THE NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK RUNS OUT

National Debt Clock runs out of digits The figure above is not accurate, it's increasing by over three billion dollars a day, and the above clock isn't running. To see the actual figure, either click on the link in this paragraph, or scroll down the right side of my blog to see an updated clock.

NEW YORK (AP) — In a sign of the times, the National Debt Clock in New York City has run out of digits to record the growing figure. As a short-term fix, the digital dollar sign on the billboard-style clock near Times Square has been switched to a figure — the “1” in $10 trillion. It’s marking the fed­eral government’s current debt at about $10.2 trillion. The Durst Organization says it plans to update the sign next year by adding two digits. That will make it capable of tracking debt up to a quadrillion dollars.


Looks like that Paulson guy wants to nationalize our banks. The Secretary of our treasury, former CEO of Goldman Sachs, wants the government to own the banks. Since we are the government, that means we will own the banks. That means that we will all own each others' money. Isn't that cute?


What a thrill to have my money mingle with the money of people who love to go into debt way beyond their means. But then, you will all be able to share in my debt! To me, this sounds like Socialism at its finest, bordering on Communism. Hey, what do I know? Capitalism, the best economic system ever known to man, the system that made this country wealthy and strong, is apparently on its way out. I do wish people would study history, then they would realize what a truly serious mess we are in. It is the beginning of globalization, the end of our freedoms as we know them. If you don't believe me, check back in about five years. If you still can afford to have a computer.

Jiva

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

SUE MONK KIDD wrote the book, The Secret Life of Bees. I read it about four years ago, and thought it was wonderful reading, very emotional and inspiring.

The film is coming out mid October, and I think it will be a smash hit, due to the fine cast and great story. Today Oprah has the cast on her show, and I'm sure they'll have plenty to say about their experiences making this film.

Jiva

The Houdini Dog

OUT WESTCHEYENNE, WYOMING

I've been researching Wyoming for a trip I'm taking soon, and I found these interesting photos from the city of Cheyenne. I thought they were very cool, and wanted to share them with you!

The Botanic Gardens and The State Capitol are two places worth seeing.

Now here is a surprise, one of Cheyenne's Sister Cities is ~

Waimea, Hawaii !! That really amazed me. Who would think that a humid place on the ocean would be a sister city to this arid Wyoming town?

Here's the answer: Waimea, Hawaii, became sister city as of May 2007.

In recognition of the Wyoming/Hawaiian ranching kinship, and the 2008 "Great Waiomina (Wyoming) Centennial Celebration" of Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) Ikua Purdy at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

In 1908, Purdy (and three others) came to Cheyenne's great rodeo by steamship and train, competed, and WON. It was a complete surprise to the audience.

Here is an excerpt from a Hawaiian song:

Up walked a strange cowboy, paniolo to some
From Hawaii he came, a cowboy he had become
They asked from where he hailed, his voice had a ring
He spoke of fair islands and roundups in the spring

He said the cattle are grazing in Waianae this morn
At the ranch of the Parker's, kepa pele bell spurs busy at dawn
At Hanalei on Kauai the kaula ili lariats they swing
And the paniolos of Hawaii are at the roundups in the spring

They all got quiet and asked this strange cowboy his name
Ikua Purdy I am but I'm not here for the fame

I love Hawaii, been there many times, but this sheds an entirely different light on both Cheyenne and Waimea! Ranching. Cowboys. Paniolos! Life IS a trip!

Can't wait for MY trip, mid October.




Jiva

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

FALL 2008 ~ SCHOLASTIC LIFE ON LAKE MICHIGAN

Northwestern University is a private institution with its main campus of 240 acres on the shore of Lake Michigan in Evanston, about 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, and a 25-acre campus in Chicago. It has about 7,800 undergraduate and 6,200 graduate and professional program students. A member of the Big Ten conference, its athletic teams are called the Wildcats.

Evanston Campus

North Avenue Beach

Chicago at night

Serene campus view

Chicago campus

My nephew and his wife both graduated from Northwestern University, and now their daughter begins her first year there, starting what may be a tradition. As I write this, she sits at JFK, waiting for her plane to Chicago.
It's quite an adventure, leaving home in Maine, and traveling across the country.

She is a beautiful young lady, with long blonde hair, and a sparkling personality.
In high school, she excelled at just about everything, as did her parents before her.
I was born and raised in Chicago, as was my nephew, his wife being from New Jersey. Their daughter is the first of the children to leave home and start her new life in a world of academia. I wish her well.



Campus Tour

Jiva

HURRICANES AND SEPTEMBER WEATHER

Every year in September, I stop buying perishable foods. I have canned goods, boxed goods, and anything I can make with water. Bottled water is a necessity.
I also have V8 Fusion, a drink made from half vegetable juice and half fruit juice. It has a long shelf life, over six months. Tastes great too. I like the pomegranite/blueberry and the peach/mango. And if you want a cocktail, drop in a little gin or vodka.

The freezer is empty except for butter and bread. No meat, no fish, ~ when the power goes off, those items are the first to defrost and spoil. The butter and bread are usually still edible when defrosted. Some people put a bag of ice in the freezer when they know the loss of power is imminent. That's how the old "Ice Box" was kept cold before electrical refrigeration! That's how we do it here in Florida. Years and years of experience dealing with storms. Tropical Storms, Tornadoes, Floods, Storm Surges, Lightning, you name it, we've got it.

Jiva



Hurricanes and Tornadoes... A Montage




Hurricane Ike video taken by Brave Soul... !

COLDEST STATE ~ HOTTEST GOV. !SARAH PALIN

In high school, they called her Sarah Barracuda, because of her intense sports play.
I have this feeling that the Obama/Biden team has met its match. Look out Democrats, the Republicans had an ACE up their sleeve! Polls today are showing 63% for McCain and 37% for Obama. How do you like them apples, you Hillary-rejecting Democrats? Serves you right for treating Hillary that way. Hope she laughs all the way to her limo.

Jiva

A NIGHT WITH THE CLINTONS

I like the Clinton's, all three of them. I wanted Hillary to win the nomination, because I felt that would secure the election for the Democrats. But now, it's a dead heat, and no one knows who will win. There are a lot of people for Obama, and most likely the same people who voted for Bush twice will vote for McCain. I think the election will be determined by the voting machines, and who controls them. What do you think?

Jiva

OPENING NIGHT IN DENVER

OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONIES 2008

The amazing Jimmy Plant showed up much too briefly, and a quick look at David Beckham, as the Olympic future unfolded bringing the 2012 Games to London.
I loved watching our young girl gymnasts as they worked so hard! Such brave girls.
And of course, eight gold medals to the record breaking Michael Phelps.


Jiva