The Wise Buddha-hahahaha

Even If You Disagree With Paul Krugman Do NOT Punish The New York Times!

Dear Pals,

Take some advice from an old newspaperman, even if you disagree with NYT columnist Paul Krugman DO NOT DO THIS!

I entreat you...

PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS: Do not subscribe to the NYT and then cancel it a few days later.

Don't do that because it will cost them a lot of money and screw up their ABC Circulation Audit since it will increase "the subscriber churn rate!" 

If enough people did this it would undermine their subscriptions and home delivery circulation which is used to calculate their advertising rates. It is very expensive to put on a subscriber and to take them off if they cancel. This churn is the bane of newspapers.

Trust me! I know from experience.

Many newspapers acoss the USA are already in a death spiral due to declining circulation. Anything that further accelerates a circulation decline hastens the death of newspaper and can result in the loss of much needed jobs. People like Mr. Krugman and many other talented journalists could find themselves out of job if circulation numbers dropped precipitously.

So, please ignore any crazy ideas to churn 'em and burn 'em for supporting and paying people like Paul Krugman who are only exercising their right to freedom of speech.

This is America where the tradition is to defend a person's right to freedom of speech even if we disagree with it.

So, let me reiterate, as James Brown once sang, Please! Please! Please! Do not subscribe to the NYT and then cancel it a few days later. Don't do that because it will cost them a lot of money and screw up their ABC Circulation Audit since it will increase "the subscriber churn rate!"  Ignore the crazy idea to churn 'em and burn 'em for supporting and paying people like Paul Krugman who are only exercising their right to freedom of speech.

Presented in the spirit of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Birk, Commonsensetarian and Citizen Of The Republic

PS: I also support opinion columnist Bill McClellan's right to express his opinions. His column has done wonders for the circulation of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I buy a USA Today and Post-Dispatch every day and the NYT on Sunday.

We need newspapers!

Ann Hedonia...I Think I Dated Her In College. Is It Possible To Enjoy Life And Sex? Oh Boy! Am I Opening Pandora's Box, Or The Golden Door To Significant Wealth Creation? Here's Some Astonishing SEX Research!! It's A Great Opportunity For Savvy Females!

Dear Pals,

Anhedonia—is the inability to enjoy what should naturally be pleasurable.

The Hedonist says, "If it feels good do it!"

The Enthusiast says, "If it feels good let's do it at least 3 times!"

The Anhedonist says, "If it feels good, you shouldn't feel good about doing it and you probably should feel guilty and perhaps even ashamed."

I have a sneaking suspicion that Anhedonia may be the number one killer of romance in America and robust sex lives in tens of thousands of marriages.

Here's some research to back up my contention.

In a SEX LIFE SATISFACTION survey of 26,065 Men and 36,343 Women (39% more Women than Men 10,278) conducted between May and July 2010 by AskMen.com and Cosmopolitan.com here's what people reported.

SEX LIFE SATISFACTION CATEGORIES:

I AM COMPLETELY SATISFIED - Men 13% Women 25%

I AM SOMEWHAT SATISFIED - Men 41% Women 45%

I AM NOT AT ALL SATISFIED - Men 23% Women 13%

I HAVE NO SEX LIFE - Men 23% Women 13%

Hmmmm...I'm going to make one assumption. These are not hermits or way out weirdos. They are active average and normal people - readers of AskMen.com and Cosmopolitan.com - while I have not seen all underlying age and demographic data - these are huge sample sizes - 26,065 Men and 36,343 Women a total sample of 62,408 people is statistically very significant.

NOTE: A poll of 1200 to 2000 people is considered to be a good national sample in most research studies. This survey is 31.2 times that number. I think it is very stable and highly predictive and extremely directional from a marketing perspective.

So what did I get out of it?

There is an opportunity to improve the SEX LIVES of 87% of the Men and 75% of the Women in this study. That is HUGE.

What am I going to do about it?

Well, I have created a revolutionary new business concept to help these folks.

And, I'm actively looking for investors right now. The business model I have developed is a breakthrough product-sales-marketing concept that leverages the Internet social websites and is very robust with the potential to return millions of dollars in a very short time - less than 18 months.

Are you interested?

The investors have to be willing to risk an all-in total of $500,000 in total working capital , the maximum amount of capital at risk will be $300,000. The other $200,000 is in ready reserve marketing cash to ramp up once the intial marketing and sales results are in.

It is just prudent planning and prevents any capital calls. If the $200,000 is not needed because the cash flow is self-financing, then the capital will be either returned or reallocted at the investor(s) direction.

The downside risk is dwarfed by the upside potential.

Ideally, I want one savvy FEMALE financial partner. Frankly, women get this idea instantly! Men get it too...but, women really get it!

But, I would consider up to 10 financial partners of any gender at $50,000 each in an ad hoc Private Equity Pool. The plan is to offer a First-In First-out return of investment capital plus 20%, then an on-going 10% participation in the net profit revenue stream and a 20% payout from a future sale within 60-months.

To learn about this opportunity, you'll have to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) since proprietary information, intellectual property and trademark issues are involved. Serious inquires only: birk@orcastl.com

FYI: This is not X-rated, sexacuetical or pornographic, illegal or immoral in nature. Batteries are NOT required, either!

My business model offers a unique multi-generational idea that will appeal to many mainstream folks - both men and women - who want to improve their sex lives and take romance to a new and more delightful level. Anhedonists need not apply.

Birk, Commonsensetarian, Citizen of the Republic, Mob of One

PS: This is not a joke. I have all the research and a comprehensive business plan completed. Now all we need to do is add capital.

Shall we meet and chat?

Or, shall we let millions of men and women continue to suffer from anhedonia? 

Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! To Everyone Who Helped St. Louis Kids Kick In And Go To Bat For The Kids Of Haiti!

Dear Pals,

When Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 earthquake...thousands of kids lost their homes, their families and all their earthly belongings. Who could stand idly by in the face of that kind of suffering?

Out of that awful situation, a few folks got together and started St. Louis Kids Kick In And Go To Bat For The Kids Of Haiti. It was an all-volunteer, opt-in coalition of the willing. Everyone was asked to just do what they wanted to do to help.

We had one meeting. Everything else we did by phone and emails.

We had a simple plan. Collect sporting goods from the kids and familes of St. Louis for the kids of Haiti. Kid to Kid. Family to Family. Blessed children to children who had lost so much.

We  had a simple objective. The kids of Haiti had lost their homes and many had lost their entire families...we resolved that they could not be allowed to lose their childhoods.

We never had a bank account.

We never had a formal steering committee.

It was just a grass roots get 'er done effort that used Classic Beer Wagon Marketing with an all-star team of "Clydesdales!"

Here's the list of champions who need to be Thanked!

The Wheelhorses: John Capps, Chris Wright

The Drivers: Greg Slack and Jim Regna

The Pulling Horses: John Weiss, John Sinclair, Lou Fusz, Butch Suntrup

The Turning Horses: Craig Suntrup, David Sinclair.

The Lead Horses: Mark Reardon, John Carney, Paul Harris, Nancy Long, Amber Branson and St. Louis University Soccer.

The Wagon Loaders: Casey Krebs, Ron Grubbs, Kate Muldoon, Matt Saunders, Terry Travis, Arlene Maminta, Mandy Pica, Susie Land, Sara Frieberger, Kim Kener, John Stamm, Bridget Brown, Bob O'Neil, Debbie Capps, Dick Ulett, Mike Sneden, Bob Dubinsky, Rick Steinberg, Mike Indelicato, Deeds Bonham, Jason Tessmer, David Sextro, Eliot Ulett, Kelly Roussin, Larry Hanneke, Kay Goding, Shawn Fogle, Steve Marsh, Jack Galmiche and Loring Van Slyck.

The Queen of Packing: Deborah Hostetter and her fabulous Project Inc. Team

FLAG SHIP SPONSERS:

Special Thanks to Royal Carribean Cruise Lines for getting the goods to the kids of Haiti and providing an incentive for contributors.

Special Thanks to Rawlings Sporting Goods who immediately contributed a container full of new sample sporting goods.

SPECIAL KUDOS TO: Sacred Heart Academy, St. Catherine Laboure, Lou Fusz Soccer, Scott Gallagher Soccer and Vetta Soccer Centers.

To Shawn Fogle and The Composing Room! - The Speed Kings!

To Larry Hanneke of Hanneke Silk Screen Products - The Frisbee King!

GENEROUS TV AND RADIO SUPPORT FROM: The Arbor Group, New World Post Productions and the whole gang at Clayton Studios for fast action on radio and TV PSAs

SPECIAL MEDIA THANKS FOR RUNNING PSA ANNOUNCEMENTS: Charter Cable, KSDK-TV, KMOX, KTRS, 101ESPN, The St. Louis Post Dispatch and DDA Outdoor.

LOGISTICS SUPPORT: Affton Trucking and Intermodal, Sunset Logistics, CB-Trabue/CB-Kramer

CAR DEALER AND OTHER COLLECTION POINTS: Plaza Motors, Weiss Brentwood Volvo, Suntrup Automotive Group, Lou Fusz Automotive Group, Dave Sinclair Automotive Group, Triad Bank, Robust Wine Bar and Cafe, Mandy's Candies, WaterWays Car Washes, Weiss Toyota of South County.

PERSONAL TIP OF THE HAT TO: Executive Sous Chef Matt Birkenmeier of The Liberty of The Seas, who was the catalyst for the effort - because he first told us of what he had seen and what tragic personal losses that his Haitian friends on the crew of The Liberty were going through. He became our man in Haiti.

Matt, thanks for all the photos, many radio interviews and inspiring stories about the crew of The Liberty and all of great people, who are Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and for the outstanding medical and logistical support that RCCL stepped up to give so quickly, so willingly and so unselfishly to the people of Haiti.

St. Louis Kids Kick In And Go To Bat For The Kids Of Haiti was all done without permission and without government help and without a staff.

It was an all VOLUNTEER truly grassroots effort on the part many good-hearted people in St. Louis, who are never ones to stand idly by when people - especially kids - are in danger, pain and distress.

God Bless You One And All!!!

Warmest personal regards,

The Spotted Dog

Calling All Cardinal Fans!! PLEASE!!! Ask The Cardinals To Help Now! The Kids Of Haiti Deserve The Effort!

Dear Pals,

If you have any contacts at the Cardinals office, please call or email them and ask the Cardinals to reconsider helping the grassroots effort: St. Louis Kids Kick In And Go To Bat For The Kids Of Haiti.

Here's the current status. I had made an appeal and recieved via email a very polite "No" from the Community Relations Office. I'm just taking that as the "current answer." So I sent the message below to a wonderful gentleman with great Cardinal connections hoping to enlist his good offices in another appeal.

Maybe you can help too!

Please see the email exchange below regarding my most recent request to have the Cardinals participate in The St. Louis Kids Kick In And Go To Bat For The Kids Of Haiti grassroots community campaign.

This is the ONLY response I've received thus far from the Cardinals. It's certainly not like the good old days when Marty Hendin would actually return calls in person on the same day he got them.

To me this is A-B-C.

A. Promote message to fans on Jumbotron during home games from ASAP through July 4t(we'll provide the Jumbotron copy/graphics and everything to their specs)

B. Allow fans to drop off baseball gloves ONLY inside the stadium pre-and post-game

C. Sell Cardinal kid-size hats and shirts in the gift shops

Win! Win! Win!

A. Generous fans win by giving

B. Cardinals win with "good guy glow" and cash

C. Kids in Haiti win.

What am I missing??

That's it...we'll handle all the PSAs, and Project Inc., the handicapped workshop will pick up all the stuff to pack it for the kids in Haiti.

I know the Cardinals have done something already, but why not do this too? Of those to whom so much is given, much is expected.

What's it cost the Cardinals? Nothing - it's a minimal effort.

The Cardinals will actually sell stuff and make money.

I was thinking about going to hear Bill DeWitt at Morton's for his "KMOX-sponsored Insider Update" on Ball Park Village and "all things Cardinal Nation"- but, I think I'll take the $100.00 a plate dinner fee and buy $100 worth of kid's wearables on-line and have the order shipped to Project Inc., just to demonstrate how profitable and painless helping out can be for the Cardinals.

I'm asking you to send this email on to your pals downtown in the Executive Office and see if we can get the Cardinals to do this.

How much is "enough" - when the kids of Haiti have NOTHING. Please help if you feel so moved, I appear to be unable to pierce the Maginot Line-like defenses around the Executive Offices.

SEE Latest News: http://www.facebook.com/STLKidsKickIn

The ordinary everyday folks in the St. Louis soccer and baseball community have been very generous...I'm hoping our BIG LEAGUE TEAM will be at least minimally helpful even though Haiti is not the cause celeb or front page story du jour.

I'll leave it in God's and your hands.

Please help if you can.

___________________________

Birk

______________________________

EMAIL EXCHANGE:

Dear Tom:

Thank you for your interest in the Cardinals. We appreciate hearing from our fans. In conjunction with MLB, Cardinals Care has made a substantial commitment to the Haiti relief efforts. In addition, the St. Louis Cardinals currently support an effort to collect gently used baseball equipment. Therefore, unfortunately at this time we are not interested in engaging in such endeavors due to our prior commitments. Your understanding is appreciated.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

St. Louis Cardinals, Cardinals Care and Community Relations

 

 

I GoodSearch for Cardinals Care - St Louis Cardinals Community Fund

Raise money for Cardinals Care just by searching the Internet or shopping online with GoodSearch @ www.goodsearch.com (powered by Yahoo)

 

---

From: Tom Birkenmeier [mailto:Birk@orcastl.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 9:31 AM
To: To Whom It May Concern
Subject: stl - Cards Community Programs - Information on Programs and Participation - St. Louis Kids Kick In And Go To Bat For The Kids Of Haiti

 

First Name: Tom   Last Name: Birkenmeier   E-mail Address: Birk@orcastl.com   Phone Number: 314-918-7500 Phone Type: Daytime Phone Number   Subject: St. Louis Kids Kick In And Go To Bat For The Kids Of Haiti   Message: Please have someone call me about his grass roots community effort. Details on line at www.WeissPrice.com - click on soccer ball to see all the people and companies who are involved or visit www.facebook.com/STLKidsKickIn. We'd like to have people bring used baseball gloves to drop off boxes at a Special Game and to be able to BUY Cardinal items for the kids in Haiti at Stadium Gift Shops - and then have all the stuff picked up and packed by Project Inc the handicapped workshop for shipment to the Kids in Haiti who have lost so much. Please call and Please help...Thanks!!

 

 

Time To Step Up For Tom Schweich! This Is Important Information For Every Missourian Concerned About Fiscal Responsibility.

Dear Pals,

Please read this letter from Neal Ethridge and feel free to pass it on to every Missouri voter you know. We need to elect a really good man this November as State Auditor. They can't cook the books with Tom Schweich watching them.

_________________________

Fellow Republicans,

As you may know, I have been an active conservative in the Republican Party since serving as "Youth Chairman" in Greene County for Goldwater in 1964. I am writing you today because I strongly believe Tom Schweich, a fellow conservative, should be our next State Auditor.

The reasons to support Tom Schweich are clear:

1. Tom has investigative, audit, legal and management experience. Like Tom, every Missouri State Auditor in the last 70 years has had investigative or audit experience and voters realize how important these qualifications are for the office of state auditor. Tom's primary opponent does not have any experience in any of these areas.

2. More importantly, Tom is untainted with any Jefferson City political corruption or ethical issues. As an outsider to state government, Tom is independent and a fiscal conservative. He owes no favors to lobbyists or Jefferson City special interests. He will aggressively audit various government agencies to assure Missourians that our tax dollars are being spent wisely. Unfortunately, Tom's opponent is vulnerable to charges of conflicts of interest due to his conduct while state budget chair.

This campaign should be about who can best save tax dollars and take on the special interests which siphon our tax dollars.

While Tom may be an outsider to Jefferson City politics, he is not new to public service.

Tom left his law practice to serve as Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous regions of the world, where he fought the Taliban and drug traffickers. President George W. Bush accorded Tom a rare honor—the rank of Ambassador. While serving as the second-ranking international law enforcement official in the State Department, Tom managed a $2.5 billion budget and a staff of 4,000 people around the world. He also served as Chief of Staff to former Ambassador to the U.N. and Fox News contributor Ambassador John Bolton, rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse of our tax dollars among U.N. and foreign bureaucrats.

Unfortunately, some have tried to distort Tom's views on the issue of life.

To clear up any confusion, Tom is 100% pro-life. He is the only candidate for Auditor saying anything about the life issue on the campaign trail. It is unconscionable that distortions are spread about his stance on an issue of such vital importance to us.

This is the true story of Tom's pro-life views:

One morning, eighteen years ago, my pregnant wife Kathy and I went to the doctor's office for one of the many visits expectant parents take . This trip to the doctor, however, stands out from other visits before it. On that particular morning, I solidified my already strong pro-life stance. The day is a crisp and vivid memory. When I went into see the ultrasound and when I heard my daughter's heart beating for the first time, saw her tiny hands and feet; I thought, no one can tell me that is not a life.

I don't attribute my pro-life stance solely to religion or the Constitution, although I acknowledge the very strong arguments made from each. It's a very personal decision for me… I have been against abortion for my entire life but never have I felt so passionate about my decision than when I heard my daughter Emilie's heartbeat that morning. Kathy and I had another child, Thomas Jr., a few years later. As parents, we work hard every day to instill in our children the same values we share.

Tom's primary opponent had only a 44% rating in 2007 and a 50% rating in 2008 from Missouri Right to Life. In fact, Missouri Right to Life did not endorse him in his last election even though he was running unopposed.

Tom's primary opponent's campaign tries to distort and distract you by claiming Tom supported Clarie McCaskill in 2006 over Senator Jim Talent. This claim is absolutely false! Tom recently stated on KMOX radio in St. Louis, since Claire McCaskill has become an Obama mini-me he is, and has been, adamantly opposed to her pro-Obama agenda.

Not only did he support Sen. Talent, Tom and his wife Kathy personally hosted a fundraiser for his candidacy. Any attempt to say he didn't support Sen. Jim Talent is dishonest. If you have questions, please call Jim and ask.

It is true that Tom made a contribution to Claire McCaskill in 2001 when she was running unopposed for re-election as state auditor at the request of a law partner. However, that should be balanced by the fact Tom's opponent recently took a $4,900 contribution from Reliant Care Management, a company founded by Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill's husband. Reliant Care Management has given to the Missouri Democrat State Committee and Democrats Jay Nixon and Sam Page. All contributions above $5,000 are required to be reported immediately to the Missouri Ethics Commission. So, it appears Tom's opponent, Reliant, or both agreed to the $4,900 amount to avoid additional reporting so they could attempt to conceal that contribution from Missouri conservatives.

Even though Tom is new to Jefferson City politics, he is proud to be endorsed by leaders such as: former Governor Mitt Romney, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Amb. John Bolton who we see every day fighting for our conservative beliefs on Fox News, Southwest Missouri icon Emery Melton, Southeast Missouri legend Mary Kasten, President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate Charlie Shields, conservative Senators Brad Lager, Bill Stouffer and Kurt Schaefer who know what it takes to beat an incumbent.

Whose opinion do you trust when deciding who is a true conservative?

Would you trust Ambassador John Bolton, the conservative leader who worked directly with Tom, or the people who have attacked him before reading his books, learning the facts, or having even met him? Would Ambassador Bolton have traveled to Missouri twice to support a candidate who is not a bona fide conservative?

And yes, Republican leaders such as Sen. Jack Danforth and Ambassador Bert Walker also support Tom. These two men have dedicated their lives to the Republican Party, and we are proud of their support as well.

While Ambassador John Bolton supports Tom for his staunch conservative principles and ability to root out corruption, Sen. Danforth was impressed by Tom's organizational skills and the solid work ethic which Tom displayed while serving as prosecutor with Sen. Danforth. Tom has earned Sen. Danforth's support in this race despite their differing views on some social issues.

Sen. Danforth has endorsed candidates such as Congressman Roy Blunt and Sen. John Ashcroft. Is Tom's opponent going to claim that Sen. John Ashcroft is a liberal because Sen. Danforth endorsed him? Let's not forget Sen. Danforth launched the public service careers of Sen. Kit Bond, Attorney General Ashcroft and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Tom Schweich's opponents have distorted his words and views to deceive you!

They quote again and again single lines from extensive articles. Tom has written numerous articles over the years that take on the establishment and provide conservative positions on foreign and domestic policy. These articles are long and well researched, read them for yourself so they are not used out of context for personal political gain. The following is an example of one of Tom's articles reflecting his views on big government.

But if the government exercises this right [to make decisions for large corporations] without limitation, it has created a more serious problem: too much federal power. Concern about the concentration of federal power literally consumed the attention of the framers of our Constitution. They could not have imagined the day when the president of the United States would determine who should run a company. They could not have imagined the day when the federal government could pass judgment on which banks survive and which ones fail, which jobs stay and which ones go. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 4/21/09)

Some opponents say that Schweich has no record. They must have borrowed a few pages from the liberal media's playbook, because anyone can see that Tom's record is quite extensive. His record ranges from proudly working to elect President Ronald Reagan in college and being invited to attend President Reagan's inauguration, to authoring numerous books and articles, to receiving presidential appointments and serving in multiple public-service positions, to receiving awards for service to his county from the CIA, DEA and the Bush White House.


Tom's record:

A Conservative Author:
Tom has authored books on conservative principles like avoiding lawsuits and avoiding excessive borrowing and spending. His book, Protect Yourself from Business Lawsuits (…and Lawyers Like Me), is celebrated by conservative groups for it's common sense anti-lawsuit message.

Written years before the housing crisis ever struck, the following excerpt from Crashproof Your Life (2002) illustrates Tom's long-standing commitment to fiscally conservative approaches.

Mortgage companies and other financial institutions…inundate us with ads, mailings, e-mail, and even house calls trying to convince us to buy that largest and most expensive home for which we can "qualify." Indeed, there has been a focused effort among these organizations to replace the word afford with qualify. Don't fall into this trap. Many people can qualify for a home loan that they really cannot afford. (p.108)

Fiscally Conservative:
As a noted conservative financial author and commentator, Tom was one of the few to forecast the current fiscal crisis. Individuals, as well as governments, must live within their means! As our State Auditor, he will bring much needed conservative financial principles to our state government.

Socially Conservative:
The son of a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Tom learned at an early age that Americans need to defend themselves from enemies foreign and domestic. He is a gun owner and a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights. He is 100% pro-life. Having spent time in Afghanistan fighting crime and corruption, Tom is also for a strong national defense that will ensure that interests of the United States and our allies are protected. Our rights as property owners are part of the American Dream, and it is for this reason that Tom believes in strong personal property rights.

The Most Experienced Auditor:
After overseeing internal investigations and audits for many of Missouri's largest companies and managing hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars at the U.S. State Department, no one is better at finding and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse than Tom Schweich.

Rooting Out Waste Fraud and Abuse:
John Bolton made Tom his U.N. anti-corruption person, because he needed a tough, experienced U.N. watchdog. Tom and his team were able to uncover huge amounts of waste and corruption in the Oil for Food scandal. At the State Department, he oversaw investigations and audits over hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that the government spent its funds wisely. He implemented significant changes on how the State Department monitored and accounted for its funds.

Management Experience:
Tom has proven that he will be an expert manager of the Auditor's Office by managing 4,000 people in over 40 countries with a budget of more then $2.5 billion at the U.S. State Department. His primary opponent has no management experience.

Top International Law Enforcement Official:
Serving as one of the nation's top international law enforcement officials fighting terrorism, corruption, money laundering, drugs, and gangs, no one is better suited then Tom to be a tough, independent auditor. He has proven his effectiveness around the world, and now I look forward to seeing Tom bring his law enforcement, audit, and investigative skills to protect Missouri taxpayers.

Fighting organized crime in Russia, money laundering in China, drug lords in Colombia and wearing a bulletproof vest to work in the deserts of Afghanistan has given Tom more than enough experience to deal with the issues he will face as State Auditor.

This race is about who can best serve Missourians as their auditor. Tom is the only candidate with the experience to do the job. His opponent has a record far different than Tom's. If it is his opponent's intention to make this race about the record, then his opponent will need to defend his questionable record.

Icet's Record

In 2005, Rep. Icet was effectively installed by former Speaker Rod Jetton as House Budget Chairman. Rep. Icet believes that as Budget Chairman he is qualified to serve as State Auditor because he "knows" the budget. Yet, Rep. Icet admitted in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch article last month on March 24th that "Once we appropriate, I don't know where the money goes." Rep. Icet's primary qualification for being auditor does not hold water if he plainly admits he does not know where our tax money goes!

1. Rep. Icet has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and gifts from special interests and lobbyists. Should he now be trusted to give a fair and impartial assessment of those programs?

2. Under Rep. Icet the state budget increased $2.7 BILLION as special interests got their share instead of saving tax payers' money or cutting government programs. Now that we face a budget crisis, Icet passes the buck and said when it comes to making budget cuts, "The proverbial ball is in the governor's court." (St. Louis Post Dispatch 3/12/2010) This is the opposite of conservative fiscal responsibility.

3. Rep. Icet voted to raise property taxes, cell phone taxes, sales taxes and even taxes for in-home care for the elderly.

Property Taxes (HCS SB 590, 4/24/2003) Cell phone tax (SS HCS HB 209, 5/12/2005) Sales tax (HCS HJR 71, 4/17/2008) In-home nursing services (HB 952, 2005)

4. Rep. Icet Voted multiple times to raise his own pay and pension.

(http://kcbuzzblog.typepad.com/kcbuzzblog/2007/01/missouri_house_html, HCS HB 12, 3/29/2007; CCR & CCS SCS HCS HB 12, 5/10/2007)

5. Representative Icet is ranked 6th out of 163 current House members in receiving gifts from special interests and lobbyists. He has taken thousands and thousands of dollars in lobbyist gifts, meals, and drinks since taking office. Enough is enough!
(Personal Financial Disclosure Record and Lobbyist Gift Records, Missouri Ethics Commission) As of March 2, 2010

6. Representative Icet spent $12, 121 in taxpayer and lobbyist funds on trips to places such as, Naples, FL, San Diego, CA, Hilton Head, SC, and two trips to San Francisco, CA.
(Documents from the Missouri House accounting office and the Missouri Ethics Commission)

Do you think this is the independent fiscal conservative that you want in the auditor's office? I Don't!

There is a clear difference between the two Republican candidates for auditor.

Tom Schweich is tenacious, driven, and experienced. If elected, no one will be a tougher auditor or more independent from special interests.

Missourians are starting to get to know Tom Schweich. They recognize he is a unique candidate with the qualifications and resume that come along once in a generation. He is the outsider we need to take accountability and good government back from the entrench politicians.

Please join me in supporting Tom Schweich for our next State Auditor.

--Neal Ethridge

Paid for by Schweich for Auditor, Joseph S. Passanise, Treasurer
http://schweichforauditor.createsend3.com/t/r/u/bjyqj/sllurzi/
 
BIG FAT NOTE: This blogger was not paid anything for posting this...Tom Schweich is a long time friend, a great American and the son of my former partner, Col. Julius Schweich, ret.

Missouri can't find a better man for Auditor. Please support Tom this November.
 
 

Joy To The World! A Small Child With A Big Name And BIG Potential Has Arrived On Planet Earth. Just In The Nick Of Time!

Dear Pals,

As I was breakfasting at my regular nook, I recieved two wonderful pieces of news. Niecey Moore shared a St.Louis American, SECTION FRONT PAGE story with jump to inside.

It recounted the story of her two sons the Wonderful Wrestling Wilbourn Brothers - who just recently won The Missouri State High School wrestling championships in their respective weight classes. (SEE BLOG of 02.28.10)

Next, Lorna LaGrone, another one of my pals told me about a Miracle Baby just born to her daughter. The baby came into the world in a big early hurry on 03.07.10...weighing in at just 2 lbs. 6 ounces.

Then she showed me two photo's on her "Buck Rogers In the 25th Century" phone.

One showed her tiny preemie grandson in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. John's Mercy Medical Center. His tiny body was wired up to a mind-boggling maze of state-of-the-art-technology.

Lorna said, "He came off the feeding thing today and is starting on the breast milk."

Undoubtedly, he's now  getting that good natural colostrum that will give him powerful antibodies that are stored in all Mother's milk.

Then she showed me a picture of the baby's itsy-bitsy hand resting in the palm of his grandfather's big rugged hand. It looked like the hand of a working man...it was strong, tough and weathered.

The size contrast was obvious - but that is not what struck me.

I said, "Look at the deep lines in his Grandpa's hand. Now look at the lines in the baby's hand. Don't they look alike?"

Remarkably, they did.

Two men.

Two Life lines.

Grandfather and grandson linked back through time and space from the NICU in St. Louis all the way to their ancestors somewhere under starlit African skies.

In generations past, the 2 lb. 6 oz baby, would have most likely perished.

Today he lives.

If you ever need evidence of the link between men and women and the value of technology employed in the preservation of life...you need look no further.

Yet other babies are killed because they are perhaps "inconvenient" or unwanted.

I wonder if the reason there seem to be fewer giants today like Einstein, Stienmetz, Churchill, Edison, Robeson or Gahndi is because they might have been aborted. All I know for sure is that the natural order of the planet has been altered my their absence,

This is why I'm Pro-Baby.

I may be very much out of touch with the American mainstream, but I believe that every life holds a unique potential given by the Creator of all potential.

What we choose to do with the God-given gift of human potential is up to each of us.

I know that Lorna and her family are Thanking God for the doctors, nurses, scientists and biomedical engineers, who chose to use their potential to save "preemies."

Oh, by the way this little baby has a very BIG name:

Chace Kaiden William LaGrone-Clairborne.

I told his beaming Grandma ( Who, looks like she's barely 30 ) that I predicted that her new grandson will be a terrific speller by 1st. Grade.

I also predicted that he will lead a Bold Innovative Generous life. He may be tiny now, but his potential to be BIG is unlimited.

Ironically I know of two grandsons born here in St. Lousi into very diffrent families with the sound-alike names of Chase and Chace. I hope they both chase and catch their dreams and reach the full height, length and breadth of their God-given human potential.

I wonder if they will ever meet?

Birk, Commonsensetarian, Citizen of the Republic, Mob of One and The Sage In The Snuggie

PS: If the world ever gets you down...just go to a nursery in any hospital and look at the parents and grandparents staring though the nursery glass at their newborn, in awe and wonder.

They still can't get over it...that miracle called life.

Me neither.

My Pal Dale Boemler Died Today. To The Very End He Was Doing Something Right, Righter And RightEST!

Dear Pals,

The St. Louis car industry has lost some real Champs this year.

Don Suntrup, Dave Sinclair and now Dale Boemler. The core and bedrock of the American automotive industry has shifted under our feet.

I knew all three men. Don from Bartalino's South where he liked to have lunch...often with his daughter Debbie and sons, Butch and Craig.

I knew Dave Sinclair from The Knights of the Cauliflower Ear where he and his best pal the "Fly Boy" John Tucker loved to laugh and roar. Dave had been a rookie cop on the STLPD with my late, Uncle Harry Collins back in the early '50's.

But I knew Dale Boemler best of all.

I worked for this wonderful, kind and unassuming man for a number of years and I came to know him well. The last time I saw Dale and his wife Kathy, it was at a Cardinal Baseball game. We were all in the KMOX Radio box with Matt Saunders, Kate "The Uncrowned Queen Of Ireland" Muldoon, John Sinclair, one of Dave's very able sons and heirs and a number of other folks.

When I asked Dale how things were going, he took me aside and told me that in the recent GM dealer "realignment," his family business - a Chevrolet dealership in Arnold, Missouri, that had been there since 1931 - had its franchise taken away. Boemler had been cut and jettisoned from The New Leaner and Meaner GM. 

I was stunned. But Dale delivered the news with his characteristic understated steadiness, "We'll be okay."

Despite his outward serenity, I sensed that this had hit Dale hard.

Only two or three years before, at GM's insistence, he had built a brand new multi-million dollar dealership, complete with new Showroom and a state-of-the-art Service Department.

To make matters worse, Dale's dad...a longtime pillar of the Jefferson County community had passed away earlier in the year.

I have many many fond memories of Dale Boemler and lunches down in historic Kimmswick (at the Blue Owl with milk and pie!). We started out as client and adman and parted as pals, who truly enjoyed each other's company and respected each other's skills. 

When I heard the news of Dale's untimely passing, I got a very eerie feeling because I was going to call Dale to thank him - I had noted that he had become a Friend on facebook of St. Louis Kids Kick In And Go To Bat For The Kids Of Haiti...a grass roots effort led by  St. Louis' leading car dealers.

Dale loved his family, friends, colleagues and co-workers and he had a slew of loyal multi-generation customers, entire families - who bought all their cars and beloved Silverados from Boemler Chevrolet.

While many car dealers resorted to loud and nearly manic chants in attempts to attract the customers' attention...Dale in his chacteristically understated manner simple promised to give his customers great American-made Chevrolets at a fair price, backed up by service-after-the-sale that put the customer first every time.

Dale always signed off with, "This is Dale Boemler for Boemler Chevrolet,  Jeffco at Telegraph in Arnold, since 1931.

Then he added a self-effacing afterthought that truly became his hallmark..."we must be doing something right."

Truth is, Dale Boemler did everything righter than right...he did everything in the rightest way he knew how.

I'll miss my old pal...and Loring and I send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife Kathy and their sons, Derek and Chris, whose achievements they justifiably reveled in.

When I asked Dale's son Chris - who had called me with the sad news - if Dale had a heart attack, he said that was what was suspected.

In my own mind, I thought Dale might have died of a broken heart.

He loved being a Chevrolet dealer and he took great pride in the business his family had nurtured along through thick and thin since 1931 - though The Depression, WWII, Korea and VietNam, Gulf Wars and many economic ups and downs.

In the end, Boemler Chevrolet and Dale Boemler could survive everything except The New Leaner and Meaner GM.

It's just this one man's opinion, but I think The New GM is doing everything wrong...and Dale Boemler was always doing something right.

Our world here in St. Louis is greatly diminished by the loss of Dale and Don and Dave, those Magnificent Men In Their Automobiles.

Great competitors.

Great citizens.

Great family men.

Car guys to their very marrow.

All of St. Louis misses you wonderful guys.

Godspeed!

Birk, Commonsensetarian, Citizen of the Republic

PS: Here's a conversation at The Pearly Gates that I overheard in a dream.

St Peter: Yes Lord, The 3D's are here. Yes Sir, I'll bring 'em right up.

Dave: Thank you and here's my address...

Don: 7TH H E A V E N  C L O U D 9

Dale: We must be doing something right.

______________________________

Yes you did boys...yes you did.

Get Well President Bill Clinton!!! The People Of Haiti Do Need You Back! And We Have Some Chocolate Waiting For You!

Dear Pals,

I've taken 1,725,673,973,543 shots at President William Jefferson Clinton since 1992...I almost lost count.

Today I send him my very best and most sincere wishes for a full and speedy recovery. The people of Haiti do need him back. The sooner the better.

My pal Mandy of the legendary Mandy's Candies has some of her Hearts For Haiti candy waiting for him just as soon as the Doctors say he can have it. Moderation in all things is a good thing and makes life worth living!

www.mandyshomemadecandies.com

Birk, Commonsensetarian Citizen Of The Republic and a Mob Of One

PS: President Clinton and I usually see eye-to-toe on almost all things political...but we see eye-to-eye on Haiti, quadruple by-passes, Big Macs and really goooooooood chocolate.

That's common ground...and we can build on that.

Godspeed Mr. President.

Buzz-Buzz-Buzz. "Wise Buddha-hahaha, The Fearless Mulsim Jihadist Leader Of Al Quaeda, Osama bin Laden Is Holding On Line One."

 

Dear Pals,

Funny things happen when you eat a speecy-spicy hot coppa and pepperoni pizza. It can give you weird dreams, like this one...

WB: Hello Osama...I'm glad this wasn't another collect call, what's up?

OBL: I read your stupid blog the other day and it really ticked me off. How dare you suggest that I strap explosives to my "orbs of manhood" and blow myself up!

WB: Too yellow?

OBL: No! You insulting Infidel pig!

WB: Okay..so, what's your excuse...too busy being "The Bad Shepherd?"

OBL: I am the inspiring visionary leader...the inspiring visionary leader leads...the followers must follow.

WB: And the followers are the young men and women who follow your inspiring vision and blow themselves up...so, you don't have to?

OBL: You insult me white Christian pig-boy! This is holy jihad.

WB: Why don't you "lead" by example instead of hiding out in a cave?

Why not blow yourself up? Do it live on Prime Time Al Jazzera during sweeps week...that would make quite a statement. I'm sure it would get a lot of hits on You-Tube too!

That would set an inspiring and visionary example for jihadists from Falls Church to Denmark.

OBL: Don't insult me you McRib eating Christian Infidel dog.

WB: Look Osama, Saladin The Great personally took on the Crusaders, the great Mahdi had the guts to personally take on General Gordon at Khartoum.

Even the Prophet Mohammed personally led his followers into battle on many occasions. He was no coward, his heroic exploits in battle are well-chronicled.

So how come YOU, oh great fearless jihadist leader...how come you're hiding out in a cave like a sniveling yellow dog?

OBL: You are a swine, Infidel insulter and Jew-lover.

WB: Is my logical question confusing you?

Just tell me in plain words why you are sending so many young men and women to almost certain death while you hide out safe and sound in a cave with your little Egyptian Doctor stooge and a your bodyguards?

OBL: Silence!!! Insulting Infidel dog!

WB: Are you scared?

OBL: I fear nothing!

WB: Okay, I double dog dare you to strap some explosives to your balls and try to blow up some Infidels.

OBL: Miserable son of pigs. You insult me.

WB: Look Osama, you are already an insult to the intelligence of the world.

If you have a "hair on your ass" just show your followers what a big brave man you really are.

Blow yourself up in holy jihad!

You know there are 72 virgins waiting for you! Maybe 272 because you are such an important Jihadist leader.

Or, are you just another puffed up lying Muslim nutball windbag, who gets other people to blow themselves up while you suck on a hashish hookah and fantasize about the centerfold in Playgoat.

OBL: Insufferable Jew-loving-Christian-Swine-Infidel unbeliever American bastard!

Ring...ring...ring...

WB: Hold on willya Osama? (CLICK)

Hello, yeah...yeah...okay...sure, I'll ask him.

(CLICK) Yo Osama...have you checked your mailbox today???

OBL: How dare you put me on hold you insufferable pig-dog...

WB: Osama...calm down...can you look in your cave's mailbox and tell me what you got?

OBL: You must think I'm stupid...

WB: No, I don't think you're stupid...I just think you're afraid to do it.

OBL: I fear nothing...I'm opening the cave mailbox now!

What's this?  It's not my Publisher's Clearinghouse winning sweepstakes letter is it?

WB: Nope, it's engraved invitation...

Osama: To a party?? Let me read it...(rips open envelope)

   Dear Mr. bin Laden, the pleasure of your company is requested

   at our 2010 Muslim Jihadist Leadership Convention and Blowout.

    Join all your Jihadist followers at Tora Bora for this gala reunion.

    Come One! Come All! Bring The Whole International Jihadist Cabal!

    Free Beverages! Free Goat Roast! Free Dates! Free Camels!

    Meet special guest of dishonor, Major Nidal Hasan

    and Recently Released Gitmo Detainees.

    Festivites begin at 19:30 Hours January 25, 2010

    Enjoying eternity commences at 19:31:01 Hours January 25, 2010

    RSVP Strategic Air Command, USAF

OBL: Wow it sounds like fun!

I'm all over it!

Who's going to bring sheep dip?

WB: Look Osama, if you and your Muslim jihadist Pals are all so eager to be in Islamic Paradise...this is the Express Lane!

I hope you and all your little jihadist Pals can make it.

You could be there frolicking with those virgins in the wink and the blink of an eye...no muss, no fuss...no gus!

Don't worry about a thing...just get the whole jihadist gang together and show up back at Tora Bora.

OBL: Mmmmmmmmmmmmm...sheep dip...me like sheep dip!

WB: SAC will use The Easy Button to deliver the goods and transport you all to Paradise faster than Elmer Fudd can say, "Umar Farouk Abdulmuttabalab-alabab-singed-dong."

It's a win win for everybody.

OBL: I wonder if I should wear a nice wispy floral chintz or something in figure flattering gold lamme?

WB: Both sound fine..either way, you'll be dressed to kill.

The Best True Christmas Story I've Ever Heard. The Inauspicious Birth Of "Oscar de la Hoya."

I'm repeating this blog from Christmas Day 2008.

Please feel free to share it with your Pals too.

It is true and it is amazing.

Dear Pals,

Today many millions around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. That's true in our home too. By all accounts, His world changing birth took place in pretty humble surroundings. Far from home in Nazareth, Mary gave birth to Jesus in an animal shelter in Bethlehem, the city of King David's birth. 

Starting life among animals with a manager for a crib seems like about as inauspicious a beginning as possible.

Humble beginnings and lowly births can often set a tone for life. This was true even in Jesus' case for besides being born in a manger in Bethlehem, later life, Jesus was publicly derided with comments like, "What good can come out of Nazareth?"

Apparently Nazareth was not a great town to "hail from."

Well, today I want to share the true story of another child's humble beginning with you. I did not write it. It was written by one of my former bosses and old friend whose name is George. I lifted it verbatim, with his blessing, directly from his usually hysterically funny Annual Christmas Letter.

It is a story that touched our family's heart and we think it will touch yours too.

Here is the story of The Inauspicious Birth of "Oscar de la Hoya."

 

Seasonal Howdies:

 

On a chilly evening last May, with rain in the forecast, a man in the Central West

End of St. Louis contemplated mowing his lawn. Even though almost dark, the

threatening weather moved him to tackle the job.

 

Once done, he was going to leave the collected clipppings till the next morning

for disposal, but, again, the prospect of rain, now imminent, caused him to carry

the cut grass to a nearby dumpster.

 

When he started to raise the lid, he heard faint cries inside. Thinking that

someone had placed a puppy in the bin, he called to a neighbor to indicate

that one of them might have to take the animal to the Humane Society.

Opening the dumpster, all he saw was trash but then the cries started

again.  Digging into the mess his hands closed, not on a puppy, but on

a new-born baby struggling for life.  A plastic bag, which had

been placed over the child’s face to smother him, had slipped aside

just enough for him to breathe.

 

When the emergency team arrived, it found the baby in serious trouble.  

He was so cold that telling his true color was impossible as was finding

a temperature. Dehydration was so severe that his skin, when pulled

and pinched would not return to its natural shape. Rushed to the hospital,

he was worked on furiously by a medical team.

 

A nurse in attendance said she had never seen a child fight so hard for life.

She swears that when he finally turned the corner and rose beyond the

hypothermia which had embraced him, she saw him smile.

 

That child, Ben, is now our grandson. He has devoted parents,

a loving older brother and an entire family which dotes on him.

Ben is the happiest of infants. His constant smile and wonderful nature

bring a light to all of us when with him.

 

Our son and his wife had been seeking a foster child when the

adoption agency indicated they felt they would be a perfect fit for Ben.

They immediately fell in love with him as did their son. I make this break

from my usual inane prattle at this time of year as I think this truly is sort

of a Christmas story as Ben is sort of a miracle. 

 

So many ifs can be applied to Ben’s survival.

What if the man waited to cut his grass? 

What if he had decided not to dump the clippings? 

What if the plastic sheet had not slipped from Ben’s face? 

What if it had been just a bit colder? 

The fact that Ben is alive almost defies logic. 

He and we are truly blessed.

George's story about Ben ended here. From that point on George adroitly segued and then proceeeded, using his Saharan-dry wit, to regale us with stories about his golfing misadventures for a few more paragraphs. 

I wrote to him and asked if I could share Ben's story on the blog. When he wrote back, he told me that the nurses in the hospital had nicknamed the newborn baby "Oscar de la Hoya" because they never saw a baby fight so hard to live.

This nickname seemed very appropriate to me, because in the boxing world, the legendary champion prizefighter, the real Oscar de la Hoya is known as "The Golden Boy."

We wept tears of saddness and joy when we first read Ben's story. It made me realize once again how precious really life is. It made me wonder if any soul is ever really alone - even in a dumpster on a rainy night?

The notion that "one man's trash is another man's treasure" also crossed my mind as I contemplated this story. I wondered how many other lives that have been trashed would have been treasured by another family.

It made me wonder if I was truly treasuring the relationships of all those around me.

It caused me to revisit all of my assumptions about Guardian Angels.

I wondered, "What good can come out of a dumpster?"

Perhaps "a child shall lead the way."

It made me think about many things...

In the end, it made me feel - and know - that we are all safe in bigger hands than we can ever imagine.

If one newborn child can have that much fight in him...I also concluded that I should permanently quit my unbecoming belly-aching about life's little ups and downs and really start living.

But, it won't be easy, because Ben has set the bar very high.

Merry Christmas!! And Warmest wishes for health, happiness and love in 2009!

Birk, Commonsensetarian and Citizen of the Republic

PS: Thank you! George and family for letting me share Ben's story.