The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Pennsylvania voters shows 48% would vote for Toomey if the election were held today. Just 36% would vote for Specter while four percent (4%) prefer a third option, and 12% are not sure.
Philadelphia Tells Specter and Sebelius - O Hell No!
I guarantee future TownHall meetings to discuss the health care scheme will be invitation only. All questions will be vetted before being presented to the speakers - mark my words.
Philadelphia joined in a nationwide protest of Obama's proposed healthcare scheme by organizing a rally outside Sen. Bob Casey's office.
Unfortunately, I could not attend this rally. My good buddy, NeoCon, was on the scene to capture the rally with his remarkable photo skills. You can view the entire collection HERE
For a great roundup of the nationwide healthcare rally's check out the following blogs:
Today I had the opportunity to celebrate the opening of a renovated home dedicated to homeless veterans in Philadelphia. These individuals now have a place where they can get the help and guidance they need to put their lives back on track. The home is managed by the Pennslvania American Legion Housing For Homeless Veterans Corporation
Got plans for July 4th? Live in or around Philly? The Tea Party 3 is not to be missed!
The Philly Tea Party this past April 18th was a remarkable success and the organizers want to keep the passion and conversation alive with Tea Party 3 - Independence Hall.
A Celebratory Picnic Commemorating 233 years of American Independence!
July 4th, 2009 Noon-3PM Independence Mall 5th and Chestnut Streets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bring a Picnic Basket and a Lawn Chair!
Featuring: Talk Show Host Dom Giordano; Notable Speakers on Cap and Trade, Universal Health Care, EFCA, FOCA; Information Tables; Activities for Children; Musical Entertainment; Tea Party Sign Contest – Best Design, Best Message; Colonial Costume Contest – Best Overall, Best Founding Father/Mother
Hugh Hewitt summarizes the first 110 days of the Obama Administration at an event sponsored by WNTP and hosted at the Union League of Philadelphia:
Bill Bennet has sage words about the consequences of our vote in 2008:
I was struck by the passionate speech by Michael Medved - he has a keen intellect and gift for communicating his ideas. I'll admit to a touch of jealousy of his talent.
The most salient point of the conversation focused on the idea of a new 'Reagan' arising to lead the party back to its roots. Bill Bennet remarked that even Reagan didn't know he was 'Reagan'. It took decades for him to hit his stride. Reagan was a complex mn and effective leader at a crucial time in our history. We have to stop looking for 'Reagan' and start cultivating our grassroots to promote leaders for tomorrow.
This is a good time to be a conservative - that was the take home message from the event. Oh, and not to forget, the free copy of Human Events magazine to take home as well.
I'm concerned about the junk information I've been reading on blogs, FaceBook and Twitter regarding swine flu and pandemic events. I hope to address those issues with the following evidence based video and links. I'm also happy to report that the suspected case of swine flu in Philadelphia has been ruled out. Additionally, I've added a widget on my sidebar that will link you to evidence based information regarding the swine flu. Below is a 57 minute video from pandemicflu.gov designed to help people learn more about pandemic flu and what step to take to prepare for a pandemic event.
Via Philadelphia Dept of Public Health:
Good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. - Stay home when you are sick. - If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. - Cover your mouth and nose. - Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. - Clean your hands. - Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. - Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. - Practice other good health habits. - Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
While Back Channels takes a vacation this weekend, Trudy compromises her principles on war and potentially compromises the security of Gen. Petraeus:
So, I sat down with Petraeus in the venerable but far-from-fancy Fairfax hotel in Washington where he was staying, to ask why Americans should support this war, and what it would take to win it. (I am leaving on a trip to both countries this week.)
Note the new turn of phrase "why Americans should support this war" after years of questioning the wisdom of liberating Iraq and what it would take to leave ASAP. Interesting. Safety tip #1 while traveling - it is never wise to share the name of your hotel with a stranger, yet Trudy revealed the hotel General Petraeus stays while in DC. I believe there would be some not-so-nice cough*terrorists*cough who would be interested in that piece of information. Thanks Trudy, for doing your patriotic duty.
"On March 5th, show your support for the men and women who serve and protect us everyday. Wear blue, put a blue ribbon outside of you house, hang one from your car...something. The Philadelaphia Police department has recently suffered some horrible losses, the least we can do is let them know we are behind them and thinking of them and most of all Appreciate all of them. Please pass this on to everyone you know."
Don't forget to buy a sandwich from Geno's Steaks. Starting today until 6am Friday, March 6th, Geno's will donate proceeds from the sales to the families of the fallen Philly Police Officers.
Caleb Howe reports on the latest "Change" ushered in by the new administration and by voters like you:
Dissent is the highest form of ... Secret Service bait? In Oklahoma City, police pulled over Chip Harrison because of an anti-Obama sign in his car window. The sign read: "Abort Obama, not the unborn."
The man's sign was confiscated by the police and his house searched by Secret Service agents. Never has there been a report of such governmental thuggery regarding free speech during the Bush Administration.
Somehow, I don't believe the following characters worried too much about police confiscating their signs or home searches by the Secret Service during the Bush Administration:
They fearlessly displayed their obscene sign on a frigid day in March of 2007, no concern of lurking Men In Black:
The hate doesn't end with Bush, but continues on with attacks against conservative women. Obama's America is quickly becoming an ugly place for women. No cartoonist or Philly residents were harmed by the police or secret service during the display of their work:
Woman-beaters in Philly - what a great marketing tool for the City...
Philadelphia experienced its first substantial snowfall of 2009, which coincided nicely with a windshield repair on Jack. I found time to snap a few photos in a nearby park before the temps rose and melted away the snowy designs. You can view the rest of the collection HERE.
On this day in 1789, General George Washington was elected as the nation's first President. I'd wouldn't be so quick to say we've come a long way. On this day in 2009, the Madame Speaker vented hysterically, claiming a loss of 500 million jobs each month the democrat sponsored stimulus package is not approved. Yeah...we've certainly descended a long way.
While the democrat controlled House and Senate are busy finding ways to waste taxpayer dollars in social engineering projects, instead of actually using the money to better the lives of average Americans. I have been doing my part to stimulate the economy by researching and purchasing a Tokina 12-24mm lens from a small, family run photography store. Quite frankly, I know better how to spend my money than the Obama/Pelosi/Reid/Franks gravy train, especially when it comes to photography equipment.
Out of the box, the lens felt solid with a good weight. I spend a few days reading tips and techniques for shooting with an ultra-wide lens. However, you simply have to jump in and get wet in order to appreciate this lens. I joined the magnificent Neocon for a late morning photo shoot at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. The station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts a spectacular art deco design. A perfect venue to work with a new ultra wide lens. I have to say the workers at the station were welcoming to our photographic efforts. I plan to present photos taken at the shoe shine shop to the owner. You can view the rest of my photos HERE.
Take a few minutes to view the video below. It goes into more detail about why my version of economic stimulus is the right way to fix this problem, and the Dem's bailout plan is destined to be an epic failure:
With a lineage stretching back to this nation's struggle for independence, the 56thStyker Brigade prepares to continue this tradition of excellence in Iraq.
The Bulletin, in partnership with Tastykake Baking Co., the Liberty USO of Philadelphia and South Jersey and the National Bible Association, would like to extend best wishes to the soldiers of Philadelphia’s own elite 56thStryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) of the 28th (Keystone) Division, Pennsylvania National Guard during their mission in Iraq.
In recognition of their service, Tastykake is furnishing Tastykake cakes and pies to members of the 56th as they leave from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.; Liberty USO will be hosting a send-off; and the National Bible Society is providing Bibles to any member who wants one.
“We appreciate the offer from Tastykake to donate up to 4000 Tastykakes to the deploying soldiers of the 56thStryker Brigade,” said Gen. Wesley Craig, the interim CEO of Liberty USO. “I can tell you that Tastykakes are the most popular food item we offer at (the USO center at the Philadelphia International Airport) and Ft Dix/McGuire (USO Center).”
The Bibles were furnished by the American Bible Society. Philadelphia was named the National Bible City by the Nat. Bible Assoc. for this year. Events are organized around the city featuring the Bible.
It is fitting that the Pennsylvania's first citizen militia will be part of the creation of the world's youngest democracy.
The New Year's Day Mummers Paradein Philadelphia. A longstanding tradition in Philly that is endangered by budget deficits.
It would not be New Year's Day without having the television tuned to the parade all day long. This year instead of enjoying the parade from the comfort of my living room, I joined with friends and braved the chilly weather to experience a few hours of this yearly spectacle. You have to be on Broad Street to appreciate the magic of this parade. It can be quite fun, despite the biting cold.
Had a great time photographing with slowly numbing fingers. You can view the product of my labor on Flickr.
The tradition of mummery goes way back in European history. In every culture that it has existed, it was a time for people to act like goofballs, dress funny and have a good time. The European settlers in this area, namely the Swedes, brought with them their masquerading traditions of welcoming in the New Year. Note that the Swedish had settled in this area decades before William Penn sailed into town on the Welcome. Over the years, the tradition of mummery had evolved into neighborhood celebrations that were formally sponsored by the city of Philadelphia beginning on January 1, 1901. in 2008, due to budgetary mismanagement by the city council, the city can no longer afford this event. What a shame, as I saw lots of kids walking or being carried by their parents as they strutted down Broad Street.
Today's Mummers are divided into four categories: Comic, Fancy, Fancy Brigade and String Band. The photos I am sharing with you are from the Comic division. Their role is comic relief by lampooning current political and social themes. Lots of fodder for photography there!
Fralinger String Band was the 2008 Mummers Day Parade 1st place winner, and I have the video that proves why:
Yesterday, I spent the better part of the day embarking on what I had thought was a quick clean up. One shelving unit, two file cabinets, one desk chair and 3 picture frames later I was finally able to start putting everything back together.
My den/office over the past few months had slowly become a disorganized disaster. The last straw came this past Friday when I had to step over three piles of books before clearing my desk in order to find my keyboard. Not good at all. I have many projects coming up in 2009 and need an effective work area.
I took a look at the storage in the room itself and realized that as much as I needed more space, the storage available was not being used effectively. Books should be placed on the bookshelf, not on the floor. Looking around, I had to ask why do I still hold onto a modem that was last used in 2003 or a backpack last used 10 years ago?
Several hours and two Strongbow Ciders later, I reorganized both bookshelves, my CD, DVD, and VHS collections, hung posters that have been sitting in storage tubes for years, and trashed a bewildering variety of things that I've held on for no discernible reason.
It is nice to blog in a room with organized bookshelves, a CD, DVD and VHS collection within easy reach, and Maxfield Parrish posters adorning the walls. There is a feeling of Feng Shui about this newly reorganized room. Now that the den/office is reorganized, I can set my sights on reorganizing the GOP in my area.
Oh, I need to find a place to hang this poster, it was a gift, any suggestions?
Rep Curt Schroder, R-155, has announced he is returning his COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) back to the state Treasury:
With many families across the state and nation in crisis due to the credit crunch, the housing market decline and general economic free fall, Schroder said now is the time for substantive action to prevail over symbolism in order to save taxpayer money.
Schroder is starting in his own 155th Legislative District by:
· Returning his COLA to the state treasury. · Returning nearly $3,000 left in his legislative expense account for 2007-08. · Returning a new color copier that is being installed in all district offices, noting that the existing black-and-white copier was adequate and working just fine. · Cutting postage costs by eliminating the mailing of 2009 House calendars. (Schroder invites anyone interested in obtaining the 2009 House calendar to stop by his office at 315 Gordon Drive in Exton). He also noted he will continue to explore other ways to save on postage by using more electronic communications.
Now would be a great time for you to discover what your State Senator and State Representative have done with their COLA. Unsure who is your Senator and Representative? Check out this helpful LINK. Just type in your zip code and you will be given the names and contact information of your state Senator and Representative.
I have already emailed mine: State Senator Mike Stack (D) and Representative John Sabatina (D). I will post my inquiry and their replies as soon as they become available.
