tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-164585412024-03-14T07:32:22.237-06:00Truth SurferA Truth Surfer, techno geek hippie deadhead girl :-) · truthsurfer.blogspot.comtruthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.comBlogger1122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-85859432792261662362014-10-12T21:27:00.001-06:002014-10-12T21:27:53.099-06:00Route 66: Illinois and TwinkiesCurrently I'm traveling down Route 66 with the odd side trip here and there...I'm blogging about my Mother Road adventure at <a href="http://gratefulmuses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Grateful Muses </a>blog but side trips and odd things that don't quite fit the travel log will get posted up here...like this one about Twinkies...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMBaUKmMzmVk_PllIYr5PJWXOoQeL6s45TAErTa8_xpq3YkQcBfVE8pR3lc9CgLCo0IRyd9VA7-80Rx1mCQ5jMBz__yarUXxGTwYfddlJrAJAw9PG_TEOXxs0-1VCjIHd_joW8g/s1600/twinsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMBaUKmMzmVk_PllIYr5PJWXOoQeL6s45TAErTa8_xpq3YkQcBfVE8pR3lc9CgLCo0IRyd9VA7-80Rx1mCQ5jMBz__yarUXxGTwYfddlJrAJAw9PG_TEOXxs0-1VCjIHd_joW8g/s1600/twinsign.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Old Twinkies advertisement tin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK32uU3biVeXFiTbHZ_15NH6MGQxYtDF-DNyhrjdGDcmDT3R6yetb20eIdkhtY2o2Nal40qbu0SxnsTHjAPFFXs_-sYdKjiuR3OeaZFXTq_hOIcbggNGvuJ3v2XmuQYgxVKCjNA/s1600/twinkkid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK32uU3biVeXFiTbHZ_15NH6MGQxYtDF-DNyhrjdGDcmDT3R6yetb20eIdkhtY2o2Nal40qbu0SxnsTHjAPFFXs_-sYdKjiuR3OeaZFXTq_hOIcbggNGvuJ3v2XmuQYgxVKCjNA/s1600/twinkkid.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a>As Route 66 is America's Main Street, so are Twinkies America's snack cake. And guess what? Twinkies were invented in Illinois...<br />
<br />
Schiller Park in the 1930's. The inventor James Dewar realized that several machines used to make cream filled strawberry shortcake sat idle when the berries weren't in season. That's when he conceived a snack cake filled with a banana cream filling. He came up with the name Twinkies when he saw a billboard in St. Louis for 'Twinkle Toe Shoes....giving birth to 'Twinkies'.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8" style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"></sup><br />
<br />
Due to the rationing of bananas during WWII, the company was forced to change the filling to vanilla cream...making them even more popular. Twinkies also did limited time promotions with other fillings including hot dog like meats...vanilla cream however dominated the market even today.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ5WgC6hnsxoLKt4tMNhl0rNhWV8FHvqm5A9oKlB854ZfrEpoCSQYmRs7qo-gSOgEBtvDNZQa5H40DO1qA6_F3bEb4TnL3WX8QDiABJm5UQL8Zg5ejPnpdfOHmJCYGya4nP2Igw/s1600/twinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQ5WgC6hnsxoLKt4tMNhl0rNhWV8FHvqm5A9oKlB854ZfrEpoCSQYmRs7qo-gSOgEBtvDNZQa5H40DO1qA6_F3bEb4TnL3WX8QDiABJm5UQL8Zg5ejPnpdfOHmJCYGya4nP2Igw/s1600/twinks.jpg" height="139" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On May 4, 2012 <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Hostess Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and ceased making Twinkies...fortunately </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: center;">Twinkies, along with other famed Hostess Brands, were purchased out of bankruptcy by Apollo Global Management and Metropoulos & Co. A reduced sized </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: center;">Twinkies was returned to US shelves on July 15, 2013. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: center;">They now contain 135 calories and have a mass of 38.5 grams, while the original Twinkies contained 150 calories and had a mass of 42.5 grams. The new Twinkies also have a longer shelf life of 45 days, which was also a change made before bankruptcy, compared to the 26 days of the original Twinkies. So Twinkies junkies can rejoice...as their fix remains available...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: center;">Want more on Twinkies?<a href="http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/11/twinkie-facts/" target="_blank"> 18 interesting facts about Twinkies...here</a>...</span></div>
truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-62734315031964266902014-10-08T08:51:00.000-06:002014-10-08T08:51:01.471-06:00Route 66 Roadside: PetsAs most know, we are traveling historic Route 66 from Chicago to California. Currently we are in New Mexico...with us are our dogs who are the best travelers...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9jRtiGBytO_8AYn1PD0ZKCEVPxGF1mue5fedqAVBO6HheEGysXwQjwRNQGry9v3_DlygxErQsq39SSZdCeuSqOe8PUr_2ATO2N-b7E6IXJzg46cdfB0ZMV-TlnQTvTb7uS5qXA/s1600/DSC00178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9jRtiGBytO_8AYn1PD0ZKCEVPxGF1mue5fedqAVBO6HheEGysXwQjwRNQGry9v3_DlygxErQsq39SSZdCeuSqOe8PUr_2ATO2N-b7E6IXJzg46cdfB0ZMV-TlnQTvTb7uS5qXA/s1600/DSC00178.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dot and Burrito</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zNq_JMYBsrcrnzbZH_8_XTgm9gAEruXQ6JAAUA74_w5VRn0-XeCNsTa5UeLOu9wxmiQj1ZlN8V2-OQT-LyVqnc0DdfbtLsTVsNXQTJklZzB9AaSuHmeMwA9It3W5wFnDdp8yZQ/s1600/burritodot66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zNq_JMYBsrcrnzbZH_8_XTgm9gAEruXQ6JAAUA74_w5VRn0-XeCNsTa5UeLOu9wxmiQj1ZlN8V2-OQT-LyVqnc0DdfbtLsTVsNXQTJklZzB9AaSuHmeMwA9It3W5wFnDdp8yZQ/s1600/burritodot66.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dot and Burrito on Route 66</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we started down Route 66, we had our two mixed Boston-Rat Terriers (Brats!). They are siblings, brother and sister, who we've had for the last ten years so this isn't their first trip. They love going to new places and staying in hotel rooms...seemingly without emotional issues.<br />
<br />
Naturally we bring their most favorite toys, treats, and bedding with us. We also make sure they get water and food regularly as well as exercise. Basically the same we do for ourselves. They should feel comfortable, safe and secure... with theirs needs being met just like when they are at home.<br />
<br />
Dogs will surprise you in that they are very adaptable, curious and when they feel secure will make the best explorers.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAEZLfGTCmq_i1_HUB43DWnlnFFhvnMAkIchUU2v5ltCNoSYGD7whZ5qiKnxCYj84iUySl2aBBmVfyalWqLUHQB0c92Z2Cwz1S97huVicVsc97yuUJUQOooR7vs0dtoosGRc1tg/s1600/cocotiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAEZLfGTCmq_i1_HUB43DWnlnFFhvnMAkIchUU2v5ltCNoSYGD7whZ5qiKnxCYj84iUySl2aBBmVfyalWqLUHQB0c92Z2Cwz1S97huVicVsc97yuUJUQOooR7vs0dtoosGRc1tg/s1600/cocotiki.jpg" height="179" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CoCo holding Tiki Man,,,Latest family dog!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of days ago, a week into our trip... in Erich OK, we found a starved, dirty, flea ridden and scared little puppy in a dumpster...We fed him, cleaned him up, gave him medicine...and now he's part of the family...so there's three of us...and three little dogs...now traveling down Route 66...<br />
<br />
Along the way, there's lots of motels and hotels, rest stops, RV parks and campsites that are pet friendly...also stores that carry food, medicine, and dog items...so by all means take the family pet with you..they deserve a vacation too! I've even seem a 'horse friendly' motel along the route!truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-22292290385315763232014-10-04T07:55:00.004-06:002014-10-04T07:55:39.483-06:00Route 66 Roadside: Mother JonesMother Jones (Mary Harris Jones) was like every one's mother...teaching us what's correct, moral and ethical. Her story is still teaching the power of speaking the truth, standing up for others and working for everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUlG0S7sg4TqBk7y8LTWFmi2_qQPewkAZ3NTdmlBWOAHOqpYdsToKINIasmREroL_GERHmu6taSbUALiFzPa2jp1BGo8oEruh7YG2lRAj9XaaEk2qEVwPo7HJGdbkemv3Q-CBiQ/s1600/mother-jones+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUlG0S7sg4TqBk7y8LTWFmi2_qQPewkAZ3NTdmlBWOAHOqpYdsToKINIasmREroL_GERHmu6taSbUALiFzPa2jp1BGo8oEruh7YG2lRAj9XaaEk2qEVwPo7HJGdbkemv3Q-CBiQ/s1600/mother-jones+(1).jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The kids and I are traveling down Route 66 (read more of our Rt66 adventures at <a href="http://gratefulmuses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Grateful Muses</a>). We made it to Mount Olive, Illinois when we noticed a marker for Mother Jones at the Union Miner's Cemetery on the outskirts of town...another side trip to take a look at another bit of history that shaped American labor, mining conditions, child labor, and unions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBC92mPkdVJi7r0OzoG2ItWjY0unRT8gd-AjomO7_H4T2527YRsMgFRRlLNDnhcyTCuDqCrOZlx_3GpTi76UJHXnFcICZ7PVlvhNIpNHhEm5Z4VaFX50sIyk_nfT-JIA_85FEWA/s1600/images+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBC92mPkdVJi7r0OzoG2ItWjY0unRT8gd-AjomO7_H4T2527YRsMgFRRlLNDnhcyTCuDqCrOZlx_3GpTi76UJHXnFcICZ7PVlvhNIpNHhEm5Z4VaFX50sIyk_nfT-JIA_85FEWA/s1600/images+(2).jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></div>
Mary was a schoolteacher and dressmaker. She lost her husband and four children to yellow fever and then her dress shop was destroyed in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chicago_Fire" target="_blank">Great Chicago Fire of 1871</a>, Speaking for myself, I'm not sure I could continue on but at 60 years of age...Mary took on a new roll as an organizer for the Knights of Labor and the United Mine Workers union<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhICL-DoWUAFyqcsthjqv4kPQWA2bBC5Bqn9SEYCgpIe0In0totgGDMTlRZAA1yahVk-fD6QsdT1-onfS0E1oY4XuN0qZKzuq90NIMuLXp3k5EkUEyo4VcmiwL3PCbGxd1z_zprA/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhICL-DoWUAFyqcsthjqv4kPQWA2bBC5Bqn9SEYCgpIe0In0totgGDMTlRZAA1yahVk-fD6QsdT1-onfS0E1oY4XuN0qZKzuq90NIMuLXp3k5EkUEyo4VcmiwL3PCbGxd1z_zprA/s1600/download.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a>Mary become know as 'Mother Jones d coordinate major strikes demanding better conditions for miners. Her organizing skills demanding<br />
better conditions for miners and better laws and stronger enforcement of those laws regarding child labor. She was so successful that in 1903she was dubbed 'the most dangerous women in America"<br />
<br />
Mother Jones gave no apology for speaking the truth. She demanded that workers and families be treated fairly, humanly, and with respect. She stood for all the values that mothers everywhere stand for...a better life for their children...and her story teaches us that one person regardless of age can make a huge difference when we act for those in need. Her impact on workers, families, unions, laws and organizing shows how dynamic one women can be even amiss lost, suffering, and adversity. RIP Mother...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-8227634529877329222014-06-30T08:58:00.002-06:002014-06-30T09:00:26.597-06:00Moving Into SummerWorking on getting the house in shape to sell...and of course gardening...always...lots of rain this spring...the garden never looked better...posted up the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152635668982150.1073741842.579587149&type=1&l=3895f6dfb8" target="_blank"> garden pics</a> on my facebook page...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijpGIFMy3mSxK_xQ7mzBiMmsE-tNPPo_sC3qGJDFfaD5df1ilFBEiOLoLXm33vAWbG7FJIoHneZXs-rPzUGR1v-38LtD9L3DhQ3OSrttxMQmpeYY8I5wCyGWztDlr2zUehzMrPg/s1600/honeysuckledeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijpGIFMy3mSxK_xQ7mzBiMmsE-tNPPo_sC3qGJDFfaD5df1ilFBEiOLoLXm33vAWbG7FJIoHneZXs-rPzUGR1v-38LtD9L3DhQ3OSrttxMQmpeYY8I5wCyGWztDlr2zUehzMrPg/s1600/honeysuckledeck.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look up at deck in backyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
Hope to have the house ready to sell in about two weeks...will post finishing pics then. Enjoy.</div>
truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-59873280016936664512014-04-28T08:55:00.001-06:002014-04-28T08:55:08.290-06:00Rep John Kline's dubious achievement -- tops "Flip a District"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wG-Ywffu7UE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
Wish granted.... over this last weekend..DFL candidate Mike Obermueller was endorse in CD2 to run against Congressman John Kline (R-MN)...truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-13278298080669449532014-04-15T09:40:00.001-06:002014-04-15T09:40:41.218-06:00MNBLOGO talks marijuana with Jane Miles Two Putt Tommy and Holly Cairns<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7QMc2Nw8QNg" width="480"></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-18238406576329057832014-04-08T09:43:00.001-06:002014-04-08T09:44:22.611-06:00A Living Wage in MinnesotaWhen did it become acceptable to work all day and still not earn a basic living wage?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVndajyEQiPYbpTaC948MC5pYjCCdriNT7tPFk5zNkfpiP20CJklaC5Z7MlXhy6lNG-q_C4ZHj160nkdkQQuKEZwQwQfCp3gpvOeRqEVH4OsOGNGRabht17hRLp1nQKonrG_ZFUg/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVndajyEQiPYbpTaC948MC5pYjCCdriNT7tPFk5zNkfpiP20CJklaC5Z7MlXhy6lNG-q_C4ZHj160nkdkQQuKEZwQwQfCp3gpvOeRqEVH4OsOGNGRabht17hRLp1nQKonrG_ZFUg/s1600/download.jpg" height="115" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
A<b> living wage</b> is the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their needs that are considered basic (housing/food)<br />
<br />
Go <a href="http://livingwage.mit.edu/states/27/locations" target="_blank">here</a> to see the<b> living wage calculator</b> for your state/county<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJh_d3JWaeXHYgv0aVB9HOIOpq-kefEr96SCxHUlGL0bPVvOvPQMX1gPKyAm9meZDaChJQC0EUrM_Cth4l4K4T_fTNViSzHwq5yXEZLpg5QBv8xXmdvelzVGXQjhzgQeDkQkEpw/s1600/wagerates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJh_d3JWaeXHYgv0aVB9HOIOpq-kefEr96SCxHUlGL0bPVvOvPQMX1gPKyAm9meZDaChJQC0EUrM_Cth4l4K4T_fTNViSzHwq5yXEZLpg5QBv8xXmdvelzVGXQjhzgQeDkQkEpw/s1600/wagerates.jpg" height="166" width="200" /></a></div>
Finally Minnesota is looking to raise the minimum pay to $9.50 by the end of this week but that's still doesn't cover most rents. <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/community-sketchbook/2013/01/minimum-wage-minnesota-falls-behind-other-states" target="_blank">we fall behind </a>the majority of other states... Many advocates believe that $10.58 an hour is a better wage rate, but it appears that progressive Minnesota does not...Currently half a million jobs in Minnesota are below $10 an hour...<br />
Our current minimum wage is below what the federal government has set for the minimum wage...needless to say <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE6w_zH0c1_75oMDIHI7UW2MELWUyMlVrrAaBBYypbp5JafdQv4ipj6Rd8n-q8-R5YlxDqilrGfKeRVQo1d2c60ayzJU7AFWCTm4bNgs9kfIF8MxkJ39Oy6AL9tQz11VZYQBtlQ/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE6w_zH0c1_75oMDIHI7UW2MELWUyMlVrrAaBBYypbp5JafdQv4ipj6Rd8n-q8-R5YlxDqilrGfKeRVQo1d2c60ayzJU7AFWCTm4bNgs9kfIF8MxkJ39Oy6AL9tQz11VZYQBtlQ/s1600/images+(1).jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
The current legislation would make exceptions for anyone under 18 years old, or small companies earning less than half a million a year. If the business has gross sales less than $500,000 a year, then they can pay a $7.75 minimum wage. Higher wages would be phased in annually for the next three years. The bill is expected to pass in both the House and Senate this week.<br />
<br />
<b>A living wage is a moral value!</b><br />
<br />truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-80976013086793902462014-03-20T06:19:00.000-06:002014-03-20T06:19:00.113-06:00This Is Spring?!Finally the first day of Spring has come to....well not in Minnesota...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihLG0kHkwhBscFQ8f3D9mEGCb2QO4HLStnQRaYEqVZBvktdf9JvwdyhcdWJ4qnvjZVQxZnHDM8iwLg0GB470hxQr9Qq3nWs6WDtwuBzy98jMxkUh9W1M4qcsDgnEFxXCj4ObFPg/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihLG0kHkwhBscFQ8f3D9mEGCb2QO4HLStnQRaYEqVZBvktdf9JvwdyhcdWJ4qnvjZVQxZnHDM8iwLg0GB470hxQr9Qq3nWs6WDtwuBzy98jMxkUh9W1M4qcsDgnEFxXCj4ObFPg/s1600/images+(1).jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
It's 23 degrees out...and snowed yesterday...but expected to warm up into the forties...thankful for that...before dipping again this weekend. After twenty years here, I've had enough...too cold for too long. Time to bail...Got back last week from the gulf area *Texas, Alabama, Mississippi.." where it's actually warm with sunshine!<br />
<br />
There's a hill of snow from shoveling the driveway that still about 5 feet tall, the dogs are in sweaters, and for flowers to bloom, the snow needs to melt...this is not spring! Maybe next month...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K2xYcnR2NCaNzvZtT-jhcYCS1YhDe-MQ2uf3yG2wfzgfLeSXkqGOm4kLM5ADM7jxso1n-Ye0n1IjFc3ahLB0sKyFflmtDlZFHM_akLSDBY8_jXGZSY3w5Wj21AsU4Ib3gTq-VQ/s1600/images+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K2xYcnR2NCaNzvZtT-jhcYCS1YhDe-MQ2uf3yG2wfzgfLeSXkqGOm4kLM5ADM7jxso1n-Ye0n1IjFc3ahLB0sKyFflmtDlZFHM_akLSDBY8_jXGZSY3w5Wj21AsU4Ib3gTq-VQ/s1600/images+(3).jpg" height="151" width="200" /></a></div>
truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-49879805953557802502014-02-18T10:20:00.000-06:002014-02-18T10:20:19.813-06:00Chronic IllnessLike many people my age I suffer from a chronic health condition which got me to thinking about how a lot of Americans suffer from chronic conditions but they aren't all physical health related...for example:<br />
<br />
<b>Chronic....</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9g27CRBaITMtuhdqiw4BUS6XzmP7BxBihi3IkwAKktqy-21FMVMuiDc3_azAAgZx8DqrLGWGzpQQ7nI6kizGVtaRoYEQFy0h8CuOruOLAlHi1JZ5Q7CGM1QfMjqdWlxT7IN56Q/s1600/download+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9g27CRBaITMtuhdqiw4BUS6XzmP7BxBihi3IkwAKktqy-21FMVMuiDc3_azAAgZx8DqrLGWGzpQQ7nI6kizGVtaRoYEQFy0h8CuOruOLAlHi1JZ5Q7CGM1QfMjqdWlxT7IN56Q/s1600/download+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>The world evolves around me and my beliefs. </b>Perhaps this isn't specific to Americans but having lived just about everywhere including overseas...we have more than our share of these self centered clods. Most likely symptoms include inability to learn from mistakes, history, minorities, schooling or to understand common sense...</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Although I'm a member of a large well-off group, I am a victim</b>. This group seems to have more than it's share of 1%ers, those who believe they will become a 1%er, and white males. (read my lips not all fit this group but it is a sub group with a chronic victim issue)...But the good news is this group has their own support group called 'wall street', 'NRA' "teabaggers' although I don't think it helps</li>
</ul>
<br /><div>
<b>Causes...</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Greed, hate, envy, fear, anger, laziness, lack of empathy...</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Cure...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoNUwQeHOBR93MD3_JR_nH1uLJ4SG8kxPerz5fIkYKh7BVZGZBq1fgZziooBm-2FH0b2QIkHN4DLc3qkE1ffKhYE7IoZszjkLVLM5i8xt9ATrj22gJCrN-W4lxQZnDN7qWGNAcQ/s1600/we.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoNUwQeHOBR93MD3_JR_nH1uLJ4SG8kxPerz5fIkYKh7BVZGZBq1fgZziooBm-2FH0b2QIkHN4DLc3qkE1ffKhYE7IoZszjkLVLM5i8xt9ATrj22gJCrN-W4lxQZnDN7qWGNAcQ/s1600/we.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Learn by doing, join others in real life settings like volunteering at a women's shelter, soup kitchen, hospital, food bank...</li>
<li>Get out of your comfort zone. Growth is possible only if you recognize change.</li>
<li>Be positive. Instead of always blaming, complaining, pointing a finger, learn to laugh, compliment strangers, see the world through their eyes, interact, smile. We all have dark moments but we can make efforts to let the light shine in...flip that switch and allow yourself to be happy.</li>
<li>Don't ever mistake material wealth for success...spend time doing things without expecting a return on investment...tip your toes into the Mississippi river, eat cotton candy, ride a camel, climb/plant/study/draw a tree...</li>
</ul>
<br /><div>
BTW...Ignoring warning signs will lead to death ...the difference is how you want to die...I suffer from chronic calculus of the kidneys caused by enteric hyperoxaluria...(yeah say that ten times fast!). By treatment and diet, I can avoid most pain and live a productive and longer life...isn't that the goal for all of us? To create, learn, expand, imagine, and love...ignoring is never the solution.</div>
</div>
truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-78819843243278662032014-02-13T08:16:00.001-06:002014-02-13T08:16:56.992-06:00Learning It As I GoIt's taking me a long time...and I'm still learning but let me share a little of what I know...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Follow your heart...always</li>
<li>Everyone is equal </li>
<li>The journey is more important than the reward</li>
<li>Live your values</li>
<li>Accept that you really only can change yourself</li>
<li>Embrace change</li>
<li>Stop trying to control your outcome</li>
<li>Life happens so learn to smile and laugh</li>
<li>Trust in good</li>
<li>Listen, sing and dance</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMP2B9pyffMbF3nP7MjiT8_8IuDs_JpTZw0XCdgVZWuPaxZSzBXYFpqRzr_5bZmFxxL4vYDE-_lMzRYL95W02_7p1FF3hTDAQGcD_ll1ePO5yR_Em__p5ycJvllKu1514kcXXlQ/s1600/1005775_10152174246098844_220743797_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMP2B9pyffMbF3nP7MjiT8_8IuDs_JpTZw0XCdgVZWuPaxZSzBXYFpqRzr_5bZmFxxL4vYDE-_lMzRYL95W02_7p1FF3hTDAQGcD_ll1ePO5yR_Em__p5ycJvllKu1514kcXXlQ/s1600/1005775_10152174246098844_220743797_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And approach everyone as important...as they are...<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-68231327548278389772014-02-12T14:17:00.002-06:002014-02-12T14:18:11.405-06:00I'm BackWell after a long and length stay at the happy haven rest home, I'm back to blogging...Once or twice a week I'll starting posting again about topics of interest to me...But I'm remiss...let me bring you up to date with my personal life...After working (it seems like forever) I will be retiring within the next year, selling the house and taking the show to the road...literally...I'm getting an RV packing up or selling off everything and going to travel the road for awhile...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JZoRuHi_yyyhNbksy-DaCRQaond7LijEhRNCKAszxwkuhH6xORhO-Bt_OpgW1cioGslkoP9cMw3gPA05PNXB7kLpx2CbWgCorOebc9ENOxzGIKIgaUF3ZPTj9fJ6ZpvWjnyOzA/s1600/993034_10200821632356932_1413856942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JZoRuHi_yyyhNbksy-DaCRQaond7LijEhRNCKAszxwkuhH6xORhO-Bt_OpgW1cioGslkoP9cMw3gPA05PNXB7kLpx2CbWgCorOebc9ENOxzGIKIgaUF3ZPTj9fJ6ZpvWjnyOzA/s1600/993034_10200821632356932_1413856942_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes it's very similar to that time I followed the grateful dead around for a year (or was that several years?) and yes I plan to figure out how to raise a few coins to support my misadventure but no...instead of the old school bus...I'll have a newer RV and yes the dogs and some of the kids will be coming with...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnxJMFylmhGSIN7ThdqU-M2RuXg9x199q8-tuE1ju2TepUSJnK2wC-IEGZgs4BbWI9cxtKuijw9YC-sCTzC435f7dZBqT-CKW4rWt70CnZPKkpkqa3QsfwJQ8FDl1b4i5Tf10KA/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnxJMFylmhGSIN7ThdqU-M2RuXg9x199q8-tuE1ju2TepUSJnK2wC-IEGZgs4BbWI9cxtKuijw9YC-sCTzC435f7dZBqT-CKW4rWt70CnZPKkpkqa3QsfwJQ8FDl1b4i5Tf10KA/s1600/download.jpg" height="91" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
So fasten your seat beats, we're about to pull into the fast lane!truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-34068880217853543722011-08-03T06:18:00.011-06:002011-08-03T08:37:15.305-06:00The Rest of the StoryMinnesota's GOP like to make promises through very simple statements and slogans that mislead the public into believing in 'happily ever after' endings without them having to invest anything....like magic...if you do nothing and pay nothing then.. poof! wahaalaa... look what can happen:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636604153549255266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYx1k1TREGxkgVWxb6AWwCQQQV7GOIy8zSDGcj9PBsP_upPmCDSiJQXacIGJ-crcjT6Cd_p3Oc6QlzmXibICJ4_eACaXLQ8Iq_UDFx3gE7veBpTjnIJ8LV4gJFf6gqBYFFy4C3g/s400/untitled.bmp" />But that's not reality in the adult world we live in today nor has it ever been. Keeping America safe, healthy, independent and successful takes an investment. Those 'do nothing' policies, slogans and promises don't fix our roads, fund schools, keep the military trained, provide hospitals, turn on lights, allow for safe drinking water, or give us jobs.... As easy as it is to believe in the Easter Bunny and Santa, we all grow up at some point and assume the responsibilities of being an adult...isn't it time for the GOP and teabaggers to do the same and join the real world?<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636632845906954450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8tQdt-stoLPP5GPXX9vuualoOw9jdBlzJXc4X5FeuR1OsbGAOwSNFjeq8Negpin9sOhoRmO339tOmWO1p2jdVIWkXrv00ygdupnvDSfi5ADcmR5DfJdxzxfJ-fl7Ri2Dz8aQTA/s400/livefree.jpg" />Promising slogans don't give you freedom or make you live better......Want freedom or a better life? Then <strong>volunteer, work, give, participate, build, pay, commit...</strong></p><br /><p><strong>Do your fair share for a better America. </strong>Invest the resources, time, money, and work to live better. The alternative is a third world nation without infrastructure...instead of living free...it will become a 'free for all'...and there's nothing 'better' about that.<br /><br />Want to get involved and start making a difference...<a href="http://dfl.org/">start here</a>.<br /></p><br /><br /><p>Stay happy, peace out</p><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pcaJsUNA_ww" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-13518265263055809632011-08-02T08:29:00.001-06:002011-08-02T08:29:00.216-06:00#666. A Capitol Grill Favorite 'Satan's Sandwich'Made fresh daily with Boehner <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMwqRUylJi0Nu1YakEkP0vSVIt3xQ2pSvYxcpmR_cQnNFBkOARz7Z61YaBoB-VO9mibazXsLQa1n9fHmPnHICSFKMs3yS7ym5ZSFAUayhyphenhyphenqDvV7eTP0bGYDjnYSrjH6ePrcGwuw/s1600/satanmenu.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636227202412442802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMwqRUylJi0Nu1YakEkP0vSVIt3xQ2pSvYxcpmR_cQnNFBkOARz7Z61YaBoB-VO9mibazXsLQa1n9fHmPnHICSFKMs3yS7ym5ZSFAUayhyphenhyphenqDvV7eTP0bGYDjnYSrjH6ePrcGwuw/s200/satanmenu.jpg" /></a>crap that was soaked overnight in political Beelzebub lard, then deep fried in the House and then again in the Senate with a sprinkling of Obama 'lite' salt and slapped on a staled but lusty onion roll with extra hot turd sauce and served with tea. Urban Dictionary defines it as: “The chiefest of hell’s dark delights, it is said that just one bite of it arouses an unspeakable lust of terrific potency.”...<br /><br />Higher interest rates, no jobs created, fewer services... $2.5 trillion in total cuts and $2.4 trillion in debt limit extension <strong>with nothing, nada, zero, zitch addressing the real problems of the economy or jobs</strong>... Hell you can cut the budget from here to eternity, but that won't solve the problems and put Americans back to work!<br /><br />Pass the deviled eggs of no viable options please while the rest of the American public bends over.truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-62404753948898541962011-07-19T06:57:00.008-06:002011-07-19T07:19:30.077-06:00The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys Hurts BachmannThis new study just released....scientific proof from the Michele Bachmann's batcrap lab of excuses....that her high heel shoes are causing weekly incapacitating stress induced headaches...<br /><strike>The dog ate my</strike>...er...I<a href="http://dailycaller.com/2011/07/18/stress-related-condition-incapacitates-bachmann-heavy-pill-use-alleged/">t's </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5xCc2Deg3XE2TmF5K12tyEqvLB1z2EwWB03XHqlIvuwUEOsx-4kpPB8ZYawRw-87D4xJu66uRa2T08eJ4gudROUoBfqpnleRK6JqwBOgUsCw7qbdDC4KX5Rv_2QOjO45Q-_gZA/s1600/heels.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 99px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 106px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631050603542279458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5xCc2Deg3XE2TmF5K12tyEqvLB1z2EwWB03XHqlIvuwUEOsx-4kpPB8ZYawRw-87D4xJu66uRa2T08eJ4gudROUoBfqpnleRK6JqwBOgUsCw7qbdDC4KX5Rv_2QOjO45Q-_gZA/s200/heels.jpg" /></a><a href="http://dailycaller.com/2011/07/18/stress-related-condition-incapacitates-bachmann-heavy-pill-use-alleged/">the shoes</a>!<br /><br />"If I gave you everything that I own<br />and asked for nothing in return<br />Would you do the same for me, as I would for you?<br />Or take me for a ride<br />and strip me of everything, including my pride<br />But spirit is something that no one destroys"<br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/udyNr0pY6ak" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-61396607730410134802011-07-15T15:17:00.006-06:002011-07-15T15:17:00.244-06:00MN GOP Compromises Everything For Millionaires! The Minnesota GOP traded away their social agenda items like voter ID, no abortion funding, no stem cell research, union busting, and school vouchers, along their belief in downsizing the state government and their stance against raising 500 million in bonds to successfully protected 7700 millionaires from being taxed their fair share over the well being of the rest of Minnesotans! BTW, of those 7700 millionaires only 3,800 even reside in Minnesota, the rest live out of state.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUG-rMmR7iajHguyFP-iH9-n1WczkMcAt71u_wK4wxKs9e2AFf8FclkmkM21jwCaOrDI0PjGLDHw_bQG2XiQxTfJoKnTMW277L4fks6cEWryBe6MtH9jdZyOnCvVvASv2gVcp/s1600/thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUG-rMmR7iajHguyFP-iH9-n1WczkMcAt71u_wK4wxKs9e2AFf8FclkmkM21jwCaOrDI0PjGLDHw_bQG2XiQxTfJoKnTMW277L4fks6cEWryBe6MtH9jdZyOnCvVvASv2gVcp/s200/thanks.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only winner from the<br />
Minnesota budget...one of the <br />
7700 millionaires!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In fact it looks like the only winner in the Minnesota budget deal is the 7700 millionaires! Way to compromise MN GOP!</div><br />
Rather than stand by their right-wing ideology issues, and rather than consider a tiny tax increase on the very wealthy .2% top income earners, and rather than shrink state government... the MN GOP traded it all for the rights to the mantra <strong>'cut taxes for the wealthy'</strong>...that's it...move along, nothing more to defend or see here. Our job is done...we protected the wealthy and cut their taxes.<br />
<br />
In exchange for protecting the Minnesota millionaires...the MN GOP is borrowing from public schools and increase the state debt burden on the wallet of the average Minnesotan (that would be the rest of us 99.8% of Minnesotans)...<br />
<br />
- Got kids in school? Expect higher fees, more cuts, and less resources...but if you are one of the 7700 millionaires protected, your tax cuts this session should easily cover these increases.<br />
<br />
- How about college? Significant increases in tuition (more than 5%) while hundreds of resources, wages, and positions are cut. Once again, the .2% richest Minnesotans protected will be able to easily afford these increases.<br />
<br />
- On a fixed income? Look for your income to continue to shrink in the face of increase city, county, township fees. Whew...good thing the MN GOP was looking out for those 7700 wealthy people, they shouldn't suffer at all!<br />
<br />
If you can name it, expect increases in fees and costs as a result of the ,<strong>'no-taxes on the rich'</strong> MN GOP policy...The 7700 Minnesota millionaires are the only winners in the MN budget...but I'm thinking the MN GOP are now going to need more than them to get re-elect next go around.<br />
<br />
PS...<strong>Where are the jobs you promised</strong> during campaign season or was that also traded that to protect 7700 millionaires? -<br />
<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Mr_uHJPUlO8" width="425"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>mnskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12872678483146430103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-60445612324280523942011-07-05T12:20:00.002-06:002011-07-05T12:20:00.809-06:00Why The GOP Let Minnesota Shut DownThe Minnesota GOP controlled legislatures has shut down the state government by neglecting to pass a budget. They were intent on making this happen. There was no plan to compromise...but instead to enact an unacceptable social agenda filled with fringe ideology over sound budget planning and compromise.<br /><br />While many <a href="http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/208715/">marched in fourth of July parades</a>, still enjoying their salaries, perdiem-mileage- lodging reimbursements... many more Minnesota state workers are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6vGFzhTLGm0ZRha12fB3iRHNP1nGj8QQLWKa5yj_4C0rGwphnn1IPx_qscUucjb5aghDjRk_6WU-flAWQL4eCKegHACNKMlJ3zoYOscU1gk6BuhpmBQlRFdfkeSmWa-XidCuAQ/s1600/shutdown1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625885971273792722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6vGFzhTLGm0ZRha12fB3iRHNP1nGj8QQLWKa5yj_4C0rGwphnn1IPx_qscUucjb5aghDjRk_6WU-flAWQL4eCKegHACNKMlJ3zoYOscU1gk6BuhpmBQlRFdfkeSmWa-XidCuAQ/s400/shutdown1.jpg" /></a>wondering how now to meet their basic necessities. For the poor, disabled and elderly Minnesotans, the GOP shut down will leave them without resources to deal with daily needs. This is because the GOP rank and file go to a state shutdowns as a way of bullying <a href="http://minnesotaindependent.com/83578/gop-pressed-for-abortion-stem-cell-research-bans-during-budget-negotiations">their ideology </a>on issues like stem cell, abortion, and voter id.<br /><br />So let's take a look at a couple of the budget sticking points:<br /><br /><strong>Governor Dayton: Raise taxes on the top 2% fairly. </strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>"That is not Minnesota. That is not why the people of Minnesota elected me their Governor: so that millionaires could continue to avoid paying their fair share of taxes for the benefit of everyone else in our state"<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Mark Dayton ran on, and it seems like perhaps the highest 2% could more readily afford to pay their fair amount of taxes similar to the rest of us Minnesotans. Seems simple enough... but the GOP says they ran on<strong> 'no new taxing' which means leaving the richest among us to their lower tax bracket</strong>...And for this loyalty to the wealthiest 2% of Minnesotans, the GOP decided to shut down the budget...but wait...there's more...which brings us to another example of a state shutdown sticking point in the budget...<br /><br /><strong>The MN GOP: Enact Voter ID laws</strong><br />While Minnesota is facing major 5.2 billion dollar budget shortfall, and significant cuts in education and other key public services….<strong>the GOP controlled legislatures are trying to enact new voter ID laws whose implementation will cost Minnesota millions of taxpayers dollars thus adding to the budget</strong>. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>According to a <a href="http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/uploadedFiles/wwwpewcenteronthestatesorg/Reports/Electionline_Reports/electionlineWeekly03.17.11.pdf">new report </a>released from <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uJT1NBaNjewFQzD-sZO7M_e-T-Qj8zPeHrHkwoXZubsGCuVyAKnsw2MYej3YNO6jTxi0TTcOQ9s2M2raGWDJr2LIMdropVcHNy4ac_NFo8573BHH4mqV2Cww0f9D-oxID6GUCQ/s1600/Blog_Party_Cranks.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 333px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625886648730616962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uJT1NBaNjewFQzD-sZO7M_e-T-Qj8zPeHrHkwoXZubsGCuVyAKnsw2MYej3YNO6jTxi0TTcOQ9s2M2raGWDJr2LIMdropVcHNy4ac_NFo8573BHH4mqV2Cww0f9D-oxID6GUCQ/s400/Blog_Party_Cranks.jpg" /></a>electionline.org, a project of the Pew Center on States, the cost estimate for Minnesota is close to $10 million dollars. And that doesn't include the dozens of costs for the state and local officials, from updating forms, websites, to hiring and training staff to carry out the new procedures in inspecting IDs. There will be costs for voter education in informing voters of the new law(s) and the increase in demand for services that provide IDs. These costs will easily run in the millions! </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>So <strong>how does implementing a voter id law square with the no new tax mantra</strong> of the GOP? Obviously it doesn't. So is voter fraud a top problem in Minnesota in need of immediate resolution among all the other pressing state issues that lawmakers are struggling to fund? Should voter fraud trump over education or safety or transportation or even a government shut down? The answer is hell NO....</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>In 2006 there were <strong>six alleged cases</strong> <strong>of illegal aliens seeking to vote</strong> <strong>out of a total of 2,202,937 votes cast</strong>. This represents 0.000003 percent of all votes cast. So in Minnesota this isn't even a blip on the problem radar so why is it a GOP sticking point in the budget?<br /><br />Gimme a break, the <strong>GOP is breaking their no new tax pledge, shutting down the state government over...sigh...a social agenda and partisan ideology that resolves a non-existent issue.</strong> Wow! Some kind of adult leadership there...<br /><br />In case someone is now wondering what they missed with this burning non-issue, numerous surveys show blacks, Hispanics, the elderly and the young are less likely to possess a driver’s license, passport or other form of government-issued identification. Other than the elderly, they are also largely Democratic constituencies. So the rational behind wanting to <strong>spend millions of tax payers money enacting voter id laws is to hopefully disenfranchise voters....yeah certainly worthy of a government shut down,</strong><br /><br /><strong>This is not a game to further extreme ideology</strong>! People's livelihood, their children's well being rest on paychecks...This is leadership at it's worse...A state shutdown does not save money. In fact, it has already cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars and caused extreme stress to thousands of employees.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>The GOP need to face the same reality the rest of us do, and perhaps losing the next election cycle will give them a better perspective on what real life compromise looks like when you're staring down an unemployment line.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZHOLvGAic2Y5D2wCxVKzMWr_k19GTrUma0tZyUPT5CNdPd3vtdAjjdanaPXwpt4xDtb5SGLUPQTLpiFsOcsdWuFnVaKZ62ZcS8V2xOk-BKOyU3Q6YjWZHNwywFFPmAQGqJk6zg/s1600/gdeadmovie.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625882420846654962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZHOLvGAic2Y5D2wCxVKzMWr_k19GTrUma0tZyUPT5CNdPd3vtdAjjdanaPXwpt4xDtb5SGLUPQTLpiFsOcsdWuFnVaKZ62ZcS8V2xOk-BKOyU3Q6YjWZHNwywFFPmAQGqJk6zg/s400/gdeadmovie.jpg" /></a>Happy belated fourth of July...if anyone noticed I'm not blogging as much with summer and also I'm working on a few other time sucking projects...will try for once a week...<br /><br />Kids and I went to see the grateful dead movie (pic)...this one goes out for all of us wondering if the long strange trip in the US is now coming to an end.<br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DPBLfzTPCDc" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe><br /></p>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-88439260636682056342011-05-26T08:04:00.015-06:002011-05-27T10:26:31.880-06:00Minnesota Cow Tipping<div><strong>The Minnesota GOP still doesn't get it. </strong><br />Even after adjourning without balancing the budget, the GOP are still talking about cuts to services to pay for the tax cuts they gave to the wealthy at the start of the session....Give me a break! Is it too much to say...EVERYONE should share the pain of economic downturn and the cost of fixing government? And oh yeah, that shared cost should be <strong>equally</strong> distributed among us all not just the poorest!<br /><br />Long ago the GOP traded reasonableness and the ability to negotiate in exchange for a far right ideology serving only special interest and corporations. While many feel the <a href="http://www.startribune.com/opinion/otherviews/122528944.html">Minnesota GOP </a><a href="http://www.startribune.com/opinion/otherviews/122528944.html">have lost their way</a> if you call them on it, they react like children, no, not by smashing things or holding their breaths til blue, but by making everybody else as miserable as possible to get their own way...can you say government shut down?<br /><br />Just like their WA.DC. counterparts, the MN GOP will tell you to not expect anything from government but then corporations and the wealthy deserve their help:<br /><br />"The U.S. Supreme Court has deemed corporations are persons. It may have to give the same status to renters. That would help Speaker Zellers remember the $180 million increase in net taxes on renters he and his caucus have voted for by cutting the renters' credit."<br /><br />The poorest among us is to sustain the government cuts by decrease funding and services...it's <strong>like taking your rich uncle to a steak house while telling grandma she can have a can of dog food</strong>....These are not nice people!<br /><br />Their plan from the start was to cut taxes for the wealthy, privatize everything, cut services, but spend and grow government for social issues that they approve of like marriage amendments and voter ids.... and their formula besides being flawed, can't work when the burden is continued upon the wallets of the working poor.<br /><br /><strong>T-Paw (yawn) announced something</strong><br />....the most boring white candidate announced this week...yawn..oh sorry having trouble staying awake for this one...Ex MN Governor Tim Pawlenty announced his candidacy (yawn...oh so tired) for President. Sorry I missed the announcement because there was so much more important things going on (chose any) the dog needed working, I had a fingernail that needed clipping, the rapture needed rescheduling.<br /><br /><strong>Bachmann announces she might announce<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwnPIaCfsP-MUEvwvcty805LSY4M4LK1Htp8tw-B7yjd-YwHVvFxyN-MHLyRKibBehPvi8pt_H5kjV8oN8cqVGuX2MKh1VHIcfa9z5kFypnAyUrIzTsr-Oc4fl3rFBGUsfu56vA/s1600/cow.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611431012261082322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwnPIaCfsP-MUEvwvcty805LSY4M4LK1Htp8tw-B7yjd-YwHVvFxyN-MHLyRKibBehPvi8pt_H5kjV8oN8cqVGuX2MKh1VHIcfa9z5kFypnAyUrIzTsr-Oc4fl3rFBGUsfu56vA/s320/cow.bmp" /></a>What I wouldn't give for Batcrap Bachmann to go back to where she came from.. forever: “Oh, goodness, being born in Iowa gives every advantage — every advantage a girl would want to have,” <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Bachmann">Ms. Bachmann </a>said. “There is no downside to being born in Iowa.”<br /><br />Is it just me or does Iowa seem like a waiting room for hell...so eloquent put by Claude R. Porter..."Iowa will go Democratic when Hell goes Methodist," So naturally, they get first dibs on who the next viable Democratic President candidate will be...talk about broken processes, but I knew that by what happen to Mr. Dean.<br /><br />Have a nice extended weekend!<br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3-11uB9mXZw" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe></div>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-48364665745645430382011-05-18T15:35:00.001-06:002011-05-18T15:35:00.579-06:00Michele 'Ms. PotatoHead' Bachmann VellsI like my potatoes fully loaded...butter, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, salt, pepper, even a little cheese...such is the things that dreams are made of...Minnesota's own favorite wack case, world teabagger queen and soon 'to decide' Presidential candidate...Rep. <a href="http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/05/potatoes-and-constitution">Michele 'Ms. PotatoHead' Bachmann </a>is velling about the federal government (yes again...sigh) proposal to limit the use of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nc6XhbBM6BTH89LFjaL3jZlBHAuAcpVJEssp5-HxwGdVXOCD9dElQZOtcMFqqnGd1LJOZKyIMyfRxX6JpJoLxm8Ur43ZwtnAuYAJSJ0eKb4PJGppPGzXUiUCuFFLF8Z7YCTXOw/s1600/MspotatoBachmann.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 136px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608115098587685394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nc6XhbBM6BTH89LFjaL3jZlBHAuAcpVJEssp5-HxwGdVXOCD9dElQZOtcMFqqnGd1LJOZKyIMyfRxX6JpJoLxm8Ur43ZwtnAuYAJSJ0eKb4PJGppPGzXUiUCuFFLF8Z7YCTXOw/s200/MspotatoBachmann.jpg" /></a>potatoes in school lunches. "Where in the Constitution does it say the fed. government should regulate potatoes in school lunches?" she tweets. "It doesn’t."<br /><br />She's right it doesn't...nor does it limit setting standards/safety/health in any of the following industries: education, medical, construction, flight, agriculture, manufacturing...but that doesn't make regulation wrong, immoral, against the government or more importantly against the public good. It's done all the time for the good of all.<br /><br />In this case...our kids are fat...they got that way for a variety of reasons from the sedate life styles of TV, vidoe games and online social networking to <a href="http://www.rttnews.com/Content/BreakingNews.aspx?Node=B1&Id=1626550">poor food choices</a>. According to the U.S. National Survey of Children's Health, the obesity rate among children grew from 14.8 percent in 2003 to 16.4 percent in 2007 with estimates now being as high at 25% ! Replacing potatoes with vegetables won't help the potato industry, but it will cut down on unnecessary starches in school lunches by setting a better menu replacement.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3bBMi9LSPIb4jeNfF3cVjeN1QqMHwqKuxl9EMtbRJjZqNZpKTj-hWMR7JmhcmPI731qElsrs1yaJgWWWbWnvhZVQW-VcRD4rmOY3Ih3uxGsMj1626iVdO73Q-8e0xUX54jdQQg/s1600/imagesCAYB8AXF.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 162px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 163px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608114755183589618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3bBMi9LSPIb4jeNfF3cVjeN1QqMHwqKuxl9EMtbRJjZqNZpKTj-hWMR7JmhcmPI731qElsrs1yaJgWWWbWnvhZVQW-VcRD4rmOY3Ih3uxGsMj1626iVdO73Q-8e0xUX54jdQQg/s200/imagesCAYB8AXF.jpg" /></a>"The proposed change is part of a push to make school meals healthier, with more nutrient-rich vegetables and fewer French fries. Under the USDA proposal, school cafeterias would have to limit starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, peas and lima beans to a total of one cup per week for lunch."<br /><br /><br /><div>The <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704810504576305250845743700.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_6">National Potato Council </a>has started a "Tell USDA to Keep Potatoes in Schools!" campaign. The Council calls the spud affordable and "kid pleasing," adding "familiar shapes make lunchtime fun." Hmm, that may be so, but when did fun and pleasing become the benchmark for school lunches? If that was the case we would include candy cigarettes for dessert!<br /><br />Besides, where does it say in the constitution that government shouldn't make school lunches more balanced and healthy? Here's a lesson for the newly animated talking Michele 'Ms. Potatohead' Bachmann...Elected officials should look out for the interest of our children's health over the potato lobbyist. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>And yes I know it doesn't say that in the constitution either, whatyathink I got mash potatoes for brains?<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Holy Modal Rounders...</div><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UZA7OT3Ib5I" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><div></div>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-42857622017505067872011-05-11T10:34:00.019-06:002011-05-13T13:30:14.757-06:00In Minnesota Every Day Is Friday the 13thMy youngest child was born on a Friday the 13th. I wanted to name her Erie but it was vetoed by my hubby... so she ended up being named Raven (which still suited the Friday the 13th mystic)...but she really doesn't... Raven is a shiny light of sweet, sweet goodness with a heart of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGQM6NVriGaZ03uYvEdaqyl1aIJyTW63AkYhMpPyLGWq7ravhM0u-BAHtwuRypVq8VuxN0cDIMf0-twiegZhz3_c4Kt0BaUx7dgNTIE6-46WDKO3utzVSlYOXtQ3s6GgUhYawhg/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 128px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 119px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606284479411800146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGQM6NVriGaZ03uYvEdaqyl1aIJyTW63AkYhMpPyLGWq7ravhM0u-BAHtwuRypVq8VuxN0cDIMf0-twiegZhz3_c4Kt0BaUx7dgNTIE6-46WDKO3utzVSlYOXtQ3s6GgUhYawhg/s200/untitled.bmp" /></a>gold. Needless to say...with her birth, no Friday the 13ths has a bad connotation for me....in fact I think of them as rather lucky because of her.<br /><br /><br /><div>But if you use the darker, more sinister meaning as a guide, then every day in Minnesota has turned into a Friday the 13th. Templar Knights aren't being hunted down and killed (yet)...but it is indeed dark days in Minnesota. With only ten days left in the regular session, the GOP house/senate has yet to pass on to Governor Dayton a balanced budget. Instead the GOP representatives spend their time working on breaking every last one of their campaign promises. Last year most the GOP ran on...<br /><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Creating jobs</strong>...Jobs created so far...<strong>ZERO </strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong>No spending without the money</strong>... but social issues like anti-marriage amendments and voter IDs are exempt to their spending freeze. </div><br /><br /><div><strong>Balance the budget...</strong>hasn't happen and in fact, they cut taxes at the start of the session on corporations and the wealthiest among us while advocating to eliminate health care for the poorest (got to pay for those tax cuts somehow?!). </div><br /><br /><div><strong>Less Government</strong>...the GOP are willing to cut state funding for education, health care and jobs, but want to pay for more Government in our private lives by dictating a women's reproductive rights, telling us we can't marry someone we love, and instituting unnecessary voter IDs. They are supporting and promoting costly amendments that will hamper job creation while expanding the role and cost of government into our lives.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rcb9MIsXSldnQGDGBWYJXFEo70efhGn-sDc5FzCPOZ5XX1XfVI2mAy5AwFmRNBKX4UG4GUsFIGFb6v8WkFfBNGu_BuaS-vdUUuls_KRqdk2hxbfOPw_Rtc0GUkhC1LBupEgKoA/s1600/mngopo.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606283477742667410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rcb9MIsXSldnQGDGBWYJXFEo70efhGn-sDc5FzCPOZ5XX1XfVI2mAy5AwFmRNBKX4UG4GUsFIGFb6v8WkFfBNGu_BuaS-vdUUuls_KRqdk2hxbfOPw_Rtc0GUkhC1LBupEgKoA/s200/mngopo.bmp" /></a>The GOP spend their time in session debating global warming, introducing bills to have speeding infractions not show on their records, why CO2 emissions aren't bad and cutting services for women and children.<br /><br />This week, one Republicans discussion was a bill regarding the lights on restored antique emergency vehicles such as fire trucks used in parades. Representative Hilstrom said it best when she stated <strong>"we are 12 days away from adjournment and we are talking about the emergency lights on antique vehicles. Members it is time to get to the work of balancing the budget."<br /><br /></strong>The time to work on the budget was all session long but instead, they were busy breaking every last campaign promise made last year...spending state money and using state resources to expanded Government into our private lives with ZERO job growth. If they were waiting for an omen to get to work on a budget ...well Friday the 13th has arrived in Minnesota!<br /></div><br /><br />Have a great weekend...stay dry..<br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9SSUQxGjZZ4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-12176996617819330582011-05-06T06:08:00.010-06:002011-05-06T09:20:04.097-06:00More Billionaire Bonanzas For The Fortunate Few Not Going BrokeI'm usually not so forgetful but for the life of me...I can't remember what exactly President Obama did to win the Nobel peace prize other <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiZV9Kul1h7F6vYOU3Zas4vNSEfLfexzIofFsmweVKuQV2Qt_FzmBfNvYY1EXXvyQE_SXy_lnKdnzByTDzJZINdT07TsHmyklt8TIsVmxe3aRQuADAPqByZyKCXetWjGMW0ROBQ/s1600/enhanced-buzz-4329-1304444423-6.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 165px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603586386432095970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiZV9Kul1h7F6vYOU3Zas4vNSEfLfexzIofFsmweVKuQV2Qt_FzmBfNvYY1EXXvyQE_SXy_lnKdnzByTDzJZINdT07TsHmyklt8TIsVmxe3aRQuADAPqByZyKCXetWjGMW0ROBQ/s200/enhanced-buzz-4329-1304444423-6.jpg" /></a>than replace Bush Jr. While that alone could have accounted for it, the fact remains that commander and chief Obama has hit the trifecta of war...not to mention kicking in doors and killing bad guys without due process...<br /><br />Has the prize ever been rescinded? Should be. Really they should just kick in his door and take it with out any trial, hearing, due process...just saying...Democracy isn't just for special occasions when we feel like it, it's unconditionally for all occasions. That's the only way it will work.<br /><br /><strong>IS America Trickling Down?<br /></strong>In these very hard economic times profits at largest 500 corporations grew by <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/2011/05/05/fortune-500-corporations-81/">81% in 2010</a>. So much for Obama's plan to destroy capitalism...Did your income grow 81% in 2010? Did it even keep up with inflation and rising gas prices? Still that won't stop Obama from farting more rainbow catch phases like 'yes we can' 'change' 'hope' or my personal favorite 'let's be clear'. Times up, words are meaningless, the proof is in the pudding and Obama hasn't even been inside the kitchen let alone mixing!<br /><br />The administration is touting how great the unemployment figure released today was...just edging up from 8.8 to 9 %...wtf?! <strong>There are 13.7 million unemployed Americans looking for work...and countless others who have given up</strong>. There's nothing remotely positive about the figures released today no matter how the politicos and media spin it...America needs JOBs now.<br /><br />And about those that are fortunate enough to have jobs...after adjusting for inflation, pay for production and non-supervisory workers (80 percent of the private workforce) is<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_03/b4163032935448_page_4.htm"> 9% lower than it was in 1973</a>.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Our nation can no longer afford to ignore the suffering of the unemployed who so desperately want to get back to productive work. Nor can we afford to indulge our leaders’ penchant for delay and political posturing, which comes at the expense of millions of working American families who are hurting. What we need now are bold approaches to economic recovery that will produce jobs. -<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-h-ayers/there-is-no-tomorrowameri_b_681366.html">Mark Ayers</a><br /></blockquote><br />Americans are going broke at a staggering pace. 1.41 million Americans filed for personal bankruptcy in 2009 - a 32 percent increase over 2008. In 2010 it was a 41% increase...all the while corporations and the top 3% are lining their pockets with obscene profits.<br /><br />Don't settle for the fairy tales being spun... Are you personally better off? Is your family members, neighbors, friends better off? Where's the jobs?<br /><br /><strong>We're number 1!</strong><br />I'm <a href="http://www.babynamewizard.com/the-top-1000-baby-names-of-2010-united-states-of-america">number 384</a>, beaten out by names spawned from the twilight series...scary isn't it. Those same folks naming kids after vampires and werewolves are also deciding if you get reproduction rights, voter ID, and to marry whomever you want....even more scary.<br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ipY5wK6s6C4" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-45445444708461688722011-05-02T10:36:00.002-06:002011-05-02T10:46:06.250-06:00Oh Look More Bright Shiny Objects Instead of JOBS!I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">answered</span> the call that Howard Dean put out...'take back your country'...and with 'stars in my eyes' I jumped into the frying pan hoping to 'make a difference'. But these days, I'm more than a little frustrated...right now my head feels like it will explode given the mindless, doodling crap that passes for news stories, important human interests, and political legislation...<br /><br /><strong>Dead but terrorism is still here:</strong><br />I got a record amount of emails and twitters last night telling me Bin Laden was dead...mostly celebratory in nature...but a small of degree of introspect by some...<br /><br /><strong>First:</strong> Wouldn't our closure have been more complete if <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Osama</span> Bin Laden had been brought back and put on trial. It would show the world that our justice system still works regardless of his attempts to destroy our form of government. Some small part of me feels he died on his terms instead of ours. And yes I've been told it would have cause too much of US <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">targeting</span>...but then again...democracy is messy...either we support it or we don't...exceptions mean we don't.<br /><br /><strong>Second:</strong> Does any targeted assassination approved by the President legitimize this reckless act under law? What does this bode for the future? Will we see more international <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">targeting</span>? Is that why <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq9K2mtYf7k"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kadafi's</span> youngest son and 3 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">grandchildren's</span> </a>are dead by US <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">NATO</span> lead... bombs? Maybe we need to redefine the word terror by not looking in the mirror.<br /><br /><strong>Bigger issues on our plates:</strong><br />Obama addresses the<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/donald-trump-claims-credit-obamas-releasing-birth-certificate/story?id=13465438"> really big imaginary issue </a>brought forward by a handful of tin-foil pyramid hat wearing <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDk3PSnIVOqMl8xwqV4bt5fomHXiaA1hyphenhyphenLjN4Rkr5s3ortgGDJZIIZyJKe5edpONTfyZpl9D9oLbLIvnKNJ-u_AsZa18XA9DB-RzChI2cY80eu_Hx932qLgatE19LLfZzFMoht-Q/s1600/imagesCAY1OFTH.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 172px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 109px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600294505190466258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDk3PSnIVOqMl8xwqV4bt5fomHXiaA1hyphenhyphenLjN4Rkr5s3ortgGDJZIIZyJKe5edpONTfyZpl9D9oLbLIvnKNJ-u_AsZa18XA9DB-RzChI2cY80eu_Hx932qLgatE19LLfZzFMoht-Q/s320/imagesCAY1OFTH.jpg" /></a>conspiracy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">wingnuts</span> leaders like Minnesota's Michele <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bachmann</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">comb over</span> king Donald Trump and talking fat head Russ Limbaugh...<br /><br />Thank goodness we cleared that up so we can go back to really important issues like America's failing economy, creating jobs, addressing why we're at war...oops...guess there's <a href="http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/04/birther-king-andy-martin-obama-birth-certificate">more really big imaginary issues.</a> What's next...his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kindergarten</span> report cards, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">affidavits</span> from childhood teachers, maybe we can interrogate any babysitters...sigh... DON'T FEED THE TROLLS!<br /><br />While American born Obama keeps dancing to a recovery tune from non-tax paying corporations posting record (and obscene) profits, the US economy continues to sing the blues while <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/28/news/economy/initial_claims/?section=money_latest">shedding jobs </a>like a long hair calico cat in August. Add in new unemployment figures that show the worse economy since after last <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">xmas</span> layoffs...well thing can't get much worse...unless... It's the fact that our <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/opinion/02mon1.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">economic growth slowed </a>from an annual rate of 3.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010 to 1.8 percent in the first quarter of 2011.<br /><br /><strong>Mayday!:<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">ExxonMobile</span> </strong>earnings of <strong>$10.7 billion in the first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">quarter</span></strong> are up 69%...Of course they are up, we've been paying for it at the pumps and give away of billions in oil incentives and no US taxes...It's good to be kings. Naturally, the industry cites their 'good fortune' as being good for our economy...how is being a parasite sucking away the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wealth</span> from America's middle class and providing no return...a good thing?<br /><br />The fact that <strong>unemployment claims jumped 25,000</strong> during the spring hiring season is a very bad omen for the future of jobs. This is the biggest jump since the Christmas season layoffs in January. Hello, Mr. Obama, and all the rest of the politico fools, time to <strong>create some jobs</strong> besides flipping burgers at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">McDonalds</span>! <strong>Create JOBS!</strong>...who gives a fig about a balanced budget when we need jobs<strong>...make jobs!</strong> Balancing the budget won't feed us when we're starving.<br /><br /><strong>The End<br /></strong>Guess I need to stop now...you know when Ms. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Batcrap</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bachmann</span> is listed on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">TIME's</span> top 100 <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066474,00.html">most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">influential</span> people in the world list</a>...it's time to evaluate if there's a reason to continuing to bang your head against the establishment's wall. Really, maybe they deserve what the reap...but then that small voice inside me says...but do we?<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_M_KIOQLkbk" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-77756859974708236092011-04-27T08:48:00.006-06:002011-04-27T09:23:25.389-06:00Where's the JOBS!Can we just create some jobs? Apparently not! So instead let's deal with issues that don't balance the budget, remove the deficit, correct wrongs, or create jobs...yep that's what we're doing... taking steps back into caveman times...<br /><br /><strong>Voter IDs</strong>...This will cost the State of Minnesota millions to enact, cost citizens to get necessary paperwork,disenfranchise voters, resolves nothing (virtual no fraud and wouldn't eliminate the very little fraud that does exist)...<br /><br /><strong>Marriage Amendment</strong>....This won't bring in additional revenue, doesn't create jobs, may affect the business community in a negative way (sales), and is just morally wrong to take away civil rights.<br /><br />Come on people, the Minnesota budget needs to be in and finalized within 4 WEEKS! Don't you have more important things to do besides waste time, resources, and money that the State doesn't have on NON-issues that don't create jobs? Where's the jobs!<br /><br />One More Time...<strong>WHERE'S THE JOBS</strong>!<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tCed47HdRu8" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-83361857972589151792011-04-14T09:03:00.000-06:002011-04-19T07:53:17.594-06:00I'm Not McLoving It<a href="http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/pressreleasedetail.jsp?id=10423">Thank You </a>Governor Dayton, <a href="http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/pressreleasedetail.jsp?id=10456">Thank Yo</a>u Governor Dayton, <a href="http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Dayton-to-address-gay-rights-rally-at-Capitol-1336514.php">Thank You </a>Governor Dayton, <a href="http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/pressreleasedetail.jsp?id=102-10486">Thank You </a>Governor Dayton...Oh and yeah, <a href="http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/pressreleasedetail.jsp?id=102-10487">Thank You </a>Governor Dayton!<br /><br />Where are the jobs that the newly elected Minnnesota House and Senate promised us? We've had lots of legislation on limiting our freedoms, but no job creation!<br /><br />On KARE 11 this morning, they touted McDonald's hiring a new 50,000 Jobs about 50,000 times over (world's longest free commercial?)...they forgot to mention that while McDonald doesn't post their pay (embarrassed?) and it varies from state to state...overall, they offer minimum wage entry level <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McJob">McJobs</a>.<br /><br />Wikipedia says 'McJob is slang for a <strong>low-paying</strong>, low-prestige <strong>dead end job</strong> that requires few skills and offers very little chance of intracompany advancement.' The jobs are good starting points for teens and 'special' adults, but offer little incentive, advancement, money or perks for the general workforce.<br /><br />With few exceptions, McDonald's McJobs don't offer positions that provide a living wage. A living wage is the hourly rate that an individual must earn to support their family, if they are the sole provider and are working full-time.<br /><br />The hiring of 50,000 at McDonald's is typical in the lead up to the busy summer months. "Our total hires are similar to past years, but the goal of hiring 50,000 people in one day across the U.S. is unique," McDonald's spokeswoman Ashlee Yingling. In other words, they are trying a new marketing ploy and having the news media fall in line in promoting low paying, no future seasonal jobs...after all, what's more important to them, <strong>good paying jobs with benefits, or the corporate sponsorship of McDonald's?</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz4E_WstjKvz5_ibmysGJNqTecmVeYePqh2AkxJmz_OEhxXjXGShscfJ7Ba4dcTTKHCE1QS7v2ecPok_n5E0GM3YeCtJC84GGTWopyvzDkipn-i_J6EL175mak6ST-mWBNZn3dA/s1600/mcjobs_president.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597287115796298962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz4E_WstjKvz5_ibmysGJNqTecmVeYePqh2AkxJmz_OEhxXjXGShscfJ7Ba4dcTTKHCE1QS7v2ecPok_n5E0GM3YeCtJC84GGTWopyvzDkipn-i_J6EL175mak6ST-mWBNZn3dA/s320/mcjobs_president.jpg" /></a>BTW, for reporting purposes, each job McDonald fills counts as a <strong>manufacturing job</strong>...no really,<strong> </strong>while Bush was in office he changed the definition, so low paying service positions at McDonald's such as burger flipping and putting pickles on a bun are now classified as <a href="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1083094/posts">manufacturing jobs.</a><br /><br />Yes, we all know the necessity of creating jobs...but let's get some real employment going with living wages, benefits, advancements, and skill building...not more McJobs. We aren't going to grew the American economy with more McJobs.... no matter how hard McDonald sells this, it's still part of the problem and not the solution.<br /><br />While the environment melts down around us, we can't find enough jobs to put Americans to work, more and more of our citizens are missing mortgage payments, so thank gosh <a href="http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/04/overwhelming-majority-passes-az-birther-bill-in-state-senate.php">Arizona passed a bill </a>to make sure that a bon fide US citizen is running for President and not <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_citizenship_conspiracy_theories">some ah shuck muslim black guy</a>...whatever...How do we know Arizona is really part of the United States? They seem extremely dumb and more than very south. Has anyone seen their paperwork?<br /><br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dbD5v2xijqw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-56367195756821604292011-04-10T08:03:00.002-06:002011-04-12T13:07:18.605-06:00Doesn't Sound Like A Win!"Republicans won a promise from Senate Democrats to schedule next week's votes on two bills — one defunding Title X and Planned Parenthood and another to defund the 2010 healthcare reform law — at the same time as consideration of the spending deal. Democrats also agreed to reinstate a ban on taxpayer funding for abortions in Washington, D.C., for the next six months."truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16458541.post-82535232263841721602011-04-08T10:13:00.001-06:002011-04-08T10:13:00.894-06:00We Have Given Everything That We Can GiveMany of us believe our government shut down a long time ago when our elected officials stopped representing our interests and now dance to special interests. Come on people, don't act shocked, this is <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHjnVYv8L1g7DEvcWRjawBc45zAI5rzYSyVu5hyN5UwP19vW2NWxZC6S7SzzTyYdgp7Aq8rua6lmKpXSc_tfdX_96RH24wMV_jl1yhMhU_o4SUE2jsyBwta5xLvAEH7PHxQDf_w/s1600/Moneyland.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593224180259830546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHjnVYv8L1g7DEvcWRjawBc45zAI5rzYSyVu5hyN5UwP19vW2NWxZC6S7SzzTyYdgp7Aq8rua6lmKpXSc_tfdX_96RH24wMV_jl1yhMhU_o4SUE2jsyBwta5xLvAEH7PHxQDf_w/s320/Moneyland.jpg" /></a>not new, or different or out of the ordinary. It's business as usual in the USA. We (the poor, middle class, seniors, children, minorities, women, unions, gays)...have been under siege for the last decade and more. We've seen our government hijacked and taken over by one percenters and corporations, and just like frogs slowing being boiled to death in water, we too are being COOKED! <br /><p></p>As <a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_peasants_need_pitchforks_20110405/?ln">Robert Scheer</a> eloquently says in his column: "Instead of taxing the super rich on the bonuses dispensed by top corporations such as Exxon, Bank of America, General Electric, Chevron and Boeing, all of which managed to avoid paying any federal corporate taxes last year, the politicians of both parties in Congress are about to accede to the Republican demand that <strong>programs that help ordinary folks be cut</strong> to pay for the programs that bailed out the banks." <br /><p></p>Still the level of apathy from the <s>dying frogs</s> American public makes it look like we drank the kool aid and it was full of sleeping pills. And yes, apparently folks haven't been paying attention and they're not angry...and I don't friggen get it. <br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp3bLCHf1KOzdudZHI2Dv5xzlJaRpZIH27MhYT64dHPFSpbiUAvWYE49-Py2wFH8OjvOW1DxalHiJbKdN4gRbqz6QfD2Bv88nh7JHSJYJOtJVqMVVeVT-nrSQ8AhtDE90tA1HyA/s1600/shut.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593221181449829474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp3bLCHf1KOzdudZHI2Dv5xzlJaRpZIH27MhYT64dHPFSpbiUAvWYE49-Py2wFH8OjvOW1DxalHiJbKdN4gRbqz6QfD2Bv88nh7JHSJYJOtJVqMVVeVT-nrSQ8AhtDE90tA1HyA/s200/shut.jpg" /></a>Your well being, your future, your families are all being eroded and auctioned off so corporate pirates can have more quarter end record profits. <strong>Every bill passed, every budget proposed is for the good of the 1%. </strong>While our eyes are glazing over with anticipation of bright shiny things like the right to carry bigger guns and the latest tech toy, and we fight over the crumbs that are meant to stop a revolution, guess what? Our representatives are still willing to compromised our fundamental civil rights while charges us with paying higher taxes!<strong> It's the biggest slight of hand scam ever</strong> and we are the marks. We've fallen prey to the largest fraudulent crime perpetrated by elected officials but we still think we're in control. <br /><p></p>Our futures have been <strong>sold off for special interests instead of human interests</strong>. Our wealth given away to corporations and then they ask us to pick up their tax burden! Now, nearing a government shutdown, we're being told that: All <strong>Our Rights, All Our Needs, All Our Values, All Our Resources</strong> <strong>are up for compromise and to be negotiated away</strong>, but the top 1%, the wealthy of wealthiest, the corporations and their rights, their monies, their policies are 'off the table', immune, protected, special.... So tell me now who is in charge when <strong>every spending cut and policy restriction is aimed at us and not them? </strong><br /><p></p>Reid wasn't kidding when he said “We have given everything that we can give,” ....We have, by god, we have. It's past time for the other 1% and corporations to give their fair share. <br /><p></p>Have a nice weekend...but be angry...or slowly get boiled to death! <iframe title="YouTube video player" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B1T8xgHdMEM" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe>truthsurferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15592919243116888188noreply@blogger.com0