Govenor Christie Honors Fallen Military Heroes

Governor Chris Christie issued the following statement today in recognition of Parents of Fallen Military Sons And Daughters Day

“Today, we take the opportunity to honor and recognize the families of our fallen servicemen and servicewomen.  For any parent, the thought of losing a child is an unthinkable and impossible prospect to begin to grapple with.  Turning that loss into a resolve to support and advocate on behalf of fellow military families, as so many parents of fallen heroes do, is something that continues to awe and inspire Mary Pat and me every single day.  The strength, courage, and resiliency of those parents who have lost a child in the service of our country not only speak to our values as a nation, but affirm our obligation and responsibility to honor and support them.”

In 2011, Governor Christie signed legislation creating the Gold Star Family license plate for families of fallen service members who lost their lives while serving on active duty for the United States.
                                                                           
Governor Christie also proclaimed today “Parents Of Fallen Military Sons And Daughters Day” throughout New Jersey.

How Obama's Policies Are Hurting Your Kids - Video

Sardi's And Broadway - Perfect Together Since 1921

The plump, tasty crabcakes at Sardi's, shown as served.

Sardi's bountiful seafood salad entree with crab, shrimp. calamari and more.

An interior conducive to civilized dining and lively conversation.

Sardi's famous walls lined with theatrical luminaries.

 

 

 

For nearly a century, Sardi's has maintained its timeless appeal.

At the end of Shubert Alley, that's where you'll find Sardi's.

In the heart of Broadway, where it's always been.

In the heart of New York's Theater District, Sardi's has been the toast of Broadway for 91 years.
In a city where restaurants (and trends) come and go in a wink, Sardi's has survived and thrived by following a simple credo: fine food and service in a hushed, civilized atmosphere amidst all the glamour of Broadway and with the valid expectation that a Very Famous Person may walk in at any moment. Almost everybody who's anybody has been to Sardi's at one time or another and the caricatures on the walls attest to that.
We slipped into Sardi's the other night just before the theater and had a wonderful meal (shown above). The service was excellent. The atmosphere -- legendary! And you'll be pleasantly surprised to find the tariff is quite reasonable.
Sardi's complete menu is posted in the window and the restaurant features full dinner specials every evening.
Located at 234 West 44th Street the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Late supper is served from Tuesday through Saturday.
We enjoyed a lovely evening at Sardi's. So will you!

Video: Univision To Blow Lid Off 'Fast And Furious'

Another Week Of Dismal Economic News

"It’s been another disappointing week in President Obama’s imaginary recovery. Gas prices are up, economic growth is down, and household incomes continue to decline. The middle class simply can’t afford another four years like the last four years. Mitt Romney will deliver a real recovery for middle-class families, with 12 million new jobs and higher take-home pay for American workers.” – Amanda Henneberg, Romney Campaign Spokesperson

MONDAY – Economic Reports Showed Growth Significantly Below Its Historic Rate And Gas Prices Continuing To Rise In September:
Chicago Federal Reserve: Economic Growth “Index’s Three Month Moving Average … Lowest Level Since June 2011…” “The index’s three-month moving average, CFNAI-MA3, decreased from –0.26 in July to –0.47 in August—its lowest level since June 2011 and its sixth consecutive reading below zero. August’s CFNAI-MA3 suggests that growth in national economic activity was below its historical trend.” (The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, “Index shows economic activity weakened in August,” Press Release, 9/28/12)

According To A Report From The U.S. Energy Information Administration, The Monthly Average For Gas In September Increased To $3.91 Per Gallon From $3.78 In August. (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 9/24/12)

TUESDAY – New Research Showed Median Income Has Fallen By Over $4,500 Since President Obama Took Office:
Median Household Income Has Declined More Than 8% Under President Obama – A Drop Of More Than $4,500. “Median household incomes have fallen 8.2 percent since President Obama took office and continue to drop despite the official end of the recession, a new study shows. Data compiled by Sentier Research found that since the economic recovery technically began in June 2009, median household income has dropped 5.7 percent. As of August, that median income was $50,678 -- also down 1.1 percent from the month prior. And since Obama took office in January 2009, the median income has fallen 8.2 percent, from $55,198 to its present figure.” (“Household Income Down 8.2 Percent Since Obama Took Office, Study Shows,” Fox News, 9/26/12)

WEDNESDAY: A Survey Of Business Leaders Revealed Widespread Pessimism And Weak Hiring Prospects:
Business Leaders’ View Of The U.S. Economy “Deteriorated Sharply In The Third Quarter And Is Now As Bleak As It Was In The Immediate Aftermath Of The Last Recession.” “U.S. chief executives' view of the economy deteriorated sharply in the third quarter and is now as bleak as it was in the immediate aftermath of the last recession, with more planning to cut jobs over the next six months, according to a survey released by the Business Roundtable on Wednesday.” (“CEO Confidence Tumbles To Three-Year Low: Roundtable,” Reuters, 9/26/12)

· “The Sharpest Drop” Ever Recorded By Business Roundtable: “The group's CEO Economic Outlook Index tumbled to 66 in the third quarter from 89.1 percent in the second, in the sharpest drop recorded in the survey's decade-long history.” (“CEO Confidence Tumbles To Three-Year Low: Roundtable,” Reuters, 9/26/12)

· The Number Of Business Leaders Who Plan to Hire In The Next Six Months Plummeted To 29% In The Report. “A survey of U.S. chief executives shows a sharp drop in the number of large companies that plan to add jobs or hire more workers. The Business Roundtable says that only 29 percent of its member CEOs plan to increase hiring over the next six months. That’s down from 36 percent in June, when the group last released its quarterly survey.” (“US CEOs Report Gloomiest Outlook In 3 Years As Hiring, Sales Expectations Fall,” The Associated Press, 9/26/12)

· “CEOs Are More Pessimistic About Their Future Sales And The Overall U.S. Economy.” (“US CEOs Report Gloomiest Outlook In 3 Years As Hiring, Sales Expectations Fall,” The Associated Press, 9/26/12)

THURSDAY – Economic Growth Was Revised Sharply Downward And Durable Goods Orders Plunged The Most Since January 2009:
Second Quarter GDP Growth Was Slashed From Earlier Estimates To A Dismal 1.3%. “The government cut its calculation of U.S. growth in the second quarter to 1.3% from 1.7% in its third and final review, citing less consumer spending and business investment than previously estimated.” (“Second-Quarter U.S. GDP Revised Down To 1.3%,” MarketWatch, 9/27/12)

· Far Below Economists’ Expectations: “Economists polled by Reuters had expected second-quarter GDP growth would be unrevised at a 1.7 percent pace. The economy grew at a 2.0 percent pace in the January-March period.” (“Second-Quarter GDP Cut To 1.3 Percent On Drought,” Reuters, 9/27/12)

· “Disappointing…” “‘The slowing came primarily from a decline in durable goods consumption and fixed investment,’ said Scott Hoyt at Moody's Analytics, calling the GDP report ‘disappointing.’” (“US Economy Grew Only 1.3% In Q2: Official,” Agence France Presse, 9/27/12)

“New Orders For Long-Lasting U.S. Manufactured Goods In August Fell By The Most In 3-1/2 Years…” “New orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods in August fell by the most in 3-1/2 years, pointing to a sharp slowdown in factory activity even as a gauge of planned business spending rebounded.” (“US Durable Goods Orders Drop Worst Since Recession,” Reuters, 9/27/12)

· “Dived 13.2 Percent, The Largest Drop Since January 2009…” “The Commerce Department said on Thursday durable goods orders dived 13.2 percent, the largest drop since January 2009, when the economy was in the throes of a recession.” (“US Durable Goods Orders Drop Worst Since Recession,” Reuters, 9/27/12)

· “The Weakness Suggested Third-Quarter Economic Growth Would Probably Not Improve Much From The April-June's 1.3 Percent Annual Pace.” (“US Durable Goods Orders Drop Worst Since Recession,” Reuters, 9/27/12)

FRIDAY – A Key Regional Manufacturing Index Showed Contraction For The First Time In Three Years:
In September, Manufacturing Activity In The Chicago Region Contracted For The First Time In Three Years. “Manufacturing activity in the Chicago region contracted for the first time in three years in September, according to the MNI Chicago Report released Friday. The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago Inc’s business barometer fell to 49.7 in September from 50.3 in the prior month. Any reading below 50 indicates contraction.” (Greg Robb, “Chicago PMI Drops Into Negative Territory In Sept.,” MarketWatch, 9/28/12)

· Headline: “The Chicago PMI Report Was One Of The Nastiest Pieces Of Economic Data We've Seen In A Long Time” (Business Insider, 9/28/12)

· “There Are No Encouraging Signs In This Report.” “The Chicago PMI had held up better than other regional manufacturing surveys, but this strength “appears to be waning,” said Thomas Simons, an economist with Jefferies. After hitting 64.0 in February, the Chicago PMI has lost momentum over the next seven months. ‘There are no encouraging signs in this report,’ Simons said in a note to clients.” (Greg Robb, “Chicago PMI Drops Into Negative Territory In Sept.,” MarketWatch, 9/28/12)

Will Foliage Appear Early? Not Now, Not Here

The annual fall foliage spectacular has reportedly already begun in New England and other points north.
But there are no obvious signs of it here yet in the Philadelphia region.
Sure, we do see a tree here and there that seems ready to transform itself.
But we still see lots of deep, dark green on the trees. And our sense is that it may be a couple more weeks yet till the Big Show starts to get underway.
Even though it is officially autumn, it's nice to squeeze every drop of relatively warm weather out of the previous season.
We are in no hurry for the cold weather months. Indeed, the trees will be bare soon enough. Let them tease us. We can be patient. We'll gladly wait for winter. Maybe we can even trick it into not showing up at all. We pretty much managed to do that last year. Why not try it again? That would be fun!

'Who's Afraid?' Go See For Yourself and Find Out.

On October 13, 1962 Broadway was hit with a clamorous jolt.
It didn't come from the heavens or from the waterways that surround the island of Manhattan.
Nor did it shake the Great White Way from below like an earthquake.
But it thwacked the American stage across the side of the head like a blow from a two-by-four. And nothing has been the same ever since.
It all came from the pen of 34-year-old play playwright Edward Albee. It was called Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and it startled audiences and awakened critics to a bold, new form of American drama -- a raw, no-holds-barred, obscenity-laced marital tug of war that lifted the lid off conventional society and left theatergoers marveling at its audacity and debating its meaning for years to come.
The play takes place on a college campus in New England.
George and Martha (the main husband and wife characters) invite a new professor and his wife to their house after a party. Martha is the daughter of the president of the college where George is an associate professor of history. Nick (who is never addressed or introduced by name) is a biology professor (who Martha thinks teaches math), and Honey is his mousy, brandy-loving wife.
Once at home, Martha and George continue drinking and engage in relentless, scathing verbal and sometimes physical abuse in front of Nick and Honey. The younger couple are simultaneously fascinated and embarrassed. They stay even though the abuse turns periodically towards them as well.
The evening is long, raucous, brazen, scary at times and psychologically naked.
Of all the plays that Edward Albee has written before or since, this remains his masterwork. Turned into a landmark film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1966, the play has been revived on Broadway regularly.
Now it has returned to Broadway again where it is set to open on October 13, exactly 50 years to the date after its debut. We've had a chance to see this new production from the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company in preview at the Booth Theater and we can tell you that it is an attentively faithful, often daring, thoroughly complete, first-rate production with a superb cast.
What's surprising about Who's Afraid is the way it still entertains: the way it grabs you by the lapels from the getgo; the way it shamelessly gets you laughing at insults and absurdities, even squeezing chuckles out the the most tense-filled moments; the way it unfolds like a three-part, unsung opera where the characters still have their grand solos and ensemble moments.
And like a grand opera it's capable of leaving you almost breathless.
What's more,  just when you think you've figured it all out, it challenges you again and makes you wonder what will happen next. But be forewarned -- it does take a bit of endurance.
Eschewing camp, Amy Morton underplays the role of Martha and endows the character with new dimensions and even a tenderness rarely seen in previous productions. Not only does she remain the center of the entire production but this Martha is embrued with a mature Lauren Bacall sensuality. As George, Tracy Letts is harsher, louder and at times a bit more stereotypical but he gives as good as he gets and that's no small feat with Martha on the scene. Madison Dirk's Nick arrives with an appropriate lanky awkwardness but faces the reality of the evening with resilience, unveiling his character's aspirations, foibles and erroneous zones step-by-step. And as Honey, Carrie Coon takes on the limp, "wifey" role and gamely works to lift it beyond parody.
One set. Two intermissions. Three acts. Four characters. Lots of words and more than a few antics. This is a long evening in the theater. And as the layers are peeled away, George, Martha, Nick and Honey are pretty much left bare. But the questions remain. Does Honey still want a baby and a family? Is Nick still willing to claw his way through the treacherous and tedious political ivy of academia to get to -- where? And can George and Martha put aside their tortuous and destructive games and face their fears and disillusions?
O course, the play's title, refers to the English novelist Virginia Wolff, and incorporates a parody of the song "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?"
Here's what Edward Albee has said about it:
"I was in there having a beer one night, and I saw 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' scrawled in soap, I suppose, on this mirror. When I started to write the play it cropped up in my mind again. And of course, who's afraid of Virginia Woolf means who's afraid of the big bad wolf . . . who's afraid of living life without false illusions. And it did strike me as being a rather typical, university intellectual joke."
Without false illusions.
What's tantalizingly contradictory is that this enduring drama (itself an illusion) forces us to confront Albee's question and ponder it anew.

Addiego Appointed To Casino Revenue Fund C'ssn.

New Jersey State Senator Dawn Marie Addiego (R-8) has been appointed as a member of the Casino Revenue Fund Advisory Commission. The 15 member commission, which includes four legislators, provides recommendations to the New Jersey Legislature on the utilization of a portion of casino revenues dedicated to programs for senior and disabled residents.
“One of the reasons New Jersey established gaming was to generate new sources of income that could be reinvested in our communities to improve the lives of our residents,” said Addiego. “It’s an honor to have been appointed to the Commission where I will have the opportunity to make important decisions on how best to fund healthcare, transportation and housing services for New Jersey residents in need.”
The appointment of Addiego to the Commission was announced on Monday, September 24, 2012 by Senate President Stephen Sweeney following a recommendation by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean. Addiego participated in her first meeting of the Commission on Friday, September 28, 2012.
“With a budget of nearly $300 million, the Casino Revenue Fund (CRF) provides critical funding to long-term care programs, housing for those with developmental disabilities and Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD),” added Addiego. “More than $20 million is dedicated to providing transportation services for senior and disabled residents. These safety net programs provide assistance to many people who have no where else to turn. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to not only sustain those programs, but to help them grow stronger.”

Video: GOP Up 'N At 'Em In Pennsylvania!

Mitt Romney is in Philadelphia and Valley Forge today and the Pennsylvania GOP in on the air. Go, Pennsylvania!

Ken Shear To Retire From Bar Post After 37 Years

The 13,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association has announced that Kenneth Shear, 67, the Association’s Executive Director, will retire from the Association on December 31, 2013, after more than 37 years with the organization.  Shear will continue in his current capacity through the end of 2013.
“With nearly four decades of dedicated service and inspiring leadership, Ken has left an indelibly positive mark on the oldest association of lawyers in the United States,” said Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor John E. Savoth.
“The Philadelphia Bar Association has grown, thrived and won regional, statewide and national recognition under Ken Shear’s direction.  The Association remains a model for many other associations and has greatly benefitted from Ken’s experience.  He has totally committed his intelligence, energy and good judgment to the well-being of this Association, and he has won the respect and admiration of those who have had the good fortune to work for and with him,” Savoth said.
“We express our gratitude to Ken for his 37 years of distinguished service to the Association, in its third century of serving the profession and the public by promoting justice, professional excellence and respect for the rule of law,” the Chancellor said.
Shear has served as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Bar Association since December 1976.  His tenure constitutes nearly 18 percent of the life of the 210-year-old association.

On a personal note, we express our best wishes to Ken Shear and his family and he prepares to turn the page and move on to a new chapter in his life. Ken's record of service to the organized bar, to the justice system and to the city and region is impressive, having consumed a huge chunk of his life. We know that this is what Ken wanted -- that this is a job he truly cherished. He saw it as his calling and his mission and he dedicated each and every day to it.
And we know this will continue to be the case in the year ahead as Ken assists in the process that will eventually select his successor. 
Avanti!

Video: The REAL Story Behind Those Free Cell Phones

Christie: Dems Have Dough For Dead, None For Living

Explaining it only like Governor Chris Christie can do - watch the video below and find out how New Jersey Democrats would rather spend money on cemeteries than cut your taxes.

Video: Obama Provides Free Phones; Gets Votes

Protester outside of Romney rally explains how Obama gives all minorities free phones and that is why they should vote for him. Cleveland Ohio, September 26, 2012.
It's true. 12.5 million Americans have free cell phones provided by the government. These "Obamaphones" include 225 free minutes every months. No charge. You and I are paying for this. Just thought you'd like to know. And, BTW: Under the Obamaphone plan, if you have one of these free phones and you recommend another person for a phone and they're eligible, you get a bonus -- added minutes on your phone. Ain't that sweet?

With Governor Christie In Cherry Hill

Governor Chris Christie is here in front of a capacity crowd at the Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill and we're with him.
Right now he's talking about his friendship with Democrat Senate President Steve Sweeney. He says Sweeney and he have a good relationship but that sometimes Sweeney calls him "unspeakable" names. "The Star Ledger seems to think the names aren't unprintable but to me they're still unspeakable," Christie adds, jokingly.
"Like Christmas, every year the Democrat legislature sends me a proposed tax increase and every year I send it back with a big, fat, red veto. And that's what we're gonna continue to do, every year," Christie says to rousing applause.
When it comes to taxes Christie says the Democrats "can't help themselves. . . . They are just not tax cutters. It's your money, not theirs and they want it."
Christie says there is money in the state budget for a tax cut that he has proposed and he says that state revenue permits such a cut. He vehemently decries "hypocrisy" in Trenton and points to millions of dollars in Democrat appropriations which would siphon off funds from the state budget. Christie describes the situation as a "circus."
Christie says that the very same Democrats who say the state has no money to cut taxes are racking up tens of millions of dollars in appropriations and pork barrel spending.
Most of the appropriations have no specified funding sources.
Of the Democrat legislators Christie says "I am tired of them lying, and that's what they're doing."
Christie tells the members of the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce: "I can't do this by myself. You need to get engaged. You need to call BS on them (the Democrat legislators.)"

Romney Video: Let's Get America Moving Again!

Too many Americans are struggling to find work or are living paycheck to paycheck. Mitt Romney will create 12 million new jobs over the next four years and help lift families out of poverty, while strengthening the middle class. We can't afford another four years like the last.

Andy Williams, Beloved Entertainer Dead At 84

Andy Wiliams, one of America's most beloved entertainers, has passed on at age 84.
Andy Williams began his amazing career in his hometown of Wall Lake, Iowa.  It was there he began singing with his three brothers in a local Presbyterian church choir that was established by his parents.  At the tender age of 8, Andy made his professional singing debut as part of the Williams Brothers Quartet.  The brothers became regulars on radio station WHO’s “Iowa’s Barn Dance Show” in Des Moines, Iowa.  From there, the brothers continued their radio days being prominently featured on national stations like WLS in Chicago and WLW in Cincinnati.
The widespread radio exposure brought the boys a considerable following which eventually caught the attention of Bing Crosby.  With Crosby, Andy and his brothers made their first professional recording, “Swinging on a Star” which became a tremendous hit in 1944.
In 1947, Andy and his brothers teamed up with comedienne Kay Thompson ( who also wrote the popular children’s book series “Eloise”) for a successful, trend setting nightclub act.  Thompson and the brothers spend the next few years performing all over the United States and in London.  But it all came to an end in 1951 as the group disbanded and each brother went their own way.  Andy chose to move to New York and continued to pursue his vocal career.
While in New York, Andy became a regular performer on Steve Allen’s “Tonight Show”.  For 2 ½ years he appeared on the “Tonight Show” which led to his first recording contract with Cadence Records.​
It wasn’t long before Andy had his first top 10 hit with “Canadian Sunset”.  What followed was a string of hits that included “Butterfly”, “Lonely Street”, “The Village of St. Bernadette”, and “The Hawaiian Wedding Song” for which he received the first of his five Grammy Awards nominations.
His work in television continued during this time period with regular guest appearances on the Dinah Shore and Perry Como Shows and in 1958, for 13 weeks he presented “The Chevy Showroom with Andy Williams”.  In the summer of 1959, Andy was chosen by CBS to host a variety program that was to replace “The Gary Moore Show” for a 13 week period.  When this series of shows concluded Andy began to concentrate on one-hour television specials.  The first, “Music from Schubert Alley”, was presented by NBC on November 13, 1959.
The first event that kicked Andy’s career into high gear was the change of recording labels.  In 1962, he began his 25 year association with Columbia Records.  Almost immediately he scored his first Top 10 hit for Columbia, “Can’t Get Used to Losing You”.  Many more hits were to follow, but none would become more associated with Andy Williams than “Moon River”, the Oscar winning song from the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.  This song quickly became his theme song and propelled his album, “Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes”, to the top of the charts.  The following year Andy released the album, “Days of Wine and Roses” which spent an incredible 16 weeks at #1 and stayed on the chart for over 100 weeks.  His subsequent recordings were best sellers and resulted in his receiving 18 gold and 3 platinum certified albums. 
The second event that helped make Andy a superstar was the debut of his weekly television series, “The Andy Williams Show”.  Debuting on September 16, 1962, Andy premiered his new variety show on NBC that would eventually last for nine years and would win three Emmy Awards for Best Musical / Variety Series (1966, 1967 and 1969).  It was one of NBC’s top rated programs.  From this series Andy began his classic Christmas specials that featured the entire Williams family.
Live performances were still a big part of Andy’s career and in 1966, he opened Caesar’s Palace and subsequently headlined at the famed Las Vegas hotel for the next 20 years.
By the time “The Andy Williams Show” ended in 1972, Andy had become a true international superstar.  With tremendous world wide record sales and global distribution of his television show, he was just as popular in other countries as he was right her in the U.S.  This recognition prompted several tours of England, Europe, Australia, Japan and Asia, breaking attendance records wherever he appeared.
At this point in his career, most performers would have opted to sit back, relax and just make minimal concert and television appearance.  However, Andy chose another path; one that has put him in the international spotlight once again.
In 1991, Andy took a trip to Branson, Missouri to see his friend Ray Stevens who had just opened a theatre in the growing country music town and tourist destination.  Andy was so taken with the town, the people and the amazing talent the town featured that he began to make his own plans for becoming a part of the small Ozark community.
His plans to build a $12 million state of the art theatre came to fruition as the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre opened it doors on May 1, 1992.  Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theatre in Branson.  And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme show began to move in to the tiny town that would soon be know as the live music capital of the world.
The Moon River Theatre’s design reflects the beauty and environmental integrity for the surrounding Ozark Mountains.  The 48,000 square foot structure is set among 16 acres landscaped with foliage, rock formation, waterfalls and a rippling stream.  It won the 1992 Conservation Award for Developed Land Use from the State of Missouri and is the only theatre ever to be featured in Architectural Digest.
For the interior, it was Andy’s idea to create a beautiful auditorium for live performances along with a lobby area that had a museum-like atmosphere so that he could display pieces of art from his personal collection.
Andy and his wife, Debbie, have resided in Branson just a few miles from the Theatre.  Their beautiful Country French home that they built is located on a golf course in a private local community.  The house overlooks the gorgeous Lake Taneycomo which is famous for its cool waters and trout fishing.
In the spring of 1999, Andy found himself back on the record charts once again.  In England, a commercial for the Fiat Automobile Company featured Andy’s version of “Music to Watch Girls By” which was a minor record hit for him in 1967.  The ad became so popular that the record company re-released the song as a single and this time around it was a Top 10 hit.  Because of the renewed interest in his music, Andy made his first trip to Europe in a decade touring throughout England, Ireland and Scotland.  The response from crowds of all ages was incredible.  Every theatre sold out in hours after tickets went on sale.  He is now more popular than ever and is known throughout the U.K. as the “Emperor of Cool”.
At his Moon River Theatre, Andy shared the stage with various guest stars such as Glen Campbell, Ann-Margret, Petula Clark, and Charo.  Andy’s electrifying performances with his guests blend music and comedy into spectacular shows that are one of Branson’s most popular attractions.  The 2008-2010 fall presentations of The Andy Williams All-Star Variety Show were very reminiscent of his television show, and he felt these were the best shows he had done since he has been in Branson.
In November and December, The Andy Williams Christmas Show packed the 2000 seat Theatre with a show that recalled his classic television Christmas specials.
In addition to performing at his Theatre, Andy also kept busy on other projects.  In 2007 he opened his one-of-a-kind restaurant called the Moon River Grill, which features a lot of his mother’s favorite recipes and has many works from his collection of pop art.  Andy’s autobiography titled “Moon River and Me,” published by Viking Press, was released in October, 2009.  It soon rose to #10 on the L.A. Times Best Seller List.

Obama VS Romney: Go Ahead, Compare Records

Libya: Why Won't Obama Call It A 'Terrorist Attack'?

Why Those 'Obama Trending' Polls Are Wrong

It's what we've been saying all along but now an excellent story at The Daily Caller confirms it: the polls that show Obama pulling away are wrong because they are skewed toward the Democrats. Here's an excerpt:

"Romney is not behind in the polls because liberal Republicans are being turned off or independents are moving toward Obama. Most polls show Romney doing very well within his own party and holding his own with independents. Romney is dropping in the polls because pollsters are predicting a Democratic edge in turnout that will make 2008 look like a good year for the GOP. . .
"But the oversampling of Democrats is only a small part of a larger problem. In addition, pollsters are undersampling groups that are sympathetic to Republicans, like evangelicals and people who make over $100,000 a year, and oversampling groups that are sympathetic to Democrats, like mainline Protestants and people who make less than $50,000 a year."

Click here for the whole story.

Lingerie League's Passion Moving To Philly Tkts. 9/26

Lingerie Football League, LLC. (LFL) and Global Spectrum, operators of PPL Park in Chester, PA, today confirmed the Philadelphia Passion will play both of their home games at PPL Park on Saturday, June 15 and Saturday, July 13. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, September 26 at 10 a.m. exclusively through ComcastTIX.

Since premiering in 2009, the LFL has become 'The Fastest Growing Sports League in the US' (BusinessWeek) drawing sell-out crowds, acquiring a national television contract, first-ever video game deal in the history of women's sport, named highest-rated LIVE sports series in the history of MTV Networks' and incredible growth in the US as well as internationally with formation and launch of LFL Canada (2012), LFL Australia (2013) and LFL Europa (2014).

"LFL Football has become one of the fastest growing sports in the country and its momentum is only getting stronger,” said Global Spectrum’s Mike Scanlon, General Manager of PPL Park. “We welcome one of the LFL's most successful franchises in the Philadelphia Passion to their new home stadium.”

The Passion have been one of the league's most successful franchises on-the-field going to the Playoffs in two of its first three seasons of play. Despite their on-field success the franchise has struggled to draw a significant Philadelphia fan base as the past three seasons of home games were played at New Jersey's Sun National Bank Center.

"We want to thank the great people of Sun National Bank Center for hosting Passion Football for the past three seasons. We are however thrilled to finally bring the Philadelphia Passion where they belong, the great city of Philadelphia. Our move to PPL Park creates the perfect storm of a great franchise, a new home stadium and a fanatical sports city,” said Mitchell Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, Lingerie Football League, LLC. 

The move to Philadelphia, as well as a shift in regular season schedule to a Spring through Summer format, will surely draw a fan base to PPL Park.

NJ Launches New Program For Small Exporters

Recognizing the role New Jersey’s export industry plays in advancing the state’s economy and creating jobs, Acting Governor Kim Guadagno announced during a speech today to the U.S. Commercial Service Global Business Forum in Atlantic City, a new statewide program to help small exporters gain better access to foreign markets against increasingly tough global competition. The New Jersey State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program, funded through a $204,000 grant from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) STEP program along with state resources, will provide training and export assistance to eligible small businesses that are new to export, as well as those already selling their goods and services to other countries. The program will be administered by the New Jersey Business Action Center’s (BAC) Office of International Business Development and Protocol over a one-year period.

“The New Jersey State Trade and Export Promotion program will equip small businesses with better knowledge and provide opportunities to promote their goods and services in the global marketplace. This program will strengthen New Jersey’s small business sector, strengthen our job creation efforts, and spur new business opportunities for Garden State firms,” said Acting Governor Kim Guadagno, who leads economic development efforts for the Christie Administration. “We know that New Jersey’s small businesses offer goods and services that are competitive and marketable on a global scale. The Christie Administration plans to continue to work hand-in-hand with eligible small businesses so they can identify and take advantage of important export opportunities.”

The STEP initiative is designed to increase the number of new small business exporters, increase the value of exports by existing small business exporters, and expand job creation and retention through export activity. Program funding will be available for training and assistance services to help bolster export opportunities for New Jersey companies including participation in international trade events, webinars and market identification projects. To be eligible for the program, a New Jersey small business must be owned or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, women, veterans and/or, service-connected disabled veterans or rural small businesses. Small business enterprises that are new to the market of the People’s Republic of China are also eligible.

This program furthers the Christie Administration’s ongoing efforts to help New Jersey businesses grow and create new jobs. Since taking office, the Administration has announced a number of actions that will encourage new export opportunities including the investment of $1 billion dollars into modernizing the Bayonne Bridge, and the new Office of International Business Development & Protocol in the Business Action Center hosting upwards of 30 different foreign delegations and trading partner events in New Jersey.  New Jersey currently ranks 5th nationally in the number of small business exporters in the United States with 14,406 small business enterprises currently exporting.

The Business Action Center is within the Department of State and is part of the state’s Partnership for Action (PFA). Led by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, the PFA is a three-pronged public-private approach to economic development and the starting point for all initiatives, policies and efforts to grow New Jersey’s economy and create quality, sustainable jobs in our communities. The three elements of the PFA include the Business Action Center, which serves the business community as a one-stop-shop; the Economic Development Authority (EDA), serving as the state’s “bank for business”; and Choose New Jersey, Inc. an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created to help market the state as an ideal location for business.

For more information on BAC’s Office of International Business Development and Protocol and the new STEP grant program, call the Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789.

Krauthammer On The USA Obama Envisions

Madonna's Obscenity-Laced Endorsment Of Obama

"Y'all better vote for f**kin Obama, OK? . . . We have a black Muslim in the White House, awwwright? Now that is the sh*t!" --Madonna

Video: The Perilous Risk Of Another Obama Term

The Classic Pasta? It's At Kitchen Consigliere!

The spaghetti marinara. Look at that homemade spaghetti!

The veal picatta. Fresh, aromatic and plentiful.

The tasty sauce clings to the spaghetti as it loops around the fork.

If you're ever in the mood for classic Italian fare (And who isn't?) we've found an intimate gem for you.
It's The Kitchen Consigliere just a meatball toss from center city Philadelphia (and not far from the PATCO stop) in the cozy, old-fashioned town of Collingswood, NJ.
The Kitchen Consigliere Cafe is an informal BYOB Italian eatery where the emphasis is on the traditional home-style Italian cooking, often referred to as peasant dishes or Italian comfort food.
Influenced by the dishes he ate growing up, owner Angelo Lutz's cooking style stems from teachings and recipes from his mother and grandmother.
With an atmosphere as informal as the changing food and menus, The Kitchen Consigliere is a friendly, value-priced eatery for the entire family.
And good food isn't the only reason to eat at the cafe. Part of the adventure is meeting and talking with Angelo Lutz. At The Kitchen Consigliere Cafe many people find that they come for the food and then stay for the conversation.
Since most dinner entrees at The Kitchen Consigliere include a generous side salad and fresh Italian bread, ordering is easy. We brought our own wine with us and enjoyed a bowl of pasta fagiole as well as the traditional spaghetti marinara and the veal picatta. All portions here are generous.
The pasta fagiole was thick and tasty with small pasta rings and chick peas (pasta 'n cheech) nestled together in perfect harmony.
The spaghetti is homemade and cooked to absolute perfection: light and perfectly firm to the teeth (al dente!) and the sauce caressed each strand of the spaghetti like a Venetian lovefest. What we liked most about the sauce was its fresh and rich (though never heavy) succulent quality. There's nothing watery or slippery or splashy about the sauce. It's genuine and aromatic with no aftertaste. Magnifico!
The veal was tender and served in a white lemon sauce with capers over penne pasta. Once again, we were impressed with the freshness and obvious care that was taken in the preparation of the dish.
Yes, we could have used a bit less sauce on both entrees but now we know to ask the kitchen to go a bit lighter on the sauce next time around. Since everything here is cooked exactly as you want it, you can be very specific in ordering and we imagine you can even pretty much concoct your own dish within reason as Angelo certainly aims to please.
Everyone at this delightful cafe is very friendly and happy to welcome you and accommodate your every need. Our waitress (Lauren) chatted amiably with us and checked with us frequently to make sure we were satisfied. And Angelo Lutz is right at the door to greet you and he and his staff are attentive to every detail imaginable.
On top of all that, outdoor dining is also available on a charming terrace adjoining the cafe and overlooking The Lumberyard, a new residential development.
Try The Kitchen Consigliere. We think you'll like it!

Romney Announces 'Catholics For Romney' Coalition

Today, Romney for President announced its Catholics for Romney coalition.
“I am honored to have the support of Catholic leaders from all over this country,” said Mitt Romney. “The Catholic Church embodies all that is great about America—loving your neighbor, defending life, and helping the less fortunate to overcome poverty and rise in the world. Forming a more perfect union requires that we continue to turn these principles into reality. If I am elected president, that will be my highest priority.”
“As a life-long Catholic, I learned very early that we must love our neighbors as we love ourselves,” said Congressman Paul Ryan. “That principle has informed my life in public service, and I am pleased to have so many leaders in the faith supporting Mitt Romney and me in this election. We understand that policymakers must target the root causes of poverty with reforms that promote economic growth and opportunity.  Free enterprise and strong communities remain the best means to promote upward mobility and help individuals escape the trap of government dependency. It is an honor to support Governor Romney as he advances solutions that champion the dignity of every human being. That is a goal that people of all faiths can support.”

National Honorary Chairman

Congressman Paul Ryan

National Co-Chairs

Ambassador Ray Flynn

Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon              

Ambassador Thomas Patrick Melady      

Ambassador Jim Nicholson         

Ambassador Francis Rooney      

Ambassador Frank Shakespeare              

National Honorary Committee

Governor Terry Branstad

Governor Sam Brownback

Senator Kelly Ayotte

Senator John Hoeven
Senator Mike Johanns

Senator Jim Risch

Senator Marco Rubio

Senator Pat Toomey

Senator David Vitter

Congressman Steve Austria

House Speaker John Boehner

Congressman Kevin Brady

Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle

Congressman David Camp

Congressman Francisco Canseco

Congressman Steve Chabot

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

Congressman Sean Duffy

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

Congressman Paul Gosar

Congressman Frank Guinta

Congressman Andy Harris

Congressman Joe Heck

Congressman Tim Huelskamp

Congressman Mike Kelly

Congressman Pete King

Congressman Steve King

Congressman Jeffrey Landry

Congressman Robert Latta

Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer

Congressman Daniel Lungren

Congressman Michael McCaul

Congressman Patrick McHenry

Congressman Pat Meehan

Congressman Mick Mulvaney

Congressman Tim Murphy

Congressman Devin Nunes

Congressman Steven Palazzo

Congressman Tom Reed

Congressman Jim Renacci

Congressman Todd Rokita

Congressman Tom Rooney

Congressman Steve Scalise

Congresswoman Jean Schmidt

Congressman Chris Smith

Congressman John Sullivan

Congressman Pat Tiberi

Former Colorado Governor Bill Owens

Former Governor of New Hampshire John H. and Nancy Sununu

Former Senator and Ohio Governor George Voinovich

Former Senator Rick Santorum

Former Speaker of the House Newt and Callista Gingrich

Former Congressman Bob Beauprez

Former Congressman Thomas Bliley, Jr.

Former Congressman Mike Ferguson

National Advisory Committee

Chief Finance Officer of Florida Jeff Atwater

Former U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr

Claudia Beauprez

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett

John Birney

Ohio Speaker pro tempore Lou Blessing

James Bopp, Jr.

Judge Robert H. Bork

Mary Ellen Bork

Sandy Bourne

Chris Braunlich

Tim Busch

Rachael Campos Duffy

Joseph C. Canizaro

Frank Cannon

Joe Cella

Barbara Comstock

Dr. Marilyn Coors

Pete Coors

Ann Corkery

Neil Corkery

Attorney General of Virginia Ken Cuccinelli

Marjorie Dannenfelser 

Anthony J. de Nicola

Dan Devine

Kevin Dillon

Pat Duerr

Keith Faber

Dr. Robert George

Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Robert Gleason

Tom Grace

Frank Hanna

Bob Heckman

Patrick Henneghan

Michael Hernon

Ohio State Representative Matt Huffman

Frank P. Kavanaugh

Terrence Keeley

Dan Kelly

Ken Langone

James B. Lee, Jr.

Leonard Leo

Stephen Lessing

Bob Luddy

Gordon MacDonald

Sean Mahoney

Ed Martin

Nancy McGowan

John McManus

Ralph Miesel

Tom Monaghan

Former New Hampshire State Representative Maureen Mooney

William Mumma

Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus

L. Martin Nussbaum

Joseph J. O'Connor

Former First Lady Frances Owens

William F. Plunkett, Jr.

John Saeman

Carol Saeman

Sharon Sager

George Schwartz

Peter Schwartz

Edward Schwartz

Greg Schwartz Jr.

Greg Schwartz Sr.

Bill Simon

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers

Charles Taunt

Brian Tierney

Michael Timmis

Billy Valentine

Rick Valentine

David Vicinanzo

Ohio State Senator Mark Wagoner

Dr. Brad Wenstrup

RNC National Committeewoman Phyllis Woods

Young Americans Speak Out: It's Time For Change!

Reassured by countless slogans, young Americans were told things would get better. They believed it. They accepted. They acted on it. They embraced the call for hope. Now, four years later, President Obama has admitted he can't change Washington. Young people have a right to be disappointed. The hope is gone -- and so are the jobs. Their future is in peril. They don't need any more slogans. What they need now need is leadership. They know that. And they're turning to Romney/Ryan.

Obama's Biggest Failure? He's Stumped. We Aren't!

“In recent weeks, President Obama has cited several failures as his greatest – not being a better storyteller, not reforming immigration, and now his inability to change the tone in Washington. But President Obama just doesn’t get it. With 23 million Americans struggling for work, anemic economic growth, and nearly 1 in 6 Americans living in poverty, his greatest failure – by far – is his broken promise to fix the economy. Americans know this is his greatest failure, and they will hold him accountable in November.” – Ryan Williams, Romney Campaign Spokesman

Tonight, President Obama Claimed His “Biggest Disappointment” Was Not Fixing The “Tone In Washington”:
President Obama, On CBS Tonight: “Biggest Disappointment Is We Haven't Changed The Tone In Washington…” “On 60Minutes, POTUS to ScottPelley: ‘biggest disappointment is we haven't changed the tone in Washington as much as I would have liked’” (Mike Allen Twitter Feed, 9/23/12)

And This Isn’t President Obama’s First Answer – He’s Already Claimed His Biggest Mistakes Were Not Telling A Good Story And Failing On Immigration Reform:
President Obama, On His Biggest Mistake In July: “Thinking That This Job Was Just About Getting The Policy Right … The Nature Of This Office Is Also To Tell A Story To The American People…” “ ‘The mistake of my first term – couple of years – was thinking that this job was just about getting the policy right,’ Obama told CBS News’ Charlie Rose. ‘And that’s important, but, you know, the nature of this office is also to tell a story to the American people that gives them a sense of unity and purpose and optimism, especially during tough times.’” (Mary Bruce, “Obama’s Mistake: Not Telling The ‘Story’ Better To The American People,” ABC News, 7/12/12)

• “President Obama Said Today That The Biggest Mistake Of His First Term Was Not Being A Good Enough Storyteller…” “President Obama said today that the biggest mistake of his first term was not being a good enough storyteller, explaining that he needed to better communicate to the American people why the policies he was pursuing mattered.” (Mary Bruce, “Obama’s Mistake: Not Telling The ‘Story’ Better To The American People,” ABC News, 7/12/12)

President Obama, On His Biggest Mistake During A Univision Forum: “My Biggest Failure So Far Is We Haven’t Gotten Comprehensive Immigration Reform Done…” “Asked about the biggest mistake of his first term, the president relented. ‘As you remind me, my biggest failure so far is we haven’t gotten comprehensive immigration reform done, so we’re going to be continuing to work on that,’ he admitted.” (Mary Bruce, “Obama Blames GOP For Inability To Pass Immigration Reform,” ABC News, 9/20/12)

But What Is President Obama’s Biggest Mistake? He’s Left Millions Of Americans Struggling In The Obama Economy:

More Than Twenty-Three Million Americans Are Unemployed, Underemployed, Or Have Stopped Looking For Work. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 9/10/12)

In August, The Unemployment Rate Either Increased Or Was Unchanged In 38 States. “The Labor Department says rates increased in 26 states. They fell in 12 states and were unchanged in the other 12.” (Christopher S. Rugaber, “Unemployment Rates Rise In Half Of US States,” The Associated Press, 9/21/12)

“The Income Of The Typical U.S. Family Fell Or Was Flat In Almost Every State Last Year.” “The income of the typical U.S. family fell or was flat in almost every state last year, with the drop particularly steep in places where the economy has been hit hard by the housing bust.” (Josh Mitchell, “Incomes Fell Or Stagnated In Most States Last Year,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/20/12)

“The Gap Between Rich And Poor Americans Grew In 2011 As The Poverty Rate Remained At Almost A Two-Decade High.” “The gap between rich and poor Americans grew in 2011 as the poverty rate remained at almost a two-decade high. The U.S. Census Bureau released figures today that showed household income fell, underscoring a sputtering economic recovery that’s at the heart of the presidential campaign.” (Catherine Dodge and Frank Bass, “Rich-Poor Gap Widens To Most Since 1967 As Income Falls,” Bloomberg, 9/12/12)

Americans Are Struggling With “A Shrinking Middle Class.” “The findings highlight concerns about a shrinking middle class and pose another obstacle to getting the economy back on track, said Annette Bernhardt, policy co-director at the National Employment Law Project, which conducted the study.” (Jim Puzzanghera, “Majority Of New Jobs In Recovery Are Low-Paying, Study Finds,” Los Angeles Times, 8/31/12)

A Good Question For Barack Obama . . .

Shocker: Obama Call's Israel's Concerns 'Noise'

In an interview airing tonight on CBS's 60 Minutes, President Barack Obama refers to Israel's concern over Iran's march toward a nuclear program as "noise." This is being reported by The Weekly Standard, Drudge and others.

"When it comes to our national security decisions -- any pressure that I feel is simply to do what's right for the American people. And I am going to block out -- any noise that's out there," Obama says, according to AFP.

Click here for more.

If He Can't Lead His Own Party, How Can He Lead US?

Romney Enters Home Stretch Poised To Win

Rick Wilson analyzes the 2012 campaign thus far and looks down the road toward November with insight and cogent analysis in the New York Daily News today. Here are some excerpts:

Despite the hyperventilating over each and every poll and dramatic pronouncement from the Obama campaign, Mitt Romney enters the home stretch in much better shape politically than they or the media believe.
It won’t be easy and it won’t be pretty, but the objective reality of the campaign is fundamentally different than the political landscape seen through the filter of cable news and online coverage. . . .
National polling on the race is a distorted mirror, and even that shows a tie game. Romney and Obama are close to tied in the swing states, and with swing voters.
Plus, there’s this little-noticed problem: Far too many of the public and media polls have set their likely voter screens and models to something looking more optimistic than the 2008 turnout model, which even Obama’s most dedicated partisans think is highly unlikely. . . .
Spin cannot cover the deep, ingrained sense of pessimism that the economy — and the nation — is fundamentally off track. Swing state voters are more typically affected by this than the national surveys reflect, and the “new normal” isn’t cutting it.
In the latest survey by the center-right Resurgent Republic poll, Obama’s approval ratings on the economy among groups he desperately needs to win in the swing states are soft: just 46% overall, 37% with independents and 34% with white, non-college voters.
Chest-thumping “Obama can’t lose” types need to reexamine the basic campaign dynamics. . . .
The post-hoc vision of Obama’s 2008 campaign forgets that by this point, Sen. John McCain was largely broke, off the air in key states and had a campaign in deep trouble.
Romney doesn’t share that fate. Obama isn’t going to have a geriatric punching bag to swing at in the cut-and-thrust of the last seven weeks. He’s in some of the weakest shape of any incumbent President, with unemployment, a soft economy and overseas chaos dragging at his campaign.

Click here to read the entire column.

Starteup Jobs? Facts Show Obama's Record Is Dismal!

The Commerce Department released new numbers on startup jobs through 2011. They show that the U.S. startup scene is even more troubled in 2011 than it was when the great recession supposedly "ended" in 2009. There were 170,000 fewer startup firms in 2010 than in 2009. As for the steady 3 million annual startup jobs created in previous years, that number fell to 2.5 million in 2009, then 2.3 million in 2010, and even lower in 2011 based on quarterly data.

Brooke Astor Estate On View At Sotheby's

Yesterday, we journeyed to Manhattan's upper east side to Sotheby's for a very special event: The Estate of Brooke Astor, the woman who was surely America's grand dame and New York City's most treasured citizen. We were proud to count ourselves among Brooke Astor's countless admirers.
All of the late Mrs. Astor's belongings will be auctioned off beginning tomorrow morning at 10:30 am. Before they are sold, we had a chance to view them and we can tell you that this is a vast and near-priceless collections of jewels, paintings, silverware, fine china, furniture, antiques, books, awards and honors, collectibles, objects d'art, and lots more.
The photos above give you just a taste of the collection that Mrs. Astor amassed over a lifetime that spanned more than a century.

From Sotheby's:

A renowned philanthropist and tireless champion of the institutions of the city of New York, Brooke Astor was a legendary figure in New York society.  Sotheby’s is privileged to offer the contents of two of Mrs. Astor’s residences – her legendary Park Avenue duplex apartment, with the iconic library designed by Albert Hadley, and her country estate Holly Hill.  The collection reflects her life and passions: from Chinese lacquer furniture, clocks, mirror paintings and export porcelain that recall her early years in Asia, to the drawings and paintings of dogs – many depicting her own – that demonstrate her love for animals, to a coral and ruby lion brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels that evokes the iconography of The New York Public Library, an institution she supported for decades.  The rooms and contents of both residences display a distinctive mix of comfort and refinement, and reveal a woman of elegance and grace who would come to embody New York society during her lifetime.

All photos copyright 2012 by Dan Cirucci.

Every Day, Obama's Policies Cost America Jobs

Don't Be Fooled By Obamatons

The dominant media are trying desperately to advance the notion that even if Mitt Romney leads in some of the national polls (and he does) it sill doesn't mean a thing because, according to them Obama is pulling ahead in the all-important swing stars.
Don't believe it.
For one thing, not all polls are created equal. And most of the polls that the
media are reporting now are over-sampling Democrats. That means they are including far more Democrats in their sample than will actually vote in November.
A poll that is not properly weighted to reflect the expected eventual turnout is a skewed poll.
And don't forget this: There are still more than six weeks of campaigning, four debates and zillions of dollars in advertising yet to go in this race. In politics, six weeks is an eternity.
It's worth noting as well that in 1980 Ronald Reagan trailed Jimmy Cater well into October. It wasn't until the last few days of the campaign that Reagan really broke though and took the lead. In the end, he won handily -- something that none of the pollsters, pundits or always-left-leaning dominant media really foresaw.
This year the media are HEAVILY invested in the re-election of President Obama. So, be careful who you watch, listen to and read and what you believe as that may come to diffuse your own view of reality.

Mia Love: America's Bright, New Shining Star!

Obama Knew Of Benghazi Attacks, Went To Bed

Barack Obama knew about the Benghazi Consulate terror attacks three hours after they began. The attacks took place in two waves at the consulate for several hours. Obama went to bed without knowing the fate of our American ambassador and his staff.

How Obama Doublecrossed Seniors

"President Obama hasn’t just failed to change Washington, he’s given up trying and our nation’s seniors will pay the price. After promising AARP he would strengthen Medicare four years ago, the President has weakened the program by cutting $716 billion to pay for Obamacare. Our nation’s seniors deserve better than the higher costs and fewer benefits that President Obama’s policies will deliver. Mitt Romney will restore President Obama’s Medicare cuts, while strengthening the program for future generations.” – Amanda Henneberg, Romney Campaign Spokesperson

Four Years Ago, Barack Obama Promised AARP That He Would Deliver “The Change We Need” And “Strengthen And Preserve Medicare”:

Candidate Obama, At AARP In 2008: “Now Is The Time To Also Strengthen And Preserve Medicare … That's The Change We Need.” OBAMA: “Now is the time to also strengthen and preserve Medicare, and these reforms will do just that. … As President, these are the policies I will pursue so that older Americans can continue living the longer, better, more productive lives that they have every right to expect. AARP, that's how we'll renew Americans' confidence in a secure retirement. That's the change we need.” (Senator Barack Obama, Remarks At AARP National Expo, Washington, DC, 9/6/08)

Candidate Obama: “So If You're Ok With The Next Four Years Looking Just Like The Last Eight, Then I Am Not Your Candidate. But If You Want Change … Then I Ask You To Give Me Your Vote…” OBAMA: “But I need your help to make it happen. So if you're ok with the next four years looking just like the last eight, then I am not your candidate. But if you want change - if you want to restore that fundamental promise we've made from generation to generation, then I ask you to give me your vote on November 4th. And if you do, I promise you - we will change this country together.” (Senator Barack Obama, Remarks At AARP National Expo, Washington, DC, 9/6/08)

But Our Nation’s Seniors Are Still Waiting For The Change President Obama Promised – Medicare Is Headed For Bankruptcy In Just Over A Decade:

“Medicare Actuaries And Trustees Say Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund Will Be Exhausted In 2024 Under Current Law.” (Robert Pear, “Romney Medicare Plan Draws A Stark Contrast,” The New York Times, 5/15/12)

In 2011, Medicare Trustees Reported That Medicare’s Main Trust Fund Would Be Depleted “Five Years Earlier” Than Previously Projected. “The report offers fuel to President Obama’s Republican critics and increases pressure on leaders of both parties to agree on a long-term plan to preserve the nation’s principal safety net for the elderly. Medicare’s main trust fund will be depleted by 2024, five years earlier than projected last year, according to the report by the trustees overseeing the program — largely because they have downgraded their expectations of economic growth.” (N.C. Aizenman, “Medicare funds Will Be Depleted In 13 Years, Report Says,” The Washington Post, 5/13/11)

Medicare Trustees Have Noted That Failing To Fix Medicare Will Result In Either Drastic Benefit Cuts Or Tax Increases. “The long-range financial imbalance could be addressed in several different ways. In theory, the standard 2.90-percent payroll tax and the additional tax 0.9-percent tax on high-income earners could be immediately increased by the amount of the actuarial deficit to 3.69 percent, or expenditures could be reduced by a corresponding amount. Note, however, that these changes would require an immediate 24-percent increase in the tax rate or an immediate 17-percent reduction in expenditures.” (“2011 Annual Report Of The Boards Of Trustees Of The Federal Hospital Insurance And Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds,” Social Security & Medicare Trustees Report, 2011)

And Instead Of Fixing The Program, President Obama Cut $716 Billion From Medicare To Pay For Obamacare – Jeopardizing Benefits For Today’s Seniors:

According To The Nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Obamacare Cuts $716 Billion From Medicare. (Congressional Budget Office, Letter To Speaker John Boehner, 7/24/12)

· President Obama’s Senior Campaign Aide Has Bragged That President Obama “Achieved” $700 Billion In “Cuts In Medicare.” CUTTER: “Well, you know ask the wealthy to pay a little bit more. Cut waste from the government. Reform Medicare. More than $300 billion in savings from Medicare. On top of the savings we’ve already achieved. You know I heard Mitt Romney deride the $700 billion cuts in Medicare that the president achieved through health care reform.” (CBS’s “Face The Nation,” 8/12/12)

The Medicare Actuary Has Estimated 15% Of “Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, And Home Health Agencies” Will Be In The Red Before The Decade Is Over. “In the Office of the Actuary‘s April 22, 2010 memorandum on the estimated financial effects of the Affordable Care Act, we noted that by 2019 the update reductions would result in negative total facility margins for about 15 percent of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. This estimated percentage would continue to increase, reaching roughly 25 percent in 2030 and 40 percent by 2050. In practice, providers could not sustain continuing negative margins and, absent legislative changes, would have to withdraw from providing services to Medicare beneficiaries, merge with other provider groups, or shift substantial portions of Medicare costs to their non-Medicare, non-Medicaid payers.” (“Projected Expenditures Under An Illustrative Scenario With Alternative Payment Updates To Medicare Providers,” Center For Medicare & Medicaid Services, 5/13/11)

52 Percent Of Doctors Say Obamacare Will Compel Them To Close Or Significantly Restrict Their Practices To Medicare Patients. (Merritt Hawkins, “Health Reform and the Decline of Physician Private Practice,” The Physicians Foundation, October 2010)

Obamacare’s Cuts Will Cause Enrollment In Medicare Advantage To “Plummet By About 50 Percent” And Leave Seniors With “Higher Out-Of-Pocket Costs.” “In addition to flagging provider cuts as potentially unsustainable, the report [HHS] projected that reductions in payments to private Medicare Advantage plans would trigger an exodus from the popular alternative. Enrollment would plummet by about 50 percent. Seniors leaving the private plans would still have health insurance under traditional Medicare, but many might face higher out-of-pocket costs.” (Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, “Report Says Health Care Will Cover More, Cost More,” The Associated Press, 4/23/10)

· The Medicare Trustees Project These Cuts Will Drive 4 Million Seniors Out Of Medicare Advantage Plans By 2018. (Medicare Trustees Report, 4/23/12)

FactCheck.org, On Medicare Under President Obama: “The Promise That ‘Benefits Will Remain The Same’ Is Just As Fictional As The Town Of Mayberry…” “Currently, about 1 in every 4 Medicare beneficiary is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. For many of them, the words in this ad ring hollow, and the promise that ‘benefits will remain the same’ is just as fictional as the town of Mayberry was when Griffith played the local sheriff.” (Brooks Jackson, “Mayberry Misleads On Medicare,” FactCheck.org,

Obama Startles, Admits: 'No I Can't!'

“Eyebrow-Raising Concession” … “Worst Gaffe” … “Scuttled His Hope-And-Change Campaign” … “A Pretty Disappointing Lesson”

BuzzFeed’s Zeke Miller: “The Admission Also Seemed To Undercut A Central Premise Of His 2008 Election… Reinforces The Perception That Obama Could Not Accomplish What He Set Out To Do.” “But the admission also seemed to undercut a central premise of his 2008 election, and even to raise questions about the urgency of re-electing the president. The comment reinforces the perception that Obama could not accomplish what he set out to do.” (BuzzFeed, 9/20/12)

Politico’s Jonathan Martin: “Eyebrow-Raising Concession…” “Romney was alluding to Obama's eyebrow-raising concession that ‘you can't change Washington from the inside’ just about an hour earlier at the Univsion forum in Miami.” (Politico, 9/20/12)

BuzzFeed’s Ben Smith: “Perhaps Obama's Worst Gaffe Since He Met Joe The Plumber…” “‘you can't change Washington from the inside’ is perhaps Obama's worst gaffe since he met Joe the Plumber?” (Twitter.com, 9/20/12)

The Atlantic’s Elspeth Reeve: “President Obama Said He's Learned Some Lessons In The White House, And This One Is A Pretty Disappointing Lesson…” “President Obama said he's learned some lessons in the White House, and this one is a pretty disappointing lesson: ‘The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t change Washington from the inside. You can only change it from the outside.’” (The Atlantic, 9/20/12)

New York Daily News’ Kristen Lee: “A Surprising Admission After Four Years In Office…” “President Obama — who ran his 2008 campaign on the promise of ‘hope and change’ — made a surprising admission after four years in office on Thursday: ‘You can't change Washington from the inside.’” (New York Daily News, 9/20/12)

Politico’s Maggie Haberman: “Not An Especially Helpful Comment For A President Running For Reelection…” “A surprising comment from President Barack Obama, at the Univision forum in Florida earlier, on things he has learned after four years: ‘You can't change Washington from the inside.’ It's a tricky thing to claim outsider status after serving in the White House for four years (and in the Senate before that), after running on a hope and change message, and it is not an especially helpful comment for a president running for reelection with a plea to voters to let him finish the work he began but hasn't closed out.” (Politico, 9/20/12)

Miami Herald’s Marc Caputo: “Under Pressure, Obama At One Point Sounded As If He Scuttled His Hope-And-Change Campaign Of Washington Reform That He Ran On Four Years Ago.” (Miami Herald, 9/20/12)

The Huffington Post: “Should've Chosen His Words More Carefully.” “President Obama -- you know, that incumbent guy -- probably should've chosen his words more carefully when asked at the forum about what he's learned during his presidency.” (“HuffPost Hill - Romney Mired In Womp Womp,” The Huffington Post, 9/20/12)

Video: Yes, Romney-Ryan Plan Can Save Medicare

A Spot And Stain Remover That Really Works!

Wow! I've finally found the secret to removing spots and stains from clothing.

It's Grandma's Secret Spot Remover. It works every time.

Grandma's removes spaghetti sauce stains, coffee, oil, mustard, gravy, grass, butter, dirt, grape juice, cola, even grease and tar spots.

It will save your garments and allow you to wear them again and again.

And it's easy to use, environmentally safe, non-toxic and biodegradable. 

Plus, it contains no chlorine or phosphates.

Grandma should pay me for this testimonial but she doesn't.

This is based purely on my own experience - Grandma's works! 

Go to this website to buy some Grandma's Secret Spot Remover. It comes in a small bottle (perfect for travelling) complete with simple directions and is easy to use.

I'm tellin ya - this stuff works!

Extra special tip: Use an old toothbrush to gently rub Grandma's into the spot while applying. 

BTW: I hear this stuff may also now be available at Bed, Bath & Beyond and some other outlets.