Jersey Tomato in Texas: October 2009

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Newsmakers...

Independent candidate winning in the district 23 special elections in upstate NY, against a liberal and a liberal republican.
Recent polls have Hoffman leading the race at 31%, followed by the democrat at 27% with one week to go.

Death Panels for Non-Financial institutions

Not considered too big to die – Small business

Joe Biden is cutting ribbon in Detroit, ops I mean Deleware for a GM Plant today. It only happens to be his home state.

Velocity of Money – Money from treasury -> Bank -> Consumer:

1970’s USA increased the money supply – inflation was 2 year behind.

Using that model, inflation would hit in 2011
Paul Volker, the Fed Chairman at the time, raised interest rates to 20%
Inflation was 13%

2010 – We have inflated our money supply by 120 %

What would the rate be to pull the money back in.

There will be a rush into gold – value of Gold could go up to $5,000 to $10,000 a once.
Double digit inflation

A sign of the times, there are school districts that does not believe in giving zero. Lowest score you can get is a 50%.

Iceland got rid of all McDonalds

Their monetary system collapsed.
Can no longer afford to import the meat and cheese.

Nancy Pelosi was asked where in the Constitution “does the Constitution give the authority to provide universal health care?” Not suprising there was no answer.

NY Times Editorial – “Yes We Can”

The Climate Change summit in Copenhagen, will make us change personal lifestyle choices and change global economies
Lord Stern - Meat is a waste of water – we should adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. Meat eaters put a great strain on world’s resources.

What is the primary source of protein – beans (Soy, ect)

We must think as global citizens

Claire McCastkill – Missouri

Of 36 Czars only 30 have any real power
It began with a rant from Glenn Beck
We should look at her voting record

If we don’t like her record, we would have every right to “fire” her.

Baukis Health Care Bill

The government will cut the doctor pay at least 5% if they provide more care then deemed medically necessary (Death Panel)

This practice was in play back in the early 1990’s – however it was outlawed as it was deemed too dangerous to patients care.

States 12 million people would “choose” the public option.
Taxpayers in states who opt out still have to pay for everyone else.

Alan Grayson – Calls Lobbyist a Whore.

SEIU thugs beat up black man.

Tim Gitner – will use TARP money that is left over (278 billion dollars) as he sees fit to invest. Originally the TARP money was to be repaid to the tax payers.

Monday, October 26, 2009

It just doesnt get any better, seriously is this a joke?

H1N1 – Swine Flu:

Over this past weekend, President Obama declares a national emergency for the swine flu.

BUT goes on to say it’s not an emergency situation, huh? Anyone else confused?

Interesting note - Obama’s daughters are NOT vaccinated – interesting….Where is the media on this??? Not one mention. They say it's because there is not enough supply. Ok first off - its the freakin President of the USA, I would think he would be on the top of the list. Second, could this be a cover for the President not wanting to get his daughters vaccinated?

President Barrack Obama:

In a recent speech President Obama states people are going oppose him more as he gets closer to “his” goals - well duh?
States there is overwhelming evidence that fossil fuels are causing global climate change - must have been watching Al Gore's movie again.
Alaska provided 200,000 square miles to the Polar Bears because they are endangered

25,000 population currently
Could potentially add restrictions to future off shore drilling and gas. But dont worry, Obama has a plan. We dont know what it is, but he has one.

We can always go back to his statements that the Constitution is fundamentally flawed because it does not talk about redistribution of wealth.

States the Constitution only tell what the state and federal government can’t do – but does not mention what they should do on your behalf.

Believes in Universal Schooling and Healthcare.
To Joe the Plummer during the campaign trail

“I don’t want to punish you for your success – I just want to make sure everyone behind you they have a chance at success to. When you spread the wealth around it is good for everyone.”

Has played 24 rounds of golf since taking office in January 20, 2009

It took former President George W. Bush 2 years and 9 months to reach that number of rounds.
Yet there is no decision on Afghanistan
And the middle of two wars.

Religious Bigotry

NY Times:

Mormonism and Glenn Beck tears
Tears were because of his faith

Dallas Sun:

Glenn Beck is hypnotizing people to Mormonism
His faith drawing him to worship the founding fathers.

Alan Grayson – House Democrat from Florida:

Fox News and the republican collaborators are the enemy and:

Against Health Care
Against Peace
Anyone who wants Energy Independence
To America and Freedom

How is this dude still in power?.

First Lady – Michelle Obama:

Has 26 personal assistants or “attendants”

Paid for by the taxpayer
Total salaries equal 1.7 million dollars - not including lavish benefits package.

Harry Reid is NOW in support of Public Option

Opt out provision for individual states should be in the bill

Again how about opening up the competition and open boarders for insurance providers.

Time Letter to Editor - Glenn Beck edition:

Step Aside, Grandma! – written by Agnieszka Marczak

Example of the dangerous “Me First” generation
States the Health Care debate isn’t about those over 30 – Its about the million of uninsured, recently graduated young people saddled with loans they cannot pay off
Sick and tired of living in elder’s stupidity
We never taught this generation the meaning of merit. We gave awards for last place and everyone plays. The we cannot discipline our children generation who was given everything while nothing was earned
This generation is too busy trying to get noticed and get their 5 minute of fame.
WSJ states this generation is entitled to big pay, corner office and work less then 40 hours a week

Friday, October 23, 2009

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

In the News...

Cap/Trade bill of 2009 – PROVDA: (Interesting that Russia is reporting on this...again nothing in mainstream media)

Energy is the key to any successful society
Never in history did a government force people away from economic activity

Not even the Communist USSR established the Cap & Trade system.

Yet Another General Mao Supporter - Ron Bloom:

Ron Bloom was named to replace Van Jones – Manufacturing Czar

Had nefarious ties social justice and redistributive wealth unions
Fee market is non-sense
Agree with Mao that power comes from power of gun to the head
If you want a friend you should get a dog

Ben Bernanke – Federal Reserve Chairman:

Stated is the Dollar is in Danger
China is now the world leader
Encourages China to spend more

Todays Questions:

Where is the “Mainstream” media on the real news?
Why would they cover the Balloon Boy for 5 days?
Why would they cover quotes that Rush Limbaugh never said?

Oct 12th Time Magazine (Responses to Glenn Beck Cover)

The Me First Generation 20-somthings

Blaming George Bush for bringing us to Brink
Doesn’t mention if Obama is bringing us further or closer to Brink
The opposition should just sit down quietly and have the left/liberals fix the mess
It was elder stupidity that students are in trouble (remember Bill Marr on Jay Leno?)
The health care isn’t about people over 30 – its about the students
Feel they were entitled to an education
Sick and tired of living in abyss
President Obama should fix College Town
Grandma should step out of the way and let college kids have insurance

The Obama administration targets the youth – the easiest generation to reach and influence (Just see any dictatorship/facist)

What will tomorrow bring?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

What you didn't Hear in the News this weekend

Oath Keepers (God Bless them!)

Vow to keep government from becoming a dictatorship

DHS – Tea Party goers are domestic terrorists.

Questions we are NOT ASKING:

Why do we need health care NOW when the benefits will not kick in until 2013?
Why is ACORN funding starting back up on October 31, 2009?
Why is SEIU doing all the work on Health Care reform?
Why was Van Jones hired when he was known as a communist?
Why is CNN only covering the Anita Dunn response?
Why are Fox News viewership numbers growing in astounding rate why CNN, MSNBC and mainstream media continue to decline?
Why is the government pushing community service through the mainstream media?
Why is the President trying to control the communications?
Why is the federal government picking out clothes for a Supreme Court Justice?

Net Neutrality:

Everyone should be guaranteed equal access
You can no longer pay for an upgraded service – everyone has the same access.
Will be taxes for higher quality internet
Obama states he will not take second seat to anyone on net neutrality
Did we give away free radios in the 1920’s and 1930’s?
Did we give away free televisions in the 1950’s and 1960’s?
Did we give away free computers in the 1990’s and 2000’s?

Click Here to sign Google's petition.

White House war on Fox:

War on Glenn Beck
Youtube Video
Rohm Emmanuel and David Axelrod states Fox News hasn’t even news 10/18/09
Anita Dunn states she was joking on General Mao’s comments
Axelrod stated that Fox News is not a new organization it only has a perspective.

Only fox news has the point of view and not news stories

Only on step away from President Obama on commenting
Released a news bit stating that no one from the white house will appear on Fox through the end of the year.
The secret service states there is no data to show that President Obama has more threats then any other president.
David Axelrod suggests that CNN should not be like Fox News and question the president.
President is upset that Fox News fact checks instead of accepting as gospel what the current administration spews out.

Anita Dunn – White House Communication Director

States favorite political philosophers are General Mao and Mother Theresa

States now it was just a joke to High School graduates
States long time GOP Lee Atwater said it all the time.
Stated “favorite political philosophers” was just irony and that Fox News just doesn’t get it.

States huge press strategy was to have media focus on what Obama was saying. Instead of why and what tactics they were using.
We control information during campaign instead of press.
White house using an isolation strategy/tactic.

Health Care

Extra taxes for smoking and being over weight.
Owning guns will become a health hazard and will be taxed with Universal Health Care.
54% now oppose a national health care
Government refuses to put health care bill online for 72 hours

CNN has MSNBC poll on whether the White House should attack the Fox News Channel – over 76% people think the white house should NOT…interesting

Climate Treaty

Lord Christopher Monckton (advisor to Margaret Thatcher)
United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009
World Wildlife Fund's position
Treaty will be signed in Copenhagen this December, its three goals as stated in the treaty itself:

States a World Government will be created or at least lays the foundation. (paragraphs 36 and 37 of document)
Transfer of Wealth from Rich Countries to Poor Countries – Rich countries will have to pay for “messing up” the climate. Reparations of Climate Debt. Will have to pay 2% of GDP to poorer countries.
Enforcement of this treaty. There will be series of interlocking technical panels which would supersede current elected leaders and enforce taking money from Western Countries.

All world left-wing liberal governments will sign it. Most countries will not sign. The European Union will rubber stamp treaty to give legitimacy to treaty.
Been in planning for 2 plus years as soon as George Bush was out of office.
The words democracy, vote, elections do not appear in the entire document.
United States is expected to sign. If President signs treaty it will need to be approved by congress. Article 6 of the constitution – will need 2/3 of senate to ratify treaty. President Obama during his campaign has stated he did not like the 2/3 majority in congress.
Danger is that now that the Nobel Peace Prize has been given to President Obama, if he goes with Al Gore on his arm – the president will not read the fine print.
We now know for certain the CO2 emissions are1/6 of what the United Nations said it was. The amount of radiation escaping into the atmosphere is just as before. The warming effect over the next 100 years is only 1 degree F; the data is now out dated. The results are measured not computer models.

New poll in President Obama’s job approval rating: Only 45% approve of his rating.

40 percent of Independents approve
18-32 year olds according to Harris Poll Interactive (Biggest Pro-Obama) have approval

1.4 Trillion Operating debt for 2009 is more then the first 200 years of the United States.

A trillion dollars for every year for the next 10 years (not including the new health care bill)
Public debt will become up to 80% of the gross national product

Just remember….right before taking the oath in the White House: “We are 5 days away from fundamentally transforming this nation…” Can anyone stop this Obama train? Will any politician on either side come to their senses and realize what is going on? Stay tuned it should be an interesting yet bumpy ride

Thursday, October 15, 2009

ACORN

Interesting Facts that I heard today - Community Reinvestment Act (Must lend money to poor credit risk):

It was passed by President Bill Clinton (and involves Barney Frank)
If the banks refused to comply, the government would shut the banks down and suspend the interstate banking license.
Major banks include Citizen Bank in Mass, Bank of NY just to name a few.
One way to satisfy this requirement was to partner with ACORN

Banks could make monetary donations to ACORN
Banks could also make equipment donations with ACORN
Or Banks could partner with ACORN to provide loans to credit risks

ACORN was only defunded for one month, money goes back to ACORN November 1, 2009

An economist from Arizona State University who has kept track of the current economic situation:

30% Private wealth produced controlled by government currently because of the bail out stimulus package
If Health Care bill passed the number increases 18%
If Cap and Trade bill passes the number increases another 8%
So if all bills pass – the federal government will control 56% of all private wealth produced by 2011

It all seems interesting, doesn't it?

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

10/13 - Personal Training

Today was one of the hardest workouts I have had since joining Body3fit. Carlos really worked us hard and fast today, I had nothing left to give him at the end - which I would summize is the goal.

Our exercises:

3 sets of a Shoulder Press x 15 reps
3 sets of Bendover rows using dumbells x 15 reps
3 sets of leg press x 15 reps
3 sets of jumping rope for a minute
3 sets of bicept curls using individual machines x 15 reps
3 sets of alternating planks for 2 minutes
3 sets of scissor squats x 30 reps
3 sets of arm extentions to shoulder press - using dumbells x 10 reps each.

It was pure hell, but that is what we pay for. Carlos takes so much abuse from everyone, me included, but its worth it in the end. With Carlos its service (or pain depending on your viewpoint) with a smile. Just like the rest of the staff at Body3fit.

I highly suggest joining me in my misery :)

An Inconvienent Hole

I was watching the video of Irish film maker, Phelim McAleer asking former Vice-President Al Gore a question regarding the High Court of England's ruling in regards to showing Gore's film - An Incoveinent Truth, to school children.

His question was basically does Al Gore support the British High Court's ruling, finding 9 factual errors in his movie. See the video here.

Al Gore states the High Court ruled in favor of the movie. Gore is partly correct. According to the New Party's website - the Court ruled teachers are still allowed to show the movie, BUT:

The teachers have to state before showing the movie that this is a political work and only presents one side of the story
If the teachers do not announce this, the teachers might be in violation of section 406 of the education act of 1996 and guilty of political indoctrination.
11 inaccuracies have to bring to light and addressed to the audience.

And those 11 inaccuracies are:

The film claims that melting snows on Mount Kilimanjaro evidence global warming. The Government's expert was forced to concede that this is not correct.
The film suggests that evidence from ice cores proves that rising CO2 causes temperature increases over 650,000 years. The Court found that the film was misleading: over that period the rises in CO2 lagged behind the temperature rises by 800-2000 years.
The film uses emotive images of Hurricane Katrina and suggests that this has been caused by global warming. The Government's expert had to accept that it was "not possible" to attribute one-off events to global warming.
The film shows the drying up of Lake Chad and claims that this was caused by global warming. The Government's expert had to accept that this was not the case.
The film claims that a study showed that polar bears had drowned due to disappearing arctic ice. It turned out that Mr Gore had misread the study: in fact four polar bears drowned and this was because of a particularly violent storm.
The film threatens that global warming could stop the Gulf Stream throwing Europe into an ice age: the Claimant's evidence was that this was a scientific impossibility.
The film blames global warming for species losses including coral reef bleaching. The Government could not find any evidence to support this claim.
The film suggests that the Greenland ice covering could melt causing sea levels to rise dangerously. The evidence is that Greenland will not melt for millennia.
The film suggests that the Antarctic ice covering is melting, the evidence was that it is in fact increasing.
The film suggests that sea levels could rise by 7m causing the displacement of millions of people. In fact the evidence is that sea levels are expected to rise by about 40cm over the next hundred years and that there is no such threat of massive migration.
The film claims that rising sea levels has caused the evacuation of certain Pacific islands to New Zealand. The Government are unable to substantiate this and the Court observed that this appears to be a false claim.

Now why again did Mr. Gore ignore the question? I am just curious to know.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Body Combat 10/11

Yesterday was a great BC session. Again it was a mix of BC editions from 37 through 40. I think our instructor Carlos took the best tracks from each session and man it was a workout. The muggy weather made it feel like a sauna inside, but I think it was worth it.

The Week in Review

There are some events I did want to cover from last week.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to United States of America president Barrack Obama.

What disturbs me about this is that he was nominated 10 days into his presidency. I dont know about you, but what can any president do in 10 days time. I dont care what political party the person is affliated with, it just cannot be done.
The president is now a joke around the world. It's one thing for the American people to make fun of the president - he is OUR leader, but when other countries are doing it, it just boils my skin.
I was too young and un-interested in politics when Arafat won the award in 1994, but Obama winning the prize, makes a joke of this once prestegious award.

George Soros - Donating One Billion Dollars to clean energy.

The MoveOn.org founder, who was Obama's largest donator is planning to donate to clean jobs, but at what cost?

Why is no one asked questions:

Why cant we read the health care bill in advance?
How involved is SEIU with the Health Care?
Why is there a war on the media - Foxnews? Since when did a news outlet which is ranked number 1 in the country become an enemy bigger then terrorism?

Why is my taxpayer dollars going to pay for someone from the White House (Communication director - Ms Dunn) to specifically watch Fox News and Glenn Beck?

Why is no one asking about President Obama's comments on Chicago public radio address 2001 (when he was a senator from IL) on his position on the redistribution of wealth and the collation of powers (like SEIU) that the Supreme Court should have been used to subvert the Constitution and have government forcibly redistribute the wealth?

Health Care:

Average wait time is twice as long in Canada
45% of doctors say they will quit if Health care bill is passed. By 2020 - average doctor debt for minorities will be $750,000
500 millions dollars being cut from Medicare - AARP is set up to sell gap insurance...to cover 160 billion dollar gap
SEIU - has 1.1 million members in health care union. I wonder who wrote the stimulus/government health care bill - oh I know The Apollo group, which has ties to SEIU. Interesting.

Friday, October 9, 2009

10/08 - The Workout

Just like Tuesday's workout routine, Thursday's workout was short, compact and intense. My exercises:

3 sets of standing rows using rope handles - 15 reps
3 sets of standing bicep curls, alternating each leg (stork) - 10 reps each leg
3 sets of back extentions - 15 reps (this one was a little hard on me today)
3 sets of squat to shoulder press using a 35 lbs plate - 15 reps
3 sets of dips using a bench - 15 reps
3 sets of directional cruches - 10 reps each side.

Plus our usual 30 minutes of cardio - stationary bike.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

10/08 - The Results

Well prior to our work out, we had our first offical results since beginning personal training (after 8 weeks):

Overall dropped 10 pounds on the scale
gained three inches on the chest
lost two inches in the waist
lost 1/2 inch on my thighs

I personally though I would have had better results, but at least I am headed in the right direction. I know there are times were I have struggled with my nutrition. That's ok, but we have to crawl before we can walk, and walk before we can run. As long as I do not give up and I inch towards my fitness goals.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Body Combat

This was a fun night and always a fund class. This time our instructor - Carlos (Also our trainer), decided to take tracks from BC releases 37 through 39. Boy it was a workout! I havent been this sore since my very first combat class. Saturday should be more of the same - a best of BC. Two weeks until the new release of 41! For those in the Houston area - check us out at Body 3 fitness.

10/05 Personal Training

Well our trainer - Carlos, sure had a fun workout for us planned:

3 Sets of Standing Rows using rope handles x 15 reps
3 Sets of One Leg Bicep curls alternating x 15 reps
3 Sets of Bench dips on a half ball x 15 reps
3 Sets of crunches - 15 each side (Right, front, left)
3 Sets of back extentions x 15 reps
3 Sets of Squats to shoulder Press x 15 reps

After which we did our usual 30 minutes of cardio (stationary bike).

Thursday is our first offical measurements since starting personal training. Here's crossing fingers!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Weather

One big difference being in the south, particularly in Houston is the weather. I spent my first summer in Texas this past summer while my wife was in the cool comforts of New Jersey getting our wedding plans finalized. I think here in Houston it was over a 100 degrees for some 15 straight days. and 28 of 30 days in June with no rain. It was just aweful. At 9pm it would still be well about 90 degrees.

Now its October 2009 and its 94 as a high tempature. I should be greatful as I read my hometown of Succasunna, New Jersey low tempature will be 35 tonight, but with the heat and humidity, comes Mosquitos and I cannot stand those stupid insects. I am ready to be done with them for the season. Come on winter!

10/4 Bodycombat

To suppliment my personal training my wife and I do BodyCombat by Les Mills which burns about 800-1000 calories currently per one hour session. We take Body Combat 3 days a week giving us only Friday and Sunday off from the gym. So far this formula has worked for us and while it might be small results, we still see them. I would highly recommend this group fusion class to anyone on any fitness level. I know Gold's Gym does offer Les Mills group courses and for those in the Houston area...check out Body3 Fit.

I am excited that Body Combat (BC for those in the know) new release is coming to my gym in two weeks. I am starting to get tired of the current set of tracks.

Oil Nations to Drop Dollar

I read a disturbing news article last night on the DrudgeReport (say what you will about The Drudge Report, but I find it a fair and informative news source that the mainstream media refuses to acknowledge). The news was the Arab states were in the planning stages of replacing the dollar currency for oil trading. This is very disturbing, not only because I happen to work in the Oil and Gas industry for an international company but the ripple effect of an already fragile economic system. The fact that a United Kingdom news source reported this instead of a USA news source is upsetting as well, but that's a whole seperate story. Should be interesting indeed. I just might start buying Gold and Gold stocks

Monday, October 5, 2009

New York Mets

So my baseball season ended once again, there would be no more baseball in Metsville for 2009. There was no dramic failure this time around - as most fans realized the season was over when the Mets could field an all-star team of its disable liste players. The fact that they had a winning record at home (abeit 41-40) with thier AAA team playing, does say something.

I am putting my support around an LA Dodgers vs Yankee world series where Joe Torre sweeps the Yankees in 4 games. I cannot stand the site of another Yankee fan throwing in my face that my team sucks and always will suck for all time...blah blah blah 26 world championships. It just makes me want to punch you in the face and walk away. Heck as long as any team but the Yankees win, I will be happy. I probably will not watch until the World Series hits, since I have my NY Giants to keep me going until spring training 2010.

You played well with what you were given 2009 Mets, now pick up the peieces and gives us a playoff caliber team in 2010.

A Lifestyle Change

Exactly 8 weeks ago, I decided to make a serious lifestyle change. My wife and I 2 months prior to our wedding, decided to join a gym to loose weight for our wedding. She wound up loosing 4 dress sizes and I lost 12 lbs and a jacket size. We made a pledge to continue after our honeymoon. We started our Personal training at Body3fit with our good freinds Carlos Camacho and Tom Jackobs. Its through their personal interest in us and a great support staff that since August 8, 2009 I can personally say I have lost an additional 15 pounds and 2 inches off my waist. I know I have a long way to go, and you dont correct 7 years of neglect in a month, but with the support of my wife and the gym buddies, I cannot fail. Me a gym rat - never would have thunk it.

Welcome

As always, I am a little late to the blogging party. It is my goal to keep a record of what is going on and my thoughts on various topics. I believe its important to keep a written record or journal on own's thoughts, not only for some self reflection, but for you children and grandchildren. Keeping it online, almost perserves it forever in cyberspace. As I watched a recent episode of The Simpsons my wife and I full expect that our children will be tweeting as part of their homework assignment. I can vividly remember starting my freshman year at Seton Hall University in the fall of 1995 and the issuance of laptops was limited to a select group of students, and the internet was new and chatrooms were on IRC not AOL. I envision this blog to be a little of everything as that is exactly what's in my head. I am the walking commercial for that drug that displays the remote constantly changing the channel.

As the title states, I am borned and raised in the northwest corner of New Jersey but recently moved to Houston, Texas due to work, economy and my wife (she moved here first and we successfully did a long distance relationship for over a year). She is also a born and raised Jersey Girl. We often find ourselves out of our element living in Houston. We love our diner's (Denny's is no replacement - nor is the 59 diner); our Jersey pizza (Brother's Pizza comes close, but still not as good quality), decent Chineese food, Jersey Bagels (how sad is the best is from McDonalds down here!) I could go on and on. Perhaps its the dirty water from the Hudson - who knows. As we get settled as a newly married couple in our new downtown loft, this should be interesting...

Jersey Tomato in Texas