Rails To Trails We're So Over Them

'Saucon Source' reports-- "The Upper Saucon Township Police Department released on Facebook about a man a female jogger in her mid-20s reportedly encountered while jogging on the trail between Spring Valley Road and the municipal line at around 1:50 p.m. Friday, July 28.... The woman “was nearly struck by an older male operating a bicycle,” police said. “The male proceeded to try to strike up a conversation and convince the female to go with him for a drink."

I posted a few videos about our past bike rides on many trails throughout Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties a few years ago. This was before they became all the rage. Now far too many a-holes know about them. At the time they were safer then just about any other place to ride. Not anymore.

We once rode from Green Lane, Pa. into Philadelphia along the Schuylkill river. Since that time numerous muggings and rapes have been reported in that very same Philadelphia area we once enjoyed. Same goes with other areas near Hellertown, Bethlehem and Easton. Too many jerks have caught on.

I've since removed all those videos because too may knuckleheads made snide comments. What a shame!

Future Of Fossil Fuels And The United States

While Britain is banning new diesel & gasoline powered cars by 2040 and Germany by 2030 and France by 2040 and Norway by 2025 Trump wants to build a whole bunch of new pipelines and expand drilling. And he doesn't like competition. Could this be the real reason why he's announcing new sanctions on Venezuela targeting their oil sector?

Snooze.. You Lose
Folks we're headed in the wrong direction. In a decade or few we'll be so far behind we might as well be promoting coal fired steam locomotives & kerosene lamps. There's no amount of drilling or pipe lines that will move us to economic predominance in the future when it comes to energy production. Even Saudi Arabia is spending $50 billion on solar and wind investments.

Each country is capable of producing their own in some way. Which would pretty much make us SOL if we're planning to base a future economy driven by fossil fuels.

Coal and it's mining is dirty. Fracking is dirty. Drilling is dirty. Pipelines are intrusive, leak and are dirty. Alternative energy on the other hand (electricity) won't pollute our air, land and waterways.

Electricity can be produced in many ways. Solar, wind, biomass (plant/human waste), water turbines, ocean waves and so forth. All which are less damaging to the Earth. This while relegating the need to go to war with one another over oil deposits and who's economies are in ever changing flux because of them.

Remember Rodney Dangerfield?

It's been a tough week in the news so I figured a little humor might help. The thing I liked most about Rodney's jokes they were short.



Many of the old time comedians like Jack Benny, Sid Caesar, Laurel & Hardy, W.C Fields and so many others preformed mostly self deprecating humor. To me this is what made them great. Too many today try to get laughs at someone else's expense.

Forget about situation comedies.
This is what real TV comedy once looked like.

Thoughts On Pawlowski Indictment

I don't wish to discuss either his guilt or innocence. People can believe what they want by reading the entire 60 page indictment posted courtesy of WFMZ. I held off posting on the Allentown mayor's legal troubles because there's a tremendous amount of coverage already out there in newspapers, TV and on the blogs however I do have some thoughts.

This Could Drag On For Years
The mayor absolutely insist he will not step down or withdraw from the upcoming election. Of course not, why would he?

According to the 2017 city budget (page #23) he receives a salary of $95,000 a year. Every week he stays in office is another $1,826 in his pocket. Knowing Allentown voters, they will likely reelect him. That's just how they roll.

After his assumed election victory I'm almost certain he will try to delay his trial as long as possible. For example, if he could drag this out over two years it could mean another $190,000 to him in salary alone. Factor in his continued ability to seek campaign funding (which can be used for his legal defense) means more loot for both he and his lawyer.


Even That May Nor Be The End Of It
Let us not forget about the 'appeal' process. Council couldn't make a move to remove him until his appeals were exhausted. If they tried it could cost Allentown taxpayers a small fortune if the mayor was so determined to fight it. He may not be right to do so or even win, but taxpayers would be on the hook for a team of lawyers to litigate the issue. Not to mention how miserable the mayor could make it for everyone he took displeasure with.


Voters Beware
It could only be the beginning of what might become a lot nastier then what we've seen up to now if he manages to get reelected. If it does or doesn't lies in voters hands this fall. Given the Allentown voters history hang on to your hats. It could a bumpy ride unlike we've ever experienced in Allentown if this plays out as I suggested.

If it does the voters (and non voters) will only have themselves to blame. They can choose either to make this go away or not in a few months. This is not something council nor city government can resolve on their own.

McCain Coming Back For Senate Healthcare Vote

Whoa not so fast Donald. It's Tuesday, July 25, 2017 9:17 am as I type this post. I want to go on record and see if this happens.

I'm thinking Senator John McCain has come back for the sole reason of voting against Obamacare repeal. I may be completely wrong, but if he does... you heard it here first. Wonder what Donald will tweet about the Senator if he does?

UPDATE (07/25/2017 3:15 PM)McCain voted in favor on a motion to proceed to debate, but in his speech after it won approval said he will vote against the bill as it now stands


UPDATE (07/26/2017 4:03 PM)Republican senators including John McCain kill off full repeal of Obamacare


UPDATE (07/28/2017 1:57 AM)The Senate shot down a “skinny repeal” of the Affordable Care Act-- "Three Republicans — Sens. John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins — voted with Democrats on the key amendment, putting the bill to rest after hours of debate."




STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON VOTING “NO” ON “SKINNY REPEAL”

Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement today on voting “no” on the so-called “skinny repeal” of Obamacare:

“From the beginning, I have believed that Obamacare should be repealed and replaced with a solution that increases competition, lowers costs, and improves care for the American people. The so-called ‘skinny repeal’ amendment the Senate voted on today would not accomplish those goals. While the amendment would have repealed some of Obamacare’s most burdensome regulations, it offered no replacement to actually reform our health care system and deliver affordable, quality health care to our citizens. The Speaker's statement that the House would be ‘willing’ to go to conference does not ease my concern that this shell of a bill could be taken up and passed at any time.

“I’ve stated time and time again that one of the major failures of Obamacare was that it was rammed through Congress by Democrats on a strict-party line basis without a single Republican vote. We should not make the mistakes of the past that has led to Obamacare’s collapse, including in my home state of Arizona where premiums are skyrocketing and health care providers are fleeing the marketplace. We must now return to the correct way of legislating and send the bill back to committee, hold hearings, receive input from both sides of aisle, heed the recommendations of nation’s governors, and produce a bill that finally delivers affordable health care for the American people. We must do the hard work our citizens expect of us and deserve.”

I told you three days ago this would happen!

Home Schooling In The 50's (Humor)

My mother taught me religion
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My father taught me about time travel.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

My father provided clarification to all my philosophical inquiries.
"Because I said so, that's why ."

My mother explained the importance of maintaining good health.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

My mother taught me how to dress appropriately.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

My father taught me how to be emotionally resilient.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

My mother taught me stamina.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

My mother provided me with an example of hypocrisy.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate!"

My father taught me about the circle of life.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

My mother on behavior modification.
"Stop acting like your father!"

My mother taught me about other children worse off.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

My mother helped me understand how stress and anxiety can affect someone.
"Just wait until your father gets home."

My father inspired me to live life to the fullest in the present in much the same way.
"Just wait till we get home!"

My father taught me to stand on my own.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My mother taught me about genetics.
"You're just like your father."

My mother taught me about wisdom.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand.

My father was so proud of me he once said...
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

Jimmy Sturr Orchestra

Folks who visit here know I tend to post music videos, especially on Sundays. Today I'm featuring one of the most talented orchestras ever... "The Jimmy Sturr Orchestra".


Check out their other 111 videos on YouTube

Rand Paul On Trade

"Mediaite.com"-- "Mr. Paul argued that the vast savings companies enjoy from such relationships turns to a real savings that “allows working class people to have savings to get a television set, to go on vacation, to buy gas for their truck,” adding “so trade is really a good thing."

COMMENTARYWow that's a tough one for me to argue against. He does have a point. The only counter argument I could make is... unless American labor is better paid few of us would be willing to support policies against foreign labor being exploited if it resulted in the lowering of our standard of living, selfish as that may seem.

So the question becomes.. would laborers in other countries be in fact worse off if we made our own goods here instead? If so, what would become of them?

Think Spicy Had It Tough? (Videos)

Some today say the press was too tough on Spicy and Trump. Some even suggest ending the White House press briefings. BOO HOO, it's always been a tough job. For decades other administrations withstood the onslaught of the media. It goes with the job. Anybody not up to the challenge needs to resign. It's how we roll.

New York Times Exposed Top CIA Official

For weeks conservatives have blasted the 'New York Times'. Here's their response.

Why We Published the Name of a Covert C.I.A. Official"Before the article was published, one of the reporters who worked on it informed the C.I.A. that it would include Mr. D’Andrea’s name — a routine check for comment that Times reporters make for the sake of fairness. The C.I.A. asked The Times not to publish his name, arguing that Mr. D’Andrea was under cover.

In this case, editors decided to publish the name because Mr. D’Andrea is a senior official who runs operations from the agency’s headquarters outside Washington, not in the field. He is also the architect of the C.I.A.’s program to use drones to kill high-ranking militants, one of the government’s most significant paramilitary programs. We believe that the American public has a right to know who is making life-or-death decisions in its name."


Agree or disagree with the decision?

Early Look At The Republican Tax Plan

Talking Points Memo
Republicans Embrace Tax Hikes Targeting Democratic States"WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans aren’t usually big on raising taxes, but they’re really eager to eliminate the federal deduction for state and local taxes. Why? A look at the states that benefit the most from the tax break helps explain it – they are all Democratic strongholds. New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and California top the list of states where taxpayers get the biggest deductions. Not a single Republican-leaning state ranks in the top 10."

COMMENTARYWe're hearing the bullshit argument about 'tax & spend' Democrats. Truth be told all members in congress love to tax and spend. One side favors spending on the military The other on social programs. One thing is for sure no matter who we put in office we all should be picking up a jar of Vasoline on the way home from the voting booth.

Let's Review An Example How This Would Play Out In Allentown, Pennsylvania
Currently Pennsylvania personal income tax is 3.07%. Allentown's EIT is 1.35%. Both state and local EIT combined are 4.42% alone. To list a few of the others which could be impacted. Pennsylvania Inheritance tax is 12% for siblings. 15% to other heirs. Motor Vehicle Lease Tax 3% of the total lease price. All of which would no longer be deductible.

Although the current plan still would allow mortgage interest deductions IT WOULD NO LONGER ALLOW deductions for property taxes. Instead the proposal doubles the standard deduction for a married couple to $24,000.

Doing The Math
Suppose a married couple were earning a combined income of $70,000 a year. Eliminating the 4.42% EIT deduction would raise taxable earnings by $3,094. Assuming the same couple was paying $6,000 a year in property taxes, this would then raise their income by $9,094. Previously their tax rate would have been 13.56% when deductions were allowed. Being the proposed standard deduction would be raised by $12,000 this would lower their gross to $58,000. The IRS rate on that income is 13.17%. In other words only a .39% reduction. Nearly back to where they were but no longer being allowed to deduct those prior expenses I mentioned and others

Baiting The Trap
Think about this. There's no way in hell state and local taxes aren't going up. The Republican plan locks up the $12,000 increased deduction without accounting for future state and local tax increases. In other words in a year or two this couple will be paying more then they would have before. Yeah we'll give ya an extra $12,000 gross deduction but it won't mean diddly sqat in a year or two if one can't take greater deductions as their state and local taxes increase or if someone's income changes one year due some unforeseen windfall the state already hammered the taxpayer with.

This is nothing more then a backdoor tax increase over the next few years

Mood Of The Day- Political Bullshit (Videos)

I'm gonna warn you right now...
if you're adverse to foul language don't look at any of the following videos.

Forks Township Considering A Fire Tax

Lehigh Valley Live.com
Forks Township eyes possible fire tax to pay for fire trucks"Supervisors discussed adding a specific fire tax that would designate money into a fund that could only be used for fire department needs."

A Tax Is Still A Tax
Wonder where all this could lead. Why not a separate swimming pool tax? Park maintenance tax? Snow plow/street cleaning tax? Municipal pensions tax? Street lighting tax? Police Tax? EMS tax? Municipal vehicles tax?

You get the idea. If we're going to starting breaking down budgets into dozens of separate additional taxes the list could be endless.

Healthcare Battles Rage On

Published on May 11, 2017



Published on Jan 6, 2017


I will forever fail to understand why this is so complicated. Simply extend 'Medicare' to everyone. The system is already in place. All it needs is a few tweaks to cover dependents. Doing this would enable the current system to negotiate with pharmaceuticals as well as to providers what reasonable charges would be allowed. As it now stands 'Medicare' pays 80%. Those desiring more coverage (just as they are now allowed) could purchase additional coverage if they so desired from private insurance plans.

Even if this required 10% in payroll deductions it still would be far less expensive monthly then any of the plans out there (including Obamacare).

How about this... Congress writes a proposal and runs it past the CBO. It's never been done, so why not. If it doesn't pan out so-be-it. But hell we'll never know unless we give it a shot.

For those naysayers who fear a government run healthcare plan I have this to say. Which would you rather. A government run healthcare plan which taxpayers can put pressure on their representatives on what coverage is provided OR insurance companies where payers have no say whatsoever in what they will provide or refuse to provide.

Court Reporters Transcripts (Humor)

If ya want a coupla' laughs check out 'Bored Panda.com'. Here's one of the latest I came across and enjoyed.

Hilarious Things That Court Reporters Have Ever Recorded To Be Said In Court

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?

WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No..
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.
 

LAWYER: Now sir, I'm sure you are an intelligent and honest man--

WITNESS: Thank you. If I weren't under oath, I'd return the compliment.
 

ATTORNEY: Doctor , how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?

WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
 

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?

WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PM
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished.

LAWYER: What happened then?

WITNESS: He told me, he says, 'I have to kill you because you can identify me.'
LAWYER: Did he kill you?
WITNESS: No.
 

LAWYER: Was that the same nose you broke as a child?

WITNESS: I only have one, you know.

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?

WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget..
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
 

LAWYER: How far apart were the vehicles at the time of the collision?

 

ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?

WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can’t remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.
 

LAWYER: Have you lived in this town all your life?

WITNESS: Not yet.
 

LAWYER: Did you blow your horn or anything?

WITNESS: After the accident?
LAWYER: Before the accident.
WITNESS: Sure, I played for ten years. I even went to school for it.


A couple of more funny items I came across on 'Bored Panda'...

Al Gore's Efforts Addressing The Climate Crisis

My Queen Tribute Video

What Is Reality?

Simply put, awareness is all there is. The concept of a physical world existing is just that... a concept. Let us begin our understanding here...

Tesseracts

In other words we live in a two dimensional world with an implied 3rd dimension (via our senses) in which there are an infinite number of other possibilities.




How this plays out in the universe...



In other words...


BREAKING THIS ALL DOWNThe only thing that is exists is a single awareness with an infinite number possibilities (individuals) and so-called physical outcomes to each.

I've studied numerous near death experiences. Each have in common a understanding of all peoples thoughts and things occurring simultaneously. Something which cannot be understood within our limited embodiment. In other words what we ascribe to being within GOD's realm. If we are to accept this then it could be said all are one and whatever transpires within becomes unable to affect the whole which is beyond.. Which leads me to believe what occurs as we sleep exists as much grounded in reality as when we're awake even though we cannot bind the two to our daily limited physical conscious perceptions of this.

In short... conscious awareness is all that exists. That is the commonality of us all. Conflict and suffering is an illusion created by human beings unaware of the understanding of their true nature. That being... all that appears separate is another aspect of the whole expressing itself in it's many ways.

How The DNC Helped Donald Trump Win

Many conservatives accuse Democrats of being sore losers. In part they are right, but not because Hillary lost. Rather because Bernie Sanders didn't win. If there was any rigging going on it was done more by the DNC then the Russian government.

Politifact (Published March 8, 2016)

Huffington Post--"Stop the presses! According to a new poll by Quinnipiac University on Tuesday (12/22/2015), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) destroys Republican candidate Donald Trump in a general election by 13 percentage points. In this new poll, Sanders has 51 percent to Trump’s 38 percent."

MSNBC-Morning Joe: Apr 11, 2016

Aljazeera (May 14, 2016)--RealClearPolitics showed on Tuesday (05/10/2016) that Sanders had a 13 percent advantage over Trump, while Clinton had five more points than Trump."

If the DNC hadn't interfered would we even be talking about Donald Trump, the Russians or how divided this country has become?

Queen Covers

Freddie Mercury last vocal interview before dying

Forget About Career In Entertainment

There's way too much competition out there !


So much talent... so few gigs to make a living at it.

Crash Course In The History Of July 4th

2013 Video Uploaded Courtesy Of John Green @ "Crash Course"


Then On The Other Hand You Have This..

2016 Video Courtesy of Mark Dice

Why Did Christie Shut Down N.J. Government?

Lehigh Valley Live.com
So exactly why did Christie shut down the N.J. government?"The real fight erupted over Christie's demand that the state dictate how much money not-for-profit Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is allowed to keep in a reserve fund before it must turn it over to a fund for public health causes.... Horizon said losing millions of dollars in reserves will hamper its ability to meet policyholder claims in the event of a catastrophic event. In the long term, the company predicts this forced charitable mission will drive up premiums.


North Jersey.com
Moody's: N.J.'s budget deficit could hit $3.6B by 2023


COMMENTARY
What's with these Republicans when it comes to screwing up healthcare?
Does this financial genius want Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to go broke like NJ?
Does Christie have any of his own personal money saved up for a rainy day?
Does he think it's a good idea to take his?