2012 Ends - Stock Market Jumps

Investors bet that deal will be reached very early in 2013. We should hope that any deal cut will be good for the long run.

Don't bet on it. Did I sell my stock? No, this pessimist bought more including Caterpillar at 86. And added to my shares of IMAX. Don't miss the boat on this one.

Happy New Year.

Lisa Jackson, Head of Obama's Ruinous Environmental Department to Resign

She is supposedly leaving "sometime in early 2013". Not soon enough but Obama will probably replace her with another radical green.

So sad.

Worrisome Death Statistics

Forwarded to me by a friend. 

Merle

 Doctors

(A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is
700,000.

(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians
per year are
120,000.

(C) Accidental deaths per physician
is
0.171

Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of
Health and Human Services.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Now think about this:
Guns

(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S.
is
80,000,000.

(Yes, that's 80 million)

(B) The number of accidental gun deaths
per year, all age groups, is
1,500.

(C) The number of accidental deaths
per gun owner is
.0000188

Statistics courtesy of FBI

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

So, statistically, doctors are approximately
9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Remember, 'Guns don't kill people, doctors do.'

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN,
BUT
Almost everyone has at least one doctor.
This means you are over 9,000 times more likely to be killed by a doctor
than by a gun owner!!!

We need to also put more restritions on vehicles that kill 42,000 people a year and maim another 150,000 people in the U.S.A. Also on unions that promote thousands of incompetentsd by seniority who in return cause inumerable deaths and injuries.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Please alert your friends
to this
Alarming threat.

We must ban doctors
before this gets completely out of hand!!!!!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Out of concern for the public at large,
We withheld the statistics on
Lawyers

for fear the shock would cause
people to panic and seek medical attention

Ho, Ho, Ho, Over the Cliff We Go

Obama lies like a rug when he says he will make billions of dollars of tax cut AFTER the Republicans come to HIS terms. If the House Republicans that don't believe him remain true to their beliefs, I and they say, let's go over the cliff.

Cost me some money? So will it cost the majority that supported him. Even those on the dole. I''ve stopped most of my donations. Let Obama and his ilk pick up the slack. Besides, most employees of charity foundations voted for him because most of them down deep believe in equalization, too.

Never trust a consistent liar.. Ever. Will those who vote ever learn? Sure, Romney and some Republican candidates lied. But not consistently like this president.

 Maybe by 2016 but then no Jeb Bush. I've had enough of the Bush generations. Also, Jeb Bush would never win.

GE Retired Exec Gets $89,000 per Month

Retiring at age 50, he is guaranteed about $10 million by the time he is 60. Along with the $89,000 per month he gets other perks too numerous to mention. Contract calls for a 3 year non-compete clause meaning at age 53, he can go to work and earn another $10 million in pensions, non-compete, etc for, say, until he is 67, the age I retired and spent 20 years in public service earning an $110.00 a month pension. The GE exec gets seventeen years to make millions more and still be at 67, a relatively young man.

I will have been retired 21 years in March and I still feel "relatively" young.

Another reason why the unintentional poor hate the excesses of the rich. Rightfully so in most cases, especially this case. Still, President Obama's equalization plan is mostly wrong in it's approach to the situation.

The Rotten Benghazi Affair Grows More Rotten

Fox TV reported today that the four Obama administration employees who allegedly resigned because of their mismanagement of the Benghazi disaster, are still on the governments payroll are soon to be rehired. This is the president at his best, all smoke and mirrors. Dozens, if not hundreds, of deals like these, or worse deals, are being done by this administration while the attention of the public is focused on the fiscal cliff, mounting debt, immigration, unfunded pensions, etc.

Meanwhile, did Mrs. Hillary Clinton (there, I gave her a title) fake her concussion or is she just dragging it out? She is very likely the main culprit in the whole affair and will likely evade the Republicans strong requests for her testimony on the tragedy. Meanwhile Obama and his ilk can concentrate on gun control while FORTY THREE THOUSAND U.S. RESIDENTS DIE IN VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS EVERY YEAR  while thousand die by knife stabbing, baseball bats and tire irons beatings, fisticuffs, frying pans, intentional arson's, gang hits that include bludgeoning, intentional hit and run killings, strangling and mothering's and dozens of other ways conniving to kill by just evil people, "mentally disturbed" people (aren't we all at one time of another) "offing" each other daily.

So sad that incidents like these will never see the light of day in ultra-liberal newspapers similar to the Tampa Bay Newspaper.

More on this newspaper and it's lying columnists later.

Sandy's Hurricane Relief Bill Loaded With Unrelated Earmarks

Few of the liberal media, if any, are making a complaint about the $60 plus billion dollar relief bill that has all types of earmarks added to this bill. This is an old trick of congresspeople who bring pork  back to the greedy people who elected them. After all, what callous person would stop a relief bill?
Then have the liberal press and the administration condemn them if they failed to pass this pork-laden relief bill?

It is unfortunate that the names of all the Democrats and Republicans who added earmarks to this worthy bill, aren't exposed. I wouldn't at all be surprised if there would be money for the cash-strapped Peoria Riverfront Museum. For those of you who blame the Democrats for ALL the dilemma's facing our communities and nation should remember it takes two to tango. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, Democrats and Republicans.

More reasons for a third party if the proper leader can be found and who will run. None have surfaced as yet.

I can understand that elected officials are to try to return as much of the taxes as taxpayers in their district have paid out. What bother me is the manner in which the money is secured and the WORTHINESS of the earmarks and entitlements. Like millions of taxpayers dollars going to a minor league ball club, in a poor location, and in financial do-do according to the Journal Star.

Once a politician has directed money to a district, there is little or no followup as to how that money is used. A good example is that when Obama was still an Illinois Senator in 2007, Obama directed money from the government, approximately $200.000 to Peoria County, specifically marked for a new sprinkler system for BelWood Nursing Home. It was like pulling teeth to get Associate Administrator, Scott Sorrel, to finally admit the money was used to pay consultants and engineers, without one dime going to fund any sprinkler system. Administration reasoning was that a new Bel-Wood was in the works. I would have insisted that the money be set aside for the sprinkler system in the new BelWood.

Soon, the old BelWood will be vacated and the County will expand into the old BelWood which will still be without a sprinkler system, needing a new roof, new electrical and new plumbing.

So sad.

Hostess Brands Mis-management

The fact that Hostess Brands, with a factory in Peoria, declared bankruptcy is rather old news. What isn't so old and seldom published is the fact that The board of directors were both inept and dishonest. While the company changed CEO's as often the seasons change, worse yet is the fact that higher management personnel were given raises while the company was going broke.

I wouldn't be surprised if it is revealed, they also were given bonuses or declared dividends in advance of the forthcoming fiscal cliff.

I support the unions stance believing that if the unions had given in to managements latest request for more reductions in pay and benefits, the company would have still mis-managed itself into bankruptcy.

What a shame as all top management and the paid board will suffer little or any financial hardships while key people like my friend Frank Brown, now discharged as District Sales Manager for Hostess Brands from Palmetto to Northpoint, Florida, is forced to seek new employment at a possibly reduced salary. Future benefits from Hostess Brands are questionable.

It has long been know that some major companies have gross mis-management as top paper-shuffling managers are often promoted by their ability to lie about past accomplishments or move up the ladder by nepotism and what many of us call, "brown-nosing", a term seldom used today but as prevalent as it was 50 years ago.

What a shame.

Why We Keep Electing the Same Inept Politicians

Why? Limited choice. Stale Central Committees especially Republican. They dance to the tune of the old boys and girls clubs, even though a few of the members cannot be considered old. Just old in their thinking and who make herd like decisions.

As the Pope says, younger people's minds are so wrapped up in technology and making money that they have no place for God. But many go through the motions just like stale or failing marriages. It's easier to go with the flow and make "herd like" decisions than to put forth the efforts to make changes in their lives and the politics of this nation. While we watch from the sidelines or not at all as this nation accelerates it's slide to socialism.

These "movers and shakers" think they are progressive ones while thinkers like myself are trapped in a box. Actually, it is just the opposite. They think and move in herds. Like lemmings, they slide us toward what is called a fiscal cliff without the ability to work for the benefit of all the people.

The Democrats are in lock step as they almost always are to bring future misery to most all not connected to their so-called "compassion". Their beligerant unions dominate the public sector which also is growing at an accelerated pace.

Republicans know what the Democrats are doing yet they have done much of the same thing when they were or if they would be in power. But the Democrats have the upper hand because the Republicans made mistakes in choice of candidates, in failing to note what was happening in in finance and most all of our public education systems. In failing to attack the real issues like what Obama and Committee was really doing to this country. While Romney and his advisers claimed that Chrysler, Jeep, jobs, and capital would go overseas if Obama was reelected. Such a false and unverified attack that when exposed by the liberal media, most likely cost him Ohio.

Republicans were slow to get started, spending valuable time and money defending themselves when they should have been strongly attacking the real issues. That they evidently didn't understand the well publicized real issues laid bare by listening to the people, especially those 43% of registered voters wjo didn't vote, the unemployed who wanted to work for a decent wage and millions of small businesses worried about their future and the future of their employees.

Now the ill-prepared electorate believe Obama when he claims he will make unspecified entitlement cuts and dominates the media. the younger people and the naive, while blaming an inept Republican minority to lay their entitlement plans on the table so he can tear them apart with the help of the domineering liberal medias.

I wish all a Happy New Year while knowing that 2013 and the next three years will, as the Journal Star writer once accused me of spreading "gloom and doom" (regarding the Peoria Riverfront Museum)  be exactly that.

So locally, the Republicans put up an unqualified Patrick Sullivan, a nice guy who wated more grants and subsidies for Peoria against a well-funded big spender,  Dave Koehler, and pitted former Democrat Frank Ireulli against a popular Democrat.

Both Koehler and Brady won easily.

Then there was the selection by the old guard of Mitt Romney because Romney wanted the job so badly and had access to all that money. Read my old blogs where I wrote why Romney or any of the Republican candidates couldn't win.

I'm sorry to live to my age and see the prospects for the future so dim. And I'm an optimist proven  when I started a company with 2 employees and $5 thousand dollars, most borrowed, and built it into the most successful business (in a city where bankers only lent to friends and old guard type people) of it's kind before selling and retiring almost 21 years ago.

I didn't come from wealth, my first 19 years I was a farm boy, then with a GI entitlement procured a college education, such as it was, I couldn't wait to graduate and get a job, all because I was born to parents who respected me, disciplined me, taught me how to work and why not to get a girl pregnant. If alive, they would be proud of me and highly disappointed to what is happening in this world with all it's high technology and it's lack of intelligent involvement in the future. 

Of the debt on almost all levels of the public sector, they would be embarrassed and ashamed, same as I and all sound thinking people are embarrassed and ashamed of so many of our political and private: leaders..

Still, cheers to all.

Merry Christmas to all My Readers

And may 2013 be better than any Obama years. Best wishes for that!!

57% of Registered Voters, Voted. What Does That Tell the Pundits??

LETTER to the EDITOR-- MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE

Let's look at what we have learned from this election: Twenty-one of 22 incumbent senators were re-elected, and 353 of 373 incumbent members of the House were re-elected. The American people have re-elected 94 percent of the incumbents who were running for re-election to an institution that has an approval rating of about 9 percent. This indicates, as an electorate, we are a nation of idiots. We're now stuck with the useless, dysfunctional government that we deserve.

Stephanie Aaron And Gang at Swingers Grille in Bloomington-Normal Tomorrow Night

[Wish I could be there. but I'm someplace warmer!! 

Stephanie Aaron sings with the Larry Harms Quartet. She was fabulous at the Henri de Tonti Award Ceremony of the Peoria Historical Society at the Peoria Civic Center recently.

-- Merle]



Hi folks!

Hope everyone is doing well as we round the final corner of the holiday season. 

If you are stressed and tired and feeling the pressure of the holidays, I invite you to come and relax at Swinger's Grille in Bloomington-Normal tomorrow night with me. 

I'll be playing the "late set" (we'll start a little after 8:00) and we are planning on doing nothing but having a good time. No worries, nothing to buy (unless you want a cd.

I'll have them available if you need a last minute gift for someone), and no inane holiday cheer! Just some great people and some wonderful music. 

This Friday features Cory Flanigan on drums, Dan Nicholson on sax, and our new friend Chris Reyman on keys. Finish work, do a little shopping, then come out and relax with supper and a drink at Swinger's - they have a great bar and the food is quite tasty. 

We're looking forward to one more gig before Christmas arrives - and we'd love to see you and wish you a happy holiday.


Merrily,

Stephanie Aaron

Check out her website to hear some of her singing: Stephanie Aaron

See the listing for Stephanie Aaron on Peoria Jazz.com

Her new CD on CD Baby: Stephanie Aaron "The Song of the Lark"

Need For a Third Party? Most Likely in the Not Too Distant Future

Merle:


The following story makes the case for the necessity of the establishment of third (or multiple) parties.


A few weeks ago the Democrat County Treasurer resigned and according to Illinois law the Democrat Party is allowed to pick a replacement to fill the vacancy. All "established parties" must be notified and may submit recommendations to fill the position. With a back room deal, the Democrat Boss named his man Randall Rushing to take the pay check while the old staff did the work. Then a lame duck Democrat County Commissioner forced the appointment through the Board of Commissioners.


What’s peculiar about this is that Mr. Rushing is a Republican.


In addition to the obvious question, “Why would the Democrats appoint a Republican to this position?” the fact is that it is illegal. According to Illinois law, if a Democrat won the election, it must be a Democrat that replaces them.


I don't know about you, but I've noticed that when the Democrats and Republicans get along, it never works out well for the taxpayers.


Now, here’s where it gets interesting. In recognition of that law, the Democrats attempt to circumvent it by appointing Rushing as a precinct committeeman.


In response to this complete violation of the law and the attempt to cover it up by the appointment, the Constitution Party sought out legal council and launched a media campaign to expose the culpable corruption of both the Democrat and Republican Parties that would cost Massac County tens of thousands of dollars. Please note that the Republican Party was incapable of addressing this violation of the law for what ever reason they want to come up with.

Consequently, Randall Rushing officially declined the appointment in a letter to the Democrat Party.

Had not the Constitution Party been an established party and able to intervene on behalf of the Massac County citizens, to continue going down the corrupt path that both the Republicans and Democrats were headed would have cost the county $100,000 over the next 2 years.

Additionally, in accordance with Illinois law, the Constitution Party is recommending that Deputy Treasurer, Dana Jones, fill the vacancy of County Treasurer and to leave the Deputy Treasurer’s position vacant which would contribute to the $100,000 saved.

For more detailed information, you can check out the following 3 articles written in the local media (Take note of the Constitution Party’s recognition in articles 1 & 3. Also note that the on-line versions are not the complete article.):

1) County Treasure, Floyd Sullivan resigns and former County Treasurer Speaks out against how it is being handled:

http://www.metropolisplanet.com/view/full_story/21027062/article-Former-county-treasurer-speaks-out--Douglas-resigns?


From the article (caption under picture): “During Tuesday's commissioners meeting, the Planet learned the Constitution Party would be contesting the appointment. Tim Pearcy, Constitution Party member released a statement confirming they will be contesting.”

2) Randall Rushing’s appointment:

http://www.metropolisplanet.com/view/full_story/20960164/article-Rushing-appointed-treasurer


3) Randall Rushing Officially Declines Appointment:

http://www.metropolisplanet.com/view/full_story/21097657/article-County-hears-Rushing-formally-declines-appointment?instance=news


A MAJOR WIN FOR THE PEOPLE OF MASSAC COUNTY


This was definitely a major victory for the people of Massac County and it was only made possible because the Constitution Party of Illinois was an established party in Massac.


This is proof positive of the need for other parties, beside the two major parties, to participate in the political arena. Without other parties being allowed to be involved, the major two parties are largely left unchecked to continue to conduct business as usual and it is the taxpayer that pays the price.

This past year, especially here in Illinois, we have seen corruption play itself out at every level of government, every one of them and the only way there will ever be an impetus for a change for the better is if the two major parties begin to feel the heat from competition and the only way there will be true competition is for third parties such as the Constitution Party to become an established party at every level of government to challenge the status quo. Until then, it will continue to be “business as usual.”

If you are tired of having it “stuck to you,” there is a way out. Join us!

With both major parties working to consolidate power, we need to elect people from a party who will represent the people not the party interest. Please help by donating to the Constitution Party of Illinois.


Former county treasurer speaks out Douglas resigns - By Michele Longworth Planet Reporter Former Mas


www.metropolisplanet.com


By Michele Longworth Planet Reporter Former Massac County treasurer Sharon Glass formally addresse...

Elander Has 5 New Math CD's On the Market

--
An email from my talented colege classmate and frat brother and friend. He's a Democrat but I forgive him.

Merle

Jim has 5 new CDs on the market.

CD1:TGIF MATH (A 100+ activities to make a hectic math
period on days like prior to homecoming into an rewarding
learning day.)
CD2: EVERYDAY DECISION MAKING VIA GEOMETRY
ESSENTIALS (A Logical development of the essentials
of PL. & Solid Geometry and applying it to decision
making.)
CD3: EVERYDAY DECISION MAKING VIA MATHEMATICAL
BRIDGES FOR A BETTER FUTURE (Liberal Art
"bridges" emphasizing critical thinking.)
CD4: EVERYDAY DECISION MAKING FOR A BETTER
CAREER (Mathematical topics needed for skills and for
better decisions)
CD5: BASIC HIGH SCHOOL MATH REVIEW (Review for SAT,
ACT or other tests with Dec ision Making skills)
For more info:
http://sites.google.com/site/mathfordecisionmaking/

President Rambles on Like a Broken Record

While the stock market drops 60 more points. Close to a deal. Let's give the speaker one third the free time Obama got today and we will again learn that President  Obama's tax cuts are "projections" that will never be fulfilled and why is he so bashful about making these tax cut NOW so he for once, can become believable?

The Republicans know he is a liar and lies everytime he mentions $1 trillion in tax cuts. But those taken in by his charms, which ought to be wearing a little thin for some of them, still think he is the greatest saviour since Jesus Christ.

Has anyone noticed that our President Obama is invoking religious words more frequently in his ramblings?

Support Concealed Carry

What more proof is needed??? I'm as sad as the president. But I support concealed carry and he wants to take guns out of the hands of people who would shoot crazies who can get their hands on weapons, illegal or not.

Right Wing Extremist Founders of America?

If you would make these statements today, the liberal lunatics would call you a right wing extremist. But these are remarks made by our Founding Fathers. This shows you how communistic and atheistic our mainstream media and left wing fanatics have become.

Let's let our Founding Fathers, those anti-royalty patriots, define what is "politically correct", not some silver ponytail Marxist professor at a university (that was founded as a theological seminary).


"Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."--  President Thomas Jefferson


"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." -- John Adams..


"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government." -- Patrick Henry


"We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government." --  James Madison


"Government is not reason; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." -- George Washington

"Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics."-- George Washington

"From the day of the Declaration...they (the American people) were bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of The Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledge as the rules of their conduct."

"The Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth [and] laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity."

-- John Quincy Adams

"The Christian religion, in its purity, is the basis and the source of all genuine freedom in government....I am persuaded that no civil government of a republican form can exist and be durable, in which the principles of Christianity have not a controlling influence." -- James Madison

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity." -- John Quincy Adams

"A patriot without religion in my estimation is as great a paradox as an honest Man without the fear of God. Is it possible that he whom no moral obligations binds, can have any real Good Will towards Men? Can he be a patriot who, by an openly vicious conduct, is undermining the very bonds of Society? ... The Scriptures tell us righteousness exalteth a Nation." -- Abigail Adams

"A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicity [happiness]." -- Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address.


"Americans [have] the right and advantage of being armed, unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust their people with arms." -- James Madison

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports..Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion...Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

--George Washington

"Whenever governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia, in order to raise an army upon their ruins." -- Elbridge Gerry

“For my part, I sincerely esteem the Constitution, a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests.” -- Alexander Hamilton

.

Seantor Jim DeMint Will be The Heritage Foundation's New President

No better choice could be made to head this most patriotic organization than Senator Jim DeMint, Republican from South Carolina.  Senator DeMint, I applaud your decision to head up this highly respected organization and congratulate The Heritage Foundation for making this, important to the nation, appointment.

Is the State of Illinois Among the Walking Dead??

It's taking the IDR (Illinois Department of Revenue) 6-8 months to refund income tax to individuals.

I'm still waiting.

Maybe my refund instead will go to Jim Ardis and Pat Sullivan's Warehouse project that will bring in bundles of cash to Peoria just like the Peoria Riverfront Museum is doing.

Just like the Bradley gurus projected. $14 million a year. Anybody counting? Or care?

Why did the popular Pat Sullivan do so badly in the election even though tons of dollars were spent in promoting him?

An overrun of costs at BelWood?

Did you property tax payers know that the $43+ million is borrowed money that you will be paying for 30 years?

Opening delayed two months? Do tell! Who will be paying to maintain the old BelWood?

Guess who again. The ignorant taxpayers, that's who. It's like stealing candy from a baby.

Old Lakeview Museum building sitting idle?

Who is paying for the upkeep?

One guess.

Is the old Y owned by the park district sitting empty?

Will the Park Board raise taxes or did they already -- and I missed the publication in the media? The park has already cut services and maintenance for the 9,000 acres of rolling hills and valleys have $0 budgeted for erosion control?

Rumors are that Peoria County will run a $7 million deficit next year. Have to wait and see.

Or will property taxes go up again next year, just like the fees and services already have?

Can anyone name one partially taxpayer funded project in Peoria County that met projections? This a challenge. You all know my email or phone #.

In the meantime support Brady's "Don't Shoot" Program. A very possible winner for Peoria and area.

Illinois Governor Quinn Lends $4.8 Million

This nearly bankrupt state lends millions to Pekin, Il. for a Clean Water Initiative, the first of many loans Quinn plans to make.

For those of you owed way past due money by the state for services rendered, how do you feel about this type of vote buying loan?

I can't get my over-payment refund on my income tax and the $99 I sent in for my vehicle tag has not yet been acknowledged one month later.

My sticker expired on 12/12 so when I'm stopped by a public servant officer, do you suppose Quinn or White will pay my fine?

I was recently was criticized by a teachers union person for not attaching titles to people I write about.

8 year ago, I asserted that this would not be a politically correct blog. Not using a title usually indicates my lack of respect for the person occupying a position that bears a title.

(For the 10 years I was on the County Board, only one person ever addressed me by the title all County Board carry which is "Honorable").

In other cases, I find it redundant to address say, Mitt Romney as Former Governor of Massachusetts, former presidential candidate and President Obama as 'Former Community Organizer, frequent absentee on roll calls when he "served" the Great State of Illinois and Chief Procrastinator representing the United States of America.

Why do I keep living in Illinois 21 years after retirement? Good question I can't publicly answer.

Humpity-Dumpity Had a Great Fall. All the Obamaites Couldn't.......

Let it happen. A recession might be good for the country that is heading for bankruptcy anyway.

As Romney CORRECTLY stated that there are plenty that are using the plentiful "safety nets".

Why should the Republicans give in if they KNOW they are right?

They have 3 years to try to educate the moderate conservative percentage of voters in the key states that the deficit cannot keep growing and taxing increasing without severe damage to even those who didn't know who Pelosi, Reid, Bernake and Susan Rice, etc. are, but still voted for Obama.

In fact, a large percentage of those who voted straight Democrat tickets didn't know beans. No pun intended.

Some Republicans lawyer politicians should have had to met a payroll before they had the opportunity to help the Democrats screw up this nation.

Union Power Diminished Nationwide

It is not that the majority of people oppose unions.

I do not.

It is that most large unions, like some large tort corporations, have been abusing their powers.

Too much union thuggery as again witnessed in Michigan, too much Democrat political payback for union support, too many corrupt and powerful union bosses from local business managers to top leaders like Trumka.

Too much Obamaism seeking a forced spreading of the wealth as long as the spreaders get more of the "spread" than others,  a general apathy of the citizenry (at last becoming alarmed), have been major factors in the quickening slide to socialism in this country.

I believe the majority of common sense and moderate voters are now speaking up and are being heard and will be more awakened and more involved in the happenings, that they are beginning to see are not in the best interests of themselves, their families and this great nation.

Most of us are excited about Michigan becoming the 24th "right to work" (RTW) state.

Another move to regain some of the freedoms that have been and are being taken away by the present administration and  Democrat leadership. (And too many short sighted or greedy Republicans) The battle to regain and even maintain our rightful freedoms is far from over.

I asked Democrat leader Dick Durbin if Illinois will soon be forced to become a Right To Work state. As typical, I am still waiting for a reply. Illinois, perhaps not Michigan now, maybe Detroit though, is forefront to be another Titanic.

Concealed Carry and the Oregon Mall Fiasco

At least Illinois may be making progress toward the right of concealed carry. Still, I don't understand of all the people near the shooter, no one had a gun to shoot him.

Too bad. Those of you who are sane and not criminals, don't give up your guns UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

Health Care Costs Surprise

The $63 per year cost for three years, want to bet, is another of the surprises, uncovered or at least revealed to the paying citizenry. It is just one many certain groups will be learning about as more interpretation of ObamaScare, is made public.

This one is to cover the costs of pre-existing conditions. And I am responsible for the failure of others? Brace up; you are living is what history will note as the "Age of Obamaism".

Revolts - Could More Powerful Revolts Happen Here?

From: Tony Venuti

6:29pm Dec 4

Merle:

Could this be Washington, the Capitol?

You bet!

Tens of thousands of protesters....fighting for their freedom...at our Nation's door step?

Answer.

NO! Until enough of USA have hit rock bottom and have nothing fear losing...will WE do anything.

Nazi Germany...the "Middle Class" Government, big enterprise workers were HAPPY...they bought in to the enemy..."the Jew".

The "middle class" here...is THE CAPITALIST!

NO what is happening in Egypt will never happen here....but should it....we could take America back...but not UNTIL then.


"Give me Liberty of Give me Death"....ah huh...sure.....just another History lesson forgotten.


http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/12/egypt-morsi-flees-as-thousands-storm-the-palace/

Cleantech Venture Investment Predicted to Decline in 2013

Global Cleantech To “Backtrack” in 2013, Predicts Consulting andAnalysis Firm Kachan and Co.

Cleantech venture investment expected to decline even further, corporate involvement to increase, and long-term risks coming in solar, wind, electric vehicles and elsewhere, says company.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Dec 4th, 2012 - Developments in 2013 will call into question some of Cleantech’s traditional leading indicators of health, and risks will develop with the sector’s stalwart solar, wind and electric vehicle and other markets while others will grow, according to cleantech analysis and consulting firm Kachan & Co.

The company, with offices in San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver, has just published its latest annual set of predictions for the cleantech sector for the year ahead.

In brief, the predictions include:

Cleantech venture investment to decline -- Kachan expects worldwide Cleantech venture capital investment in 2013 to decline even further than it did in 2012, never to return to the previous highs it achieved before the financial crisis of 2007-2008. 

Among the factors cited are departure of many venture investors from the sector because of disappointing returns, poor policy support worldwide and a lag time in the pullback of equity and debt investment.

But this doesn’t mean the sky is falling in Cleantech, according to the firm.

“Family offices, sovereign wealth and corporate capital are now having more significant roles in Cleantech, filling gaps where traditional VC has played in recent years. 

It’s a sign the sector has matured,” said Dallas Kachan, Managing Partner, Kachan & Co. “Fewer VC cooks in the kitchen may impede innovation, but deep pocketed corporate capital should help clean technologies that are already de-risked reach meaningful levels of scale.”

Long term risk emerges for solar and wind - The solar and wind markets suffer today from margin erosion, allegations of corruption, international trade impropriety and other challenges. In 2013, Kachan believes poor progress in grid-scale power storage technology will also put downward pressure on solar and wind growth figures.

“Prices per kilowatt hour are falling, but the cost of flow batteries, molten salt, compressed air, pumped hydro, moving mass or other storage technology needs to be factored in to make intermittent clean energies reliable and available 24/7,” said Kachan. “When also considering continued progress in cleaner baseload power from new, emerging nuclear technologies, natural gas and cleaner coal power, the growth rates for solar and wind appear at risk.”

Clean coal technologies gain respect - Kachan predicts 2013 will be the year a new set of technologies will emerge aimed at capturing particulate and CO2 emissions from coal fired power plants and help the sector begin to shed its negative positioning.

The barrier to capturing coal emissions has been cost and power plant output penalties. Kachan research has identified encouraging new technologies without such drawbacks, and predicts the world will begin to see them in 2013. 

China is expected to target domination of the clean coal equipment market, like it does already in many other cleantech equipment categories.

The internal combustion engine strikes back, putting EVs at risk - Important innovations quietly taking place in internal combustion engines (ICE) could further delay the timing of an all-electric vehicle future, says Kachan. 

In 2013, unheard-of fuel economy innovations in ICEs will enter the market, including novel new natural gas conversion and heat exchange retrofits of existing engines aimed at dramatically lessening fuel needs. Some of these technologies, when combined, claim to be able to reduce fuel costs by 90%.

Cleantech adoption in mining - Notoriously conservative mining companies and their shareholders are starting to realize that the capital expenses of new clean technologies can be offset by reduced operating costs and the potential for new revenues. 

In 2013, Kachan predicts more adoption of cleantech innovation in areas such as tailings remediation, membrane-based water purification, sensors and telematics, route optimization software intended to lower fuel and equipment maintenance costs, and low water and power hydrometallurgical and other novel processes for mineral separation.

Big ag steps up and cleans up - Kachan estimates that 2013 will be the year the world’s leading agricultural companies embrace new innovation in significant ways. Expect accelerated corporate investment, strategic partnership and agricultural M and A in 2013, the firm predicts, as agricultural leaders race to meet consumer demand for cleaner, greener ways of producing food, having weathered intense consumer GMO-related and other backlash.

Read the firm's predictions for cleantech / greentech in 2013 in their entirety.

About Kachan & Co.
Kachan & Co. is a cleantech research and advisory firm with offices in San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. The company publishes research on clean technology companies and future trends, offers consulting services to large corporations, governments, service providers and cleantech vendors, and connects cleantech companies with investors through its Hello Cleantech™ programs. Kachan staff have been covering, publishing about and helping propel clean technology since 2006. More information at www.kachan.com.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Dallas Kachan, Kachan and Co.
+1-415-390-2080 x5 office
+1-604-366-3910 mobile
dallas@kachan.com


Kachan & Co.
3450 Sacramento Street, Suite 256
San Francisco, California 94118

A Public Service Announcement Courtesy of Home Way Homes

International Energy Conservation Code to become law in Illinois

Media Contact

Ted Schieler, Sales Manager

tedschieler@homewayhomes.com


O. (309) 965-2312 - C. (309) 208-8567

www.homewayhomes.com

December 3, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOODFIELD, IL – Beginning January 1st, 2013, the State of Illinois will enact a new law regarding Energy Efficiency in all newly constructed homes and remodeling. The Illinois Energy Conservation Code, which is a slightly modified version of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code seeks to raise the energy efficiency of a new home by 15% over the previous code.

In 2009, the State of Illinois enacted its first statewide energy code with the goal of raising energy efficiency by 15%. The 2009 Illinois Energy Conservation Code was a Federal mandate by the Obama Administration and required for the State of Illinois to receive stimulus funds from the Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Ted Schieler, president of Homeway Homes and member of the Capital Development Board’s Energy Advisory Council, said, “The intent of this Code is to increase energy efficiency and the performance of new homes. The most notable method will be to reduce air leakage in the building envelope.”

Currently most homes exchange (or leak) air at a rate of seven or greater air changes per hour. The 2012 Code will require builders to reduce this to less than five air changes per hour. A combination of requirements, from increased insulation to additional caulking at certain construction points, will help achieve these results.

According to Schieler, builders in Illinois will have to comply with several new requirements, all of which will increase the overall cost of a new home. Here are some of the new requirements:

· Increase ceiling insulation from R-38 to R-49

· Increase basement insulation from R-10 to R-15

· Require Heating and Air Contractors to perform specific calculations to size HVAC equipment

· Require all framing cavities that are used for return air chases to be metal ducted

· Require all builders to hire a home energy rater to conduct tests and provide written results that the home has achieved the mandatory air changes of less than 5.

· Require additional testing of all ductwork, if it is not within the building envelope.

· Require the increase of energy efficient lamps in lighting fixtures

There are a few builders, including Homeway Homes, which already build to this stringent energy code. “As a 100% Energy Star Builder in Central Illinois, Homeway Homes already exceeds this code and promotes High-Perfromance Homes, through the use of its Energy Strength Spray Foam Insulation system,” said Schieler. “Homeway Homes are building extremely tight building envelopes and providing good indoor air quality through mechanical ventilation.”

The Home Builders Association of Illinois, local HBA’s, and the state’s Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are already trying to educate not only builders, but municipal building inspectors as well, to this new code.

Homeway Homes is based in Goodfield, Ill., with model home centers in Goodfield, Springfield and Galesburg. There are more than 60 floor plans to choose from, which can be customized to fit any lifestyle.

For more information, visit homewayhomes.com.

See report on the  Community Word article.

Obama and the National Debt Limit

This man, who is now a greater danger to our country, now seeks or already has the power to raise the nation's debt limit without the approval of Congress. I firmly believe that he will be the Democrat president in 2016. He is working on how to pull a Roosevelt ever since he won a second term.

Count on it.

Prediction - All Illegals Will be Able to Vote in th 2014 Elections

Forwarded to me by a friend.

Merle

Measure granting temporary licenses to immigrants passed in IL Senate

They just passed this stupid law.

Having a driver's license does not require you to have insurance unless you own a car. All it says is that you are a licensed driver. Also, owning a car does not require you to have a driver's license as long as you don't drive the car.

This measure is not going to help our insurance costs whatsoever. But the idea that illegal immigrants are allowed to have a driver's license and drive on our roads is absolutely insane in my opinion. These people have commit offenses for which they are not being punished.

They are here ILLEGALLY, why should they be allowed to have a license.

 One thing that will slow this process down is the fact that most of them don't read English very well and you have to read English to take the test.

Now the next stupid measure will probably be to print the test in other languages and the next thing you know we will have road signage in Spanish.

Are we American or not? The only benefit I see in any of this is that we will know who and where these people are located. And if they do not change their address on their license every time they move it will be a violation.

I know of no other country that allows this. They allow international driver's licenses but not strictly for one country.

Is there anything else we can do for these people that we are not already doing? Oh, yeah, we can let them vote now that they have a license.

Pardon my uproar but we as a country are getting dumber and dumber and I'm exhausted trying to keep up with it.