New Year's eve food

Today was a fun day. Our 4 and 8-year old friends, accompanied by their father, spent the afternoon and evening with us. And I got to prepare a lot of fun foods. We started with Dr. Fuhrman's almond chocolate dip, available at the recipe center (for members only, sorry), or p. 283 in the new edition of Eat to Live. It's like chocolate frosting! I thought it was too rich at first, but of course it's a dip meant to be eaten with fruit and it was very good that way. We had it with strawberries (frozen, but partially thawed), apple slices, fresh pineapple and bananas. The adults enjoyed it, but the kids preferred m&ms and hershey's chocolate candies. That was partly because the m&ms came from a machine that you had to stick pennies into.

Later on we had nachos, and chips and salsa and guacamole. I used a recipe from Isa Chandra Moskowitz' new cookbook, "Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes." called guacomame, made with avocado and edamame. I think I prefer just plain guacamole. I searched my blog and don't seem to have a recipe for classic guacamole, but it's similar to this one, only without the beans. I fed everyone else the unhealthy salted oily chips they like, and toasted my own chips from unsalted corn tortillas (about 5 minutes in the oven at 350 F). Then we had ice cream for dessert. I had some dates and cashews to use up so added them in. It made it a little too gooey for my tastes. My favorite is still the simplest banana walnut, or banana-berry-walnut.

I like cooking for several people because I can enjoy tastes of several things without eating too much of each one. It was a good New Year's Eve splurge without being excessive.

Regarding my pre-New Year's temptations, this morning I got a few things at the grocery store and once again was tempted by all the vegan bakery treats. They even have vegan donuts now, made from a popular local bakery! Wo. And my favorite "nothing muffins" looked attractive too. So of course the devil (over my right shoulder) was saying, "want to splurge before New Year's?" Finally the angel (left shoulder) asserted herself and said, "Look, you know you can splurge anytime--you can splurge on Jan. 2 if you want. And isn't it nice to know those donuts will always be there? So you don't need them today." That seemed pretty reasonable, but I did decide at that moment to make some chocolate almond dip as my splurge (Dr. Fuhrman's version).

I was going to take pictures of the food today but there was too much activity with the children to bother with photography. Here were the results at the end of the day:

4th Amendment Violated in Florida & Texas

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

So if this is the case - how can you have a checkpoint where you can't refuse to give a blood sample, semen sample, breathalyzer or anything?   Where's the probable cause?  Where's the evidence that a crime may have been committed and so a search needs to be performed?

http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/story.aspx?storyid=165079&catid=250

Probable Cause: "Facts or circumstances that would lead a reasonable and prudent person to believe a crime is, has been or will be committed and that the fruits of the crime are still present."  (From memory from my military police training verbatim from the law manuals.)

This is one point on which Oregon has done very well.  Police are not allowed to do checkpoints in this state.  Although, if you have an out of state license plate and get pulled over - you can forget it.  I see Arizona and California come cruising up I-5 well over 10 over the speed limit and go past State Police and - well - it's a done deal.  You see the look on their face of "MAN everyone in this state drives slow! I'm getting pulled over?  Really? For 15 over???"

The Constitution is Too Old to Understand........

Well....here you have it. The constitution, according to this liberal, is too old to understand and has no binding power on anything. I think I wouldn't be bothered by this so much were it a) not true and b) if I didn't see this guy spewing feces out of his mouth and eating it and liking it while he was talking.

Now - what's the news here? That someone's stupid? That a liberal is stupid? That we can dress a chimp in a suit and with a fancy camera angle make him look intelligent and give him air time? Some things are a waste of film.

Movies I've Watched: "From Here to Eternity" (1953).

If you enjoy "Perry Mason" (which I do) you'll probably enjoy "From Here to Eternity." A drama set in World War II (Filmed only 8 years after it) this is a story about a Private trying to make his way through the Army as he's being hazed by the Seargent Major on behalf of the Captain in order to get the Private to box for the Captain's batallion boxing team but refusing, meanwhile, the Seargent Major is sleeping with the Captain's wife - and tensions flare. An all-star cast, including Frank Sinatr and Burt Lancaster, the movie takes place just before Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

I enjoy the movie as it just has a taste from yester-century before everything got flipped on its head, and a nice hint of life in a simpler time. I do enjoy a good witticism, and back then - well - they were a bit wittier in a different way than our age.  It's just an easy going movie. The trailer sucks - totally doesn't catch what the movie is about - but - it's a classic.  Not quite sure why, but - just nice to silence the noise of 2010/2011 for a while and go back in time for a few hours.

Although my favorite line is:
Captains wife: "If you're interested, I have a swimsuit under my dress..."
Seargent Major: "Me too!"
(They had fruit in 1941 too - lol - that or he wasn't thinking - or we are wittier than they were in this regards)

Eat to Live

I recently received my copy of the new edition of Eat to Live. I'm looking forward to reading it. I started with Chapter 8, to remind myself of what his recommendations are for following the eating plan. Even though I probably know it by heart and try to follow it already, I'm influenced by the New Year traditions and think this a good thing to re-commit to. Then I will enjoy reading the first 8 chapters to remind myself why I'm eating this way. It's updated with the latest information from the scientific literature.

The recipes are better than the old edition. I thought it might be fun to try out each one. It will be a fun way to expand my repertoire. Part of the reason I'm feeling temptations now is that the novelty of this way of eating has worn off. Maybe trying out these recipes will reinvigorate me. Then after that I could try out all the recipes that Dr. Fuhrman emailed us as part of his Holiday Challenge. Of course, all of these are on the recipe center website, but I think these were picked because they were highly rated so that's a good selection.

Here's tonight's update on my temptations. We went to a hockey game, first stopping at a friend'a house to drop off presents for an 8-year old's birthday. We were invited to eat chocolate cake, and I had to decline of course, but housemate enjoyed hers. Then our team scored 5 goals so our ticket can be reimbursed for free ice cream at a local custard shop. I gave mine to the 8-year old. None of these were too serious temptations but I still felt them a little more than usual. All of us "nutritarians" have to say no about, what, 10 times a day? It's just harder this time of year I guess. I should remember that I don't regret it later on. I don't regret now saying no to the chocolate cake.

Yesterday's and Today's food

Yesterday I had more ice cream for breakfast/lunch. In one serving I added mangos to the bananas and walnuts. The other was just pure bananas and walnuts--still the best! Then, fortunately, I ran out of bananas. Dinner was some lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage. I also ate a small apple. I was going to make a big ole' squash lasagna meal but I'm not in the mood for cooking while I have this cold. I've notice that my congestion is correlated with how much I eat. Eating less at dinner makes me sleep much better.

Today I made a week's worth of smoothies for housemate. I had some of the cashew pistachio date cream on some fresh berries, and sampled the smoothies as well--probably ended up having 1/2 of a serving. Dinner was similar as last night: lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, and sugar snap peas. That's all I desire right now with this cold. It's not too bad of a cold, especially if I don't eat too much. Tomorrow I'll be out of ice cream ingredients, so maybe I'll have a pomegranate for breakfast. yum!

Slaying the sugar beast

This is a great post on diseaseproof. The sugar beast is definitely on my back this holiday season. I've avoided it so far, but have compensated by eating more nuts and a lot more bananas than I need. Every time housemate pops a piece of chocolate or a christmas cookie in her mouth (she got a lot of both for Christmas), I think, I want something too! I'm also suffering from the urge to splurge before New Year's Day. It's our custom to reform our ways after New Year's and party hard before. Maybe I'm lucky I have a cold because that is moderating my behavior. My congestion is pretty strongly related to how much I eat. The less I eat at dinner time, the better I sleep. But every time I go near SAD food this week, I am tempted. This is so different from normal for me. The little devil over my right shoulder says, why not splurge before New Year's? Come to think of it, why is the angel over my left shoulder silent most the time?! This time he/she actually came up with a good counter-argument: How about if I don't splurge before, and then if I regret it on New Year's, I can splurge then? 'cause that's what the little devil on my right shoulder is implying is that I'll regret not having fun with everyone else. Well, let's see if I do regret it.

Overall, I'm feeling the frustration of being different. Normally, it doesn't bother me to be different because I've been different from most people all my life in so many other ways. I guess I'm feeling like I want to be in the herd right now (unfortunately, the herd is being led to slaughter, to put it bluntly). I'm going to a meeting in Seattle in a couple of weeks and a friend sent me a list of vegan restaurants near the hotel. It's something of a vegan paradise. But the problem is, it's not healthy! A lot of vegan restaurants are trying to show that their food can be just as delicious as SAD food (Standard American Diet). Of course it is, if you add enough refined grains, sugar, salt and fat. Actually one of the restaurants looks to have more whole grain options so I can probably find options that are loaded with only a little sugar, and a lot of salt and fat. If I could avoid the salt which makes me all puffy because I'm not used to it, I wouldn't be so bothered by a few high-fat meals. So should I compromise? The good part of me resents having to compromise my health, and the devil on my right shoulder says, why compromise, go for it and enjoy all the things you miss. So they both resent compromise, but offer very different solutions.

The reason I am craving the SAD food isn't because it tastes any better. Today's berries and cream were delightful. I don't get why I'm tempted. I know what my health would be like if I ate this way all the time. I've lived on both sides of this and the results of eating healthy are dramatic. I know I don't want to go back. I enjoy my food. It even offers me financial stability and the opportunity to take rewarding but low-paying jobs, because my chances of having a heart attack or diabetes is near 0. Even my chances of getting cancer are decreased, though not completely because of my previous 45 years of eating unhealthy. So why on earth do I want to join the herd that is being led to slaughter? That really shows the power of our social needs. I'm a social creature. But I have to learn to satisfy my social needs while being different in the way I eat. I guess it is as simple as that.

When I'm in Seattle and I'm tempted by those vegan restaurants, the devil will be saying, how often do you get to go to a place with vegan comfort (junk) food? implying that I'll regret it if I'm in Seattle for a week and then leave without trying it. I know already this will be a powerful draw for me. I hope the silent angel will pop up and say, well, my home town now has a very good (I mean good-tasting) vegetarian restaurant full of vegan comfort (junk) food too. So if I regret it, I can always go there. So maybe I should just try resisting and see if I don't regret it. An why is the angel so da*@ silent anyway? I have to coach her all the time!

mmm, cashew pistachio date cream

I got some cashews, pistachios and dates for housemate's smoothies, and I decided to mix them up ahead of time and enjoy some of the results myself, over berries, which was yummy.

Ingredients:

cashews, pistachios, dates and water.

You are probably wondering, how much? well, it depends on what you are using it for. The smoothies don't need much extra water so I used less, making it very rich and creamy. I got the dates and pistachios already packed in small bags at the store, so it was about 1 cup pistachios, 1 cup cashews, and 10 medium medjool dates. I added about 2 cups of water, so it was very creamy. If you want more of a milk, use fewer nuts and dates, and more water. You can weigh amounts to make sure you are getting reasonable daily portions of the nuts and dates.

Next, blend it all up in a high-speed blender.

Here it is before blending:

And after:

It has a green tint to it from the pistachios. Does it ever taste good! Here was my cut of the profits, poured over fresh blueberries and blackberries.

Yum! The rest I poured into cups for making housemate's smoothies (4 batches totaling 8 servings).

Words fail me.

 

THIS just cracked me up.  With all the "leaks" our government has - we even had Sandy Burglar stealing stuff to cover for Clinton - but here we go.......You got Obama siding with terrorists.....and then a cyber terrorist comes along.....and - we can't have that!

I was there!!!! Well....except for actually there.....

Hawaii's new governor claims he knows Obama was born in the US but was never actually there when Obama was born and wants to put the whole birther issue to rest but the first focus is finishing destroying the US economy. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_birth_certificate

Another idiotic piece of news from the story - overwhelmingly the requests for the birth certificate come from the mainland us - and rarely from Hawaii.

Hm.  So - FORTY NINE OTHER STATES make up the vast volume of requests compared to Hawaii?  You wouldn't think......So out of the US's 350 MILLION people and Hawaii's 1.5 million people - the remaining 348.5MILLION people who live on the mainland are where most of the questions come from?  So obviously its not an issue because requests come mostly from not Hawaii because obviously this means he was born there.

Stupid journalists.

Obama and Bush at a Barbershop (Joke)

Sent to me by David....

George Bush and Barack Obama somehow ended up at the same barber shop.

As they sat there, each being worked on by a different barber, not a word was spoken. The barbers were even afraid to start a conversation, for fear it would turn to politics.
  
As the barbers finished their shaves, the one who had Obama in his chair reached for the aftershave. Obama was quick to stop him saying, 'No thanks, my wife Michelle will smell that and think I've been in a whorehouse.'
     
The second barber turned to Bush and said, 'How about you sir ?' Bush replied, 'Go ahead; my wife doesn't know what the inside of a whorehouse smells like.'

HAIL! HAIL! Intense Hailstorm (dude.........I had no idea).

We read in the scriptures of hail destroying the crops in the last days, and also of the hail that plagued Egypt in the time of Moses - this put it in perspective for me.

LEFT! LEFT! LEFT! RIGHT! RIGHT! LEFT!

How to make a BLT sandwich in 3 easy steps.....

Some phone codes....I don't know if these work overseas....

*57: Call Trace
This is a lets you find out the most recent number that has called you.
To use: dial *57

*77: Anonymous Call Rejection
If someone is attempting to call you and their caller ID is blocked, you can stop them from calling unless they unblock their number. It's also useful if you are going to call someone on a phone that may have the feature turned on.
To turn on feature: dial *77
To turn off the feature: dial *87

*67: Block an outgoing call
You may want to block the number you are calling from. Dialing *67, then the number will allow you to do that for one phone call. It's very useful if you want to call up someone and chew their ass out.
To use: dial *67 000-000-0000

*02 DeActivate *66 Notification on Busy Signal
*03 DeActivate *66 Notification (One Time Only)
*12 Call Assitance (Police)
*30 Cancel Forwarding
*31 Automatic Forwarding
*32 Notify
*40 change forward-to number for customer programmable call forwarding busy-line
*41 six-way conference calling activation
*42 change forward-to number for customer programmable call forwarding don't answer
*43 drop last member of six-way conference call
*46 french voice activated network control
*47 override feature authorization
*48 override do not disturb
*49 - disable long distance special ring
*51 Intercom Ring I
*52 Intercom Ring II
*53 Intercom Ring III
*54 Extension Hold
*57 Call Trace
*60 Call Screen (Selective Call Rejection)
*61 Selective Distinct Alert
*62 Selective Call Acceptance
*63 Selective Call Forwarding
*65 ICLID Activation
*66 Busy Call Return
*67 Call Display Block
*68 Computer Access restriction
*69 Last Call Return
*70 Call Waiting Disable (Per Call)
*71 Three-way calling (Per Call)
*72 Activate Call Forwarding
*73 DeActivate Call Forwarding
*74 Speed Dialling (8 numbers)
*75 Speed Dialling (30 numbers)
*77 Anonymous Call Rejection
*80 Call Screen Disable
*81 Selective Distinct Disable
*82 Selective Acceptance Disable
*83 Selective Forwarding Disable
*85 ICLID Disable
*86 DeActivate Busy Call Return
*87 Cancel Anonymous Call Rejection
*89 DeActivate Last Call Return
*90 Re-Activate Call Forwarding Busy
*91 De-Activate Call Forwarding Busy
*92 Re-Activate Forwarding No Answer
*93 Call Forwarding No Answer (*91,*93 to completely disable)
*94 Ring Control (Call Answer)
*95 Message Monitor (Call Answer (link|flash) to interuppt/talk))
*97 check if you have messages, remotely (on=2beeps,off=4beeps)
*98 Call Answer

Old fashioned values........

Still - smarter than thinking homosexuality is exactly the same thing as heterosexual marriage and forcing your military to go openly gay embracing......

Something Nice.....

An 8 month old boy hearing for the first time with his cochlear implant in place.....

Hemp milk

Ingredients:

1/8 - 1/4 cup hemp seeds

1 cup water

1-2 dates and/or other dried fruit (optional)

1/4 tsp vanilla (optional)

Blend in a blender until smooth. The amount of hemp seeds determines if you want more of a milk or cream. I used the full 1/4 cup, and it was very creamy. I tested it out on top of a few blackberries:

It was yummy! I used some more in ice cream.

I stored it in a couple of small mason jars.

Easiest and best banana walnut ice cream

This is my all-time favorite ice cream.

Ingredients:

frozen banana pieces (to freeze, peel ripe bananas, break into small pieces, seal in a plastic bag in freezer).

handful of walnuts

Blend in a high-powered blender. Now, with no liquid, it's hard to blend at first. Sometimes it catches and makes a real creamy thick ice cream, like here:

Other times, especially if you make a small portion, it doesn't blend so well and then it's chunky, which is good too! I like it both ways, creamy and chunky. I've tried many ice cream recipes with added nut milks, sweeteners (e.g., dates) and berries, and this is my favorite. But of course, for variety, I like the others too.

Today's meals

Since I have a cold, I'm working from home this week and have more time to play in the kitchen, so I'm enjoying healthy comfort foods. They really do make me as satisfied as any SAD (Standard American Diet) food and I don't feel awful after eating them (except when I eat too much).

This morning I made some pretty good banana oat bars. I modified Dr. Fuhrman's recipe enough that I could post it, but I'm not sure I want to repeat it. I can get the same flavors from a bowl of oatmeal: oats, chopped dried fruit (dates, apricots, and prunes), banana, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. And that's easier to make and can be prepared in a single serving. Fortunately I made a small batch and shared them with housemate so it wasn't too over the top. That was breakfast and lunch.

Dinner was, ice cream, and a carrot and some raw cabbage and spinach and some orange remainders (I still like these!). However, it was, um, several helpings of ice cream. First I made a batch of banana/strawberry/blueberry ice cream. It was good. But then I made a much simpler version of banana walnut ice cream that was even better. I realize that I like crunchy ice cream.

Okay, from now on I need to eat normal amounts. I still want to try one more ice cream recipe, which is called "Jenna's peach freeze." I'm hoping we'll be entertaining friends this weekend and I have several fun meals planned.

I'm back

Well, I guess I was over-confident heading off this weekend. Eating healthy was harder than I thought. Aunt Margie's cookie balls were the most tempting, even knowing they are loaded with butter, white flour and sugar. I resisted, but acted out in other ways: by overeating when I returned home--both yesterday and today. I've really been susceptible to the social situations lately. The problem is that when you give in once, like I did in France, it makes it a lot harder to resist the next time. I have a harder time now than I did my first few years because the novelty and fun experimentation with recipes has worn off. And I let myself think I'm healthy and can afford a few lapses. Unfortunately that food is so addictive that a lapse just leads to more. I need to try to be more aware of my weaknesses and prepare for it. Yesterday was kind of a humorous incident even though it led to overeating. I was in the grocery store and saw friends with their new baby so I ran over to talk with them and they were standing in front of all these freshly baked vegan treats--chocolate chip cookies, chocolate bars, and other stuff. Well, after watching everyone around me eat cookies and chocolates all weekend long, I wanted those cookies! Somehow I resisted and ended up buying nuts and dates and overeating. dang it.

I have a cold and my overeating is only making it worse. You are supposed to eat much less while sick so your body can fight the cold. Oh well, my ice cream was good today. I'll post about that next.

Well - it's cram time

I just found out the deadlines for my doctoral applications are 2 weeks sooner than I thought they were due.  I was counting on Jan 31st, I got till Jan 15th.  So guess what I'll be doing in the evenings?  CRANKING OUT PAPERWORK AT THE UNIVERSITY!!!!  Good thing I'm good at cranking out papers and can do long periods of study.  I only have five papers due though but - this is the next level so quality is going to be paramount and focus on detail will be critical.  I'm a bit stressed about it.  Just a bit.

Quote of the day.

The mightiest of weapons is truth. And everyone knows you’re not permitted to enter a federal building (or go past TSA) with a weapon (unless you have a permit or license or special permission - and the weapon meets federal guidelines so its not too dangerous).

TSA In Bed With Osama Bin Laden: Terrorism Wins!

Terrorism is much more than blowing things up.  It has political elements to it as well. Getting a nation to completely restructure things is just as much a goal of terrorism is as blowing up cafes.

In this case in this country, Osama is winning and has won.  And Napolitano and Obama and the Democrats are grateful to him for it.  It gives them the excuse to take away more freedoms and tread on our constitution.  Just as the perpetual wars in Eurasia and Eastasia were used in 1984, the crisis that was CREATED by the 3rd Reich to start an invasion into Poland, the burning of the Reichstag to justify taking police action against the Jews, the burning of Rome by Nero to justify persecuting the Christians.........the fact that our government hasn't solved these issues - are suing an American state for trying to protect its self - stonewalling investigations into racism at the DOJ level - are coming out in support of a mosque on what is sacred ground to Americans and supporting a political statement by a terrorist regime on our own soil.......I think the enemy has won much more than we want to admit and has friends we would rather not admit and we have enemies we would rather pretend aren't our enemies.

Our only hope?  That people wake up and hold our government accountable.  But as it stands now.....Osama's winning!  I hate to admit it!  But someone has to say it.  Though I do wonder how the embracing of homosexuality by our civilization while embracing extremist Islam is going to go over.......those two aren't compatible. Or we'll end up with an extremely bastardized culture clash.

TSA to Start Screening at Hotels & Malls!

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.cdc63f449543115516a6ee1f2c569704.4f1&show_article=1

Not sure if that's what they really intend on doing, but, the media release is either psyche warfare and intended for Al Qaeda to read, or to get us ready to be screened to go into the malls and stay in hotels while the government extends its tentacles into everything.

Art!

Nice.

The REAL Story of Rudolph

The True Story of Rudolph:
 
A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
 
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at  Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
 
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
 
The general manager of  Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer _ and  distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph . That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.
 
In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.
 
Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah   Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.  "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed  Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal  success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."
 
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
 
                          * MERRY CHRISTMAS                    2010

Not a Democracy.....

Senate Democrats, tired of the Republican's filibustering Democrat legislation and not getting everything they want and sick of the fact that not only did they get voted out in large numbers, but that America doesn't agree with them, are preparing to reform the filibuster in the Senate to continue to ram legislation down America's throat.  In other words, make it harder to filibuster - or prevent it from being used. 

I like this quote: "The bottom line is this: the Senate was never intended to be a democratic body, a reflection of one man, one vote," writes "Vladimir" at the Red State blog. "It is a deliberative body, and a consensus-building body. The filibuster has an important role to play in making that possible."  http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/dems-unanimous-filibuster-reform/

I was thinking just make Olympia Snowe an honorary Democrat might be a solution.  I still remember Barbara Boxer screaming like the personality-disordered-little-girl she is when the Republicans controlled all three branches in the government how the checks and balances of the government were destroyed and our government was never meant to have one party in power across all three branches of government.  (OH THE HUMANITY!) Well, now they are in power and I don't see them fussing about it - I remember them being outraged at filibuster reform when they were in the minority back in 2005 and now....look what they are doing.   Hypocrites!  Of course....we already knew all this.

Proud Wal Mart Shopper

Also sent to me by Carl

60 years of math in the US (Joke)

Sixty  Years of Math   1950 - 2010 (in the   USA )(sent to me by Carl)

Last week  I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my  $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and  gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while  looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to  tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help.  While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried..  Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since  the 1950s:

1.  Teaching Math In 1950s 

A logger  sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the  price.    What is his profit ?

2.  Teaching Math In 1960s 

A logger  sells a truckload of lumber for $100.  His cost of production is 4/5 of the  price, or $80.  What is his profit?

3.  Teaching Math In 1970s

A logger  sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80.    Did he  make a profit ?

4.  Teaching Math In 1980s 

A logger  sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his  profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number  20.

5.  Teaching Math In 1990s 

A logger  cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and
inconsiderate and  cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands.   He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of  making a living?     Topic for class participation after answering the question:    How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes?    (There are no wrong answers,  and if you feel like crying,  it's  ok).

6.  Teaching Math In 2011

Un  hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es  $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho? 

DON'T LAUGH  WE ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THNK!!

Obama Statue Opening Ceremony!!!!

Sorry, y'all - it's Christmas and I can't resist a laugh even at this late (early) hour.

Members of Congress to Hear Constitution for First Time!

On January 6th, the Republicans will require the constitution to be read in its entirety on the floor of the House of Representatives when the new congress is seated. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/dec/23/we-the-people-to-open-next-congress/

I hope it does some good.  Apparently the Republicans are also going to require the citing of constitutional authority in all bills brought before the house or they can't be voted on.

Ever read the constitution in its entirety?  I have the constitution and the Declaration of Independence framed and hanging on my wall in my bedroom.  If you haven't, read it here: http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/freedom/constitution/text.html  

You'll find it fascinating and it's not too long a read.  15 minutes worst case. 

FACT: Less Than 3% of fliers get 100% felt up by TSA

So I don't understand why refusing a pat-down gets you arrested.  You get refused a flight, leave the airport and your name gets put on a list and you get checked out a bit more - why do we need the arrest?  It's fear and intimidation by the TSA thugs (AKA brownshirts).  TSA arrests a sexual assault victim and then hauls her off in front of everyone because they had to feel her up and she wasn't going through with it.  http://www.kvue.com/news/local/Woman-arrested-at-ABIA-after-refusing-enhanced-pat-down-112354199.html

TSA says its not a violation of your rights.  I don't understand where in deciding not to get on a plane you have somehow still waived the right to not be searched. Where does the right to not be searched end?   When you buy the ticket?  If you don't show up at the airport are you guilty?   What about if you check your baggage and don't get in line and go home?  What about get in line and get right out?   Or get in line and then three people before you are set to go, you decide not to fly?  Maybe you're just afraid of flying?  Will that get you arrested?

I'm really wondering about the constitutionality of all this.  Martial law hasn't been declared, we are protected against unreasonable search and seizure by the 4th Amendment which reads thus: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

What makes this probable cause to feel a woman up?  Or if she refuses to fly still is grounds for arrest?  Now if she insisted on flying (which she did) I can understand the concern.  However, what also is the level of training for a TSA agent to distinguish between a real breast, a breast implant and a bomb implant?  I mean - really?  Like she can't get the fire axe off the wall after she passes security anyways. 

This whole thing is smoke and mirrors.

TSA is now getting groped and exposed......

I got in trouble once in the Navy in an unfortunate accident that was NOT MY FAULT that resulted in a $50k police cruiser sitting in the bottom of a bay somewhere overseas.  If you heard the story, yes, that was me.  The Navy wanted to hang me - the Navy attorney I spoke with got me off the hook and demonstrated it was an accident (it really was and it wasn't through carelessness or neglect - it was bad engineering on the CB's part - though I can never look at a boat ramp without remembering that dark and stormy night again) and I thought "Attorney's aren't so bad!"

Now, the attorney for the California pilot who's weapon was confiscated by the feds after he posted critical videos of TSA states that the Feds are overreacting.  Rather than responding to his criticism, they take the last line of defense for a plane (the pilot) and confiscate his weapon.  http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/12/24/attorney-criticizes-feds-using-force-critical-pilot/

However, his point was valid - passengers and pilots go through high tech screening and ground crews simply swipe a card to gain access to the plane. In other words, TSA doesn't like being exposed, you have a citizen who's life is at stake who's concerned and instead the Feds intimidate him and send a veiled threat to him by sending feds to his house.

I think to solve this TSA needs to put real-life color images on its screens and create an extended/prolonged groping area near the gate to solve these deficiencies.

Gay Marriage "Inevitable"

VP Biden says that gay marriage is inevitable just as it was in the military it will come to pass in our society as well.  I'm wondering if the government will sue religious organizations for refusal to wed gay couples and essentially create a state religion in the future.  Wonder what outrage that will create: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/12/24/biden-says-gay-marriage-inevitable/

today's lunch and dinner

...and tomorrow, and Sunday. See yesterday's post for more description. It's repititive, but easy, yummy, and even looks Christmasy! At right is my bean veggie soup from the freezer. I'll be off the internet unless I get to escape to a coffee shop, but that's not likely. So see you on Monday.

Rules? No longer apply....

The Democrats are looking to end the filibuster in this next congressional session.  Given that the Republicans have used the filibuster to ward off legislation this congressional session, the Dems want to eliminate it: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/report-reid-devising-a-plan-for-filibuster-reform.php

While we might look to the rules and procedures of congress as a safeguard against dishonesty, they are only the last resort.  In a democratic form of government, anything can be undone by popular vote.  Which is why the most critical guard against corruption is honest leaders and an informed public.  Guess they got rid of the first two obstacles, now for the third one - procedures - and then the work of destruction and dismantling safeguards and forming a new government can begin.

Here's Lookin At Ya - random pics

Some Observant Quotes

	"Women might be able to fake orgasms. But men can fake whole relationships." Sharon Stone
	Honesty is the key to a relationship. If you can fake that, you're in." Courtney Cox Monica on "Friends"
	"I read somewhere that 77 per cent of all the mentally ill live in poverty. Actually, I'm more intrigued by the 23 per cent who are apparently doing quite well for themselves." Jerry Garcia - Grateful Dead
	"Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is." Barbara Bush - Former US First Lady
	ah, yes, divorce..., from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet. Robin Williams
	Instead of getting married again, I'm going to find a woman I don't like and just give her a house. Rod Stewart
	"On the one hand, we'll never experience childbirth. On the other hand,  we can open all our own jars."  Bruce Willis - On the difference between men and women
	"And God said: 'Let there be Satan, so people don't blame everything on me. And let there be lawyers, so people don't blame everything on Satan." George Burns
	"Luge strategy? Lie flat and try not to die." Carmen Boyle - Olympic Luge Gold Medal winner - 1996
	"There are only two reasons to sit in the back row of an airplane: Either you have diarrhoea, or you're anxious to meet people who do." Henry Kissenger -former US Secretary of State
	"My cousin just died. He was only 19. He got stung by a bee - the natural enemy of a tightrope walker." Dan Rather - News anchorman
	"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps." Tiger Woods
	"I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured  by a Great White or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot." Axl Rose - Guns'n'Roses
	"Capital punishment turns the state into a murderer. But imprisonment  turns the state into a gay dungeon-master." Rev. Jesse Jackson
	According to a new survey, women say they feel more comfortable undressing in front of men than they do undressing in front of other women. They say that women are too judgmental, whereas, of course, men are just grateful. Robert De Niro
	In the last couple of weeks I have seen the ads for the Wonder Bra. Is that really a problem in this country? Men not paying enough attention to women's breasts? Hugh Grant
	There's a new medical crisis. Doctors are reporting that many men are having allergic reactions to latex condoms. They say they cause severe swelling. So what's the problem? Dustin Hoffman
	There's very little advice in men's magazines, because men think, "I know what I'm doing. Just show me somebody naked." Jerry Seinfield