This'n'That; December 12th[Guns;Glbl Wrmg;Military]

Gun Sales I live in the city [Rochester, NY] but in my line of work, I spend varying amounts of time in the surrounding counties. Today I bought one of the small weekly papers, the Times of Wayne County [next county east of Rochester]. The "above-the-fold" headline is "County gun sales, pistol permits skyrocketing" A gunshop owner said that 35-40% of his clientele are women and that the numbers are increasing dramatically!! Wayne County Sheriff's Department normally processes an average of five pistol permits per week. During the past several weeks, permit applications have risen to 8 to 10 A DAY !! My guess is a combination of: Mister Obama's ANTI-GUN stance and the State of New York is considering raising the permit fee from the current $124 to a possible $500-800!! Those with a clean record applying for a pistol permit in Wayne County can expect to complete all the rigamarole and have a permit in about a month. In Monroe County [Rochester] it takes from 9 months to a year. They Threw Us A Bone That liberal Rochester rag, the Demagogue and Comical, threw all conservatives a bone today. They actually published an article that supported the military serving in Afganistan!!! It was a story about eleven soldiers who had earned the Silver Star, the second-highest award for bravery. Two others were awarded the Bronze Star, the next step down in medal hierarchy. Believe it or not, the article was ON THE FRONT PAGE!!! Normally, they bury any positive military stories-hell, positive stories of any genre, on page kazillion of the last section of the paper. How 'bout That Global Warmin', Huh?? Maybe Algore got it all wrong?? Maybe it really is a cyclical phenomenon?? It SNOWED IN HOUSTON, TX., AND NEW ORLEANS, LA.!! The last recorded snowfall in Houston on Dec 10th was in 1944!! For the first time in nearly four years, [Dec 11th] snow fell across the New Orleans region this morning, with flurries reported on the north shore and in the city, Metairie, Kenner, LaPlace and other parts of the south shore. By around 10 a.m., the snow had mostly stopped, replaced by freezing rain in many places, making driving treacherous. Will you indulge me a bit of a "war story??" Back in 1971 I went back in the Air Force after a 2-1/2 year break. I picked and was assigned to Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, La [NW Louisiana]. That winter [1971-72] it snowed mid-way through January, 1972. At the time I was a Security Policeman doing motor patrol and traffic control. The "powers-that-be" determined that only those on-duty drivers raised north of the Mason-Dixon Line would be authorized to drive patrol cars as long as there was snow on the roads. It lasted a coupla days, then everything was back to normal. Being from the north, it was kinda funny to watch the native Louisianans deal with the snow. Most wanted to and did put themselves into intentional skids and try to recover......MOST DIDN'T!! Til Nex'time.......

This'n'That; December 11th [Paetec;Crooks;Slaughter]

Worse Than I Thought I'm basically a pretty optimistic person....but.....I gotta tellya..... MAYBE the economy IS in worse shape that I thought. I continue to buy stocks and other investment vehicles. The "above-the-fold" headline the local paper was that Paetec Holding Corp [PAET] is giving up the naming rights to the downtown stadium, "Paetec Park." This is where the Rochester Rhinos [soccer] play their home games. Paetec had a $2.3Million, 12 year deal they're reneging on. I bought their stock, albiet a bit early-back in November.... the purchase was at $2.96/share. Anybody checked it lately?? The stock closed yesterday [Wednesday] at $1.37/share. I'm gonna hang with the company; they'll be positioned to advance with a recovering economy. Your Arrogance Is Showing Lemme quote you a "Letter to the Editor:" [Begin Quote] DISTRICT REAPS BENEFITS OF MY HARD WORK The Nov. 30 edition of the Democrat and Chronicle was of particualr interest to me. One excellent editorial discussed the airport improvements paid for by the airlines. This arrangement began in the 1980s when, working with the Frey administration, I got the airport listed as a priority for the FAA. That is why the airlines, and not taxpayers, paid for the airport and are still paying for its upgrades today. Also Section B, Page 1 featured an article on the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system and its tremendous benefit to law enforcement. As a result of funding I provided, Rochester was a trailblazer and moved ahead of other larger metro areas to become the frst city in the northeast to install this technology to make our streets safer. I appreciated seeing the progress report on some of my work! REP. LOUISE SLAUGHTER, Fairport The writer, a Democrat, represents the 28th Congressional District. [End Quote] "Geeze Louise" Slaughter is older'n dirt and our representative for nearly that long. "Geeze Louise".... Can ya be MORE ARROGANT ?? All the work you've done ?? COME-ON !! A cuppla phone calls, then show up for the photo-op. What have you ever done without first guaging the "splash" it would make ?? I can not recall ANY TIME you've come into the district for "nose-to-nose" meetings with your constituents. ....result of funding I provided.... COME-ON !! A martian reading the Demogogue and Comical would assume that you've dug deep into your purse and spent YOUR OWN MONEY !! But we know better don't we "Geeze ??" If that were the case, you'd fund the $800 monthly lease payment on that Buick, now wouldn'cha ?? Ford Motor Company Ford [F] President and CEO Alan Mulally recently went to Washington for bailout negotiations. How come ?? He's been reported as saying Ford doesn't need any bailout money. They had lined up future credit agreements a cuppla years ago in anticipation of this economy. Unless he just went there in case the Treasury "faucet" leaked alittle and he could grab some for the company on his way outa town. The way Washington "whizzes away" cash, Mulally's actions make sense. Time For Another Revolution ??: Who Do These Arschlaches Think They Are? If Mr Mulally WAS SUMMONED by the powers that be.... Rangel, Pelosi, Reid, Dodd, et al, then he shoulda told them to "whiz uppa rope!!!" ABSOLUTELY NO ONE should be grilled by Congressional Committees BEFORE Chris Dodd, Charley Rangel and the rest of the federal GANG OF THIEVES. Crooked Charley is the chair of the House Ways and Means Cmte [that which is charged with writing the nation's tax policy] and is himself, a TAX CHEAT !!! Crooked Charley claims 4 rent controlled NYC apartents AND his DC home as his primary residence. Charley, ya only gitta pick one !! Also, Charley...... Ya gotta report that $75k annual rental income from your Dominican beachfront villa to the IRS-which you conveniently forget to do each year. Chris the Crook is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. Chris the Crook got a "sweetheart deal" from Contrywide Mortgage. Chris the Crook was given a discounted interest rate; discounted origination and closing fees and free a "float-down" option before closing. Chris the Crook has demanded that GM CEO Rick Wagoner resign........ Mister Crook, using your political position for personal gain is patently ILLEGAL, can we expect your resignation forthwith ?? Ya gotta remember: These are ONLY TWO OF THE GANG OF THIEVES, it's the general concensus that the VAST MAJORITY of the federal dictatorial democracy are MEMBERS OF THE GANG..... Til Nex'time......

This'n'That; December 10th[Guns;~Governors;Senate]

NOW, They Do Something The Illinois State Legislature is planning to reconvene on Monday to consider filling Obama's U.S. Senate seat via a special election. A bill will take about two days to deliberate and pass. Governor Rod Blagojevich [D] still has the power to appoint a seccessor to Mr Obama's seat. It's unknown whether he'll try to appoint someone or veto the possible special election bill. Mr Obama, after learning of the incident and arrest, said that he has had "no contact" with Gov Soon-to-be-in-jail-ovich and was unaware of what was going on. Kinda makes ya wonder just who he's "had contact with" given how far he's progressed in politics!! Mr "Mike" Duncan, Chairman-National Republican Cmte, cited Obama's comments on the matter as "insufficient, at best." But on November 23, 2008, his senior adviser David Axelrod appeared on Fox News Chicago and said something quite different.While insisting that the President-elect had not expressed a favorite to replace him, and his inclination was to avoid being a "kingmaker," Axelrod said, "I know he's talked to the governor and there are a whole range of names many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them." Gun Owners, BEWARE! While a member of the Illinois State Senate [1997-2004], Mr Obama opposed letting people use a self-defense argument if charged with violating local handgun bans by using weapons in their homes. The bill was a reaction to a Chicago-area man who, after shooting an intruder, was charged with a handgun violation. There's been some talk in the "Obama circles" that he is in favor of a tax on ammunition as a way to control gun ownership. One tax rate mentioned was 500%!!! "My first priority will be to reinstate the assault weapons ban as soon as I take office. Within 90 days, we will go back after kitchen table dealers, and work to end the gun show and internet sales loopholes. In the first year, I intend to work with Congress on a national no carry law, 1 gun a month purchase limits, and bans on all semi-automatic guns."--Barack Obama, VPC Fund Raiser, 2007. "Gun" Questions For Mr Obama: Does it matter that a 1 gun a month law, along with your registration, carry, ammo and "assault" ban plans will destroy the industry, put small dealers out of business due to tracking and loss of the collector base, and destroy more jobs in the US than Bush lost his entire 8 years? Will you really spend trillions on bailouts to "create and protect jobs" while destroying millions of AMERICAN jobs in the firearms, hunting, gunsmithing, sporting, reloading, sevices, supplies, distribution, retail and manufacturing businesses? APPARENTLY YES! Several Examples Against Gun Control · In 1929 the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, approximately 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. · In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915-1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. · Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, 13 million Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, the mentally ill, and others, who were unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. · China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. · Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. · Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. · Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million “educated” people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. That places total victims who lost their lives because of gun control at approximately 56 million in the last century. Since we should learn from the mistakes of history, the next time someone talks in favor of gun control, find out which group of citizens they wish to have exterminated.” What Did Mr Obama Know And When Did Mr Obama Know It The 76-page criminal complaint refers to the president-elect and his representatives at least 40 times, however. Item No. 99 in the document states that Blagojevich and Harris spoke on Nov. 7 with “Adviser B,” a Washington, D.C.-based consultant presumably working on behalf of the Obama transition team. During the call, Blagojevich indicated that he would appoint a person the complaint identifies only as “Senate Candidate 1” -- presumably a candidate preferred by the Obama administration -- in return for Blagojevich being appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services by Obama. Candidate 1 is generally believed to be Obama insider Valerie Jarrett, who has been mentioned as among the favorites to replace Obama in the Senate. Harris stated “we wanted our [request] to be reasonable and rather than . . . make it look like some sort of selfish grab for a quid pro quo. During the call, Blagojevich stated he was hurting “financially.” And Harris said the “financial security” of the Blagojevich family was an issue. At one point, Blagojevich stated outright, “I want to make money,” according to the indictment. Also discussed during that conference call was a “three-way deal” between the SEIU union, Blagojevich, and Obama. The deal was that Blagojevich would appoint Obama’s preferred candidate, and in return Obama would help Blagojevich win the SEIU appointment to head an organization called “Change to Win.” ChangetoWin.org describes itself as an organization created by “seven unions and six million workers” to “restore the American Dream of the 21st Century.” Harris said the three-way deal would give Obama a “buffer so there is no obvious quid pro quo for [the appointment of Senate Candidate 1]. The criminal complaint states, “Adviser B said that he liked the idea of the three-way deal.” Three days later, the indictment said, Blagojevich told Harris it was unlikely that Obama would name him Secretary of Health and Human Services, or appoint him to be an ambassador, due to the investigation looming over him. The complaint states that Adviser B and another consultant are believed to have participated in a call during which Blagojevich said they were telling him to “suck it up” for two years, and give this “motherf---er [the President-elect] his senator. F--- him. For nothing? F--- him.” Next, states the complaint, Blagojevich says he would appoint another candidate, Senate Candidate 4, “before I just give f---ing [Senate Candidate 1] a f---ing Senate seat and I don’t get anything.” Senate Candidate 4, the complaint states, is a deputy governor of the State of Illinois. Dean Martinez, Bob Greenlee, and Louanner Peters currently serve as deputy governors. During the conversations with Obama’s representatives, Blagojevich repeatedly made it clear he would not agree to name “Senate Candidate 1” to fill the position without a quid pro quo from the White House, if only indirectly, according to the complaint. Blagojevich stated he wanted to make $250,000 to $300,000 annually. The criminal complaint indicates Blagojevich and his staff were confident they could exact something from at least one candidate for the seat, Senate Candidate 5. Senate Candidate 5 is not identified. Based on the complaint, it remains unclear whether any close Obama associate knew that Blagojevich was seeking monetary gain in return for the Senate appointment. It is possible that having such knowledge without reporting it to authorities in a timely way could raise serious legal issues. If nothing else, the complaints represent an embarrassment to Obama given his support for Blagojevich’s gubernatorial reelection bid. Hillary Rob'em Clinton's Senate Seat You might not remember but there was this lady.... a resident somewhere in the New York City area..... who was happily and effectively representing her N.Y. Congressional District [18th], which takes in parts of Westchester County, Queens and the Bronx. In the Spring of 2000 this lady hears the "tinkling" sound of metal-on-metal..... like the sound of silverware not too securely packed in luggage. Rep Nita Lowey [D,NY-18] turned around to find an "overstuffed" pantsuit dragging several 1860s' style carpetbags, themselves "overstuffed" with the taxpayers' official silverware!! Most call her the First Lady, Hillary Rob'em Clinton. For the sake of accuracy, I think she's actually the Seventh Lady on "Slick Willie's" List of Wanton Souls. Mrs Rob'em Clinton, following in that other carpetbagger's footsteps, Bobby Kennedy, was here to find some sort of hovel in the State of New York she could call home. She had every intention of being awarded the Senate seat of retiring Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Mrs Rob'em Clinton was in a hurry to establish residency to ensure she'd be awarded the Senate seat. Where I'm going with all this is..... in haste to award the Rob'em Clinton Senate seat to Mrs Caroline Schlossberg, the public has all but forgotten Nita Lowey... who graciously "rolled over and played dead" so Rob'em Clinton could be awarded the seat that she, Mrs Lowey was actively campaigning for. Mrs Lowey certainly "fell on the sword" in the name of Democrat politics and thus should be strongly considered for the vacating Rob'em Clinton's seat. Til Nex'time........

This'n'That; December 9th [Change;Auto;Others]

We're Getting Change, All Right!! The big promise during the campaign was "Change We Need." That phrase seems ambiguous at best. An integral "tie-in" phrase was "Yes, We Can!!" Seems to me there are a few discrepancies with these statements. First, "change" was never accurately defined; most voters assumed that Obama ment change from the policies of the current administration. No one ever mention WHICH DIRECTION the change would take. There sure will be change!! Second, remember leopards don't change their spots: Where did Obama come from? Illinois, one of the most corrupt political subdivisions on the planet. Their Governor Rod "Soon-to-be-in-jail-ovich" was just arrested [12/09/008] for putting Obama's Senate seat up for sale presumably to Jesse Jackson, Junior-Obama's choice for the post. The Governor wanted jobs and cash for himself and his wife, a cabinet/administration appointment for himself in exchange for his appointment of Obama's preferential candidate for the seat. For the people of Illinois, this is "normal" political activity..... s'pose any of this kinda politicin' rubbed off on Obama?? Be dam' tough to deal with these kinda folks on a daily basis and not have somethin' rub off!! Third, the HUGE capital project spending proposal will not only drive the federal government further into bankruptcy, this condition will affect the American Taxpayer for 5 or 6 generations out into the future. "It creates jobs".... sure does, but only those of a temporary nature; construction, engineering, materials, supervision/oversight. The real benefit is ONLY to Obama, himself. This will position him to be looked upon as the next FDR, only better!! He will have saved the country from a depression much like [he and the general public, thinks] FDR did. Only, FDR DIDN'T [and Obama won't]!! The increased employment required for the U.S. to successfully fight World War II was the catalyst for America's rebound out of "The Great Depression." FDR attempted to combat a high unemployment rate [1933-30%] with the "alphabet" public works projects while Obama is dealing with a comparatively paltry [2008] unemployment rate of 6.7%. Where's the comparison?? Obama wants to spend $BILLIONS or $TRILLIONS on projects while dealing with a rate less than ONE-QUARTER of that of the depression era!!! One of the "Obama Benefits" I referred to is name recognition/continuation and [false] political support. Go to West Virginia some time. Every third public building in the state has the name "BYRD" attached to it. That helped Senator Robert Byrd become the longest serving senator in U.S. history!! Fourth, don't be surprised if the "change" middle and lower class Americans are most familiar with is the "change" left in their pockets after the Obama-supported wealth redistribution!! The "Yes, We Can" phrase seems to have been tossed out the window. Now we're being told that all those pie-in-the-sky promises may not materialize in the near future, maybe not even during Obama's first term. Has the phrase been revised and we've not been told?? Looks like it may be "No, We Can't" or No, We Won't." Auto Industry Bail-outs This is sucha loada crap!!! Why is it currently unexceptable to fail?? Without failure, there's little success. First, the "Big Three" put themselves in the hole they're in, not the American taxpayer or consumer. Lookit this: With the CEOs of GM, Ford and Chrysler going hat-in-hand to Washington, begging for $34Billion in bail-out money; where are the other auto makers?? Even though they're European or Asian companies, no one has heard "a peep" out of Daimler, Honda, Nissan, Toyota or Kia-They manufacture in the U.S...... Are they not eligible for federal bail-out funds?? They provide hundred of thousands of jobs for Americans. Guess what......THEY DON'T NEED TO BE BAILED OUT!!!! When the United Auto Workers Union [UAW] talks about average auto company wages, they're talking about the cash hourly rate, production bonuses, product discounts, health insurance, personal time off, vacation time and sick time. When all these are considered, the average; the AVERAGE.... UAW worker earns [?] $72 per hour in total compensation. The average worker for the Asian and European auto companies in the U.S. earns $44 per hour in total compensation. Can you see where the auto unions [and unions in general] have outlived their usefulness?? Imagine what this 63% higher wage expense adds to the cost of each GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicle sold!! While the Big Three have made great strides in product quality, the foreign auto monikers are light-years ahead in quality..... and at less expense!!! Second, the auto companies including their suppliers produce about three percent of economic output and employ about one million plus. If the Big Three go into bankruptcy, the industry will employ approximately the same amount of people. If they emerge from bankruptcy in a stronger position, it's very likely they'll employ more people than they do currently. If not, then the Asian and European automakers in America will pick up the slack, produce more vehicles and possibly employ alot of the former UAW workers. Third, if the auto companies DO go into bankruptcy, it WILL NOT be the end of the U.S. auto industy. That's pure equine excrement!! Bankruptcy could even be a blessing in disguise; they could emerge in better condition, both financially and with an inproved product line. Previously and currently, the Big Three have made most of their profits with big gas-guzzling SUVs and pickups. This would for a quicker pace to change over to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.[{BANKRUPTCY: Most think that going into bankruptcy is an indication that the company won't survive. It merely means that the company is reorganizing it's finances and operations to repay their creditors without being hasseled for payment}] Fourth, the current $14-16Billion WILL NOT ensure the Big Three's solvency!! General Motors and Chrysler together blow through $2Billion a month, just in normal operations. The money Congress might approve will last a year at most, leaving nothing for product development or operational changes [from TheHill.com]. I don't see where any of these bail-out giveaways in any sector, are subject to any form of oversight. Oh, sure..... somebody is gonna appoint a "Car Czar" sometime..... somewhere down the line!!! Will it be in time to ride herd on OUR MONEY, before it's all "whizzed" away?? We probably gotta wait until it's determined which carkinda guy gave the most to the Obama-biden campaign to have some form of oversight appointed. In that light, I gotta suggestion: Anybody ever hear of this guy named Carlos Ghosn [pronounced: goan]?? Didn't think so. He is a super-intelligent, well-educated dude that has a long history of turning failing companies around. Prior to his arrival at Nissan Motor Company in 1999, the company had lost money for eight of the previous nine years. Mr Ghosn promised that Nissan would make money by the end of his first year or he'd resign!! In fiscal 2000, Nissan earned $2.7Billion profit. [from Investor's Business Daily {IBD} 12/08/008]. Now there's a guy who'd be worth a million-bucks-a-month as a government consultant to the auto industry or even the "Car Czar." He'd save the taxpayer aheluva lot more than he'd be paid. Probably won't happen-I doubt he donated much to the campaign. Dictionary Update: Ok boys and girls, take out your dictionaries. Look up the definition of "democrat." See where it says "liberal??" Ok, cross that word out and write in "progressive." You see, all those Democrat government boobs have and are giving away the federal largess as fast as they can, even to those who don't need or want it. The word "liberal" ain't sittin' too well with the voting public so they've renamed themselves.... you gotit... "Progressives!!" That'll sit better 'til the taxpayer wises up again. Let's Get It Right They ain'no sucha thing as "The Office of The President-Elect." That being said... Mr Obama IS NOT THE PRESIDENT-ELECT!!! If you take out and read your copy of the U.S. Consititution, you'll find the winner of the national election for president is just that...... the winner!! This winner becomes "The President-Elect" on December 15th, after the Electoral College meets and ceritifies the election results. Til then, Mister Obama is..... just that, MISTER Obama.... or Former Senator Obama..... or ex-Senator Obama... BUT NOT President-Elect Obama. Til Nex'time...........

This'n'That; December 8th [EPA;Stauer;Ford]

Got The Feeling You're Being Left Behind? When I slow down enough to give my existance some thought, I end up being depressed with the whole system. There seems to not be a place where I fit into the "national" scheme of things. I live in the State of New York, one of the most crooked, mis-managed states in the union!! The legislature is controlled by Democrats that refuse to do anything the Democrat governor wants with relation to the the state's failing economy and massive government spending. On the national level, depending on the issue at hand, I'm either unrepresented or underrepresented!! We in the Rochester area, are subjected to the whims of "Geeze Louise" Slaughter, older'n dirt and our representative for almost that long. With "Geeze Louise" comes Chuckie [Cheese] Schumer and Hillary Rob'em Clinton. All three of'em never saw a Republican they didn't try to "screw to the wall!!" Chuckie Cheese was one of the folks who, knowing full well that NAFTA would screw the American worker and economy, negotiated it [with "Slick Willie's" approval] as an "agreement" rather than a "treaty." Treaties require two-thirds [67] senatorial approval; executive agreements are undertaken through the President's powers and do not need senatorial approval. Economically Punish Americans [EPA] One part of the oversized, overfat federal conglomerate is the dictatorial Economically Punish Americans [EPA]. A bunch of boobs appointed to positions far above their intelligence, in a unit that does not have to secure congressional approval for their misguided plans and programs. Has anyone heard the latest from the Economically Punish Americans [EPA]? Now they want ANOTHER ANNUAL FEE, this time applied to farmers. Each dairy farmer will be assessed an annual fee of $175 PER COW. Each beef farmer will be assessed an annual fee of $87.50 PER COW. Each hog farmer will be assessed an annual fee of $20 PER PIG. This is all in the name of prevention of "greenhouse gases!!" Since when did the assessment of a fee to a human alter behavior [read "farting"] of an animal?? This time it won't be the "factory farms" tolling the death nell for the family farm-it will be the federal government's quest for the redistribution of wealth via the EPA. Scams By Seemingly Good Companies For the last several months I've been buying Christmas [NOT "holiday"] gifts for family and friends on-line. One of the companies I've been dealing with is the Stauer Company [ www.stauer.com ]. I've ordered from them twice in as many months. Last evening the first item I saw on their website was a FREE 18" strand of cultured pearls!! The price listed was $0.00!! I put them in my "shopping cart" where the price remained $0.00. I then found some sunglasses that would serve a couple of people who need the eye protection and these would fit over their prescription glasses. I put them in my "shopping cart" at a total of somewhere around 78bucks. The total of my "shopping cart" was the same 78bucks, so I went through the check-out process. I entered my delivery info, my credit card info and clicked on "process." In a coupla minutes, I got a receipt that stated that the total was in the neighborhood of 404BUCKS!! I searched the entire website and could find no way to cancel the order. I immediately sent them an email attempting to cancel the order. In payment I had used my bank debit card as a credit card so I couldn't call that 24hour number for Visa Credit Card problems. I sent the bank an email via their website and earlier this morning was assigned a "ticket number" on my complaint. We'll have to wait and see what happens. Right now, ONE THING I know won't happen: Me EVER buying from the Stauer Company EVER AGAIN!!! Thinking that I could have been wrong on the "freeby," I emailed the ad to a friend. She checked it out and couldn't find any small print that indicated that there was a dollar amount qualifier. How 'bout That Ford Stock, Aye On November 19th, I bought Ford [F] at a buck, fifty-seven. I had no idea at that time how the bail-out giveaway would treat the auto industry; I just decided to take "a flier" on an auto stock. Two hours after the market opened [12/08/008] the stock is $3.1601, up 101.3%!! Let'er rip, boys and girls!!!! Something is working for the little guy in this economy!!! Investor's Business Daily If anyone sees an offer for a cuppla days of free papers, jump on it!! I did, and I both enjoyed and profited from the reading. They have a wide perspective on the art of investing; all kinds of helpful charts, articles and tips for success. I'm just sorry I can't afford to be a regular subscriber-a beneficiary of their wealth of information!! Til nex'time.......