Booms, Busts, and Better Days

I can't help myself. About once a week, I read a collective group of various articles that have been written in the course of a week to compare what the media is recommending that we do, financially. My, personal thought is this, the recession in all likelihood will end in a depression. Considering the inflation our government is creating right now, we've basically got no place to go but down. Since the housing market has crashed . . . or has it? The stock market is supposedly rebounding after most of the moderate investors lost and got out, so now Wall Street has been repossessed by the wealthy, can they sustain it without us? Actually, they don't have to depend upon moderate to upper middle class income for investors, they get our tax dollars, so we're still investing, there are just no dividends. Maybe this will work for Wall Street for a time. But the unsolvable problem ultimately will present itself for a final time. Wall Street invests in money to make more money, and the dollar is losing value. So if Wall Street wants to continue to invest in currency, it may need a new currency to invest in. The talking heads are telling us, gold, is the hedge against it all. Well, gold is higher than it's ever been, so buying high isn't usually the optimum plan, but then again, these talking heads know the mentality of their listeners. I personally think land is the best investment I can see for some time to come, but I think it will ultimately sky-rocket or simply belong to Washington. In the mean time, it only makes sense to make some true lasting investments, like a good winter coat, some good work or walking boots, some fruit jars or freezer bags. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that anyone stop caring about the future, I'm just suggesting that those that truly care about the future may not be seeing it in dollars and cents and more, but rather in devotion and sense.
Cast your bread on the waters; For you shall find it after many days. Ecclesiastes of Holy Scripture

The Middle Class

Well, now that our President can't give us health care reform on the "silver platter" or one simply chrome plated, that he was planning, he's going to give us tax breaks and child care credits. You know what this sounds like? I've been reading about the children of Israel in Egypt and there is a striking similarity. Scripture says the children of Israel were in Egypt for 430 years . . . to the day. They ended up being delivered from the bondage of brick making and death of their children in the great Exodus. Most folks have seen it on Easter Sunday night, in Cecil B. DeMille's "Ten Commandments." But the children of Israel didn't start out as slaves. They had the best of the best when Joseph was Pharaoh's right hand man. In Pharaoh's Egypt, if you knew Joseph, you were well connected and received great favor. The question that has occurred to me over the past several years is this. Just when did the children of Israel pass from favored folk to slaves? Did they realize when it happened or did it just gradually erode? What changed and how did they miss living in the material abundance to a death sentence over their unborn, making bricks, and building pyramids? The next question I have, is when did it happen here in America, because it has. Did anyone see the precise moment we moved from a materialistic "riding high" middle class to slaves; just happy to have a job and making enough money for our health insurance and day care?
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage . . . all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. Torah of Holy Scripture

It Just Depends . . .

Every now and again, I have to blog about the media, because well, sometimes the way the news is reported is news! I was very disappointed this morning in FOXNews on their coverage of the newly-elected Senator, Scott Brown. FOXNews chose to cover the Wednesday morning quarterbacking of the Democrats, rather than give us all the news about Scott. I truly could not believe that FOXNews took a pass regarding sex and politics and actually failed to mention Senator Brown's photo shoot when he wasn't wearing a suit and red tie. And here I thought the red tie was just part of the republican birthday suit. According to Cosmo, I would be wrong. In all balance of fairness, we know if President Obama had any beefcake photos in his past, FOX would be sure to mention them. And if any of the ladies of the Democrats had some racy photos, they'd be FOX headlines, but not this time with the new Senator. Although I always read more than one source of news, it was on CNN that I first saw the term Senator Beefcake. And in all fairness the other way, the skeleton in Scott Brown's closet wouldn't have been any big deal to CNN if he were a democrat, so . . . Wouldn't it be nice if the news was just the news and it didn't depend upon the political leanings of the one making the news?
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Brown won in Massachusetts

Wow! The republican beat the recognized name and the supposed successor to the half century, Senate seat of Edward Kennedy. Yeah! I, now semi-believe, the election system works. Could it be that Massachusetts is letting the rest of the country know just what universal, socialized, government medical care is all about? Or is it simply that Massachusetts prefers some sort of symbol of sexism for their representative? It's the only state that has it and it would seem they were willing to upend 50 years of tradition to stop the democratic trend, yet maintain the sexual controversy. And here I was just about to give up my faith in the electoral system all together. I never thought of the idea of sexual prowess, overriding party. So, whether a party is thrown or simply a magazine sold, I guess we can appreciate the tradition of Massachusetts politics. Of course, now we'll have this outrageous puppet theatre for another couple of years, as the midterm election unfolds, then the gridlock, and then the 2012; no holds barred. I look for a couple of years of sheer entertainment, politically speaking. Ancient Rome had nothing on us. Oh, that's right, we're just an extension of Ancient Rome.
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. the book of Romans, New Testament

Where to Start

I think tomorrow's special election for the Senate seat is going to speak volumes. If Massachusetts, the only state in the country that already has universal, mandatory health care sends a republican to Washington, then I think we can safely say, they are sending the message that the rest of us won't like what they already have. I guess we'll actually know how the state feels about the legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy regarding the health care bill. Now, if, on the other hand, Martha Coakley is elected, I have one of two theories there. Massachusetts just really is not going to ever vote for anything but Democratic Senators, by tradition and memory of Senator Kennedy, or the other theory, our votes simply don't count and there is an agenda in Washington. As far as health care reform, what the basic agenda appears to be is the mandatory insurance requirement or the penalty for not having it. That tells me our president and probably more than a few Congressmen, for some reason, really can't disappoint the insurance lobby. Now, on to my great entrepreneurial plan. I'm thinking sock puppets and popcorn for the next few years. I mean between Beck and Palin at Fox, the Obama drama in Washington, and the 2010 midterm, it's going to be quite an entertaining year. So we'll be needing popcorn. But I'm thinking sock puppets with some specific design. Can't you see the pastel dress type sock with a few fuzzies and googly eyes for Beck? And remember Scrunch socks, just add some big yarn and draw on some frameless glasses and viola, you have Sarah. You know those really creamy colored tight footie hose that some women wear with their sandals? It would have to be very tight over the hand for well obvious cosmetic reasons . . . then just add little dark bead eyes, and you've got Nancy P. For our President, I picture a taupe or mocha man's dress sock, very expensive, of course. The type that would be worn with an Armani suit and don't draw a smile on it. Now, as for Harry Reid, a worn out light grey with the little symbols or whatever they were, on our dad's socks back in the 60's or 70's. Design them, fill them with a bag of popcorn for popping and I think you've got a money maker on your hands. But remember in political sock puppet theatre, there would never be puppet made from a work sock.
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Sorry, So Sorry!

That's the word from the fat cats of banking and Wall Street. They are sorry they didn't see the crash coming and well golly gee whiz, they are sorry they made the taxpayers angry with the big bonuses. Why, they appreciate the financial assistance they received from the taxpayers. I don't know if their apology angers me as much as the statements from the politicians that are supposedly investigating the alleged misuse of tax dollars in the form of multi-million dollar bonuses. Why would anyone, in any career, expect a bonus for a job poorly done! The fat cats have all admitted to missing the signs and taking unnecessary risks, yet are still deserving of monetary reward??? Seems as though they are sorry, now that they are caught. And what gives on this, not being able to track the money that was loaned. They are financiers! If they can't track finances, who can? If they do that poorly of a job, why do they still have a job, much less one that has included bonuses. The more they explain their stand, the more ridiculous all of this sounds. The fat cats are taking advantage of the fact everyone will crash if they are allowed to. Well, maybe it wouldn't hurt them to spend a day or two or the rest of their lives the way the rest of us live. I don't think my grandson should have to pay for the yachts and trips to Europe they are enjoying now.
Now to the politicians. No wonder they are in Washington deciding what they are going to do to us next. Look at what this former politician had to say about we the people.
The commission's vice chairman, former Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Calif., said the inquiry would try "to get to the bottom of what happened and explain it in a way that the American people can understand."
EXPLAIN IT IN A WAY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND. Really???
Let me explain this in a way the American people already understand. The fat cats are on top and they will do anything they can to remain there. The politicians think the people that elect them are not so bright, and considering who we elect, perhaps there is an element of truth to that, but the politicians appear to think if they brandish some political steel, we are suddenly going to swoon into their next campaign and say "my hero!" Well it's real life and we the people know all we can do short of revolution is pay our taxes and watch the puppet show. It's a pretty steep admission charge these days, but we're so far invested now, we can't recoup the loss.
That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. Ecclesiastes of Holy Scripture

Just Which Side is He On?

President Obama is really seeming more like former President Clinton every day. Remember when the 40 year rule of a Democratic House came to a screeching halt in 1994? Looks like that's about to happen in the Senate in 2010 and as many seats as possible in the House, as well. President Clinton, at the time, seemed like a strategically placed pawn for the republican party, early on and since he left the White House, where's he been? Jetting around the world with Daddy Bush for charity . . . Wasn't it Bill himself that ignited the tossing of the race card between his wife's candidacy and the current President. As a matter of fact, it seemed that Bill's assistance to Hillary paved the way for Obama. And now, President Obama seems to be following the same path and laying the same groundwork, yet again. The difference, however; appears at least to me, that he will not be a two termer. He'll probably already be running the UN or something by 2012. If I recall, he hasn't actually finished any term before landing the next office. I wondered through the campaign, just what the office of President of the United States was a stepping stone for . . . I'm sure he's already got that figured out. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, he seems to be pretty detrimental to his fellow democrats in their mid-term, re-election bids.
When he speaketh fair, believe him not . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Keys

I think everybody receives some sort of promotional advertising from the auto dealers in January, don't we? The mailers with the large thick envelopes that have a key in them are the best. The envelope holds the typical advertising fliers, location, all that great information and a key to a brand new car. You know the rest . . . If the key starts the car, the car is yours, plus whatever is in the fine print! I've never bothered to follow through on even the reading of all the qualifications, much less actually go to the dealership and try it. We got two, I believe in the past week or so, and it got me thinking. We bought a new vehicle last year, well, a program vehicle or whatever they are with a few miles on them. Anyway, when the special ad with keys arrived this year, something dawned upon me. Ignition keys are not flat, they have chips or something. The entire top of the key for our new vehicle has or is some sort of electronic device or receiver. Our 15 year old car that we traded in last year had a chip. How many years has it been since you could start a car without a little chip in the key? I have never seen those high dollar electronic keys in the envelopes of the promos. Wow! Do you think the dealerships are just sending those out to get us on the lot to get "new car fever" and fill out a loan application? Do you think?
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Weather

Does it seem that we are having more weather than usual? Obviously we can't actually have MORE weather, since weather is a constant presence, but the intensity of the weather is anything but constant. Last August, I told everyone that would listen and some that wouldn't, that we were going to have a cold winter, bitter and harsh. I believed the words I was speaking, but I didn't realize at the time that I was prophesying. Now that it's here, I don't think I was expecting this much intensity. I have two thoughts on how this weather is coming about. 1. G~D is not happy with many of us earthlings and weather is at HIS disposal, to get our attention. 2. Science is playing with the weather and causation and playing god, which really has potentially unmeasured consequences as well as bringing us back to thought #1.
I declared this to be an official snow day and it's gone rather well. The show was done by phone and I've been just having one revelation after another in regard to ministry, current events, and life in general. I told someone earlier in December that G~D was not happy with the way we were doing things and the weather would reflect HIS attitude. Well, I'm doing some serious soul searching myself on this matter. I mean Jonah didn't get included in Scripture for no reason. Could be there are a number of Jonahs either in the wrong place doing nothing for HIS cause, or in the right place doing the wrong thing. Our society has become so dependent upon our own solutions and ideas, I'm not sure we stop to think that G~D still has a hand in things like weather. I realize many will simply shrug me off and say, "it's winter." That's correct, but even the national headlines are making note of the severity of the situation. I'm thinking the people talking about G~D need to take note of the severity of the situation, and talk to G~D.
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling HIS word: a Psalm of Holy Scripture

It Really is About the Money

Medical care is over 16% of the gross domestic product. Wow! America has sick people that seek other people to fix them. And now, medical care is figured into what we produce. It all suddenly makes more sense, now doesn't it? The government is over the housing industry, banking industry, and 2/3 of the auto industry. Besides health care, we import everything else, and I've noticed several doctors that don't speak English as a first language. So now that we've seen the math, this health care reform is all but a done deal. I'm thinking President Obama will serve up the health care reform signature just right before his State of the Union Address and there we will have it, because last year, he won! I'm sure many of the democrats up for mid-term re-election will be sweating, but then again, the American people seem to have the collective political memory of tse-tse fly. That seems to work out well since politicians and tse-tse flies have the whole "blood sucking" pattern in common. So with regulation, legislation, security, and reform, the government will oversee and rule over every part of the American existence as we now know it! Because basically, the bottom line is this. We the people are numbers that pay taxes or cost money, so controlling us, is controlling the bottom line.
And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants. Torah of Holy Scripture

Another New Year

I just don't know where 2009 went. Why it will be no time at all, another Presidential campaign will be announced. Of course, over half of the country is going on some sort of diet, right! Well, I'm definitely going to be making more rye bread, because rye is the "in grain" for 2010 and well I just happen to like rye bread best . . . and I bought a ton of caraway seeds a couple of months ago, so we will have the good rye bread with those great little seeds. I'm even going to break down and make mini rye bagels. I love rye bagels and you can't get them west of New York any more, but they've got so many calories I've always avoided them. Problem solved. I'll make mini bagel. It will be perfect and rye bagels need no cream cheese, no nothin'! They are perfect just toasted! I'm simplifying and doing more home-made. I've introduced my grandkids to home made toothpaste. Did you know if you swallow more than you should use to brush with, you're supposed to call poison control? I'm thinking anything that might need resolution from poison control should not go in anyone's mouth. Next on my health kick and diet improvement will of course be red wine. Not that I'm doing without it now, but I see that it is to be consumed daily for maximum benefit. NO problem there! Red wine is on the list. I know, since I did add it to my diet a few years ago, I've been told I look younger. Not by my husband, of course, but by others, who unlike my husband, would have no incentive to compliment me. I'm not quitting anything this year for a New Year's Resolution because that's negative. I don't want to fail. Quitters never win and winners never quit, so this year, I'm starting things.
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. New Testament