The 2-year old Obama/anti-Christmas/Holiday Tree email is circulating again.
The official White House Christmas tree has been selected and it's coming from Northeast Wisconsin. White House staff visited a tree farm owned by Tom and Sue Schroeder in Neshkoro Monday morning. The couple owns Schroeder's Forevergreens. ✧ White House Grounds Superintendent Dale Haney, responsible for selecting the Christmas tree(s) for the White House, referred to the tree as, "...the focal point for Christmas for the White House." Read more at Urban Legends/KXAN.com...
And, after public outcry, the good news is that the Obama Administration decided to delay its Christmas tree tax while the Department of Agriculture reconsiders its order. But what's troubling is that, had this story not come to light, and had Americans not spoken out, yet another tax -- another mandate from the federal government -- would have been imposed on industry and the American people without their knowledge.
Read More......
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Reagan's 1981 Christmas Address
President Ronald Reagan, Christmas Address, 12/23/1981
Morning Bell: Remembering the Providential Gift of America
From THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION/FOUNDRY/Morning Bell, 12/24/2010
Christmas, 1776.
Summer had begun with strong declarations of noble ideals, but by winter the cause of liberty seemed to be at low ebb. Having suffered defeat after defeat, many had all but given up hope. It looked like freedom would succumb yet again, as it had throughout history, to the forces of authoritarianism and tyranny.
Then, on Christmas Day, 1776, a small band of colonial forces under the command of Gen. George Washington, having retreated all the way from New York, again crossed the Delaware River and brought battle at Trenton, New Jersey. Washington not only won the battle but regained the initiative and turned the war in the patriots’ favor. One week later, Washington defeated the British at Princeton and forced the enemy to withdraw, preventing its advance on Philadelphia, seat of the Continental Congress.
When it announced itself to the world in 1776, the United States of America was little more than an alliance of 13 small colonies on a barren continent, thousands of miles from their ancestral homeland, surrounded by hostile powers.
Now, well over two centuries after winning independence from the British Empire, America is the freest, wealthiest, most powerful nation on Earth. Along the way it established sovereign nationhood, settled a continent and more and brought unprecedented prosperity to its citizens. It survived a devastating Civil War that threatened its very life, abolished slavery and raised up the emancipated to be citizens equal to their one-time masters. It triumphed in two world wars fought on foreign soil and a decades-long struggle against worldwide communism that, 20 years ago, led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and collapse of the Soviet Union.
What accounts for this monumental success? The founding of the United States was indeed revolutionary. But not in the sense of replacing one set of rulers with another, or overthrowing the institutions of society. John Adams queried:
What is truly revolutionary about America is that, for the first time in history, these universal ideas became the foundation of a system of government and its political culture. Because of these principles, rather than despite them, the American Revolution culminated not in tyranny but a constitutional government that has long endured.
To this day, 233 years after Washington and his men crossed the Delaware, these principles–proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and promulgated by the Constitution–still define us as a nation and inspire us as a people. These principles are responsible for a prosperous, just nation unlike any other. They are the highest achievements of our tradition, a beacon to those who strive for freedom but also a warning to tyrants and despots everywhere. Because of these principles, not despite them, America achieved greatness.
The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson later recorded, was “neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, [but] was intended to be an expression of the American mind.”
As Americans, our aim must be a clear expression and forthright defense of the nation’s principles in the public square so that they become, once again, an expression of the American mind. Despite constant scorn by academic elites, political leaders and the popular media, most Americans still believe in the uniqueness of this country and respect the Founders’ noble ideas. They may fail a test of particulars – quick: when did Washington cross the Delaware? – but they overwhelmingly want to know about this nation and its meaning.
We must give voice to all those who have not given up on their country’s experiment in self-government, have not concluded the cause of liberty and limited constitutional government is lost and have not accepted America’s decline as inevitable.
The goal must be to restore the liberating principles of the American Founding as the defining public philosophy of our nation. As it was for most of American history, so it can be again.
The joy of this wonderful season is about new beginnings and the eternal promise of redemption. We Americans have the immeasurable benefit, the providential gift, of having inherited a great country.
We must never forget its confidence, optimism and promise, its endless capacity for renewal, are contained in our dedication to the enduring principles of liberty with which all men are endowed by their Creator.
May you and yours have a merry and blessed Christmas. Read More......
Christmas, 1776.
Summer had begun with strong declarations of noble ideals, but by winter the cause of liberty seemed to be at low ebb. Having suffered defeat after defeat, many had all but given up hope. It looked like freedom would succumb yet again, as it had throughout history, to the forces of authoritarianism and tyranny.
Then, on Christmas Day, 1776, a small band of colonial forces under the command of Gen. George Washington, having retreated all the way from New York, again crossed the Delaware River and brought battle at Trenton, New Jersey. Washington not only won the battle but regained the initiative and turned the war in the patriots’ favor. One week later, Washington defeated the British at Princeton and forced the enemy to withdraw, preventing its advance on Philadelphia, seat of the Continental Congress.
When it announced itself to the world in 1776, the United States of America was little more than an alliance of 13 small colonies on a barren continent, thousands of miles from their ancestral homeland, surrounded by hostile powers.
Now, well over two centuries after winning independence from the British Empire, America is the freest, wealthiest, most powerful nation on Earth. Along the way it established sovereign nationhood, settled a continent and more and brought unprecedented prosperity to its citizens. It survived a devastating Civil War that threatened its very life, abolished slavery and raised up the emancipated to be citizens equal to their one-time masters. It triumphed in two world wars fought on foreign soil and a decades-long struggle against worldwide communism that, 20 years ago, led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and collapse of the Soviet Union.
What accounts for this monumental success? The founding of the United States was indeed revolutionary. But not in the sense of replacing one set of rulers with another, or overthrowing the institutions of society. John Adams queried:
What do we mean by the American Revolution? The revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people. . . . This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people, was the real American Revolution.Our revolution was about the ideas upon which a new nation was to be established. Permanent truths “applicable to all men and all times,” as Abraham Lincoln later said, proclaimed that principle rather than will would be the ultimate ground of government.
What is truly revolutionary about America is that, for the first time in history, these universal ideas became the foundation of a system of government and its political culture. Because of these principles, rather than despite them, the American Revolution culminated not in tyranny but a constitutional government that has long endured.
To this day, 233 years after Washington and his men crossed the Delaware, these principles–proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and promulgated by the Constitution–still define us as a nation and inspire us as a people. These principles are responsible for a prosperous, just nation unlike any other. They are the highest achievements of our tradition, a beacon to those who strive for freedom but also a warning to tyrants and despots everywhere. Because of these principles, not despite them, America achieved greatness.
The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson later recorded, was “neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, [but] was intended to be an expression of the American mind.”
As Americans, our aim must be a clear expression and forthright defense of the nation’s principles in the public square so that they become, once again, an expression of the American mind. Despite constant scorn by academic elites, political leaders and the popular media, most Americans still believe in the uniqueness of this country and respect the Founders’ noble ideas. They may fail a test of particulars – quick: when did Washington cross the Delaware? – but they overwhelmingly want to know about this nation and its meaning.
We must give voice to all those who have not given up on their country’s experiment in self-government, have not concluded the cause of liberty and limited constitutional government is lost and have not accepted America’s decline as inevitable.
The goal must be to restore the liberating principles of the American Founding as the defining public philosophy of our nation. As it was for most of American history, so it can be again.
The joy of this wonderful season is about new beginnings and the eternal promise of redemption. We Americans have the immeasurable benefit, the providential gift, of having inherited a great country.
We must never forget its confidence, optimism and promise, its endless capacity for renewal, are contained in our dedication to the enduring principles of liberty with which all men are endowed by their Creator.
May you and yours have a merry and blessed Christmas. Read More......
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Potential breakdowns in homeland security protections
THE HILL, 12/26/2009 - Congressional hearings will begin in January to investigate the alleged attempted bombing of a Northwest Airlines flight just before touching down in Detroit on Christmas Day, as top lawmakers voiced concerns about potential breakdowns in homeland security protections. Read more at The Hill...
Read More......
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The gift of not giving
Solid proof that Uncle Ralph wasted his money. WASHINGTON POST, 11/25/2009 by George F. WIll (Hat tip: John H. Detweiler) - Another huge, value-destroying hurricane is about to slam America, destroying billions of dollars of value. Another Katrina? No, another Christmas. ∴ This voluntary December calamity is explained in a darkly amusing little book that is about the size of an iPhone. "Scroogenomics: Why You Shouldn't Buy Presents for the Holidays" comes from a distinguished publisher, Princeton University Press, and an eminent author, Joel Waldfogel of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton business school. He says that the crux of Yuletide economics, which common sense suggests and research confirms, is:
- Gifts that people buy for other people are usually poorly matched to the recipients' preferences. What the recipients would willingly pay for the gifts is usually less than the givers paid. The measure of the inefficiency of allocating value by gift-giving is the difference between the yield of satisfaction per dollar spent on gifts and the yield per dollar spent on the recipients' own purchases. Read more at the Washington Post...
Friday, January 25, 2008
Santa comes to town
From BCRW December 2007 post
Daily Barometer NEWS, November 30, 2007
Do not become alarmed by a large sparkled tree or a man dressed up in a Santa suit running around the MU quad today. It's the College Republicans showing OSU a little Christmas spirit.
"We saw that there weren't really any Christmas events happening, so we decided to put one on," said Reece Hrizuk, the state chairman of the College Republicans and a junior in political science.
"We want to wish our goodwill to all of OSU!"
Throughout the day, Hrizuk will dress up as Santa while wishing students, faculty, staff and anyone else a "Merry Christmas!"
Included in the display will be a Christmas tree, as well as the gift of candy canes for anyone who wants them.
"I think it's a great idea," said Cameo Cheung, a freshman in forest products and marketing. "I am a little disappointed OSU doesn't have as many non-Christian events, but it's not the end of the world. I personally love Santa, and Christmas trees smell great," she said.
Hrizuk, who put on the event last year as well, says that it is only meant to be an enjoyable event, not one to stir up religious controversy.
"If someone else of another religion wants to do a holiday event in the quad, like celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, we'd support them in it. The more holidays the better!" Hrizuk said.
"[The College Republicans] just happen to be mostly Christian, so we thought we'd share Christmas with everyone this year." Read More......
Daily Barometer NEWS, November 30, 2007
Do not become alarmed by a large sparkled tree or a man dressed up in a Santa suit running around the MU quad today. It's the College Republicans showing OSU a little Christmas spirit.
"We saw that there weren't really any Christmas events happening, so we decided to put one on," said Reece Hrizuk, the state chairman of the College Republicans and a junior in political science.
"We want to wish our goodwill to all of OSU!"
Throughout the day, Hrizuk will dress up as Santa while wishing students, faculty, staff and anyone else a "Merry Christmas!"
Included in the display will be a Christmas tree, as well as the gift of candy canes for anyone who wants them.
"I think it's a great idea," said Cameo Cheung, a freshman in forest products and marketing. "I am a little disappointed OSU doesn't have as many non-Christian events, but it's not the end of the world. I personally love Santa, and Christmas trees smell great," she said.
Hrizuk, who put on the event last year as well, says that it is only meant to be an enjoyable event, not one to stir up religious controversy.
"If someone else of another religion wants to do a holiday event in the quad, like celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, we'd support them in it. The more holidays the better!" Hrizuk said.
"[The College Republicans] just happen to be mostly Christian, so we thought we'd share Christmas with everyone this year." Read More......
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Santa comes to town
Daily Barometer NEWS, November 30, 2007
Do not become alarmed by a large sparkled tree or a man dressed up in a Santa suit running around the MU quad today. It's the College Republicans showing OSU a little Christmas spirit. "We saw that there weren't really any Christmas events happening, so we decided to put one on," said Reece Hrizuk, the state chairman of the College Republicans and a junior in political science. "We want to wish our goodwill to all of OSU!" [Emphasis added]Read More......
Throughout the day, Hrizuk will dress up as Santa while wishing students, faculty, staff and anyone else a "Merry Christmas!"
Included in the display will be a Christmas tree, as well as the gift of candy canes for anyone who wants them.
"I think it's a great idea," said Cameo Cheung, a freshman in forest products and marketing. "I am a little disappointed OSU doesn't have as many non-Christian events, but it's not the end of the world. I personally love Santa, and Christmas trees smell great," she said.
Hrizuk, who put on the event last year as well, says that it is only meant to be an enjoyable event, not one to stir up religious controversy.
"If someone else of another religion wants to do a holiday event in the quad, like celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, we'd support them in it. The more holidays the better!" Hrizuk said.
"[The College Republicans] just happen to be mostly Christian, so we thought we'd share Christmas with everyone this year."
Friday, November 23, 2007
Vet families get a serving of hope for holidays
One News Now, November 23, 2007, Ed Thomas wrote,
Retail giant Wal-Mart has made a substantial donation to "Fisher Houses" on 36 U.S. military installations and VA medical centers in order to help provide a brighter Christmas for military families.Meanwhile...Fisher Houses provide a place for family members to stay free-of-charge so they can be close to service members who are hospitalized. Wal-Mart spokesperson Shannon Frederick says a $350,000 gift from the corporation will fund decorations for the Fisher Houses and gifts for families staying in them. The corporation also donated $100,000 for a new facility to be built at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. "So we're rolling out 'Operation: Deck The Walls,'" explains the retailer's spokeswoman. "It's a multi-city program. We're providing gifts, monetary donations, and Christmas decor to the military families who are in these Fisher Houses during this holiday season," says Frederick.
Two-day events are scheduled for locations across the country. On the first day, Wal-Mart associates will decorate and give gifts to families, and facility managers will be brought to store locations on the second day in order to buy up to $5,000 of resources for their Fisher Houses. Frederick says they are doing this to honor the sacrifices of military members in all services, including those employee citizen soldiers from Wal-Mart.
Frederick says, "Supporting the military is very important to our company." She also notes that Wal-Mart currently has more than 3,000 associates on a military leave of absence.
According to USA Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights group, is giving Wal-Mart (WMT) a red "do not buy" rating in its new consumer guide, bestowing a lump of coal on the retail giant just in time for the holiday shopping season. Citing Wal-Mart's refusal to offer domestic partner benefits to its gay and lesbian workers, the HRC said Tuesday that the USA's biggest private employer has "more work to do in furthering equality." It advised gays and their supporters to shop elsewhere.Read More......Wal-Mart rated a red 40 on a scale of 100, down from a yellow 65 in 2006. It was among 54 companies that scored 45 or lower in HRC's 2008 Corporate Equality index, which assigns ratings to 519 large companies. Also in the red: Toys R Us, RadioShack (RSH) and AutoZone (AZO).
Wal-Mart rival Target (TGT) rated a "green" 80, meaning that "consumers should make every effort to support these businesses."
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Cookies anyone?
Received via email
November 15, 2007
Just click on the name of a cookie and the recipe will open in a new screen.
1-2-3 Cookies 7 Layer Cookies Allie Nelson's Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies Almond Crescent Shortbread Amish Sugar Cookies Andies Candies Cookies Angel Crisps Angenets Applesauce Cookies Apricot Fold-Overs Aunt Edy's Molasses Crinkles Auntie Linda's Ginger Gems Bakeless Dream Cookies Banana Drop Cookies Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World Biscotti Biscotti Blueberry Cookies Boiled Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies Bronwnies Brown Sugar Shortbread Brownie Cookies Brownie Delight Brownies Buccaneer Snowballs Buried Cherry Cookies Butter Cookies Butter Nut Balls Butterballs Butterscotch Haystacks C.O.P. Cookies Candy Cane Cookies Candy Cookies Caramel Shortbread Cheesecake Brownies Cherry Buns Cherry Crowns Cherry Winks Chewies Chewy Noels Chinese Chews/Haystacks Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Chip Meltaways Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies Chocolate Christmas Trees Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares Chocolate Crinkles Chocolate Mint Snow-Top Cookies Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (no bake) Chocolate Snowball Cookies Chocolate Streusel Bars Chocolate Sundae Cookies Chocolate Walnut Crumb Bars Choco-Scotch Crunchies Choose A Cookie Dough Recipe Christmas Crackers Christmas Crunch Bars Christmas Ginger Snaps Christmas Macaroons Christmas Mice Cookies Christmas Shaped Cookies Church Window Cookies Coconut Cookies Congo Squares Cookie in a Jar Corn Flakes Cookies Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Cowboy Cookies (oatmeal) Cream Cheese Cookies with Apricot Filling Crème De Menthe Chocolate Squares Crème Wafers Crescent Cookies Crispy Crunchies Date Nut Balls Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies Diabetic Peanut Butter Cookies Disgustingly Rich Brownies Doodles Double chocolate chip cookies Double-Chocolate Crinkles Eatmore Cookies Eggnog Cookies Elizabeth's Sugar Cookies Elves Quick Fudge Brownies Emily Dickinson's Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Emily's Best Brownies Famous Oatmeal Cookies Firemen Cookies Fluffy Shortbread Cookies Forgotten Cookies Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Fruit Cake Cookies Fruitcake Squares Fry Pan Cookies Gems Ginger Cookies Ginger Crinkles Gingerbread Baby Gingerbread Cookies with Butter Cream Icing Gingerbread Men Gingerbread Men Ginny's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Glory's Golden Graham Squares Glory's Sugar Cookies Gramma Chapman's chocolate coconut drops Grandma Elsie's Zimt (cinnamon) Cookies Grandma J's Butter Cookies Grandma Olson's Parkay Cookies Great Grandmothers Sugar Cookies Gum Drop Cookies Gumdrop Gems Haystack Cookies Ho-Ho Bars Holiday Cereal Snaps Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies Holiday Raisin Walnut Bars Holly Cookies Hungarian Cookies (Little Nut Rolls) Ice Box Cookies Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Italian Cookies Jacob's Peppermint Snowballs Jam Bars Jessica's Famous Brownies Jessie's Chocolate Chip Cookies Jubilee Jumbles Juliet's Peanut Butter Blossoms Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies Kentucky Colonels Kiefle (cream cheese cookies with jam filling) Kifflings Kiss Cookies Lacy Swedish Almond Wafers Lemon Angel Bar Cookies Lemon Bars Lemon Cake Cookies Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Lemon Squares Linzer Tarts Log Cabin Cookies Luscious Lemon Squares M&M Cookies Magic Cookie Bars Melt in Your Mouth Cutout Sugar Cookies Melting Shortbread Meme's Cream Cheese Cookies Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies Mincemeat Cookies Mincemeat Goodies Molasses Cookies Molasses Forest Cookies Molasses Sugar Cookies Mom Mom's Crescent Cookies Mom-Mom's Ginger Cookies Mom's Nutmeg Sugar Cookies Mom's Old Fashion "Puffy" Sugar Cookies Monster Cookies Moravian Christmas Cookies Nana's Famous Soft Southern Cookies Nitey Nite Cookies No Bake Chocolate Cookies No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No-Bake Cookies Norwegian Sugar Cookies Nut Balls Oatmeal Bars Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Nut Cookies Oatmeal Coconut Crisps Oatmeal Cookies Oatmeal Scotchies Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Dunk Ooey Gooey Squares Orange Slice Cookies Parking Lot Cookies Peanut Blossoms Peanut Butter Bars Peanut Butter Blossoms Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies Peanut Butter Chewies Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut butter fingers Peanut Butter Reindeer Peanut Butter Surprises Peanut Marshmallow Cookies Pecan Puff Cookies Peppermint Snowballs Peppernuts Persimmon Cookies Persimmon Cookies Petey's Yummy Spicy Almond Thins Pfeffernuesse Pffefferneuse Cookies Pineapple Filled Cookies Pizzelles Potato Chip Cookies Potato Flake Cookies Praline Cookies Praline Strips Pterodactyl Nests Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Chip Cookies Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Pumpkin Cookies Queen Biscuits Quick Cookies Raised Sugar Cookies Raisin Filled Oatmeal Bars Raspberry Meringue Bars Really Peanutty Butter Cookies Reese`s Brownies Reese's Peanut Butter Bars Rich Flavor Christmas Cookies Rich Lemon Bars Ricotta Cheese Cookies Royal Almond Christmas Bars Rudolph Cinnamon Cookies Russian Tea Cookies Russian Teacakes Samantha & Kelsey's Chocolate Chip Cookies Sand Art Brownies Santa Claus Cookie Pops Santa Claus Cookies Santa's Butterscotch Melts Santa's Shorts Santa's Special Squares Scotch Cakes Scotch Shortbread Scotcharoos Scotcheroos Seven Layer Cookies Short Bread Cookies Shortbread Skor Squares Snicker Doodle Cookies Snickerdoodles Snickerdoodles Snow Balls Sour Cream Apple Squares Sour Cream Christmas Cookies Special K Cookies Spice Cookies Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Spritz Cookies Stained Glass Window Cookies Stir & Drop Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Read More......
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