Grace & Peace,
PLW
Sep 30, 2010
Sep 24, 2010
Poo-Trap
This made me laugh. People are starving, out of jobs, living on food stamps, and we are inventing 'The PooTrap'...
Grace & A Poo-Free Weekend,
PLW
Grace & A Poo-Free Weekend,
PLW
Sep 22, 2010
A Discussion on IndyMac Bank
This is an old video but it serves the purpose of highlighting the difficulty at which many home buyers are finding themselves in when trying to obtain a loan modification from banks. The culprit? Perhaps the Federal Government...
http://www.thinkbigworksmall.com/mypage/archive/1/29027
Grace & Peace
PLW
http://www.thinkbigworksmall.com/mypage/archive/1/29027
Grace & Peace
PLW
Sep 20, 2010
Excerpts from Obama
(HT to Karl Denninger from The Market Ticker)
SANTELLI: Mr. President. If I were to ask an investor would he invest in a company that for every dollar it spent it had to borrow 42 cents, I think that investor would think long and hard. Now if you look at the amount of money the government takes in and the amount of spending, those are pretty much the numbers for our government right now.
Does it bother you that 42 percent of our spending is borrowed even understanding that we have to deficit spend under tough times. How long can the U.S. continue to spend in that fashion without potentially hurting our long time financial health.
OBAMA: Well, it bothers me a lot. It bothered me when I was running for office and it bothered me when I arrived and I had a $1.3 trillion deficit wrapped in a bow and waiting for me in the Oval Office (editorial: note the blame falling to Republicans)
So, the answer to Rick's question is we've got to do something about it. And we have to do something about it fairly rapidly. The first thing you do is not dig it deeper (and that is why we passed a Health Care Bill to bring us further in debt). That's why this tax debate is important. We can't give $700 billion away (as if was your money to start with) to some of America's wealthiest people. We've got to make sure we're responsible for our budget, that's point #1....
The one thing I have to say to the public is that about 60 percent of our budget is entitlements, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. And a lot of the discretion I have is somewhat limited on these programs. (i.e. the President will not make changes to these programs as he has no control nor desire to make those tougher changes).
Now part of the reason health-care reform was so important is because the biggest driver of our long term budget deficits is Medicare. If our economy is growing at 2 or 3 or 4 percent, but health care costs are going up 6, or 7 or 8 percent, than the budget will blow up no matter how many cuts I make in other programs. (despite the fact that we are causing enormous pressure for a sustained economic recovery to take place)
---It seems very odd to me that as a nation, we are buying into the very problem that the housing market created over the last 20 years. The problem now is entitlements and no one wants to do anything about it until its too late, which is a way for elected officials then to blame previous administrations about who caused the problem rather than working diligently to fix it before it becomes one. This author is not very happy with the leaders of this country (for sure from an economic standpoint)...
Grace & Peace
PLW
SANTELLI: Mr. President. If I were to ask an investor would he invest in a company that for every dollar it spent it had to borrow 42 cents, I think that investor would think long and hard. Now if you look at the amount of money the government takes in and the amount of spending, those are pretty much the numbers for our government right now.
Does it bother you that 42 percent of our spending is borrowed even understanding that we have to deficit spend under tough times. How long can the U.S. continue to spend in that fashion without potentially hurting our long time financial health.
OBAMA: Well, it bothers me a lot. It bothered me when I was running for office and it bothered me when I arrived and I had a $1.3 trillion deficit wrapped in a bow and waiting for me in the Oval Office (editorial: note the blame falling to Republicans)
So, the answer to Rick's question is we've got to do something about it. And we have to do something about it fairly rapidly. The first thing you do is not dig it deeper (and that is why we passed a Health Care Bill to bring us further in debt). That's why this tax debate is important. We can't give $700 billion away (as if was your money to start with) to some of America's wealthiest people. We've got to make sure we're responsible for our budget, that's point #1....
The one thing I have to say to the public is that about 60 percent of our budget is entitlements, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. And a lot of the discretion I have is somewhat limited on these programs. (i.e. the President will not make changes to these programs as he has no control nor desire to make those tougher changes).
Now part of the reason health-care reform was so important is because the biggest driver of our long term budget deficits is Medicare. If our economy is growing at 2 or 3 or 4 percent, but health care costs are going up 6, or 7 or 8 percent, than the budget will blow up no matter how many cuts I make in other programs. (despite the fact that we are causing enormous pressure for a sustained economic recovery to take place)
---It seems very odd to me that as a nation, we are buying into the very problem that the housing market created over the last 20 years. The problem now is entitlements and no one wants to do anything about it until its too late, which is a way for elected officials then to blame previous administrations about who caused the problem rather than working diligently to fix it before it becomes one. This author is not very happy with the leaders of this country (for sure from an economic standpoint)...
Grace & Peace
PLW
Sep 16, 2010
This Weeks Duties
It has been an unbelievably stressful week for this Wight.
I have started my CFP designation, which is basically an industry designation for a 'Certified Financial Planner'. It started this week and continues until July of 2011 three days a week.
The boys are playing football right now and we are also trying to hone their skills for basketball tryouts later in the month.
I am still trying to catch up with some of my work from being gone on vacation for about a couple of weeks.
Heidi is doing well but I can't honestly say that as I have only talked to her about 10 minutes over the last few days.
Grace & Peace.
PLW
I have started my CFP designation, which is basically an industry designation for a 'Certified Financial Planner'. It started this week and continues until July of 2011 three days a week.
The boys are playing football right now and we are also trying to hone their skills for basketball tryouts later in the month.
I am still trying to catch up with some of my work from being gone on vacation for about a couple of weeks.
Heidi is doing well but I can't honestly say that as I have only talked to her about 10 minutes over the last few days.
Grace & Peace.
PLW
Sep 10, 2010
Christo vs. Colorado
No, this is not a Supreme Court case involving Christ and the public schools of Colorado.
(And after spending a week out West of the Mississippi, this article caught my eye along with the gay military decision invoked by Judge Philips which I may spend some time on later).
Instead, I bring you (with all the compliments to the art community) the Clothman!
Apparently, he is trying to stretch a piece of cloth over an entire section of the Arkansas river in Colorado. The locals aren't having it.
He has spent about $7 million bucks already just trying to figure the logistics of this event and now is facing fierce opposition from the local environmentalists.
The reason this is fascinating to me is that usually the two groups tend to be in complete harmony with one another. But in this case, they hate each other. I think the two may just have to duke it out in court (at the tax-payers expense of course).
PLW
Sep 9, 2010
Pastor, Despite Protests, Still Plans Quran Burning
I've linked this article, in the middle of my Yellowstone exploits, because it fascinates me.
When Jesus was asked, 'Which is the greatest commandment of the law?', he answered, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your mind'. This is the first and great commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself' (Matthew 22:34-40).
I'm not really sure how this Pastor justifies his actions or holds to this second most important commandment without violating it by his non-violent protest.
I do find it alternatively interesting, though, that the same people that are denouncing this action in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, etc., are also the same group of people that hold hatred to the West and think nothing of the imprisonment of Christians (killing), burning of the US Flag on a daily basis, and blatantly plan to build a Mosque over the bodies of many US citizens who died in 9/11 (who died as a result of a terrorist Muslim sect holding to the Quran as their reason for their actions).
It appears to be as hypocritical. Its ok for them to do whatever they wish to us, but as soon as aggression is pointed to them, immediate negative reaction is promised. Certainly not the principal of peace and forgiveness that Jesus spent so much time articulating. 'Blessed are the peacemakers', etc.
Legally, there is nothing wrong with burning the Quran or the Bible or any other religious book. But according to God's law, I think there might be a lot wrong with it.
Grace & PEACE.
PLW
When Jesus was asked, 'Which is the greatest commandment of the law?', he answered, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your mind'. This is the first and great commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself' (Matthew 22:34-40).
I'm not really sure how this Pastor justifies his actions or holds to this second most important commandment without violating it by his non-violent protest.
I do find it alternatively interesting, though, that the same people that are denouncing this action in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, etc., are also the same group of people that hold hatred to the West and think nothing of the imprisonment of Christians (killing), burning of the US Flag on a daily basis, and blatantly plan to build a Mosque over the bodies of many US citizens who died in 9/11 (who died as a result of a terrorist Muslim sect holding to the Quran as their reason for their actions).
It appears to be as hypocritical. Its ok for them to do whatever they wish to us, but as soon as aggression is pointed to them, immediate negative reaction is promised. Certainly not the principal of peace and forgiveness that Jesus spent so much time articulating. 'Blessed are the peacemakers', etc.
Legally, there is nothing wrong with burning the Quran or the Bible or any other religious book. But according to God's law, I think there might be a lot wrong with it.
Grace & PEACE.
PLW
Sep 3, 2010
Day 3
What is a word to describe Day 3? It isn't 'indescribable' as the kids could certainly articulate the immense drop-offs on the alpine slides and Snake River rapids as 'wicked'. It certainly wasn't boring. I guess if I could use a phrase to describe yesterday was 'controlled chaos'.
We started the day in the morning along the alpine slides at Snow King. Olivia was a daredevil as she kept trying to go faster and I kept wanting to go slower (I guess I'm showing my age a bit).
Hunter and Jalen went a couple of times, at the end of which they both mentioned that they 'caught air' on numerous occasions and almost wiped out.
We walked downtown and then ate at, of all things, The Hong Kong Buffet (memories...). After stuffing ourselves on peppered chicken and General Tso's Chicken, we got our gear and headed back to Mad River Whitewater.
We went down a series of Stage 2 and 3 rapids with Olivia in the front and center. It was a BLAST. Halfway down, we stopped and the crew made us a steak and rainbow trout dinner which was awesome (the kids even ate a bit of trout).
One amazing thing about the white water experience for me was the idea that myself and the four people who I care about the most in the world were completely not in control of our lives. For that short period of time, we were 100% at the whim of the guide who made sure that the raft was in perfect position to face the difficult water, which we went through with joy. I think God has a similar role in our lives if we let him. Its when we don't that we face trouble. More on that maybe later...
The temperature dropped about 10 degrees from the start of the trip and needless to say, we were pretty cold by the time the trip was over, especially Olivia but her smile was all I needed to see to know that she was ok.
Once back at the hotel, the hot tub and sauna were used and perhaps misused by our family as we quickly jumped in and warmed ourselves. It was a nice ending to a day filled with unbelievable scenery and fantastic memories.
As I contemplate my immediate surroundings and experiences, I am reminded of Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth". From what we have seen in Jackson Hole, as well as in the Yellowstone, Shoshone, and Bighorn National Parks, there really is no doubt about it.
Grace & Peace
PLW
We started the day in the morning along the alpine slides at Snow King. Olivia was a daredevil as she kept trying to go faster and I kept wanting to go slower (I guess I'm showing my age a bit).
Hunter and Jalen went a couple of times, at the end of which they both mentioned that they 'caught air' on numerous occasions and almost wiped out.
We walked downtown and then ate at, of all things, The Hong Kong Buffet (memories...). After stuffing ourselves on peppered chicken and General Tso's Chicken, we got our gear and headed back to Mad River Whitewater.
We went down a series of Stage 2 and 3 rapids with Olivia in the front and center. It was a BLAST. Halfway down, we stopped and the crew made us a steak and rainbow trout dinner which was awesome (the kids even ate a bit of trout).
One amazing thing about the white water experience for me was the idea that myself and the four people who I care about the most in the world were completely not in control of our lives. For that short period of time, we were 100% at the whim of the guide who made sure that the raft was in perfect position to face the difficult water, which we went through with joy. I think God has a similar role in our lives if we let him. Its when we don't that we face trouble. More on that maybe later...
The temperature dropped about 10 degrees from the start of the trip and needless to say, we were pretty cold by the time the trip was over, especially Olivia but her smile was all I needed to see to know that she was ok.
Once back at the hotel, the hot tub and sauna were used and perhaps misused by our family as we quickly jumped in and warmed ourselves. It was a nice ending to a day filled with unbelievable scenery and fantastic memories.
As I contemplate my immediate surroundings and experiences, I am reminded of Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth". From what we have seen in Jackson Hole, as well as in the Yellowstone, Shoshone, and Bighorn National Parks, there really is no doubt about it.
Grace & Peace
PLW
Sep 2, 2010
Yellowstone / Black Hills Trip Day 1
I thought I would chronicle the events of our family vacation this year:
Day 1 - Traveled all day to Rapid City, SD and stayed overnight at a hotel near Mt. Rushmore.
Day 2 - Quick breakfast at the hotel and out to Scheels to buy some sandals / wet socks for white water rafting in Jackson Hole, WY. Then, we drove pretty much all day to Yellowstone National Park. Our drive was interrupted by a short drive to the Montana border where we got a picture taken by the 'Welcome to Montana' sign. We reached Yellowstone around 6:00pm and were anticipating making it to Jackson Hole by 8:00pm. Our plans, needless to say, did not come to fruition as the ranger told us that there was snow and ice on the south pass. But, we managed to see a bunch of bison, a few elk and a number of antelope and mule deer along the way. We finally reached the hotel and were pretty exhausted around 9:30pm. Not sure why but I think I left the cord for the camera at home and packed the wrong one. I'll try to get that fixed for tomorrow but pictures may have to wait until after the trip.
So far, all systems are go, nobody has gotten sick, Heidi and I are still speaking to each other (;), and we are having a blast. This morning, as I write this, its 53 degrees in Jackson.
Grace & Peace.
Day 1 - Traveled all day to Rapid City, SD and stayed overnight at a hotel near Mt. Rushmore.
Day 2 - Quick breakfast at the hotel and out to Scheels to buy some sandals / wet socks for white water rafting in Jackson Hole, WY. Then, we drove pretty much all day to Yellowstone National Park. Our drive was interrupted by a short drive to the Montana border where we got a picture taken by the 'Welcome to Montana' sign. We reached Yellowstone around 6:00pm and were anticipating making it to Jackson Hole by 8:00pm. Our plans, needless to say, did not come to fruition as the ranger told us that there was snow and ice on the south pass. But, we managed to see a bunch of bison, a few elk and a number of antelope and mule deer along the way. We finally reached the hotel and were pretty exhausted around 9:30pm. Not sure why but I think I left the cord for the camera at home and packed the wrong one. I'll try to get that fixed for tomorrow but pictures may have to wait until after the trip.
So far, all systems are go, nobody has gotten sick, Heidi and I are still speaking to each other (;), and we are having a blast. This morning, as I write this, its 53 degrees in Jackson.
Grace & Peace.
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