No friends, this isn't the name of a new soap opera on Lifetime Channel...(in case you were wondering)
I was hearing on TV about all the stories that broke this year, and which ones made the "A-list".
I've been trying to take all that I've seen, heard or read about and attempt to get them into some order, but every time I think I've got my OWN list, I find myself changing it around for one reason or another. Then there is the manner in which these stories can be classified.
Which ones were "feel-good" stories; ones with a happy ending?
Which ones were "earth-shaking" (metaphorically-speaking, thank God)?
Although we DID suffer a 4.2 earthquake around 0800 today, with the epicenter somewhere near Kokomo, Indiana.
Now, I've got a few stories, and I know I'm missing some, but that's where you come in.
What news stories did YOU find that were full of "wow", or made you stop and think?
Was there something local that caught your attention, and if so, why?
I know here in Fort Wayne, we had OUR share of interesting things going on, and on...and on.
So let me toss some stories on here, and see what shakes out of the tree, fair enough?
Now, in no particular order...here we go.
*** The Gulf Oil Spill -Lots to think about here, not the least of which was who specifically to blame?
Were costs cut to facilitate pumping out the oil?
Was it totally on BP's shoulders, or were other companies that were supposed to install certain equipment at fault?
*** The Mainstream Media Level of Ignorance -
I found this interesting, because items that SHOULD have been carried (of importance) were either glossed over or completely ignored by the MSM.
And that's why I tuned into FOX - at least they brought us the stores that mattered (to those concerened about something other than being entertained).
*** Our Nation's Economic Shambles -With all the bailouts, all the stimuli, all the promises, and all the corruption, you'd "think" we'd be somewhere near getting back on track, but nope...we're not quite there yet.
And while the nations economy foundered like a battered ship in a squall nearing the shoals, this government concerned itself with pork-barrel politicking, entitlements, earmarks for ludicrous "projects" for the self-effacing politicians, and a REALLY dumb-ass "health care plan".
This whole "We'll get around to fixing the economy sooner or later, because we've got to ram this other crap down the peoples' throats first" rhetoric got REAL old...REAL fast (imho).
*** Homeland Security "Grope-Fest" -Anyone who's been to an airport recently knows what this is all about...more security, and free soft core porn, courtesy if the TSA. Betcha Grandma is loving that with her artificial hip replacement these days.
You never can tell with those octogenarians and explosive devices. Work for the TSA - and COP A FEEL for yourself.
*** The Year America Began Waking Up -
As was evidenced by the mid-term elections, people in this nation will not stand for being duped, lead to a cliff, BSed, or have wool pulled over their eyes.And people are ready to "fire" anyone willing to compromise the values and principles that AMERICA was founded on.
These politicians are still civil SERVANTS...not the masters of the frigging ESTATE.
And the voters made that VERY clear...and hopefully will continue to do so.
After all, people should never have to fear their government, but a government should always fear it's people, especially if it's a democratic REPUBLIC.
*** The Global Warming SCAM -Seems this little beauty came to a head this year, as record LOW temperatures showed themselves around the nation.
Many scientists were changing their minds, siding with others who actually contend that we might be entering a mini ice age (much like what happened in the Middle Ages).
While I DO believe in CLIMATE CHANGE (as in it might be getting COLDER rather than warmer, and that weather will affect us, because the climate changes ALL the damn time), I do NOT believe in our Earth becoming a "greenhouse" ANY time soon.
Hey, all we need is a change of the Earth's tilt on it's AXIS about ONE DEGREE, and we'll have a LOT of changes (and not all of them good ones).
How the hell are we going to stop THAT from EVER happening, hmm?
*** The Greening Of America -Now this really pissed me off, especially when they mentioned about doing away with ALL incandescent bulbs...(WTF?) in favor of CFLs (fluorescent lightbulbs).
Don't get me wrong, fluorescent bulbs have THEIR OWN use (like in offices)...just not all over MY house.
We do have TWO we're using as "test subjects" for longevity, brightness, etc. Not impressed so far.
But when I need to have a HAZMAT team come into my abode if one of these bulbs shatters is simply ridiculous!
The EPA has SEVERAL PAGES of PROCEDURE on the "proper" disposal of these TOXIC bulbs (should one break).
Yeah, and how is that BETTER than the reliable incandescent bulbs that, when THEY shatter, all I need is a vacuum cleaner or dust pan & brush to clean up the mess?
And that's just the start of this clusterf$ck...
*** Electric Cars -This is the other shoe that dropped regarding the greening of America...
Now, tell me WHY I should rid myself of my fossil-fuel burning, 30 MPG V-6 automobile (that's cost me $11K new)...IN FAVOR OF a $35K (at least) automobile that gets 50 MPG, but only allows me to drive 400 miles before I have to charge it (for like EIGHT hours) from a socket where that ELECTRICITY comes from a power plant that is FOSSIL-FUEL-fired (coal) in order to PRODUCE that electricity so I can run that car?
Yeah...I'll get back to 'ya on that one...but don't hold yer breath.
*** The Ethanol SCAM -This nation (read government) has gone hog-wild on ETHANOL as an alternative fuel...only there are a few bugs in the mix.
Ethanol combusts with about 75% of the efficiency as regular GASOLINE...so you have to fill UP more often.
Ethanol pollution is actually WORSE than pollution from gasoline...at least that's what environmental scientists are saying.
Ethanol is more corrosive to existing parts on vehicles, especially rubber-compound parts.
Diverting corn crops for ETHANOL use takes away crops for food for US...and animals.
As a result, food prices are on the rise...(big surprise).
Anyone care to work on that HYDROGEN-POWERED engine instead???
*** Glenn Beck -I have learned a LOT by watching his show. The sheer amount of COMMON SENSE displayed regarding all the questions we have regarding our nation and how they are answered continues to amaze even me. And it's explained in an "everyman" manner that we can grasp.
Dad always said that "When you toss a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one that got hit" never made more sense than when I watch this show. To hear politicians and others contemned by THEIR OWN WORDS, and then have them attempt to deny it, or gloss over it speaks to the human condition in ways I never would have imagined. Goes to show that Beck is onto something by exposing the charlatans in our midst.
And all Glenn does is to SHOW US this...allowing us to decide for ourselves.
Much the same can be said for Bill O'Reilly, John Stossel, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Neil Cavuto, and Sean Hannity (to name a few).
They have shown us the FOREST...as well as the TREES contained within.
Why can't OTHER news networks do AS MUCH...hmm?
What are THEY afraid of?
What "master" do THEY serve?
It does make you think, right?
*** In more local news, I'd have to place the flawed "Costaplenty Square", I mean the HARRISON SQUARE fiasco near the top.sure, we got a nice, new baseball park (that's used only during the season), when we had a perfectly good 13 year old stadium that was demolished, but we've also got a great-looking VACANT area where condos/apartments/retail were SUPPOSED to go.
We're still waiting...
Speaks a lot to DOWNTOWN development.
*** The continued ignoring of the problems on the city's SE side (now spreading into the SW quadrant).
Those minority leaders are still MIA when it comes to addressing the problems found down here, as well as the CAUSES of those problems.
They only show up when there's a cool photo-op (or a free lunch), it would seem.
*** Thirty homicides in the city.Now I know a lot of you live in areas where THIS many (or few) homicides would be a welcome thing.
Personally, I don't see our numbers going markedly DOWN any time soon, not with the way these criminals roll.
So there 'ya go...anything I missed?
Feel free to bloviate and expound. This is as much YOUR blog as it is mine.
(I just like to rant a lot more, and with reason...lol)
Have yourselves a great New Year's Eve Eve.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay safe out there, America.
4 comments:
Dear Bob,
Thanks for the year in review!
Over all of these stories, I see one grand overarching theme. The public needs to educate itself, not just on WHAT happened, but why. They need to understand their economics of fuel, crime, and human frailty.
As long as the world doesn't study, this crap is just going to go on and on.
Thanks for another good post,
Ann
Ann:
I KNOW I missed a LOT of stories, and I could do a week's worth of posts to back 'em all up.
After reading today's post (to myself) a few times, You bring out something I didn't even realize while writing it.
The OVERALL THEME, as you put it.
There's not ONE story I placed here that does NOT include having "WE, the people" doing OUR homework and getting ourselves EEDUCATED, no matter what comes at us, from whatever direction, or from whom.
I DID have a "The year America began waking up", so I suppose that sort of glossed over it.
I mean, we DO have a lot more people who are NOT rolling back over and thwapping that SNOOZE button...and that's marvelous.
It's a fine first step to taking BACK this nation and returning it TO the people.
And with education will come enlightenment, and that means more personal responsibility, and accountability for every one of us.
Yeah, I can do that.
Funny thing...we USED to be a nation of people JUST like that.
Maybe in 2011, we "turn the corner" and get back on the right street again.
Thanks so much for stopping on by today.
I really enjoyed your view on this.
Stay strong.
Stay safe.
the usgs.gov always downgrades earthquakes. your earthquake has been downgraded to a 3.8. its about the same just sounds better dont it? i've been expecting a larger one in indiana for awhile now. my mom (who passed away in 97) predicted being hit by a bigger one in rochester indiana becouse they are on a fault line. well, that is what she said i never have looked for proff. but, i beleive my mom. she may have had a 6th grade education but she was smart. she even had earthquake insurance on her house. back when she was alive i thought it was a little bit of a waste of money but not anymore. thankfully i didnt feel it this time around. when i lived on the east side of indy i felt it all. even a 2.1 (something like that) while i was sitting on the toliet. i thought i was just tired from overtime then i turned on the news and they were remarking on how their building had shook too. i really think that after the "big " earthqakes we had (a couple 5.whatever) it damaged my roof where i would had to take it down to the bones and reroofed the house. my roof had waves in it. then i dont think my house never did resettle back on the foundation that well eithor. but, what am i to know. i dont have a college education....lol but, rocks, bones, mother earth has always been some type of hobby of mine. so i think one of the big stories would be government coverup period. but, what am i to know. and i am at a point of what do i really care to share or know anymore. oh well the ramblings of a middle age woman.
Indy:
I only remember two small earthquakes back in Phily, and the only thing that happened the last time I was out in CA was the OJ killings (helluva time to pick).
No earthquakes, though.
I think a good story that always goes untold IS the government coverups...
And Lord knowas there are enough OF them.
Look at the old Area 51.
And now the "new" place they have in UTAH (area 52?)
They flatly DENIED the place existed, even though it was THERE...in PLAIN SIGHT.
Maybe Jesse Ventura's onto something...
Hey, thanks for stopping by to "ramble". I love it.
Always a pleasure.
(and stop all that dancin' down there...yer shakin' Fort Wayne...LOL)
Stay safe.
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