Markets
Latest Hurricane Info: [Link Me to NOAA]
[See The Latest Computer Models]
[DHL WORLD CLOCK]
Miami, FL
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy Birthday America!
Love it or leave it...
231 Years Young!
Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance...
Why we celebrate the 4th of July.. [Learn More Here]
231 Years Young!Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance...
Why we celebrate the 4th of July.. [Learn More Here]
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
Democrats Seek Formula To Blunt AMT
Under one version of the proposal, about 1 million families would be hit with a 4.3 percent surtax on income over $500,000, which would raise enough money to permit Congress to abolish the alternative minimum tax for millions of households earning less than $250,000 a year, according to Democratic aides and others familiar with the plan.
Click on Title to read the full Washington Post Article.
Click on Title to read the full Washington Post Article.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Giuliani on Abortion (Video)
This is the video circulating of a lightning strike when Giuliani was answering a question about abortion on last nights dabate.
Who is Ron Paul?
Well, apparently not everyone knows who he is yet. Wanna know why? Because it seems like all major media outlets are trying to keep it this way in any way they can.
Ron Paul is the most credible, straightforward, and revolutionary presidential candidate in a very long time. He is a revolutionary, as sad as this will sound, because he will not do anything that is not allowed by the constitution. He is a revolutionary because he does not participate in today's Washington's grab-ass politics, so much so that his colleagues have nicknamed him "Dr. No", as if that would be an insult given what the political process has become in this country.
This man is the only candidate that has dared raise the point that terrorists attacked us because of our own international affairs policies. He clearly talked about CIA warnings about "blowback" which is a term used to refer to the repercussions that come against us when we decide to meddle with other nation's internal affairs. He clearly stated that Bin Laden was not only trained by us, but openly declared war(jihad) against the US for the crimes of invading, and then staying for over 7 years in the "holiest of Islamic lands, the Arabian Peninsula", and killing over a million Muslims over those 7 years. Hmmm, maybe we did go into their neck of the woods and killed a whole bunch of their people, didn't we? But when a presidential candidate dares to say it, morons like Rudy dare to ask him to retract the statement and apologize for it, regardless of the fact that Dr. Paul was speaking based on historical facts, and many of the findings of the 9/11 commission, which by the way, Rudy did not seem to have read at that point. Some other candidates went as far as asking to remove him from all future debates because of the "damage" that his statements were causing to the Republican Party.
It seems like in every debate, Ron Paul is the only candidate that stands out of the crowd and has new ideas on how to correct the government which was supposed to represent the people, but has lost its way. Yet the media outlets just find flaws on his statements or absolutely ignore him in hopes he will vanish. The latest travesty was what CNN did after tonight's presidential debates. It seems like after several minutes of absolute (close to 90%) support for Ron Paul in the "Who won the debate", they have now mysteriously shown the results of the "Who won the debate" for the democratic debate that occurred a few days ago. The small text at top is correct for each debate, yet the actual results on the bottom are all for the democratic. Luckily, some people has the old posts and have posted them in this forums. It seems like over 90% of responders said Ron Paul won, and then CNN had a "glitch".
It has been debated that the reason the media outlets want to bury him is because he does not have the funds to run an expensive TV campaign, so they are trying to maximize their profits. While this could be true(absolutely wrong, but media companies are businesses, and some corporations have done much worse than that in order to maintain profits), I think they are more scared about the long term effects when the interests of mega corporations and their lobbyists are not fully represented in Washington any longer. Imagine how hard it will be to continue to bring in the billions of dollars and multimillion dollar salaries of the execs, if they cannot have Washington help them out by "slightly" tipping the scales of justice their way via a few conveniently placed laws here and there.
Seems to me like this guy is the real deal for us poor schlobs who have to go to work every day, but the small group that is reaping most of the benefits of the current situation is trying to bury him before we all notice what we have in front of us.
By the way, it seems like while Ron Paul has one of the smallest budgets(what corporation will donate to him when he won't sleep with them after he gets elected), he also has one of the biggest grassroots movements, and it's most prevalent online for some reason.
So, this is Ron Paul a candidate that is so Radical, that he actually wants to re-establish things as they were meant by the constitution. Sad, isn't it, when a candidate that wants to restore the government according to constitutional rules is called an extreme radical by the mainstream politicians /media.
Edit:
Found an exact copy of the page that CNN took down:
http://www.drawball.com/cnn-removed-this.html
Ron Paul is the most credible, straightforward, and revolutionary presidential candidate in a very long time. He is a revolutionary, as sad as this will sound, because he will not do anything that is not allowed by the constitution. He is a revolutionary because he does not participate in today's Washington's grab-ass politics, so much so that his colleagues have nicknamed him "Dr. No", as if that would be an insult given what the political process has become in this country.
This man is the only candidate that has dared raise the point that terrorists attacked us because of our own international affairs policies. He clearly talked about CIA warnings about "blowback" which is a term used to refer to the repercussions that come against us when we decide to meddle with other nation's internal affairs. He clearly stated that Bin Laden was not only trained by us, but openly declared war(jihad) against the US for the crimes of invading, and then staying for over 7 years in the "holiest of Islamic lands, the Arabian Peninsula", and killing over a million Muslims over those 7 years. Hmmm, maybe we did go into their neck of the woods and killed a whole bunch of their people, didn't we? But when a presidential candidate dares to say it, morons like Rudy dare to ask him to retract the statement and apologize for it, regardless of the fact that Dr. Paul was speaking based on historical facts, and many of the findings of the 9/11 commission, which by the way, Rudy did not seem to have read at that point. Some other candidates went as far as asking to remove him from all future debates because of the "damage" that his statements were causing to the Republican Party.
It seems like in every debate, Ron Paul is the only candidate that stands out of the crowd and has new ideas on how to correct the government which was supposed to represent the people, but has lost its way. Yet the media outlets just find flaws on his statements or absolutely ignore him in hopes he will vanish. The latest travesty was what CNN did after tonight's presidential debates. It seems like after several minutes of absolute (close to 90%) support for Ron Paul in the "Who won the debate", they have now mysteriously shown the results of the "Who won the debate" for the democratic debate that occurred a few days ago. The small text at top is correct for each debate, yet the actual results on the bottom are all for the democratic. Luckily, some people has the old posts and have posted them in this forums. It seems like over 90% of responders said Ron Paul won, and then CNN had a "glitch".
It has been debated that the reason the media outlets want to bury him is because he does not have the funds to run an expensive TV campaign, so they are trying to maximize their profits. While this could be true(absolutely wrong, but media companies are businesses, and some corporations have done much worse than that in order to maintain profits), I think they are more scared about the long term effects when the interests of mega corporations and their lobbyists are not fully represented in Washington any longer. Imagine how hard it will be to continue to bring in the billions of dollars and multimillion dollar salaries of the execs, if they cannot have Washington help them out by "slightly" tipping the scales of justice their way via a few conveniently placed laws here and there.
Seems to me like this guy is the real deal for us poor schlobs who have to go to work every day, but the small group that is reaping most of the benefits of the current situation is trying to bury him before we all notice what we have in front of us.
By the way, it seems like while Ron Paul has one of the smallest budgets(what corporation will donate to him when he won't sleep with them after he gets elected), he also has one of the biggest grassroots movements, and it's most prevalent online for some reason.
So, this is Ron Paul a candidate that is so Radical, that he actually wants to re-establish things as they were meant by the constitution. Sad, isn't it, when a candidate that wants to restore the government according to constitutional rules is called an extreme radical by the mainstream politicians /media.
Edit:
Found an exact copy of the page that CNN took down:
http://www.drawball.com/cnn-removed-this.html
Monday, June 04, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day
It was with a sense of wonder the people stood and stared. It was a great relief that they no longer had to be scared.I looked down at the faces of the parents and their children in the crowd. I felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Today I felt so proud.
To be a soldier and to fight for my country, family and life, I would choose to do it again…and bear the stress and strife.
Not a day goes by I don’t think of the losses and the pain. Not a night goes by that I don’t miss my family and feel the strain.
Each day I slug through the difficult weather and hard terrain to go another mile into enemy land…then, the rain clouds part and I see the rainbow.
The promise that greets my tired and gritty eyes and fills them with salty tears. Suddenly I am five again and experience the world through childish eyes and ears.
I long for the comfort of my loved ones arms and ache for a loving touch. I miss my parent’s concerned faces and wish I could see them so much.
The job I am doing is important and the strength of my conviction frees me. It helps me through the darkest nights and doesn’t let the fear of death seize me.
The war is ending, we hear through the lines and through the radio. We all feel such joy and yet so much sorrow. Sorrow for all the fallen comrades who will never again feel the warmth of the sun. Those who would never touch their countries soil or bask in a job very well done.
I’ve seen their bodies lifted out to make that long final journey home at last. Full well knowing that they have already gone home and this life is in the past.
Upon reaching home’s shore, I will hug my loved one’s to me and say: "I am so very glad to be home with you, at last, today.” I know that deep inside, despite all my joy, I will have a part of me that says… “To my fallen friends, I will be thinking of you now and always.”
Poem by: SilverCeltic Moon
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Boris Yeltsin Dead at 76...
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin addresses the People's Congress as the sculpture of the founder of the Soviet state Vladimir Lenin is seen in the background in Moscow in 1991 in this file photo. Yeltsin, who buried the Soviet Union then led Russia through its chaotic first years of independence, has died, the Kremlin said on Monday. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin/Files (RUSSIA) [READ MORE]
Saturday, April 21, 2007
5 Ways to Alienate Your Audience...
"All the great speakers were bad speakers first."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
5 Ways to Alienate Your Audience
By Virginia Avery
When you make a presentation, whether it's a report to the board of directors, a speech to the Kiwanis Club, or a major talk at a conference, it is vitally important to captivate your audience and make them want to listen to you. Yet when you hear some people speak, you would think their purpose is to bore, frustrate, and alienate. By learning how to avoid the things that will put your audience off, you increase your chances of getting your message across, impressing your boss, being asked to speak again, and/or finding new customers.
Just last month, I attended a conference where I saw a perfect demonstration of how to alienate an audience. The speaker had lots of platform experience, but his presentation was most memorable for the mistakes he made - the kind of mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
Though he didn't make every mistake in the book, he sticks in my mind as an example of the last person I would ever pay attention to... mainly because of his attitude. It appeared that his main reason for being there was to tell us how wonderful and successful he was.
And that is the first way to lose your audience:
1. Being Self-Centered Rather Than Audience-Centered
This is your speech - so you should be able to brag, boast, cajole, or rant if the mood suits you. Right? After all, if not to learn more about you, your products, your company, and your importance, why did they ask you to speak? So thinks the self-centered speaker.
An audience-centered speaker, by contrast, is concerned with giving value, providing a solution to a problem, or inspiring the group to take a particular action. In addition, the audience-centered speaker involves his audience with less lecturing and more interaction.
Today's audiences are sophisticated and knowledgeable. Approaching your talk from your listeners' perspective by asking yourself, "How can I make this clear and helpful to them?" assures they'll be more receptive to what you have to say. Plus, each group you speak to will be different - so seeing your topic through their eyes will help you keep your material fresh and interesting.
2. Winging It
If there ever was a recipe for presentation failure, failing to prepare is it. No matter how well you know your subject, it is difficult to decide which direction to go in when you are facing a group. In fact, the more you know about your subject, the more difficult it can be to make a coherent presentation on the spot... because your mind will be focused on whether you should make this point or that point.
Watching a presenter who is winging it is painful. I recently watched one who was so obviously unprepared, it was embarrassing. And, of course, since he didn't know what he was going to say, he took longer to say it, running over his allotted time.
You should always prepare for a presentation. This includes researching your audience, their concerns, and the reason they are attending that particular presentation. Speakers who don't prepare lack focus, organization, and ultimately lack a compelling message... which wastes everyone's time.
Do the opposite: Prepare by researching your audience and their stance on your topic. Then think about the main point you want them to remember one week later, and build your presentation around it.
3. Staying Stock Still... or Hiding Behind the Lectern
Many presenters seem to think there's no point in moving, smiling, or altering their voice. (It might jar the audience awake.) But stiffness, lack of body flexibility, and lack of movement all contribute to a boring presentation. I've heard this referred to as the "Dan Rather School of Speaking."
You see, we are hard-wired to pay attention to movement - especially if it is purposeful. Gestures, vocal inflection, and facial animation help deliver your message. When you fail to use expression, your message falls flat.
No matter how well crafted your words are, it takes energy and "life" to instill interest. The mind tends to reject information it deems boring.
To encourage people to pay attention, come out from behind the lectern.
Move with purpose.
Address different people in your audience.
Most of all, deliver your message with enthusiasm. If you don't care about what you're saying, neither will your audience.
4. Using Many Words to Say Very Little
I remember eagerly anticipating a famous author's presentation. I had read some of his books, and knew I was going to glean gems of wisdom from his talk.
Imagine my disappointment when this author put up 15 Power Points for us to consider, and pretty much just read them to us. No pertinent examples to flesh out each one. Just superficial statements I could have constructed myself.
A list of points is no more a presentation than a grocery list is a meal. It doesn't nourish the mind. Instead, take three of your most important points, or even one, and elaborate. Tell stories to show your audience some interesting tidbit or background, provide examples of a point in action, explain why you consider that point to be so important.
Today's audience is looking for enlightenment and entertainment. To give them value in exchange for their time, forget lists and platitudes. Describe the meaningful experiences you've had, explain the meaning of the data you are providing.
In other words, give your audience your insights, your thoughtful opinions, and your stories. That's what they have come to hear.
5. Disregarding Time Limits
You might have heard that when Woodrow Wilson was asked how long it took for him to prepare a one-hour speech, he said "one week." But when asked how long it took for him to prepare a two-hour speech, he said "I'm ready now!" That's because it takes more preparation to speak well when you are given less time.
It's a simple courtesy to end on time - especially if another speaker is waiting in the wings. One way to be sure you finish on time is to prepare only enough to fill 70 percent of your allotted time. (A speech often takes longer when you're facing an audience than it does in practice.)
You should also decide ahead of time what you will omit if you run out of time. If you must cut something from your presentation, cut an example, a supporting point, or a story. Never cut your introduction or conclusion.
To keep from alienating your audience, beware of repeating these five presentation sins. Stand apart from the majority of speakers by having the courage to do the reverse of what they do. The important points you make will be remembered.
[Ed. Note: Virginia Avery is a communications specialist who has trained thousands of individuals to make more dynamic presentations. Become more confident and persuasive in just two days with her Presenting Yourself Professionally workshop.
Have a question about how to make your presentations stronger? Write to Virginia at ReaderFeedback@gmail.com. Include your full name and hometown, and we may print your question and Virginia's response in a future issue of ETR.]
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
5 Ways to Alienate Your Audience
By Virginia Avery
When you make a presentation, whether it's a report to the board of directors, a speech to the Kiwanis Club, or a major talk at a conference, it is vitally important to captivate your audience and make them want to listen to you. Yet when you hear some people speak, you would think their purpose is to bore, frustrate, and alienate. By learning how to avoid the things that will put your audience off, you increase your chances of getting your message across, impressing your boss, being asked to speak again, and/or finding new customers.
Just last month, I attended a conference where I saw a perfect demonstration of how to alienate an audience. The speaker had lots of platform experience, but his presentation was most memorable for the mistakes he made - the kind of mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
Though he didn't make every mistake in the book, he sticks in my mind as an example of the last person I would ever pay attention to... mainly because of his attitude. It appeared that his main reason for being there was to tell us how wonderful and successful he was.
And that is the first way to lose your audience:
1. Being Self-Centered Rather Than Audience-Centered
This is your speech - so you should be able to brag, boast, cajole, or rant if the mood suits you. Right? After all, if not to learn more about you, your products, your company, and your importance, why did they ask you to speak? So thinks the self-centered speaker.
An audience-centered speaker, by contrast, is concerned with giving value, providing a solution to a problem, or inspiring the group to take a particular action. In addition, the audience-centered speaker involves his audience with less lecturing and more interaction.
Today's audiences are sophisticated and knowledgeable. Approaching your talk from your listeners' perspective by asking yourself, "How can I make this clear and helpful to them?" assures they'll be more receptive to what you have to say. Plus, each group you speak to will be different - so seeing your topic through their eyes will help you keep your material fresh and interesting.
2. Winging It
If there ever was a recipe for presentation failure, failing to prepare is it. No matter how well you know your subject, it is difficult to decide which direction to go in when you are facing a group. In fact, the more you know about your subject, the more difficult it can be to make a coherent presentation on the spot... because your mind will be focused on whether you should make this point or that point.
Watching a presenter who is winging it is painful. I recently watched one who was so obviously unprepared, it was embarrassing. And, of course, since he didn't know what he was going to say, he took longer to say it, running over his allotted time.
You should always prepare for a presentation. This includes researching your audience, their concerns, and the reason they are attending that particular presentation. Speakers who don't prepare lack focus, organization, and ultimately lack a compelling message... which wastes everyone's time.
Do the opposite: Prepare by researching your audience and their stance on your topic. Then think about the main point you want them to remember one week later, and build your presentation around it.
3. Staying Stock Still... or Hiding Behind the Lectern
Many presenters seem to think there's no point in moving, smiling, or altering their voice. (It might jar the audience awake.) But stiffness, lack of body flexibility, and lack of movement all contribute to a boring presentation. I've heard this referred to as the "Dan Rather School of Speaking."
You see, we are hard-wired to pay attention to movement - especially if it is purposeful. Gestures, vocal inflection, and facial animation help deliver your message. When you fail to use expression, your message falls flat.
No matter how well crafted your words are, it takes energy and "life" to instill interest. The mind tends to reject information it deems boring.
To encourage people to pay attention, come out from behind the lectern.
Move with purpose.
Address different people in your audience.
Most of all, deliver your message with enthusiasm. If you don't care about what you're saying, neither will your audience.
4. Using Many Words to Say Very Little
I remember eagerly anticipating a famous author's presentation. I had read some of his books, and knew I was going to glean gems of wisdom from his talk.
Imagine my disappointment when this author put up 15 Power Points for us to consider, and pretty much just read them to us. No pertinent examples to flesh out each one. Just superficial statements I could have constructed myself.
A list of points is no more a presentation than a grocery list is a meal. It doesn't nourish the mind. Instead, take three of your most important points, or even one, and elaborate. Tell stories to show your audience some interesting tidbit or background, provide examples of a point in action, explain why you consider that point to be so important.
Today's audience is looking for enlightenment and entertainment. To give them value in exchange for their time, forget lists and platitudes. Describe the meaningful experiences you've had, explain the meaning of the data you are providing.
In other words, give your audience your insights, your thoughtful opinions, and your stories. That's what they have come to hear.
5. Disregarding Time Limits
You might have heard that when Woodrow Wilson was asked how long it took for him to prepare a one-hour speech, he said "one week." But when asked how long it took for him to prepare a two-hour speech, he said "I'm ready now!" That's because it takes more preparation to speak well when you are given less time.
It's a simple courtesy to end on time - especially if another speaker is waiting in the wings. One way to be sure you finish on time is to prepare only enough to fill 70 percent of your allotted time. (A speech often takes longer when you're facing an audience than it does in practice.)
You should also decide ahead of time what you will omit if you run out of time. If you must cut something from your presentation, cut an example, a supporting point, or a story. Never cut your introduction or conclusion.
To keep from alienating your audience, beware of repeating these five presentation sins. Stand apart from the majority of speakers by having the courage to do the reverse of what they do. The important points you make will be remembered.
[Ed. Note: Virginia Avery is a communications specialist who has trained thousands of individuals to make more dynamic presentations. Become more confident and persuasive in just two days with her Presenting Yourself Professionally workshop.
Have a question about how to make your presentations stronger? Write to Virginia at ReaderFeedback@gmail.com. Include your full name and hometown, and we may print your question and Virginia's response in a future issue of ETR.]
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Sicko Michael Moore is at it again...
Why doesn't this scumbag Michael Moore just move to Cuba? I certainly wouldn't mind, and I'm sure the Castro brothers would love to take his money.
You might want to read this before eating your breakfast...
April 15, 2007 -- Filmmaker Michael Moore's production company took ailing Ground Zero responders to Cuba in a stunt aimed at showing that the U.S. health-care system is inferior to Fidel Castro's socialized medicine, according to several sources with knowledge of the trip. [Read more]
You might want to read this before eating your breakfast...
April 15, 2007 -- Filmmaker Michael Moore's production company took ailing Ground Zero responders to Cuba in a stunt aimed at showing that the U.S. health-care system is inferior to Fidel Castro's socialized medicine, according to several sources with knowledge of the trip. [Read more]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)