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Greetings Freeper Friends, I hope that someone might be able to help me out or guide me to a source where I might find answers. A few years back, at the height of the economic turmoil, I had to do something drastic; I changed my career of some 20-plus years from a graphic designer and art director to a nurse's aide. It was a big move down the economic ladder. I did this because of the lack of the stability in my field; I could no longer recruit new clients and, when I did work for folks, I could not...

I was recently on a hike with my son's Naval Jr. ROTC unit. I spent a lot of time chatting with my son's instructor, a retired Naval Commander. Normally, when I hear slang or jargon that I am unfamiliar with I am not too shy to ask what it means. However, if one understands the context of what such terminology means then there is no reason to actually stop a conversation. Anyway. the commander used a phase, I believe it meant to do what is absolutely the least possible to acquire an objective or to achieve rank? I believe the...

WASHINGTON — The Air Force fired the general in charge of its nuclear missiles on Friday, just two days after a Navy admiral with top nuclear weapons responsibilities was sacked. Both men are caught up in investigations of alleged personal misconduct, adding to a cascade of turmoil inside the nation’s nuclear weapons force. The Air Force removed Maj. Gen. Michael Carey, a 35-year veteran, from his command of 20th Air Force, responsible for all 450 of the service’s intercontinental ballistic missiles. Carey, who took his post in Wyoming in June 2012, will be reassigned pending the outcome of an investigation...

Turning to my FRiends for some medical guidance. I had a couple of quick questions in advance of seeking medical advice; I have what appear to be budding bunions. Actually my condition came on slow and seems to be advancing very quickly and, currently, it is affecting only one foot. First some background: I am 48 years old in and very good health. About 2 years ago our business ~ a graphic design, web and marketing enterprise that I started with my wife 10 years ago ~ went south with the rest of the economy. We normally had contracts to...

I have two cats; one, Guinness, is a four year old female, the other, Finnegan, is a two year old male. They have always lived indoors. We also have an outdoor cat, Thatcher, who lives in our barn and has a pretty good life. She walked onto our farm 3 years ago and seemed to have been dumped. She smelled of powders and domestication when she came onto the scene. We gave her some space in our barn and she seems to enjoy herself. We have a small house. In my opinion, as the guy who cleans out the litter...

Campaigners in Japan are asking people to grow sunflowers, said to help decontaminate radioactive soil, in response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster that followed March's massive quake and tsunami. Volunteers are being asked to grow sunflowers this year, then send the seeds to the stricken area where they will be planted next year to help get rid of radioactive contaminants in the plant's fallout zone. The campaign, launched by young entrepreneurs and civil servants in Fukushima prefecture last month, aims to cover large areas in yellow blossoms as a symbol of hope and reconstruction and to lure back tourists. "We...

Every now and then, there comes a congressional race so fraught with history and symbolism that it becomes as much about sending a message as winning a seat. This year, Republicans are looking to hit the trifecta in the Senate. As things stand now, they are well within striking distance of winning President Obama's old seat in Illinois and Vice President Biden's former perch in Delaware, and of toppling Majority Leader Harry M. Reid in Nevada. "I call them the trophy seats," said Sen. John Cornyn (Tex.), who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Winning all three would affirm a...

At least I have to give politico some credit, while I felt that such a story existed, I admit that I was surprised that it was reported on. This poor woman is probably going to get "the treatment" from the most open and transparent administration in American history.

Go to www.krla870.com and "listen live" I caught the live show this AM and it was pretty good with a humorous interview of Jason Mattera, then Clint Howard. Some discussion of Obama's lifting of the offshore drilling ban, which was pretty much identified as a scam by Miller's listeners. Really enjoyed the Clint Howard interview with insider tales of his appearances on Andy Griffith, Star Trek and Rock and Roll High School!! I think that interview was in hour two?

In a recent e-mail to a tenuously connected liberal cousin, I had included an exchange which poked fun at global warming. My note was forwarded and replied to by another lefty cousin, who mentioned scientific consensus, the veracity of the NYT and the troubles at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Does anyone else think of Vancouver as NOT necessarily being the "greatest of all venues for winter sports? Think Seattle, Washington. My cousin's note also invokes Clarence Darrow. Below is my yet as unsent response. It is fairly dripping with snarky commentary. Do I dare to send it?

A little fun for a Friday Night. 2 great soul singers! One amazing song! Points scored or deducted for hair, costumes, lipsyncability, presence and overall cool. You decide. Have at it.

CREST HAVEN – Cape May County Freeholders on Tuesday, Jan. 26 were set to pass a resolution asking that the Diocese of Camden reconsider its intention to close Wildwood Catholic High School which is located in the community of North Wildwood. Director Daniel Beyel said, “It would normally be outside the scope of the Board to express any opinions or voice any statements pertaining to the policy or decision making of the Roman Catholic Church. However, the recent decision of the Diocese of Camden to close Wildwood Catholic High School has such far reaching implications to Cape May County that...

Natural wonders never cease! I was just splitting firewood. It is about 20 degrees with a 10 to 15 degree chill factor, and noticed a spark come off the head of my ax while I spilt one particular log. I examined the log, but did not find any metal in the wood. Is it possible that a spark can be generated from steel to wood contact. I have split a lot of wood in my day and I have to say that I have never had this occur previously ~ ever. Has anyone else? Theories?

Off the political topic, I also greatly respect the opinion of FReeper FRiends in other areas; what is your favorite Dusty Springfield tune?

Taking advantage of a lull in the healthcare debate, the Senate Thursday began considering a nearly $450 billion fiscal 2010 spending omnibus package in an effort to complete most of the fiscal year's appropriations business in the next few days. Senate action on the measure -- which includes six fiscal 2010 appropriations bills but not the Defense bill -- came after the House passed the package 221-202 earlier Thursday. The Senate will consider the legislation this weekend because Republicans are blocking a consent agreement to complete the measure early next week. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Thursday evening filed...

What is the standard cycle of elected representatives meeting with their constituents at townhalls. I think this normally follows some kind of general schedule? When will they have to face us again?

Obama Says Having A “Triumphant Sense” About War Was A Mistake… Is He Rewriting History? President Barack Obama says he'll know by the end of 2010 if his Afghan strategy is working. Obama tells CBS' "60 Minutes" that he will change direction if the US military is not on course "in terms of securing population centers" from Taliban militants. Asked by CBS’s Steve Kroft why he was even setting a deadline, Obama said that otherwise “the message we are sending to the Afghans is, ‘It's business as usual. This is an open-ended commitment.’ When Kroft suggested that Obama seemed to...

I first have to admit to the fact that I am a total and complete pop culture drop-out; I have never seen an episode of "Sponge Bob", I didn't know what "I'd hit it." meant for the longest time and I really hadn't a clue about who Paris Hilton was, nor what she had done to become so incredibly famous. A word to the wise, DO NOT google Paris Hilton and if you do, make sure the kids are out of the room. Anyway, my daughter, who is 8 years old, came home from a playdate signing Taylor Swift songs....

Some of last nights results, pre-recorded from this AM. In our first hour we were joined by Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List. Our second hour featured comedian Brian Regan. Closing out the hour Amy Bach the author of "Ordinary Injustice" to talk about her book. The third hour we had Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers Coach to talk about all thing basketball. Then photographer, Ian Shive, who has an excellent coffee table book, "The National Parks: Our American Landscape", Dennis really gives this book a big thumbs up.

New Jersey independent gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett shows in an interview with Hugh Hewitt that he doesn't know what corruption is, but he at least doesn't recognize it when he sees it with Jon Corzine.