Why Public-Employee-Bargaining Laws Must Be Reformed - By Peter Kirsanow - The Corner - National Review Online

Good reasons for re-thinking public employee bargaining ... bottom line is that competition is lacking - state government is lacking competition, not the union, and therefore does not have "survivor" mentality - after all, government is not spending it's money, it's spending ours ... read on ...

Why Public-Employee-Bargaining Laws Must Be Reformed - By Peter Kirsanow - The Corner - National Review Online

Right Turn - Gov. Rick Perry's dream: Make the federal government as innocuous as possible

Go Ricky Go!!! ... ." He (Rick) calls the state senators who've walked off the job "juvenile" and "immature." He says, "You have fourteen senators who have walked away from their responsibilities. Listen, I understand in fighting for what you believe in, but in the end we vote." He analogizes the walkout to a kid going home with his basketball when he thinks he can't win the game. He warns that "if this is the only way they are going to be able to succeed, running out of the legislature," the voters will not look upon them kindly.....

Right Turn - Gov. Rick Perry's dream: Make the federal government as innocuous as possible

Picture of the Day: Slains Castle - Inspiration for the Novel - Dracula

I am reprocessing pictures of Scotland for a book I hope to design over the coming months.  I'll share various "Pictures of the Day" and provide background information from Wikipedia.  This picture was taken in early 2007 when Lauri and I explored a bit of Cruden Bay.  The main attraction was this castle and the coastline.

The Earls of Erroll, chiefs of Clan Hay, were a powerful family in the area for generations and prospered after William Hay, 18th Earl of Erroll, married the daughter of King William IV. Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll, built it after James VI had destroyed his castle, known as Slains Castle near Collieston, after the Hays participated in the rebellion of 1594. But over time misfortunes befell the Hays and in 1916 the castle and contents were put up for sale.
The castle was then sold in 1916 and fell into disrepair in the first quarter of the 20th century, after more than 300 years of occupation by the Errolls. The castle was bought by Sir John Ellerman of the shipping line. He in turn gave it up in 1925 and its roof was removed to avoid paying taxes. That led to the inevitable ruin seen today.
Once a major stronghold and occupying a large area, it consisted of a massive 15th century keep, a fragment of which survives, and a courtyard defended by ditches. The castle was originally a property of the Comyns but passed to the Hay Earls of Erroll early in the 14th century.
In the late 19th century, the 19th Earl of Erroll entertained many celebrities at the castle. Some believe it was Bram Stoker's inspiration for the castle of Count Dracula. In 1948, the Earl of Erroll accorded the title Slains Pursuivant to his newly revived private officer of arms and appointed Michael Maclagan to the position. The current holder of the office, Peter Drummond-Murray of Mastrick, is a retired banker and an authority on heraldry.
Bram Stoker was staying in a local hotel in Cruden Bay when he heard of Slains Castle - which he saw as 'the castle of the dead'. It may have helped to inspire his writing of the novel, Dracula.
The ruin of the 13th century Old Slains Castle^[1] lie about 6 miles to the Southwest. The older castle, also a family seat of the Errolls, was blown up by James VI as a punishment for their part in the 1597 plot by the Earl of Huntly against him.
In October 2007, it was announced that the ruins of New Slains Castle were to be converted into holiday homes by the Slains Partnership, but the development was subsequently delayed.

Charles Krauthammer - Obama's Louis XV budget

Obama math same as bait and switch ... promises (broken/spun), promises (broken/spun), promises (broken/spun) and on and on and on and on ....

Charles Krauthammer - Obama's Louis XV budget

Public unions force taxpayers to fund Democrats | Michael Barone | Politics | Washington Examiner

Interesting priorities ... sad ....

Public unions force taxpayers to fund Democrats | Michael Barone | Politics | Washington Examiner

Pajamas Media » A Bachelor’s Degree for $10K? Yes, We Can

A very interesting proposal. I personally like the give/take in the classroom setting, but when you have over 20 students, that doesn't happen. In university, I had some professors whom I couldn't understand due to their accent. Listening to the "best" lecturers - being available to all has some real merit. Apparently, Arizona State has proven up the concept. Maybe I pursue a masters on-line?

Pajamas Media » A Bachelor’s Degree for $10K? Yes, We Can

When Pretending Fails to Hide Bankruptcy: Laurence Kotlikoff - Bloomberg

Grim news. If only the politicians spent OUR money as if it were their own ...

Our country is bankrupt. It’s not bankrupt in 30 years or five years. It’s bankrupt today.

Want proof? Look at President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget. It showed a massive fiscal gap over the next 75 years, the closure of which requires immediate tax increases, spending cuts, or some combination totaling 8 percent of gross domestic product. To put 8 percent of GDP in perspective, this year’s employee and employer payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare will amount to just 5 percent of GDP.

Actually, the picture is much worse. Nothing in economics says we should look out just 75 years when considering the present-value difference between future spending and future taxes. Over the full long-term, we need an extra 12 percent, not 8 percent, of GDP annually ....

When Pretending Fails to Hide Bankruptcy: Laurence Kotlikoff - Bloomberg

Two-Thirds of Wisconsin Public-School 8th Graders Can’t Read Proficiently—Despite Highest Per Pupil Spending in Midwest | CNSnews.com

Yep, a definite change is needed ...

"... In other words, despite the $10,791 that taxpayers were paying to educate students in Wisconsin public schools, two-thirds of eighth graders in those schools showed at best only a “partial mastery of prerequisite knowledge and skills that are fundamental for proficient work” at that grade level.

In fiscal 2008, the federal government provided $669.6 million in subsidies to the public schools in Wisconsin."

Two-Thirds of Wisconsin Public-School 8th Graders Can’t Read Proficiently—Despite Highest Per Pupil Spending in Midwest | CNSnews.com

BP partners India's Reliance in $7.2 billion oil tie-up | Reuters

Based on my dealings with Reliance 6 years ago, this is a bad move (investment), one of many, for BP ....

BP partners India's Reliance in $7.2 billion oil tie-up | Reuters

After Wisconsin, How Do Democrats Argue Against a GOP Government Shutdown? | The Weekly Standard

The Dems are hypocrites on this one ...

After Wisconsin, How Do Democrats Argue Against a GOP Government Shutdown? | The Weekly Standard

Newsweek's Evan Thomas: Obama's Budget a 'Profile in Cowardice' | NewsBusters.org

If the MSM (mainstream media) thinks the budget is severely lacking ....

Newsweek's Evan Thomas: Obama's Budget a 'Profile in Cowardice' | NewsBusters.org

Obama’s High-Speed Rail Obsession | Newgeography.com

High-speed trains make no sense, and even less budget CENTS, for this country ...

Obama’s High-Speed Rail Obsession | Newgeography.com

Roger’s Rules » Watershed Moment in Wisconsin

Obama won't lift a tongue on Egypt, but will send his organizing committee to Wisconsin. This article encapsulates the issues well ...

Roger’s Rules » Watershed Moment in Wisconsin

The PJ Tatler » Flashback: Democrats go un-democratic when they lose, and then they lose some more

Will history repeat itself - in Wisconsin?

The PJ Tatler » Flashback: Democrats go un-democratic when they lose, and then they lose some more

Rooney, Snow and "where is the ball"

We received about 7 inches (15 cm) of snow last nite. Rooney had fund trying to find the ball ...

Wisconsin Updates HERMAN CAIN VIDEO ADDED : The Other McCain

Good compilation of articles and interesting quotes ... to sum up the issues ...

"Walker has called on 14 Democratic state senators, who fled the state rather than allow a quorum permitting a vote on the bill, to return to Madison.
Bill opponents say they won’t allow a vote unless Walker negotiates on the plan to eliminate collective bargaining rights for everything but wages. The legislation also would require most employees to pay more for their pensions and health insurance benefits.

“I have been informed that all state and local public employees — including teachers — have agreed to the financial aspects of Gov. Walker’s request,” said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, a Democrat. . . .
Walker, who says the state is “broke,” is asking legislators to pass his Budget Repair Bill to combat a $137 million shortfall through June 30. An upcoming two-year budget for 2011-13 must address a pending $3.6 billion deficit, he said.
The governor’s press secretary, Cullen Werwie, released a statement Saturday calling on Erpenbach, Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller and other Democrats to return from Illinois.

“These are many of the same senators who, two years ago, rammed through a billion dollar tax hike in 24 hours with no public input,” the statement said. “The quickest way to resolve the current situation is for the Democratic senators to stop shirking their responsibilities and debate the bill in Madison.”
Opponents say the proposed legislation is an attack on workers’ rights."


Wisconsin Updates HERMAN CAIN VIDEO ADDED : The Other McCain

John Fund: What's at Stake in Wisconsin's Budget Battle - WSJ.com

Unions have lost sight of their original intent. It's now about politics, power, and greed.

John Fund: What's at Stake in Wisconsin's Budget Battle - WSJ.com

Tea Party Protest | Wisconsin Unions | Scott Walker Andrew Breitbart | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment

Since illegal doctor's notes are being handed out, all those teacher protestors should not be paid ... Tea Party members waited until Saturday to protest - BECAUSE they are working. And who is being hurt - the children are not receiving an education ....

Tea Party Protest | Wisconsin Unions | Scott Walker Andrew Breitbart | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment

THE DAMAGE OBAMA HAS DONE at DickMorris.com

This is a lousy scorecard ....

THE DAMAGE OBAMA HAS DONE at DickMorris.com

Albert Mohler - The Christian Worldview as Master Narrative: The End that is a Beginning

The reversal of the curse of sin originates in God’s love and his sovereign determination to save sinners, and it is grounded in the cross and resurrection of Christ. The atonement of Jesus Christ accomplishes our salvation from sin. Nevertheless, the New Testament makes clear that we are awaiting the transformation of our bodies and the arrival of the Kingdom in fullness. Any honest reading of the New Testament leaves us knowing that our salvation is secure in Christ, but we await the final display of Christ’s glory in the Kingdom’s fullness ....


AlbertMohler.com – The Christian Worldview as Master Narrative: The End that is a Beginning

How Obama lost the Egyptian people

And I thought we were always in favor of freedom-loving people ...

Marc A. Thiessen - How Obama lost the Egyptian people

Opinion: Just How Deep Are Obama's Spending Cuts?

A couple of very interesting graphs that cut through the rhetoric. If I spent money like this current administration, I would be broke with no retirement.

Opinion: Just How Deep Are Obama's Spending Cuts?

What REALLY Went Wrong? Going In-Depth on the 2010 Season

Interesting, in-depth analysis of the demise of my beloved-longhorns ...

What REALLY Went Wrong? Going In-Depth on the 2010 Season

Budget 2012: Obama vs. House Republicans - David Rogers - POLITICO.com

And I thought the job of president was about Leadership and Courage ...

Budget 2012: Obama vs. House Republicans - David Rogers - POLITICO.com

Check out my Aspen Slideshow/Video

I've created an HD slideshow/video of our Aspen Ski Trip.  Hit play, then immediately hit pause - give it a few minues to load up, then hit play again.  This will keep the video/audio from being so jerky ...You and also hit the button in far bottom right corner with 4 arrows to view in full screen mode ...