Is ANWR Still Too Pristine?

This cell phone photo was taken this morning at an undisclosed Sunoco gas station in Philadelphia.

1. At over $4/gallon, can we afford to keep voting for ‘no drill’ Democrats?

2. Where is the outrage from the Dems regarding the outsourcing our energy products? In 2004, the Dems were screaming about the outsourcing of American jobs…why the silence regarding the ‘outsourcing’ our energy sector jobs? If we want our clothing to be “Made In America”, why not our energy?

Is ANWR Still Too Pristine?

This cell phone photo was taken this morning at an undisclosed Sunoco gas station in Philadelphia.

1. At over $4/gallon, can we afford to keep voting for ‘no drill’ Democrats?

2. Where is the outrage from the Dems regarding the outsourcing our energy products? In 2004, the Dems were screaming about the outsourcing of American jobs…why the silence regarding the ‘outsourcing’ our energy sector jobs? If we want our clothing to be “Made In America”, why not our energy?

Skye @ RightWingNews

I have been cordially invited to guest blog this Tuesday, July 1st, at the world class website: RightWingNews. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to write a post for this website.

My reaction to the news of my invitation:

Photo By Neocon.

Sunday’s with Ferris

Kevin Ferris, a talented columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer has pointed the spotlight on a plan to actually FIX problems in our healthcare, economy and tax code. A real plan, with a framework and goals, to address the problems we face in today’s America. I’ve always believed it was better to fix a problem, then to change it.

Republican’s Plan To Take On The Big Stuff

Shhh. Listen. Hear that? It’s a pulse. Faint, but there. An actual sign of life, one that could allay the fears of many about the state of Republicans in Congress. The blip comes courtesy of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), ranking member of the House Budget Committee. He has decided to forgo conventional wisdom about laying low on policy proposals while campaigns are in progress and offered ideas to secure the long-term fiscal and economic health of the country.

U.S. Rep Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has submitted for public review a Roadmap For America’s Future . This comprehensive plan addresses issues on runaway spending and economic growth, healthcare portability, and our complex tax code. It is a lofty plan, yet it is a start towards fixing problems instead of changing the issues.

Is it the perfect document, no. Is it a start on the road to a better future for our nation, yes. Constructing and publicizing this plan has puts something tangible on the table regarding today’s issues facing America, more so than the nebulous buzzword of ‘Change’ that has infected this election cycle.

Kayaking on the Schuylkill

Today I had the great pleasure to participate in a Kayak tour of the Schuylkill Banks organized by Hidden River Outfitters. The weather was perfect for an hour of kayaking on the river, starting at the Walnut Street Bank and paddling towards the famous Fairmount Waterworks.

Being no stranger to water sports as a PADI certified scuba diver and whitewater rafting enthusiast, I jumped at the chance to try my hand at this ‘urban’ style kayaking. After an introduction to safety issues and kayaking skills, the group was fitted with life jackets and we headed to the kayaks.

The Schuylkill (Dutch meaning: hidden river) winds through 128 miles of Pennsylvania terminating in the Delaware River. The portion of the river I was kayaking on flows through the center of downtown Philadelphia. We were kayaking through a canyon composed of steel and glass. The sound of cars traveling across bridges and highways echoed through this urban canyon as we drifted silently along the river.

For the first half of the journey along this river, I struggled to control my kayak. Fighting the movement of the kayak by abruptly reverse paddling to make course corrections and stabbing the water with my paddles to move forward. These actions expend your energy and you quickly find yourself going nowhere fast. A bit frustrated, I rested my paddles on my lap, sipped some bottled water and watched the guides as they moved past me. They paddled along with a rhythmic, gentle movement that allowed for easy course changes and power when needed. Let me give that a try and see what happens I thought to myself as I picked up my paddles. The difference was everything.

Finding my paddling groove, I began to relax and take in the scenery as we came upon the Fairmount Waterworks. A spectacular scene unfolded with the beautiful neoclassical facade of the Waterworks and Boathouse row in the distance. The Zoo Balloon was visible from our spot on the river as well. We could have lingered all day, but all too soon we had to head for the dock.

The scenery on the way back was just as spectacular with the city’s skyscrapers framing the skyline as we paddled back to the dock. More than once on my way back, I considered getting waterproof casing for my camera gear. As I glided though the sun sparkled water, I marveled at the peacefulness of this activity which is smack in the middle of an urban jungle. I’ve travelled the world enjoying this type of water sport and here I find it has always been in my backyard.

I am aware of the tragic death that has occurred on this river and my condolences go out to the family of the victim. Kayaking is a safe and enjoyable water activity. However, accidents do happen. Always remember to follow safety instructions, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated while on the water and you will have a safe and fun kayaking experience.

Happy Kayaking Everyone!

Skye @ RightWingNews

I have been cordially invited to guest blog this Tuesday, July 1st, at the world class website: RightWingNews. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to write a post for this website.

My reaction to the news of my invitation:

Photo By Neocon.

Sunday’s with Ferris

Kevin Ferris, a talented columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer has pointed the spotlight on a plan to actually FIX problems in our healthcare, economy and tax code. A real plan, with a framework and goals, to address the problems we face in today’s America. I’ve always believed it was better to fix a problem, then to change it.

Republican’s Plan To Take On The Big Stuff

Shhh. Listen. Hear that? It’s a pulse. Faint, but there. An actual sign of life, one that could allay the fears of many about the state of Republicans in Congress. The blip comes courtesy of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), ranking member of the House Budget Committee. He has decided to forgo conventional wisdom about laying low on policy proposals while campaigns are in progress and offered ideas to secure the long-term fiscal and economic health of the country.

U.S. Rep Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has submitted for public review a Roadmap For America’s Future . This comprehensive plan addresses issues on runaway spending and economic growth, healthcare portability, and our complex tax code. It is a lofty plan, yet it is a start towards fixing problems instead of changing the issues.

Is it the perfect document, no. Is it a start on the road to a better future for our nation, yes. Constructing and publicizing this plan has puts something tangible on the table regarding today’s issues facing America, more so than the nebulous buzzword of ‘Change’ that has infected this election cycle.

Kayaking on the Schuylkill

Today I had the great pleasure to participate in a Kayak tour of the Schuylkill Banks organized by Hidden River Outfitters. The weather was perfect for an hour of kayaking on the river, starting at the Walnut Street Bank and paddling towards the famous Fairmount Waterworks.

Being no stranger to water sports as a PADI certified scuba diver and whitewater rafting enthusiast, I jumped at the chance to try my hand at this ‘urban’ style kayaking. After an introduction to safety issues and kayaking skills, the group was fitted with life jackets and we headed to the kayaks.

The Schuylkill (Dutch meaning: hidden river) winds through 128 miles of Pennsylvania terminating in the Delaware River. The portion of the river I was kayaking on flows through the center of downtown Philadelphia. We were kayaking through a canyon composed of steel and glass. The sound of cars traveling across bridges and highways echoed through this urban canyon as we drifted silently along the river.

For the first half of the journey along this river, I struggled to control my kayak. Fighting the movement of the kayak by abruptly reverse paddling to make course corrections and stabbing the water with my paddles to move forward. These actions expend your energy and you quickly find yourself going nowhere fast. A bit frustrated, I rested my paddles on my lap, sipped some bottled water and watched the guides as they moved past me. They paddled along with a rhythmic, gentle movement that allowed for easy course changes and power when needed. Let me give that a try and see what happens I thought to myself as I picked up my paddles. The difference was everything.

Finding my paddling groove, I began to relax and take in the scenery as we came upon the Fairmount Waterworks. A spectacular scene unfolded with the beautiful neoclassical facade of the Waterworks and Boathouse row in the distance. The Zoo Balloon was visible from our spot on the river as well. We could have lingered all day, but all too soon we had to head for the dock.

The scenery on the way back was just as spectacular with the city’s skyscrapers framing the skyline as we paddled back to the dock. More than once on my way back, I considered getting waterproof casing for my camera gear. As I glided though the sun sparkled water, I marveled at the peacefulness of this activity which is smack in the middle of an urban jungle. I’ve travelled the world enjoying this type of water sport and here I find it has always been in my backyard.

I am aware of the tragic death that has occurred on this river and my condolences go out to the family of the victim. Kayaking is a safe and enjoyable water activity. However, accidents do happen. Always remember to follow safety instructions, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated while on the water and you will have a safe and fun kayaking experience.

Happy Kayaking Everyone!

Dems are Sexy?

The less I say on this matter…the better.

Any comments from the peanut gallery?

West Chester Rally 6-28-08

A sunny day greeted this merry band of patriots. We had an outstanding showing, with a new face from the Knights of Columbus. The flags and signs were greeted with numerous honks from passing cars. As we continue to stand on the corner of West Chester, the honking and thumbs up increases from the motorists. It is such a great response from the public, which thrills our supporters and annoys our detractors.

Ah, life is sweet in West Chester -thanks to all the Sheepdogs who steadfastly stand in support of our troops and our Nation.

Your very humble blogger, along with two brilliantly talented individuals, has crafted the video posted below. This video has been entered into the RNC Convention Video contest:

I love this sign – it puts everything in perspective:

With the Mehdi Army dissolving as I type this, can we take surrender off the table regarding the War on Terror?

This is an increasingly common sight in West Chester, Pa. A motorist thanking a Sheepdog for standing in support of our troops and America:

Another common occurrence in West Chester, Pa: Sarah Bones, an interloper from the other side:

For those who came late to the party: There’s an informal agreement that we Americans (Sheepdogs) will not mix with the “peace protesters” and they would not mix with us.

Well a “peace treaty’ is only as good as desire for peace on either side, their honesty in entering into such an agreement and their integrity in meeting their obligations under a peace agreement. Today Chester County Peace Movement, Veterans For Peace, Karen Porter and John Grant failed (yet again) to live up to both the spirit and letter of the agreement.

There is strong evidence that it was willful blindness rather than an honest mistake. The elderly woman with the tape recorder and professional looking camera was a CCPM ally. She’s Sarah Bones, an “Indy Media journalist”. Truth is that they are propagandists for the other side. To disarm people, they lie and say they don’t have a side in an issue they interview you about. They are as honest and truthful John Grant would be….if John Grant were ever honest and truthful.

Here’s two links, the first makes it clear she’s “Indy Media” and second link shows that the Philadelphia Indy media Center was one group that were sent Porter’s plea for reinforcements her planned Faux Flag Day. My suspicion is that Grant forwarded Porter’s email, either way it’s the same thing, CCPM=VFP and VFP=CCPM. Philly Indy Media is part of that side, not ours and certainly not neutral.

Philly IMC Photojournalist Sarah Bones Exhibition

https://barcelona.indymedia.org/es/2006/06/24960.shtml

Flag Day in Chester County: calling all colors

http://www.phillyimc.org/en/node/68884

I look forward to her report on Philly IMC.