!'
- Log-on to www.vpike.com to view just about any address in the U.. - including your childhood home, present address, etc. You may have to use your mouse to 'turn' across the street, but it is pretty cool!
- Log-on to www.cougarden.tv to see what former minor league baseball player(Glendale Mt. Ridge HS/Nicholl's State University) Michael Muscato is up to lately!(he's the tall, handsome 'cub')
Az I Use It....
- CNN's financial whiz - Clark Howard - says to save money on the simple maintenance items for your automobile, like air filter replacement or wiper blades(about $30 each.) Says you'll save money and time, instead of going to a dealer or mechanic, and get a sense of satisfaction, too! Thanks Clark - how many people have the tools, the knowledge and adeptness to work 'under the hood' anymore? And have you ever dropped a screw in the engine compartment, or accidentally dislodged an air/vaccuum hose? Here's a better idea - if you have an Auto Zone retail store in your area(or a similar chain), they will typically install those easy-to-reach items(filters, wiper blades, etc.), when you purchase them at their store - for FREE! Otherwise, if Clark Howard(idiot!) cannot do it for you, pay the Piper!
- Major health insurer profits are up 56% over 2008, even though almost 3 million less people are insured. Premiums are rising much faster than consumer inflation, and more claims are being denied. People still blame Obama, even though NO health care reform has been enacted! Wake up, people!
- Are college degrees worth it? Rcent studies question the value of a Bachelor's degree, citing high unemployment, low wages and benefits, and generlly poor academic standards and preparation. Seems you should be able to party for four year for a lot less than many parents are shelling out for their students! It's still 'who you know,' more than 'what you know!'
- Log-on to www.vpike.com to view just about any address in the U.. - including your childhood home, present address, etc. You may have to use your mouse to 'turn' across the street, but it is pretty cool!
- Log-on to www.cougarden.tv to see what former minor league baseball player(Glendale Mt. Ridge HS/Nicholl's State University) Michael Muscato is up to lately!(he's the tall, handsome 'cub')
- Major health insurer profits are up 56% over 2008, even though almost 3 million less people are insured. Premiums are rising much faster than consumer inflation, and more claims are being denied. People still blame Obama, even though NO health care reform has been enacted! Wake up, people!
- Are college degrees worth it? Rcent studies question the value of a Bachelor's degree, citing high unemployment, low wages and benefits, and generlly poor academic standards and preparation. Seems you should be able to party for four year for a lot less than many parents are shelling out for their students! It's still 'who you know,' more than 'what you know!'
- Log-on to www.vpike.com to view just about any address in the U.. - including your childhood home, present address, etc. You may have to use your mouse to 'turn' across the street, but it is pretty cool!
- Log-on to www.cougarden.tv to see what former minor league baseball player(Glendale Mt. Ridge HS/Nicholl's State University) Michael Muscato is up to lately!(he's the tall, handsome 'cub')
Az I See It....
Prologue: The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn!
International: Not all Toyota models are affected by the recalls. Only the ones with wheels. Boding for future sales, it will cost consumers a lot less to drive to the cemetery!....More than 8 million Toyotas have been recalled for faulty accelerators, faulty brakes, and faulty steering. 30 people have been recalled by their maker, while driving a Toyota. If you drive a Toyota, contact your local dealer - step on it(or NOT!)
National: Sen. John McCain(R - Az), is correct. It's time Pres. Obama stopped blaming the Bush administration for the present economic, social and political problems, and place responsibility where it really belongs - on McCain and the rest of the Republican super-minority in the U.S. Senate. Obama said it best - "What they're doing may be good short-term politics, but it is not good leadership!"....The National Traffic Safety Board(NTS
reports that there is no difference between hands-free or hands-on cellphone users, while driving. Both are potentially deadly distracted driving activities!....The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) will recommend male circumcision, as a preventive measure against HIV, just as the same IRS procedure has been successful in promoting the IOU!....Herbie, the giant elm tree, has died, at age 217. The Maine Forest Service had to cut down the massive landmark, which finally succumbed to its 14th bout with Dutch Elm Disease. The tallest American Elm in New England(110 ft) dated to 1793 - when George Washington began his second term as President!....If you are at least 78-years old, you have witnessed more than 1/3 of the history of the United States of America!
State/Local: Adam(Porn) Starr, of Tempe, Az. asked two friends to cut down his dead, limp pine tree. Instead, they sculpted it into an erect penis, fully visible from the street, above his backyard wall. Concerned neighbors contacted the local authorities, when it was still standing tall after more than four hours!....Payday Loan business advocates(who are they, anyway?) are still attempting to introduce secreted legislation to avoid the industry conforming to other lenders' laws, when they sunset in June of this year. Supportive legislators are ignoring the voters, who soundly defeated a 2008 attempt for continuation, and must be on the receiving end of a big payday!....What's wrong with this picture? When Phoenix police arrest an alleged john, seeking the services of a prostitute, they impound his vehichle for 30 days. When a DUI arrest is made, vehicles are released as soon as someone comes to retrieve them - typically the bailed-out drunk!
Epilogue: People tend to make rules for others and exceptions for themselves!
International: Not all Toyota models are affected by the recalls. Only the ones with wheels. Boding for future sales, it will cost consumers a lot less to drive to the cemetery!....More than 8 million Toyotas have been recalled for faulty accelerators, faulty brakes, and faulty steering. 30 people have been recalled by their maker, while driving a Toyota. If you drive a Toyota, contact your local dealer - step on it(or NOT!)
National: Sen. John McCain(R - Az), is correct. It's time Pres. Obama stopped blaming the Bush administration for the present economic, social and political problems, and place responsibility where it really belongs - on McCain and the rest of the Republican super-minority in the U.S. Senate. Obama said it best - "What they're doing may be good short-term politics, but it is not good leadership!"....The National Traffic Safety Board(NTS
reports that there is no difference between hands-free or hands-on cellphone users, while driving. Both are potentially deadly distracted driving activities!....The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) will recommend male circumcision, as a preventive measure against HIV, just as the same IRS procedure has been successful in promoting the IOU!....Herbie, the giant elm tree, has died, at age 217. The Maine Forest Service had to cut down the massive landmark, which finally succumbed to its 14th bout with Dutch Elm Disease. The tallest American Elm in New England(110 ft) dated to 1793 - when George Washington began his second term as President!....If you are at least 78-years old, you have witnessed more than 1/3 of the history of the United States of America!State/Local: Adam(Porn) Starr, of Tempe, Az. asked two friends to cut down his dead, limp pine tree. Instead, they sculpted it into an erect penis, fully visible from the street, above his backyard wall. Concerned neighbors contacted the local authorities, when it was still standing tall after more than four hours!....Payday Loan business advocates(who are they, anyway?) are still attempting to introduce secreted legislation to avoid the industry conforming to other lenders' laws, when they sunset in June of this year. Supportive legislators are ignoring the voters, who soundly defeated a 2008 attempt for continuation, and must be on the receiving end of a big payday!....What's wrong with this picture? When Phoenix police arrest an alleged john, seeking the services of a prostitute, they impound his vehichle for 30 days. When a DUI arrest is made, vehicles are released as soon as someone comes to retrieve them - typically the bailed-out drunk!
Epilogue: People tend to make rules for others and exceptions for themselves!
Az I AARP It...
- AARP has partnered with restaurant.com to bring another great benefit to its members. AARP members ae now able to puchase retaurant gift certificates, valued at $25 towards the purchase of a $35 tab, for only $2.00. This is a 'sometimes rate' offered to restaurant.com users that is now available anytime for AARP members! Certificates are typically limited for each restaurant, but are valid for one(1) year!
- The 1st Annual Town of Yountown/AARP Health Fair, on Feb. 13th, was a big success, with more than sixty(60) vendors/exhibitors, providing medical/dental screenings for everyone from pediatrics to geriatrics - and pets, too! As promised, the weather was ideal, and the freebies, information, and services were more than I could have hoped for. I would like to extend my gratitude to all of my participating networking friends/exhibitors, volunteers, the Town of Youngtown, and the attendees! I'll work to make next year's event even better!
- The next AARP Chapter #1 meeting will be on Friday, March 5th. After the 5:30pm potluck dinner, our guest will speak about driver safety, and the AARP Driver Safety Program.
- The 1st Annual Town of Yountown/AARP Health Fair, on Feb. 13th, was a big success, with more than sixty(60) vendors/exhibitors, providing medical/dental screenings for everyone from pediatrics to geriatrics - and pets, too! As promised, the weather was ideal, and the freebies, information, and services were more than I could have hoped for. I would like to extend my gratitude to all of my participating networking friends/exhibitors, volunteers, the Town of Youngtown, and the attendees! I'll work to make next year's event even better!
- The next AARP Chapter #1 meeting will be on Friday, March 5th. After the 5:30pm potluck dinner, our guest will speak about driver safety, and the AARP Driver Safety Program.
Az I Laugh At It....
- When Nicky was just a kid, he used to pray every night for a bike. Then he realized that the Lord doesn't work that way, so he stole a bike and asked the Lord for forgiveness!
- Sharon awoke from her afternoon nap, and told George, "I just dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace for my birthday. What do you think it means?" "You'll know tonight," replied George. That evening, George came with a small package, and gave it to Sharon. Delighted, she opened it - and found a book titled, 'The Meaning of Dreams.'
- Carol: I think PJ used to visit prostitutes before we met.
Alice: What makes you think so?
Carol: Well, one night we were just playing around, and he picked me up and carried me into the bedroom. I giggled, and asked, "Should I struggle?" and he said, "I don't know, does it cost extra?"
- Sharon awoke from her afternoon nap, and told George, "I just dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace for my birthday. What do you think it means?" "You'll know tonight," replied George. That evening, George came with a small package, and gave it to Sharon. Delighted, she opened it - and found a book titled, 'The Meaning of Dreams.'
- Carol: I think PJ used to visit prostitutes before we met.
Alice: What makes you think so?
Carol: Well, one night we were just playing around, and he picked me up and carried me into the bedroom. I giggled, and asked, "Should I struggle?" and he said, "I don't know, does it cost extra?"
Az I Use It....
- Here we go again! restaurant.com is offering more FREE money for your favorite listed restaurants. Log-on to www.restaurant.com, and at checkout, enter the discount code BONUS - and you can purchase $25 gift certificates for only $2.00! You may purchase as many as you would like, and each is good for one(1) full calendar year!
- In the United States, up to six(6) million women are believed to be beaten in their homes each year. Up to 90% of battered women never report their abuse. Four women and five children die each day from domestic violence, and 50% of homeless women and children are fleeing domestic violence. 50-70% of men who abuse their partners also abuse children in the home. The average batterer is held less than 2 hours, and less than 1% serve any jail time. Support your local abuse shelters.
- More men are now 'marrying up' than women. Women's wages have increased 44% sine the 1960s(only 6% for men.) There are now more women than men in the workforce, and they have typically been willing to work for less, even under protestation. Marital problems may occur, due to social/emotional forces, or when these women have children, and at least temporarily, lose their ability to earn. Maybe these career women are 'marrying down!'
- In the United States, up to six(6) million women are believed to be beaten in their homes each year. Up to 90% of battered women never report their abuse. Four women and five children die each day from domestic violence, and 50% of homeless women and children are fleeing domestic violence. 50-70% of men who abuse their partners also abuse children in the home. The average batterer is held less than 2 hours, and less than 1% serve any jail time. Support your local abuse shelters.
- More men are now 'marrying up' than women. Women's wages have increased 44% sine the 1960s(only 6% for men.) There are now more women than men in the workforce, and they have typically been willing to work for less, even under protestation. Marital problems may occur, due to social/emotional forces, or when these women have children, and at least temporarily, lose their ability to earn. Maybe these career women are 'marrying down!'
The Reel Deal
The Hurt Locker(rated R) - starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, and Guy Pierce
If you really want to see how American GIs have dealt with the realities of the Iraq War, this is the film to see. And if you know anyone who has served - or will serve - in Iraq or Afghanistan, this film may be gut-wrenching. Intense, action-packed, and real-to-life, a U.S. Army demolition/bomb squadron counts down the days until their 'rotation' is finished, and they can return to the ones they love - if they return at all. You will find yourself holding your breath, with anxiousness, at times.
This film has already garnered support for Academy Awards, but while it may be deserving under different political/social circumstances, it is just not the right time - the world is not yet ready to appreciate the calamity of these on-going wars. It is too early to believe it. It hurts too much!
If you really want to see how American GIs have dealt with the realities of the Iraq War, this is the film to see. And if you know anyone who has served - or will serve - in Iraq or Afghanistan, this film may be gut-wrenching. Intense, action-packed, and real-to-life, a U.S. Army demolition/bomb squadron counts down the days until their 'rotation' is finished, and they can return to the ones they love - if they return at all. You will find yourself holding your breath, with anxiousness, at times.
This film has already garnered support for Academy Awards, but while it may be deserving under different political/social circumstances, it is just not the right time - the world is not yet ready to appreciate the calamity of these on-going wars. It is too early to believe it. It hurts too much!
Az I Laugh At It....
- George was waking from surgery, and Sharon was at his bedside. His eyes fluttered open, and he said, "Hello, beautiful!" - and fell back to sleep. A few minutes later, he again awoke, and seeing Sharon still at his bedside, said, "Hello!" Sharon frowned disappointment, and asked, "What happened to 'beautiful?'" George replied, "The drugs are wearing off!"
- The shortest sentence is "I am." The longest sentence is "I do."
- In Arizona, 4 out of every 3 students have trouble in math!
- A woman searching for a job inquired about benefits. The HR manager said they have excellent life and health coverages, but that it is deducted from each employees paycheck. Objecting, the woman said, "My last employer had full-health coverage, five-year salary for life insurance, one-month sick leave - and the employer paid everything!" The HR manager asked, "Why, then, would you leave such a job?" The woman shrugged, and said, "The company went bankrupt!"
- With the current stock market turmoil, the easiest way to make a small fortune is to start with a large one!
- The shortest sentence is "I am." The longest sentence is "I do."
- In Arizona, 4 out of every 3 students have trouble in math!
- A woman searching for a job inquired about benefits. The HR manager said they have excellent life and health coverages, but that it is deducted from each employees paycheck. Objecting, the woman said, "My last employer had full-health coverage, five-year salary for life insurance, one-month sick leave - and the employer paid everything!" The HR manager asked, "Why, then, would you leave such a job?" The woman shrugged, and said, "The company went bankrupt!"
- With the current stock market turmoil, the easiest way to make a small fortune is to start with a large one!