Headlines

I thought it might be fun to take some headlines from The Drudge Report and expand on them. I could have gone forever, but I have other things I need to get done today. Hope you enjoy.


Lockerbie Bomber 'Set Free for Oil'... Gee what a shock! I thought showing mercy to a terrorist who was responsible for bringing down a jet and killing all aboard was a little far-fetched. This makes a whole lot more sense.

GORE: Country has 'moral duty' to pass health care reform... Former VP Al Gore joined with former Prez Bill Clinton in another attempt to sell this "clunker" idea to us. Like I'm going to take any lessons on morality from those two.

UK SYSTEM: Prisoners 'have better diet than Health Service hospital patients'... This has been going on in the US for years. My sister worked for a hospice as a quality control person, and when she discovered falsified records of visits and occasions when prescribed medications were not given given to the elderly and dying, she reported her findings to various governmental agencies, newspapers and lawmakers, and NOT one person did a damn thing. The only result was her losing her job for caring about people and their welfare. She was actually informed that unless the medicare fraud exceeded one million dollars, the government wasn't interested. See, we've already put a price on the heads of senior citizens in this country...and they are supposed to be a protected class under federal government statutes. AND So much for protection under the "whistle blower's" act. Prisoners get far better care and consideration then our elderly. We're worried about infringing on the rights of prisoners...why do they have any? Think it's bad for our seniors...pass the Obama Health Care reform and see how much care they get then. These are the expendable people in that plan. Sad.

CARRIE PREJEAN SUES PAGEANT FOR LIBEL, RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION... OH...now here's something that makes me want to cry. So much sadder than the fact that California is burning and the elderly are getting shitty care. "Dethroned" beauty queen is suing the Miss California officials, citing numerous reasons such as libel, religious discrimination and emotional distress. What a great reason to tie up the Superior Court.

RASMUSSEN POLL: Obama Approval New Low at 46%...The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows that 30% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -11.
There's a shock...people are actually waking and up and paying attention. Think watching Fox has become a trend? I just wonder what the 30% who STRONGLY approve of Obama's performance are smoking.

And finally, the saddest of all. Let all the unemployed, homeless, and hungry people stand up and say, "Awwwwww."

Obama ends frenetic vacation...US President Barack Obama headed back to Washington Sunday after a week-long vacation on the resort island of Martha's Vineyard, interrupted by a crush of outside events. Despite a few rounds of golf and the odd spot of tourism with wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha, Obama did not get the relaxation he sought. The vacation took on a somber tone after the death on Tuesday of Obama's friend and political mentor Edward Kennedy and the senator's funeral mass in Boston on Saturday at which Obama delivered the eulogy.

Isn't that heart-breaking? Who else takes on a new job and gets a vacation after such a short time? And who can afford the plushy house he rented for the week...if I mention the cost, it will sicken you. But having to deliver a eulogy for someone who over-stayed his welcome in congress by at least forty years must have been tough.I wonder if the dearly departed had been anything other than Democrat...would Mr. O still have left Martha's Vineyard to attend the funeral. Martha's Vineyard...does that strike a familiar cord? Isn't that close to Chappaquiddick?

Maxine Shares My Opinion

I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and filled it with seed. What a beauty of a bird feeder it was, as I filled it lovingly with seed. Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the
continuous flow of free and easily accessible food.

But then the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table, and next to the barbecue.

Then came the poop. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table...everywhere!

Then some of the birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket.

And others birds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night
and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.

After a while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore. So I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone. I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio.

Soon, the back yard was like it used to be...quiet, serene...and no onedemanding their rights to a free meal.

Now let's see. Our government gives out free food,subsidized housing,free medical care and free education, and allows anyone
born here to be an automatic citizen.

Then the illegals came by the tens of thousands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor; your child's second grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn't speak English.

Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to 'press one ' to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other
than our flag are squawking and screaming in the streets,demanding more rights and free liberties.

Just my opinion, but maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder.

If you agree, pass it on; if not, continue cleaning up the poop.

Note: Origin unknown;received via email.

Farewell, Ted Kennedy

Most of the country is mourning the loss of Ted Kennedy today. It actually makes me a little sick that someone who should have paid for the death of an innocent young woman so many years ago is getting a hero's farewell and laid to rest with company greater than his.

Yes, I'm a little bitter. I believe that name, status, and money shouldn't play a part in determining someone's guilt or innocence, but our politicians don't seem to recognize that fact. Why does Barney Frank still have a seat? The man is a crook. Why do we have so many confessed tax cheats elected to public office...or appointed? And the bigger question, why does our president need over 20 Czars that are appointed by and answer only to him? He seems to have a personal connection with each one. Something's rotten, and it's not in Denmark.

Ted Kennedy served in Congress for 47 years. For God sakes, it's an elected post, and what did he do that made his contributions valuable enough to turn his position into a career? The Democratic Lion!! I'm sick and tired of party lines. It's time to tear them down and have an AMERICAN party that works for the good of the people and values the Constitution again. Instead of congressmen and women voting because it's the Democratic or Republican thing to do, we need to abolish those divisive barricades to good and common sense. President Obama, in his effort to effect the CHANGE he promised, is sending us barreling down a road many of us don't want to travel, and I fear we have no one who speaks for those of us who are reluctant to pack our bags.

It's time to clean house...time to take away the mouthpieces for special interest groups in this country. I urge you...when you vote in the next election and see the word, "incumbent," consider the state of our government now and vote for someone you know who has integrity and the best interest of the public in mind. Clearly there are too many in congress who have forgotten why they are there.

When people who attend town hall meetings and tea party's to express their opinions are labeled as astroturf or worse likened to terrorists. don't you scratch your head and wonder why?

It that doesn't tick you off, then consider why a government of a country in financial peril believes it's necessary to purchase jets for the convenience of themselves... and at our expense. It's time to get pissed. Join me, won't you. ARGHHHHHHHH!

The Last Word

So, the government-run Cash for Clunkers program is running smoothly? I don't think so. Ask the hundreds of dealers who are sitting with lots full of clunkers who have to have them demolished in order to get their $4500 back...or those who already have submitted the documentation as proof and still haven't been paid.

Cash for Clunkers presented a great opportunity for those people with jobs and credit to get a new vehicle. BUT, how did the masses of unemployed who are driving around in cars gasping for their last breath benefit? What about all the organizations who accepted donated cars to benefit people in need? I'm sure this drove them out of business real quick. More unemployed. Great!

I find it ludicrous that millions of people with clunkers, no job, therefore no credit couldn't at least benefit from the cars traded in somehow in this deal. I've driven by lots that have cars marked as clunkers...ones like 2001-02 Ford Explorers, nice sedans and even compact cars that have been cared for and probably have many more miles of use to someone in need...but instead, they'll be crushed with not a thought given to those who really needed a break. Once again, Obama has come up with a bail out for the wrong people and left those struggling still trying to stay afloat. And the program is in dire trouble. Are these really the people you want handling your health care????

Rebates like Cash for Clunkers?

There is so much rumor debunking going on, everyone is citing internet urls, which we all know can be as accurate as the weather. If you listen carefully to President Obama in this clip, you'll hear how he polishes his answer with family and friends...what bothers me is that the government is still lurking there in the decision making process.

I say Ted Kennedy should resign because he's been a Senator for almost as long as dinosaurs roamed the earth, and he has a brain tumor...but his health care is Congressional gold-seal and no one seems to care whether he is still capable of making logical decisions. Yet, congress may some day be able to decide whether you are worthy of oxygen or deem you a CLUNKER and demand you be let go to save expenses. Cars today...people tomorrow. Not a pretty picture.

OH, and if you want to read something really interesting that explains why Sarah Palin is concerned...then check out the Legal Insurrection Blog and read that Palin's references were to key guidelines espoused by key Obama health care adviser Dr. Ezekial Emanuel (brother of Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel). Does it seem strange that so many of the President's past chums and supporters have found a place in government?

Sharing An Important Message

I receive emails from American's for Prosperity, and although they do occasionally ask for donations to support their efforts, they don't browbeat you or remove you from their mailing list. And...as far as I can see, they don't lie like the marionettes in Washington...like Nancy Pelosi. Obama has such a tight hold on her strings, I'm surprised she can walk upright.

I like that the information AFP provides is always verifable. As expected, the MSNBC newscast video really worked to demean the organization because like other network news programs, they only report the sunshine and daisies aspect of government. You won't hear anything positive about the thousands across the nation like you and me who are concerned with the manner in which we are lied to and treated like we haven't a brain in our head. Bless people like Tim Phillips who keeps us informed, and I could give a crap if he makes some money in the process. Congress has been lining their pockets at our expense for years.


Dear Ginger,

Sometimes, the truth is…well… almost unbelievable.

You’ve heard Team Obama attack Americans for “manufactured anger.” You’ve seen them tell citizens to send “fishy” emails attacking the health care takeover directly to the White House. You saw Speaker Pelosi vilify hundreds of thousands of us as “un-American” for simply defending our freedoms. And, we’ve all seen the media accuse Americans for Prosperity and others of inciting “mob violence.” (Click here to view some of these attacks including my interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow)
But, believe it or not the radical Left is actually running ads offering to PAY FOR “GRASSROOTS” activists who will support the health care takeover.

Take a look at Craigslist.org—it's full of listings like this one.

What hypocrisy.

Speaker Pelosi and the Obama Administration are attacking Americans who take time away from work and families to stand up for their freedoms.

Meanwhile, their allies are actually offering to pay people to be “grassroots” fronts.

And the big industry players—the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies— are all over TV with ads supporting big-government regulations.

Clearly, they are very well-funded but they are losing on the issues – 53% of Americans now oppose the health care takeover while only 42% support it. Gallup did a poll earlier this year that showed that despite all the hype from the left, global warming ranks dead last among eight environmental concerns. They also cannot inspire Americans to support their agenda. So, they trash average Americans and pay for “grassroots” fronts.

This week President Obama is holding staged town hall meetings before hand-picked audiences across the nation where, sadly, he says things that just are not true. But, Americans are not buying the falsehoods. They know government run health care will not save money. They know bureaucrats deciding whether seniors can get the health care they need is a frightening idea.

So, we can expect the other side to continue trying to demonize you and me. The key for us is to be civil but insistent, appropriate but still passionate.

And, always, we must remember what is at stake.

I hear from so many of you. Pam in Atlanta, GA sent a picture of her 96-years-young grandmother fishing with her 79-year-old mother and told me the story of her grandmother’s hip replacement. She wrote that under government-run health care her grandmother would most likely have been denied that hip replacement “…because of a number, her age.” Pam went on to say that she’s drawn a “line in the sand” on the health care issue because of her loved ones.

Keep up the fight. Make sure you check out the outrageous ads offering to pay “grassroots” workers pushing FOR government-run health care.

At AFP we cannot offer you money to be a grassroots activist but we can tell you that you’ll be earning something far more valuable – your continued freedom.

Sincerely,


Tim Phillips

PS: Be sure to visit AmericansforProsperity.org to see where our “Hands Off My Health Care” bus tour is going next and where our anti cap-and-trade “Cost of Hot Air” tour is heading next. I’ll be in Pennsylvania tomorrow and Friday and then Ohio and Virginia next week. Hope to see you! Either way, know that we’re winning.

Yeah, Sure!

Isn't it amazing how the government reacts to people expressing their minds and fears? The first group of interested folk who attended the tea parties at the beginning of the year found themselves being grouped in with terrorists by the Department of Homeland Security. Funny, I went, and it never occurred to me to harm anyone, nor did I see one indication of violence. Just people voicing their concerns and seeking support for common sense and logic.

Now, people attending the town hall meetings to speak out against Health Care Reform are being labeled as "Angry Mobs" organized by the Republicans to cast aspersions on our President's integrity.

For the record, I'm not a Republican nor a Democrat. I don't believe our country should be divided by political lines, and the reason should be clear by what is happening in our current and past administrations. People vote party lines, right or wrong, or cave to pressure from the opposite side. Finger pointing and logo waving are more important than READING the bills and making informed decisions. People are loyal to their sides and would vote for anything or anyone bearing the party name.

It disturbs me that the President and his staff seem to believe we are all a bunch of idiots who can't make informed decisions. Now, I've received an email from the White House again, with links to various videos meant to dispel the myths of those vindictive opponents who have put together "shopped" information to make the Health Care Reform bill look bad. I watched one and shook my head...the one that assures me I can keep my own insurance and doctor. Sure, I can until my employer decides that it's cheaper for them to do away with my current carrier. There went my choice down the dumper...and I see that happening.

My decisions to oppose Health Care Reform are in the exact wording of the bill itself...words many of the advocates haven't read or never will because their aides read for them. Wouldn't you prefer to have the person casting a vote actually READ and interpret for themselves. Remember people...the Bible is the basis for a multitude of religions...all based on the same book but different interpretations.

My point...the Constitution allows us the right to free speech, but when we try to use it, we're condemned, labeled, and discounted. My sister pointed out something I hadn't noticed. Why am I all of a sudden getting emails from the White House. She isn't, nor are any of my other family. Do you think it's because I blog and express opinions publicly? I wonder. Big brother is watching, and I have to tell you, after seeing the government disclaimer on one site which informed anyone viewing that their computer was now the property of the government, I was a little reluctant to visit the reform website. Check it out if you want...I'm all for making informed decisions, but just remember as you watch these clips...what would you expect the White House to do when so many are pointing out than any undertakings they involve themselves with go belly up. Medicare, Medicaid and the Social Security Administration are all in serious trouble and now the Government wants to manage EVERYONE's health care. Personally, if I was an employer looking at their resume...I'd move along to the next candidate.

Contests As Market Research

Contests as Market Research

by Lisabet Sarai

I can't begin to represent myself as an expert on promotion. Like most authors, I struggle, trying to figure out how to best allocate my scarce time in order to increase name recognition and ultimately sales. One promotional trick I've tried which has ancillary benefits is running contests that also provide me with information about my readers.

Every month I publish a “newsletter” which includes information on latest releases, acceptances, reviews and so on. A regular feature is my contest of the month. The newsletter is actually a page on my website, so it is easily accessible throughout the month. I've experimented with various types of contests: trivia contests, scavenger hunts, review posting, prizes for joining my email list and so on. One thing I've discovered is that anything that requires much work will not generate a good response! My most successful contests (in terms of response) have involved asking readers to send me an email with their opinion about some question.

I've asked my readers to tell me what Yahoo groups and review websites they like the best or visit most often; whether they like M/M romance and why; whether they enjoy F/F romance and why; what kind of paranormal themes they like best; and so on. I gather entries throughout the month (I have a special email address just for contests), then I randomly select one participant to receive the prize (usually a free book).

I have no idea whether these contests improve my sales. However, they offer other benefits. For one thing, I get some feedback on what readers are looking for in the books they read. I've received some thoughtful and detailed replies to my questions. I won't necessarily tailor what I write to match readers' preferences (for one thing, they don't all agree!), but a commonly held opinion will definitely influence my choices to some extent. Another positive aspect of this contest format is that it gives me the opportunity to engage my readers in email conversations. (I try to reply personally to every entry.) Finally, the responses give me fodder for blog posts and other articles. For example, I wrote about M/M romance on the Total-E-Bound blog last April and quoted from some of my readers' comments (with their permission).

I'm running a contest this month asking readers to describe their pet peeves in reading romance. The prize is the winner's choice of my two most recent releases, Getaway Girl, M/F light bondage romance , or Monsoon Fever, a historical multicultural M/M/F menage romance. I'd love to see some reader of Ginger's blog become my winner! Details are available at http://www.lisabetsarai.com/news.html

Cash for Clunkers

This program has been such a success that they ran out of money and had to put another two million dollars into the coffers. We all know that buying an new car is an impulse item, and when you dangle $4500 in front of people, I wonder how many ran out and created a car payment they won't be able to afford if the economy continues to plummet. That may not be an appropriate word...I think we don't have much further to fall.

What angered me most, before I saw the following video, is knowing that cars in perfectly good condition are being "crushed" and disposed of while unemployed or disadvantaged people with vehicles that are gasping their last breath would probably give an arm or let to have one. We're not talking old rusted, dented crap. The criteria listed anything that doesn't get 22 MPG or more is eligible for trade in and demolition as long as it meets age requirements.

While the green side of me understands trying to get gas guzzlers off the road, I'll continue to be an offender. We bought our GMC Denali when both my husband and I were employed, and we purchased it to pull an RV we could afford before gasoline skyrocketed. Sadly, we are a prime example of how people do not consider what might happen in the future. I never expected the economy to bottom out or that my husband would fall victim to layoff. Impulse, like I said! Besides, I couldn't trade mine in if I wanted. I owe more than it's worth now.

Anyhow...I invite you to watch the following video. Glen Beck on Fox news is my hero! He doesn't advocate violence, he advocates fairness and he's determine to help wake America up. If I can assist him, then I'm sure as hell going to try. You're certain to gasp at what the government has on their website because it MOST CERTAINLY AFFECTS YOU IF YOU LOG IN!

Americans for Prosperity

I'm sharing the letter I received today. It sort of parallels my panicked post on my other blog, despite vowing not to rant there anymore. Couldn't help myself. I feel very strongly that people at aged 65 and over do not need to be reminded that they are nearing the end of their life by discussing their plans with a stranger. As I mentioned on my other blog...I have a living will, have discussed details with my doctor and family, and there is nothing more depressing, in my opinion, than being reminded how little time left we might have despite the mess the world is in. Growing old leaves you with little dignity as it is, do we really want Government intervention in managing our death? You can read more information at Americans for Prosperity
Unfortunately, I can ill afford to donate to the cause, but I can blog about it and ask you to open your eyes and ears and truly realize what Congress is being asked to impose upon us.

Dear Ginger,

It happened last week in the small town of Gate City, Virginia.

Your Americans for Prosperity team was wrapping up a Patients First bus tour event opposing the Obama/Pelosi health care takeover. Out of the corner of my eye I saw an elderly lady struggle to her feet. She gestured toward me and I walked over to her.

She was stooped from osteoporosis. She looked up into my eyes and said…

“It makes me feel guilty for wanting to live.”

You see, we had just detailed the “end of life” mandatory counseling provision of the Obama/Pelosi health care takeover for the crowd. Dr. Larry Hunter had just explained that on page 425 and 426 the House bill states that if you are a Medicare recipient you will receive counseling to learn about “end of life” options, including hospice and palliative care.

This has seniors worried. End-of-life decisions are intensely personal, and most Americans agree that they should be discussed with your family and your doctor. But do we need a government mandate for that?

If the government moves to control our health care dollars – by taxing us more to pay for government-run care – then the government will have its say in how those dollars are spent and which patients get the benefits.

Click here for the link that takes you directly to the language in the bill and see for yourself.

Then, I’m asking you to click here to give financially so that together we can defeat this outrageous legislation that expands government’s reach into our personal lives.

No American should ever “feel guilty for wanting to live.”

That sweet elderly lady in Gate City, Virginia is someone’s mother, someone’s grandmother, someone’s wife.

And, you and I should pledge today that on our watch she – and every other senior – will make end-of-life decisions with their family members and personal doctors, free of government intrusion.

You’ve been active with Americans for Prosperity for some time now. You know we seldom ask for financial help. We know the key is grassroots action – working with you to put pressure on these Washington, D.C. politicians through calls, e-mails, rallies, and petitions like our Patients First effort.

But, there are times when we need funds to pay for these rallies and bus tours. Last week, our Patients First bus tour made 27 stops in Virginia in 1 week. In fact, we hit my hometown of Leesburg on Friday.

This week we are holding two bus tours: one in Nebraska with 9 rallies and one in North Carolina with 30 stops. In addition, our national television advertising is running full bore in key states. All this effort costs money and a lot of it – millions in fact.

So, I’m asking you to step up and help us defeat this legislation by giving financially.

Will you help at this crucial time – just as Congress heads back to their districts and we attempt to turn up the pressure even higher?

Sincerely,



Tim Phillips

PS: This week, Congress heads back home to their districts for the August recess. Now, we've got to turn up the pressure even higher and get the word out about this “end of life” counseling provision that threatens our seniors and the chronically ill. Remember, no American should ever feel guilty for wanting to live.