We keep hearing from the liberal media and Democrats about our terrible recession. The only problem is that our economy is still growing. But, the Associated Press still can (and wants to) make that look bad. Eventually, the doomsday crowd may talk businesses and individuals into cutting their spending enough in reaction to claims of a recession until they actually create one.
AP - Economy grows by only 0.6 percent in 1st quarter of 2008: The statistic did not meet what economists consider the classic definition of a recession, which is a retraction of the economy. This means that although the economy is stuck in a rut, it is still managing to grow, even if modestly.
Oh, so not "technically." Technically, the AP is a bad news source. Here's the technical definition of a recession: Recession is defined as a decline, for two consecutive quaters, of real gross domestic product - the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. We have not had that, as growth is not a decline. Also, the U.S. has the world's highest gross domestic product (GDP), as derived from Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) criteria. So, when we meet the "technical" definition of a recession, let us know about it only then.
But, as private businesses are working hard to make progress, another segment of our economy is booming with little effort.
USA Today - Hiring leaps in public sector: Governments added 76,800 jobs in the first three months of 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. That's the biggest jump in first-quarter hiring since a boom in 2002 that followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Don't worry about getting in soup lines or selling apples on street corners yet. But, if you start to worry, just get a government job. They can always make more jobs doing nothing. However, stay away from applying to newspaper publishers. They truly are in decline and only wish that the nation would join them. It could be envy.
1"The statistic did not meet what economists consider the classic definition of a recession," We see this kind of language all the time from the left. Maybe not as bad as the decline in temperatures and the increase in ice being described as "a period of less rapid warming", but close - because it sounds almost hopeful that the economy is sliding toward a recession (or disheartened that it hasn't already, depending on how you read it).
Recently Jay Tea at Wizbang said that a great deal of the health of our economy stems mostly from our heads. What he neglected to touch on was that the media's constant mantra of recessionrecessionrecession can, and does, cause people to react in a fashion that could actually bring that to bear.
Posted by: Oyster at Thursday, May 01 2008 05:41 AM (hCybq)
It's the same problem with other aspects of economics. If people believe that prices will increase significantly and quickly, they will start to buy items earlier to get them cheaper and, thus, will create an artificial shortage, which will cause inflation.
I had a recent flashback of the 1970's when I went to a gas station and it was out of regular gas. The main problem with gas shortages then was that people were keeping their gas tanks topped off because of fear that they couldn't get gas when they needed it, and stations couldn't sell normal inventory that was already sloshing around in those cars.
It's true that many economic problems are fear driven and are in our heads.
Posted by: Woody at Thursday, May 01 2008 08:34 AM (Eb/8J)
Even if the statistics is right, the economy is cyclical by nature. The opposition needs to make it clear how much current administration is responsible.
Similarly, I hear commentators talk about a multipolar world order in view of the rise of emerging economies. I do not believe them so easily.
I'm working with a lot of those "Western Pa" "Northeast Ohio" people who are cleaving to their guns and crosses! AND - Although there often isn't even a Republican candidate on the ballot - so few Republicans in the area. These "cleaving people" want to vote Democrat yet again. EVEN though they are hiring quite a few people where I work (factory work that has vanished?) and they do a lot of work for Halliburton of all companies. The media has them convinced of this recession. There MAY be an inflation problem with gas prices (refineries of the world need to duplicate) combined with their minimum wage passage (as usually happens). Recession?!
Posted by: chrys at Saturday, May 03 2008 11:54 AM (7lDA5)
The media turned its attention to unemployment and guess what--the unemployment rate dropped!
Posted by: Woody at Saturday, May 03 2008 07:37 PM (Eb/8J)
6
0.6% growth in the economy, more jobs created in the 1st quarter than folks who lost jobs doesn't equal a recession. But... 4.69% inflation (4.28% in January, 4.03% in February and 3.98% in March) in the first quarter isn't good news. In fact, with the absolutely stupid energy policies our political masters are intent on pursuing, we may well be on the verge of "stagflation"--low growth combined with inflation.
The way out:
The Fair Tax (just read the books--both of 'em--by Linder and Boortz)
Drill for oil here and build new refineries
Build nuclear power plants to wean the U.S. from using fossil fuels for power generation (pebble bed reactors are safer and less expensive to operate than almost anything save hydropower) and provide ABUNDANT electrical power
STOP burning food (ethanol)
Taking control of our own energy needs will keep the Saudis and others from dictating rising food prices to us (what do you think farmers must do with the cost of diesel, etc., they need to manage their fields? Pass it down the supply chain, of course)
10% across-the-board duties on ALL imports (depends on the 20+% savings in American delivery to consumer resulting from the Fair Tax) to add incentive to bring back manufacturing ceded to offshoring gluttons
The real, structural, problems with the economy--taxes, energy, exporting manufacturing--are things our political class are too stupid, greedy, short-sighted, cowardly, corrupt and just plain stupid to deal with.
Posted by: David at Sunday, May 04 2008 09:03 AM (eRsoy)
7
The 2001 recession (often dubbed the "Clinton" recession) originally had low, put positive GDP gains that were later revised downward. Don't be surprised if the same thing happens here.
Posted by: e. nonee moose at Tuesday, May 06 2008 09:16 AM (dlFaD)
8
Moose, I'll not be one surprised, but so far the indicators don't show that. Besides, a recession, by definition MUST be six consecutive months with negative numbers... that has not happened and things are beginning to pick up.
Posted by: GM Roper at Tuesday, May 06 2008 10:27 AM (1fjXG)
Reverand Wright Wants An Apology
Reverend Jeremiah Wright wants an apology from the United States for the institution of slavery. I don't blame him, in today's world where anyone can issue an apology for anything he has every right to ask for on. In an earlier post on the non-apology apology I wrote:
An apology, to be sincere must be accompanied by at least a couple of things. One, it must be for an offense that you have committed. Two, it must be accompanied by an honest and sincere effort not to repeat the offense. Last, but not by any means least the person you apologize to has to be the person you offended. Anything else is an exercise in self flagelation that serves no useful purpose.
And:
I'm sick and tired of the "faux pas" ---> Blame ---> Demand an Apology ---> Apologize industry that passes for politics these days. I don't know about you, but I sure am sick and tired of it.
Kerry botches a joke badly but won't apologize because he didn't mean to botch the joke. Obama and McCain both botch a statement using the term "wasted" and both apologize for it. Hillary refuses to apologize for her vote, Edwards apologizes for his. Clinton apologizes to Africa, Virginia apologizes to African Americans. Hillary demands Obama apologize for something someone else said, Dean won't apologize for what Geffin said, but demands that conservatives, and Republican aspirants to the throne apologize for the comment of an acknowledged bomb thrower.
Everyone demands that their opposite in the political spectrum take responsibility for something that you may or may not agree with; may or may not have said and which may or may not reflect your beliefs. In other words, some of my political friends on the left expect me to take responsibility for, and no doubt apologize for the rantings of Ms. Coulter, only because I too am a conservative. Not too long ago, a commenter on my site demanded that I publicaly disassociate myself from a blog entry by another blogger who belongs to a group of bloggers that I belong to. How very dumb this has gotten.
Well, I guess Jeremiah Wright didn't read the above entries or he wouldn't be asking. So, just to shut him up, I'll officially apologize on behalf of the United States.
Dear Reverend Wright, I would like to take this time to offer to you, an esteemed preacher of the gospel my sincerest apology. I apologize for having been born white and for being related to other white folk. I apologize for my ancestors that owned slaves even if I don't know of any. I apologize abjectly that African Blacks and African Muslims captured a number of other African Blacks and sold them into slavery. I apologize from the bottom of my heart that people that I didn't know enslaved people that you didn't know from a country that you have never lived in brought ancestors that you never met to a country that has given more people freedom to say the things that you like to say and give them the full backing of the constitution to say them. And I'm most sincerely sorry that you are such an idiot and such a bombastic stuffed shirt who has made so much money that you have chosen to live in the upper reaches of middleclassness.
Sincerely
GM Roper
There, I think that ought to satisfy the Right Reverend Wright!!
Yeah, I'm sick of all this idiocy, too. My parents brought me up to do my best to be gracious and courteous to everyone I meet. I do not always succeed, but I *can* tell you that my failures have nothing to do with skin color! I have nothing to apologize for, and Rev. Wright is wrong to demand one...
Posted by: Kat at Monday, April 28 2008 07:31 PM (aw24G)
Wright doesn’t want honest debate about racial problems in America, he wants to stir up hate and discontent, and that’s exactly what he has done, but on the bright side, he’s also given us a DEEP look at Obama’s beliefs as well, Obama did NOT come out and condemn this man for his words, and in my opinion, a lack of condemnation for those words translates into an approval of them…
Real Americans must unite in this effort, even if Hillary Clinton and John McCain aren’t the perfect choices for president, I don’t believe that either of them would give this nation away to Islam, I fear that Obama is waiting to do exactly that, with his Rev. Wright at his side as he does indeed cause God to DAMN America…
Posted by: TexasFred at Monday, April 28 2008 07:33 PM (H7Ax6)
3
The Rev is probably 4/5 white, so we should expect some mild apology from him for enslaving the other 1/5 of him.
Posted by: Woody at Monday, April 28 2008 08:12 PM (Eb/8J)
4
I love it. I love it. I love it. May I copy your apology and send it out widely with attributions to you, naturally?
Posted by: Faultline USA at Monday, April 28 2008 09:27 PM (hmPsZ)
5
Woody, would that make him a self hating apologist??
Posted by: TexasFred at Monday, April 28 2008 11:02 PM (H7Ax6)
6
Great post GM. I cannot see any point to saying SORRY for things I didn't do. So I don't play the race card baiting bulloney game...but if I did I would chose this post to express myself!!
Posted by: Raven at Tuesday, April 29 2008 05:26 AM (O8I3f)
7
TexasFred, where have you been all my bloglife? I am sooo adding you to my blogroll!
Posted by: Obi's Sister at Tuesday, April 29 2008 10:57 AM (ZQlh8)
Well Obi's Sister, I have been around, blogging a lot, for, oh, 4 years now...
GM has several of my blogrolls in his sidebar, and now you are added to The American Conservative blogroll, that's the one I use for folks that link my site, thanks for the link and the kind words...
Posted by: TexasFred at Tuesday, April 29 2008 11:28 AM (H7Ax6)
This comment was edited by the site administrator for extreme vulgarity, felix, you are welcome to post here, but that kind of language is not allowed. See my "Rules for Commenting"
9 No one knows the depth of being "screwed" until they are fully dealt a hand like the black people were dealt. Yes, all "Americans" benefited by the slave trade. To deny this is to deny history. Whites systematically did keep blacks from entering viable careers. Mr. Ford was the first white American that paid the same wage to a black American. Both white and black Americans worked side-by-side on the assembly line. But, prior to that, blacks "because they were deemed "inferior" were never given an opportunity to excel. Yes, Yes, blacks did endure the "bullshit" of being made to sit at the back of bus. Yes, Yes, Yes, it was black Americans that fought along side white Americans as both bled and died defending the constitution of the United States. You are all missing the POINT as long as the ********* leaders at the top can divide Americans they can continue conquering Americans. We are endanger of losing ALL of our FREEDOMS. Working class blacks and whites beware are government is conspiring and laughing at us as they continue using the MEDIA to divide us. Look I had the privilege of fighting in Iraq side by side with some of the finest black Americans I ever had the pleasure of knowing. They love this country. Black and white marines, soldiers, seamen and airmen protected my ASS over there. It isn't right for this sh*t to go on anymore. We need to APOLOGIZE not for what we have done but for what our ********** government has done to its own citizens. Our Government had no right to ENSLAVE its own citizens and after ending that enslavement allow the systematic oppression of that same citizenry. Our real enemy is not the Reverend Wright, the KKK, Louis Farakan, muslims it is big OIL companies (paying off our leadership to ensure we can not get off oil), the existing car industry who are also in league with OIL companies (US auto industry refuses to build an electric car, safety standards won't allow us to buy and drive the Air Driven car (costs around $18,000.00) GM literally crushed working prototypes that would have been on the market 8 years ago). These agents have conspired to make sure we can't get off oil. Until Black Americans and White Americans stand up and tell our government that their days of oppression are over and we DEMAND alternative energy driven vehicles to be built immediately and in MASS. Then our FOOD, livelihood will continue spiraling downward into the abyss and you, your children and your children's children will continue to suffer. The middle class is undergoing an all out ASSAULT. And these ****** ******* MEDIA talking heads are behind the attack as well as anyone else that would DIVIDE us. I mean does anyone really like McCain, Clinton or Obama? I mean who in the ****** choses these ******** losers to represent the middle class. All these ********* make a hell of a lot more than me or you. And, for them to even say they comprehend what we are going through while we ++++++++ work 60 to 70 hours a week while they snort their cocaine, parlay a $25,000.00 investment into $4,000,000.00 smoke their weed, pop their pills, drink their booze (i.e. party like there is no tomorrow) and say ++++++++ things like "I don't believe there is a recession, or I don't think gasoline costs are affecting the average American" should make Americans (all of us BLACK, WHITE, ASIAN, INDIAN take our pitch-forks and march on that *********** white house. Maybe that would get their *********** attention. We KNOW we are being royally SHAFTED.
Posted by: felix at Tuesday, April 29 2008 06:11 PM (S60yG)
10
hiya GM!..osama wants an apology too while were at it..harumf!
Posted by: Angel at Tuesday, April 29 2008 06:34 PM (oFrBi)
Posted by: TexasFred at Tuesday, April 29 2008 07:20 PM (H7Ax6)
13
I love the apology. Truthfully for Wright to ask for an apology is arrogant and stupid, as you so nicely point out. But, if an apology were to be give, then the next demand would be for reparations that would never end. We are already paying for lazy politicians; lazy Americans too lazy to get off their butts and get out of the way of storms or work for a living; idiotic global warming nuts like Al Gore; and on and on and on...
Posted by: Debbie at Tuesday, April 29 2008 08:22 PM (M9WMm)
Is that OK? If not I'm sorry. Is that too sorry? I'm so sorry. No, I'm the one who is sorry. He's sorry? No, I'm more sorry than you, fella! No, he's sorry. You're sorry? No, we're the ones who are sorry.
So on behalf of all of us, we're sorry. As long as my apology doesn't offend you...oops, sorry. No, I'm the one who is really sorry. Oh, no...no, please, you can apologise before me...No, you first...No please, I insist. Hey, sorry. Sorry. That's OK and I'm sorry too...No, I'm very sorry...Not as sorry as I am.
Hey, I'm so sorry, it hurts! So finally and in closing, sorry. So what do you say? Hey, I'm offended by that! To Hell with you fella! Er, no I'm sorry about that...No, I'm the one whose sorry...
Sorry. Colonel Neville.
Posted by: Colonel Neville. at Wednesday, April 30 2008 03:22 AM (wISdW)
15
My dear Colonel, I'm sorry you had so much trouble commenting. Well, not really 'cause you gave me a smile.
Posted by: GM Roper at Wednesday, April 30 2008 04:53 AM (S60yG)
16
I'm with Woody -- I think Wright needs to apologize to himself. And I expect him to call a press conference to do it!
Posted by: Ogre at Wednesday, April 30 2008 05:41 PM (z5BEX)
17
Just to put my two cents in, as late as it may be:
Hear! Hear!
I know of at least one ancestor (8 generations back) that it appears had slaves. One day she "climbed over a picket fence to beat a negro slave, developed blood-poisoning and died". Should I apologize for her? Why no. For one thing, she got what was coming to her and the fact that I find her actions deplorable should be enough. But apologize? Why? I didn't do anything.
Her name was Rebecca Boone and in my estimation she will always be a rotten branch in our family tree.
Posted by: Oyster at Thursday, May 01 2008 06:00 AM (hCybq)
I demand an apology from the Reverend. I demand an apology for his hateful comments that are trying to make me feel bad because I happened to be born white. (I'm offended *sniffle, sniffle* that mean man hurt my wittle feelings!). I want an apology for his rudeness. But mostly, I want an apology because I lose IQ points every time this idiot appears on television. That's it...I'm suing the Reverend for irrevocable brain damage due to listening to inane blather from a self-righteous blowhard.
Posted by: Jennifer at Thursday, May 01 2008 07:22 PM (bePnG)
19
Rev. Wright ought to go door to door and ask for apologies.
Posted by: Cappy at Saturday, May 03 2008 08:27 PM (TdGvf)
I no longer consider myself a Republican and haven't for at least a decade. That doesn't mean I don't vote for some Republicans, any more than me not being a Democrat doesn't mean that I occasionally don't vote for some Democrats. I do tend to vote for conservatives, of either party because their values tend to be my values. Of course, politicians and I don't see eye to eye anyway, especially when they think that they know how to spend my earnings better than I do.
One politician in particular that gives me a pain in the kiester is a RINO by the name of John McCain. Now, McCain was a Navy Pilot, a POW who served with distinction. He ran for congress and then ran for Barry Goldwater's seat when Senator Goldwater retired. Goldwater helped McCain get elected but if he were alive today, I doubt that he would be supporting McCain.
In 2000 McCain decided that he was going to run for president. And because he was running against the presumed nominee George W. Bush, the press, liberal lick-spittle that they are, boosted his street creds for all they were worth and McCain decided that he really enjoyed being a maverick.
Now, before 2000, John McCain had a fairly healthy liberal streak already, but with all the media spotlights on him in the 2000 race and especially after the mystical mavens of the magical media began touting him so that he won New Hampshire, McCain really went over to the dark side. That is, he became a {shudder} Liberal Republican. Or, in conservative lingo a RINO. My real fallout with John McCain came about when he co-sponsored that pile of unconstitutional manure known as McCain-Feingold in the name of campaign finance reform. There is so much wrong with that bill and its strictures against free speech that it turns my tummy (no easy task I tell you). That and his stance on illegal immigration (let alone calling those who disagreed with him bigots) encouraged me to support ABM [Anybody But McCain]. There is even a bloggers list of bloggers supporting "McCain's Opponent."
Now McCain has been hoist on his own petard. Recently the North Carolina Republican Party put together an add against two folk running for governor Beth Perdue and Richard Moore who have endorsed Obama. It uses Reverend Wright's "G-d Damn America" quip during one of his sermons and McCain didn't like it (although by some reports when he sent the letter below he had not seen the ad):
Dear Chairman Daves,
From the beginning of this election, I have been committed to running a respectful campaign based upon an honest debate about the great issues confronting America today. I expect all state parties to do so as well. The television advertisement you are planning to air degrades our civics and distracts us from the very real differences we have with the Democrats. In the strongest terms, I implore you to not run this advertisement.
This ad does not live up to the very high standards we should hold ourselves to in this campaign. We need to run a campaign that is worthy of the people we seek to serve. There is no doubt that we will draw sharp contrasts with the Democrats on fundamental issues critical to the future course of our country.
But we need not engage in political tactics that only seek to divide the American people.
Once again, it is imperative that you withdraw this offensive advertisement.
John McCain
Well John, how do you like it when other Republicans are also "mavericks" because they ran the ad anyway and plan to continue to run the ad.
If John McCain expects to win this November, he really needs to think about driving off the conservatives who are his base, whether he recognizes them or not, they can put him into the white house, or not!
If you call out Obama because of his stance on this or that you are a racist.
If you call out Hillary because she proposes some cockamamie program, you are a a sexist.
If you are Republican or Conservative or perhaps even a Libertarian, to the Dems you are an evil, knuckle-dragging, Neandertholic, racist and sexist nincompoop
If you ... ahhh nuts! Obi's Sister has a great post up on Both Obamamessiah and Hillary dropping out of the race for the good of the country and so that the Democrat party can heal but my thoughts are a little contrarian about that.
Over the last months there has been calls for Clinton to step back for the good of the party. Now there are calls for Obama to withdraw, especially after the missteps of the last few weeks. I say they BOTH should step back and let the Democratic party heal itself from the divisive attacks that have ripped it apart. The bad behavior has reached heights previously unheard of. Besides the usual attacks on Republicans, they have turned on each other like piranha.
I think the Democrats are suffering from the hubris of their identity politics and ripping themselves apart is good for America.
In my lifetime, there hasn't been a decent Democrat in the White House since Harry "The Buck Stops Here" Truman and for a few reasons, Jack "Ask not..." Kennedy There haven't been that many good Republicans for that matter. But the Democrats have been worse. Far Worse! Lyndon Baines Johnson began it all with his so called War-On-Poverty which created a permanent class of dependents and entitlement addicts. Then came Jimmah Cahtuh, arguably the worst President this country has ever had to endure. In fact that miserable piece of misbegotten garbage actively supports tyrants and dictators who oppose everything this country stands for and he is a bigoted anti-Semite to boot! Billy Boy "I did not have sex with that woman..." Clinton had more regard for his penis than he did for the laws of the country and stood by while al Qaeda gathered strength and Reagan's pulling out of Lebanon didn't help either. Bush never met a spending bill he didn't like and his being averse to the veto pen is well known. In fact, the Democrats have been so good at poisoning the Republicans with their baseless accusations that Republicans would rather roll over and present their yellow bellies than stand up and do what they were elected for; namely control spending, shrink government and hold people (including congressmen) accountable for their actions. Bah Humbug.
If people are so stupid as to get so wrapped up in this mess, they damn well deserve what they get. If Obama wins, my guess is that taxes will go through the roof, spending will be even more out of control than it is now and the Iranians will pull something really dumb like an attack on Israel and Obamamessiah will stand by with his thumb up his rectum. If Hillary wins, Bill will go a huntin' on a regular basis, because after all, oral sex isn't sex at all, spending will go through the roof and you will have health-care at the point of a gun. Of course, McCain could win in which case taxes will go through the roof, Iran will be obliterated if they so much as sneeze, bloggers like me will be shut down for violating some federal regulation or other and even if we claim free speech and First Amendment rights, we will be silenced.
On the whole, it is difficult for me to even give a damn! In fact, this little gizmo expresses it just fine:
1
"Obamamessiah will stand by with his thumb up his rectum", Na, he'll have one in his rectum and one in his mouth just waiting for the enemies of America to say switch. He will do so without questioning the effect, aka taste.
Posted by: Scrapiron at Sunday, April 27 2008 07:50 PM (+eO2c)
Obama asking about one segment of voters yet to turn up.
Posted by: Woody at Monday, April 28 2008 03:14 PM (Eb/8J)
3
Dontcha just loooove politics? I think I might move to Mars...there you only have to worry about aliens. (Thanks for the link!) :-)
Posted by: Obi's Sister at Monday, April 28 2008 07:12 PM (W6KLU)
4
P.S. I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said something to the effect of "every generation needs a revolution." My hope is that the Democrats will rise from the ashes of their self-implosion with some common sense.
I know, it is a lot to ask.... :-)
Posted by: Obi's Sister at Tuesday, April 29 2008 10:52 AM (ZQlh8)
5do what they were elected for; namely control spending, shrink
government and hold people (including congressmen) accountable for
their actions. Surely you jest!!!
Posted by: James S. Melbert at Sunday, May 04 2008 01:42 PM (xOEeU)
I'm jesting about as much as you are a republican James. Obviously you don't remember what the election of '94 when the repubs took over the house and senate was all about. Either that, or like other liberal dems, you have your blinders on.
I'm voting for None-Of-The-Above, how about you James? Oh, that's right, you support the grand dam who says she is ready on day one, but can't remember nothing! Ha, what a loser she is!
Posted by: GM Roper at Sunday, May 04 2008 06:36 PM (S60yG)
Banner Problems
The eagle banner that I had up was not used with permission. So, since I made a mistake I apologized to the owner and took it down. Now I'm in the process or redesigning my banner and when it's up, you will be totally amazed. Untill then you may see several "attempts" floating here and there.
1
I like the plain one you have up now. The black with the yellowish background doesn't work for me any more. White page background maybe? Or just ignore me, that works, too.
Posted by: Ogre at Sunday, April 27 2008 05:26 PM (z5BEX)
Jackie Mason is one funny comedian. I remember him shooting the finger at Ed Sullivan way back then and getting in hot water because of it. Now, on his Video Blog, Jackie takes on Carter and the Clintons. Enjoy!
This Post was edited to remove the ad hominem attacks by the commenter.
You should make this a regular feature on your blog . You know weekly youtub postings from ******, ***** ***** and montrously ********* **** comedians.
Posted by: Ahmed at Sunday, May 04 2008 06:40 PM (S60yG)
2
Couldn't refute his argument so you resorted to ad hominem Ahmed?
Posted by: GM Roper at Sunday, May 04 2008 06:42 PM (S60yG)
In January 2006 I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Why me I thought, what in the world did I do? Then later, when the emergency was over and it looked like I was going to make it, and now that I've survived for over 2 years cancer free the question was why did God pick me to survive? Well, now I know. I was meant to be here to spoil my first grand child. Sometime likely in December, a delightful and bouncy baby for Christmas.
Thanks Jennifer and Mike, you have made me delightfully happy!
1
Congrats....now someone is in for it.....grandpap GM......now who's older than dirt?
Posted by: kender at Friday, April 25 2008 04:46 PM (nMFjA)
2
Good for you and the happy couple GM. I will keep them in my prayers.
Once again, congrats!
Posted by: Big Dog at Friday, April 25 2008 04:49 PM (bIIf/)
3
Awe GM...this is wonderful news SIR! I am so proud of you, your daughter and SIL, your wife...and a Christmas Baby to boot? How lucky you all are indeed! Congratulations! Now you'll have a youngin' to share all those pre Ice Age tales with!
Posted by: Raven at Friday, April 25 2008 04:57 PM (y2CRJ)
4
Congratulations, Gran'pa!!! Hooray! And, of course, you realize that this means there's a very bright, headache-inducing (in adults, anyway) baby quilt for your grandbaby, right?
;-)
Love, hugs, and may this young one grow up in love, honor, courage, integrity - and most importantly, the nurture and admonition of God our Savior!
-- Kat
Posted by: Kat at Friday, April 25 2008 05:13 PM (aw24G)
Woooo-hoooo!!!! What happy, fabulous, amazing news, GM!! What on earth could possibly be better than a grandbaby???!!! (Okay, being a parent is pretty wonderful too.)
Congratulations!
Posted by: rosedog at Friday, April 25 2008 05:50 PM (Y8gju)
CONGRATULATIONS, GM! I could not be more pleased because I know you're going to be a GREAT grandpap . . . and some lucky little fellow will have a wonderful time bouncing on your knee.
This could be the right time to say that as a grand-pappy, you must indeed be older than dirt. More importantly, this can only mean that you are a lot older than I am. I think we all should call you "Gramps" from now on.
Semper Fi . . .
Posted by: Mustang at Friday, April 25 2008 07:38 PM (JX+lH)
13
Super! Now, prepare to show them how a grandchild is _supposed_ to be "spoiled". *heh*
Posted by: David at Friday, April 25 2008 08:27 PM (o4Zlc)
Great news! The kid needs his grandfather sticking around to play with and teach him (or her).
Congratulations, Jennifer and Meathead.
Posted by: Woody at Friday, April 25 2008 10:08 PM (Eb/8J)
15
Well what a grand time you have in store. I just hope hat you and your grandchild live close enough to be able to see him/her at least twice a week. I highly recommend that you make a trip to Toys-R-Us as the first thing on every visit. I did that with my grandchildren, and it make them really ready to come see Papa. Gramps, or what ever he/she decides to call you. Don't let people tell you that bribery doesn't work. IT DOES, every time. You will have as much fun as he/she does. LaVerne and I are really happy for you. Give our best to Jennifer and her husband.
Posted by: James S. Melbert at Saturday, April 26 2008 02:44 PM (xOEeU)
16
OOPS!! I said twice a week, I mean't to say twice a month. Consider the correction as made.
Posted by: James S. Melbert at Saturday, April 26 2008 03:53 PM (xOEeU)
Posted by: beth at Sunday, April 27 2008 03:48 AM (awyCJ)
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Congratulations, GM! What a wonderful world we live in when we can receive blessings such as this.
Posted by: Cao at Sunday, April 27 2008 01:53 PM (rnI6I)
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It couldnt happen to a nicer guy!..Mazel Tov Gramps!..lol
Posted by: Angel at Sunday, April 27 2008 08:11 PM (yIkO9)
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You are going to be an AWESOME grandpa. What a lucky baby this is!
Congratulations and certainly happy that you are sticking around!
Posted by: Gayle Miller at Monday, April 28 2008 10:06 AM (zX5o+)
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All best wishes and congratulations. Nice guys it seems don't always finish last.
Sure you will be around to spoil the new addition to the family for decades to come.
Maybe he/she will turn out to be a 'liberal', and make your joy complete ---- :-)
Posted by: dougf at Monday, April 28 2008 04:34 PM (16GPT)
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This is truly glorious news. I am so glad for you. God is good.
Posted by: The Anchoress at Thursday, May 01 2008 12:29 AM (N0hv7)
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Salut! Informative, good design, well done!.
I am from Ecuador and also now teach English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Find adt security fees and learn more about owning a adt."
Best regards ;-), Musidora.
Posted by: Musidora at Thursday, July 16 2009 11:47 PM (RwHhp)
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Hi. It is never too late to give up our prejudices.
I am from Palestinian and now teach English, please tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "After nailing the strips down take on the batten."
Thank you very much ;-). Hardie board siding.
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Hi guys. If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor.
I am from Liechtenstein and learning to read in English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "To fight and persuade in the pot, beliefs drink through four general leagues of consolidation."
Thanks for the help
, Seven day colon cleansing diet.
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Greeting. Each body has its art...
I am from France and also now teach English, please tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Business is properly also technical as your business fairly formed it was."
Thank
For women small business.
... thought it was safe to once again pick up the papers because the Pennsylvania Primary is OVER and both Barry O and Hill C will be off the news at least some of the time, we find even bigger idiots residing in Europe (like that's news.... ed!... Oh shut up).
Plant "experts" in Switzerland ethicists by trade have decided that it is unethical to mistreat plants just because we are bigger and stronger.
PLANTS deserve respect, a group of Swiss experts says, arguing that killing them arbitrarily is morally wrong - except when it comes to saving humans or maybe picking petals off a daisy.
In a report on "the dignity of the creature in the plant world", the federal Ethics Committee on non-human Gene Technology condemned the decapitation of flowers without reason, among other sins.
Still, commission member Bernard Baertsche suggested the body weighed such cruel acts on a case by case basis, noting "the simple pleasure of picking the petals off a daisy might suffice as a reason".[emphasis added]
OMG... decapitating flowers? Another reign of terror sponsored by the Robespierre of Mother's and Valentine's Day?
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BWAHAHAHA OH GMann...now THAT is hilarious you evil plant hating soul you!
Posted by: Raven at Thursday, April 24 2008 06:03 AM (x77zf)
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This was funny. Great imagery of "Rose" Marie Antoinette, too. I laughed.
Also, about Bruce Willis and his thoughts on Global Warming. Thank God he's one of a handful of Republican Hollywood types who hasn't fallen fall that hype. I've always liked Bruce..maybe not his movies, but I like him and I like that he refuses to fall into that Liberal abyss into which so many celebrities descend.
LK
Posted by: Laurie Kendrick at Thursday, April 24 2008 06:33 AM (xyor6)
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I'm pretty sure just posting that picture is a hate crime.
Posted by: Ogre at Thursday, April 24 2008 08:26 AM (oifEm)
The left has no problem with infanticide (and I'm sure euthanasia of the elderly is lurking somewhere in their teensy little evil brains) - but a daisy needs to be protected for ethical reasons?
The best thing about these left wing loons is that they believe in birth control so assiduously that in another generation or so - they'll be gone completely! And that, my friends, is both serendipity and unintended (but welcome) consequences!
Posted by: Gayle Miller at Thursday, April 24 2008 10:05 AM (zX5o+)
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stop smelling those roses..u may offend them!..lol
Posted by: Angel at Thursday, April 24 2008 11:12 AM (y/LrO)
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Hmmm. Every pot plant I've ever talked to specifically told me they enjoyed being plucked and smoked.
(riffing on Doonesbury, don't you know)
Posted by: jim hitchcock at Thursday, April 24 2008 04:55 PM (dndU6)
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Whhhhhaatttt?? Does that mean I have to stop channeling Mortisha Adamms? I just got the dress to fit right....
Posted by: Obi's Sister at Thursday, April 24 2008 06:18 PM (W6KLU)
See ---- Didn't I say that McCain would look better and better ? It's almost NEVER about how great one alternative is ---- it's about how BAD the other options are. Whatever faults Mccain has he has one BIG redeeming feature---- He ain't Obama.
And frankly as badly as you dislike Hillary, Obama is way worse in just about every way. He creeps me out on some visceral level. Now I can't even stand to listen to the guy. He and his borg-like supporters actually make Hillary appear rather sympathetic.
And that ain't easy.
Go John !!!
Posted by: dougf at Wednesday, April 23 2008 10:42 PM (16GPT)
Disconcerting as it may be to true believers in global warming, the average temperature on Earth has remained steady or slowly declined during the past decade, despite the continued increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, and now the global temperature is falling precipitously.
All four agencies that track Earth's temperature (the Hadley Climate Research Unit in Britain, the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, the Christy group at the University of Alabama, and Remote Sensing Systems Inc in California) report that it cooled by about 0.7C in 2007. This is the fastest temperature change in the instrumental record and it puts us back where we were in 1930. If the temperature does not soon recover, we will have to conclude that global warming is over.
By Ralph Vartabedian, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
"Sen. John McCain has long said he is in robust health and is strong enough to hike the Grand Canyon, but he also is receiving what his staff Monday termed a 'disability pension' from the Navy.
"When McCain released his tax return for 2007 on Friday, he separately disclosed that he received a pension of $58,358 that was not listed as income on his return. If McCain had to pay taxes on the full amount of the pension, it would have increased his tax bill by about $18,000 based on the percentage of his income he paid to the federal government.
"'It is a legitimate question to ask about the commander in chief: Is he fit to serve,' said Robert Schriebman, a senior Pentagon tax advisor and tax attorney who recently retired as a judge advocate for a unit of the California National Guard. If McCain can hike across the Grand Canyon, then why should he be getting disability payments from the government that are tax-exempt, Schriebman asked.
"McCain has twice developed melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer."
Are these the same people who complained about the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth? I guess they believe that Sen. McCain doesn't deserve the pension. That must be the type of reporting taught and encouraged by left-wing journalism schools.
But, before you think that the Democrats see this type of reporting as being beneath them, consider this Democratic ad disguised as an article in which George McGovern implies that anyone who was shot down in battle, specifically Sen. McCain, must have deserved it due to lack of intelligence or skill rather than luck or the times and situations in which they fought.
"It's true that you went to one of the service academies but you were in the bottom of the class. It's true that you were a pilot in Vietnam, that you were shot down and spent most of the war in prison and we all sympathize with that and honor you for your courage. But you and I both had these battle experiences, you as a Navy fighter plane, I as an army bomber.
"If I'd be allowed just one little dig at Senator McCain, since he gave me. I would say, 'John, you were shot down early in the war and spent most of the time in prison. I flew 35 combat missions with a 10-man crew and brought them home safely every time.'"
Maybe McGovern thinks that there was something wrong with the thousands of airmen who were shot down in WWII and never made it home. He must be better than those whose bodies were lost or buried.
One difference between the Swift Boat campaign against Sen. Kerry and what the press and Democrats are doing to Sen. McCain can be summed up simply. Sen. Kerry got three Purple Hearts in less than three months with only scratches and Sen. McCain received one Purple Heart for torture and almost five-and-a-half years as a POW in Hanoi.
By the time this campaign is complete, they'll be demanding that Sen. McCain pay back his pension and apologize to the North Vietnamese.
Authored by Woody
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Well, the Braves swept the Dodgers this past weekend, and John Smoltz is going for his 3,000th strike-out tonight. I have tickets, but it will be a miracle if I make it.
Posted by: Woody at Tuesday, April 22 2008 03:29 PM (Eb/8J)
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Well, I hope you make it, Woody. Like I said before, Turner Field is one fine looking ballfield. I had no idea before Hi Def!
Posted by: jim hitchcock at Tuesday, April 22 2008 04:34 PM (phRew)
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With that list of teams, and I allowed to comment on ALL of them? And really, I don't follow many baseball teams, you just mentioned a lot that I have things to say about...
The Boston Red Sox. Okay, is everyone supposed to hate them now since they won twice? After all, everyone hated the Yankees when they won "too many" times... They're clearly the favorite to win it all this year, and anything short of another World Series win will be disappointing. Barring two or three major injuries, I don't see how anyone can compete with them this year.
L.A. Dodgers. I don't follow them mainly because I live on the East Coast and most of their games start at 10pm my time -- after my bedtime! But my favorite player of all time, Don Mattingly, is one of their coaches, so I'm trying to keep up with them. And I still like Joe Torre, too.
Atlanta Braves. I live about 4 hours from their stadium. I drove 4 hours (each way, uphill, in the snow, barefoot) just to watch a game one time. NEVER again. The city is a disaster area. It took me over 45 minutes once I arrived at the stadium to GET to the stadium (I could see it, but so many roads were closed and blocked that there was no way to get there. I had to wake up a policeman who was parked on the interstate to ask directions.) I don't follow the team much, but the city and the stadium are awful.
New York Yankees. Yup, that's my favorite team. When I discovered baseball, I was living about an hour north of New York. Going to (the original) Yankee Stadium as an 8-year old simply cannot be beat, ever. And I've been a fan through all the year, even when they were really bad! I guess this year is a rebuilding year, even if they won't admit it. I predict a 3-place finish in their division. They really only have 1.5 good starting pitchers -- 2 in the rotation are kids who don't know which way is up. Mussina, as much as I hate to say it, is just past his prime. Pettite is good sometimes (he's the 0.5). And Wang has finally come into his own. With their hitting, they'll do well, but they simply haven't got enough pitching to make it to the top slot. And if the Yanks put Joba in the starting rotation, they'll have nothing in the setup role, so they'll lose more than they win with the better starter.
Posted by: Ogre at Wednesday, April 23 2008 05:21 AM (oifEm)
The Sox had a six game streak going and then lost to the Angels ending that streak. The loss was 6-4 but that doesn't bother me... what bothers me is that the Sox blamed it on the flu: Yeah, right! Didn't stop the Sox from winning the night before...
Sheesh!
Posted by: GM Roper at Thursday, April 24 2008 05:27 AM (S60yG)
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Did you see? Joba got his first-ever major league loss.
I don't know what I'm more impressed with, Joba's record or.... well, Joba's record. He really is a great pitcher and it really pains me to say that!
heh!
Posted by: GM Roper at Friday, April 25 2008 05:56 AM (S60yG)
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I was pretty impressed with the fact that Dan Haren of the D-Backs had given up 3 runs or less in 33 consecutive games until the the Dodgers touched him up for 6 on Wednesday.
Posted by: jim hitchcock at Friday, April 25 2008 11:17 AM (dndU6)
ST. PETERSBURG -- Even though they were plagued by injuries and sickness, the Red Sox seemed invincible last weekend, winning the first five games of their seven-game homestand with backups, reserves and seemingly anyone who was healthy and able-bodied.
But after ending the homestand with a pair of losses to the Angels, all the roster shuffling and flu-catching finally exposed a chink in the American League East leader's armor. The Red Sox dropped their third straight game on Friday night, falling to Tampa Bay, 5-4, in 11 innings.
Perhaps what was the most frustrating wasn't the loss, or the scramble to substitute players in the wake of Sean Casey's injury in the second inning -- it was the missed chances for the Sox to put the game safely in their pocket.
With playing like this, they may loose their half game lead soon. You can blame illness, but it is more likely that it is a problem with capitalizing on the breaks that they do get. Not acting like World Series Champions now, but the season is young so there is hope yet... damn, I'm sounding like Obama!!!! Yikes!!!!!
Posted by: GM Roper at Saturday, April 26 2008 08:06 AM (CglRh)
And just today, the Yankees showed how dangerous they can be. Wang for 7 innings, Joba for 1, Rivera for 1. Game over, Yankees win 1-0! Four hits given up by Wang (who is now 5-0) and none by the other two. The Yanks will at least get 1 win every 5 games this way!
Posted by: Ogre at Sunday, April 27 2008 05:24 PM (z5BEX)
My Brother In Law is a Red Sox fan, but easily looses the faith when the Sox aren't batting 1000.... sunshine fans... it takes a real fan to grin and say "Wait till next year!"
Posted by: GM Roper at Monday, April 28 2008 05:59 AM (S60yG)
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Two bases clearing triples and five hits by Ferkle last night in the Dodgers fifth win in a row. The kind of night fans live for.
Posted by: jim hitchcock at Thursday, May 01 2008 09:37 AM (iE9AA)
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Red Sox are three games ahead of everyone in their division, except for the hapless Toranto team, and the Sox are 4.5 games ahead of them. Go Sox!
Posted by: GM Roper at Monday, May 05 2008 06:27 PM (S60yG)
Bruce Willis demonstrates on Letterman how we personally can get involved in alternative power to "Save the Earth," discusses the greater peril of global humidity, reveals that he wears boxers made out of recycled tires, and announces his global warming documentary named "An Unappealing Hunch." This is super serial.
Authored by Woody
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"CHICAGO SOUNDS LIKE MOSUL:" That's an email from . . . Michael Yon, who knows his Mosul. Here's the story on last weekend's violence. Still, they're different: One has crooked officials, violent gangs with their hooks into government and law enforcement, and a culture of corruption that has resisted the central government's effects to clean it up, and the other is a city in Iraq.
UPDATE: Fred Butzen emails: "I'm surprised you overlooked this difference: One has crazy preachers, and the other is in the Middle East."
MORE: Another reader emails:
It really should be no surprise, since Chicago and Illinois itself have been failing to reach their political benchmarks for years now.
It is too bad there is not some powerful politician who might have served the Chicago area and brought them Change and Hope. If there was, we could blame him for the "complete failure" to achieve those political benchmarks and reduce sectarian strife.
Heh.[emphasis added]
Heh indeed!
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