GM (Government Motors) Takeover

Spring is here and with it the renewing of the auto industry as we know it. General Motors is now Government Motors. Imagine their newest model "The Barney Frank".
It only cost $1,000, but it will be taxed at 5000% making the cost actually $50,000. It will get 75 mpg, if you start the engine, put it in neutral and tow it 75 miles. It will cut down on dangerous emissions due to its new fuel requirements, we will let you know what these are as soon as we figure it out. But most of all you don't have to worry about all those laws and regulations we have been placed on other manufacturers as we are the government and these problems and regulations do not apply to us but to our competition.
Seriously I can't wait to see what comes next.

Someone Please Help Me Understand

I am having trouble what it means to be "politically correct" or "politically incorrect". They are changing the name of the new trade center at the sight of the 9/11 disaster from Freedom Trade Center to One World Trade Center. Stating that the reason why is that it is more "politically correct", thus implying that freedom is

"politically incorrect".

I always thought "politically correct" was what the majority wanted and "politically incorrect" was that rejected by the majority. Someone please help me understand as it appears to me the more the minority rules the more FREEDOM we loose!

This is a shot of the lava flow from the balcony of our cabin on the Holland American ship Zaandam. As we cruised by a a distance of about 2-3 miles, the picture does not do justice to the majesty of the scene and makes one wish for better photographic ability and equipment. As we sailed by our Hawaain lecturer did a chant to Pele and gave a history of the event.

My thoughts were not on Pele but on the fact that the power of what we were witnessing was the creation that is a continuing process in the evolution of life and a testimony to the might and power of our Father in Heaven.

My inner most thoughts were that our God is an awesome God and in control of things beyond our understanding.

Rest assured in the knowledge that amid the might of the fire and turmoil He has a purpose and is in control. Our God is truly and awesome God.

Is it half full or half empty?

I know it is how you look at it, is the glass half full or half empty.

Last night the president took up family time to once again speak from both sides of his mouth.

For a week congress ranted about AIG doing exactly what they gave them authority.

Tim (the tax evader) Guitner, who tries to avoid paying his taxes wants more authority over that which he already mishandles.

I wonder is it half empty or half full? One thing I do know the answer from Washington is always give me more, more, more so we can waste more, more, more.

Fore sure with the rising debt the cry in the future will be more, more, more of our money in the form of taxes, a lot of which is based on the populace lie of "global warming". Is anyone else wondering and sick of the games?

A promise to Avery

Avery here are some seahorses that we saw at the Maui Aquarium.

The Sea Turtle

I have become enthralled with Sea Turtles. Over the last three cruises I have amassed 4 sea turtle necklaces. The Sea Turtles in the islands represents long life and happiness. They are slow and cumbersome out of their element but observe them in their natural habitat and surroundings, the sea and they are graceful, beautiful creatures. I guess that could be said of all God's creatures.

Barney I Hear You

The art of confusion. In this picture is a marvelous job of towel art by our cabin steward on our recent cruise, a really great monkey hanging in our stateroom on our return from the evenings activities. I couldn't resist the impulse, after a formal dinner, clad in my monkey suit to imitate the other monkey in the room. In reality what you are looking at are two towels and a 67 year old man showing too much indulgence.
I have seen the reaction to congress about the AIG bonuses and the outrage faked by them in answer to the public outcry of those who are actually paying the bill, the taxpayer. I listened to Barney Frank very closely as he represents what our current legislators are to a tee. He said and I paraphrase what I heard, "That we might not be able to do anything about paying these crooks the bonuses that we authorized but since "he" now owns them he can fire them!"
I hear you Barney!!! That's exactly what I plan to do. Until they have the good sense and interest of the taxpayers at heart in D.C. to pass term limits and stop their own special interests and welfare, I plan to go into the voting booth and fire them.
I believe this is the only action we can take that will get their attention. Maybe then they will stop feeding us "Kool Ade" and start acting in the interest of the people instead of their special interests. I beg all who read this to join me and start enacting "change we can believe in".

The Woodie

Dena asked me what I wanted as a souvenir of our vacation, I replied that I wanted the Woodie at the Maui Plantation. Fortunately it wasn't for sale or she might have tried to buy it. The next best thing is trying to act like you arrived in it, how bout the Capt. Morgan pose!

Tour Guides

The tour guides on our trip were great. Dena is here pictured with Uncle Greg, our tour guide on the Volcano Tour. They were all well versed in the history of their islands and told interesting facts.

One of Greg,s interesting tidbits was that the work for beef in Hawaiian was "Pe Pe". He asked if anyone knew what their work for snacks were, I was proud to answer "Pu Pus".

He said correct and when dining at the local Establishments be sure to get your Pu Pu's before your Pe Pe.

Vacation

We had a wonderful time. After leaving San Diego we had four sea days on the way to Hilo, Hawaii. I spent my mornings in the Spa;

taking steam baths, aromic showers, whirlpools and relaxing on the heated tile tables (man is that a relaxing experience.)

At Hilo we toured the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut plantation and then spent some time in the rain-forest.

That night on the way to Kona we past and were rewarded with a close magnificent view on the active volcano flow entering the ocean. Conditions were perfect and we were rewarded with a spectacular show from our balcony.

While in Hilo we crossed back across the island for a volcano tour. It was a long bus ride, three hours each way but we stoped at the Kona coffee outlet on the way and a Portagese Bakery returning, it was the souther most bakery in the U.S. 120 miles south of Key West, Florida.

The crater was six miles long and 3 miles across. We could not go all the way around and it is active and a sulfer emitter. We crossed may lava beds on the journey and learned a lot of how the islands are formed. We also traversed through one of the tunnels created by an old lava flow.

From Kona we sailed to Honolulu. We spent the morning shopping and to Dena's dismay and my pleasure we had lunch at Hooter's. That night we went to a Luau. Great intertainment, good food but too many people. We can say we have been there and done that.

That night we sailed to Kuawi but to my great disappointment were not able to port due to high winds and rough seas, so we got a extra sea day before docking at Lanai, Maui.

On Maui we toured the Aquarium one of the best we have seen and toured a plantation that grew all exotic flowers, fruits, nuts and trees.

We then had four sea days back to San Diego via Insinada, Mexico so the shipboard purchases Could be duty free. We had a couple from Canada as table mates, they were delightful and good companions. Fifteen days, a fifth of Jack Daniels and six bottles of wine combined with the Spa and I only gained 4 pounds. Dena and I recommend Holland America's Dam ships to all who seek a great cruise experience.