I'm finally getting around to updating the website! Since Microsoft no longer supports FrontPage, I've not had much choice. Going with Wordpress this time. It's a new learning curve...
Let me know what you'd like to see on the new site! www.lindajhutchinson.com
January 22, 2012
February 20, 2011
2010 is Finally Over
For a variety of reasons, 2010 wasn’t kind to our family, as it wasn’t kind to millions of Americans, and citizens of other struggling economies. I’m happy it is past tense.
Hubby and I made some tough decisions in 2010. We sold our home in Ohio and have minimized our lifestyle. That doesn’t mean we’ve crawled into a hole or that we’re hiding out from the world. It means that we are living well, but in much smaller quarters.
Our newest adventure has been to consolidate down from a fully-furnished 2300 +/- square foot house with an oversized 2-car garage, a couple of storage sheds, and a small orchard and garden, all sited on 3.7 acres. We are now, officially, full-timers in our 36-foot travel trailer sited on a rented lot. (We still have a storage shed—on wheels—which I’ll explain later.)
Just to set the record straight; I’m not one to worship “Mother Earth” any more than I’m inclined to believe that “Nature” will run its course and all will be well with the world. I’m a firm believer in what is written in the one and only holy book, the Bible. I believe there is but one God. I trust that prophecy written 2000 years ago will prevail. I don’t believe that pumping CO2 into the ground will do anything to save our planet one bit more than bankrupting coal-burning electricity producers will.
We didn’t downsize to “save” the earth. We didn’t move into a Tiny House™ (although they’re real attractive!) to prove someone can live in 64 square feet—because Michael and I can not manage that. I can’t manage that. We did it to cut living expenses, to cut down on the hours required for housework and mowing/pruning/weeding, to free up whatever time we have left on Earth for what we consider more important—like spending time with grandkidlets, going fishing, creating art. We don’t miss the big mortgage, the insurance costs that had doubled in 4 ½ years, or the ever-increasing real estate taxes while the value of that real estate spiraled downward.
We are living in roughly 240 square feet which consists of living room, office/dining, kitchen, bath, and bedroom. The walls of the living room are turquoise. The cabinets are off-white and “trendy” (according to a well-heeled friend). We installed a full-size sink with a lovely faucet in the kitchen and the tub surround is one designed for a stick-built house. The fixtures in our (one and only) bathroom are cherry red and our bedroom walls are barn red and gold. We also have a 20 gallon hot water tank. This isn’t your typical travel trailer. This is a travel home. And it’s paid for.
Since we had to move anyway, we moved to Kentucky, just three miles away from five of our grandkids. Two more live about 25 miles east. (Those two spent last evening with us.)
Yes, we sometimes miss all that space. However, I may just have more time to commit to keeping this blog up to date. And my blog about Living Well With Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis. I’ve also been invited to come back as a blogger at a well known health blog—a gig I’d given up because my time was so eaten up with chores—not to mention that pesky OA and FM thing.
Hubby is seeking full-time employment. He’s accepted the fact a career change is in order.
We have faith.
Life is good.
Hubby and I made some tough decisions in 2010. We sold our home in Ohio and have minimized our lifestyle. That doesn’t mean we’ve crawled into a hole or that we’re hiding out from the world. It means that we are living well, but in much smaller quarters.
Our newest adventure has been to consolidate down from a fully-furnished 2300 +/- square foot house with an oversized 2-car garage, a couple of storage sheds, and a small orchard and garden, all sited on 3.7 acres. We are now, officially, full-timers in our 36-foot travel trailer sited on a rented lot. (We still have a storage shed—on wheels—which I’ll explain later.)
Just to set the record straight; I’m not one to worship “Mother Earth” any more than I’m inclined to believe that “Nature” will run its course and all will be well with the world. I’m a firm believer in what is written in the one and only holy book, the Bible. I believe there is but one God. I trust that prophecy written 2000 years ago will prevail. I don’t believe that pumping CO2 into the ground will do anything to save our planet one bit more than bankrupting coal-burning electricity producers will.
We didn’t downsize to “save” the earth. We didn’t move into a Tiny House™ (although they’re real attractive!) to prove someone can live in 64 square feet—because Michael and I can not manage that. I can’t manage that. We did it to cut living expenses, to cut down on the hours required for housework and mowing/pruning/weeding, to free up whatever time we have left on Earth for what we consider more important—like spending time with grandkidlets, going fishing, creating art. We don’t miss the big mortgage, the insurance costs that had doubled in 4 ½ years, or the ever-increasing real estate taxes while the value of that real estate spiraled downward.
We are living in roughly 240 square feet which consists of living room, office/dining, kitchen, bath, and bedroom. The walls of the living room are turquoise. The cabinets are off-white and “trendy” (according to a well-heeled friend). We installed a full-size sink with a lovely faucet in the kitchen and the tub surround is one designed for a stick-built house. The fixtures in our (one and only) bathroom are cherry red and our bedroom walls are barn red and gold. We also have a 20 gallon hot water tank. This isn’t your typical travel trailer. This is a travel home. And it’s paid for.
Since we had to move anyway, we moved to Kentucky, just three miles away from five of our grandkids. Two more live about 25 miles east. (Those two spent last evening with us.)
Yes, we sometimes miss all that space. However, I may just have more time to commit to keeping this blog up to date. And my blog about Living Well With Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis. I’ve also been invited to come back as a blogger at a well known health blog—a gig I’d given up because my time was so eaten up with chores—not to mention that pesky OA and FM thing.
Hubby is seeking full-time employment. He’s accepted the fact a career change is in order.
We have faith.
Life is good.
March 25, 2010
My "Highest and Best Use"
My dream has always been to write great fiction. Since I was a little kid.
However, what I find myself doing these days (and for the past several years) is writing mostly non-fiction. I'm also doing a great deal of editing.
Does this cause me distress? No. Working as a freelance commercial writer is extremely satisfying.
What I thought I'd miss most was the creativity--that part of my soul that controls the part of my brain which caused me to want to write fiction in the first place.
As I call on my sales, and marketing and promotion, experiences to create great "copy" for my clients I've come to realize that, while not writing fiction, the creative side of my being has been elevated to its highest and best use. An old Realtor phrase (yep, I've sold real estate), but one I utilize regularly.
What we do doesn't always define who we are, but as long as what we do brings satisfaction within ourselves, our chosen career IS producing our highest and best use for our time on this planet.
However, what I find myself doing these days (and for the past several years) is writing mostly non-fiction. I'm also doing a great deal of editing.
Does this cause me distress? No. Working as a freelance commercial writer is extremely satisfying.
What I thought I'd miss most was the creativity--that part of my soul that controls the part of my brain which caused me to want to write fiction in the first place.
As I call on my sales, and marketing and promotion, experiences to create great "copy" for my clients I've come to realize that, while not writing fiction, the creative side of my being has been elevated to its highest and best use. An old Realtor phrase (yep, I've sold real estate), but one I utilize regularly.
What we do doesn't always define who we are, but as long as what we do brings satisfaction within ourselves, our chosen career IS producing our highest and best use for our time on this planet.
March 23, 2010
Do You Need a Fax Line?
We run two businesses from our home. Dear Husband has an auto transport business, and I'm a writer--just in case you hadn't noticed already.
We haven't had a land-line in too many years to count, but it has become increasingly important for us to have an in-house fax line. Well, actually, that isn't a true statement because DH needs an in-the-TRUCK fax line.
While the bulk of my work is done online, thankfully, the man in my life was spending between $15 and $30 per week sending faxes. If he doesn't fax the brokers' paperwork in, he doesn't get paid.
After some serious thought and research, we settled on My Fax. The cost is about $12 per month.
It isn't as easy to use as simply walking up to the machine, punching in the phone number, laying the pages to be faxed in the tray, and then hitting the send button. It's a bit more time consuming. Okay, quite a bit more time consuming.
The pages to be faxed first have to be scanned and saved on one of our laptops. This can take some serious time. Then, the person doing the faxing--which is usually me since I'm the one spending time in the home office--gets to go to the My Fax website to do the faxing. From there it's a matter of attaching the scanned and saved pages--much like sending an email--except it takes longer.
While I'd like it if the process were quicker, considering that we run "wireless" at home, and with cell-ISP in the truck, it could be much worse.
I could have to put on real clothes, haul the paperwork to my car, drive to my local Kroger store, and then stand in line waiting to fax.
For someone who often gets so wrapped up in writing that I sometimes forget that I'm still wearing pajamas at 4:00 in the afternoon, that would be much worse!
So if you're a pajama-clad writer who doesn't want the expense of another phone line, My Fax just might be the solution to your fax problem.
We haven't had a land-line in too many years to count, but it has become increasingly important for us to have an in-house fax line. Well, actually, that isn't a true statement because DH needs an in-the-TRUCK fax line.
While the bulk of my work is done online, thankfully, the man in my life was spending between $15 and $30 per week sending faxes. If he doesn't fax the brokers' paperwork in, he doesn't get paid.
After some serious thought and research, we settled on My Fax. The cost is about $12 per month.
It isn't as easy to use as simply walking up to the machine, punching in the phone number, laying the pages to be faxed in the tray, and then hitting the send button. It's a bit more time consuming. Okay, quite a bit more time consuming.
The pages to be faxed first have to be scanned and saved on one of our laptops. This can take some serious time. Then, the person doing the faxing--which is usually me since I'm the one spending time in the home office--gets to go to the My Fax website to do the faxing. From there it's a matter of attaching the scanned and saved pages--much like sending an email--except it takes longer.
While I'd like it if the process were quicker, considering that we run "wireless" at home, and with cell-ISP in the truck, it could be much worse.
I could have to put on real clothes, haul the paperwork to my car, drive to my local Kroger store, and then stand in line waiting to fax.
For someone who often gets so wrapped up in writing that I sometimes forget that I'm still wearing pajamas at 4:00 in the afternoon, that would be much worse!
So if you're a pajama-clad writer who doesn't want the expense of another phone line, My Fax just might be the solution to your fax problem.
February 17, 2010
The Website is Updated! Finally!
The website has finally been updated! www.lindajhutchinson.com The Links for Writers page was so corrupted that I'll have to re-build it from scratch, but I've gotten so many kind comments on it over the years, it's towards the top of my priority list.
What amazed me the most during the re-vamp was how easy it was to obtain testimonials to include! I simply sent out an email asking those who felt comfortable writing a line or two about their professional dealings with me, to please do so. I thanked them in advance, and let them know while I'd appreciate the nod, it wasn't something I wanted them to feel uncomfortable about. I was humbled. Take a look at the testimonials page. My thanks to each of you!
What amazed me the most during the re-vamp was how easy it was to obtain testimonials to include! I simply sent out an email asking those who felt comfortable writing a line or two about their professional dealings with me, to please do so. I thanked them in advance, and let them know while I'd appreciate the nod, it wasn't something I wanted them to feel uncomfortable about. I was humbled. Take a look at the testimonials page. My thanks to each of you!
January 23, 2010
January 05, 2010
10 New Year’s Resolutions Every Freelancer Should Have
It’s that time of year again. The time when we reflect on the past 365 days, examine our accomplishments and shortcomings, and then determine how THIS year we will make things better. Whether it’s losing weight, getting healthier, working harder, mending broken relationships or just being a better person, something about the end of a calendar year causes us to take stock and set goals for improvement.
For freelancers, this season is no different. In fact, running your own freelance business requires the end of the year assessment. I would suggest it even requires self-evaluation much more often than annually.
Each day, each week and each month should incorporate some continual consideration of where the freelancer stands in attaining their respective goals. Here are what I believe to be vital resolutions that all freelancers should adopt in order to enter the next decade with the maximum power to reach their fullest potential.
Read the full article here.
For freelancers, this season is no different. In fact, running your own freelance business requires the end of the year assessment. I would suggest it even requires self-evaluation much more often than annually.
Each day, each week and each month should incorporate some continual consideration of where the freelancer stands in attaining their respective goals. Here are what I believe to be vital resolutions that all freelancers should adopt in order to enter the next decade with the maximum power to reach their fullest potential.
Read the full article here.
Sleep Challenge 2010: Women, It's Time to Sleep Our Way to the Top. Literally.
Sleep Challenge 2010: Women, It's Time to Sleep Our Way to the Top. Literally.
Join Huffington Post's Arianna Huffington and Glamour's Cindi Leive as they track their attempts to sleep more for January!
"As women, we make a lot of New Year's resolutions -- "lose 10 pounds" and "finally write that novel" and "lose 10 pounds -- seriously." But this year, the two of us (that's HuffPost's Arianna Huffington and Glamour's Cindi Leive) are suggesting you make a New Year's resolution that could improve the status of all women in this country, starting with you. No, we're not talking about universal child care or even banning Tiger Woods from ever texting again. If you ask us, the next feminist issue is sleep. And in order for women to get ahead in this country, we're all going to have to lie down and take a nap."
Read the full story here.
Join Huffington Post's Arianna Huffington and Glamour's Cindi Leive as they track their attempts to sleep more for January!
"As women, we make a lot of New Year's resolutions -- "lose 10 pounds" and "finally write that novel" and "lose 10 pounds -- seriously." But this year, the two of us (that's HuffPost's Arianna Huffington and Glamour's Cindi Leive) are suggesting you make a New Year's resolution that could improve the status of all women in this country, starting with you. No, we're not talking about universal child care or even banning Tiger Woods from ever texting again. If you ask us, the next feminist issue is sleep. And in order for women to get ahead in this country, we're all going to have to lie down and take a nap."
Read the full story here.
December 13, 2009
Stained Glass Windows
Beautiful stained glass windows slide show of photos taken by Mike Semple, set to original Christmas music, included John Lennon. I couldn't resist posting it here.
December 03, 2009
To Those of You Born Between 1927-1979
To Those of You Born Between 1927-1979
This is an oldie, but a goody. Well worth the read!
At the end of this email is a quote of the month by Jay Leno... if you don't read anything else, please read what he said... very well stated, Mr. Leno.
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's!
First, we survived being born to mothers who drank many cups of sweet coffee, took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes. while they were pregnant.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY?
Because we were always Outside & played ... that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Play-stations, Nintendo's and X-boxes ... there were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no iPods or Mp3 Players, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them - no Cell Phones.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers problem solvers and inventors ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.
If YOU are one of them ... CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.
While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?
The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:
"With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of swine flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
For those who prefer to think that God is not watching over us please just ignore this post.
For the rest of us... pass it on!
This is an oldie, but a goody. Well worth the read!
At the end of this email is a quote of the month by Jay Leno... if you don't read anything else, please read what he said... very well stated, Mr. Leno.
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's!
First, we survived being born to mothers who drank many cups of sweet coffee, took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes. while they were pregnant.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY?
Because we were always Outside & played ... that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Play-stations, Nintendo's and X-boxes ... there were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no iPods or Mp3 Players, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them - no Cell Phones.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers problem solvers and inventors ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.
If YOU are one of them ... CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.
While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?
The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:
"With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of swine flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
For those who prefer to think that God is not watching over us please just ignore this post.
For the rest of us... pass it on!
November 03, 2009
Who Watches the Watchers--Snopes Exposed
A friend emailed this to me. I've been wondering about this myself after reading one of their "findings" that I felt was total hogwash--with B.O. as the hog being scrubbed clean in the process.
If you know who wrote this, please let me know so I can give proper attribution.
Makes you wonder doesn't it?
Who watches the watchers?
Guess we have to use "Truth or Fiction" now.
For the past few years www.snopescom has positioned itself, or others have labeled it, as the 'tell-all final word' on any comment, claim and email. But for several years people tried to find out who exactly was behind snopes.com.
Only recently did Wikipedia get to the bottom of it - kinda makes you wonder what they were hiding. Well, finally we know. It is run by a husband and wife team - that's right, no big office of investigators and researchers, no team of lawyers. It's just a mom-and-pop operation that began as a hobby.
David and Barbara Mikkelson in the San Fernando Valley of California started the website about 13 years ago - and they have no formal background or experience in investigative research. After a few years it gained popularity believing it to be unbiased and neutral, but over the past couple of years people started asking questions who was behind it and did they have a selfish motivation?
The reason for the questions - or skepticisms - is a result of snopes.com claiming to have the bottom line facts to certain questions or issue when in fact they have been proven wrong. Also, there were criticisms the Mikkelsons were not really investigating and getting to the 'true' bottom of various issues.
A few months ago, when my State Farm agent Bud Gregg in Mandeville hoisted a political sign referencing Barack Obama and made a big splash across the internet, 'supposedly' the Mikkelson's claim to have researched this issue before posting their findings on snopes.com. In their statement they claimed the corporate office of State Farm pressured Gregg into taking down the sign, when in fact nothing of the sort 'ever' took place. I personally contacted David Mikkelson (and he replied back to me) thinking he would wan t to get to the bottom of this and I gave him Bud Gregg's contact phone numbers – and Bud was going to give him phone numbers to the big exec's at State Farm in Illinois who would have been willing to speak with him about it. He never called Bud. In fact, I learned from Bud Gregg no one from snopes.com ever contacted anyone with State Farm. Yet, snopes.com issued a statement as the 'final factual word' on the issue as if they did all their homework and got to the bottom of things - not!
Then it has been learned the Mikkelson's are very Democratic (party) and extremely liberal. As we all now know from this presidential election, liberals have a purpose agenda to discredit anything that appears to be conservative. There has been much criticism lately over the internet with people pointing out the Mikkelson's liberalism revealing itself in their website findings. Gee, what a shock?
So, I say this now to everyone who goes to snopes.com to get what they think to be the bottom line facts...'proceed with caution.' Take what it says at face value and nothing more. Use it only to lead you to their references where you can link to and read the sources for yourself. Plus, you can always Google a subject and do the research yourself. It now seems apparent that's all the Mikkelson's do. After all, I can personally vouch from my own experience for their 'not' fully looking into things.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snopes.com
I have found this to be true also! Many videos of Obama I tried to verify on Snopes and they said they were False...... Then they gave their Liberal slant....! I have suspected some problems with snopes for some time now, but I have only caught them in half-truths. If there is any subjectivity they do an immediate full left rudder.
Truth or Fiction www.truthorfiction.com . a better source for verification, in my opinion. I have recently discovered that Snopes.com is owned by a flaming liberal and this man is in the tank for Obama.
There are many things they have listed on their site as a hoax and yet you can go to Youtube yourself and find the video of Obama actually saying these things. So you see, you cannot and should not trust Snopes.com....even for anything that remotely resembles truth! I don't even trust them to tell me if email chains are hoaxes anymore.
A few conservative speakers on Myspace told me about Snopes.com http://snopes.com// a few months ago and I took it upon myself to do a little research to find out if it was true. Well, I found out for myself that it is true. Anyway, just FYI please don't use Snopes.com anymore for fact checking and make your friends aware of their political leanings as well. Many people still think Snopes.com is neutral and they can be trusted as factual. We need to make sure everyone is aware that that is a hoax in itself.
If you know who wrote this, please let me know so I can give proper attribution.
Makes you wonder doesn't it?
Who watches the watchers?
Guess we have to use "Truth or Fiction" now.
For the past few years www.snopescom has positioned itself, or others have labeled it, as the 'tell-all final word' on any comment, claim and email. But for several years people tried to find out who exactly was behind snopes.com.
Only recently did Wikipedia get to the bottom of it - kinda makes you wonder what they were hiding. Well, finally we know. It is run by a husband and wife team - that's right, no big office of investigators and researchers, no team of lawyers. It's just a mom-and-pop operation that began as a hobby.
David and Barbara Mikkelson in the San Fernando Valley of California started the website about 13 years ago - and they have no formal background or experience in investigative research. After a few years it gained popularity believing it to be unbiased and neutral, but over the past couple of years people started asking questions who was behind it and did they have a selfish motivation?
The reason for the questions - or skepticisms - is a result of snopes.com claiming to have the bottom line facts to certain questions or issue when in fact they have been proven wrong. Also, there were criticisms the Mikkelsons were not really investigating and getting to the 'true' bottom of various issues.
A few months ago, when my State Farm agent Bud Gregg in Mandeville hoisted a political sign referencing Barack Obama and made a big splash across the internet, 'supposedly' the Mikkelson's claim to have researched this issue before posting their findings on snopes.com. In their statement they claimed the corporate office of State Farm pressured Gregg into taking down the sign, when in fact nothing of the sort 'ever' took place. I personally contacted David Mikkelson (and he replied back to me) thinking he would wan t to get to the bottom of this and I gave him Bud Gregg's contact phone numbers – and Bud was going to give him phone numbers to the big exec's at State Farm in Illinois who would have been willing to speak with him about it. He never called Bud. In fact, I learned from Bud Gregg no one from snopes.com ever contacted anyone with State Farm. Yet, snopes.com issued a statement as the 'final factual word' on the issue as if they did all their homework and got to the bottom of things - not!
Then it has been learned the Mikkelson's are very Democratic (party) and extremely liberal. As we all now know from this presidential election, liberals have a purpose agenda to discredit anything that appears to be conservative. There has been much criticism lately over the internet with people pointing out the Mikkelson's liberalism revealing itself in their website findings. Gee, what a shock?
So, I say this now to everyone who goes to snopes.com to get what they think to be the bottom line facts...'proceed with caution.' Take what it says at face value and nothing more. Use it only to lead you to their references where you can link to and read the sources for yourself. Plus, you can always Google a subject and do the research yourself. It now seems apparent that's all the Mikkelson's do. After all, I can personally vouch from my own experience for their 'not' fully looking into things.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snopes.com
I have found this to be true also! Many videos of Obama I tried to verify on Snopes and they said they were False...... Then they gave their Liberal slant....! I have suspected some problems with snopes for some time now, but I have only caught them in half-truths. If there is any subjectivity they do an immediate full left rudder.
Truth or Fiction www.truthorfiction.com . a better source for verification, in my opinion. I have recently discovered that Snopes.com is owned by a flaming liberal and this man is in the tank for Obama.
There are many things they have listed on their site as a hoax and yet you can go to Youtube yourself and find the video of Obama actually saying these things. So you see, you cannot and should not trust Snopes.com....even for anything that remotely resembles truth! I don't even trust them to tell me if email chains are hoaxes anymore.
A few conservative speakers on Myspace told me about Snopes.com http://snopes.com// a few months ago and I took it upon myself to do a little research to find out if it was true. Well, I found out for myself that it is true. Anyway, just FYI please don't use Snopes.com anymore for fact checking and make your friends aware of their political leanings as well. Many people still think Snopes.com is neutral and they can be trusted as factual. We need to make sure everyone is aware that that is a hoax in itself.
September 23, 2009
Writer's Digest: Publishing 101
From Writer's Digest
Publishing 101: What You Need to Know
September 22, 2009
by Jerry D. Simmons
Here's your step-by-step guide to the publishing process–how it works, why you need to know and how you can play an influential role in your book’s success.
http://tinyurl.com/l5ztk2
Publishing 101: What You Need to Know
September 22, 2009
by Jerry D. Simmons
Here's your step-by-step guide to the publishing process–how it works, why you need to know and how you can play an influential role in your book’s success.
http://tinyurl.com/l5ztk2
The Men's Room Mural
Men's Restroom Mural -------- Read before looking at picture
Edge Designs is an all-women run company
That designs interior office space.. They had a
Recent opportunity to do an office project in
NYC.
The client allowed the women of this
Company a free hand in all design aspects.
The client was a company that was also
Run by all women execs...
The result...well...We all know that
Men never talk, never look at each other.
And never laugh much in the restroom...
The men's room is a serious and quiet place...
But now...with the addition of one mural
On the wall...let's just say the men's
Restroom is a place of laughter and smiles.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w8CkIo0iuSe-PcnBMaNbHIymSEhEKTprAOMYbjBfuILCjdUbcRLOChBsX7zbolm4mfzrKr2m9Nnq3RC5EA2KQtZOOxXL0JlDobE5hfFkPt-5H0Y1-Qerrz3pAt0SvdZQeQFACA/s1600-h/Mens+room.htm">
Edge Designs is an all-women run company
That designs interior office space.. They had a
Recent opportunity to do an office project in
NYC.
The client allowed the women of this
Company a free hand in all design aspects.
The client was a company that was also
Run by all women execs...
The result...well...We all know that
Men never talk, never look at each other.
And never laugh much in the restroom...
The men's room is a serious and quiet place...
But now...with the addition of one mural
On the wall...let's just say the men's
Restroom is a place of laughter and smiles.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w8CkIo0iuSe-PcnBMaNbHIymSEhEKTprAOMYbjBfuILCjdUbcRLOChBsX7zbolm4mfzrKr2m9Nnq3RC5EA2KQtZOOxXL0JlDobE5hfFkPt-5H0Y1-Qerrz3pAt0SvdZQeQFACA/s1600-h/Mens+room.htm">
September 22, 2009
September 21, 2009
Memorial Tribute to "Shifty"
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7i-vOSC2Tl8hcs00gD1QxuZe5rTUIreYG73k4_mRHrs4OQ3guWsZYzg7JyvXSN4-NhAUNtq2xQQb6u-O7xJJOuBf1Q0kO4rqb0XgQQ2eu2Dysun7Fum0E0bvQkIebEK5CNAxpg/s1600-h/Shifty1.htm">
We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.
I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.
Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy
Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st
Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the
History Channel , you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10
episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2d1MeUj1zQgA8Yei6M-ixxzgPj7qDeSHaLM-MhuIZFORmJ4BP1STr1vtTWk2mFmvmtIpu4kh86bCUzxTjcvw0Az7HNXQSq8t_tDGPXshy0SYATA3wBCQBOU9FCEvz3czWfpQGg/s1600-h/Shifty2.htm">
I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't
know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having
trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was
at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle," the symbol of
the 101st Airborne, on his hat.
Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne
or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the
101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served,
and how many jumps he made.
Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so,
and was in until sometime in 1945 .. . . " at which point my heart
skipped.
At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training
jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know
where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.
I told him "yes, I know exactly where Normandy is, and I know what
D-Day was." At that point he said "I also made a second jump into
Holland , into Arnhem ." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . ..
and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of
D-Day..
I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France , and he said
"Yes. And it's real sad because, these days, so few of the guys are
left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart
was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.
I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in
Coach while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to
get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came
forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have
it, that I'd take his in coach.
He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are
still some who remember what we did and who still care is enough to
make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it.
And mine are brimming up now as I write this.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lKU63MLJrmcdVRHrrAYNLAPQVOO-zddEBphAGe0svhKowxC7sjypHQP0tpmUJD7jUN_9e4bfBw-bV5Ka3WmnLS0hTE3ddy5uMgs02XHX5j3PEEorCzlJlSbJZfJ_0uKcvmXq6g/s1600-h/Shifty3.htm">
Shifty died on June 17, 2009 after fighting cancer.
There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center .
No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that's not right.
Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet
way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.
Rest in peace, Shifty.
Chuck Yeager, Major Gen. [ret.]
We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.
I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.
Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy
Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st
Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the
History Channel , you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10
episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2d1MeUj1zQgA8Yei6M-ixxzgPj7qDeSHaLM-MhuIZFORmJ4BP1STr1vtTWk2mFmvmtIpu4kh86bCUzxTjcvw0Az7HNXQSq8t_tDGPXshy0SYATA3wBCQBOU9FCEvz3czWfpQGg/s1600-h/Shifty2.htm">
I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't
know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having
trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was
at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle," the symbol of
the 101st Airborne, on his hat.
Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne
or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the
101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served,
and how many jumps he made.
Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so,
and was in until sometime in 1945 .. . . " at which point my heart
skipped.
At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training
jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know
where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.
I told him "yes, I know exactly where Normandy is, and I know what
D-Day was." At that point he said "I also made a second jump into
Holland , into Arnhem ." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . ..
and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of
D-Day..
I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France , and he said
"Yes. And it's real sad because, these days, so few of the guys are
left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart
was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.
I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in
Coach while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to
get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came
forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have
it, that I'd take his in coach.
He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are
still some who remember what we did and who still care is enough to
make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it.
And mine are brimming up now as I write this.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lKU63MLJrmcdVRHrrAYNLAPQVOO-zddEBphAGe0svhKowxC7sjypHQP0tpmUJD7jUN_9e4bfBw-bV5Ka3WmnLS0hTE3ddy5uMgs02XHX5j3PEEorCzlJlSbJZfJ_0uKcvmXq6g/s1600-h/Shifty3.htm">
Shifty died on June 17, 2009 after fighting cancer.
There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center .
No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that's not right.
Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet
way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.
Rest in peace, Shifty.
Chuck Yeager, Major Gen. [ret.]
September 20, 2009
August 12, 2009
Some Levity Compliments of Craigslist
Ferocious Attack Kitten
Date: 2008-06-02, 7:10PM CDT
Ferocious attack kitten is available for adoption to any home willing to accept him.
This destructive kitty has been trained as a proud warrior and will fiercely defend your house, even against you. Well-trained since 10-weeks of age to attack anything in his presence, he will protect your family from evil things, including the following:
* insects
* other trained attack kittens
* babies
* toilet paper
* anything under a blanket
* unwanted house guests
* paper bags
* floor rugs
* Chuck Norris
* Feet.
Great with children (assuming you don't like the children). Probably best used for professional catfighting. He is housebroken, but only because he wants to be. This attack cat has trained himself to seek out his food anywhere you hide it and rip the bag open to feed himself, great for those who travel extensively. Also trained to drink water out of toilet bowls and dishwater from items in the sink. Knows how to open some doors. He will find you wherever you hide.
Neutered (trust me, you wont want him to procreate). Has not been declawed, but you'll figure that out really fast.
Understands and responds to a variety of vulgar and profane verbal commands. Has a very soft and furry belly, like a teddy bear - however he will bite your face if you try to touch it.
Willing to accept trades. Potential adopters must have experience with trained attack-kittens... please be prepared to show scars.
For the love of God, someone please take this thing out of my house.
I really miss my Streakie, who passed away one year ago, but don't think I'll adopt this one.
Date: 2008-06-02, 7:10PM CDT
Ferocious attack kitten is available for adoption to any home willing to accept him.
This destructive kitty has been trained as a proud warrior and will fiercely defend your house, even against you. Well-trained since 10-weeks of age to attack anything in his presence, he will protect your family from evil things, including the following:
* insects
* other trained attack kittens
* babies
* toilet paper
* anything under a blanket
* unwanted house guests
* paper bags
* floor rugs
* Chuck Norris
* Feet.
Great with children (assuming you don't like the children). Probably best used for professional catfighting. He is housebroken, but only because he wants to be. This attack cat has trained himself to seek out his food anywhere you hide it and rip the bag open to feed himself, great for those who travel extensively. Also trained to drink water out of toilet bowls and dishwater from items in the sink. Knows how to open some doors. He will find you wherever you hide.
Neutered (trust me, you wont want him to procreate). Has not been declawed, but you'll figure that out really fast.
Understands and responds to a variety of vulgar and profane verbal commands. Has a very soft and furry belly, like a teddy bear - however he will bite your face if you try to touch it.
Willing to accept trades. Potential adopters must have experience with trained attack-kittens... please be prepared to show scars.
For the love of God, someone please take this thing out of my house.
I really miss my Streakie, who passed away one year ago, but don't think I'll adopt this one.
August 07, 2009
Original Homeland Security
My ancestors--the ones who didn't come from Europe. This is what happens if immigration isn't controlled.
June 18, 2009
The World's Shortest Books:
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY COUNTRY
by Jane Fonda & Cindy Sheehan.
Illustrated by Michael Moore
________________________________________
MY CHRISTIAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS &
HOW I HELPED AFTER KATRINA
by Rev Jesse Jackson & Rev Al Sharpton
_______________________________________
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BILL by Hillary Clinton
________________________________
Sequel:
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HILLARY
By Bill Clinton
___________________________________
MY LITTLE BOOK OF PERSONAL HYGIENE
by Osama Bin Laden
___________________________________
THINGS I CANNOT AFFORD
by Bill Gates
____________________________________
THINGS I WOULD NOT DO FOR MONEY
by Dennis Rodman
_________________________________
THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE
by Al Gore & John Kerry
_______________________________________
AMELIA EARHART'S GUIDE TO THE PACIFIC
___________________________________
A COLLECTION of
MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHES
by Dr. J Kevorkian
__________________________________
ALL THE MEN I HAVE LOVED BEFORE
by Ellen de Generes & Rosie O'Donnel
___________________________________
GUIDE TO DATING ETIQUETTE
by Mike Tyson
_________________________________
THE AMISH PHONE DIRECTORY
________________________________
MY PLAN TO FIND THE REAL KILLERS
by O.J. Simpson
_________________________________________
HOW TO DRINK & DRIVE OVER BRIDGES
by Ted Kennedy
___________________________________
MY BOOK OF MORALS
by Bill Clinton
with introduction by The Rev. Jesse Jackson
*******************************************************
AND, JUST ADDED:
Complete Knowledge of Military Strategy!
By Nancy Pelosi
____________________________________________
HOW TO SAVE AMERICA FROM THE FASCISTS WITHIN
By President Barack Obama
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY COUNTRY
by Jane Fonda & Cindy Sheehan.
Illustrated by Michael Moore
________________________________________
MY CHRISTIAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS &
HOW I HELPED AFTER KATRINA
by Rev Jesse Jackson & Rev Al Sharpton
_______________________________________
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BILL by Hillary Clinton
________________________________
Sequel:
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HILLARY
By Bill Clinton
___________________________________
MY LITTLE BOOK OF PERSONAL HYGIENE
by Osama Bin Laden
___________________________________
THINGS I CANNOT AFFORD
by Bill Gates
____________________________________
THINGS I WOULD NOT DO FOR MONEY
by Dennis Rodman
_________________________________
THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE
by Al Gore & John Kerry
_______________________________________
AMELIA EARHART'S GUIDE TO THE PACIFIC
___________________________________
A COLLECTION of
MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHES
by Dr. J Kevorkian
__________________________________
ALL THE MEN I HAVE LOVED BEFORE
by Ellen de Generes & Rosie O'Donnel
___________________________________
GUIDE TO DATING ETIQUETTE
by Mike Tyson
_________________________________
THE AMISH PHONE DIRECTORY
________________________________
MY PLAN TO FIND THE REAL KILLERS
by O.J. Simpson
_________________________________________
HOW TO DRINK & DRIVE OVER BRIDGES
by Ted Kennedy
___________________________________
MY BOOK OF MORALS
by Bill Clinton
with introduction by The Rev. Jesse Jackson
*******************************************************
AND, JUST ADDED:
Complete Knowledge of Military Strategy!
By Nancy Pelosi
____________________________________________
HOW TO SAVE AMERICA FROM THE FASCISTS WITHIN
By President Barack Obama
May 12, 2009
99 Quotes to Curdle Your Blood
1. A government which robs Peter to pay Paul, can always count on the support of Paul.“ George Bernard Shaw
2. America needs fewer laws, not more prisons.“ James Bovard
3. War is just one more big government program.“ Joseph Sobran
4. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.“ John Adams (1814)
5. They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.“ Benjamin Franklin
6. One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that the evils in this world are to be cured by legislation.“ Thomas B. Reed (1886)
7. If you are not free to choose wrongly and irresponsibly, you are not free at all.“ Jacob Hornberger (1995)
8. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.“ P.J. O’Rourke
9. The more corrupt the state, the more it legislates.“ Tacitus
10. Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.“ George Washington
11. No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.“ Mark Twain (1866)
12. There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.“ Robert Heinlein
13. The true danger is when Liberty is nibbled away, for expedients.“ Edmund Burke (1899)
14. Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.“ Thomas Jefferson
15. The triumph of persuasion over force is the sign of a civilized society.“ Mark Skousen
16. A wise and frugal government which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.“ Thomas Jefferson (1801)
17. The evils of tyranny are rarely seen but by him who resists it.“ John Hay (1872)
18. Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.“ James Bovard (1994)
19. The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.“ Thomas Jefferson
20. Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of Liberty.“ Thomas Jefferson
21. None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.“ Goethe
22. When the government’s boot is on your throat, whether it is a left boot or a right boot is of no consequence.“ Gary Lloyd
23. Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under.“ H.L. Mencken
24. The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule.“ H.L. Mencken
25. It is not the business of government to make men virtuous or religious, or to preserve the fool from the consequences of his own folly. Government should be repressive no further than is necessary to secure liberty by protecting the equal rights of each from aggression on the part of others, and the moment governmental prohibitions extend beyond this line they are in danger of defeating the very ends they are intended to serve.“ Henry George
26. Where morality is present, laws are unnecessary. Without morality, laws are unenforceable.“ Anonymous
27. Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.“ Barry Goldwater (1964)
28. Liberty is not a means to a political end. It is itself the highest political end.“ Lord Acton
29. The power to tax is the power to destroy.“ John Marshall
30. [On ancient Athens]: In the end, more than freedom, they wanted security. They wanted a comfortable life, and they lost it all security, comfort, and freedom. When the Athenians finally wanted not to give to society but for society to give to them, when the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.“ Edward Gibbon
31. Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.“ C. S. Lewis
32. Vices are simply the errors which a man makes in his search after his own happiness. Unlike crimes, they imply no malice toward others, and no interference with their persons or property.“ Lysander Spooner
33. In order to get power and retain it, it is necessary to love power; but love of power is not connected with goodness but with qualities that are the opposite of goodness, such as pride, cunning, and cruelty.“ Leo Tolstoy
34. There’s no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren’t enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible to live without breaking laws.“ Ayn Rand
35. If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains set lightly upon you; and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.“ Samuel Adams
36. If a nation values anything more than freedom, it will lose its freedom; and the irony of it is that if it is comfort or money that it values more, it will lose that, too.“ Somerset Maugham
37. A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until a majority of voters discover that they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury.“ Alexander Tytler
38. A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.“ G. Gordon Liddy
39. The United States is a nation of laws, badly written and randomly enforced.“ Frank Zappa
40. Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women. When it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.“ Justice Learned Hand
41. It is sobering to reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence.“ Charles A. Beard
42. A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.“ Edward R. Murrow
43. The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.“ Thomas Jefferson (1781)
44. The desire to rule is the mother of heresies.“ St. John Chrysostom
45. Can our form of government, our system of justice, survive if one can be denied a freedom because he might abuse it?“ Harlon Carter
46. It is not the responsibility of the government or the legal system to protect a citizen from himself.“ Justice Casey Percell
47. No one can read our Constitution without concluding that the people who wrote it wanted their government severely limited; the words “no” and “not” employed in restraint of government power occur 24 times in the first seven articles of the Constitution and 22 more times in the Bill of Rights.“ Edmund A. Opitz
48. The government was set to protect man from criminals and the Constitution was written to protect man from the government.“ Ayn Rand
49. The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.“ Mark Twain
50. What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.“ Edward Langley
51. I believe that every individual is naturally entitled to do as he pleases with himself and the fruits of his labor, so far as it in no way interferes with any other men’s rights.“ Abraham Lincoln
52. Those who expect to reap the benefits of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.“ Thomas Paine
53. Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.“ Harry Emerson Fosdick
54. The state in which the rulers are the most reluctant to govern is always the best and most quietly governed; and the state in which they are the most eager, the worst.“ Anonymous
55. It is much more important to kill bad bills than to pass good ones.“ Calvin Coolidge
56. To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.“ Thomas Jefferson
57. It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.“ Voltaire
58. The war for freedom will never really be won because the price of our freedom is constant vigilance over ourselves and over our Government.“ Eleanor Roosevelt
59. Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.“ Herbert Hoover
60. Give me liberty or give me death!“ Patrick Henry
61. First they came for the Jews, but I did nothing because I’m not a Jew. Then they came for the socialists, but I did nothing because I’m not a socialist. Then they came for the Catholics, but I did nothing because I’m not a Catholic. Finally, they came for me, but by then there was no one left to help me.“ Pastor Father Niemoller (1946)
62. Government at its best is a necessary evil, and at its worst, an intolerant one.“ Thomas Paine
63. There’s never been a good government.“ Emma Goldman
64. We must have government, but we must watch them like a hawk.“ Millicent Fenwick (1983)
65. Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.“ Montesquieu
66. A little government and a little luck are necessary in life, but only a fool trusts either of them.“ P. J. O’Rourke
67. Government never furthered any enterprise but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way.“ Henry David Thoreau
68. Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.“ Mark Twain
69. There is no distinctly native American criminal class save Congress.“ Mark Twain
70. Talk is cheap except when Congress does it.“ Cullen Hightower
71. You cannot adopt politics as a profession and remain honest.“ Ambrose Gwinett Bierce
72. [Political] offices are as acceptable here as elsewhere, and whenever a man cast a longing eye on them, a rottenness begins in his conduct.“ Thomas Jefferson (1799)
73. The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it’s so rare.“ Daniel Patrick Moynihan (1976)
74. The most fundamental purpose of government is defense, not empire.“ Joseph Sobran (1995)
75. Governments harangue about deficits to get more revenue so they can spend more.“ Allan H. Meltzer (1993)
76. When important issues affecting the life of an individual are decided by somebody else, it makes no difference to the individual whether that somebody else is a king, a dictator, or society at large.“ James Taggart (1992)
77. No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we’re looking for the sources of our troubles, we shouldn’t test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed, and love of power.“ P. J. O’Rourke (1992)
78. Here’s your enemy for this week, the government says. And some gullible Americans click their heels and salute often without knowing who or even where the enemy of the week is.“ Charley Reese (1998)
79. The great virtue of a free market system is that it does not care what color people are; it does not care what their religion is; it only cares whether they can produce something you want to buy. It is the most effective system we have discovered to enable people who hate one another to deal with one another and help one another.“ Milton Friedman
80. The best government is the one that charges you the least blackmail for leaving you alone.“ Thomas Rudmose-Brown (1996)
81. If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it’s free.“ P.J. O’Rourke (1993)
82. The Government is like a baby’s alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other.“ Ronald Reagan
83. Americans have the right and advantage of being armed unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.“ James Madison
84. The whole of the Bill [of Rights] is a declaration of the right of the people at large or considered as individuals¦ It establishes some rights of the individual as unalienable and which consequently, no majority has a right to deprive them of.“ Albert Gallatin (1789)
85. The Constitution shall never be construed¦ to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.“ Samuel Adams
86. I should have loved freedom, I believe, at all times, but in the time in which we live I am ready to worship it.“ Alexis De Toqueville
87. I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.“ Thomas Jefferson (1800)
88. I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy, but that could change.“ Al Gore
89. If you have ten thousand regulations, you destroy all respect for the law.“ Winston Churchill
90. Tyranny is always better organized than freedom.“ Charles Peguy
91. The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.“ George Washington
92. A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer’s hand.“ Lucius Annaeus Seneca, c. 4BC - 65AD.
93. He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.“ the Bible, Luke 22:36
94. Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest.“ Mahatma Gandhi, in Gandhi, An Autobiography, p. 446
95. Whenever is found what is called a paternal government, there is found state education. It has been discovered that the best way to ensure implicit obedience is to commence tyranny in the nursery.“ Benjamin Disraeli, 1874
96. These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.“ UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 29(3).
97. The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery.“ Winston Churchill
98. There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences.“ P.J. O’Rourke (1993)
99. Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.“ Ronald Reagan (1986)
2. America needs fewer laws, not more prisons.“ James Bovard
3. War is just one more big government program.“ Joseph Sobran
4. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.“ John Adams (1814)
5. They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.“ Benjamin Franklin
6. One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that the evils in this world are to be cured by legislation.“ Thomas B. Reed (1886)
7. If you are not free to choose wrongly and irresponsibly, you are not free at all.“ Jacob Hornberger (1995)
8. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.“ P.J. O’Rourke
9. The more corrupt the state, the more it legislates.“ Tacitus
10. Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.“ George Washington
11. No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.“ Mark Twain (1866)
12. There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.“ Robert Heinlein
13. The true danger is when Liberty is nibbled away, for expedients.“ Edmund Burke (1899)
14. Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.“ Thomas Jefferson
15. The triumph of persuasion over force is the sign of a civilized society.“ Mark Skousen
16. A wise and frugal government which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.“ Thomas Jefferson (1801)
17. The evils of tyranny are rarely seen but by him who resists it.“ John Hay (1872)
18. Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.“ James Bovard (1994)
19. The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.“ Thomas Jefferson
20. Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of Liberty.“ Thomas Jefferson
21. None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.“ Goethe
22. When the government’s boot is on your throat, whether it is a left boot or a right boot is of no consequence.“ Gary Lloyd
23. Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under.“ H.L. Mencken
24. The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule.“ H.L. Mencken
25. It is not the business of government to make men virtuous or religious, or to preserve the fool from the consequences of his own folly. Government should be repressive no further than is necessary to secure liberty by protecting the equal rights of each from aggression on the part of others, and the moment governmental prohibitions extend beyond this line they are in danger of defeating the very ends they are intended to serve.“ Henry George
26. Where morality is present, laws are unnecessary. Without morality, laws are unenforceable.“ Anonymous
27. Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.“ Barry Goldwater (1964)
28. Liberty is not a means to a political end. It is itself the highest political end.“ Lord Acton
29. The power to tax is the power to destroy.“ John Marshall
30. [On ancient Athens]: In the end, more than freedom, they wanted security. They wanted a comfortable life, and they lost it all security, comfort, and freedom. When the Athenians finally wanted not to give to society but for society to give to them, when the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.“ Edward Gibbon
31. Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.“ C. S. Lewis
32. Vices are simply the errors which a man makes in his search after his own happiness. Unlike crimes, they imply no malice toward others, and no interference with their persons or property.“ Lysander Spooner
33. In order to get power and retain it, it is necessary to love power; but love of power is not connected with goodness but with qualities that are the opposite of goodness, such as pride, cunning, and cruelty.“ Leo Tolstoy
34. There’s no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren’t enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible to live without breaking laws.“ Ayn Rand
35. If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains set lightly upon you; and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.“ Samuel Adams
36. If a nation values anything more than freedom, it will lose its freedom; and the irony of it is that if it is comfort or money that it values more, it will lose that, too.“ Somerset Maugham
37. A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until a majority of voters discover that they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury.“ Alexander Tytler
38. A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.“ G. Gordon Liddy
39. The United States is a nation of laws, badly written and randomly enforced.“ Frank Zappa
40. Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women. When it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.“ Justice Learned Hand
41. It is sobering to reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence.“ Charles A. Beard
42. A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.“ Edward R. Murrow
43. The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.“ Thomas Jefferson (1781)
44. The desire to rule is the mother of heresies.“ St. John Chrysostom
45. Can our form of government, our system of justice, survive if one can be denied a freedom because he might abuse it?“ Harlon Carter
46. It is not the responsibility of the government or the legal system to protect a citizen from himself.“ Justice Casey Percell
47. No one can read our Constitution without concluding that the people who wrote it wanted their government severely limited; the words “no” and “not” employed in restraint of government power occur 24 times in the first seven articles of the Constitution and 22 more times in the Bill of Rights.“ Edmund A. Opitz
48. The government was set to protect man from criminals and the Constitution was written to protect man from the government.“ Ayn Rand
49. The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.“ Mark Twain
50. What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.“ Edward Langley
51. I believe that every individual is naturally entitled to do as he pleases with himself and the fruits of his labor, so far as it in no way interferes with any other men’s rights.“ Abraham Lincoln
52. Those who expect to reap the benefits of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.“ Thomas Paine
53. Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.“ Harry Emerson Fosdick
54. The state in which the rulers are the most reluctant to govern is always the best and most quietly governed; and the state in which they are the most eager, the worst.“ Anonymous
55. It is much more important to kill bad bills than to pass good ones.“ Calvin Coolidge
56. To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.“ Thomas Jefferson
57. It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.“ Voltaire
58. The war for freedom will never really be won because the price of our freedom is constant vigilance over ourselves and over our Government.“ Eleanor Roosevelt
59. Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.“ Herbert Hoover
60. Give me liberty or give me death!“ Patrick Henry
61. First they came for the Jews, but I did nothing because I’m not a Jew. Then they came for the socialists, but I did nothing because I’m not a socialist. Then they came for the Catholics, but I did nothing because I’m not a Catholic. Finally, they came for me, but by then there was no one left to help me.“ Pastor Father Niemoller (1946)
62. Government at its best is a necessary evil, and at its worst, an intolerant one.“ Thomas Paine
63. There’s never been a good government.“ Emma Goldman
64. We must have government, but we must watch them like a hawk.“ Millicent Fenwick (1983)
65. Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.“ Montesquieu
66. A little government and a little luck are necessary in life, but only a fool trusts either of them.“ P. J. O’Rourke
67. Government never furthered any enterprise but by the alacrity with which it got out of its way.“ Henry David Thoreau
68. Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.“ Mark Twain
69. There is no distinctly native American criminal class save Congress.“ Mark Twain
70. Talk is cheap except when Congress does it.“ Cullen Hightower
71. You cannot adopt politics as a profession and remain honest.“ Ambrose Gwinett Bierce
72. [Political] offices are as acceptable here as elsewhere, and whenever a man cast a longing eye on them, a rottenness begins in his conduct.“ Thomas Jefferson (1799)
73. The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it’s so rare.“ Daniel Patrick Moynihan (1976)
74. The most fundamental purpose of government is defense, not empire.“ Joseph Sobran (1995)
75. Governments harangue about deficits to get more revenue so they can spend more.“ Allan H. Meltzer (1993)
76. When important issues affecting the life of an individual are decided by somebody else, it makes no difference to the individual whether that somebody else is a king, a dictator, or society at large.“ James Taggart (1992)
77. No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we’re looking for the sources of our troubles, we shouldn’t test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed, and love of power.“ P. J. O’Rourke (1992)
78. Here’s your enemy for this week, the government says. And some gullible Americans click their heels and salute often without knowing who or even where the enemy of the week is.“ Charley Reese (1998)
79. The great virtue of a free market system is that it does not care what color people are; it does not care what their religion is; it only cares whether they can produce something you want to buy. It is the most effective system we have discovered to enable people who hate one another to deal with one another and help one another.“ Milton Friedman
80. The best government is the one that charges you the least blackmail for leaving you alone.“ Thomas Rudmose-Brown (1996)
81. If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it’s free.“ P.J. O’Rourke (1993)
82. The Government is like a baby’s alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other.“ Ronald Reagan
83. Americans have the right and advantage of being armed unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.“ James Madison
84. The whole of the Bill [of Rights] is a declaration of the right of the people at large or considered as individuals¦ It establishes some rights of the individual as unalienable and which consequently, no majority has a right to deprive them of.“ Albert Gallatin (1789)
85. The Constitution shall never be construed¦ to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.“ Samuel Adams
86. I should have loved freedom, I believe, at all times, but in the time in which we live I am ready to worship it.“ Alexis De Toqueville
87. I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.“ Thomas Jefferson (1800)
88. I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy, but that could change.“ Al Gore
89. If you have ten thousand regulations, you destroy all respect for the law.“ Winston Churchill
90. Tyranny is always better organized than freedom.“ Charles Peguy
91. The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.“ George Washington
92. A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer’s hand.“ Lucius Annaeus Seneca, c. 4BC - 65AD.
93. He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.“ the Bible, Luke 22:36
94. Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest.“ Mahatma Gandhi, in Gandhi, An Autobiography, p. 446
95. Whenever is found what is called a paternal government, there is found state education. It has been discovered that the best way to ensure implicit obedience is to commence tyranny in the nursery.“ Benjamin Disraeli, 1874
96. These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.“ UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 29(3).
97. The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery.“ Winston Churchill
98. There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences.“ P.J. O’Rourke (1993)
99. Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.“ Ronald Reagan (1986)
May 04, 2009
Some Things Never Change
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4k2qYvX8XY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4k2qYvX8XY For your own copy of this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4k2qYvX8XY For your own copy of this.
April 14, 2009
Active Voice vs Passive Voice
A whole month without posting here. My friend, writer Dina Malki, emailed to ask how I was and made the comment that my blogs hadn't been updated in awhile. My deepest apologies. I'm still recuperating from spine surgery, but have also been dealing with compromised bank and credit card accounts, having fun with visiting grandchildren, visiting with out of state grandchildren (now that I can drive again!), painting, and writing fiction again - thanks to my group at the Ohio Writers Guild.
While catching up on email, the following was posted at Yahoo group Freelance Writers and Editors as part of an active/passive voice discussion. I thought it helpful, especially to those of us who enhance our income writing AP style but also write fiction.
"We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until we move from the passive voice to the active voice - that is, until we have stopped saying 'It got lost,' and say, 'I lost it.'" - Sydney J. Harris, journalist (1917-1986)
Follow me on Twitter! www.twitter.com/lindajhutchinso
While catching up on email, the following was posted at Yahoo group Freelance Writers and Editors as part of an active/passive voice discussion. I thought it helpful, especially to those of us who enhance our income writing AP style but also write fiction.
"We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until we move from the passive voice to the active voice - that is, until we have stopped saying 'It got lost,' and say, 'I lost it.'" - Sydney J. Harris, journalist (1917-1986)
Follow me on Twitter! www.twitter.com/lindajhutchinso
March 11, 2009
Ohhh, the suspense...
Appointment this afternoon with very cool dude neurosurgeon. Will he allow me to drive today - or won't he? Will I be cleared for take off (of neck brace)? Will he notice my weight loss? (14 lbs so far!) Will hubby take me out for a really good salad after seeing doc?
I have enough suspense/conflict/story arcs in my life today to dispense with reading the badly edited book I'm reviewing. Sounds like a good excuse to paint!
Completed this one yesterday:
The photo. 
The painting.
More paintings are available on my website: www.lindajhutchinson.com Select either button at the front door and then select the "Linda's Paintings" button.
I have enough suspense/conflict/story arcs in my life today to dispense with reading the badly edited book I'm reviewing. Sounds like a good excuse to paint!
Completed this one yesterday:
The photo. 
The painting.More paintings are available on my website: www.lindajhutchinson.com Select either button at the front door and then select the "Linda's Paintings" button.
March 04, 2009
New Photo
Thought I'd give my blog a little more polished look with a new photo of me in a suit rather than a T-shirt. The photo is the best we could do considering I had to take my neck brace off to have it taken. Think it's an improvement - or does it just make me look two years (?) older than the last photo did?
(Please be kind - putting on makeup and brushing my hair are a big whoppin' deal following spine surgery.)
Actually, I needed to send a new photo to a features writer in Dubai who interviewed me for a story she's writing for a flight magazine. Any excuse is a good excuse I suppose. HARO rocks!
Okay, off to my little oil painting corner. Should have some photos of my paintings up this weekend at the website. I'll be announcing it loudly when that happens. Need to complete 2.5 paintings per week to stay on goal for the local festival. And I MUST also stay on top of my writing goals. And take naps as needed, per doctor's orders.
(Please be kind - putting on makeup and brushing my hair are a big whoppin' deal following spine surgery.)
Actually, I needed to send a new photo to a features writer in Dubai who interviewed me for a story she's writing for a flight magazine. Any excuse is a good excuse I suppose. HARO rocks!
Okay, off to my little oil painting corner. Should have some photos of my paintings up this weekend at the website. I'll be announcing it loudly when that happens. Need to complete 2.5 paintings per week to stay on goal for the local festival. And I MUST also stay on top of my writing goals. And take naps as needed, per doctor's orders.
February 26, 2009
Publicist Sandra Beckwith's Quotes and Info For Writers
Sandra Beckwith puts out a quality newsletter twice per month to help writers promote their books, appropriately titled Build Book Buzz. She also provides potential ideas for books.
A former publicist, Sandra knows the ins and outs of the publishing industry.
The current newsletter features NYT bestselling author John Scalzi, who is also gearing up to build his Big Idea Authors website - opening on my birthday, April 20th. Take a look to see if you're interested in being interviewed or showcased.
"Build Book Buzz is a free e-newsletter published monthly by
Beckwith Communications, www.buildbookbuzz.com. Please forward
this newsletter to anyone. To subscribe, visit
www.buildbookbuzz.com. We do not share our mailing list with any
individual or organization for any reason."
I wouldn't recommend any site that sells, or rents, or distributes, or shares, their mailing list. That's a spammer's network. I won't promote spamming. Ever. (It's akin to my loyalty to Ann Landers - who hated having drop-in company as much as I did - and do.)
Sandra has an interesting survey going on, but it closes on March 1st. If you'd like to take part, time is running out.
Check it out and then drop me an email at linda at lindajhutchinson dot com to let me know what you think. Or leave a comment here.
Are you interested in reading about other sites on my recommended list? Let me know what you're looking for and I'll find it.
A former publicist, Sandra knows the ins and outs of the publishing industry.
The current newsletter features NYT bestselling author John Scalzi, who is also gearing up to build his Big Idea Authors website - opening on my birthday, April 20th. Take a look to see if you're interested in being interviewed or showcased.
"Build Book Buzz is a free e-newsletter published monthly by
Beckwith Communications, www.buildbookbuzz.com. Please forward
this newsletter to anyone. To subscribe, visit
www.buildbookbuzz.com. We do not share our mailing list with any
individual or organization for any reason."
I wouldn't recommend any site that sells, or rents, or distributes, or shares, their mailing list. That's a spammer's network. I won't promote spamming. Ever. (It's akin to my loyalty to Ann Landers - who hated having drop-in company as much as I did - and do.)
Sandra has an interesting survey going on, but it closes on March 1st. If you'd like to take part, time is running out.
Check it out and then drop me an email at linda at lindajhutchinson dot com to let me know what you think. Or leave a comment here.
Are you interested in reading about other sites on my recommended list? Let me know what you're looking for and I'll find it.
February 24, 2009
Waiting, waiting, panic?
I'm under contract to produce an article about heavy equipment/major construction every 4th Friday of the year. That's 13 articles per year for one publication. During most of the year, finding interesting projects in the state of Ohio is a snap. I get all the updates from all 12 ODOT districts. I've also gotten to know the media relations folks at most of the major road and bridge-building construction companies.
However... December, January, and February are very tough months. The weather is so bad that not much is going on major-project wise. Except for hubby's projects - which don't fit this magazine's criteria.
Dear Husband just completed a drug store that normally takes 8 months. He did it in 4 1/2 months - during the harshest months of the year.
How? We're from the rainy side of Washington state. He knows how to pour concrete in the rain and snow and freezing temperatures. He knows how to get roofs on in the rain and snow. He knows how to get asphalt laid in miserable weather. The only thing that's slowed him down was getting the 2-inch thick layer of ice to melt so he could have the parking lot striped for parking stalls.
If only I could cover his project I wouldn't be in a panic about Friday's article. I still don't have a subject project. Still waiting for emails to come in from the wonderful people in the public information offices at ODOT. They truly are quite wonderful to work with. And they always come through.
Okay then. Since I'm waiting for emails, I think I'll head back to my little "art corner" to see if I can complete an oil painting that was started yesterday. To hear more about yesterday's fiasco, check out Living With Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis.
However... December, January, and February are very tough months. The weather is so bad that not much is going on major-project wise. Except for hubby's projects - which don't fit this magazine's criteria.
Dear Husband just completed a drug store that normally takes 8 months. He did it in 4 1/2 months - during the harshest months of the year.
How? We're from the rainy side of Washington state. He knows how to pour concrete in the rain and snow and freezing temperatures. He knows how to get roofs on in the rain and snow. He knows how to get asphalt laid in miserable weather. The only thing that's slowed him down was getting the 2-inch thick layer of ice to melt so he could have the parking lot striped for parking stalls.
If only I could cover his project I wouldn't be in a panic about Friday's article. I still don't have a subject project. Still waiting for emails to come in from the wonderful people in the public information offices at ODOT. They truly are quite wonderful to work with. And they always come through.
Okay then. Since I'm waiting for emails, I think I'll head back to my little "art corner" to see if I can complete an oil painting that was started yesterday. To hear more about yesterday's fiasco, check out Living With Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis.
February 20, 2009
What have we learned in 2,063 years?
So what have we learned in 2,063 years ?
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."
- Cicero - 55 BC
Apparently, not much...
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."
- Cicero - 55 BC
Apparently, not much...
February 18, 2009
I've been AWOL
I've been AWOL from blogging and social media for the past week and a half while I catch up on housework, update my website and store, and gear up for next week's writing deadlines.
My paints and canvasses are spread out all over the "art corner" in the guest room - ready for me to get busy getting ready for the Obetz Zucchini Festival in August. I'm hoping to have 50 oil paintings and other artwork available in my booth. We'll see how that goes... Nope. It's on my goal list, so it will happen.
Today is my 2 month post-surgery checkup. If my Very Cool Dude neurosurgeon doesn't reinstate my driving privileges, he will be reduced to just "neurosurgeon". UGH! I so badly want to go somewhere by myself. Almost anywhere. Note that I said "almost". Hubby and son have been wonderful about getting me out of the house, but...
I've dropped 11 pounds since surgery. Not so easy to do while in a neck brace 24/7, but it's getting done. Keeping a food/calorie/fat diary is the ticket for me. Once it's in black and white I can't lie to myself about how much I ingest. It's so much easier these days, now that foods are pre-packaged and calorically categorized for us. Yep. Those preservatives and fat substitutes are just yummy. Great for our innards, too. Uh-huh.
I ache to make bread from honest-to-goodness quality, natural, whole, substances. Problem is, I don't know how to make less than 5 loaves at a time. I use molasses to help cut the fat, but it adds calories. The kneading part might be a bit tricky too.
Maybe I'll wait a couple of weeks before testing those new parts in my neck.
My paints and canvasses are spread out all over the "art corner" in the guest room - ready for me to get busy getting ready for the Obetz Zucchini Festival in August. I'm hoping to have 50 oil paintings and other artwork available in my booth. We'll see how that goes... Nope. It's on my goal list, so it will happen.
Today is my 2 month post-surgery checkup. If my Very Cool Dude neurosurgeon doesn't reinstate my driving privileges, he will be reduced to just "neurosurgeon". UGH! I so badly want to go somewhere by myself. Almost anywhere. Note that I said "almost". Hubby and son have been wonderful about getting me out of the house, but...
I've dropped 11 pounds since surgery. Not so easy to do while in a neck brace 24/7, but it's getting done. Keeping a food/calorie/fat diary is the ticket for me. Once it's in black and white I can't lie to myself about how much I ingest. It's so much easier these days, now that foods are pre-packaged and calorically categorized for us. Yep. Those preservatives and fat substitutes are just yummy. Great for our innards, too. Uh-huh.
I ache to make bread from honest-to-goodness quality, natural, whole, substances. Problem is, I don't know how to make less than 5 loaves at a time. I use molasses to help cut the fat, but it adds calories. The kneading part might be a bit tricky too.
Maybe I'll wait a couple of weeks before testing those new parts in my neck.
February 09, 2009
Almost Great-Grandparents...
Our oldest granddaughter has posted a new entry at MySpace. She, hubby Brad (and her dad), are at the hospital in Seattle awaiting the birth of their first baby - SIL's first grandchild, our first great-grandchild. Whew! I'm here in Ohio meditating, and sending positive thought waves across the continent reminding her to breathe.
Before trying the math on this, one must remember that my family has been blended, stirred, and whirled through a cyclone. We've been blessed with several ready-made miracles as grandchildren. Tosh is our oldest grandchild, but wasn't our first.
Meanwhile, our daughter in KY has survived the ice and snow storm that according to Kentucky's governor was "the worst natural disaster to hit Kentucky in its recorded history". With 5 kids. They lost power for over a week at their home. They lost everything in the refrigerator and freezer. They had water coming into the house. Thankfully no pipes burst...
They were fortunate(?) in that their rental house was empty and it only lost power for a few hours. They hauled the microwave, mattresses, and shampoo/toothbrushes/toothpaste down the hill to it, where they stayed for a week. Schools were closed. Daycare was closed. Obviously, daughter missed a week of work.
Daughter is hoping our new baby enters the world soon so her hubby, the expectant new grandpa, will fly home. Their kidlets, besides the one giving birth, are 20, 14, 8, 5, and 2. She has her hands full.
There are always two sides to the story. I understand both.
Before trying the math on this, one must remember that my family has been blended, stirred, and whirled through a cyclone. We've been blessed with several ready-made miracles as grandchildren. Tosh is our oldest grandchild, but wasn't our first.
Meanwhile, our daughter in KY has survived the ice and snow storm that according to Kentucky's governor was "the worst natural disaster to hit Kentucky in its recorded history". With 5 kids. They lost power for over a week at their home. They lost everything in the refrigerator and freezer. They had water coming into the house. Thankfully no pipes burst...
They were fortunate(?) in that their rental house was empty and it only lost power for a few hours. They hauled the microwave, mattresses, and shampoo/toothbrushes/toothpaste down the hill to it, where they stayed for a week. Schools were closed. Daycare was closed. Obviously, daughter missed a week of work.
Daughter is hoping our new baby enters the world soon so her hubby, the expectant new grandpa, will fly home. Their kidlets, besides the one giving birth, are 20, 14, 8, 5, and 2. She has her hands full.
There are always two sides to the story. I understand both.
February 08, 2009
The Little RED Hen, Revisited
"Who will help me plant the wheat"? asked the Little Red Hen.
"Not I," said the cow.
"Not I," said the duck.
"Not I," said the pig.
"Not I," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did. The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.
"Who will help me reap my wheat?" asked the little red hen.
"Not I," said the duck..
"Out of my classification," said the pig.
"I'd lose my seniority," said the cow.
"I'd lose my unemployment compensation," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did.
At last it came time to bake the bread. "Who will help me bake the bread?" asked the little red hen.
"That would be overtime for me," said the cow.
"I'd lose my welfare benefits," said the duck.
"I'm a dropout and never learned how," said the pig.
"If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen. She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, "No, I shall eat all five loaves."
"Excess profits!" cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi?)
"Capitalist leech!" screamed the duck. (Barbara Boxer?)
"I demand equal rights!" yelled the goose. (Jesse Jackson?)
The pig just grunted in disdain. (Ted Kennedy?)
And they all painted 'Unfair!'picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.
Then the farmer (Obama) came. He said to the little red hen, "You must not be so greedy."
"But I earned the bread," said the little red hen.
"Exactly," said Barack the farmer. "That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle."
And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, "I am grateful, for now I truly understand."
But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all the Democrats smiled.
'Fairness' had been established.
Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared, so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for.
EPILOGUE:
Bill Clinton got $12 million for his memoirs.
Hillary got $8 million for hers.
That's $20 million for the memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.
IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?
(I didn't write this, but sure wish I had. It's a great history lesson. If you know who wrote this parody/parable, please have them contact me for proper attribution.)
"Not I," said the cow.
"Not I," said the duck.
"Not I," said the pig.
"Not I," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did. The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.
"Who will help me reap my wheat?" asked the little red hen.
"Not I," said the duck..
"Out of my classification," said the pig.
"I'd lose my seniority," said the cow.
"I'd lose my unemployment compensation," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did.
At last it came time to bake the bread. "Who will help me bake the bread?" asked the little red hen.
"That would be overtime for me," said the cow.
"I'd lose my welfare benefits," said the duck.
"I'm a dropout and never learned how," said the pig.
"If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen. She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, "No, I shall eat all five loaves."
"Excess profits!" cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi?)
"Capitalist leech!" screamed the duck. (Barbara Boxer?)
"I demand equal rights!" yelled the goose. (Jesse Jackson?)
The pig just grunted in disdain. (Ted Kennedy?)
And they all painted 'Unfair!'picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.
Then the farmer (Obama) came. He said to the little red hen, "You must not be so greedy."
"But I earned the bread," said the little red hen.
"Exactly," said Barack the farmer. "That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle."
And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, "I am grateful, for now I truly understand."
But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all the Democrats smiled.
'Fairness' had been established.
Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared, so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for.
EPILOGUE:
Bill Clinton got $12 million for his memoirs.
Hillary got $8 million for hers.
That's $20 million for the memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.
IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?
(I didn't write this, but sure wish I had. It's a great history lesson. If you know who wrote this parody/parable, please have them contact me for proper attribution.)
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