Chilling!

Looming Retail Implosion

Straight to the Point

One of the basic tenets of liberalism, whether they admit it or not, is taking from the productive and giving to the unproductive. The moochers who take from society understand that, which is why they keep voting for liberals who are driving our country into bankruptcy. 

This controversial shirt's message is straight to the point, and is sure to earn you some high-fives from conservatives, and not a few angry stares from liberals. But it can also be a great conversation starter, for those who are interested in actual discussion and debate.  Continue Reading...

Book Review: Just By Chance By J.D. Cannon

Print Length: 260 pages

Publisher: CyberMedia Press (December 12, 2011)

Kim Carter is a high-priced escort for a mob guy. The next day he’s murdered and she didn’t do it, but she was the last person to see him the night before, screams the newspaper headline. Now the mob, and the police are after her.Somehow you and your beautiful, blond friend Nikki, an amazing computer hacker, escape to Florida to find the answers.

I loved the story.

I also learned a new word: “fetulent.” Cannon writes that anyone loathes the mob and the world would be a better place with one less piece of s—t in the world. “…but the word that stuck in his mind was fetulence. “Why use a one-syllable vulgarity when a three syllable, more socially-acceptable word fit even better?”

Try googling fetulence or fetulent. It apparently comes from the Latin verb Fetulentum meaning full of; prone to; rich in; abounding in. I did find one other use of the word in "The Eagle and the Sword (The Perilous Order of Camelot" by A.A Attanasio: “At the spot where the illusory chestnut had stood, miasmal haze rots the air with a fetulent stink.” 

Now I want to know when does the next J.D. Cannon book come out?

I Get So Tired Of People Working For This President

Actions Have Consequences

Rush Limbaugh relates what the MSM is not telling you. It was Clinton and Obama that disarmed Ukraine.

I mentioned yesterday that Bill Clinton in 1994 (and then the Obama administration in 2009, reaffirmed it) gave official diplomatic assurances to Ukraine that their borders would be safe in exchange for the Ukrainians gutting their army and completely doing away with their sizable nuclear deterrent. This has not been reported other than the UK Daily Mail has now published an article that reminds us that that wasn't all Obama did for Ukraine. But the point is... Because the media isn't telling you, I want to stress this again. As you're watching what happened, as you watch us act outraged that Putin would do this, there were the number of signatories to this agreement. The UK, John Major and the Ukrainian prime minister. It was Boris Yeltsin for the Russian Federation, and Bill Clinton, and there was the ChiCom leader. There were five of them, and they signed. They promised. They promised Ukraine that their borders would not be attacked, that their sovereignty would not be challenged, and that they would be considered for admission to the European Union. There was all this stuff dangling carrots if they would just gut their army and do away with their nuclear deterrent -- and Ukraine did. That agreement was reaffirmed in 2009 by Barack Obama. So the Ukrainians cannot defend themselves against this encroachment by Russia, which is a violation of that agreement, by the way.

So Ukraine was disarmed, we paid for some of that, and given guarantees that their borders would be safe. We have said the same to Israel, and now we say to Israel, if you don't agree to peace you might find yourselves without support from the U.S. Here at home we face all sorts of gun restrictions. How safe would you feel without your guns? How safe would you be if you disarmed? How safe will you feel if Obama shrinks our military?

I'm All for Global Warming

NIAGARA FALLS FREEZES
DC sets 141-year record low...
Low from 1884 shattered in Des Moines...
Atlantic City coldest since 1874...
Record number of days at zero or below in Chicago...
UPDATE: Lake Michigan 90% covered in ice; Highest ever recorded...

Prescient In Its Anticipation

Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney warned us in 2008 that Russia and the Ukraine were going to be places to watch and that they were the biggest geo-political risks we face. The press and Obama made fun of them. Perhaps, Palin and Romney had been talking with George Friedman. Friedman wrote in "The Next 100 Years"

The Russians will pull the Ukrainians into their alliance with Belarus and will have Russian forces all along the Polish border, and as far south as the Black Sea. This, I believe, will all take place by the mid-2010s.

Stratfor has an excerpt in Ukraine and the 'Little Cold War. I suggest you read the short piece for a look into the future.

Hey Tim Cook Buy This!

He leads a company that some would consider the epitome of ruthless global capitalism. But Apple chief executive Tim Cook has shocked some in the US with an impassioned attack on the single-minded pursuit of profit – and a direct appeal to climate-change deniers not to buy shares in his firm. Hey Tim Cook we don't have to support (gasp) Global-warming supporters. Don't think I'll buy an iPad or iOS phone again!

On Obama's Watch

On Obama's watch we have lost or are losing Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Argentina, Venezuela, Thailand and, of course, the latest and most violent, the Ukraine. This is not Bush's fault!

Recommended Listening

Dr. Paul Craig Roberts - Former US Treasury Official, Co-Founder of Reaganomics, Economist & Acclaimed Author gives a very thoughtful and chilling interview about the current events in the Ukraine.

2014!

The government has announced budget cuts for the Dept of Defense.

The Pentagon said on Monday it would shrink the U.S. Army to pre-World War Two levels, eliminate the popular A-10 aircraft and reduce military benefits in order to meet 2015 spending caps, setting up an election-year fight with the Congress over national defense priorities.

I wasn't going to attention to any of this until I saw Martin Armstrong"s chart of Cycles of War and Political Change:

Harold Ramis R.I.P.

Who will ever forget Harold Ramis? Best-known as an actor for 'Ghostbusters', 'Stripes', writer/director for 'Caddyshack', and 'Groundhog Day'.

Ramis, a longtime North Shore, Chicago resident, died at 12:53 a.m. from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare disease that involves swelling of the blood vessels. He was 69.

Book Review: A Haunting In Oregon (The River) By Michael Richan

Paperback: 258 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 13, 2013)

A Haunting in Oregon is the second book in The River series. The first was The Bank of The River. Now out are the third in the series, Ghosts of Our Fathers and finally, Ximere.

All four novels are based in the northwest.  Richan lives in Seattle, Washington.

Roy and his son Steven have a gift. They can dip into the river, kind of like an invisible, information highway, and see into some kind of other dimension where ghosts live.  In A Haunting… they are invited to solve a problem of ghosts and death occurring in a hotel near Medford, Oregon. The different invisible beings and the assistance from other gifted people dad and son call on, can be a little like Grimm the TV series. The story is unlike anything I’ve ever read. I like the characters, and the problems the two face is very creative. I already had the first book in the series on my Kindle, now I’ll add Ghosts of Our Fathers.

Was the book scary? In a way. I made the mistake of reading right before bedtime last night and it was a little unnerving to turn out the light.

Do I Smell Stupidity?

Jack Kelly writing in the Half-Full Report got me shaking my head with this comment:

With Ukraine descending into chaos, Venezuela already there, the situation bleak in Afghanistan, bleaker in Syria, Secretary of State John Kerry has his attention focused squarely on...climate change. It's the "most fearsome" weapon of mass destruction of them all, he said in Jakarta Sunday. 

New Sexual Study

A new study reveals that the people living in Oregon - (3:51) on average have a longer duration of sex in minutes than 42 other states.

The data comes from Spreadsheets, a sex activity app that promises to "track your performance between the sheets." 

The app monitors the users' movement and audio levels, using the phone's accelerometer and microphone.

In the west only residents of New Mexico - (7:01), Idaho - (5:11) and Utah - (3:55) top Oregon and enjoy sexual intercourse longer. Some unanswered question remain: If you move from Alaska - (1:21) to Oregon will your duration increase? And if it does, why?  Oregon - (3:51) is eighth, yet New York - (3:01) is 23rd, and they get just as much rain. Did our friends who moved from Oregon to Arizona - (3:17) suffer?

If a resident of New Mexico - (7:01) is elected to Congress does their duration dip to District of Columbia's - (2:08) level? If so, maybe it's because the Rep. is too busy screwing us over.

"House Of Cards"' Top 3 Lessons For A Naive Voting Public

Zero Hedge has the video. "House Of Cards"' great show and even better lesson for the public.

Liberty Is Losing

The American Center for Law and Justice is warning of an Obama administration plan to place government monitors in newsrooms via an FCC proposal that could turn every major news network and newspaper into little more than a state media mouthpiece.

Earthquake Upgrade Pilot Project

The Portland Tribune tells us that Rep. Blumenauer secured a $100,000 grant to "...provide seismic and energy upgrades to around 30 homes in the Portland area." 

Who gets those upgrades, 75% of the cost paid for by taxpayers, and how were they chosen?

Need I Say More?

Book Review: The Stone Man - A Science Fiction Thriller By Luke Smitherd

Print Length: 298 pages

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

The Stone Man is Luke Smitherd’s second novel and if you must categorize its genre, the author likes to think of his writing as Twilight Zone-esque.  In this case, what if an eight-foot-tall, stone man suddenly appeared in your town square and then, after not moving for two hours, took off at a slow, heavy trod seeking one man? He cannot be stopped by the military in his straight line quest. Obstacles fall as he tromps through them.  People in the way are killed in the destruction and the alien emits some kind of wave that sends the brain into fits if touched.

Smitherd writes very well and completely involves you in the fear that these two intelligent men, Andy and Paul experience as protagonists. They can read the stone man, knowing where it’s going and who it’s after and what will happen if the stone man reaches its quarry. I am sure this book will come to mind every time I think about an alien encounter. 

Don't Give Hillary A Pass!

Mr. Blumenauer Slow Government Spending

The Theory: Economics ofGovernment Spending

Economic theory does not automatically generate strong conclusions about the impact of government outlays on economic performance. Indeed, almost every economist would agree that there are circumstances in which lower levels of government spending would enhance economic growth and other circumstances in which higher levels of government spending would be desirable.

If government spending is zero, presumably there will be very little economic growth because enforcing contracts, protecting property, and developing an infrastructure would be very difficult if there were no government at all. In other words, some government spending is necessary for the successful operation of the rule of law. Figure 1 illustrates this point. Economic activity is very low or nonexistent in the absence of government, but it jumps dramatically as core functions of government are financed. This does not mean that government costs nothing, but that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Pelosi, "Mindnumbingly Stupid"

Rep. Earl Blumenauer sent us all an email today.

He said that of the unemployed "...more than 1/3 of the unemployed have been out of work for half a year or more. Studies have shown that even as their financial position deteriorates, they are much less likely to be hired even if qualified.

He wants to pass legislation that will "... restore (unemployment insurance for the long term unemployed) and provide the unemployed the help they need to continue their search for work.About 20,000 Oregonians lost their unemployment insurance when the program expired. Without action an additional 29,000 unemployed workers in Oregon will lose their benefits in the first six months of 2014.

He doesn't say that his party has been responsible for the economy over the last five years. He doesn't tell us that there are now 90 million individuals who have given up looking for work. If we want to fix the economy, let's hold those in power of both parties responsible by voting them out of office!BTW, Earl voted for Obamacare!

BTW, again. Never vote for someone who uses the finger to lecture us.

Al Gore Check Your Messages

And with the snowfall in the city of Philadelphia Thursday, a 130-year-old record was shattered. For the first time in the city’s history, there have been four 6+ inch snowfalls or more in season. In addition, we are now in the top 5 snowiest winters of all-time.

Al Gore, shouldn't we be concerned about global Cooling?

The National Weather Service says the snowstorm that buried the Mid-Atlantic region was the ninth biggest in recorded history by one measure.

And yet, the so-called experts continue to insist that global warming is the cause of record cold and wacky weather. On the Charlie Rose show "...guest Michio Kaku, a physics professor from New York City College--not a climatologist, but a physicist--claimed that the "wacky weather" could get "even wackier" and its all because of global warming." 

Fire Sen. McConnell

Congress approved a massive increase in the federal debt Wednesday, with Republican leaders linking arms and jumping together to help Democrats OK a play that will let President Obama borrow as much money as is needed to cover federal obligations for the next 13 months.
In the key vote, senators backed the debt increase by a tally of 67-31 — but only after the GOP’s leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell, voted with Democrats. It was a brutal vote for the Kentucky Republican, who is locked in a GOP primary battle back home and who will face harsh criticism from conservative groups.

Sen. Mitch McConnell was the key vote to pass the bill! Fire McConnell

Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/12/congress-approves-massive-debt-increase/#ixzz2t9UI5YA4

Book Review: Raven’s Tears By Alesia & Michael Matson

Print Length: 418 pages

Publisher: Metaphor Publications (November 25, 2013)

When I agreed to read and review RAVEN¹S TEARS, the book was described “…as the first book in The Raven & The Iris series; a romance, erotic thriller, fantasy novel, and police procedural tale all rolled into one hell of a read, but most of all, it¹s a story of true love and of the sacrifices love demands.”

What I found instead was tedious. If I were a Royal follower or read books about England of Queen Elizabeth era, I would like the flowery language that says more under the surface than overt. Set in the fantasy world of Menelon, everyone presents a formal and prudish image only revealing the true and erotic side in private. I felt like a voyeur. Be warned there is strong, sexual language!

From the beginning, I was disoriented by the time line: “15 Amerian 580, 1500 hours.” Was I reading about a place in England or maybe Denmark or a fantasy location? I couldn’t tell from the description. I needed more information, perhaps a prologue.

Tokyo, Greatest Snowfall in 45 Years

The wonders of (gasp) Global Warming aka climate change:
As much as 27 cm (10.6 inches) of snow fell on Tokyo by late Saturday, the most in 45 years.

The Battered Middle Class

In a King World News interview with long term investor Richard Russell and writer of The Dow Theory Letter, Russell stated:

"Interestingly, big box retailers are losing their middle class buyers, and it’s only the wealthy that are brightening their favorite retail stores, such as Tiffany and Nordstrom.  The battered middle class are frequenting their favorite discounters, leaving their previous favorites such as Target, JC Penney and Best Buy wondering why their same store sales are fading.  Again I advise subscribers to stay on the side and watch history unfold.”

Maybe, Nordstrom isn't immune. Nordstrom's has announced that it will be closing two Portland area schools; one in Lloyd Center and the other at Vancouver mall. The Lloyd Center store opened in 1960. I was 14. When I turned 15, I got my work permit and was hired first as a stockboy at Thom McAn. Soon I was selling shoes while in high school, buying my own clothes and flowers for my dates. Sometime later, I sold shoes at Nordstrom's which was just across the aisle-way from Best's.

I was shocked to hear this news. Nordstrom's says the two stores are not meeting their financial targets and will be closed in 2015. What a shame for Lloyd Center. This move will leave a big hole at one end of the mall.

Ayn Rand – Liberty vs Socialism

R.I.P Ariel Sharon

In an editorial in the New York Sun about Ariel Sharon, I quote the Sun:

Everyone knows about Sharon’s successes on the battlefield and of his deeds when he held high political office. Where his strength really shone, though, was when he was in the political wilderness. He had been effectively driven from power after the massacre of Palestinian Arab refugees at Sabra, part of Beirut, and the neighboring refugee camp known as Shatila. It was a terrible crime, with estimates as high as two or three thousand dead. Sharon, Israel’s defense minister at the time, was innocent, and the perpetrators ended up in the embrace of the Assad regime in Damascus.

He was considered the greatest field commander in Israel's history, and one of the country's greatest ever military strategists. Israel wouldn't exist without Sharon.

January 15th!

My birthday is coming up on January 15th. Michelle Obama's is the 17th. We have nothing in common! Darryl Ware posted on Facebook, 2014 horoscopes for the 12 signs. Mine says:

CAPRICORN – The Passionate Lover (December 22 to January 19)
Love to bust. Nice. Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Grouchy at times and annoying to some. Lazy and love to take it easy, but when they find a job or something they like to do they put their all into it. Proud, understanding and sweet. Irresistible. Loves being in long relationships. Great talker. Always gets what he or she wants. Cool. Loves to win against other signs in sports, especially Gemini’s. Likes to cook but would rather go out
To eat at good restaurants. Extremely fun. Loves to joke. Smart. 24 years of bad luck if you do not share this post.

Sounds about right!

Review of "Altitude Poems and Stories" by Craig Brandis

Surprise! "Altitude Poems and Stories" by Craig Brandis was just published; a slick covered chap book with some marvelous images. Though slightly melancholy, the poems are filled with surprising images. I didn't know Brandis could write this well. Some poems seemed to be lifted from masters, themselves.

In Mount St. Helens, he writes of the mountain while camping out under a "diamond hard sky" or climbing "its scabrous slopes into the brilliant, orange-white morning."

In "The Wandering Mind" Brandis writes:

"Tender is
the fleet of electric birds
bluing the trees
in their sockets,
wiring the
world with
song-"

In "The Daily News" a beach house keeps watch with "brindled eyes" and the sea is "just wave on wave, like a furrowed brow." "Some days birds skim the rollers/ like penitents walking the breadth/ of a watery country"

Finally, "Red Tail" gives us this great image:

a red tailed hawk hunts
oceans of air-feathering
oars before the kill

Well done Craig Brandis! Keep writing poems

ESBN 978-1-304-71809-9

It's Coming!

Winds of War

Martin D. Weiss, Ph.D. | Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 7:30 am

The winds of war are here. The storm is spreading. It’s growing rapidly in intensity. And it’s bound to directly or indirectly affect virtually every asset class on the face of the planet.

Radical Islam is out of control in the mid-east with Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon lost! Weiss says that Al-Queda morphed into many with new names and more dangerous than the original.

Can we thank Obama?

Bowl Upsets!

Washington State 45, Colorado State 48 - WSU led 21 to 10 in Q1

 Bowling Green 27, Pittsburgh 30 - Bowling Green favored by 4
#23 N. Illinois 14, Utah St. 21

Minnesota 17, Syracuse 21 - Minnesota was a four point favorite going in.
#14 Arizona St 23, Texas Tech 37 - ASU was favored by 14!

#22 Georgia 19, Nebraska 24 - Georgia was favored by 9.
#19 Wisconsin 24, #9 S. Carolina 34 - Wisconsin was favored by 1.
#5 Stanford 20, Michigan St 24 - Stanford favored by 6
#6 Baylor 42, #15 UCF 52 - Baylor favored by 161/2!

#3 Alabama 31, #11 Oklahoma 45 - Alabama favored by 15

#7 Ohio St 35, #12 Clemson 40 - Ohio st favored by 2 1/2

Who Gave Us Obamacare?

At Patriot Depot, we believe that we should give credit where credit is due.  That's why we created this bumper sticker, to remind the American people who gave them Obamacare.  We shouldn't allow the media to give any of the credit to the Republicans. The Democrats, and only the Democrats gave us Obamacare.