Memorial Day

Time to remember the sacrifices of those who died for their country.


http://marines10.blogspot.com/


Semper Fi

"If Hemingway Had Written a Racing Novel"

"If Hemingway Had Written a Racing Novel" is a series of great stories by Rich Nisley. I am not a big fan of racing, but his stories kept me glued to the pages. He really made racing drivers and cars come to life. I encourage anyone to read it.

And his book, "The Ragged Edge" is another great read. Great story line with plenty of racing thrills

craighullinger@gmail.com

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"Rich Nisley's "If Hemingway Had Written a Racing Novel" is a first-class collection of motor racing fiction. Each of these stories, excerpts of course, made me feel like the proverbial kid in the candy store with nose to glass. Before finishing my first read through this collection I ordered five of the featured books from various booksellers and I know I won't be
disappointed. 


This is a very well thought out gathering of stories that will inspire you to delve into these great books and enjoy well written novels about racing drivers, cars, and series from around the globe, literally Grands Prix to small-town circle tracks. Mine is a glowing review of Nisley's excellent collection because the book deserves it. He has done much more than organize a wonderful anthology; he has reawakened avid motor racing readers like myself to a largely untapped treasure chest of great motor racing stories. My encouragement to any reader is don't miss this racing book.you will not be disappointed. 


And don't miss his novel, The Ragged Edge."

W. Barker

Click here for Amazon "The Ragged Edge"

Click her for Amazon "If Hemingway Had Written a Racing Novel"

Rasmussen Poll

Obama 45%, Generic Republican 44%

For the third week in a row, voters remain almost evenly divided over whether they want to reelect President Obama or elect a Republican to replace him.

Daily Presidential Tracking Poll

  

Are you Conservative, Liberal, or Middle of the Road?

The short survey on the link below will tell you if you are liberal, moderate, or conservative. The questions are a bit simplistic but are ok for a quick and dirty summary of where you stand politically.

We would be interested in how you came across here and if you think the quiz is an accurate reflection of what they believe. 

 http://people-press.org

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I was very afraid I would be a liberal or a conservative, in which case I would have been very embarrassed. Thank goodness I am a fine upstanding moderate. Or I guess a Post-Modern, what ever that is.

There, I feel a lot better. My results below:

  Post-Moderns

13% OF THE PUBLIC

What They Believe

Generally supportive of government, though more conservative on race policies and the safety net

Strongly supportive of regulation and environmental protection

Most (56%) say Wall Street helps the economy more than it hurts

Very liberal on social issues, including same-sex marriage

One of the least religious groups: nearly a third are unaffiliated with any religious tradition

Favor the use of diplomacy rather than force

Who They Are

The youngest of the typology groups: 32% under age 30

A majority are non-Hispanic white and have at least some college experience

Half live in either the Northeast or the West


_________________


I suppose my slogan could be:


The Few, the Proud, the Post-Moderns


Maybe I better work on that.


A majority (58%) live in the suburbs

63% use social networking

One-in-five regularly listen to NPR; 14% regularly watch The Daily Show


Thanks to my friend Author Taffy Cannon for submitting.

Federal Debt

Federal debt - We must get control of this debt, using a combination of tax increases and spending reductions.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_deficit

Deficits

Interesting graph from the National Journal. What if omits from the deficit are the rising costs from Medicare, Medicade, and Social Security.


Any reasonable person understands that we must control these deficits, and that we can and must do this with a combination of tax increases and expense reductions. Unfortunately we don't have very many reasonable persons in Congress.

Read the rest of the story on the link below:




http://www.nationaljournal.com/budget/the-chart-that-should-accompany-every-discussion-of-deficits-20110512?mrefid=mostViewed&sms_ss=email&at_xt=4dd402a8490adc6d%2C1

Presidential Election

President Obama does look vulnerable in the next election. The economy is recovering very slowly. If the Republicans can nominate a competent attractive candidate they have a chance.


Liberals and Conservatives should remember that we moderates are the deciders. About 40% of the electorate always vote Republican and 40% always vote Democrat. We middle of the road 20% decide elections. And right now we are not impressed with either side. Can't we do better?



Conservatives chortle at the thought of beating President Obama, but then you start looking at the Republican Candidates. Pretty grim.


Huckabee ?  Took himself out, good idea.


Palin ?  Please. An attractive speaker, not ready for prime time.


Newt?  Oh, my. Nevah Happen, GI.  Smart guy, lots of negatives.


Ron Paul?  Way too conservative.


Trump?  The little flash he had shows how dissatisfied the party is.


Pawlenty? Mitch Daniels?  Might be OK, but challenged on the charisma end.


Paul Ryan is a very bright attractive guy. Too inexperienced I think, and will get crucified for his budget leadership.


Too bad the Terminator was not born in this country. Maybe Republicans could forge a birth certificate. But his latest scandal would be tough to overcome.


I think Mit Romney would probably have the best chance to wind moderates away from President Obama. But the Republicans seem to think he is too liberal.


Interesting how this cast makes John McCain look good. 


Conventional wisdom has it that the Bush brand was demolished. But Jeb Bush looks better to me then most of the candidates.  


We may get someone coming out of left field, the way Obama and Carter did. Someone who is not on the radar screen, since no one looks all that good.


Right now, it looks to me that Obama will win unless the economy is very bad, and if the Republicans can find a competent candidate. Of course it is a long way till the election - and lots of things can happen.  It will be fun to watch and listen to the angst of the conservatives. And lets hope they can nominate a real leader.