Bar Stool Economics

I've seen this sent via email several times over the past few years. I decided to save it here so it will be saved somewhere public.

A couple things first, however, before you read on:

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Bar Stool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100 and If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20." So drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'. They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pays $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

"I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to
the tenth man," but he got $10!"

"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"

"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"

"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, PhD.D.
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia

----

I'm Karl
I wish I were bright enough to have thought of this. I wasn't very good at story problems in math either.

World View Of The Progressive

I hear all the time how there's no Hell, or no God; man evolved from lower life forms; science will eventually solve all our ills; government is for the purpose of protecting us, but more, the government has the responsibility of protecting us from ourselves, thus seat belt laws, smoking laws, laws to control what we eat, and the list goes on.

I'm sure some who read this will say, "but I agree with seatbelt laws!" as though somehow, letting the government tell us that IS for our own good. But is it? I mean honestly, where DO you draw the line? The seatbelt laws are the camel's nose in the tent. The government must be held accountible and be taken out of our lives.

So, again I ask, "where do you draw the line?"

The line should have been drawn during President Wilson's regime where he preached the doctrine of "Manifest Destiny" and destroyed Divine Providence. This single-handedly changed us from a religious society into a secular society. The use of propaganda became an art form, thus spending large amounts of money to re-educate Christians and Jews alike into turning from God for help, and turning to the government for solutions.

One huge result of this paradigm shift is the 'opening' of the minds of the people so they could accept the anti-Christ theory of evolution which is a mainstay of secularism.

A quote I came across demonstrates clearly how hamstrung the populace has been made by removing God. Though the quote isn't specific to this discussion, it nonetheless shows the principle, which is this: If you don't know enough, or are unwilling to consider opposite views from your own, or if you refuse to believe in divinity, you are closing your mind to consideration of all possibilities, thus making your declarations sound as ridiculous as this quote:

The astronomer Francesco Sizi, a contemporary of Galileo, argues that Jupiter can have no satellites:

There are seven windows in the head, two nostrils, two ears, two eyes, and a mouth; so in the heavens there are two favorable stars, two unpropitious, two luminaries, and Mercury alone undecided and indifferent. From which and many other similar phenomena of nature such as the seven metals, etc., which it were tedious to enumerate, we gather that the number of planets is necessarily seven. [...]

Moreover, the satellites are invisible to the naked eye and therefore can have no influence on the earth and therefore would be useless and therefore do not exist.

That last line envelopes the logic of the progressive world view. That world view is currently in power everywhere, including the United States. It will destroy personal liberty and has as its primary goal the destruction of The Kingdom of God. Who's on the Lord's side?

I am.

And I'm Karl

Woe Unto Those Who Call Evil Good . . .

This was submitted to my LDS Conservatives email group (learn more at http://ldsconservatives.ourldsfamily.com) by one of the members who takes time to write up email.

---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20)

Here is the English "Dear Abby": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RAAhTL4Arg (Note: this lady is a "Fabian" in England, which is known as the "Progressive" movement (Hillary's affiliation) in America.)

This is a series of commercials produced by England's "Al Gore" (WARNING – very graphic): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjVW6roRs-w (it's been clear for a long time that Warmers were anti-human, now I'm thinking in-human.)

The Green Police (less graphic, just as scary): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVhT7P0lDfI (I hated it the first time I saw it during the SuperBowl.)

Is there such a thing as "moderate Islam?": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agOU2R6MTbg (Yep, right next to the unicorns.)

 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)

Here you go – the evil minions of Satan think the coast is clear and that they have the run of the place, so they are coming out of the closet – just in time for November's elections:

Who planned and attended the "10-2-10" rally in DC?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVwSxJ_lwr4&feature=related (hint: union dues were used to bus these people to DC.)

Trashy 10-2-10 Rally in DC: http://www.breitbart.tv/hate-rally-protesters-shame-america-with-trash-left-behind/ (these are the folks who claim to care about the environment?)

Parks employee compares conservatives and liberal rallies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0Hn-fDLk58&feature=related

The US debt is just a myth: http://www.thefoxnation.com/business/2010/10/06/watch-dem-rep-calls-deficit-debt-myth (who knew?)

White middle-class highly-skilled construction workers not eligible for government funded projects: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxuUj6vFa4 (Umm… then who's building the new bridges?)

"Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;" (Moses 4:3)

This isn't just left vs. right, republican vs. democrat; this is liberty vs. tyranny, agency vs. slavery, salvation vs. damnation. With that lens, you can discern what is right and what is wrong, what is evil and what is good.

------------------------------- End ---------------------------------

I'm Karl, and I support this message.


Oh, and if you don't think you have the gift of discernment (see D&C 46) so you know truth when you hear or see it, pray earnestly for it as often and as hard as you must until you get it. You must, of course, live your life in harmony with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to get that gift.

Milton Friedman defends capitalism to Socialist, Phil Donohue

This may be the best short sermon on capitalism.


Milton Friedman to Phil Donohue

http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/eyeblast.swf?v=hdkUnzkU8z

Never Forget What Ronald Reagan Said

Rememeber This Guy?

If you do, you may remember him to be one of the best presidents we've had. Oh I know he had faults, and made some mistakes, but they were when he was trying to do the right thing, but was misled by bureaucrats, who are just about always weasels.



"Socialism only works
in two places:
Heaven where they don't
need it and hell where they already have it."
-Ronald Reagan
'Here's my strategy on
the Cold War:
We win, they lose.'
- Ronald Reagan

'The most terrifying words
in the English language are:
I'm from the government
and I'm here to help.'
- Ronald Reagan

'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's
just that they know so much that isn't so.'
- Ronald Reagan

'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was
too strong.
- Ronald Reagan

'I have wondered at
times about what the
Ten Commandments would
have looked like if Moses
had run them through
the U.S. Congress..
- Ronald Reagan

'The taxpayer:
That's someone who works
for the federal government
but doesn't have to take the
civil service examination.'
- Ronald Reagan

'Government is like a baby:
An alimentary canal with a
big appetite at one end and
no sense of responsibility
at the other'
- Ronald Reagan

'The nearest thing to eternal
life we will ever see on
this earth is a
government program.'
- Ronald Reagan

'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession.
I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first'
- Ronald Reagan

'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it.
If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving,
subsidize it'
- Ronald Reagan

'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed,
there are many rewards;
if you disgrace yourself,
you can always write a book.'
- Ronald Reagan

'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'
- Ronald Reagan

'If we ever forget that we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under.'
- Ronald Reagan

If you agree, please point folks to this group of quotes. If you don't agree, get a brain transplant. Clearly, yours is broken.

Yes, I'm still Karl

Censored Ground Zero Protest

Did you see this on TV news or any of these photos in your local Daily Rag?

It happened on June 16, 2010, New York, N.Y.
Original by El Marco
http://www.lookingattheleft.com/2010/06/stop-the-mosque-at-ground-zero-part-ii/


Americans Stand Up Against Radical Islam in New York – We Will Not Submit!

Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history

On Sunday, June 6th, a multi-ethnic, multi-racial coalition of Americans opposed to Islamic violence and intolerance rallied at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. 9/11 families were joined by immigrants from India, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Africa, Iran and Europe to show opposition to the construction of a mega-mosque at Ground Zero. Others flew in from overseas to speak or just to share their particular ethnic communities’ experiences at the hands of Muslims.

These are parents and spouses of firefighters killed on 9/11. The rally took place just a minute’s walk from Ladder 10 Firehouse, where their loved ones were stationed for duty that terrible day. Ladder 10 lost seven firefighters. Crowd estimates ranged from 5,000 (NYPD) to 10,000. The crowd overflowed the police barrier enclosures that ran the full length of two city blocks. This photo shows the enclosure in front of the stage at the intersection of Liberty and Church Streets. The second enclosure ran the length of the next block and can be seen on the other side of the traffic lights.

Thousands of additional participants filled the treed area of Zuccotti Park. Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller are the founders of STOP ISLAMIZATION OF AMERICA, which sponsored the rally. Ms. Geller is a citizen journalist and blogger who runs the human rights web site Atlas Shrugs. Mr. Spencer is the author of several books on Islam and head of the influential web site Jihad watch. Pamela Geller:

“Ground Zero is a war memorial, Ground Zero is a burial ground. We are asking for sensitivity…It is unconscionable to build a shrine to the very ideology that inspired the jihadist attacks at Ground Zero, right there. We are asking the imam Rauf and Daisy Khan to be sensitive. For mutual respect and mutual understanding that is demanded of us every day. There’s a hair-trigger sensitivity in the Muslim world, you can’t run the cartoons, you can’t say Mohammed, this is offensive. This is an offensive mosque. To build a shrine, an Islamic flag of conquest on the sacred ground the cherished site, of a conquered land. This is historic, this is Islamic history. It’s what they do. The St. Sofia in Turkey, the al-Quds, at the holiest Jewish site in Israel. Not here. This is where we take a stand. We must take a stand. We must say no.”

I do not believe that the landmarks commission controlled by Mayor Bloomberg, is going to stop this mosque. It’s not going to happen. Here’s Omar Muhamedi, on his human rights council, a CAIR lawyer, who sued the airlines and the Jane and John Does that saw something and said something on those airplanes, if you remember. That’s who’s on his human rights commission. It ain’t gonna happen with Bloomberg. We have to make it happen. You have to get involved.” (Pamela Geller)

Police enclosure on left, with crowd flowing out of park on right. The new Tower 7 and World Trade Center site are in the background. The green tent, center, is located immediately behind the stage. Port Authority and NYPD officers kept watch over the rally and were well aware of the need for heightened security at this event. One of their own Port Authority officers, WTC Sergeant Alan T. De Vona was on duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11, 2001, and was one of the first to help victims of the terrorist attack. He spoke these words to the SIOA rally:

“It’s almost nine years. I’m hoping that America is watching. I’m hoping that America is remembering. Because, make no mistake. September 11 was an act of war. And thank the military that has lost almost 5,000 troops from that day, defending us. I don’t know what to say to jar America’s memory. I want America to remember. The issues at stake will certainly affect the heart of American freedom, democracy, cultural values and tolerance. America is a tolerant country that allows for the free worship of all its citizens. But our tolerance has limits. Do we have to tolerate intolerant Islamic ideology and Muslims who preach intolerant Islam?”

Bhupinder Singh Bhurji, Pamela Geller, and Robert Spencer. Singh Bhurji is the president of the NAMDHARI SIKH FOUNDATION. The foundation is a member of the Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI). HRCARI is a coalition of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians from Sudan, Egypt and Iraq, moderate Muslims and Jews — who are victims and targets of radical Islam around the globe. He said, at another rally:

“Radical Islamists are killing people in India, trying to dominate that nation. And here too they come with violence against “infidels.” We are “infidels united,” standing together, brown, black and white, against this epoch’s fascist movement. Radical Islam wants to dominate entire world. They want everyone to surrender. Islam radical or otherwise. They want to put the Islamic flag on White House.”

Because of Islamic terrorism, America and the world have seen massive new security measures become a way of life. Anyone openly critical of Islam, or terrorist ideology, must surround themselves with security, or live in hiding. Those courageous enough to confront Islamism are criticized by the cowards and appeasers of the left who seek safety by supporting the enemy. Moderate Muslims were silent when Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered in Amsterdam, just as moderate Muslims in the United States are generally reluctant to speak out against violent Islam. Moderate Muslims also face great danger in speaking out.

Stephen Dyer and Gary Jules journalism students at York College, with Pamela Geller. Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history.

Geller and Spencer will press on despite the danger. They hope to inspire Americans to stand up and say enough of political correctness and work to stem the galloping islamization of America and Europe.

Hindu human rights activists Narain Kataria, Prasad Yalamanchi and unidentified friend came from Mississippi and Chicago with banners and flyers highlighting the radical statements of imam Rauf and his jihadist roots.

Pamela Geller is greeted by Hindu human rights activists Prasad Yalamanchi and Narain Kataria.

Port Authority Police and FDNY firefighters are seen here gathered beneath this banner.

 

_____________________________________________________________

When Will The Media Wake Up? Never! Why? Because they are part of the conspiracy to take our freedoms away. If you don't like the use of the word conspiracy you are part of the problem. Anyone who doesn't believe in conspiracies doesn't understand the nature of evil. I've even met some who don't believe there's really anything that's truly evil. I pity them. They are like the 5 sleeping virgins and will be woefully unprepared when they are most needed.

And yes, I'm Karl . . .

Is School Worthless?

I've often wondered why we are being told how incredible education today is when compared with The Old Days. Is it really? I don't think so.

Remember hearing old people say their grandparents only had an 8th grade education? As Exhibit A I present the following 8th grade final exam from Salina, Kansas for your review. It was reprinted from the Salina Journal.

Grammar (One hour)

1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.
   
2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.
   
3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph.
   
4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of 'lie,' 'play,' and 'run'.
   
5. Define case; illustrate each case.
   
6. What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
   
7. (8, 9 & 10) Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.

Arithmetic (One hour fifteen minutes)

1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
   
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. Deep, 10 feet Long, and 3 ft. Wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
   
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs, what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs for tare?
   
4. District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
   
5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs. Coal at $6.00 per ton.
   
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7percent per annum.
   
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft long at $20 per metre?
   
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
   
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?
   
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.

U.S. History (Forty-five minutes)

1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
   
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
   
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
   
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States .
   
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas .
   
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
   
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton , Bell , Lincoln , Penn, and Howe?
   
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.

Orthography (One hour)

1. What is meant by the following: alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication?
   
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
   
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?
   
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u'.
   
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions under each rule.
   
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
   
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.
   
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
   
9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane , vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
   
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.

Geography (One hour)

1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
   
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
   
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
   
4. Describe the mountains of North America.
   
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
   
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
   
7. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
   
8. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
   
9. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.

If you can pass this 5-hour exam without going to the books, the Internet or someone intelligent, shake your hand, pat yourself on the back, and then mourn the loss of the English Language, Mathematical Skill and a lot of other things our schools today aren't teaching because their primary job now is to do what the Secular Humanist movement teaches. What is that? To be the prophets of a new religion where the old rotting corpse of Christianity is finally buried.

If you don't believe that's their purpose, you have no clue what the founders of the public education system envisioned their role in educating children to be. Secular Humanism is now the official State Religion of nearly every industrialized nation, but most especially, The United Stated of America, which is now more socialist than democratic. Of course, it isn't supposed to be a democracy. The U.S. Constitution is meant to be the very foundation of a Judeo-Christian Republic.

So, to be educated, read the writings of those gone before. Read especially the words of our founding fathers. If you can't understand what they write, study until you can. The English Language is nearly dead. It's not taught in our schools, so teach it at home lest those with guile use it against us.

That's my opinion, and it's true, period.

I'm Karl.

Why are REAL MEN republicans?

As you know, I'm an old(ish) guy. I'm pretty much set in my ways. I like guns, fishing, my bride, who is prettier than your wife, or you, if you are the wife. I like my grandkids, who are smarter, cuter and nicer to me than your grandkids.

But, in all this, I began to wonder, after receiving an image, or more accurately a chart, in an email, if my tastes are reflected by anyone else. I think the image speaks better than I can to the topic. So here it is:

As you can see, there's a stark difference between the upper and lower section of this graphic. Quite remarkably, someone has done a bit of work, and updated the chart. Here's the new one:

Like most pictures in blogs, you can click on these and get larger images.

I wonder how I looked when I was seeing those progressive people portrayed posing perturbed...

Yes, I like my conservative wife who makes all others look average in comparison. I'm not going to post any photos of her because... well it should be obvious. You understand she probably wouldn't want to be seen on the same page as me. Yes, I accept that. She's (as some men might say) a perfect arm ornament to satisfy my vanity, though she's not just great eye-candy, she's my all, my life, my strength and above all, my one and only sweetheart.

I'm Karl and I approve this blog... probably.

CongressDude Matheson Shows His True Colors

I received another newsletter from "my congressman", Jim Matheson. Though I seldom agree with the content of his newsletters, this one just got to me, especially in the context of having just completed my tax-filing.

(OT: I used Turbo-tax online which I've done for 11 years. New this year: I got to pay some unknown 'bank' $30 extra without being notified that making the choice to have the $90 deducted from my federal tax return would actually cost me $120. Showing such lack of integrity in fee assessment makes me wonder if they are unethical in their tax software. So, No More Turbo-Tax For Me. But I'm not going to miss much, because in previous years, they imported much of my tax return into the new year so I had much less to enter. That kept me as a customer because it made filing so convenient. That didn't happen this year, so my final reason for keeping them is gone.)

Back to the topic at hand...


Here's a quote from his newsletter:

Dear Friend,

Federal income taxes due on April 15th are lower for nearly all working Utahns, because of the tax relief included in the federal Recovery Act that passed in 2009.

On average, working Utahns received $1,128 from the tax breaks in the legislation

So, since that got under my skin, because it's so blatantly false, I went to his website on the federal government servers, and entered the following:

I just received and read today's email newsletter. Receiving $1128 in incentives, or as you put it, "tax breaks" is misleading. Why? Because NOT A SINGLE TAX WAS REDUCED. One-time payments to citizens (soon to be subjects) does not constitute a tax break, but rather more dole from mommy-government.

I cannot vote for you because you are obviously part of the progressive lie, not part of the solution which will give me back liberties this government has stolen by ignoring the constitution.

So, take it for what it's worth, and I could/should have said it stronger, but hey, I'm writing for someone who doesn't get it, so using stronger language will just close the little brain more, won't it?

I'm:
---
Karl Pearson

Owner/Administrator of the sites at
http://ourldsfamily.com
---
"To mess up your Linux PC, you have to really work at it;
to mess up a microsoft PC you just have to work on it."
---
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have
for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
--Benjamin Franklin
---
Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually
repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
---

A Failed Left Turner...

I am helping my realtor son, Glenn, get my mother's home in a bit better condition so it will sell easier. We did some work on it yesterday, then came home.

As we got off the freeway in Lehi, Utah at about 6:20pm, I noticed a car coming straight towards us. I flashed my brights a few times because hey, driving off the freeway and seeing a car coming up the off-ramp isn't my idea of a good way to meet people.

The other car didn't do anything. As a matter of fact, the other car was stopped at the intersection at the bottom of the off-ramp, left turn signal flashing, and oblivious to anything else. Glenn took a picture and sent it to me so I could post it.

If you look closer (click to enlarge the image), you'll notice her left turn signal is lit as Glenn caught the picture as it went on. Nice work, huh? The red car to the left of the white car in front of us was in the 'real' left turn lane. Notice the double orange 'dividing' line between the two cars? The red car got there after we had been at the light for a bit.

So, should the Lehi City Police Department enlarge this picture and find the driver and cite her for reckless endangerment or something? Too bad the picture isn't clear enough to see the plate.

After the traffic from the right was gone, the turn signal for the cards from our left came on, and they had to drive around her into the right lane.

All in all, I'd say this is A FAILED LEFT TURN. Wouldn't you?

Yes, I'm Karl, and thank goodness she was turning left and not going straight.

Oh, and go take a look at Glenn's realty page at UtahRealtyZone.com

The Current State of "Science"

Last evening, I watched with interested disappointment, a science channel program displaying and discussing the field of earthquake forecasting. As the program unfolded, it became obvious that there is no consensus on whether earthquakes can be predicted with any degree of certainty. Okay, there is no consensus among the progressives who think they are scientists.

They discussed several types of predictions that have, or are being studied. They included animal activity prior to earthquakes, and also some newer research being done on the forces within a fault-zone which actually results in the creation of electricity. This phenomenon is being studied by one scientist using mega-ton presses. He's largely funded the million dollar effort himself because of lack of interest in the general scientific community. As the program discussed his findings, it was obvious that what he said made good sense, was measurable and also being tracked. One small earthquake in California was preceded by a couple of weeks data indicating higher electrical charges in just the rock surrounding the area where the quake occurred.

Yet, the thrust of the program seemed to be driven by nay-sayers and frankly, liberal idiots. They had an agenda, which is typical of the liberal/progressive scientific world (remember global warming? Since the earth has been cooling for over a decade, they now force us to call it global climate change. It's not about the climate, it's about progressivism, or governmental control and secular humanism). One 'scientist' said, "We shouldn't be worrying about predicting earthquakes. We should quit buying guns and buy better cement." while a colleague stated, "Predicting earthquakes will cause more people to die as they stampede out of cities to escape a falling building that if not told about the earthquake, they would remain in the building and it wouldn't fall anyway because we know so much better how to build earthquake-proof buildings." They used Haiti as an example. It is obvious that many people died there because of the government's failures to build safe buildings. Government is their god, thus is able to provide everything necessary to protect us. Okay, I disagree; heartily.

They do not believe it is appropriate to waste money figuring out how to predict earthquakes, but rather just let people live through them because government can protect them. That is the ultimate display of "Government Will Take Care of You", or "Government as Mommy" and should raise the hackles of every liberty-minded person.

The first comment, about guns, shows a political agenda that isn't worth considering, other than to lament the poor fool's state of mind. The second comment, however, reminds me of the following poem:

A Fence or an Ambulance
[A poetic case for the value of prevention]

'Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke and full many a peasant.

So the people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not at all tally;
Some said, "Put a fence 'round the edge of the cliff,"
Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."

But the cry for the ambulance carried the day,
For it spread through the neighboring city;
A fence may be useful or not, it is true,
But each heart became full of pity

For those who slipped over the dangerous cliff;
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave pounds and gave pence, not to put up a fence,
But an ambulance down in the valley.

"For the cliff is all right, if you're careful," they said,
"And, if folks even slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below when they're stopping."

So day after day, as these mishaps occurred,
Quick forth would those rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff,
With their ambulance down in the valley.

Then an old sage remarked: "It's a marvel to me
That people give far more attention
To repairing results than to stopping the cause,
When they'd much better aim at prevention.

Let us stop at its source all this mischief," cried he,
"Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally;
If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense
With the ambulance down in the valley."

"Oh he's a fanatic," the others rejoined,
"Dispense with the ambulance? Never!
He'd dispense with all charities, too, if he could;
No! No! We'll support them forever.

Aren't we picking up folks just as fast as they fall?
And shall this man dictate to us? Shall he?
Why should people of sense stop to put up a fence,
While the ambulance works in the valley?"

But the sensible few, who are practical too,
Will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure,
And their party will soon be the stronger.

Encourage them then, with your purse, voice, and pen,
And while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretense, and put up a stout fence
On the cliff that hangs over the valley.

Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling.
"To rescue the fallen is good, but 'tis best
To prevent other people from falling."

Better close up the source of temptation and crime
Than deliver from dungeon or galley;
Better put a strong fence 'round the top of the cliff
Than an ambulance down in the valley.

-- Joseph Malins (1895)

Mr. Malins puts it very well indeed. The scientists who apparently created the program for the science channel I was watching are the ones who would fight for an ambulance down in the valley. It's not a perfect fit, but I think you get the gist.

My thoughts became more concrete on this matter when I read the following 'Linux Fortune' from my own server:

Once, when the secrets of science were the jealously guarded property of a small priesthood, the common man had no hope of mastering their arcane complexities. Years of study in musty classrooms were prerequisite to obtaining even a dim, incoherent knowledge of science.

Today all that has changed: a dim, incoherent knowledge of science is available to anyone.

-- Tom Weller, "Science Made Stupid"

A Dim Incoherent Scientist is also available on your television, fighting for progressivism and government control. The colleges and universities, as temples of secular humanism, have been working tirelessly propounding the gospel of no-god, and their cultists are among us, spouting foolishness for a living.

I'm Karl

A Myriad Of [powerful, essential . . .] Meanings

Setting a standard for future Public Service Ads, the following Youtube video is a powerful reminder of many things, including staying safe through prevention, the power of a family's love and a few other things you can think up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-8PBx7isoM

I'm Karl

Recall The Socialst Rascals

Incidentally, Rascals isn't the word I first considered using, but it's the best I can do without requiring a serious discussion with my ecclesiastical leader about my spiritual standing.

Obamanational Health [un]Care...

So it's passed. Yes, it was a close vote.

PLEASE, if you have any guts, demand a recall election against every single moron who supported or voted to Socialize Healthcare. Now we get people of the intelligence of the motor vehicle offices all across the country telling us where to get, and how to get, medical attention. Welcome to The Soviet Socialist Hell that is progressivism.

The reform we needed was to eliminate Tort attorneys, not provide them a new playground!

Government for the people and by the people? Not from this bunch of weak-minded arrogant, socialism-never-worked-before-because-we,-the-most-intelligent-crackheads-in-the universe,-didn't-do-it, fools!

Yes, I'm Karl, and I'm a bit put out by, or with the arrogant neanderthals in D.C.

Oh, and just a bit of a disclaimer here: I don't condone, support or approve of any type of Oklahoma City-style bombing that is going to happen if this government doesn't pull their heads out and repeal this atrocity. But, mark my words, there will be blood flowing sooner than later now that this administration has proven they don't care what the people say.

History Revisited: My Thoughts Regarding 9/11/2001

I wrote this article in September of 2001 and just re-read it and decided to place it here. I've included most of the original, but not all.

To view it online where I originally posted it, you may visit http://ourldsfamily.com/wtc.shtml

My Thoughts Regarding
The World Trade Center Terrorist Attacks
that occurred on September 11, 2001

I have prayed and cried many times during this terrible day (and since, each time a survivor has been found, or when viewing the images of those working to find survivors). In constructing this page, I considered using a black background, but I thought better of it because I believe there's hope in this evil.

Our vulnerability has been exposed. What went wrong? How could our security have failed us so badly? What could have been done to prevent this terrible act of heinous disregard for everything holy?

First of all, I think God lets evil men alone so at the last and judgment day, they have no excuse. Their acts have sealed them Satan's forever as the blood of their innocent victims cry loudly from the dust against them. Eternal damnation might even be too good for such vile wickedness. Other thoughts include such things as:

• If the security officers at the other end of those hi-jacked flights had done their jobs this couldn't have happened
  
• Pilots and flight crew that do not mill about with passengers should be armed
  
• The number of U.S. Marshalls who fly armed should be increased
  commensurate with the need
  
• If American citizens were allowed to carry concealed handguns, the terrorists would have died aboard the planes they attempted to hi-jack without the chance to complete their work of death
  
• The passengers who thwarted one terrorist flight would have killed the hi-jackers and would not have sacrificed their lives had they been armed
  
• Removing the door to the cockpit, and adding an external door just for the flight crew will prevent access to the cockpit completely
  
• The people of New York and Washington D.C. need support, love, caring, help and God
  
• Life is too short to worry about hate, fear and evil
  
• If good men do nothing, evil men will conquer
  
• Evil men cannot conceive that others are not conspiring against them and Good Men cannot conceive of others conspiring to do them harm
  
• When will Good Men learn this one lesson?
  
• There ARE conspiracies working against us continually
  
• Thank God we now have a president in the White House with principles, scruples and a firm resolve to do what's right
  
• God Bless President Bush, his associates and co-workers!
  
• Join in prayer for the bereaved regardless of your personal faith
  
• We have all become bereaved from this
  
• "Thank You" to the volunteers, the professional medical and technical workers who are risking their all for victims they haven't met yet
  
• Admiral Yamamoto speaks from the dust: the terrorists have "awoken a sleeping giant filled with dreadful resolve"
  
• Terrorists beware
• President Bush will hold governments who harbor terrorists equally responsible
  
• Terrorists, begin to tremble now while you are not yet extinct
• Do Americans realize that there are civilizations (un-civilizations) where terrorism is endemic?
  
• To eradicate terrorism, we will be required to destroy entire civilizations
• The Gadianton Band of thieves and murderers for gain could be contained in only 2 ways:
  
  
  1. Execution
     
  2. Conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ
• Are we prepared to execute?
  
• Are we prepared to convert?
  
• Americans must not be willing to relinquish liberty for security
  
• Greater Liberty will ensure Greater Security
• An Armed Society is a Polite Society
• Israeli Citizens Are Armed
• They deal with terrorism daily
• Learn From Israel

I am saddened by this terrible day beyond comprehension. Join me in a moment of silence each day at your convenience. Please include a loved one. Suffering alone is unbearable. Don't let others suffer alone.

May God Bless All Who Care For Human Life, born or unborn. There is a God. We are His children regardless of race, creed or other divisions. Forgive everyone, but don't allow forgiveness to rob victims of justice. God won't allow it and we will be held accountable if we allow it either as a society or in our hearts. Governments were instituted among men by God to protect and serve. President Bush, Protect Us By Eradicating The Vermin That Attacked Our People! President Bush, Grant Us Our Full God-given Liberties To Protect Ourselves! Allow Us To Be Armed Nation-wide as Israel Has Allowed It's People!

Again, to see the original, with some pictures, click the link in the 2^nd paragraph above.

I'm Karl and I'm getting nervous about the progressives among us who, like wolves in sheep's clothing await our destruction with anticipation as though part of Satan's mesmerizing evil.

Happy Purim

To all you who know what that is, great. I don't.

Sometime I'll do a bit of study on Jewish traditional holidays so I know when someone is referring to Esther's account of Haman casting lots to decide when to exterminate the Jews. But that will have to wait for another time... ;-)

But in any case, happy Purim to you.

You ask, why are you even writing this? Well, because of not knowing enough, or anything about Purim, I got thinking.

I'm hoping for the time when we can celebrate Obamanation Day here. It will be the commemoration of the embarrassing defeat of Barrack Obama in a mid-term disgrace ousting...

Yes, I dream a lot.

And I'm Karl . . . .

Gary L. and Paula Packer

Gary L. and Paula Pearson Packer

New mission president
Published: Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010

Seven new mission presidents and their wives have been called by the First Presidency to begin their service about July 1. The only couple I know are my sister, Paula, and her husband, Gary. Here's the brief biological sketch as it appeared in the Church News of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:

Gary Lowell Packer, 59, and Paula Pearson Packer, five children, Democratic Republic of Congo Lubumbashi Mission; Compton Bench Ward, Farmington Utah North Stake. He serves as the executive secretary to the Area Presidency of the Africa Southeast Area and is a former temple missionary in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple, real estate missionary in the Africa Southeast Area, bishop, high councilor and missionary in the Franco-Belgian Mission. Retired corporate vice president and commercial department manager, First American Title Insurance Agency of Utah. Born in Brigham City, Utah, to Lowell Wight and Dorothy La Venna Marble Packer.

Sister Packer serves as the assistant executive secretary to the Area Presidency of the Africa Southeast Area and served with her husband in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple and Africa Southeast Area and is a former ward Relief Society president and counselor, ward Primary president, counselor in a ward Young Women presidency and ward Relief Society teacher. Born in Provo, Utah, to Glenn Laurentz and Ardith Amelia Hunsaker Pearson.

This newly created mission is considered a 'hardship mission' so the period of service for my sister and her husband will be 2 years rather than the customary 3 years. What does that mean? It means they probably won't get to shower or eat normal food for 2 years. They may live in a flat with dirt floors and have to carry water in buckets from a shared source. Shared with crocodiles, lions, hyenas and other dangerous wildlife. Probably...

I'm Karl, and I can't wait to begin hearing how things go for them.

Are Microsoft Users Idiots or Victims?

You decide, but not until you go read this posting in the Linux Gazette.

http://linuxgazette.net/170/starks.html

And yes, I'm still Karl...

New Implant Will Help Terrorists Commune With God

I'm sure this has made the rounds, but I saw it the first time today. I really enjoyed it and hope you do as well.

Nicknamed "THE PATRIOT MICROCHIP" is intended to be implanted in terrorists, specifically in the forehead, however, it is also successful if implanted in the center of the chest as well.

When properly installed, it will allow the one implanted to speak with God.

It comes in various sizes:

The exact size of the implant will be selected by a well-trained and highly skilled technician.

The implant may or may not be painless. Side effects, like sudden headaches and even nausea, are very temporary.

Some bleeding or swelling may occur at the injection site.

Please enjoy the security we provide and best regards,

See? I thought you'd like it.

I'm Karl