Christmas Shlepping Redux

Money's tight,time is running out and Christmas is fast becoming your least favorite holiday. We often forget the big picture at Christmas time that the real meaning of Christmas is the birth of the savior of the world the baby Jesus. FRG is here to give you your last minute gift ideas.

My favorite gift buying stores is often the ones you may least think of at holiday season.

Drugstores. Drugstore chains are going after the last minute shopper more and more and prices are far more reasonable than you may think. Chains like Walgreens and CVS contain a vast array of gifts for any age or need. The Candy selections are phenom. For family members in hospital or nursing facility how about a table top mini christmas tree complete with decorations and lights for under 15  dollars in their room? A small basket filled with lotions, decorative pin,cologne sugar free or regular snicky snacks candies? Maybe a nice watch,travel nail care set and some magazines or a paperback? Make up your own gift basket. For kids you be suprised to find an array of name brand and character driven toys and videos anywhere from a dollar to 50 dollars on average with many toys in the 20 dollar range. You'll even find great seasonal items like bathrobe and slipper sets,as seen on tv items ,small appliances, gift boxes etc. And mom and dads you'll find sometimes the simplest gifts are the most pleasurable. An inexpensive basketball or football. A pack of new crayons. New cans of playdough. A soft cuddly stuffed animal. A yoyo. A retro pull toy for walking toddlers, large puzzles. Mini games like etch a sketch and battleship. And remember to use the age guidelines listed on the toys as your guide. It usually is on target. And for the under 5 age group you can't go wrong with anything to do with their fav tv shows and characters.



Thrift stores and pawn shops and garage sales. Think vintage. Everything old is new again. Sets of china. Unusual bone china teacups, vintage postcards, brass decorative pieces, artwork,old classic cookbooks, good working manual or electric typewriters. Buy some new inked ribbons and clean the keys with alchohol and a qtip. Kids and adults like these low cost,retro tech quick typing stations. Hard to find old style kitchen tools like flour sifters and rotery eggbeaters, costume jewery. Old magazines from the 1970s and back. Old records. Vintage and designer cloths. etc.

Grocery Stores. Grocery stores are a great place to find interesting gifts and put together great gift bags . How about a new baby gift bag with bibs, food, baby supplies and small toys etc. Or a gourmet food gift bag with cheeses, cured meats,wine,coffee, cookies etc. Or maybe a themed meal gift bag like Italy. Load a recycle bag with some boxes of pasta,pasta sauce,bread sticks,camponata,wine,cheese,Nonni biscotti,instant italian style coffee you get the idea.



Music stores or chains carrying low cost instruments. Think modest or used. Or think small like a harmonica, recorder(small wooden flute), bongo drums or ukelele.

Tourist stores. If you live in a tourist area for your state check out the local tourist section with their assorted gift shops. Great place to fine the unusal and Christmas time is a great time to find bargins. And don't turn your nose up at local tourist mugs,shot glasses, ashtrays,snowglobes, kitchen towels,etc. All this stuff is kichey now and in folks.

Hardware stores,Fish and Game Stores,Army Navy Stores. These are great places for the unusal gifts. Restractable key chains, brass spring clips are also great for key chains and clip on a pant loop. Flashlights, small gardening tools and seeds for the gardener in your family. Small all in one tool kits. patches and hats. Fatigue jackets etc. Swiss Army knifes etc. Great place for both the useful and the unusual. Our local Ace Hardware has a great little gift section.

Craft and Art stores. Budding Artist in your family? You'll find inexpensive student art kits, doll house items, picture frames, decorator items, scrapbook items,small plastic animals, and all manner of neat stuff that can make great gifts at a bargin, blank t shirts, leather kits.



Auto parts stores. Kids toys and trucks with company logos, keychains, steering wheel and seat covers. decals. Fancy pocket tire pressure testers. etc.



Christian Book stores. Often have great gift areas as well as books and dvds.

The Local Animal Shelter. What better way to save a pet and give a companion and pet to you child or friend or relative. Make sure you are giving a pet to someone who wants one and pick the right breed and type for location and person. Throw in some food and supplies .

Local zoos or museum gift stores.
Large hospital gift shops. Hospitals with maternity centers often have great baby gifts.





Gift tips


Fruit or nut trees in your yard, have a garden consider putting together some a vege fruit or nut gift baskit for your family and friends.

Golden Tickets for babysitting,transportation to a christmas church service or production, hated jobs like car washing and waxing,house cleaning,window washing,laundry and ironing, home cooked meal, a homemade cake or cookies or fudge.

And how about a low cost movie night on Redbox or any other kiosk style movie box? Pop some popcorn and make some snacks and watch a dollar movie. Don't have a player? Check out your local hazardous waste disposal site for decks that may have been dumped from people upgrading to blueray. Many sites have recycle centers for just that purpose. Also check out your local pawn shops.

Gift certificates. What I call the great after Christmas gift. Consider treating someone to dinner or breakfast, a tank of gas, phone minutes to call far off friends or relatives, a book of their choice through a bookseller like amazon or barnes and noble etc,a movie at the local franchise,or clothing they won't have to exchange from one of their favorite stores, a pizza, downloadable music. Or give cash or a money order. Money orders are free at Amscot.

If you have a special skill consider gifting that skill. Are you a Hairdresser, own a laundry,a carpenter,artist, crafter, organizer,good at hanging curtains etc.


Remember the word barter. Even in discount stores bartering is possible with the store managers. Overstock is not something stores want for inventory and inventory taxes. Learn the art of the barter ask for discounts on the discounts.

Don't forget to sent flowers. Always a nice way to say Happy Holidays to those you love.

For folks with power problems Bell and Howell is selling an inexpensive solar cell phone and book recharger.  http://www.asseenontvjunkies.com/Bell-Howell-Solar-Charger_p_4646.html

Considering the recent stream of natural disasters consider putting together a bug out kit for a friend or relative. http://www.bugoutbaglist.com/

Or hand crank radios and lights. 



Hope this offers you some ideas and places you haven't thought of . Have a Happy Holiday and don't forget it's not about the gifts or a tree or even a lavish meal it's about the fellowship you share either in person or by phone or even alone with the Christ child praising his name and thanking him for coming here so that we may have the opportunity to go up there to be with him forever. Merry Christmas.

Thanks We aren't Giving Presents on this Holiday

This is a reprint of a previous Turkey Day Hint page. 

Some additional tips this year as I am doing my own research for dinner for two and since I am working  and everyone is out of town this year something quick and easy for me and my Poppi.

I found out a few restaurant chains offer a good turkey day dinner.  Boston Market, Bob Evans, Denney's, Perkins,and your local family style restaurants often offer a turkey day meal.  The chains offer take away at Boston and Bobs.  Check the others for  hours and if you need to order ahead to insure availability. 

Stove top is a clear bet for easy dressing if you perfer to prepare at home but quick. Instant Mashed varieties of potatoes are better than they used to be and canned and jared gravies are good with a little added sage or bells turkey seasoning.

Maria C's Turkey day frozen dinners are rated well for frozen.

Country Crock offers fresh ready to heat and eat stuffing and mashed potatoes that are quite good.

Consider a Purdue or Butter Ball fresh small turkey or turkey breast.  A Hormel boneless fully cooked half or quarter ham ready to heat and eat.

Every local market is offering great buys on apple and other fruit pies and pumpkin for an average cost of 3.99 or 5.99 in their bakeries. 

Feeding a large crowd?  Boston Market caters for pickup or delivery depending on size of order.  They offer both ham and turkey meals but you need to order today.

What am I going to do?  It's looking like two turkey dinners from Boston with a Hormel quarter or half ham on the side to heat up I think. But that's subject to changing my mind. 

Hope you have a good day on Turkey Day.  Many Blessings in the coming year and a big hug from FRG. Now the reprint.




Growing up Thanksgiving was by far my most favorite holiday. All the pleasure of Christmas without the pressure of presents. It also was a holiday that involved thanking the creator for our blessings that year and was a holiday when the Native American was celebrated for helping the white man.

In honor of that I offer up some holiday tips to both veteran hosts and hostesses as well as newbees.

Rule number one remember it's not about the food its about the fellowship. You don't have to have turkey, chicken, a tv dinner, a brisket, Denney's, soup, anything can be a Thankgiving meal. Remember the first one was just a big pot luck meal. In your haste and hurry don't forget to be in each moment for time passes quickly and memories are meant to be sweet.

If you are alone this year it need not be lonely volunteer somewhere that day. Volunteer to work for a coworker. Help out at a hospital,soup kitchen,church, the VA,military base, meals on wheels,etc.

If you are housebound and have a phone start a call tree and wish folks a happy day. Or make it a day of prayer for your loved ones, your country etc. Have a tv, enjoy the parades or sports or Christmas movies on tv.

For those with the task of hosting the day here are a few tips.

Housecleaning. Most import just have a clean bathroom. No one will notice anything else. Hire a merry maid for a day to do the general house cleaning. Have kids. Put them to work. Always include children in prep and cooking. Making memories folks. Mom or Dad can't do it all. TGD is about community.

Need more seating? Rent or borrow from family and friends.

Turkey Tips

Don't be stressed about the turkey. Easiest thing to cook in the world. Still a little frozen? Keep it in the wrapper and place it in a clean sink or a large tub with cold tap and turn it periodically changing the water if it gets warm. This speeds the defrost. And don't forget to pull the giblet and parts bag out of the inside gavities. The bags are usually located in the inside gavity and at the front under the neck flap. Purchasing at the last minute, go for a fresh or fully cooked turkey. Avoid discounted frozen turkeys you may run into a bad one. Your turkey is the featured player so buy a good one.

What do you do with those parts. If the heart,liver gizard etc look rich in color they can be prepared to use in the stuffing or deep fried etc. If not, toss out. The neck and tail numb you will remove from the base of spine of the bird are good to boil with the organ parts in about five cups of water with an onion cut in half,some stalks of celery with the leaves and a carrot for broth for gravy and use in stuffing. Boil and then simmer for a 2-3 hours to render the flavor from the meat and the fat from the skin. Strain out the solids and save the organ meats except for the gizzard and throw out the tail. De skin the neck and some of the meat can be pulled off and chopped fine to use in the stuffing. If the heart is tender finely chop it and the other organ meats and it also can be used in the stuffing.

What seasoning means TG? Sage. Sage is that key seasoning that permeates stuffing,turkey and gravies. One of the best turkey seasonings around is Bell's Turkey Seasoning. It has a heavy accent of sage and that's what makes it great on and in your turkey, stuffing and gravy. Now I know you may prefer cajun or injectables, or sweet rather than savory sauces, but for the old fashioned Momma style Sage is the Daddy of TG flavors.

Turkey seasoning is simple salt,pepper,paprika and bells turkey seasoning or sage inside and out after you put a little olive oil on the outside of the bird so the seasonings stick. Many injectable seasonings are available as well as sweet and savory glazes for the end of cooking. If you stuff don't over stuff and pack in the stuffing. Lightly put in a few tablespoons and put the rest of the stuffing in a baking dish to cook in the oven. Remember stuffing the bird lengthens the cooking time and only stuff just before you put it in the oven. Any turkey will come with temp,time baking instructions based on weight. make sure you write down the weight and when you put the turkey into the oven. Many turkeys come with pop up timers but use a meat thermometer periodically to test for doness. Try to avoid opening and closing the oven too much it will lengthen the cooking time. Figure on basting about every 45 minutes and that is about the time to look at the meat thermometer. Also remember when choosing the bird the smaller the turkey the tenderer the bird. Buying two small birds for a larger group can be a good thing. Cook one the day before pouring the juices over the cut up parts in a reheatable dish and cover tightly and refrigerate. Cook the second bird the day of for presentation and smell. You'll have 4 legs and thighs and 4 wings and everyone will be happy. Also consider using a large roaster cooker and cook both birds at the same time. When open roasting in a roasting pan remember to tent the breast top and put some foil over the legs and wing area as they cook so they don't over cook. When checking temp remember that the turkey will continue to cook as it rests before slicing so if it's about 5 degrees under temp that's not a bad thing. If it's five over it may be a little dry but gravy is wonderful thing. Don't be afraid to use Turkey size cooking bags to cook your turkey. This is a great way for newbee's to have a moist Turkey.

If you don't have one, invest in an electric knife or borrow one. It makes for even cuts and easy cutting of the Turkey.

If you are making pies and stuffing do it the day before. Traditional pumpkin has time to cool and you can papertowel off any beaded sugar moisture before refrigerating. Keep fruit pies out of the frig and place in a secured location with a little foil lightly on top after it is completely cooled to keep the crust crispy. This goes for baked frozen fruit pies as well.

Don't be afraid to ask guests to bring something like rolls,corn bread, vegetable casseroles,salads,deserts etc. It lighten's the burden for you and really captures the real meaning of the first thanksgiving and keeps family and friend recipes alive. Suggest they bring a copy of their recipe to share with the other guests.

For hosts on the go with little time supermarkets have a variety of time savers such as seasonal side dishes ready for the microwave from Bob Evans ,Country Crock or the Deli like stuffing, mashed potatoes,greenbean casserole etc. As I said before precooked turkeys available for reheat are also available. Consider cooking just a Turkey Breast or a Turkey Roast.

Gravy can be a thing. It doesn't have to be. Use a jared sauce or dry gravy packet and add some of the juices from the bird in the gravy and add some pepper and some bells turkey seasoning or sage and your sauce will taste from scratch. Always make twice to three times the amount of gravy you think you will need because folks like it on turkey,stuffing,potatoes, and biscuits. Rule of thumb you can never have enough gravy. Keep a pot on the stove warm and covered to refill and reheat the gravy service.

Mashed potatoes are easy. Plan on 5lbs for 8-10 people 10 for a larger group. Red Potatoes or Yukon Gold seem to be the best choices and the creamest. Pick large ones for less peeling. This is a great job for guests and kids to participate. Go to a dollar store and pick up more than one of those slip style peelers and instruct. And reserve the knive and cubing to a more experienced volunteer. Drop the cut up potatoes in the boiling pot filled with cold water.Then boil in water after peeling cutting up into uniform med pieces untill a fork breaks them apart. Drain the water and mash with a masher or hand mixer untill lump free add a stick of real butter for every five lbs and then add about a can of condensed mik slowly mixing with a mixer untill the potatoes make peaks. Remember not to go too thin because gravy will be added . Add salt and pepper to taste. I use white pepper so as not to put off folks with a black pepper avoidance issue. For more flavor or creaminess you can use sourcream or fresh smashed roasted garlic. But again remember gravy is going to be poured on this so there is a lot of seasoning that is going to be on these potatoes. Got your potatoes too thin or using mashed potatoes from a store bought turkey dinner kit. Instant potatoes can be added to warm mashed to thicken the consistancy.

Stuffing Tips

Stuffing is easy today with all the stuffing kits available from stove top to pepperidge farm. And drying out in a low oven any stale bread like hot dog buns etc. to add makes for an economical dish. Everyone has different traditions but if you are looking for standard you can add small chopped sauted in butter celery,and onions and then fold in a fresh diced apple with skin on and sprinkled with lemon juice along with enough cups of chicken or turkey broth to saturate the bread moist but not soggy based on the cups of bread crumbs you are using. This is also the time to add any meat from the Turkey or sausage etc . Fold in a beaten egg and season with salt,pepper to taste , a teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of Bell's seasoning or sage and a tablespoon of parsley.(Note if you are using stove top or preseasoned stuffing mixtures all you may need is a little salt and pepper and a hint more of sage. Folks also add things like Pinenuts,rehydrated craisins or raisins etc. Cover and let that mixture rest in the mixing bowl in the frig for the flavors to go through and moisture to permeate. When ready see if any more liquid needs to be added or additional bread crumbs. Remember not to overmix your stuffing fold in additions and handle lightly. It should be fluffy. Place in a greased baking dish and top with a few dabs of butter and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 40-50 minutes. Check it at thirty minutes. This is baked when the turkey has been removed from the oven. When complete let rest a bit before serving. And as I said before the stuffing can be made a day a head and refrigerated and baked the day of after the Turkey has finished baking.

Tips for making Pumpkin pie.

To take the pie up a notch. Use part brown sugar for the sugar. Add a tablespoon of black strap molasses. Add two tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice and for thicker more satisfying texture rather than runny add a tablespoon of all purpose flour. Don't overbake or freeze that is what causes crust seperation.


Turkey Day Schedule

Monday

Shop for all things needed.
If purchasing frozen turkey put in lower part of frig and let defrost.

Tuesday

Clean house and set up tables and chairs

Wednesday

Clean turkey remove the giblet and neck bone bags. Make broth from parts. Season up bird and place in roaster and cover with plastic tightly and refrigerate so seasoning can marry with bird. Do not stuff bird at this time. If bird and pan won't fit. just wrap bird in plastic wrap and place in large bag. You will have to season lightly on outside when unwrapping to place in roaster for cooking day.

Bake Pies

Prepare stuffing and cover and refrigerate mixing bowl.


Set the tables


Turkey Day morning.

Preheat oven.

Have breakfast and put the Turkey in oven at appropriate time.

Shower and change along with fam. Don't forget aprons for all those cooking.

About an hour and a half before the Turkey is done peel and cut potatoes and place in water and boil.

Get a pan for the gravy.

Get a carving station ready for the Turkey.

Finish making the mashed potatoes place in covered server and hold in a warm area.

When turkey is done take out and remove some of the juices and place in gravy pot.

Remove stuffing from bird if any and place in covered serving dish to stay warm.

Cover turkey let it rest.

Place remaining stuffing in casserole dish along with any others and bake for 30-45 minutes.

Make the gravy leave in the cooking pot covered on warm.

Cut up the turkey and place in large serving container. Pour the remaining juices over the bird and cover.

When casseroles are complete remove them and place on hot pads to rest.

The best way to serve is buffet style for groups larger than 4. Remember elderly or infirm guests still need to be served. This is a great thing for older kids to participate in as well as more able guests. Delegate. Tell the older folks to to take a seat and take their orders. A list of available things on the menu is great to have at every table on either side and things like drinks can be placed on table ahead of the meal placement.

Beverages should be kept simple like water,iced tea sweetened and unsweetened,hot tea, milk, coffee. I don't recommend hard liquor. But if guests want to bring beer or wine to share that can be allowed. Drunkeness should not be a part of any large gathering or party. It's not funny and doesn't set a good example for young ones. Smokers should be directed outside where a table with ashtrays and chairs should be available. This is for the comfort of other non smoking guests and health of little ones.

I hope some of these tips are of a help. If you have tips to share please leave a comment. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and this Thanksgiving I am thankful for all of you.

Websites of Interest.



http://www.bellsseasonings.com/



http://bobevans.com/Grocery/Category/6/Mashed-Potatoes-Sides




http://www.butterball.com/

http://www.mccormick.com/


http://www.mrssmiths.com/



http://www.kraftbrands.com/stovetop/



http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/



http://www.kingshawaiian.com/


http://www.oceanspray.com/

Am I Wasting Precious Time?

I can say I did know it would be a tight race.  I was hoping the American People were smarter.  Apparently not.  I am so disgusted with the eastern seaboard and their stupidity that I canceled by twitter page.  I have 30 days to change my mind.  I am sitting here trying to decide if I want to continue a blog.  Does it really matter?  I'll give myself 30 days to decide.  FRG

Let Our Soldiers Vote!

. 

Today when many Americans go to the Polls to exercise the very right that many sacrificed their lives so those Americans can make their voice heard in the halls of Washington DC.  The irony of it all the very folks in Iraq our troops liberated from a self imposed dictator and despot can have their votes counted.

The problem in Wisconsin is the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voter Act (UOCAVA) -- that requires election officials to send absentee ballots to military voters at least 45 days before a federal election.

"In this election cycle, states are required to ensure the transmission of absentee ballots to military voters no later than September 22, 2012. According to the Wisconsin office's records, however, at least 30 Wisconsin municipalities failed to transmit ballots to UOCAVA voters by the 45-day deadline." This time is required for those deployed on long remote missions to allow enough time for precincts to receive their ballots in time to count. 

Well Wisconsin is not the only State.  Illinois is being investigated as well for voter fraud of this kind.


 
This problem seems to be the problem in about every State in the Union. 

As reported by By Todd Starnes Fox News:

Sen. John Cornyn, (R-TX) said thousands of military voters could be disenfranchised as a result of the DoD’s failure to modernize its system of getting ballots to troops.
“DoD’s failure to fix this longstanding problem means that the blank ballots of thousands of overseas service members, as well as some who have recently returned from overseas, could be currently trapped in an archaic and inefficient mail forwarding system,” Cornyn wrote in a letter to Sec. of Defense Leon Panetta. “These ballots are unlikely to reach these service members until after Election Day has passed.”
Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John McCain (R-AZ), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Cornyn in raising the issue. The lawmakers believe the impacts could be especially widespread this year – due to troop movements out of Iraq and Afghanistan.



As reported by Fox News continued:

Vickie Freel said her son, who is stationed at Pearl Harbor, never received his absentee ballot.
“I am so frustrated and angry about this,” Freel told Fox News. “There is something very wrong when anyone in our military is not afforded the same rights as the average citizen.”
Michael Boynton’s son is serving in the U.S. Army — in A fghanistan.
“He said they gave out the ballots and before they could do anything — like mark them, they were ordered to return them,” Boynton told Fox News. “He said they were told the ballots were incorrect — but they were never given the so-called corrected ballots.”
That was five weeks ago — and as of today those soldiers have not been given new ballots, he said.
Boynton said his son, who is in the Army, had a chance to look at the disputed ballots and they seemed correct.
He said it’s an outrage that his son and other members of the military may not be able to vote.
“As a parent I find this appalling and unconstitutional,” he said. “Not to allow our men and women who are putting their lives in danger on a daily basis to vote?”
Boynton placed the blame on the Obama Administration.
“Our troops do not believe President Obama is a strong commander or leader,” he said.
Even more disappointing for the proud military father — the 2012 presidential election would have been a landmark moment in his 21-year-old son’s life.
“This would have been the first time for our son to have voted,” Boynton said.

Farrightgirl has two family members in the United States Military and this makes me madder then a wet hen.  My 79 year old veteran Pops who served during the Korean Conflict told me he never was able to vote all the time he was over there. Our Soldiers have their free speech limited and now they can't even vote?  What's wrong with this picture.  I urge you to contact your local state voting authorities and those at the federal level and demand for those that put themselves in harms way for our freedom and the freedom of the whole world the right to exercise their right to vote.  In this day and age with our "State of the Art War Equipment" we can not figure out a way to get this vote out today?  Internet?  Telephone?  Anybody?

On this day you are voting make a call, send an email,talk to a local reporter demanding voter rightrs for our men and women in our military and thank a soldier, a veteran for YOUR right to vote!

Two More Days ...

Two more days to the offical election day that determines the fate of our beloved Republic the United States of America.  At a time when America has not been more divided since the Civil War and after the most far reaching and destructive perfect storm leaving thousands without food,clothing and shelter this election day above all election days is the most important in our history.  As folks left without resources to live still stuned by the the aftermath and after the photo ops of POTUS and Govs and Mayors have ended, it is time to gather our resolve to make our voices heard at the ballot box. 

 

I have tweeted that we must pray today that our heavenly Father gives us the new leadership we need and not the leadership we deserve.   Often God will allow authority to be reflective of a weak and lazy undisciplined people to teach them that their values have grown contrary to his wise and loving instruction.  But I personally feel that there is a revival going on in America in which folks are returning to God and his principles.  I believe that in two days God's divine mercy and grace will show itself and folks will turn out at the polls in greater numbers than has ever been recorded.  I also believe that the divider and chief bitter towards the loving grace of God will be removed from his position of power and  men after God's own heart will be placed back in positions of authority and the original intentions of divine providence and provision will play out before the eyes of the world to stand as a witness that if God's people hunble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways he is faithful and just to heal their land. 

 

In a land with the richest collection of human and natural equity there is no reason we as a nation need sit in rags as if we have no Father in heaven who enables all to achieve and live up to our maximum best.  We have a bounty of riches in the tangible and intangible and we need to stop listening to folks who would convince us otherwise.  We need to move these sad dogs out of the way and move on to those that recognize and embrace the powers that our creator has bestowed on all of us to move mountains and allow us to once again be the city of God that is shining on the hill.  The great equalizer has never been government. Our founding fathers knew this truth.  The great equalizer is our father in heaven who told us to believe "We can do all things thru Christ who strengthens us."  All things my brothers and sisters.

 

Now we can sit in our rags and cry a pity party and follow the negative rehetoric of our Divider and Chief or we can reclaim our heritage of children of God, King's kids, and tap into our inheritance.  Our inheritance contains riches so great they can not be counted.  Do not live in the land of defeat, but in the land of victorious living.  Choose those that understand that government is not our solution but our problem.  Let's elect folks who will move government out of our lives and remove the barriors to the full measure of our unconquerable faith in God's power to help us achieve true greatness in God's perfect will.

 

You need not go to government for your piece of the pie.  Go to your heavenly Father for he will give you the whole pie and you will neither hunger or thirst ever again.  Vote for those who would not serve as a middle man to every dollar you earn or as a procter that doles out just enough that they think you can survive on just to work for them more.  Vote for the people that are willing to stand aside and let you determine how your earnings will be used and spent. 

 

I believe the sheep in America are waking and are discovering there is many a wolf amongst them.  Let's let the dogs out to run those wolves over the cliff and allow the sheep to be safe once again in the guidance and care of the good shepard.  Tuesday get out and make your voice heard.  Tuesday vote to reclaim your Republic the only one in the world.  Tuesday vote for Romney and Ryan 2012.

 

 

 

 

Why We Must Vote Obama out of Office

In four years Obama has managed to only make matters worse and his only defence is he needs more time.  The only thing he needs more time for is to finish his agenda of destroying America,the republic and converting her to a social marxist third world country.  Make no mistake he has no intentions of promoting prosperity.  He has been indoctrinated since birth by the key players in his life, his mother and real father Frank Marshall Davis a card carrying communist.  The new documentary now available on instant view on Netflix " Dreams of My Real Father" illustrates that point clearly. 

http://superstore.wnd.com/Welcome/Dreams-from-my-Real-Father-DVD

Obama loves to talk of the middle class.  Substitute the real word.  The working class.  What he really means to do is to steal from the working class and give to those that we already support.  Those who have no intention of working although they are perfectly able.  He harps on Mitts reference of the 47 percent as if it includes those who are unable to work or who have paid into the government controled pension plan called social security.  That is further from the truth. 

Entitlement programs, grant moneys, stimulus money tax payer paid for all are given out by Obama as payoffs for votes and political support.  Chicago residents know all too well his criminal actions and intentions and his connections with unsavory violent people. 

 

 

 

 

When I found out that convicted felons in prison were given Pell Grants and Unemployment checks and they were pushing to allow them to vote I was livid.  Oh and by the way Pell Grants are also available to illegal aliens.  Anyone who has been interviewed that has worked in prison for more that 50 years will tell you that prisons for the most part hold folks that should be there and are far more dangerous harden criminals than they have ever seen.  Is it any wonder, since we have a nation of children devoid of God and raised by working single parents because of the wacked war on poverty instituted by the dems to weaken the poors ability to advance from poverty and possibly move into their neighborhoods. 

 

See  http://frontpagemag.com/2012/john-perazzo/romneys-stand-and-the-lefts-destruction-of-the-black-community/

 

Obama's actions are straight out of the social marxist weather underground Saul Alinsky playbooks.

 

 

Obama and his wife and crew like to harp that folks who work hard that are minorities still don't succeed in America.  Well I think they both have done very well don't you?   Not to mention every immigrant who comes here that works hard always seems to prosper.  It is the folks that never wish to get off the entitlement programs and are content to sit at home on the public dole that don't prosper here in America.  Evey large company that you can think of was started by working class and often poor money straped folks who worked hard.  America's free republic and free market without the interference of government is what has allowed this opportunity for all.  But folks would have you believe otherwise.  It is nothing but in the words of Uncle Joe Biden just a bunch of stuff.

 

http://www.thecomingattack.com/obama-operatives-will-commit-reichstag-event-to-trigger-martial-law-dhs-whistleblower-reveals/

 

Class warfare is their tool to stir up the public to give them control over every aspect of our lives and every dollar that they make until we are all working for the state instead of ourselves.  This model does not work and every nation that has tried this has failed.  Russia,China both fell and both are practicing freemarket now and investing in gold to make gold their monetary standard.  The US dollar is no longer being used as the main trading currency in the world because it's deemed too unstable and worthless. 

 

http://www.thecomingattack.com/news-alert-election-results-cause-obama-to-accelerate-destruction-of-nation/

 

Obama care is nothing more than another huge money grab of about 40 percent of our income. Do you think for a moment we will see any of it much like the joke that is Social Security that was placed into the general fund by LBJ a democrat so they could steal it and claim it was bankrupt now?  If you are not livid at the out right stealing of the working class incomes by the public dole communists that have taken over our government and our country you are just not awake.  You are asleep on the job.

 

Under Obama's watch every middle east country we had some diplomatic influence has now been given over to Hamas through the brother hood.  All the surrounding countries of Israel are now ready to achieve their dream of wiping our jewish brothers and sisters off the face of the planet.  And Obama claims to be friends with Israel's prime minister?  Yeah right.  I believe a guy whose worn a ring that reads in arabic Allah is the only God.  Give me a royal break.  The apology tour needs to end and we need to protect the only friend who believes in freedom in the Middle East.

 

http://www.thecomingattack.com/michael-savage-its-as-if-hostile-foreign-power-has-taken-over-country/

 

And Obama continues to fight allowing us to be energy independent and supporting communist countries like Venezeula and China.  Did you know 3 bridge projects in America are going to be built by Chinese companies.  Talk about outsourcing american jobs? What do you Steel worker unionists think now of your candidate? The last drilling permits were granted by Bush in the Dakotas.  Their unemployment rate less than 4 percent and they are reruiting outside the state now to fill positions for workers.

 

Remember Bill I did not have sexual relations with that women Clinton said I feel your pain?  BS they cause our pain. Clinton's massive neglect and cutting of our defense capabilities and the signing of the Reinvestment Act intimidating and forcing banks to make loans to those who could not pay back those loans and dem Barney Frank created the economy we are suffering thru now.  It's time we kick these folks out and place them in the federal pen for the crimes of fraud and theft of this country and it's citizens.  The only reason it has not been done sooner is most in washington are in bed with these thugs and criminals.  

 

Clinton,Obama and Biden were all poor students who through quotas and communists with money and influence have been purchased and placed into power.  It is time we storm the steps of Washington and take this country back them and their handlers like our founding fathers all.

 

http://www.thecomingattack.com/russian-official-obama-is-a-communist-kgb-agent/

 

What we must do first is vote these criminals out of office.  If we don't do it just kiss this country goodby.  It is just that important.  We are at a crossroads to chose freedom over slavery to the state.  And believe me it is the last time we will have a choice.  These criminals are pulling every dirty Chicago way trick in the book like stopping military from voting,registering illegals,prison folk,dead people and telling people to vote more than once.  Volunteer to monitor or man voter sites and be a guardian of the vote.  Enforce and support id laws. 

 

Obama made very vague his Change theme.  Little did the foolish public and media who have continued not to investigate this criminal know that the change they had in mind is to destroy America and the Republic.  The enemy is within and it's time to cut this cancer out. 

 

Why must we vote Obama out of office.  We must if we want to preserve our freedom and our god given right to life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

 

Wake up folks.  Turn Obama and Biden off and stop being lulled into their warm and fuzzys.  Vote for freedom,vote for prosperity,vote for smaller government, vote for proven successful business men Romney Ryan 2012.

 

 

Japan and Islam

I received this today.  My commentary follows.

Japan : a Country keeping Islam at bay. Japan has put strict restrictions on Islam and ALL Muslims.

The reasons are: a) Japan is the only nation that does not give citizenship to Muslims.


b) In Japan permanent residency is not given to Muslims


c) There is a strong ban on the propagation of Islam in Japan .


d) In the University of Japan , Arabic or any Islamic language is not taught.


e) One cannot import ‘Koran’ published in Arabic language.


f) According to data published by Japanese government, it has given temporary residency to only 2 lakhs Muslims, who need to follow the Japanese Law of the Land. These Muslims should speak Japanese and carry their religious rituals in their homes.


g) Japan is the only country in the world that has a negligible number of embassies of Islamic countries.
h) Japanese people are not attracted to Islam at all. i) Muslims residing in Japan are the employees of foreign companies.


j) Even today visas are not granted to Muslim doctors, engineers or managers sent by foreign companies.


k) In the majority of companies, it is stated in their regulations that no Muslims should apply for a job.


l) The Japanese government is of the opinion that Muslims are fundamentalist and even in the era of globalization, they are not willing to change their Muslim laws.


m) Muslims can not even think about getting a rented house in Japan .


n) If anyone comes to know that his neighbor is a Muslim then the whole neighbourhood stays alert.


o) No one can start an Islamic cell or Arabic ‘Madarsa’ in Japan

p) There is no personal (Sharia) law in Japan .


q) If a Japanese woman marries a Muslim then she is considered an outcast forever.


r) According to Mr. Komico Yagi (Head of Department, Tokyo University ) “There is a mind frame in Japan that Islam is a very narrow minded religion and one should stay away from it.”


s) Freelance journalist Mohammed Juber toured many Islamic countries after 9/11 including Japan . He found that the Japanese were confident that extremists could do no harm in Japan . 

Upon futher research I found this video on You tube

 

Also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_Japan

 

http://sheikyermami.com/2012/09/08/islam-in-japan/

 

http://nbr.org/publications/asia_policy/Preview/AP5_IslamJapan_preview.pdf

 

Utimately here I see that like all cults their inroad is usually the disillusioned and disenfranchised.  Lost folks for want of a better word.  Folks often put their faith in ritual,other people,ideologies,monetary security,warm feelings etc.  But these are just false idols.  They all fail sooner or later.  God came to earth as man (Jesus) so he might both satisfy the price of our continued disobedience to his proper instructions to live a successful life one with his love.  He also came to clarify in terms that were perhaps much more easily understood without the modifications made by phony ritualistic men seeking to justify their evil ways.  He also came to not only allow his chosen people to come to him holy and purified, but also to give all men that chance.  But once again man has corrupted his teaching and false religions have sprung up.  The current Islam has been using force and influence for years to gain new followers.  In many countries under Sharia law refusal is not an option unless you wish to be no longer living.  Even here in the United States Islamic fathers are murdering their daughters if they deviate from their beliefs.  How do we know this is a false religion?  How do we know folks are not God's children?  His word clearly states:

<< 1 John 3 >> King James Version 1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

 

The fruits of islam are hate and terror and death.  The Koran teaches that if a person does not accept the faith  they are to be killed.  Christ taught if a person does not accept the faith in God the believer is to dust the sand of the city from their feet and leave to spread the word in more fertile places.

It is very interesting that even Japan a very hardcore traditional country is being invaded by appealing to again the misguided and vunerable youth with their appealing ritual and false feeling of religiousness. 

Christ told his followers to test,to examine  and to question what he was saying because he knew as THE author and authority,God himself, knew his word,his truth would stand the test because truth always does. Christ was the only human being on earth who lived a life and a whole history of both friendly and hostile witnesses testify to his existance who made the claim of being the Creator of the Universe.  And yet, people seek to worship humans who never made that claim. Big reason why God himself buried Moses who stayed behind from the promised land. He knew the tendency for his creations to worship other humans in leadership.  Just look at the number of statues erected to war heros and presidents.  It is those false religions that morphed from human beings trying to seek the divine or admirations of others that tell it's followers to blindly follow without question and force their followers to live in isolation for they fear that their lies will be easily revealed under close examination. 

Satan has been given free reign over the earth by God.  Satan knows his time is short and he seeks to cause as many as he can to fall away from the Lord.  Satan uses the known vulnerabilities of man just as he did with Adam and Eve to pull them away from following God.  Satan comes as an angel of light and he brings things that look so good, so right but they are counterfeit.  Do not be deceived or be dazzled by the cubic zirconia of religions out there.  Many things look great upon the surface but, upon closer look the flaws of a fake become very apparent.  Use both your head and your heart when seeking a path to the Lord and ask as the Lord said for HIS Holy Spirit to teach you.  By doing so you will not be disappointed.




 

A Dollar's Worth

 

 

 

 

Another great piece sent in by Cousin Sissy.  Get out a dollar bill when you read this.

Who Was Haym Solomon?

Do you know who he was?

Read this fascinating history of the $1 bill –

all the way to the bottom to know about HaymSolomon.

You may be in for quite a surprise!

On the rear of the One Dollar bill, you will see two circles. Together, they comprise the Great Seal of the United States.The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal. It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved.
If you look at the left-hand circle, you will see a Pyramid.


Notice the face is lighted, and the western side is dark. This country was just beginning. We had not begun to explore the west or decided what we could do for Western Civilization. The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished. Inside the Capstone you have the all-seeing eye, an ancient symbol for divinity. It was Franklin 's belief that one man couldn't do it alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything.
'IN GOD WE TRUST' is on this currency.

 

The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means, 'God has favored our undertaking.'

The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, 'a new order has begun.'

At the base of the pyramid is the Roman numeral for 1776. (MDCCLXXVI)

If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully, you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States .

It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery , and is the centerpiece of most heroes' monuments.

Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States , and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean.

 

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons:

First, he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it.

Secondly, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of England .

Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now stand on its own.

At the top of that shield there is a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation.

In the Eagle's beak you will read, ' E PLURIBUS UNUM' meaning, 'from many - one.'

Above the Eagle, we have the thirteen stars, representing the thirteen original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming together as one.
Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.

An (untrue) old-fashioned belief says that the number 13 is an unlucky number. This is almost a worldwide belief. You will almost never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor. But think about this:

America, which relies on God (not a number) to direct and lead, boldly chose:

13 original colonies,
13 signers of the Declaration of Independence ,
13 stripes on our flag,
13 steps on the pyramid,

13 letters in 'Annuit Coeptis',

13 letters in ' E Pluribus Unum,'
13 stars above the eagle,
13 bars on that shield,
13 leaves on the olive branch,

13 fruits, and if you look closely,

13 arrows.

And finally, notice the arrangement of the 13 stars in the right-hand circle.

You will see that they are arranged as a

Star of David.

 

This was ordered by George Washington who, when he asked Haym Solomon, a wealthy Philadelphia Jew, what he would like as a personal reward for his services to the Continental Army. Solomon said he wanted nothing for himself, but he would like something for his people.The Star of David was the result. Few people know it was Solomon who saved the Army through his financial contributions...then died a pauper. Haym Solomon gave $25 million to savethe Continental Army, money that was sorely needed to helprealizeAmerica’s –our-freedom andindependence from England .

Therein lies America ’s Judeo-Christian beginning.

Most American children do NOT know any of this.

They are not taught because their history teachers do NOT know this.

[They were not taught!]

On America ’s Freedom:

Too many veterans gave up too much to let the meaning fade.

Many veterans came home to an America that did not care.

Too many veterans never came home at all.

They served, they died for you … forme.

I hope you will share this page with many-so they can learn about the UNITED STATES DOLLAR BILL, and what it stands for.

America is at a critical juncture.

Let's do whatever we can to save her

while never, ever forgetting:

It is God in whom we put our trust!

God is still on the throne, and prayer changes things!

A German's View of Islam

This sent in by my intrepid field reporter from the heartland Cousin Sissy.  A great piece that makes you think.

This is by far the best explanation of the Muslim terrorist situation I have ever read. His references to past history are accurate and clear. Not long, easy to understand, and well worth the read. The author of this email is Dr. Emanuel Tanya, a well-known and well-respected psychiatrist.

This man, whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War II, owned a number of large industries and owned estates. When asked how many German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide our attitude toward fanaticism.

”Very few people were true Nazis,” he said, “but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.”

We are told again and again by 'experts' and 'talking heads' that Islam is the religion of peace and that the vast majority of Muslims just want to live in peace. Although this unqualified assertion may be true, it is entirely irrelevant. It is meaningless fluff, meant to make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the spectre of fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam.

The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history. It is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who wage any one of 50 shooting wars worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout Africa and are gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, or honor-kill. It is the fanatics who take over mosque after mosque. It is the fanatics who zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and homosexuals. It is the fanatics who teach their young to kill and to become suicide bombers.

The hard, quantifiable fact is that the peaceful majority, the 'silent majority,' is cowed and extraneous.

Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant…. China's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people.

The average Japanese individual prior to World War II was not a warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by sword, shovel, and bayonet.

And who can forget Rwanda, which collapsed into butchery? Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were 'peace loving'?

History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our powers of reason, we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of points: Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence.Peace-loving Muslims are becoming our enemy when they don't speak up, because like my friend from Germany, they will awaken one day and find that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have begun.

Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs, Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until it was too late. You can add Americans to this list!

As for us who watch it all unfold, we must pay attention to the only group that counts--the fanatics who threaten our way of life.

Lastly, anyone who doubts that the issue is serious and just deletes this email without sending it on, is contributing to the passiveness that allows the problems to expand. So, extend yourself a bit and send this on and on and on! Let us hope that thousands, world-wide, read this and think about it, and send it on before it's too late.

Now Islamic prayers have been introduced into Toronto and other public schools in Ontario, and, yes, in Ottawa too while the Lord's Prayer was removed (due to being so offensive?)

The Islamic way may be peaceful for the time being in our country until the fanatics move in. And we are silent...

Obama Report Card

Before you view the DNC 4 days of back peddling check out the facts first before the spin and lying.
Just remember if we are taxed less we will have enough money to choose our form of healthcare and educate our kids where we wish.  Our healthcare has been socialized enough and our education system with over Fed interference is failing.  Let's give us our money back and let us make the decisions for a change.  That's the change I can believe in folks.

Blog of the Year

FRG's blog of the year.  A great resource file on all things POTUS.

http://www.theobamafile.com/index_next_personal.html

Barack Hussein Obama II Custom Search If you believe this book is a true and accurate account of the life of Barack Obama, I have a bridge to sell you. The United States Library of Congresshas selected TheObamaFile.comfor inclusion in its historic collection of Internet materials help fight the media This Is One Fancy Dancer Who Is This Guy This guy is a fancy dancer, and he's lived for almost 50 years without leaving any footprints -- none! There is no Obama documentation -- no records -- no bona fides -- no paper trail -- nothing! -- and he's got an army of lawyers making sure it stays that way -- and the unflattering stuff, out there in the world and on the Internet -- it's systematically disappearing down the rabbit hole, and what's most amazing is he is not now, nor ever has been, a "natural born citizen," as required by the U. S. Constitution -- he was, "at birth," a British subject and citizen of Kenya -- a fact published on his own website. Work in progress: The Legend of Barack Obama Not A Whole Lot Of Americans In here Family This family isn't Ozzie and Harriet. It's closer to "Ozzie and Sharon Osborne meet the Jeffersons." Obama's mother, Anna, was a beatnik who was greatly influenced by her communist teachers in the Mercer Island High School. Obama Sr. was a Marxist and serial bigamist. He abandoned his wives and children. He became a wife-beater and drunk. His arrogance destroyed his government career. He killed a man and lost both legs in alcohol-related accidents. He eventually killed himself behind the wheel -- hammered! You'd Think He'd Be Proud Education Obama has had the finest possible education. Nobody knows how it was financed or what his grades were. His academic records are all sealed and he has an army of lawyers making sure they remain sealed. At college, Obama's philosophy was "to avoid being mistaken for a sellout, I chose my friends carefully. The more politically active black students. The foreign students. The Chicanos. The Marxist professors and structural feminists." Everything about Obama's education is hidden from the American People. The Difference Is "Me" Psychology The Mayo Clinic believes the narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. They believe that they're superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism. Granted, only a qualified mental health diagnostician can determine whether someone suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and this, following lengthy tests and personal interviews. But, in the absence of access to Barack Obama, one has to rely on his overt performance and on testimonies by his closest, nearest and dearest. He's Above Religion Religion Obama's father was a Muslim. Obama's stepfather was a Muslim. Obama's grandfather was a Muslim. Sarah, who Obama calls grandmother is a Muslim. Obama's half-brothers and sisters are Muslims. To Muslims, Obama IS a Muslim, no matter what he says. Obama's half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, was quoted by the New York Times as saying, "My whole family was Muslim." I assume she considers Obama a member of her family, after all, she refers to him as "my brother" -- Oh!, and mom too! -- but Obama's people says he's a Christian. Bridezilla The Wife "My experiences at Princeton have made me far more aware of my 'blackness' than ever before," the future Mrs. Obama wrote in her thesis introduction. "I have found that at Princeton, no matter how liberal and open-minded some of my white professors and classmates try to be toward me, I sometimes feel like a visitor on campus; as if I really don’t belong. Regardless of the circumstances under which I interact with whites at Princeton, it often seems as if, to them, I will always be black first and a student second. This will likely lead to my further integration and/or assimilation into a White cultural and social structure that will only allow me to remain on the periphery of society; never becoming a full participant." This Is Some Bunch Associates We all make mistakes in judgment with people and their backgrounds sometimes, but usually we learn and mature and learn to pick better friends and associates. How come Obama seems to have continued hanging around dozens of questionable characters with virulent, anti-American and criminal backgrounds? Strange Stuff Iconography Barack Obama collected Spider-Man comics as a child, so Marvel Comics wanted to give him a "shout-out back" by featuring him in a bonus story, said Joe Quesada, Marvel's editor-in-chief. "How great is that? The commander in chief to be is actually a nerd in chief," Quesada said. "It was really, really cool to see that we had a geek in the White House. We're all thrilled with that." © Copyright Beckwith 2010 All right reserved