“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

So, how did the government takeover of the airwaves go? I turned on both television and radio and heard the message being read while the message was scrolling across the television set. YAWN…..Oops, I dozed off there. I am still wondering what is the real “back story.”

While the government was taking over the airwaves, because it can, life was going on, and this news that gasoline prices could soar to "record highs" is alarming. I put gas in my car, drive from the gas station to my first destination post fill up, and I have already used a quarter tank. OK, that was a slight exaggeration.

Here I am worried about the potential increase in the price of gasoline, when this story makes the price of gas look like chump change? What the heck is the Palestinian Investment Fund? It is being debated whether The US Treasury should sanction it?  I guess the following paragraph tells me a lot:

The Palestine News and Information Agency WAFA reported over the weekend that Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas has tapped the Palestinian Investment Fund (PIF) to build houses for the prisoners released in the October exchange that freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, whom Hamas had held for five years. Recipients will include convicted members of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.

Are US taxpayers helping or primarily financing this lifestyle? If the US Treasury is underwriting this, what happens to the millions of Americans who are homeless, without work, without food, the ability to shack up in “the al-Mashtal Hotel, the only five-star accommodations in Gaza—and another PIF property”? In America, charity does not begin at home.

Meanwhile in the general area, a completely different scenario is playing out, and this prisoner is not going to have a home built for him. In Iran, the authorities are “pressuring a jailed Christian pastor to convert to Islam”? In a previous post, I stated that the pastor should not give in. I know that it is easy for me to dispense such advice from the relative safety of where I am. However, my advice is still the same. Pastor, do not give up your eternal salvation for those mythical 72 virgins!

Now, here is a man who is not giving in! So far, Attorney General Holder is not apologizing for “Fast and Furious” or for the death of  Border Patrol Agent Terry, according to this report. Mr. Holder, you refuse to budge. Why should you apologize that the US Government is in the gun-running business, and one of those guns in the “program,” is alleged to have killed a US Border Patrol Agent? You may not have apologized to the family of Agent Terry, but you do “regret” the incident. I am sure that you also regret that Agent Terry and his fellow agents were “armed” with non lethal weapons, right? I am glad that I am not related to Agent Terry.  My sanguinity would have been parked at the door of the hearing.

It appears that it is indeed open season on Border Patrol agents. The latest agent to be imprisoned for doing his job, now has to hear from prison that "government fines jailed Border Patrol agent's family." That ought to get the message out to Border Patrol agents. Do your job, and you could either be killed by a gun from your gun-running government, or jailed, and the coup de grace being, your family fined?

I am getting such an education. The new additions to my vocabulary are the words vishing and smishing, meaning ID thieves are owning and ruining our lives. Is it time to revisit the punishment for such crimes? These are not “white collar” crimes. The perpetrators probably have some very dark collars, from all of the crime and venom pouring out of them! Have a nice talk with God.

Continuing with the theme of crime and criminals, here is a story about cyber criminals (who) hijacked 4 million computers. This one has a happy ending. These criminals were caught.

I hope that teenagers and parents get to read this story about the connection between synthetic marijuana and heart attacks. The natural stuff also affects the heart, but as is the case with the manufactured version of so many items, the risk is upped, by the synthetic version.

Some hearts may skip a beat at this news that the Agriculture Department imposes (a) Christmas tree tax. The tax is supposed to help increase the sales of natural trees? So now we have fifteen cents added to purchases, and “a new board tasked with promoting the Christmas tree industry”?  And how is this tax supposed to do this promotion? It worked! I have now made a vow to support the fake tree industry! I will not be supporting yet another board, agency, department of government. Merry Christmas, President Obama, the Christmas tree Board, and the Dept. of Agriculture, from Ms. Christmas!

Here is a nice story. Plumber turns over stash of cash. The plumber is claiming that he is not a hero:

"I think it's a shame that I should be a big hero for doing the right thing."

Mr. LaLiberte is correct. But, he is still a hero, especially in the context of a society that is losing its grip on morality. Even a few years ago, what he did would have been “the right thing,” and nothing more. Alas, “the times, they are a-changin’” – and not for the better. But, we keep doing what we know is right, even if difficult.

In case anyone is wondering, this post has been deliberately kept free of news of Occupy Whatever, Candidate Cain, and Penn State scandal. My recipe for prevention of all such situations, is returning to doing “the right thing.” We have traded in our moral compass for ephemeral satisfaction from sex and money. That satiety is very short-lived. May God help us – if He is not too disgusted.

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

Warning: Do not read the following two reports, if you are eating, and/or have a delicate stomach. Occupy London occupiers defecate inside St. Paul's Cathedral. They showed that cathedral, nominally a house of God, and God, what they really think about Him?

We hear about brotherhood and unity of purpose, solidarity of movement, and all of the other meaningless phrases that are used when folks do not have an original thought to contribute. However, there could be some truth to the “solidarity and unity” theme after all. This story proves my case. On the other side of the ocean, another occupy group showed two street cart vendors who is really boss! How did they do this? You really had to guess? An occupy group operating out of San Diego splatters blood and urine, among other “offerings” on the carts of those two street vendors. And – to make their intentions really clear, sent them death threats? At least, good Samaritans are trying to help those vendors.

I don’t know about others, but my lasting impression of Occupy Whatever/Wherever/However, will be of filth and feces. In the future, should I come across anyone who tells me that he or she was an occupier, I am going to have to walk away, especially if I am wearing a favorite ensemble – just in case nature calls that person. I will be doing a better moonwalk than Michael Jackson used to do! J

It is safe to tune back in – I think. Bank of America is going to have to pay out $410 million in settlement for debit cards overdrafts. Maybe we should return to the cash only system? Don’t cry for B of A, though. That money is going to be paid and the bank will make a profit. Banks have their “vays!” J

Driving right along the money highway, we come to the famous, or infamous, depending on one’s point of view, cash for clunkers, which is being described as “the Rosetta Stone of Obamanomics.” Say what you like about this current US president. When his reign is over, the Nobel Prize, (what did he get that for again?), will not be his only lasting record. He will probably get the record for having the most projects named after him.

If I had not had such an unhealthy attachment to my ‘Stang, I should have turned it in to Sheriff Obama for cold, hard cash! Oops. That car is sensitive. I had better apologize, before it shows me who is boss. ‘Stang, baby – “Mommie,” not Mommie Dearest, did not mean what she jokingly wrote. You are the best vehicle a Mom could have. “They” will have to drag you from my “cold, dead hands,” and right foot! J

The stories of alleged “unusual” behavior will not go away! Another NY Democrat caught with his pants down? His account is:

….he took the photos of himself in 2000 as a student at the Visual Studies Workshop while working on a master of fine arts degree at The College at Brockport. He received the degree a year later.

At least he did get his degree. I bet those photos which he described as “art," really showed his pedigree. I believe him. There is nothing to see here – move along. Actually, there is  no longer anything to see. He took the photos down.

It is time to move on to bigger and more serious issues. "Missiles on Tel Aviv" is not an upcoming science fiction movie. It is a pretty detailed plan for the potential destruction of Israel. I am against cloning, because I believe that only the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob could have created someone like me. But, maybe think tanks, scientific institutions, to name just two, may want to begin cloning Israelis, in order to prevent the rest of the world, from suffering from the inevitable lack of talent and contributions, which will occur when Israel is “missiled” into the sea.

Based on this alleged open mic conversation between Obama and Sarkozy, Israel can forget about any US and French assistance in any upcoming conflict? My money would still be on Israel – if its leaders are not bowing at the altar of “political correctness,” and are bowing at the altar of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Oh, oh, this does not sound so good for the US. Shariah's encroachment into American courts? Does this mean that if I have a dispute with a practitioner of Shariah law, I could be subjected to that law, instead of the US Constitution, although I do not believe in Shariah law? I hope that my potential sentence does not include any flogging, or separation of body parts. I hope that an exception can be made in my case.

I can even provide documentation and character witnesses, that I am a loyal citizen of the US, although not born here, and swear allegiance to the Flag, and the “Republic for which it stands!” As a further matter of fact, although I am a coward, I will still swear that allegiance and my fealty to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, no matter the punishment! Furthermore, I stand with Israel!

I am going to attempt to provide a defense for this Homeland Security advisor “accused of leaking docs.” The poor gentleman got confused with that word “leak.” In the common vernacular, to “take a leak” means to relieve oneself. He wanted to take a leak. The documents were there in his way. Unfortunately, instead of the usual receptacle, he ended up leaking – to the media. The most of which he can be accused is “temporary projectile inaccuracy”? By the way, why does any government department need “advisors”? How can I get in on this lucrative advisor gig? I have tons of advice. Here is a free tip: open the cupboard named “commonsense” – for starters.

Is this a case of a split personality? "A tale of two Stephen Kinzeys" is downright disconcerting. What would make a “popular tenured professor” morph into an “outlaw biker charged with drug dealing and related offenses”?  This world is becoming too weird for me.  Maybe the following is the key:

The Devils Diciples started in Fontana in 1967 but is now headquartered in Detroit, Kinzey's hometown. The club is believed to have about 150 members nationwide, and its website explicitly states that it is a motorcycle enthusiasts' organization and "NOT a criminal organization."

"Diciples" was purposely misspelled to distance the club from any religious affiliation.

If that club really wanted to show its originality, it would not have used a name that has its origins in a “religion affiliation.” I notice the word “devil” retains its original spelling. Good luck, all.

Mark Steyn could be right in predicting the demise of America, with folks such as these entrusted with her legacy. This review of Mr. Steyn’s book is one of the best reviews of a book that I have ever read, because it really gives enough details from the book, without telling all, in order to support the points that T.D., the reviewer is making about the book. Who will be around to write the eulogy for the US?

I am back. I took a short break to slap some sense into myself! There will not be any eulogy for the US! The US will be standing because we have millions of citizens ready to fight for it! I count myself among those millions, and my “weapon of choice,” my keyboard is working overtime.

It was sad to read about the death of boxing great Joe Frazier. But, within the story, there was the offered generosity of fellow boxer Floyd Mayweather. May we continue to have folks who open not only their hearts, but also their wallets. I am familiar with many of them.

On that story of caring for one another, that is it folks. There is still hope. Optimism, if not joy, could come in the morning – or about a year from now. J

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

Once again, I had to ask myself the now usual question: “How is this country still standing, when certain citizens (they know who they are), have such a death wish – for the country”? I asked the question after reading this Doug McIntyre article. I did not know about the “invasion” of the Mexican Matricular Card, which has such widespread use in the US. I will say it again. I may have done the wrong thing by coming to this country legally. I could have come in the “other way,” took advantage of its services, accumulated enough money to live fairly decently back in the home country, and left after “raping” it. Nah. I am happy and proud to have come in the right way.

However, were I a lawyer, I may have considered taking the case of Alejandro Morales Serrano, in his fake ID operation arrest. Why should Mr. Serrano be persecuted for his entrepreneurship, in the light of the information provided by Mr. McIntyre about these matricular cards? Sorry, Mr. Serrano, you are indeed, comparatively speaking, “small fry.” Don’t worry though. If one of those prosecutors looks at you cross-eyed, the Mexican Consulate will be there, even if you are an American citizen. J

This Occupy Wall Street and anyone or anything associated with it, is becoming more “interesting” by the day. “Interesting” is my go to word to use, when I do not want to say the real word. It is a great pinch hitter. Ouch! "Hollywood producer slams Michael Moore for Goldman Sachs hypocrisy.” Is Mr. Moore being accused of hanging out with the prey while hunting with the wolves? My problem is that in this Occupy Whatever protest, I am not sure which is prey and which is wolf. Although I have less than fond memories of big banks, I would prefer to take my chances with them, because at least I am fairly certain, if invited to a park owned and operated by a bank, I would not be assaulted on my person. Now my bank book – that is another matter. I cannot help myself. I must use this cliché. Mr. Moore, remember “less is Moore.” Mr. Polone, you may not eat lunch in that town again. But, from your article, I get the impression that will not disturb you.

Say it is not so! Jesse "the body" Ventura “the former Navy SEAL…has lost his patriotism”? I guess we can score one for TSA and the terrorists? Although I can understand Mr. Ventura’s frustration, I part ways with him on the following:

"I will never stand for a national anthem again. I will turn my back and I will raise a fist," he said.

I hope that he rethinks that vow.

Here is another decision that I hope will be “rethunk”? I just totally confused spell check with my use of “rethunk!” The point is that I hope that the Obama administration rethinks its opposition to FDR prayer at WWII Memorial. What can it hurt? Is the opposition to “prayer” or to FDR? Or as the conspiracy minded among us may be saying/thinking – is this decision yet another in the apparent plan to “fundamentally transform” the US, into other than America?

The Administration, and indeed all of America, may soon have more than a prayer to worry about, as it only by a wing and a prayer that it has not approached even more quickly the $15 trillion debt limit – but it is inexorably headed there. What part of “stop the damn spending, spendaholics,” is difficult to understand? Yes, I know. “Spendaholics” is technically not an accepted word, yet. I have heard it. Maybe the conspiracy theorists do know something after all.

While we are fretting over US debt, Iran has a mystery banker in Canada? And President What’s his name, too lazy to spell it out, may be implicated in “what appears to be the largest embezzlement scheme” in the history of Iran? I think that I may owe a small apology to our politicians. At least they, on a federal level, that I know of, are not involved in such schemes. Please God, physically, if you have to, prevent them from such undertakings. We have enough corruption already.

Say this is not so. Courtesy of my pal, Charlotte, I read this article and was horrified. Ex-staffer files lurid harassment complaint against Jesse Jackson. I read more details that I wanted to have ever known. I hope for the reverend that this is not true. This will be a whole other meaning to the word “push.”  Of which church is the Reverend Jackson, the Reverend?

I did not set out to make this a section on alleged perversity, but it is turning in that. Penn St ex-coach, others charged in child sex case, is not your every day headline. I have to be honest here. When I read the first paragraphs of the article, I was almost violently angry, and had that ex-coach been in the same room, I would have probably tried to knock some sense into him, with the nearest heavy object. As I keep repeating, child abusers and abusers of the elderly, are two types of individuals that I despise.  Anyway,  I calmed down, and decided to practice what I am – a Christian. Accordingly, wish those involved a fair trial. If nothing else, I hope any potential robbers of the youth of children, may take pause and “just say no” – to themselves.

I think that I am beginning to see a job opportunity – baby sitter to rich, famous men, so that they do not even think of watching a woman, not their wives, sideways! I just heard the new accuser of Candidate Cain, with her lawyer, Gloria Allred at her side.  When Ms. Allred is next to a “victim,” a mike and the press, the “accusee” may as well throw in the towel?

What would be a day without folks somewhere being killed at the hands of those who claim to be motivated by religion? A radical Muslim sect is taking the credit for killing almost 70 Nigerian in violent attacks. I hope that those virgins in the afterlife are all perfumed up and ready to receive their new guests. Hold on a minute. The guest arrived, but the virgins were missing. Oh well…Meanwhile back here on earth, 69 innocent people were wiped out. Their only crime apparently being that they were warm bodies, ripe for blowing up.

So far,  Jews  in Queens libraries and a Jewish temple could be considered fortunate, as they are victims only of hate crimes.  I am not taking hate crimes lightly, especially as the report states that a survey find “anti-semitic attitudes rising.” If anyone had told me that in the year 2011, anti-Semitism would be on the rise in the US, I would have been in deep disbelief.  My friends who are Jewish, Jews you are strangers to me, I love you, just as I, as Jesus instructed to “love one another.”

This just in! Dr. Conrad Murray has been found guilty in the death of Michael Jackson. The doctor could face up to four years on prison. I hope that he saved some of his paychecks from Jackson. I know one thing that I learned is that I am staying away from Propofol. I learned more about prescription drugs to last me a lifetime.

Will someone e-mail me a story about a cute pup or cat? I hate to end on such a downer, but that is life in these United States.  May God continue to bless this country, and thank God that He is in control. We are not capable to be in control of even a dog pound! But, I will not lose hope that as the saying goes, the ship of state can be righted. Hopefully, that is soon.

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

For those folks who actually have money to invest, here is an interesting CNBC financial report. The “money under the mattress” strategy is appearing to be inviting, except with so many of these world currencies resembling drunken governments (the term “drunken sailor” is no longer used by this writer, as governments are outdoing sailors), their currencies do not look too attractive.

The US unemployment rate is now at 9%, a drop of .1%. This MarketWatch report is not encouraging. It is predicting that the unemployment rate “would stay stuck at 9% for five more years.”  “Kim Kardashian’s second term in the White House”? Please place a smiley next time, so that those of us, who are slow on the draw, can recognize this as a joke! I have never written about the Kardashians because quite frankly, I have not found them interesting.  As I do with most folks, I wish them the best. There would be a plus in having KK as president. She would add to both the employment and unemployment stats. Figure that one out.  I totally agree with the writer’s conclusion:

Congress, the White House and business leaders need to get serious. This is no time for posturing and politics.

The only problem with that statement is that this drunken government knows mainly “posturing and politics.” The members are comfortable and well taken care of. They do not lose their homes. The week is not even over, and already I have been told about three different friends of friends, relatives of friends, who are about to lose their homes. They don’t have time to be posturing.

Here is another situation that could be adding to those unemployment stats? ACORN AKA NYCC  is “firing workers, and shredding documents, after exposed as players behind Occupy Wall Street protests”?  No. No. That is not the way to go about this. The right steps were being taken with the name change to one using patriotic initials, (gives more credibility in making Americans think that you are in their corner), and in supporting this “grassroots movement!” Why run away from a role of support that has been undertaken by some heavy hitters, such as Iran, The Nazi Party and the Communist, among other foreign and US luminaries? Defecating on cars, raping, robbery, etc., should not be held against the occupiers. There are always some bad apples in the barrel, or the parks. Stand on principle!

I think I am beginning to identify a cause of the reticence of NYCC in reading this article about an epidemic of reported rapes and sexual assaults against women in the Occupy Wall Street movement. Still there is a sense that “some rapes are less equal than others”? The Occupy movement is holding its own judicial process, while down the street, or in an apartment nearby, a similar rape, would have the full force of the real law?

Huh? The US State Department is training Islamic political parties in Egypt?  “We don’t do party support. What we do is party training….and we do it to whoever comes”?  Who is paying for this “party training”? The United States of Suckers (taxpayers) – as usual?  Yes, I am completely reassured by the following reassurances:

"It absolutely does not go to the SCAF," he said, noting that the Egyptian military still receives billions in military aid from the United States.

"We, the United States government, will agree with you, the Egyptian government, on how to spend that billion dollars in Egypt," Taylor said. "But it won't come here. It won't come back to the Treasury. It'll stay there and do projects that we are working on right now."

Taylor said the money would be spent on an "identifiable" joint project that would show Egyptians that "yes, we do care if your transition works."

How about “just say no”? “Concern” is the word that I would use regarding the “transition.”

While we are “partying” and “transitioning” with parties in Egypt, "a military war of nerves against Iran" is being undertaken, led by the US, with Israel and the UK going along? I am all for taking on Iran, especially as today is the anniversary of that day in 1979, when “Iranian militants seized US Embassy workers.” These workers were only released when the Iranian regime decided, wisely, that it did not want to tangle with President Reagan. I said that I am “all for taking on Iran” – but not now. Although some keep trying to compare themselves to President Reagan, they are deluded. Any action against Iran “led by the US,” with the current leadership, has a greater chance of failure than success. Iran is not individual members of Al Qaeda, where the US got lucky.  Now, with the leadership of the Israel of the Six Day War, Entebbe, etc.? Could be very possible and doable.

Amil I, thanks for this video about a Swiss member of Parliament  who “has had enough!” Maybe we need a few more of that Swiss member of parliament, in other parts of the world?

Time to lighten up with a sports item! Peter O’Malley wants to run the Dodgers? Why did that family sell the Dodgers? He wants to “reconnect the team and the community.”  I am in agreement with the following statement:

"I want L.A. to be proud of the Dodgers, from top to bottom. As you read the blogs and hear people talk, the institution is not as highly regarded and respected as it should be. That has to be resolved quickly."

I hope that this too is doable, and it is not too late.

The article about this roof jumper could fall into the category of both sports and humor!  Thanks Chp. Dave, for the post on FB! A few more roofs and this man could have been a contendah for the possibly to be introduced Olympic sports event, “Roof jumping to evade the police!”

That’s it folks! The “Round up Sheriff,” self-described, will be back on Monday, God willing, with more perps and twerps! In fairness to some of those possible twerps, I need to clarify that only part of that description may fit them. “Twerp” means “silly, insignificant or contemptible.”  Some of them are unintentionally silly, but significantly dangerous, and definitely contemptible! J

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

Good news begins today’s round up! Congress honors Japanese-American soldiers by awarding them “its highest civilian honor.”

Next up, is the topic that rules the roost – money. According to an article from Yahoo.com, "biggest public firms paid little U.S. tax." I say “good for them.” I say that because I am against the deliberate set up of a byzantine tax system, which was never intended by the intelligent men who founded this country. I am not an economic or financial genius. As a matter of fact, I think I can truthfully state that I am a dunce, when it comes to financial and economic matters, especially as practiced in the US.

In the opinion of this self-described dunce, why cannot we have a system that taxes everyone, no matter what that person or corporation makes, and stop with the exemptions, loopholes, and other hoops that cause people and corporations to spend more time in navigating the tax obstacle course, than feeling much pride in paying his, her, its share. There is a big difference between 1% of a poor person’s contribution, and the same 1% of a mega, multi, global corporation. The money will come in. As is the case with so much of the US structure, the tax set up gives the impression of being rife with corruption.

Say what? Who are these "unexpected beneficiaries" of Obamacare? Are these the almost two thousand companies that received “waivers”? Nope. “Beneficiaries,” if someone is stupid enough to throw other people’s money at you, enjoy!

Speaking of money, and other people’s money, Joyce R., thank you for the heads up! The bonuses bequeathed to employees of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are being described as “obscene.” As I stated before “enjoy.” By the way, do these employees fall into the Occupy Wall Street 99% or 1%? I no longer feel “anger” or “revulsion” about much that goes on in the economic/financial/political arenas of the US. Corruption is a fait accompli. The ending line of the writer is funny:

The occupiers should form a new group.  OFF.  Occupy Freddie and Fannie.  

Although, maybe we should stay away from the word “off,” especially if someone decides to use it as a verb.

On the subject of “occupiers,” it seemed that a fiery time was had by many in Oakland. Bonfires were lit. Some businesses were vandalized. At least one building was “conscripted.” An entire port was taken over – another humdrum day of occupation. Are the drivers of the trucks of the port, in the 99% or the 1%?

Back at Zuccotti Park, things were not as sanguine. A volunteer's sex assault arrest shocked Zuccotti Park. Allegedly, this volunteer was serving up food by day, and helping himself to unlawful portions at night? Folks, go home.

Somehow “luxury” and Occupy Wall Street protestors should not be this “hand in glove” – should it? The following description shows that one is never too “luxurious” to pass up free stuff:

“Sleeping beside the hardcore activists are increasing numbers of wealthy students turning up to make the most of the party atmosphere, drugs and free food,” reporters Paul Bentley and Micela McLucas wrote in October. “While they dress down to blend in, the youngsters’ privileged backgrounds are revealed by glimpses of expensive gadgetry or the absent minded mention of their private schools during heated political debates.”

Party on!

There will not be much partying, if any, for those 21 employees of the Milk Street Café, who lost their jobs because of the Occupy Wall Street occupation of areas near their former workplace. Somehow, I think that I can safely state that those laid off workers are not in the 1%.

So far, 15% of the US population relied on food stamps?  Why do I have this feeling that the number could continue to keep rising? Would this group of Mexicans caught “crawling into the US through an abandoned pipeline” have gone on the food stamp program? I don’t know why the group used the pipeline route when walking across the open borders is so much easier. Would this pipeline excursion be an incident for hotels guests recruited by Homeland Security TV spots, to report back?

Jay Carney must feel as if he is Moses, working for God. His recent misquote “The Lord helps those who help themselves” created a little stir. But, I can understand. If you are working for “the one,” who claimed to affect the rise of the ocean, and the healing of the planet, then you can be excused for creating a change in the Bible. Lay off Jay! At least Mr. Carney did not create a film project with the title Jesus Was A Communist. That honor goes to Matthew Modine. Good luck with that conversation with Jesus, Mr. Modine.

This story is sad, and could be another example of “no good deed goes unpunished.” Mrs. Marion Salmon Hedges “was hit by a shopping cart that police say was dropped four stories by two 12-year-olds as she was buying Halloween candy for underprivileged children.” I pray that she recovers. I also pray for the suspected young perps - that they turn their lives around.

Dog dies saving owner is a tragic but true story that a dog is indeed “man’s best friend.” I read this story with really mixed feelings. I was glad that the owner’s life was saved, but so wanted to read about a second miracle, that the dog had somehow survived. R.I.P, Duncan.

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

I gave up before I even began. I tried to visualize $17.8m in income taxes and I could not. This gentleman’s home was seized because he owes that amount to the IRS. The irony is that he is a former attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission. I wish him well. 

US to review foreclosures by 14 major lenders?  I thought that my head was spinning from that seventeen plus million? It is rotating rapidly at this report:

Independent consultants would assess if borrowers lost out financially "through errors, misrepresentations or other deficiencies in foreclosure practices," the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said Tuesday.

This brings back memories. I was part of a class action suit, the kind in which I did not have to do “anything,” and I got paid. I still have the check of $1.62 (not a misprint), that I did not cash, but left as a souvenir to remind me never to buy another house in the US. Whatever happened to the time when there was a genuine relationship between banker and borrower? Banker probably attended many of the same functions as borrower, in their shared community, so banker knew to whom he was lending. Then “progress” and “globalism” happened. Folks became numbers and were treated accordingly. I continue to shake my head in bewilderment over the situation how a country with so much blessing, could figuratively spit on those blessings, and now find itself in danger of becoming the proverbial third world dump.

Continuing with the money trail, MF Global is still in the spotlight. To use the Occupy Wall Street Math, I can safely bet that about 90% of us in the 99%, were clueless about this firm before it declared bankruptcy.  “It used client money in an apparent violation of government rules and Wall Street practices”?  They’ll probably get a slap on the wrist with one of those dollar bills from clients, move on, and probably open under another name. They will probably drop the “global” in the name and use the strategy of using US or American in their name, to disguise any nefarious intentions. It has worked for others.

I was going to dodge anything about Occupy Wherever, but the news about this deteriorating movement, keeps pushing itself into my consciousness. "We are confused" is the cry of the Oakland Police Union. I don’t blame the union. Police men and women are expected to work although all other government union members are given time off by the mayor, to take part in today’s strike?  The union put out the following plea:

"We, too, are the 99 percent fighting for better working conditions, fair treatment and the ability to provide a living for our children and families," the Oakland Police Officers' Association statement said. "We are severely understaffed with many city beats remaining unprotected by police during the day and evening hours.

I mean no disrespect to the police union, but compared to many of the “un-unionised,” the benefits that come with the job, are not shabby. I am fully cognizant of the fact that unlike civilians, law enforcement members are literally putting their lives on the line. As for Mayor Quan, what is that about giving city workers the day off to attend the planned strike? If I worked for her, I would take the time off to go to the beach or have some other fun activity.

Poor St. Paul's Cathedral. It got caught like a deer in the headlights and cannot seem to recover from its encounter with Occupy Whatever. The writer claims:

At times it is, frankly, embarrassing to be a priest in the Church of England. Some dispirited colleagues might say that that’s the case all of the time. Ask us: how has an anti-capitalist march, aimed at occupying the Stock Exchange, become a narrative about the management collapse of what is often called the parish church of the C of E? We’re stumped for an answer.

He thinks that he is stumped? I cannot believe that this is one of, if not the greatest Christian churches of England. It sounds more like a commercial enterprise. I hope that God is occasionally mentioned.

Very interesting! From New Zeal Blog, here is a rundown of the backers of Occupy Wall Street:

One look at the backers of Occupy Wall Street and you notice it is composed of Communists, Socialists, radicals, unions and Islamists. Zombie has a new post up that exposes who is behind the funding and support of the movement and it is very enlightening.

Darn it! It must be nice to have such an “eclectic” bunch of backers – with money to spare – or throw away!

I found this story fascinating, a kind of tale of “the rich and famous,” and in one case, the dead. An American supermodel defends Gadhafi family, loses job. This supermodel must still have very fond memories of Mutassim. In a way, I admire her loyalty. I would have probably been out there pretending I never met the man! Well, the end of the story is that her alter ego “Alice” joins the other Alice – in Wonderland.

What is this? Almost half China's richest want to emigrate, to Canada and the US? Both countries can sure use the dough. Although, as much as I love the US, I have to warn those potential émigrés, that they may want to keep heading further north. The US already owes about half of its country to China, and is itching to tax the “rich.” If China decides to annex the US for non-payment of debt, those English classes could be wasted, and the riches confiscated. It will be kind of “jumping from the frying pan into the fire.” Another side to this desire to immigrate, was just brought to the surface by my conspiratorial side. What if this is a Trojan Horse type of situation? J

And now for the techies among us, here is a story about local radio getting tuned out, thanks to the Internet. As much as I like the Internet, I still like to listen to local radio. As a matter of fact, I am listening to a syndicated show on a local station, that had on two blacks and two Jews, with opposing points of views. The hot topics being discussed were the Candidate Cain alleged sexual harassment charges of a decade or more ago, discussed by the blacks, and the Arab spring by the Jews.  When I hear what passes for “dialogue” in this country, I am amazed that it is still somewhat functioning.

Mashable is providing us with a warning about the criminal intentions of some burglars, when it comes to utilizing social media information as “road maps” with which to burglarize folks. It is so good to own not much, including those multicolor dollar bills. Maybe I am naïve, but I still find it unbelievable how folks could spend time plotting and executing ways to harm others.

I always like to end with good or positive news, and this next article falls into that category – depending on one’s perspective. Congress gets richer. Yippee! You go, boys and girls! I meant to write Congressmen and women. I like to read as follows:

According to an analysis of U.S. lawmakers' financial disclosure forms conducted by Roll Call, the collective net worth of members of Congress rose nearly 25 percent between 2008 and 2010. 

In 2008, members of Congress had a minimum net worth of $1.65 billion ($1 billion in the house and $651 million in the Senate). In 2010, the total rose to $2.04 billion, according to Roll Call.

I admit it. There is a non-altruistic reason for my celebrating the increasing riches of Congress. I have determined that my only “prayer in Hell” of becoming rich in this country, is to go where the money is. I do not mean the banks. I am heading for Congress!

Friends, Romans, I mean Americans, and country men, and women – lend me your ears. Mortgage your houses, hold fundraisers, do some other forms of solicitations, in order to raise funds for my campaign. I would join you in those activities, except that I do not own a house, and moreover, I will be busy planning my campaign strategy. Do not panic though. I will be helping out. I will show up for appearances at your functions. I promise to kiss all babies, shake hands (have some hand wipes on hand), and will smile for your home cams! Get busy! J

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

Halloween with its ghouls and goblins, is past. Today is All Saints Day, for those of us who even remember. I will try to find some saintly behavior. I have a feeling that I will be on a futile search.

Occupy Everywhere, more specifically London, has claimed a victim of sorts. The Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral “has resigned amid criticism of his handling of a large ‘Occupy’ protest place on the church’s doorstep.” He feels:

"I now believe that I am no longer the right person to lead the Chapter of this great cathedral," he said, adding he hoped there would be a "swift and peaceful resolution" to the protest dispute.

It is interesting that the occupiers shifted to St. Paul’s “when their attempt to storm the nearby London Stock Exchange failed.” So, let me make sure I understand this. The occupiers tried to occupy a business with folks, who presumably fall into the 1%, and having failed there, decided to move to a place consisting of? Are the priests and parishioners of St. Paul’s in the 1%? I mis-counted. There were two victims, and some of the occupiers are remorseful:

"I don't really know where this leaves us," another said. "We didn't start this to upset the church, and we're not out to criticize them, so it is sad that two people have now left their jobs."

It must be great to be in a position to cause havoc, and then throw out a “mea culpa” or two.

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

My Halloween came early. On Saturday, October 29, 2011, I woke up to the news that a human ghoul had done what he and his kind do best. There was the headline that a suicide bomber had killed 13 Americans in Afghanistan.  Four Afghans were also killed, because really, although the goal is to kill Americans, whoever else gets killed in these attacks, including the countrymen or women of these killers, is unimportant to the killers. Talking about “spring” to these killers is a waste of time.

One main difference between these killers and the rest of us, is that they celebrate Halloween, every day of the year, when they can kill innocents. I hope that this recent slaughter will not have a negative impact on any hopes for resumption of talks between the US, Afghan government, and the “insurgents.” After all, the official script is that the hated Americans will leave Afghanistan, and all of the factions there will unite and live happily ever after. I will not even use the line about a bridge for sale.

Speaking of spring, as in Arab spring, Western leaders, who so want to believe that democracy, Western-style, will be adopted, may find out that, once again, they have been conned. Arab spring optimism gives way to fear, of what? Ah, here it is. “Fear” that radical Islamists “might also rise up and try to hi-jack the so-called Arab Spring.” Why are these folks accusing radical Islamists of any type of hijacking? You do not hijack what was yours, all along. You get useful tools to do the heavy lifting, and then when the house is all decorated, you enter and turn on the lights. 

Will someone open a school, as I have suggested before, for Western leaders to learn how not to be conned. Ironically, many of these leaders are fabulous at conning their own citizens, but when it comes to the real professionals, they are outclassed, outmanned and outgunned. Maybe not outmanned. They have lots of conscripts, known as the “cannon fodder.” They get these conscripts without even having to throw in fairy tales about eternal sex. The majority of these conscripts sign up because of love of their country.

America, rejoice! There will be no more airplanes going into buildings. There will be peace and harmony. The Metropolitan Museum of Art  the enlightened among us, is leading the rest of us, the hicks, to knowledge about the true – Islam. Interestingly the director of the Met is British-born. Is the agenda to turn the US into current day London? The writer of this museum story, is not buying the peace and harmony bit. I learned a lot, as usual:

It is time there was a museum exhibit dedicated to the victims of jihad. Where is the Met's showcase of the lives and cultures and histories of the 270 million victims of over a millennium of jihadi wars, land appropriations, cultural annihilations, and enslavements? Where is the grandiose suite of new galleries dedicated to highlighting Islam's systematic dehumanization of women: honor killings, clitorectomies, and so much more.

I did not know about those numbers quoted. Will those who do these deeds ever run out of steam, and leave the rest of us in peace?

Carolyn, thanks for the heads up on this video about Shariah Law in London. It is very interesting how migrants are telling natives how they, the natives, should live in their own country. That is a little too much “diversity” for me. I once had dreams of visiting London and other cities in Europe. I will get my fill on television. I do not want to enter into a forbidden zone and be forced to don a tent, for a dress, or worse.

Hey, even Mother Nature is getting in on this non-spring activity. New York, including Wall Street, will be receiving snow, before Halloween, for only the fourth time since the Civil War? Is there an omen in this for the occupiers? Is there an omen in this for the US, that there could be another civil war? Mother Nature did smack the Northeast. My prayers go out to all of those who have been affected.

It appears that snow is not only coming to the Eastern states. According to this report, the US Dept. of Justice is attempting to rain down its version of snow on Freedom of Information requests? To wit:

Obama’s Department of Justice has proposed a new set of rules for how the agency fills Freedom of Information Act Requests. If adopted, the rules will be a huge step back for transparency. They’re worse than you think.

As I stated “snow job.”

What the heck? The US State Dept could be involved in a third world type of sweat shop operation? What is the State Dept doing sponsoring visas for foreign students to work in the US, when there were US students, college and high school, who were unable to find summer jobs?  I am learning a difficult lesson. Before moving to the US, I naively assumed that those bureaucracies and companies with the “US” or “American” label in their names, automatically ensured that they are for America – “we the people.” Yes. I admit. I was stupid. I am now learning that when they plug those labels in the name, those organizations/companies,  are the ones of which one has to be especially careful. The part of the US that they worship, is the multicolor dollar.

What? No Occupy Anywhere stories? Nah. There are too many “occupiers gone wild” stories to handle. I do not want to deal with any more rape stories, threatening police, defecating in public places, on public vehicles, and threatening to break away from the US. If these folks have legitimate beefs, and I do not mean the gourmet meals that were being served, they are going to have to find a more effective vehicle, to highlight their cause. They are getting to the irritating stage, where even those who supported their movement, will be turned off.

If phase two of their plan is to cause confrontations with law enforcement, they could be on their way to getting their wish. In case they are unaware, they are being used as useful tools by some politicians who get their donations from the same “rich” people being protested, on the one hand, while throwing nominal support on the Occupy movement, on the other hand. One hand is stronger than the other, and it is not the hand supporting the occupiers. The occupiers may eventually find out that the battle is not between their definition of the 1% and the 99%. It could come down to a battle between the 95% who want to work within the system and bring about any needed reforms, and the 5% who want anarchy and overthrowing of the US.

This is an old article, which I found  while meandering through the various news avenues. In California, there is middle-class flight from San Fernando Valley? I am familiar with that Valley. If Valley residents are deserting in droves, then this flight could “doom L.A.” Smart folks. They probably got tired of being penalized for working hard to support this country that they love, and supporting those who do not want to work. I love this: “L.A. politicians try to spin an almost opposite tale.” “Spinning” and spending – two of the very important qualifications to be a politician! Some of the best politicians are in California.

I find this story of Bank of America's proposed debit card fee, fascinating. “To be, or not to be,” a Hamlet-type decision. First it was to be. Then as the public fussed, it is now uncertain. The public backlash certainly raised the ire of at least one B of A executive:

Bank of America Chief Executive Brian T. Moynihan said this week that he was “incensed” by public criticism of his company. He told employees to push back by reminding local leaders of BofA’s contributions to their economies.

To show how “incensed” he really is, he asked his employees to remind local leaders that “I have already scratched your back, now you scratch mine – or else”?  I love the marriage of convenience between politics and commerce. When either partner gets irritated, the fur really flies!

Here is another fascinating political piece – Cain smoking ad brings flood of donations. Folks are so relieved to see someone smoking on television, or any place for that matter, unfazed by criticism or law, that they smoked vicariously through that ad! Sorry. My wallet that is really in charge, refused to cough up any spare change.  Since this ad aired, the righteous furor that it caused in some quarters, has been replaced by a hot story about Candidate Cain, that he supposedly sexually harassed two ladies.  I will wait to hear what further transpires about this.

I keep coming across these fascinating stories! Adolph Hitler in custody battle? I thought that Heil Hitler had already been or deposed himself. I see. This story is about a child whose parents gave their kids names of their favorite characters and/or political inclination? I am not a psychic, but I somehow see a lawsuit or change of name in the future.

“Fascinating” does not describe this story about a second energy dept backed company goes bankrupt. There is a shorter word than “fascinating” that came to mind, but out of respect, I will refrain from using the “D” word. Is this Solyndra Part II? This company received less money, but had the same results. If these results continue, the saying “you win some, you lose some,” will be upended when it comes to this department. The word “win” will be obliterated.

Wow! My lessons continue. I am woefully behind in understanding all of these global financial wheeling and dealing. I don’t even understand the domestic. The Daily Crux, courtesy of NewsMax, is reporting that “the Euro crisis has claimed its first U.S. casualty.” Solyndra has gone global, or Greece has come to the US? I used to chuckle at articles advising us to get emergency supplies together. I am not chuckling anymore.

This story is not “fascinating.” It is downright unbelievable. This miracle dog survived doggie gas chamber?  I did not know that is how dogs are disposed of.  I cannot wrap my head around that, as the saying goes. Maybe I am speaking from a point of view of ignorance, but is there no other way of handling dogs who are not adopted? Gassing is barbaric. I could not handle that job. Daniel, I am so happy at the outcome of your story, “saved” and hopefully soon to be adopted.

On that rewarding story of “resurrection,” that is it for today. Let us keep working within the system to bring about necessary change, the real kind. Happy Halloween! Get all of the candy you can, but read the fine print, if the “candy” is given out by politicians. You may end up paying a lot for one piece of “candy.” J

What The Heck Is Going On? October 28, 2011

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

It is good to begin today’s journey with the story of a hero Army Sgt. Kristoffer Domeij. But, it does not mean that I am not upset. I deeply appreciate the service of this young man, and I am also angry at his loss. He deployed 14 times. 14 times! His life was taken by the worthless (fill in the blank), who know nothing but injure, maim and kill. I had better calm down. He was 29 years old…and had the following to say about his possible demise:

Domeij left his family members with explicit instructions: "If I'm ever killed, I don't want you talking to the media, making a big deal out of it."

I am not the media, so I can make “a big deal out of it.” My tear ducts refuse to cooperate with your instructions Sgt. Domeij. May you rest in peace.

What is this talk about wrinkles and Obamacare? OK, I have it now. Obamacare is going to put a wrinkle on women and marriage. Darn it! I was about to go hunting for one of those things called a husband. But, if there is going to be a negative impact on marriage, caused by Obamacare, why bother?  Don’t we women have enough other types of wrinkles to worry about? As for marriage, that has more than a mere wrinkle. It is about to become extinct, if all the various reports are correct.

There is a saying “why buy a cow when you can get the milk for free”?  Some folks are treating marriage as an item on the love/lust menu, and they are bypassing it. Why should they invest in marriage, anyway? There is a lot of free milk out there, and when one cow is milked out, move on to the next, without any obligation. The US itself is like a giant cow with everyone worldwide, milking it. Hold on! All right – false alarm. I thought that I saw Mother US Cow about to keel over. She righted herself – this time. As for me, I am holding out for Sir Galahad, not some cheap imitation.

It appears that the occupiers at Wall Street are tired of being Sir Galahad and Robin Hood. So:

For three days beginning tomorrow, the cooks will serve only brown rice and other spartan grub instead of the usual menu of organic chicken and vegetables, spaghetti bolognese, and roasted beet and sheep’s-milk-cheese salad.

They are not feeling the love and Kumbaya around the kitchen grill:

 “We need to limit the amount of food we’re putting out” to curb the influx of derelicts, said Rafael Moreno, a kitchen volunteer.

A security volunteer added that the cooks felt “overworked and underappreciated.”

The gourmet type free food spigot is being turned off, but the “stop snitching” rule is still in effect:

Rumors swirled that one homeless man had pulled a knife in a dispute the night before -- and that there had been yet another case of groping.

But protesters and a cop on duty told The Post that most of the crime goes unreported, because of a bizarre “stop snitching” rule.

“What’s happening in there is staying in there,” said the cop.

Quite frankly, I find the situation “unusual.” I attended a Tea Party event, as a pretend reporter, roughly a year ago, and none of these “unusual” situations occurred. As I stated in the article, I actually left my purse unattended, without a care, because I felt safe. No one attempted to assault me, rob me, offer me drugs, or any of the other “exotic” things that are now happening at these occupy events.

Speaking of the Tea Party, some cities are being accused of a double standard when it comes to the arrangements being made for the Tea Party and the Occupy Movement.  The Tea Party Movement has to understand that the Occupy Movement has a bunch of heavy hitters (folks with influence), and maybe some literal heavy hitters, behind it.

On the other hand, some of those heavy hitters, including politicians and bureaucrats have attempted to label the Tea Party movement as a bunch of terrorists. Call me weird, but I would prefer to take my chance with the Tea Partiers! I know that I would get home in one piece.  Here is a tip for the Tea Partiers. Do not be so pristine and clean up after yourselves. Apparently some cities love when the streets and parks are clogged with garbage, and folks defecate on police cruisers.

Oh, oh, what have we here? According to the New York Post, some NYPD sergeants are threatening to sue occupiers who injure them.  What is wrong with these sergeants? Don’t they realize that there is a double standard operating here also? They have to learn that they can get whacked to kingdom come, but if they cause an occupier to suffer a broken nail, they are looking at serious consequences? Get with the program!

This story is intriguing! It is almost like a Cain and Abel story, except the siblings are twin sisters. One sister is on the side of the occupiers, and the other is not. I guess those twins will not be finishing the sentences of each other. Jill, I have to agree with the following sentiment:

“I feel that’s what’s gotten us into this mess in the first place,” she told ABC News Wednesday. “There are always unintended consequences with government intervention.”

Jill, you have more sense in your pinky than some of these “seasoned” politicians have in their cupboards/bodies! We are all suffering from the “unintended consequences,” and some intended consequences of “government intervention.”  I have no less an authority than President Ronald Reagan warning us about “government intervention”:

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'

I don't believe in a government that protects us from ourselves.

The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would hire them away.

Case closed.

Well, the US government continues to intervene in Libya. Now injured Libyan fighters are to be transported to the US to receive medical treatment? Who is paying for this? The following could be an answer:

They mentioned that the interim government would be willing to reimburse the U.S. for the costs of the humanitarian assistance and recommended deploying a hospital ship or transporting of those in need of "advanced care" to U.S. facilities in Europe.

The “interim government would be willing to reimburse the US”?  I just looked up in the sky and the moon is made of cheese.

In the meantime, in Sarajevo, a gunman, who had been “visiting a community of hardline Islamists in northern Bosnia,” made a pit stop at the US Embassy in Bosnia.  But, I am sure that we are to believe that his religion had nothing to do with it. I know I believe that. It was that “brown coat and a long beard” that clouded his thinking. Hopefully, no one in government will come up with the idea to bring him to the US for treatment of his wounds.

Today’s round up began with death of a hero, and is ending with a miracle rescue of a teenager caught in the Turkish earthquake. Awesome! His mother stated:

"It is a great miracle," Neriman, the boy's 34-year-old mother told Reuters. "He told me he prayed and when he said all his prayers and there were no more left he recited the national anthem."

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the people of both Turkey and Thailand. Reading of both of those situations, makes me grateful, that despite the attempts to “murder” the US, by those who know who they are, I am still grateful to be living in the US.

Have a great weekend, Ya’ll! Rest us and be ready to live up to the words of President Ronald Reagan:

No arsenal ... is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.

We are still free. Let us use that “arsenal” identified by President Reagan! J
 

“What the heck is going on”? 

This is my daily round up of all of the stories that are sent to me through FaceBook, Twitter and e-mails. These stories will be the ones that I find interesting or informative.

Warning: The sarcasm meter is off the charts!

The world is going crazy and while it is in the process of so doing, and before it reaches its final destination, of “CrazyLand,” I am going to continue to be informed.  Feel free to join me, but be warned, as Margo Channing memorably declared in “All About Eve” – “Fasten your seat belts. It is going to be a bumpy night” – or day!

Variations of verbiage for today:

Today’s look will primarily focus on alleged/possible perps on parade. Is it my imagination or are we having more “white collar” crime? Is this because of the tanking economy, or is this indicative of a declining sense of morality? Whatever the underlying cause or causes, it is troublesome, especially because these folks are in positions of authority, for the most part. I know that many are going to probably wonder what is wrong with me that I feel pity for these folks. I have not lost my moral compass. But, I feel sorry for them, precisely because they were given gifts and they squandered those gifts. I hope that they can redeem themselves.

 Should we call this doctor, Dr. Starbucks? He allegedly used Starbucks as his office away from office, to fill prescriptions for painkillers. Why?

This story about an LAPD Sergeant , blasted with pepper stray by his victim, as he was trying to burglarize her home, is not a usual one. His lawyer is probably going to plead “temporary insanity,” and I would probably buy that argument. I have no other explanation why a ranking LAPD officer, quite frankly with all the perks of the job, including a nice pension when he retired, would do something like that.

Across country, 5 NYPD officers were arrested in a “gun-smuggling sting.” Again, “why”? Not why they were arrested, but why did they do this. I guess the following answers my question:

The men were eager and willing to smuggle the weapons and commit other crimes "so long as the price was right," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said at a news conference announcing the arrests.

The initial price may have been right, but the ultimate price is a different story. They did not think far enough ahead. It does not help that while I am typing this, I am hearing that many gangbangers and other such types of individuals have infiltrated US law enforcement and the US military? I hope that I was half asleep and heard the wrong thing.

I am not sure if this mother kills sons for life insurance report is more heartbreaking, or more unbelievable.  Had the tables been turned and this had been a case of matricide, would it have been more believable?

Another day, another “Occupy Somewhere” story…This story involves an Iraq War Vet versus Oakland police officers. The Vet is hospitalized and the Oakland PD will pay, in more ways than one. This is a made for publicity opportunity. How does this opportunity end, and how does the entire occupy saga ends?

I can hazard a guess to say that the 1% being harassed, will pay less than the, I am guessing, about 50% of folks who just want to be left alone to live their lives. I can somewhat understand that the occupiers have a point about corruption in high places, but there are more effective vehicles for handling this situation, than by making life miserable for those same folks, these occupiers claim to represent.

Over on the other side of the world where fellow Vets are still fighting, there is a petition about stopping Army MEDEVAC helicopters from going into combat with red crosses painted on their sides, and being unarmed. Did I read that right? “Unarmed” in combat zones? Is the enemy to think that the red crosses are targets and mean “kill us, as we are not allowed to defend ourselves”?

On the one hand, I am proud that the US is engaging in an "innovative program" involving Special Operations teams, which includes women. On the other hand, I am, let me clean this up, upset at the loss of yet another life.  I am not sure that I agree with the following assessment:

‘We waited too long to get to this,” says Command Sgt. Maj. Ledford Stigall. “We had a lot of people focused on the kill and capture, and it really took someone to say, hey it’s not about kill, capture, it’s about developing a country that can take care of itself.”

“A country that can take care of itself” – therein lies the rub. Once the US and other foreign troops pull out, will the country be able to take care of itself, or will it revert back to a “terrorists bat cave”?

On the subject of terrorists bat caves, is Somalia in danger of becoming one? Offshore, there are Somali pirates owning the seas, and kidnapping citizens of other nations, at will. Inland, aid workers are being kidnapped, and now the “Foreigner” on behalf of the new leader of Al Qaida, is bringing food supplies for the natives. Will the Foreigner and his boss prove that the way to a nation’s heart is through a bin of food? Gen. Carter Ham sums up the situation:

"If you ask me what keeps me up at night, it is the thought of an American passport-holding person who transits to a training camp in Somalia, gets some skill, and finds their way back to the United States to attack Americans," U.S. Africom commander Gen. Carter Ham told the Center for Strategic and International Studies earlier this month, Temple-Ralston reported

General Ham, that thought is not keeping me up at night, but I am not going to be surprised if your scenario plays out. Fort Hood comes to mind, the only difference is that we did the training of the skills.

If we are not going to be subjected to the known terror attack, are we going to run into this type of situation in this piece from writer Mark Steyn? “Sunset On The Rideau” is about a situation in Ontario, Canada. What is frightening about this story is the familial bonding over the alleged murders. Was there no one in that family who dared stand up and state that this is wrong? I am still shaking my head, and thanking God that I was born in the West. I hope that I do not live to regret that statement.

Moving on from death to life, here is a story of surrogacy gone very wrong. The twins conceived by a surrogate mother, are presumably resting in the arms of the parents who bought them, while the surrogate mother and her husband are left holding in their arms, figuratively speaking, a bill of over two hundred thousand dollars. Is surrogacy morally and spiritually appropriate? I am conflicted. I could not do it.  

Animals are on their way to becoming human, if this PETA lawsuit succeeds? If the suit is successful in giving “expanded rights” to the killer whales, will the whales still be called “killer” whales?  With their new expanded rights, will they expand their repertoire to actually killing human beings? I got a kick out of the following statement:

Tribe noted that some Americans might find it bizarre or insulting to equate any treatment of animals to the sufferings of human slavery. But he argued that the 13th Amendment was written broadly, to address unforeseen circumstances, and could legitimately be applied to animals.

No, really, “bizarre or insulting”? You think? Thankfully for all of us, including these killer whales, The Creator Who made us all, knows what He is doing – a real grown up is still in charge, even with all of the bizarre behavior of His creations.

I am not sure if this next story falls into the bizarre category, or misinformed/ill-informed. Jesus would have been an atheist – “if he had known what we know today”? It is going to be interesting when Mr. Dawkins gets to have that conversation with Jesus.

When I first saw this story about $6.6 billion in lost Iraqi cash “now accounted for,” I had visions of this money being returned to the US, to go towards its debt/deficit. Alas, 'tis not so. But, at least it was “accounted for”?

Well, that was quite a ride! Folks, after this information interval, get back to holding up this country, that you occupy and love, on your sturdy shoulders. I will be along to help you, as soon as I complete my workout – lifting my fork from my plate to my mouth! J