Christmas Morning at NaNas

Just one pic from Christmas at NaNas

A collection of Christians, Catholics, Athiests and Agnostics that managed not to fight over

 religion or politics.

Pretty Cool, Eh?

Now Back to Business...

Nice Family Christmas pics Trip II 2010 002.AVI

christmas 2010 Lights T's Kids 011 Best Family Vote.AVI

"Put A Little Love In Your Heart" You Tube Music Video

["Put a Little Love in Your Heart"; as submitted to You Tube by shirleymacd; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC2Q3FdpX6I&feature=fvw]

I had another thread (hopefully tomorrow...) in mind; but boy am I beat! 

I love this song and video, though - and I hope you enjoy it too.

Even I (lol; it is hard work!) can't be serious all of the time.

Peace,

NS

Tax Deal... $11,000,000 Christmas Tree ... Happy Holidays - Merry Christmas - Happy Solstice - Happy Day - Or Whatever Else Best Applies...

Photo by BF / Ultilized with Permission

I'm sure this will bring great joy to all of the hungry children in the world...

"House sends tax-cut package to president - Politics - Capitol Hill - msnbc.com"; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40697296/ns/politics-capitol_hill/?gt1=43001

[I hope it works out for the best!]

"11 Million Christmas Tree Unveiled...in Abu Dhabi - FoxNews.com "; http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/12/16/million-christmas-tree-unveiledin-abu-dhabi/?cmpid=prn_baynote-js_11_Million_Christmas_Tree_Unveiledin_Abu_Dhabi

Which kinda' says it (almost...) all!

Photo Card by NS

Still hoping for love, peace, equality, joy and humane ethical progress here on planet Earth...

My best to all,

NS

Throwing Darts... Minimum Wage... Constitution... Bill of Rights... Bush Jr.... Cheney... Scalia... Thomas... Koch Industries... Noam Chomsky... More...

["Noam Chomsky Compares Right-Wing Media to Nazi Germany"; as submitted to You Tube by ForaTV; October 14, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MHEuudJ-o0&feature=related] 
 
["Smart is the New Rich: Declining Minimum Wage"; as submitted to You Tube by plumstreetmusic; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drBu71rZKeM; November 20, 2010]

"The principle of the minimum wage comes with an inherent debate: Some argue that it contributes to an increased unemployment rate; others say that the minimum wage is crucial in keeping poverty levels low. It’s a debate that’s been going on since the establishment of a federal unemployment rate in the 1930s, but it has become even more relevant during these difficult economic times... 

Though the study presents interesting information, it’s especially compelling given the recent midterm elections, which could have an impact on both the minimum wage and employment. Here are a few things to keep in mind about the minimum wage:

Historically, the Democratic Party has proposed increases to the minimum wage, while the Republican Party has been in favor of capping or eliminating the minimum wage.

According to the 2000 Census, there are more than 10 million minimum-wage workers in the U.S.

In 2006, nearly half of surveyed economists said the minimum wage should be abolished. Only one-third said it should be increased.

Washington state has the highest minimum wage, at $8.55, followed by Oregon, at $8.40.

In January 2011, the minimum wage in San Francisco will be raised to $9.92. San Francisco also has one of the nation’s highest costs of living.

Five states in the U.S. have no minimum-wage requirement: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Working a job at the current federal minimum wage, $7.25, for 40 hours per week, all 52 weeks of the year produces an annual, pre-tax income of $15,080. If about one-third of that income is paid in taxes and benefits, net annual income becomes $10,556.

In Oklahoma City, the major U.S. metropolitan area with the lowest average housing costs, one year of rent averages $8,676.

The poverty line for a family of four is an annual income of $22,050."

Source:  "A Few Things You Should Know About Minimum Wage"; Kaitlin Madden; http://www.theworkbuzz.com/current-affairs/a-few-things-you-should-know-about-minimum-wage/?cobrand=msn&utm_source=MSN&utm_medium=MSNHP&utm_campaign=MSNCareers&GT1=23000 ]

Study Cited in Article:  https://udrive.oit.umass.edu/folbre/REST_a_00039-Dube_proof2.pdf

----------------------------------------------------------

"Reports that two Supreme Court Justices have attended seminars sponsored by the energy giant and conservative bankroller Koch Industries has sparked a mild debate over judicial ethics.  []  On Tuesday evening, the New York Times reported that an upcoming meeting in Palm Springs of "a secretive network of Republican donors" that was being organized by Koch Industries, "the longtime underwriter of libertarian causes." Buried in the third to last graph was a note that previous guests at such meetings included Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, two of the more conservative members of the bench..."

Source:  "Justices Scalia and Thomas's Attendance at Koch Event Sparks Judicial Ethics Debate"; Sam Stein; Huffington Post; 10/20/2010 (First Reporting); http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/20/scalia-thomas-koch-industries_n_769843.html

-----------------------------------------------------------
["Documentaire: [ASTRO] Turf Wars Koch Industries"; as submitted to You Tube by MrWonkish; November 27, 2010]..


["Scalia to Teach Bachmann's Constitution Class"; as submitted to You Tube by RWW Blog; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIPXkY0zoEo&feature=player_embedded]

------------------------------------------------------------------

Interesting Link:  "Nominee had role in recount" - "Orlando Sentinel"; http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2005-07-21/news/SCOTUSSIDE21_1_recount-roberts-presidential-election

------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Clarence Thomas, who was appointed to the Federal Supreme Court by President George W. Bush Jr., is (or was) "a staunch Roman Catholic Right Wing Conservative... allegedly associated with Opus Dei, a cultic rigid faction (sometimes referred to as the 'Holy Mafia') of the Catholic Church."
Antonin Scalia, who was appointed to the Federal Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan, "appears to be opposed to homosexual rights, pro-life (yet in favor of the death penalty), and pro-Christian Theocracy.  Scalia (along with Clarence Thomas and Rick Santorum) has also been associated [allegedly] with Opus Dei, a very rigid cultic faction (sometimes referred to as the "Holy Mafia") of the Catholic Church; and he [Antonin Scalia] appears to be [This may be past tense...] particularly close to Nebraska-born former Halliburton executive and [former]... Vice President (Under George W. Bush Jr.) Richard 'Dick' Cheney, who is [or was] allegedly the real power in the White house and a member of the 'Project for the New American Century', a little group that would apparently like to exploit the masses on a massive scale."

"Ode to the Wicker Man (Book II)"; 2007; NS [Bracketed Info Corrected and/or Updated]; p. 435 [Further sources noted in Reference Section of Book (Email wintedbirdinflight@live.com for more information regarding this book...]]

It should be noted that I did not state that either Scalia or Thomas are [or were] members of Opus Dei, but that they were reputedly "associated" with Opus Dei.  These and some other issues apparently remain a matter of debate; but there are other issues [evaluate at your own discretion] that do not...

"Opus Dei Cult (members include clarence thomas and scalia) - Democratic Underground";
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1628441

"Ratbang Diary Opus Dei and the Republican Party"; http://ratbangdiary.blogspot.com/2005/07/opus-dei-and-republican-party.html

"YouTube - Justice Scalia defends torture (MUST WATCH!!!)"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPqjCM6e5oM

"YouTube - Clarence Thomas Hearings Biden Questions Thomas 1"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2yfARRF9Co

"Clarence Thomas « Court Beat";
http://www.joanbiskupic.com/blog/?cat=16

"ThinkProgress » Exclusive Supreme Court Justice Sam Alito Dismisses His Profligate Right-Wing Fundraising As ‘Not Important’"; http://thinkprogress.org/2010/11/10/sam-alito-republican-fundraiser/


"Nigeria charges Cheney in bribery case - World news - Africa - msnbc.com";
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40555171

"The BRAD BLOG Cheney Charged"; http://www.bradblog.com/

"YouTube - Nigeria Issuing Arrest Warrant For Dick Cheney!"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEL1212hD0k

-------------------------------------------------------------- 

BTW, being a "person of faith" is one thing...  but should any of these people (a sincere question) really even be in the political arena?  Where does "separation of church and state" begin --- and where does it end?????

"How Sarah Palin Is Reshaping the Religious Right - Newsweek"; http://www.newsweek.com/2010/06/11/saint-sarah.html

"Mitt's Mission - Newsweek Mitt Romney";
http://www.newsweek.com/2007/10/01/mitt-s-mission.html

"What If Huckabee Were the Nominee - Newsweek";
http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/2008/10/09/what-if-huckabee-were-the-nominee.html

---------------------------------------------------------------

Whatever the case, I would suggest that any aspiring politician, from a City Councilman to a United States Congressman, look up - study - and (within reason) memorize the "United States Constitution", the "Bill of Rights" and other such pertinent information at: 

"'Bill of Rights (United States Constitution)' -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia"; http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/503541/Bill-of-Rights

And  --- if they want an hour study period on the "US Constitution" and the "Bill of Rights" every day?  Cool. 

But lets leave the Supreme Court Judges (all of them / this certainly seems unconstitutional to me...) out of it --- eh?

[If any errors are noted, please let me know and I will make any necessary corrections after having researched the issue further.  Thank you.]

"Freethought of the Day"... "Bill of Rights"... "Ratification of the Constitution"... Questions.... Cher... "A Different Kind of Love Song"... You Tube Video

[ "Cher - A Different Kind of Love Song" (Live / HQ]; as submitted to You Tube by CherMusicForever; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-ZBwngC6ew ]

"... On this date in 1791, the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution was ratified.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

— Article I (First Amendment), Bill of Rights"

Compiled by Annie Laurie Gaylor; "Freethought of the Day"; Freedom From Religion Foundation; ffrf.org; http://ffrf.org/day/view/12/15/#ratification-of-the-constitution
----------------------------------------------------------

"Legal Dictionary...  Main Entry: 'abridge...abridg·ing... : to diminish or reduce in scope abridge the privileges and immunities of the citizens of the United States — U.S. Constitution amendment XIV"; Dictionary.com; Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996;  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/abridging ; http://dictionary.reference.com/. Accessed: December 15, 2010.
-----------------------------------------------------------
If you look around - and/or check out some of the videos / information down below --- do you think the U.S. has been loyal to the Constitution and Bill of Rights in regard to:

1.  Not making any laws "respecting the establishment of a religion" [?]

a.  i.e., by making them exempt from taxation [?]

b  i.e., by granting them special allowances [like sovereinity (independence from government control....)] [?]

c.  i.e., by allowing religous leaders to have consult with the President of the United States; to serve on political bodies; and/or (other examples exist) to lobby the government [?]

d.  i.e., by actually supplying them with government funding (often sans government oversight) [?]

e.  i.e., by seemingly holding some religous "icons" exempt from the same laws and punishments that the population at large have to abide by / suffer [?]

2.  "Prohibiting" the free exercise of any "religion" [?]

i.e., Doesn't "free exercise" mean you can pray to any "God", practice any religion - and set up (on your own time and with your own funding) a place of worship?

3.  "Abridging the freedom of speech" [?]

a.  i.e., Do you feel like your voice is welcome in government?  Do you feel like you are truly listened to when you attend a City Council Meeting or call / visit one of your representatives?  Where do the people (locally) "lobby" since the demise of the old-fashioned "town hall"?  Will the City Council take our concerns about larger issues to the [next level up...] appropriate body - and so forth? 

b.  i.e., Don't we need a place to assemble that is bigger than a sidewalk?  Free?  Accessible?  In every town, City, County, State, Washington DC?  Do we have that?

c.  i.e., Where do we stand on the more complex issues... such as Internet "speech"...  "Wikileaks"... [it is all over the news...] - Etc.

4.  "Abridging" the "freedom of [the] press" [?]

a.  i.e., Where do we stand on the more complex issues... such as Internet "speech"... "Wikileaks"... ["""] - Etc.

b.  i.e., Should a religious body be allowed to own, operate, "control" and/or distribute newspapers (quite a few do...) outside of thier own congregations (?) [Sounds like a business venture to me... interfacing with government... (?)]

5.  "Abridging [the] right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” [?}

i.e., [Repeat] Don't we need a place to assemble that is bigger than a sidewalk? Free? Accessible? In every town, City, County, State, Washington DC?

Do we have that? 

If so, why does it seem as if the majority of the American people - on small issues and on large issues - are NOT being heard / respected?  Why does everything appear to be a "double-bind" ("damned if you do / damned if you don't") [?]  Why are so many people left out of political discourse?

Can we learn to sing "A Different Kind of Love Song" (Cher) [?????]

Vatican Bank mired in money laundering scandal in latest stain on "God's Bankers" - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com [Other news / Music Video...]

I'd be interested to know what happened to these investigations (?)

["Evangelist Investigation with the Trinity Foundation"; as submitted to You Tube by Trin80ty;  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWXYTIW5ViA&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ]

As a spiritual person, not religous, "take what you like and leave the rest."

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

More Recent News:

Click for Link:  Vatican Bank mired in money laundering scandal in latest stain on "God's Bankers" - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com


---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Video Tip (To Lighten Things Up a Little) From a "Friend":

["Pray for You" (Country Version); as submitted to You Tube by JaronLongRoadVEVO; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFJu8DCH_b0&feature=player_embedded#!]

Very unbecoming for a pacifist and as someone that advocates against violence... but, hey, sometimes it is better to put a comic edge to anger than to let it seep too deep into ones soul...

From MoveOn.org Political Action: "Top 5 Problems with the Tax Deal..."

Photo of an old "Jack and the Beanstalk" Book

The Following was Copied and Pasted [punctuation modified for placement here]  from an Email Recieved From MoveOn.org Political Action:

"Top 5 Problems with the Tax Deal... [Color and Emphasis Mine]

Everyone knows that the "deal" that President Obama agreed to with Republicans will extend George W. Bush's reckless millionaire tax bailout--but what a lot of folks don't realize is that there are lots of other terrible parts of it, too.


Unemployed Americans desperately need their benefits extended to get by in this economy—so Republicans held them hostage to force through a slew of horrible economic policies in this deal.


Can you check out the list below and then share it by posting it on facebook and twitter and forwarding to your friends?...


Problem #1: The deal is a stealth attack on Social Security.



The deal will lower the payroll tax—the tax that funds the Social Security trust. This is a trap for Democrats. Republicans have been coming after Social Security for years and this cut is the biggest threat to the vital program in decades. It will cut one-third of Social Security's funding this year alone and when we need to restore the payroll tax back to its current level, Republicans will cry "tax increases" and could gut it permanently. 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Problem #2: For nearly one in three workers, it's a tax increase.


Nearly 50 million working Americans—including all workers making less than $20,000 per year—and millions of federal, state, and municipal workers will see their taxes go up because of the deal.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Problem #3: The deal has not one but TWO millionaire bailouts.


In addition to extending all the Bush income tax breaks for the top 2%, the deal will slash the estate tax. If Congress did nothing, next year the estate tax would be 55% and apply to everyone inheriting $1 million or more. But the deal reduces it to 35% and only people who inherit more than $5 million will have to pay. This second bailout will give a gigantic tax giveaway to a few thousand of the richest families in the country and add hundreds of billions to the national debt.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Problem #4: Unemployment help is insufficient and inadequate.



While the deal extends unemployment benefits for another 13 months for people currently receiving it, millions of unemployed workers who've struggled the most and been out of work more than 99 weeks—since the giant Wall Street banks wrecked the economy—will get no help at all under the deal.4 It's a gamble that there will be jobs in the next 13 months when the insurance runs out, but the tax cuts will go well beyond that. Better to just pass a stand-alone unemployment extension to help all struggling Americans.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Problem #5: Tax giveaways to the rich are a terrible way to create jobs.



Tax breaks for the rich are the least efficient way to create jobs and help the economy grow. In fact the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says extending all tax cuts would lower unemployment only 0.1% to 0.3% over the next year5 and that the cost of the tax deal would be $900 billion over the next five years.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sources:

1."Tax Cut Deal A Hidden Threat To Social Security" The Huffington Post, December 8, 2010
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/08/tax-cut-deal-a-hidden-thr_n_793983.html


2. "Obama-Republican Deal Could Mean Tax Hike For One In Three Workers" The Huffington Post, December 10, 2010
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/10/obamarepublican-deal-coul_n_795187.html


3. "Estate tax deal: worst part of a bad tax compromise" The Christian Science Monitor, December 7, 2010
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Tax-VOX/2010/1207/Estate-tax-deal-worst-part-of-a-bad-tax-compromise


4. "Unemployment benefits: Extension won't help '99ers'" The Christian Science Monitor, December 7, 2010
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2010/1207/Unemployment-benefits-Extension-won-t-help-99ers


5. "The Deal" Paul Krugman, The New York Times, December 7, 2010
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/the-deal/


6. "CBO score shows tax plan ups deficit $900 billion in 5 years" CNN.com, December 10, 2010
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-12-10/politics/tax.plan_1_tax-cuts-tax-plan-bush-era-tax?_s=PM:POLITICS "

Aid for Seniors Blocked by Filibuster

This post was transmitted directly from Senator Bernard Sanders You Tube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/SenatorSanders

Sanders Filibuster Begins...

This post was transmitted directly from Senator Bernard Sanders You Tube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SenatorSanders

Excerpts, Quotes and Poem ['Tick Tock'] From "Ode to the Wicker Man (Book I)" by Nancy Smith... Number Four of Four... Contains F Word... View at Own Discretion

["Ode to the Wicker Man Book I Excerpts From and Poems 004" (Number Four of Four) by Nancy Smith; as submitted to You Tube by gypsiechild (me) on December 9, 2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9d_IbcOYqU&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ]

For those upset by the language, please know that I am exercising my right to "Freedom of Speech" --- and have just as much a right to do so as any comedian, singer, gansta' rap group or other individual and/or group out there.  This is a book and poetry uncensored, from the heart, real.  It is poetry - in my opinion - as it was meant to be.  Thus, the warning...  and no apologies.

I did make an error, though, that I should note, in refering to "PINK".  I don't know if she actually wrote the songs referred to - or was simply the one to perform the songs (?)

Plus, the song "Dear Mr. Prsident" - on the CD that I have ["Pink I'm Not Dead"; 2006; Laface Records LLC; 2876-80393-2] also features the "Indigo Girls".

I may come back to add to these comments later.  This is Four of Four, and I'm done for right now. 

May peace be with you (and with me, as well....).

Excerpts, Quotes and Poems From "Ode to the Wicker Man (Book I)" by Nancy Smith Part 3 of 4... Associated Commentary and Opinions

[ "Ode to the Wicker Man Book I Excerpts From and Poems 003"; as submitted to You Tube by gypsiechild (Me); 12/8/10; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mndc2u30sOU ]

Amongst other things, in this video, I take up the topic of smoking - the new smoking laws, taxes, etc. - and my belief that these target the poor and middle class and are discriminatory - yet another reason folks are leaving NY State...

A post and dialogue on the "Kingston Progressive" blog ["Weeding Out the Smokers" / see blog link in sidebar] led me to do some research [Now they (ambiguous for now...) want the right to refuse to employ people that smoke?????] on the topic - and as best I can tell, cigarette smokers have been targeted and unduly persecuted since at least 1998 - when an agreement was made between at least some of the cigarette companies, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and 48 [this number was in error; it was apparently 46] State Attorney Generals, which involved hefty financial penalties that were to be paid to the states involved - to be utilized to offset the health care of smokers and to offer smoking cessation programs and such...  [See below for more on this...]

Long story this, but leaving out some sensitive materials, this is what I had to say on the "Kingston Progressive" blog:

1)  "... Making an example of one person doesn't cut it. It is like when the Bush Jr. Administration made such an issue about the one woman that was on life support. It is interference into the private lives and choices of the American citizens. Yes, many companies screen for drugs and alcohol; but they do not refuse to hire people that drink - you and I both know that! In fact, it wasn't all that long ago that I saw one of our Assembymen drunk off his butt (pun intended) in a local bar - hanging all over some rather young looking young ladies. Should he lose his job because he chose to go get drunk and look like an A on a weeknight?

....................................................

"I am involved, in my way, in human rights for ALL people - and what I posted before was very legitimate and pertinent to your thread.

Mike, as you have stated in the past, any one of us could die at any given time - or we could even be wiped out amass by a big mass of concete (or whatever...) from outer space....

My issue is that victims are being punished for being the victims of mass media advertizing, whether it be cigs and booze in the past, or a pharmaceutical deluge...

There are people that quit smoking and gained 100 lbs - now living with high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and/or other complications that come from weight gain...

There are people that are popping 5 - 10 - 15 different types of meds that simply used to smoke - got depressed when they quit - and tried all the new wave solutions out there...

..................................................

Smokers are being treated like criminals already... and it is not right! Would you also deny smokers the right to serve in the Military (one of my brothers served in Germany and one in Korea)?"

2)  "Addendum: U.S. Presidents that smoked:

"Dubya: Ex-cigarette smoker
Clinton: Smoked cigars occasionally
Reagan: Ex-cigarette smoker
Ford: Smoked a pipe
Johnson: Ex-cigarette smoker
Kennedy: Smoked cigarettes and cigars
Eisenhower: Ex-cigarette smoker
FDR: Smoked cigarettes
Obama: Ex-cigarette smoker"

Copied and Pasted from: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090511125938AAv56kG

----------------------------------------------

"Theoretical question:

Say you "were" a smoker, Mike...

You are highly intelligent. You are a terrific asset to the community. You are a terrific blogger. You are a respectible UC Legislature. You are multifaceted and extremely valuable as a human being and as a United States citizen.

Say you "were" a smoker, Mike...

Should you be fired and denied other jobs / positions? Would that serve the "common good"?

I think not."

---------------------------------------------------------

3) "I didn't become too involved in research in this area - but now I've done a little - and it certainly appears (?????) to me that smokers have gotten screwed over by everyone - including the cigarette companies, the ACLU and the Attorney Generals of 48 [this should read 46...] states (?????)

Tell me (I have a lot more to read on the topic) - do you think I have some basis for feeling this way?

Would you admit it if I did?

Lol.

And apparently the self-righteous anti-smoking groupies are getting screwed over too... (?????)

How does it feel?

This is law and order and justice at work?

Guess what? So far the whole thing smells worse than an asstray [this word was an error, but it reads too good to change it...] full of cigarettes in an overutilized outhouse that hasn't been cleaned in 9 months...!

Guess I'll just have to say - tongue in cheek - "Hallelujah, I've been saved!"

Not.

"Touched a nerve"?

With what I just read, I have to say: What F-ing Nerve!

Jury is out though - I've just skimmed things, this far - and maybe I'll find a gold nugget in the BS.

You think?"

--------------------------------------------------------

Resources: 

"Master Settlement Agreement": http://web.archive.org/web/20080625084126/http://www.naag.org/backpages/naag/tobacco/msa/msa-pdf/1109185724_1032468605_cigmsa.pdf


"Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia": 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_Master_Settlement_Agreement

Quote from the above:  "The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) was an agreement entered into in November 1998, originally between the four largest US tobacco companies and the attorneys general of 46 states. The states settled their Medicaid lawsuits against the tobacco industry for recovery of their tobacco-related health care costs, and also exempted the companies from private tort liability regarding harm caused by tobacco use.[1]:25 In exchange, the companies agreed to curtail or cease certain tobacco marketing practices, as well as to pay, in perpetuity, various annual payments to the states to compensate them for some of the medical costs of caring for persons with smoking-related illnesses. The money also funds a new anti-smoking advocacy group, called the American Legacy Foundation, that is responsible for such campaigns as The Truth. The settlement also dissolved the tobacco industry groups Tobacco Institute, the Center for Indoor Air Research, and the Council for Tobacco Research. In the MSA, the OPMs (Original Participating Manufacturers) agreed to pay a minimum of $206 billion over the first twenty-five years of the agreement."

"Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs at Lowest Level Since Tobacco Settlement  Highlight HEALTH":  http://www.highlighthealth.com/health-news/funding-for-state-tobacco-prevention-programs-at-lowest-level-since-tobacco-settlement/

http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements/FY2011/StateSettlementReport_FY2011_web.pdf

"Did any of our United States presidents smoke - Yahoo! Answers": 
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090511125938AAv56kG

"Which United States presidents smoked cigarettes during their presidency  ChaCha Answers":  http://www.chacha.com/question/which-united-states-presidents-smoked-cigarettes-during-their-presidency

"Blowing smoke: Do smokers have a right? Limiting the privacy rights of cigarette smokers"; Michelle L. Tyler; "Georgetown Law Journal"; 1/1998: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3805/is_199801/ai_n8799514/#comments

-------------------------------------------------- 

Do I believe we should do everything we can to try to prevent youth from picking up a tobacco habit?  Yes.  But that does not include the public humiliation of - persecution of - or discrimination against those adults that choose to smoke.

If you (left ambiguous for now...) are really intent on stopping all smokers?

Close the factories.

Period.

But then of course we will be left with more job losses, fewer taxible items - and a black market for nicotine [Remember the results of Prohibition?] that will make your heads spin...

Turning decent people into criminals...

Putting decent people into jails and prisons...

And - once again [my opinion] letting the original perpetrators [This all starts towards the top...] walk away whistling [Unless they were actually held accountable; monies paid directly to the persons that they had harmed...] in the wind.

Excerpts, Quotes and Poems From "Ode to the Wicker Man (Book I)" by Nancy Smith Part 2 of 4... Associated Commentary and Opinions

["Ode to the Wicker Man Book I Excerpts From and Poems 002;  as submitted to You Tube by gypsiechild (Me) on December 8, 2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgKotx1qg6c&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ]

I should have said "some pertetrators" rather than just "perpetrators" - and I meant, "to the fullest extent of the law."

Cheney on the Hot Seat... Obama on the Hot Seat... Nancy Smith (See Below) on the Hot Seat... Such Is Life...

[ "Nigeria Issuing Arrest Warrant For Dick Cheney!"; MSNBC News Report; as submitted to You Tube by MOXNEWSd0tCOM; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEL1212hD0k ]

Pertinent Link:  "The BRAD BLOG  Cheney Charged in Nigerian Bribery Case":  http://www.bradblog.com/?p=8235 

[ "Will Obama Pressure Nigeria To Back Off Issuing An Arrest Warrant For Dick Cheney???"; "Countdown with Keith Olberman";MOXNEWS.com;  MSNBCas submitted to You Tube by Federaljacktube3; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMC-lpULr5g&feature=related ]

"Ode to the Wicker Man (Book I)" by Nancy Smith... Excerpts, Quotes and Poetry... Political Commentary and Opinions

[ "Ode to the Wicker Man Book I Excerpts From and Poems 001"; as submitted to You Tube by gypsiechild (Me); December 8, 2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYxIBU78BX0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL ]

"Fillibuster Obama Tax Deal"... Sen Sanders... You Tube Video... Link: MoveOn Political Action Petition

[ "Sen. Sanders Threatens To Filibuster Obama Tax Deal"; as submitted to You Tube by ThinkProgress2 on December 8, 2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAboE_ahSa4&feature=player_embedded ]

Please (if so inclined) Sign the Petition at: MoveOn.org Political Action: 

http://pol.moveon.org/no_bailout/

Quote from Petition:  "Sens. Feingold, Franken, Brown, Boxer, Merkley, Whitehouse, Durbin, Harkin, and Schumer: You are our progressive heroes and we need you now. Please join Sen. Bernie Sanders and do everything you can to block the 'deal' to extend the Bush tax bailout for millionaires."

"Little Indian Girl"... You Tube Video... And the Wolves Did Howl...

[ "little indian girl"; as submitted to You Tube by apanatchy; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVhse7O3WuI&feature=player_embedded#! ]

"Native N Proud" You Tube Video... For the Indian in Me

[ "Native N Proud"; as submitted to You Tube by OkanoganLdy; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDny5UzffZU&feature=related ]

Once upon a time there was a little girl whose father referred to her as his "little Indian" [Delaware / Lene Lenape / Agonquin].

She grew up.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Addendum:  I guess the fact that I am part American Indian and part Scotch/Dutch immigrant, might at least partially explain why I am constantly (take a fling into your imagination folks...) "eatting my own toes."

NO DEALS... Activism Opportunity...

If you are so inclined, take a stand - TODAY - with Democracy for America; MoveOn; the Progressive Change Campaign Committee; Credo Action; True Majority; other concerned citizens and groups; and the majority of American citizens --- against the continuation of the Bush tax cuts for the mega-wealthy. 

No Deals!

Senator Schumer:  202-224-6542

Senator Gillibrand:  202-224-4451

If these tax cuts for the mega wealthy continue; I can tell you one person / blogger that will not vote for President Obama again.

Glenn Beck... Another Snake Oil Salesman?

[ "Leaked Video Glenn Beck uses Vicks to fakke Crying.flv"; as submitted to You Tube by maakus81; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMsTkc9ms ]

["Glenn Beck Crying On-Air"; as submitted to You Tube by "The Young Turks" (TYT); http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HWKzobeya4&feature=fvw]

By the way, I guess we could add Glenn Beck to the list of mega-wealthy individuals that stand to benefit if Bush Jrs tax cuts for millionaires and billinaires is extended...  [Good pay for faking tears, eh?]

Quote:

"In June 2009, estimators at Forbes calculated Beck's earnings over the previous 12 months at $23 million, with 2009–2010 revenues on track to be higher.[69] Although the majority of his revenue results from his radio show and books, his website's 5 million unique visitors per month also provides at least $3 million annually, while his salary at Fox News is estimated at $2 million per year.[69]Beck's online magazine Fusion sells an array of Beck-themed merchandise,[69] while his website offers a web subscription service called "Insider Extreme" where for $75 a year one gets access to behind-the-scenes footage and a fourth hour of his daily radio show.[1] In April 2010, Forbes calculated Beck's earnings for the previous year (March 2009 - March 2010) to be $32 million.[1]" [From "Glenn Beck - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Beck]

[1] "... Glenn Beck Inc by Lacey Rose, Forbes magazine, April 26, 2010"

[69] "...Von Drehle, David (September 28, 2009). "Mad Man: Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?". Time 174 (12): 30. ISSN 0040-781X. http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1924348,00.html?xid=rss-topstories. Retrieved 2009-09-18."

Rep Alan Grayson On Extension of Bush Tax Cuts for Millionaires... Robber Barons? Class Warfare? Unemployment Rates... Poverty in America... You Tube Videos

["Rep. Grayson on the Limbaugh/Beck/Palin Tax Cuts";  as submitted to You Tube by RepAlanGrayson; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-laQ0uvnl5M ]

["Rich [some...] Ask Obama To Raise Their Taxes"; MSNBC w/ Cenk; as submitted to You Tube by TYT; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1m2o2yn4FE ]


["Lifeline"; as submitted to You Tube by AFCIONow; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVOIhc2EHUY&feature=player_embedded ]

["Poverty In America"; as submitted to You Tube by yourstory08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGM_QozRedo ]

Note:  I am White, American and Female and this last video strikes close to my heart.  The situations portrayed look a lot like the home that I grew up in --- and many of the homes around me - some belonging to extended family members.  This in Unpstate New York... 

Tell Me:  "When does Jesus Bring the Porkchops?" (George Carlin) to those that are truly in need????? 

Isn't it about [We are really in need of some activism on our own behalf!] time?

Pertinent Links: 

1. "Hinchey Votes for Middle Class Tax Cut Extension"; Dec 2, 2010:  http://hinchey.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1525%3Ahinchey-votes-for-middle-class-tax-cut-extension&catid=56%3A2010-press-releases-new3.  AFL-CIO:  "Lifeline: Watch the Video and Write Congress": 

Quote from Above: "Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement endorsing an extension of tax relief for middle class families while allowing tax cuts for millionaires to partially expire in order to pay down the national debt and strengthen the economy..."

2. "U.S. Unemployment Rate Jumps To 9.8 Percent"; NPR: http://www.npr.org/2010/12/03/131778880/unemployment-rate-jumps-to-9-8-percent?sc=nl&cc=brk-20101203-0836

http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1011
 
More On This Issue Pending...

Perspectives: Policing the Schools [Updated with New Link]

["Police In Schools"; as submitted to You Tube by fpontario; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWAOXJojTv0&feature=related]

As the Kingston City Finance Committee debates whether or not to cut three police officers (school based) from the budget in June 2011, it seems like it would be a good idea to find out how the Parents/Teachers Association feels about this issue; how the school staff and teachers feel about this issue; how parents and custodians feel about this issue; and how the students themselves feel about this issue. 

What does a school based police officer do during the course of his or her day?  In the time period during which police officers have been present at Kingston High School, what problems have required thier intervention and how often do such problems occur?''

Should the school and the police agency share the cost of such officers, as is reputedly going on in the current contract in the Kingston City School District?  Or should the school (or the police department) foot the whole bill?

I would vote for keeping at least two of the officers in the school (actually one as an indoor presense and one as an outdoor presense) --- because I think safety should come first.

My husband would vote for nixing all three --- because he thinks the cuts in the Mayor's proposed 2011 Kingston City Budget are necessary.

Usually?  Somewhere between the sometimes radical differences of opinion that he (my husband) and I have - is the truth.

Maybe the school should pay one-half for the officer inside the school and the City [full pop] for the officer outside the school?

Nix the third?  And/or put the third [I like this idea...] back out on regular duty?

This approach would leave the City responsible for all but half of the indoor officer's pay - but then; it is the City that would be called in should a serious incident occur - and I think that having an officer on site could and quite likely would - in such circumstances - save a lot of money, time and grief.

That said, how do school based police officers intermesh with truant officers, school monitors and such?  Who is responsible for paying the truant officers?

Budget.  Budget.  Budget.

Hub and I sat through a lot of these meetings last year; but have pretty much distanced ourselves this year...

"Our" trends remain the same.

He is a (He is sure to correct me if I have this wrong...) Fiscal Conservative with a liberal bent in regard to other matters.

I am a Liberal, pretty much across the board - with a (he would probably say "neurotic") concern for the safety of our children, our youth and (in general) our City's populus.

Can folks be "over-policed"?  Yes.  I believe they can. 

But I personally don't believe we are "there".

There were multiple concerns in regard to Kingston City High School that have been present at least since the 1980s, when my children were there.

Now I have grandchildren there and/or almost there - and I want someone watching [for whom this is thier exact job description] out for them! 

Budget.  Budget.  Budget.

Nasty time of year, this...

So let me just say, on this issue, that I think all of the folks (as noted above) aught to be consulted on the matter before any decision is made - and that we should know - what exactly have the "in place" police officers been doing (typical day) since they have been stationed at Kingston High...

Just thoughts.  Feel free to send me yours at wingedbirdinflight@live.com - and in the meantime - if you have youth attending KHS - why not ask them how safe "they" feel - and what thier thoughts are on this issue?  You could even attend (as could they) the next Finance Committee meeting on this matter; and have a voice...

Always and forever (having a voice...) - whatever one's opinion might be - a good thing!

For more information on this topic, please go to:  "Kingston may cut three cops (video)" - DailyFreeman.com : 
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2010/12/03/news/doc4cf885286380c693165430.txt [written by Paul Kirby]

For Mayor Sottile's perspective, please go to:
"Kingston mayor backs proposed police cuts" - DailyFreeman.com :
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2010/12/04/news/doc4cf9cf9cc61dc068181764.txt [written by Paul Kirby]

Tax Cuts... Bush... Snooki... a Chimp... and Hugh Hefner... You Tube Video by bravenewfilms... Bonus Video from "Cats"

Serious Business:

["What do Snooki, Hugh Hefner and a Chimp Have In Common with the Bush Tax Cuts?"; as submitted to You Tube by bravenewfilms; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxLs9WI3QRs]

I Couldn't Resist:

["Macavity: The Mystery Cat" (from the musical "Cats"); as submitted to You Tube by cindyphantom; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFPKbg_dKyg&feature=related]

NPR Link "Delay... Money-Laundering Conviction"... Video... "Human Trafficking in Buffalo, Part 2" WKBW Programming

Interesting Link / Read:  "DeLay Plans To Fight Money-Laundering Conviction"; NPR:  http://www.npr.org/2010/11/24/131578358/jury-convicts-tom-delay-in-money-laundering-trial&sc=nl&cc=ph-20101128

-----------------------------------------------------------

Part II of "Human Trafficking in Buffalo":

["Human Trafficking in Buffalo, Part 2"; By WKBW Programming; Nov 2010; http://www.wkbw.com/home/Human-Trafficking-in-Buffalo-Part-2-110121019.html]

Part I of this newscast can be found down below.

A Little Bit of Sarcasm... "Victoria's Solo" from "Cats"... You Tube Video... Kings Inn... Parking Lot... Parking Meters

["Victoria's Solo" (From "Cats" the Musical); as submitted to You Tube by Dameeis; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePQ-wnIIcTs&NR=1]

Hey guys and gals, did ya' fix that "cat" problem yet? 

It takes a "task force"?  ["Cat Advisory Task Force..."; Paul Kirby; "Daily Freeman"; 11/26/2010]

Wow.

I thought that is why we had [no offense to any of the folks involved...] phones and places like the SPCA.

Silly me.

----------------------------------------------------------

Hey, cool!  I hear ["Destiny:  Additional Parking"; "Kingston Times"; 11/25/2010; p. 5] that they might level this place [the old Kings Inn] and put in a parking lot!  In all humility [sorry, I have some sarcasm running in my blood tonight...] I brought up that very idea at a meeting at City Hall well over six months ago [probably over a year ago...] when I also suggested that this [proposed] parking lot be used for UPAC - and that a parking fee be charged for those [from out of town] attending the shows at UPAC. 

This is what is done at most places that host big name musicians and such.  Why shouldn't the City of Kingston benefit from same?  It sure makes a lot more sense [no offense intended] than the parking meters that City residents have to jog out to [or pay inflated fines for not doing so...] in order to put more coins in the slot; including people that work uptown, folks having medical tests and such done in midtown, etc.  In my opinion, the UPAC parking lot (with attached fees for out of towners) is (if you can stop folks from parking for free at the bowling alley...) a good idea; whilst the meters are not.

BTW, you are right... 

I am NOT (cranky, cranky, cranky...) aging well!

Comic Karaoke Spoof on Bristol Palin... "Dancing With the Stars"... "Mama Told Me Not To Come"...

For those that know me, this might come as a total (you have to hang in until the end) shock...  Lol : )

[Karaoke Spoof on Sarah Palin, Bristol Palin, "Dancing With the Stars", "Mama Told Me Not to Come;" gypsiechild; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDZx7_s5uIo]

I erroniously said Sarah Palin in the video when I meant to say Bristol Palin.  My apologies.

I consider this a comedy skit, which could have been better and could have been worse - but is what it is.

I figure this is better than shooting my TV, like some guy apparently did!

This is more like a "South Park" "dance off" --- with a Karaoke twist : )

Besides - at age 52 with a rather upsetting (in its potentialities...) tenatative health diagnosis - I just don't give a damn anymore!

Enjoy. 

Or Not. 

I had fun : )

[For what I think and feel about this whole scenerio - Bristol Palins appearance on "Dancing With the Stars" - please see the threads below.]

Happy Thanksgiving... A Lighter Moment... You Tube Video

["Turkey singing I Will Survive"; as submitted to You Tube by Birute00; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p2Fk3kN6jw&feature=player_embedded]

Don't Close Your Eyes... Human Exploitation... Demanding Change... Arianna Huffington... "Third World America"... More... You Tube Videos

"Don't Close Your Eyes"...

["Kix - Don't Close Your Eyes (HQ music video)"; as submitted to You Tube by Louvers; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcEu47mR43U&feature=related]

"Child Prostitution in America":

["Child Prostitution in America"; as submitted to You Tube by islamicdefender; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeYjCSQSbGI&feature=related]

[I did not look up the folks that contributed these videos - and it should probably be noted that I am an Agnostic Humanist - unaffiliated with any organized religious group.  If any ads pop up, that is not my doing...]

"Child Trafficking and Women in Poverty":

["Child Trafficking and Women in Poverty"; as submitted to You Tube by WorldConcernVideos; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG3kc1F5jmk&feature=related]

"Human Trafficking a Big Business in WNY" [Western New York!]

["Human Trafficking a Big Business in WNY"; WKBW Programming; wkbw.com; http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/Human-Trafficking-a-Big-Businessness-in-WNY-109871344.html?vid=a]

Revisiting an old theory [I've researched this, and recommend you do the same; form your own (this is a mix of allegations and facts as far as I can tell...) opinions)]:

["CIA's child trafficking (part 1)"; as submitted to You Tube by Oz Knosis; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zlVfzr1onQ&feature=related] 

"Arianna Huffington - Third World America":

["Arianna Huffington - Third World America"; as submitted to You Tube by Tinterviews; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW2E7YClAv4]

"We got" - as an old friend of mine used to say - "issues."  Don't close your eyes...!

Rural Poverty... Caste System? Bristol Palin... When Is Enough Enough? America, Get A Grip...

I haven't forgotten where I [In my case, in rural New York State] come from.

[ "Poverty in Rural America - 1965 - Clip 1:  Introduction"; as submitted to You Tube by FasttrackHistory; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVOeBrbDllw ]

What I see around me:

["Poverty in America a Social Class"; as submitted to You Tube by YouSeeMyWorld; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXyJM5taqNI&feature=related ]

Compare and Contrast (Yep.  I am P-Oed! / Please See Thread - On This Topic - Below):

[ "Bristol Palin Dancing With The Stars Season Premiere"; as submitted to You Tube by MahaloNews; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75bTtxgTd_o ]

One of the most incredible videos I have ever seen:

["I am ONE vote for World Equality and Equal Rights - Equality Song by Matti Freeman"; as submitted to You Tube by MayaHareIHere; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE1xFGv1FN4 ]

Please note that I do not endorse or oppose any ads that pop up on these videos.  Thank You.