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Friday, September 18, 2009
just how over the top can one be.... and they wondered why?
By Dana Milbank
Friday, September 18, 2009
Let's say you're preparing dinner and you realize with dismay that you don't have any certified organic Tuscan kale. What to do?
Here's how Michelle Obama handled this very predicament Thursday afternoon:
The Secret Service and the D.C. police brought in three dozen vehicles and shut down H Street, Vermont Avenue, two lanes of I Street and an entrance to the McPherson Square Metro station. They swept the area, in front of the Department of Veterans Affairs, with bomb-sniffing dogs and installed magnetometers in the middle of the street, put up barricades to keep pedestrians out, and took positions with binoculars atop trucks. Though the produce stand was only a block or so from the White House, the first lady hopped into her armored limousine and pulled into the market amid the wail of sirens.
Then, and only then, could Obama purchase her leafy greens. "Now it's time to buy some food," she told several hundred people who came to watch. "Let's shop!"
Cowbells were rung. Somebody put a lei of marigolds around Obama's neck. The first lady picked up a straw basket and headed for the "Farm at Sunnyside" tent, where she loaded up with organic Asian pears, cherry tomatoes, multicolored potatoes, free-range eggs and, yes, two bunches of Tuscan kale. She left the produce with an aide, who paid the cashier as Obama made her way back to the limousine.
There's nothing like the simple pleasures of a farm stand to return us to our agrarian roots.
The first lady had encouraged Freshfarm Markets, the group that runs popular farmers markets in Dupont Circle and elsewhere, to set up near the White House, and she helped get the approvals to shut down Vermont Avenue during rush hour on Thursdays. But the result was quite the opposite of a quaint farmers market. Considering all the logistics, each tomato she purchased had a carbon footprint of several tons.
The promotion of organic and locally grown food, though an admirable cause, is a risky one for the Obamas, because there's a fine line between promoting healthful eating and sounding like a snob. The president, when he was a candidate in 2007, got in trouble in Iowa when he asked a crowd, "Anybody gone into Whole Foods lately and see what they charge for arugula?" Iowans didn't have a Whole Foods.
For that reason, it's probably just as well that the first lady didn't stop by the Endless Summer Harvest tent yesterday. The Virginia farm had a sign offering "tender baby arugula" -- hydroponically grown, pesticide free -- and $5 for four ounces, which is $20 a pound.
Obama, in her brief speech to the vendors and patrons, handled the affordability issue by pointing out that people who pay with food stamps would get double the coupon value at the market. Even then, though, it's hard to imagine somebody using food stamps to buy what the market offered: $19 bison steak from Gunpowder Bison, organic dandelion greens for $12 per pound from Blueberry Hill Vegetables, the Piedmont Reserve cheese from Everson Dairy at $29 a pound. Rounding out the potential shopping cart: $4 for a piece of "walnut dacquoise" from the Praline Bakery, $9 for a jumbo crab cake at Chris's Marketplace, $8 for a loaf of cranberry-walnut bread and $32 for a bolt of yarn.
The first lady said the market would particularly appeal to federal employees in nearby buildings to "pick up some good stuff for dinner." Yet even they might think twice about spending $3 for a pint of potatoes when potatoes are on sale for 40 cents a pound at Giant. They could get nearly five dozen eggs at Giant for the $5 Obama spent for her dozen.
But whatever the socioeconomics, there can be no doubt that Obama brought some serious attention to her cause. Hundreds of people crowded the market entrance on I Street as police directed pedestrians to alternative subway entrances. Hundreds braved a light rain and gave a hearty cheer when Obama and her entourage took the stage. "I can't imagine there's been a day in the history of our country when people have been more excited about farmers markets," Mayor Adrian Fenty, Obama's warm-up act, told the crowd.
The first lady, in gray slacks and blue sweater, marveled that the people were "so pumped up" despite the rain. "I have never seen so many people so excited about fruits and vegetables!" she said. (Must be the tender baby arugula.)
She spoke of the global reach of her cause: "The first thing world leaders, prime ministers, kings, queens ask me about is the White House garden. And then they ask about Bo."
She spoke of the fuel fed to the world's most powerful man: "I've learned that when my family eats fresh food, healthy food, that it really affects how we feel, how we get through the day . . . whether there's a Cabinet meeting or whether we're just walking the dog."
And she spoke of her own culinary efforts: "There are times when putting together a healthy meal is harder than you might imagine."
Particularly when it involves a soundstage, an interpreter for the deaf, three TV satellite trucks and the closing of part of downtown Washington.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Drive By Flu Shots - Thursday, Oct 29th....
Stillwater Medical Center Drive By Flu Shots will be Held Thursday, October 29.
second biggest liar in America... oh my goodness, do I need to stand in the corner... for being an American and voicing my views??
I was a registered Democrat for about 1/2 my voting life, then I grew up and realized that the far left in that party would, if elected, ruin America... and by golly, they are proving me right. I am not against the party, but the idiots and nut cases they have elevated into power. Those folks have not a clue there are folks who make up the American landscape who live in the MIDDLE of the country, and do believe in God, in right IS right, in the Golden Rule, in family, in black and white, in this country's future being something you don't just throw away... and here, is a case in point! Again, not the party, for I realize we need a two party system, but rather the truly clueless snooty pretentious brainless better than you's who are elevated into power. This is truly the Peter Principle in practice. If you can't succeed at what your doing in government, or bureaucracy, we will elevate you to a new position and get you out of the way... not realizing the consequences of this action... sigh... Honey, it's the principles, not the race and it's the right way vs 'your' way...
even I get it and I am as dumb as a knot on a log!
even I get it and I am as dumb as a knot on a log!
Pelosi: I'm clueless about cash cut-off
Last Updated: 9:07 AM, September 17, 2009
Posted: 3:49 AM, September 17, 2009
WASHINGTON -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said yesterday she is clueless about an amendment to prohibit government funds for embattled ACORN, although it overwhelmingly passed the Senate Monday and the White House is calling for the group to be held accountable.
"I don't even know what they passed," Pelosi told The Post yesterday. "What did they do? They defunded it?"
The amendment to suspend housing grants was a stunning blow to the community-activist group -- and came as some Democrats and the White House have been backing away from the group.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Liberal Lies About National Health Care: Bonus Joe Wilson Edition
by Ann Coulter
09/16/2009
I'm trying to get to the next installment of my Pulitzer Prize-deserving series on liberal lies about national health care, but apparently liberals have decided to torture us by neurotically fixating on one lie.
After President Barack Obama gave a speech to a joint session of Congress last week passionately defending his national health care plan, the Democrats were agog at the brilliance of the speech. Nancy Pelosi was so thrilled, her expression almost changed.
But as Obama ticked off one demonstrably false claim after another -- eliciting 37 standing ovations from the Democrats in the audience -- America's greatest living statesman, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., yelled out, "You lie!" in response to Obama's claim that the bill will not cover illegal aliens.
There are a number of theories about why America's greatest living statesman shouted "You lie!" at that juncture, but mine is that Wilson said it because Obama told a big, fat stinking lie.
Every single American knows it's a lie. But liberals take pleasure in repeating it -- and then condescendingly accusing anyone who doesn't accept their lie of being a toothless, illiterate racist.
Our politicians, media and courts have done everything they can to encourage illegal immigration, including obstinately refusing to enforce the border. While illegals streaming across the border generally aren't prosecuted, U.S. border patrol agents who naively try to guard the border often are.
Wise (and pregnant) Latinas dash across the border just in time to give birth at American hospitals -- medical services paid for by U.S. taxpayers -- gaining instant citizenship for their children, thereby entitling them to the entire Chinese menu of American welfare programs.
In 2004, 42.6 percent of all babies born at taxpayer expense in California were born to illegal aliens, according to a state report on Medi-Cal-funded deliveries. In hospitals close to the Mexican border, the figure is closer to 80 percent. Remember: This is before health care becomes "free" to every U.S. resident.
Hospitals across the country are going bankrupt because the federal government forces them to provide free services to illegals. This situation appears to have angered some segment of the population, in particular, American citizens who pay taxes to support the hospitals, but then are forced to spend hours writhing in pain in hospital waiting rooms.
With Americans in a boiling cauldron of rage about the government's impotent response to the tsunami of illegal immigrants, last year, both political parties ran candidates for president who favor amnesty for illegal immigrants.
And now Democrats have the audacity to tell us to our faces that national health care won't cover illegals. Not only that, but they tell us we must not be able to read if we think it does.
The crystalline example of this sneering liberal pomposity came from MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Monday night:
"Reading the House health care bill would show you that (the bill does not cover illegal aliens). But you know, sometimes reading is hard. Fortunately, in the case of the health reform bill, there is a way to get all of the information that's in it without any of that pesky reading.
"It's called HearTheBill.org. Volunteer voiceover actors have donated their time to read all 1,017 pages of the house health care reform bill, HR-3200, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.
"So if you don't want to tire out your eyes, you could just listen to the thing that disproves (Rep. Wilson)."
Maddow then played an audio clip of Section 246 from the bill. This section, which liberals keep brandishing like a DNA-stained dress, states: "Nothing in this subtitle shall allow federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States."
In other words, illegal aliens are excluded from precisely one section of the thousand-page, goodie-laden health care bill: Section 246, which distributes taxpayer-funded "affordability credits" to people who can't afford to pay for their own health care.
Even this minor restriction on taxpayer largesse to illegals will immediately be overturned by the courts. But the point is: Except for vouchers, the bill does not even pretend to exclude illegals from any part of national health care -- including the taxpayer-funded health insurance plan.
Moreover, liberals won't have to wait for some court to find that the words "nothing in this subtitle shall allow" means "this bill allows," because the bill contains no mechanism to ensure that the health care vouchers aren't going to illegal aliens. Nor does the bill prohibit the states from providing taxpayer-funded health care vouchers to illegals.
Democrats keep voting down Republican amendments that would insert these restrictions -- just before dashing to a TV studio to denounce anyone who says the health care bill covers illegal aliens.
It's as if we have a relative who shows up at every holiday gathering, gets bombed and totals the family car. At the 18th Christmas celebration, he's not only demanding a drink, but also calling us liars for saying he's already totaled 17 family cars. Gimme a gin and tonic and the car keys, you lying racist!
I think that's why America's greatest living statesman erupted with rage when Obama retailed this particular lie during his speech on health care.
It's bad enough to be lied to, but to be lied to by people who accuse us of not being able to read when the problem is that we can read -- and also can remember what happened at the last 17 family Christmases -- is more than even Mother Teresa could bear without a quick heckle.
Are You a Career Bound Performing Artist?
If you are, then you can’t miss the 2009 Arts Conference in Stillwater October 7– 9 at the Wes Watkins Center. The Oklahoma Arts Council is offering an exciting opportunity for performing artists to learn the skills needed to make you more marketable. This unique series of workshops will be conducted by Jeri Goldstein, founder of performingbiz.com.
Subjects to be covered include:
· Acquiring communication skills for more effective marketing
· Discussing how websites can offer more appeal to increase bookings
· Creating a unique identity brand and reaching target audiences
· Negotiating fair performance deals and developing market value
In addition, artists will learn about initiatives for film production and music promotion from the Oklahoma Film & Music Office. There will be excellent opportunities for performing artists to network with presenting organizations from across the state.
Artists are also invited to perform at Café Kazany hosted by Zanni Kazany and Family. Bring your poems, stories, musical instruments and a zany sense of humor at this late night cabaret. All characters welcome; kazoos will be provided.
Registration is $50 and must be completed by September 25. Contact the Oklahoma Arts Council at okarts@arts.ok.gov or (405) 521-2931 or www.arts.ok.gov.
Laura's E-Blast http://www.LauraIngraham.com September 15, 2009 | |
Remember the days when the press ooohed and aaaahed every time Barack Obama and Michelle went out to dinner? The President's jump shot ... the First Lady's arms ... the adorable kids ... the dog search ... the vegetable garden ... it was Operation Razzle Dazzle run by an image machine working overtime. Team Obama believed that if people saw the First Family as cool and fun, they would be more likely to think Obama's "remaking of America" was cool and fun, too. Of course, it didn't work out this way. Americans, it turns out, are sophisticated enough to separate their personal appreciation for the Obamas from their views on the President's policies. At this point, the entire White House operation is starting to have the look and feel of a tired Vegas lounge act. The economic forecast looks grim to most of us, who wonder why Washington can't cut back on spending in the same way our own families have. Everything Obama proposes carries a hefty price tag -- which ends up further burdening already beleaguered taxpayers and small businesses, who sooner or later pick up the tab for this profligate spending. The health-care debate has turned out to be a referendum on how well Washington manages big programs. The answer? Not well. Clearly, there is a genuine opportunity today for any politician who is willing to stand with these Americans who feel Washington just doesn't give a damn about them. These people are looking for a voice of reason amidst the chaos and insanity of a world where numbers like $10 trillion are casually tossed around. This feels like 1993, the last time I recall such widespread, intense anger with Washington. Back then, Gingrich's Contract with America tacked its sail to these prevailing winds, helping a demoralized GOP coast to a stunning 54-seat congressional coup. We need a new blueprint for a new age that our fellow Americans can read and think about. I suppose we could just sit back and hope to beat Democrats by default, but that would be foolhardy. Obama is a master campaigner and loves competition. The GOP needs to outline a coherent platform of specific ideas that every Republican candidate can run on in 2010 -- that way there's a clear post-election agenda that, assuming big GOP pick-ups, brings its own mandate. Call it "10 for 2010." 1) Taxpayers' Bill of Rights (TABOR). Limit federal spending growth to the percentage in population growth plus the rate of inflation; provide taxpayers the option of filing a post-card sized return using a low, flat tax rate of 25% | |
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
hummmmmmmm.... Ann.... annnnnnnnnnn
Image: DietsinReview
Between the finger-lickin’ pieces of chicken are two slices of bacon, melted slices of swiss and pepper jack cheese and a dollop of “the Colonel’s sauce.” It’s been dubbed the “Double Down,” and “It’s so much 100 percent premium chicken, we didn’t have room for a bun,” according to a KFC commercial posted on YouTube.
The Colonel is test marketing these calorie bombs only in Providence, R.I., and Omaha, Neb. They’re $6.99 (not including airfare) for a value meal including fries and a drink.
The calorie count has yet to be posted on KFC’s Web site. But an independent analysis by the Vancouver Sun (yet another example of Canadians looking down on Americans) estimates the Double Down has 1,228 calories.
To put that into perspective, that’s almost 300 calories more than a Wendy’s Triple with Everything.
KFC may need to introduce a new desert to follow the “Double Down.” The “Keep it Down” should include at least three Alka-Seltzers, and possibly a Lipitor pill to boot.
blues... Blues... b l u e s .... Austyn is going to take the stage with a blues band and play Saturday afternoon... his first "band" gig...
Stillwater Living Magazine Blues fans make sure to check out the 12th Annual Stillwater Blues Festival the 17th-20th! bluesfest.stillwater.org.
"You are not paid to work hard. In fact, you are not
paid for effort at all. You are paid for results. It's
not what you do; it's what you get done."
— Larry Winget: Personal success and business author and speaker
paid for effort at all. You are paid for results. It's
not what you do; it's what you get done."
— Larry Winget: Personal success and business author and speaker
ever wonder what would happen if... with health care??
My friend who was President of the Texas Jaycees when I was President of OK Jaycees... tells me that since tort reform was passed in Texas two years ago, he and his wife's health insurance cost has decreased by 1/3... a savings of 2500 a year... there is now a doctor's office on every street corner almost... a huge influx of health workers, hospital rates and doctors rates have decreased... simply limiting the amount health workers, doctors, hospitals, etc can be sued for, proving you have a case before spending the money to go to trial... these two things have probably helped drive the cost down more than anything...
now if you are wondering if Tort Reform will be something Obama will consider... you might like to know who the players are... Obama, lawyer.... and his Sec of Health Kathleen Sebelius who is past president of Kansas Trial Lawyers Assoc... will oversea Tort Reform... haha.. yeah, right!!
So now you know what probably will not be part of National Health Reform... and why!! Think of all the crooked lawyers who would be without jobs if they had to do things legally... Talk about cleaning up government and throwing out the waste... Tort Reform would do the most in fell swoop! No questions asked, just clean up this one deal, put some limits and require some proofs before going to trial, and get ready to pocket tons of savings, but .. that is a pipe dream.
Obama is slowing trying to change this country to a socialist society, one which men have died since it was founded to stop and keep away from. Blood shed for freedoms we have, and this NUT wants to give them away...
Long live Rep Joe Wilson - the first elected official who truly voices his beliefs, right or wrong in the timing, but lives his beliefs! God needs to give us more statesmen like Joe!
Malinda Bowman - used to live in the home just east of ours... with Greg... from Marilyn
Lost Creek sent out a prayer concern to shower Malinda with birthday cards for her birthday which is the 19th. I knew you all knew her so I thought I would pass her address along if you want to do so, needs to be in the mail by Friday at the latest.
Malinda Bowman
14413 S Brush Creek Rd
Perkins OK 74059
Thanks
mkm
Monday, September 14, 2009
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