Reasonable Questions for Unreasonable Times

This week its easy to tell that right wing commentator Glenn Beck has had enough of Washington's rushing bills through congress and excessive spending. He, along with democrats and other commentators, have decided to ask the questions that the rest of America is too scared or not educated enough to ask. He "questions with boldness" and sincere emotion, and, as we all know, it is our DUTY in a democratic system to question and educate ourselves about our government.


I'll tell you the truth, I don't watch the news much lately. One of the reasons why is that so much of it is propaganda from one party or another. One of my favorite documentaries is called "Out Foxed," which clearly demonstrates that news programs work with various political parties in order to manipulate the news in such a way that we'll believe what they want us to. Do I believe that Glenn Beck's program does this as well? Yes, to some degree, which is why I always edit what I hear so I break it down to the facts, and then compare them to what I believe.

I'll admit that I am more right than left wing (I definitely am not for big government, anyone who deals with government's programs and systems all the time can vouch for how unorganized and inefficient they are; so why would I want that system to get bigger?), but when people from both the left and right come together to speak out against what is going on in Washington today, I have to listen. I'm not one to tell other's what to think or believe (those of you who know me, know that I let people live their own lives while practicing what I believe), but I think this week's program on Glenn Beck's show is something ALL OF US can afford to watch, think about, and hopefully take some sort of action.

To watch this week's videos go to http://glennbeckclips.com/. It's updated daily with each of Glenn Beck's questions & debates. If you want an updated list of his questions you can also go to http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/29631/. I really hope you take the time to watch these. Start with Monday's segment 1 clip and move on from there. This is really interesting, and almost scary.

Monday's Questions (and yes, there are questions like these for every day this week):

• Our unfunded liability for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid is close to $100 trillion. Is there any way to pay for these programs without bankrupting America?


• We are in so much debt, why spend more borrowed money on cap-and-trade and health care programs before we stop the flow of red-ink?


• The stimulus package funneled billions of dollars to ACORN. How does giving billions of dollars to ACORN stimulate the economy?


• If it was so important for congress to pass the stimulus bill before they even had time to read it why has only a fraction of the stimulus money been spent 6 months later?


• Bush said he had to abandon free market principles in order to save them, how exactly does that work?


• Why won’t members of Congress read the bills before they vote on them?


• Why are citizens mocked and laughed at when they ask their congressman to read the bills before they vote on them?


• Was the cash-for-clunkers program meant to save the earth or the economy? Did it accomplish either?


• How did Van Jones, a self-proclaimed communist become a special advisor to the president?


• Did President Obama know of Van Jones’ radical political beliefs when he named him special advisor?


• The Apollo Alliance claimed credit for writing the stimulus bill—why was this group allowed to write any portion of this bill?


• If politicians aren’t writing the bills and aren’t reading the bills, do they have any idea what these 1000 page plus bills actually impose on the American people?


• If the ‘public option’ health care plan is so good why won’t politicians agree to have that as their plan?


• If town hall meetings are intended for the politicians to learn what’s on our mind—why do they spend so much time talking instead of listening?


• Politicians are refusing to attend town hall meetings complaining, without evidence, that they are scripted. Does that mean we shouldn’t come out and vote for you since every campaign stop, baby kiss and speech you give is scripted?


• Why would you want to overwhelm the system?


• Is using the economic crises to rush legislation through congress what Rahm Emanuel meant when he talked about "not letting a crises go to waste"?


• What are the czars paid? What is the budget for their staffs/offices?

Wednesday Quote (after attacks from White house):

As a recovering alcoholic, I've already lost everything once; I'm better and
stronger for it. I didn't need a bailout; I needed to rediscover my principles.
I've told my audience for years after I sobered up that I was a dirt-bag — I try
my hardest not to be now, but I still make mistakes. They can take my job or my
wealth — that's OK because I've been rich and I've been poor. But I was only
truly miserable when I was lying to myself or others. And because some of those
principles that I've rediscovered and applied to my life are the founding
principles of this country.

I know that even if the current powers that be succeed in making me poor
again, I will only be stronger for it. And American ingenuity will find another
way to get this message out on a platform 1,000 times more powerful.

Because of my faith, I know how this story ends: America prepare to
witness mighty, powerful miracles in your lifetime.

Ok, so there are many references in this program to socialism, communism, radical groups, etc. Believe what you want, but take the facts, compare them to what you believe and what you want out of life, and then ask yourself, is this what I want? Is this what I voted for? If you are fine with the facts as they are, okay, good for you. If the facts are somewhat unsettling, what are you going to do? This is a democracy, action is our duty. What kind of action? Now that's the million dollar question.

Other Articles:
Advertisers Boycott Glenn Beck
Obama's Czars
The other side: I'm sure there's more out there than this if you want to find it.
Left Wing View of Glenn Beck's Program
Advertisers Leave Glenn Beck Program

Real Estate

Image via Wikipedia

If you want to know what I've been doing lately, just check out my Rich Dad Journey blog. I've been doing TONS of research, reading, etc. All on how to invest in real estate, set up a business, etc. It's been a lot of fun too!

Did you know that big businesses like Wal-mart and McDonald's main net worth doesn't come from the proceeds from their business, but from their real estate holdings? It's true!!!

• Walmart. Company revenues = $3.2 billion. Real Estate Asset Value = $78.7 billion.
• Sheldon Anderson (Las Vegas Sands Cooperation). Company revenues = $589 million. Real Estate asset value =$2.6 billion.
• Ray Kroc (McDonald's). Company Revenues = $4 billion. Real estate asset value = $29.9 billion. Ray Kroc was quoted as saying that he is "not in the hamburger making business, but [that he is in] the real estate business."

Ask yourself this after looking at the numbers. Which would you rather own, the business or the land?

It's not as hard as you think. Well, it's hard in that you need to invest in educating yourself about how to invest in real estate properly, but it's well worth the effort. My husband and I, mostly me (cuz he works a lot), are in the process of setting up our business. I've done a lot, but still have a long way to go. Wish us luck!!!

Most, well all so far, of the books we've read are by Robert Kyosaki and his gang of knowledgeable team members. So far, I love them all. Here's a short list of some of the books I've read so far:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad
• Cashflow Quadrant
• Guide to Investing
• The ABC's of Real Estate Investing
• The Advances Guide to Real Estate Investing

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• How to Get Your Business to Grow Up and Run Itself (myventurepad.com)

GelaSkins

Have you ever wanted to turn your phone, computer, ipod, or gaming device into a statement about who you are? Well, after doing a lot of research on the idea I found one company that excels at providing amazingly artistic and vibrant skin covers for electronic devices. It's called Gelaskin.

What is Gelaskin?
GelaSkins are removable covers for protecting and customizing your portable devices. They feature stunning, photo-quality graphics ranging from fine art prints to contemporary urban images designed by artists from around the globe.

Will it make my device sticky if I remove it?
Patented 3M adhesive make GelaSkins easy to apply with no residue left behind. The adhesive allows you to reposition the skin so you can easily get a perfect fit.

Does the Gelaskin scratch easily?
GelaSkins defend your device with a durable anti-scratch. anti-UV coating.

What material is used?
The advanced 3M adhesive contains patented micro-channels that prevent air bubbles from forming and allow for easy application.

What devices can be used with Gelaskin?
iPods: Touch (1st & 2nd generation), classic, video, nano (1st-4th gen), mini, 4th gen iPod
BlackBerry: Curve (8900/8300), Storm, Bold, Pearl (8100/8110)
iPhone: 3GS, SG, regular
RAZR: V3 (V3c/V3m), V3i (V3t/V3r)
Mac Laptops: MacBook Pro (17"/15"), 14" iBook, 13" MacBook and MB Air, 12" PowerBoook and iBook
PC Laptops: 17", 15.4", 14.3", 14.1"
Notebooks: small, medium, large
Gaming: Nintendo DSi, Sony PSP Slim & 3000, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS Lite

I love the artwork available. Love the prices (very reasonable), and can't wait for everyone to hear about this awesome product and great company. Did you know that they are also selling their artwork as prints on green materials (so you know this is a company concerned about the environment). If you don't have one of the mentioned devices, no prob...you can still purchase their artwork. You can also get screen savers that match the artwork. They really thought of everything!

Margherita Pizza

Recently Nick and I received a coupon book from Costco. Among the many coupons was a $3 discount for Palermo Primo Thin Margherita Pizza 3-pack. We hadn't had their pizza before, but knowing Nick to be a huge frozen pizza fan, I picked up a 3-pack and saved $3. Later that week we decided to have a pizza night and try out the new brand. OH BABY was it good!!! It had a very thin crunchy crust, fresh-tasting and juicy tomatoes, flavorful basil flakes, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Boy were we surprised. The next week Nick sent me back for more. I bought four 3-packs and hope that it will last a while. We'll see since this is by far the best frozen pizza we've had in a long time.

So, my advice? Go out and find this pizza. You will LOVE it. Click on this link for a Palermo pizza locator and to check out their other products. I've only had thier Primo Thin Margherita but I did a little checking to see what else they had. Keep an eye out for: Roasted Vegitable with Goat Cheese, Alfredo Primavera, Greek, Grilled Chicken Caesar, and BBQ Chicken Primo Thin Pizzas, to name a few. They all look wonderful.