Palm Foleo

I gotta get me one of these.



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Joe

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Fred Thompson to File on June 4?

From MSNBC.com First Read:

FIRST THOUGHTS.
*** Enter Number Eleven? Fred Thompson makes it (more) official. According to a campaign source, Thompson will file his FEC papers officially on Monday June 4. In FEC parlance, Thompson is opening a "testing the waters" committee, a technical term that allows Thompson to forgo filing a detailed report on June 30 -- though once he's an official candidate, he'll have to file retroactively. The June 4 filing will be coordinated with a first-day fundraising blitz with 100-plus "First Day Founders" raising a significant one day sum in order to send a we're-in-the-first-tier message. The campaign tells us the "first day" blitz totals they report will be "cash" actually raised, not pledges. The source didn't dispute the notion that the one-day goal would be north of seven figures.

*** His Advantages: If there was ever a time for GOP candidate to come out of nowhere and compete for the nomination, it's now. According to the most recent NBC/WSJ poll, just 53% of Republicans are satisfied with their presidential choices (compared with 78% of Democrats who say they are). In addition, as Business Week reported, there is plenty of uncommitted GOP Ranger/Pioneer money out there for Thompson to gobble up (many of whom were on a conference call yesterday with Thompson). And what's not to like about a plainspoken Southerner who happens to be famous and who hasn't had ties to Washington or the Iraq war since he left Congress in 2002?

*** His Disadvantages: But how does he make up on lost time in building the same kind of infrastructure that McCain and Romney have built in the early primary states? (Frist and Allen staffer refugees can account for some of the staff deficit but not all.) On the issues, how is he any different than the front-runners? (A recent Washington Post story said his record was virtually identical to McCain's.) And is he attracting GOPers' attention because who he isn't -- rather than who he is? What, in short, makes him any different than Wes Clark was in 2003-4, sans the military medals?

Joe

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Hillary "Robin Hood" Clinton

From CBS News.com

This sounds frighteningly like socialism:

(AP) Sen. Hillary Clinton outlined a broad economic vision on Tuesday, saying it's time to replace an "on your own" society with one based on shared responsibility and prosperity.

The Democratic presidential hopeful said what the Bush administration touts as an "ownership society" really is an "on your own" society that has widened the gap between rich and poor.

"I prefer a 'we're all in it together' society," she said. "I believe our government can once again work for all Americans. It can promote the great American tradition of opportunity for all and special privileges for none." That means pairing growth with fairness, she said, to ensure that the middle class succeeds in the global economy, not just corporate CEOs.

"There is no greater force for economic growth than free markets. But markets work best with rules that promote our values, protect our workers and give all people a chance to succeed," she said. "Fairness doesn't just happen. It requires the right government policies." ...

What's next? Robin Hood for President?

Joe

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Romney Would Donate Presidential Salary?

From CBS News.com

(AP) Republican Mitt Romney said he would likely donate his salary to charity if elected president, a financial freedom he described as a byproduct of a successful business career. ...

A former venture capitalist who headed the 2002 Winter Olympics and served one term as Massachusetts governor from 2003 to 2007, Romney is the wealthiest of all the candidates, Democrats and Republicans. His assets are estimated at $190 million to $250 million.

Later, speaking with reporters, Romney said he would likely accept the presidential salary of $400,000 annually but donate the money. While governor, Romney declined his $135,000 annual salary. ...

Romney is expected to report more precise figures on his assets in the coming weeks when he files a financial disclosure report required of all presidential candidates. He sought an extension from a mid-May filing deadline but provided a broad estimate of his wealth.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Romney and his fellow Mormons are expected to donate 10 percent of their salaries to remain members in good standing of the church. ...

[Matt] Lauer, compiling a piece for the morning program, followed up on a student question by asking Romney if he would still support leaving U.S. troops in Iraq if the current level of violence extends into the fall.

"I don't want to forecast for anything other than success," Romney said as he stood before an enormous U.S. flag. "I recognize there are bad things that could happen, and we always have the options available to us then that we have today. ... But if there came a time when there's no reasonable probability of a success of that nature, then obviously I'd reconsider our alternatives."

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Remember.....

Memorial Day means so many different things to so many different people. What does it mean to you?

To some, it's a time to get together, have a picnic, drink a few beers, play some volleyball or (the new yard game of the 21st century) corn hole, and just hang together.

For many others, it's a time to get some flowers and other decorations and head out to the cemetery in honor of loved ones who have moved on. They place flowers, or saddles (as they're called), or other decorative paraphernalia at the final resting place of loved ones.

For yet others, it's a time to remember the many, many, many brave young souls that have been sacrificed for the cause of freedom, liberty, and defense of the nation that meant so much to them. Revolutionary war vets long forgotten, who gave their lives to secure the freedom that we enjoy today. Civil war vets who fought -- many times against their own brothers -- to hold this great nation together. World War I and II vets who fought to defend our nation -- and the world -- from evil tyrants bent on world domination. Vets in the Korean and Vietnam wars, as well as the several other actions that our brave men and women have been involved in to defend those of other nations who were unable (or, in some cases possibly, unwilling) to defend themselves.

And today, of course, our brave young troops who have laid down their lives (and those who continue to risk their lives every day) to protect this great nation and the world from those who would seek to destroy us in the name of some misguided religion. Whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere, it is these brave young souls that are fighting to make the world a safer place not just for us, but for those whom we will leave behind: our children and grandchildren.

Remember these brave troops today as you set out to mark the day in whatever way you choose. If you gather with your family -- whether you are a staunch supporter or objector of the war -- say a prayer of thanks that someone values you and your country so much as to be willing to risk his or her life in the cause of defense. Most of these brave young people have never met you. Yet they're willing to risk their life so that you don't have to.

That, my friend, is what this day is all about. And don't you forget it!

Joe

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President Bush's Weekly Radio Address

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In his weekly radio address President Bush said, “On Memorial Day, we rededicate ourselves to freedom's cause. In Iraq and Afghanistan, millions have shown their desire to be free. We are determined to help them secure their liberty. Our troops are helping them build democracies that respect the rights of their people, uphold the rule of law, and fight extremists alongside America in the war on terror. With the valor and determination of our men and women in uniform, I am confident that we will succeed and leave a world that is safer and more peaceful for our children and grandchildren. ... We also pay tribute to Americans from every generation who have given their lives for our freedom. From Valley Forge to Vietnam, from Kuwait to Kandahar, from Berlin to Baghdad, brave men and women have given up their own futures so that others might have a future of freedom. Because of their sacrifice, millions here and around the world enjoy the blessings of liberty. And wherever these patriots rest, we offer them the respect and gratitude of our Nation.”

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Mitt Romney on Clinton and Obama Votes

I put up a quick post yesterday with Senator John McCain's comments about the votes cast by Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama against the Iraq funding bill. Here is what Governor Mitt Romney had to say:



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Joe

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Average Joe Radio Episode 25: Artist Spotlight -- Scot Longyear

New this week on

Average Joe Radio

Episode Twenty-Five: Artist Spotlight -- Scot Longyear

The long awaited, much anticipated artist spotlight with Independent Christian Artist Scot Longyear is finally here.

Scot talks about his music, his "day job," his motivation, and more.

Plus great music from his album Simple Worship.

Scot Live!
Worship Plus
My Journey
Maryland Community Church
eXchange!

Used with permission from the artist.

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John McCain Speaks Out

The following post is not an endorsement of John McCain for President. It is, however, an endorsement for the kind of attitude he has, and the willingness to speak his mind about the recent vote for funding of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.



This morning, U.S. Senator John McCain issued the following statement on Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Barack Obama's votes against emergency funding for our troops in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan:

"I was very disappointed to see Senator Obama and Senator Clinton embrace the policy of surrender by voting against funds to support our brave men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"This vote may win favor with MoveOn and liberal primary voters, but it's the equivalent of waving a white flag to al Qaeda."

U.S. Senator John McCain has issued the following in response to a statement by Sen. Barack Obama:

"While Senator Obama's two years in the U.S. Senate certainly entitle him to vote against funding our troops, my service and experience combined with conversations with military leaders on the ground in Iraq lead me to believe that we must give this new strategy a chance to succeed because the consequences of failure would be catastrophic to our nation's security.

"By the way, Senator Obama, it's a 'flak' jacket, not a 'flack' jacket."

Joe

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Coming Up On Average Joe Radio

Coming this week on

Average Joe Radio

PROMO

Feedback Line: (206) 600-4JOE

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Coming In Episode 25 -- Scot Longyear

Coming this week on

Average Joe Radio

PROMO

Feedback Line: (206) 600-4JOE

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Podshow PDN {podshow-0642e171de8b13b28bfbefb30d27ea14}

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President Bush's Weekly Radio Address

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In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "This week, my Administration reached an agreement with Republicans and Democrats in the Senate on immigration reform. I thank the leaders in both parties who worked hard to produce legislation that will secure the border, restore respect for the law, and meet the legitimate needs of our economy. This legislation includes all the elements required for comprehensive immigration reform. It will improve security at our borders. It will give employers new tools to verify the employment status of workers and hold businesses to account for those they hire. It will create a temporary worker program. It will help us resolve the status of millions of illegal immigrants who are here already, without animosity and without amnesty. And it will honor the great American tradition of the melting pot by strengthening our efforts to help new arrivals assimilate into our society."

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What's Your Accent?

Just a little fun something for those of us who sometimes take ourselves a little too seriously:

What American accent do you have?
Created by Xavier on Memegen.net

Midland. The Midland (please don't confuse with "Midwest") itself is the neutral zone between the North and South. But just because you have a Midland accent doesn't mean you're from there. Since it is considered a neutral, default, "non-regional" accent you could easily be from someplace without its own accent, like Florida, or a big city in the South like Dallas, Houston, or Atlanta.

Take this quiz now - it's easy!

We're going to start with "cot" and "caught." When you say those words do they sound the same or different?

Different Same Same, no wait I mean different, maybe, a little bit different...

Joe

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Missing My Kids

I got stuck working a fouteen hour day today. Which means I won't see my kids today. My son just called me. His mommy was putting him to be and he wanted me to sing "Old McDonald Had A Farm" to him. So I sang him three verses over the phone. It was nice, but it sure doesn't make up for being there with him, watching Scooby Doo, reading him a story, then tucking him in and singing to him.

Joe

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Why The Dems Want to Lose The War

Something occurred to me the other day as I listened to one of the many bland Democratic candidates for President speak on one of the many national news programs. I can't recall the candidate or the news program that they appeared on, if that says anything about how memorable these candidates are. All I can say for sure is that it was not Hillary Rodham Clinton (she of the recently removed Rodham), and it was a Democrat. I remember that it wasn't Hillary simply because I would remember if it was the only female candidate. I remember that it was a Democrat because he couldn't stop talking about getting out of Iraq.

It occurred to me, while listening to this talking head, just why the Democrats suddenly seem to be in such a rush to pass a funding bill that mandates a withdrawal date from Iraq. Even those who were against it before voting for it before being against it have suddenly come to the conclusion that it is urgent that we get the heck out of Dodge (read Iraq).

Now, they would like the American public to believe that they really have this sense of urgency because they are concerned about the well-being of our soldiers in harm's way. They try to tell us that what the American people want is to have our troops come home (funny, they never asked me what I want). But I don't think their sudden rush to turn tail and run has anything to do with the safety of even one American, military or civilian. If they were really concerned about the safety and well-being of Americans, they would understand the consequences of leaving Iraq with the job undone.

No, that's not what they have in mind at all, in my opinion. Call it an epiphany, but this is what I think: 2009. Yeah, that's right: 2009. The Democrats think that they have a very realistic chance of winning the White House in 2008. They really think that they can do it. And you know what? The last thing any Democrat moving into the White House in January of 2009 wants to have to deal with is war -- especially the war in Iraq. Because this new President would then own the war, and they could no longer call it Bush's war. This new President would then have the responsibility to do what they keep pushing for George Bush to do -- withdraw, give up, admit defeat, run, come home. Even worse, this new President would then be responsible for the consequences of not finishing the job.

As it stands now, no matter what happens -- withdrawal or not -- the Democrats in the House and Senate can pretty safely lay the blame firmly in the lap of President Bush (blame, I say, because they would certainly try to claim the credit of any successes achieved). If they were to somehow force withdrawal, and the inevitable happened (which, depending on whom you ask, could include all-out civil war in Iraq, more trouble in Iran, and more attacks on American soil), Democrats can still say that it's all President Bush's fault. After all, he's the President, and he is ultimately responsible for what happens with American troops, regardless of the prodding demands of a liberal Congress.

However, if we remain in Iraq long enough for a Democrat to move into the White House, it's a totally different story. This new Democratic President would have to make a choice. Withdraw, as they have all been demanding, and be personally responsible for the backlash. Or remain in Iraq, become the target of all the anti's who want us to run and hide, and be responsible for every American life that might be lost in the cause of Liberty.

So don't let the current Democratic candidates for President fool you -- I don't believe that they are really as concerned about the troops currently serving in Iraq as they would have us believe. It is my opinion that they really only care about two things.

1. Winning the White House in 2008 in any way possible;
2. Washing their hands of Iraq before Inauguration Day 2009.

It's all about the politics. It's all about the fact that this isn't George Bush's war. One might be able to argue that it's the President's war, but that also means that it will belong as much to George Bush's successor as it does to him, whether Republican or Democrat. And the last thing any Democrat seeking the White House wants is to actually have to accept responsibility for the war that he or she voted to authorize. They would rather become the heir to a failed nation than to actually be blamed for the failure of their own actions should we admit defeat on their watch.

Joe

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Missing In Action

Sometimes things can just get so hectic in life that it can be difficult to find the time to do the things that we really like to do. For me, that has been blogging.

With all the chaos surrounding my currently inoperable car and trying to get it fixed, as well as the every day stress of everything that goes on at work (plus a meeting in Dayton, Ohio, plus a visit yesterday by our Divisional Vice President), it can sometimes be tough to take the time to sit down and just blog.

I podcast, because I can do that anywhere. Using my Palm Tungsten T3, I can record while I'm driving, while I'm walking, during lunch, anywhere I go, no matter what I have to do. I can record my comments, then later select the music and put it all together. Sure, I could probably use that podcast-mixing time to do some blogging, but I'm committed to an episode a week, and there's some really great music I just have to share.

UPDATES:

So yesterday I went to work hoping to be able to pick up my repaired car after work. I called, and called, and called the mechanic that's doing the repairs for me, and he never answered the phone. During all of this, my District Manager and Divisional Vice President were at my store for a visit (the first time the DVP had ever been to my store). The visit went very well (the DVP said the store looks "great").

After the visitors left to do a performance appraisal, I got into my little rental car (Dodge Caliber: a full review coming soon) and drove to the house of the mechanic that is supposed to be fixing my car. He came to the door armed with excuses. He claims to have a car in his garage on the lift (yes, this guy actually has a lift in his own garage at home) that is waiting on some transmission parts, and can't get mine into the garage yet to begin his work. He expected to have the needed parts for that car today and would call me and let me know how things are going. I haven't heard from him yet today.

My poor wife has something on her face. Or in her eye. Or something. A few days ago, her right eye was swollen and itching. I tried to go get her some Benadryl for it (she has a mild allergy), but she refused. Yesterday, as the problem persisted, she made it out herself to pick up some medicine. Today, the problem remains. In fact, it almost acts like poison ivy now on the right side of her face. Except that she is extremely allergic to poison ivy, and I think if that was the problem it would cover more of her body than just her face. We don't know what it is yet, but we're hoping that calamine lotion will help.

There really hasn't been much more going on. Things have just been so hectic at work since returning from my brief vacation respite that I don't seem to have the time to do much of anything else. Except, maybe, play with the kids and podcast.

Joe

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Average Joe Radio Episode 24: Another Joe?

New this week on

Average Joe Radio

Episode Twenty-Four: Another Joe?

"Land of Lincoln" from "Silent Wings"
by William Brooks
Buy at Magnatune
Video Link


"Before You Know It" from "I Was King"
by Tom Paul
Buy at Magnatune



Download "Ain't Got Love" (mp3)
from "Watching Waiting"
by Todd Carey
High Wire Music
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album



"Code Monkey" from "Thing A Week III"
by Jonathan Coulton
Buy at JonathanCoulton.com
Video Link


"Caffeine & Nicotine" from "Jeremy Rowe"
by Jeremy Rowe
Buy at CDBaby


"Even If I Want To" from "14 Days"
by Plunkeyy
Buy at Magnatune


"Flexible" by Derek Sivers
Download Free at DerekSivers.com



"Halves" from "Between Here and Home"
by David McMillin




Download "Godspeed" (mp3)
from "Earthless - Godspeed (Edit)"
by Earthless
Tee Pee Records
Buy at Tee Pee Records
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album


"Memory Lane" from "A Basement On A Hill"
by Elliott Smith
Buy at iTunes

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Repairs In Progress

I mentioned recently that my car is in the breakdown land with a bad transmission. That's right, I have to go through life backwards, because my car won't go forward.

Seriously, this is a time when being in my career field pays off (so far, it seems). I called around and found that having my existing transmission rebuilt could cost as much as $1400. Buying a transmission that has already been rebuilt would cost me approximately $1000. Picking one up at a junkyard would run me $450 to $500. But a customer I deal with on a regular basis at work was able to procure a used transmission for me for just $200. Admittedly, I'm taking a chance with a used transmission, but I would be taking chances with a rebuilt one, as well. The way I look at it, this used transmission was at least installed in a vehicle at one time and actually worked when it was taken out. A rebuilt transmission has never been tested. And how could I pass up the savings?

And there's more. One of the individuals working at my store does major vehicle repair in his home -- he actually has a garage equipped with a full-service vehicle lift. He'll be replacing the transmission for me. Not for free, of course, but for much less than having it done by a professional repair shop.

All of which left me with the issue of how to get the car from my home to work (a 2-hour drive). My wife's Jimmy has a hitch, but it is not rated for pulling a 3400 pound car. And, we don't have a trailer. Luckily for me, my father-in-law is on vacation, and he left his truck behind. More importantly, he left the keys to his truck with my wife. And my brother-in-law's best friend just happens to have a nice, large trailer that the car would ride on nicely. Did, in fact, ride on nicely as I towed the broken down car into work this morning.

Now I just hope that the repairs are done quickly, and that the transmission I saved so much money on will actually work when it's installed.

Joe

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President Bush's Weekly Radio Address

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In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "Reforming our immigration system is an important opportunity to show that elected officials in Washington can work together to find practical solutions to the problems that matter most. ... I am optimistic we can pass a comprehensive immigration bill and get this problem solved for the American people this year."

Joe

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Tony Blair Announces Resignation

British Prime Minister -- and stuanch Bush administration ally -- has announced his resignation effective June 27, 2007.

What will this mean for American intersts abroad, and in the war on terrorism? Tony Blair has clearly been the strongest ally President Bush has had throughout his administration, even standing with the U.S. at times against the general wishes of Brits in general.

With Angela Merkel in Germany, and the newly elected French President both being pro-America and in favor of repairing ties with the U.S., will the friendship of the British PM become less critical than it has been for years? Will the Brits even choose a new PM that is so pro-American?

And with our own Presidential election to take place in November 2008, how much will the world stage change with so many political changes in the world in such a short time?

It is more important now than ever that you stay focused and aware of what takes place on the world stage and in American politics. We must not put the wrong person in the White House in 2008. Our very future could depend on the outcome of these crucial events.

Joe

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In The Breakdown Lane

Things just never seem to happen at a convenient time. It's the story of my life.

Last night, while driving home from work, I noticed something funny with the way the car was driving. Every time I applied the brakes, it acted like one of the rear breaks was either grabbing to hard or too little, and the back end of the car seemed to pull a little for a moment. I decided to have someone look at it later today.

About five minutes from home, as I pulled to a stop light, I heard a loud clunk sound. Then I couldn't move. Every forward drive gear was completely unresponsive. I pushed the car out of the street, then discovered that I still had reverse. Not that it does me much good -- I can't go around town backwards everywhere I go.

It seems that what I thought was the brakes must have actually been the transmission slipping, or some other related problem. I don't know yet -- I hope to have someone look at it soon. As for now, I'm stuck driving my wife's gas-guzzling SUV to work, and she's stuck stranded at home. I hope to make the situation as temporary as possible!

Joe

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Back To Work

I'm back at work today after a six-day vacation break at home with the family. It's a pretty sad thing, really. As I left the house this morning, I stopped in the hallway just outside my son's bedroom and quietly said "goodbye" to him. Of course, he was asleep and couldn't hear me, but it was a pretty sad moment for me. Vacations are never long enough, and they're especially short when you have a commute as long as I do and go from spending LOTS of time with the family on vacation to hardly any at all when you return to work. I'll probably be a bit bummed about it for a few days.

Joe

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Average Joe on Redstate.com

If you're a Conservative, and you haven't checked out Redstate.com yet, well, maybe you should.

And I've recently joined the Conservative team at Redstate.com. You can find all of my Conservative ramblings at averagejoeblogs's blog | Redstate.

"Wow! It's great to be among the Redstate Conservatives!"

Hop on over there today and check it all out!

Joe

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Quote of the Week

THE GIPPER ON RELIGION AND POLITICS

“Politics and morality are inseparable. And as morality’s foundation is religion, religion and politics are necessarily related. We need religion as a guide. We need it because we are imperfect, and our government needs the church, because only those humble enough to admit they’re sinners can bring to democracy the tolerance it requires in order to survive.” —Ronald Reagan

Joe

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First Flight

Our little girl, who just turned one year old last Thursday, took her first solo steps today! With a little prodding and coaching from mom and dad (and her big brother), she took as many as five steps from daddy to mommy with no assistance (other than daddy being prepared to catch her should she fall). She repeatedly took from two to four solo steps between mom, dad, and brother, before deciding it was time for her afternoon nap. It was a pretty exciting event!

Joe

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Civic Duty

I did my civic duty and cast a ballot in the Primary election. One thing that I did not know about Indiana is that you can vote in whichever primary you wish: Republican or Democrat. This from the Marion County Board of Elections page:

Primary Election day is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May. Indiana primaries are "closed" primaries. When you sign in at your polling place, the clerks will ask you which political party ballot you prefer. You vote for only the candidates on this ballot. In the primary, you will nominate the candidates of your party who will be on the ballot in the general election. If you are 17 years of age at the time of the primary election, and will be 18 before the general election, you may cast a vote in the primary election.

Although I'm a registered Republican, I voted in the Democratic primary, because the most solid candidate for mayor in my town is a Democrat. Rather than waste a vote on a Republican candidate I'm not familiar with, it was more important to ensure that the best Democrat for the job be on the November ballot. This is a Democratic down, and he has done the most for this town as mayor than any of the other Democrats who have held the office over the past billion years.

Joe

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Election Day

It's election day in Indiana for many local elections. If you're registered, get out and vote. If you aren't registered, get and register so you can vote in the next election -- and in the Presidential election in 2008.

Joe

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Average Joe Radio Episode 23: Kidcast #3

New this week on

Average Joe Radio

Episode Twenty-Three: Kidcast #3

My son returns with his own music selections, in the third Average Joe Kidcast.

"Slug Bug" from "Smelly Monkeys"
by The Eggerton Boyz
Buy at Lulu.com


"Art" from "Cookie Cutter Girl"
by Lynn Julian
Buy at CDBaby


"911 Handles All" from "Sing A Song For Safety"
by Rich Palmer
Buy at CDBaby


"Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes"
by My Son



"Trampoline" from "Jam Food"
by Spaghetti Cake
Buy at CDBaby


"Kazoo Rock" from "Low Tide"
by Smallfish
Buy at SmallFishAdventures.com

Feedback Line: (206) 600-4JOE

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Never Enough (Vacation) Time

Vacations never seem to last long enough. Especially when it's a stay-at-home vacation taken just to spend a little time with the family. We had no travel plans for this short (six-day) time away from work: a trip to the zoo, a birthday party for our daughter. We've just spent some quality time at home together.

Today is Day Five of that quality time, and I found myself starting to feel a little bummed out over that this morning. Sitting at the breakfast table with my wife and the kids, I caught myself staring off into space thinking of how I just haven't had enough time this vacation before going back to work. As hectic as things can be spending the whole day at home with an infant and a toddler day after day, it sure is better than spending the entire day at work with infantile adults day after day.

It's back to work on Wednesday, so I better go and make the most of this remaining time with the family. Because there never is enough time.

Joe

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President Bush's Weekly Radio Address - UPDATED

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SORRY, I PUT THE WRONG LINK IN THE ORIGINAL POST.

In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "Earlier this week, I vetoed the bill Congress sent me because it set a fixed date to begin to pull out of Iraq, imposed unworkable conditions on our military commanders, and included billions of dollars in spending unrelated to the war. And on Wednesday, the House voted to sustain my veto by a wide margin. ... I call on Congress to work with my Administration and quickly craft a responsible war spending bill. We must provide our men and women in uniform with the resources and support they deserve. I'm confident that leaders of goodwill can deliver this important result."

Joe

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Baby Birthdays

My little girl turned one year old yesterday. It seems like just yesterday she was born. I took a few days of vacation to be home with the family -- and to make sure I don't miss my daughter's birthday.

We packed up the whole family yesterday and went to the Indianapolis Zoo. It was my daughter's first trip to the zoo, and she really seemed to love the carousel and the Dolphin Tank. She smiled so big while riding the carousel with her mommy, and she couldn't quit jabbering and pointing at the dolphins swimming over and around us in the Dolphin Tank.

She also had ice cream for the first time at Maggie Moo's. It's the same place we took our son for his first taste of ice cream on his first birthday. If you haven't tried Maggie Moo's ice cream, and there's one near you, you really should give it a try. It is absolutely the creamiest, richest (though not too rich) ice cream I have ever eaten. And I've only had it twice -- on my kids first birthdays. Maybe that makes it just a little more special.

Tomorrow is the big birthday part at the park. My wife rented a building and is making the cake herself. I have to say, my wife makes some beautiful, delicious cakes, so I'm really looking forward to it. She's been working on it for about a week now, and it promises to be something really special. We're hoping that the family will all be there for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Joe

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National Day of Prayer

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 3 MAY 2007

On 6 May 1982, Ronald Reagan offered these words: “Today, prayer is still a powerful force in America, and our faith in God is a mighty source of strength. Our Pledge of Allegiance states that we are ‘one nation under God,’ and our currency bears the motto, ‘In God We Trust.’ The morality and values such faith implies are deeply embedded in our national character. Our country embraces those principles by design, and we abandon them at our peril. Yet in recent years, well-meaning Americans in the name of freedom have taken freedom away. For the sake of religious tolerance, they’ve forbidden religious practice in the classrooms. The law of this land has effectively removed prayer from our classrooms. How can we hope to retain our freedom through the generations if we fail to teach our young that our liberty springs from an abiding faith in our Creator?”

History of the National Day of Prayer

• 1775 The First Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer.
• 1863 Abraham Lincoln called for such a day.
• 1952 Congress established NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Truman.
• 1988 The law was amended and signed by President Reagan, to be the first Thursday in May.

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Quote of the Week

THE GIPPER ON WAR

“All of us denounce war—all of us consider it man’s greatest stupidity. And yet wars happen and they involve the most passionate lovers of peace because there are still barbarians in the world who set the price for peace at death or enslavement and the price is too high.” —Ronald Reagan

Joe

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Thank God It's Wednesday!

In the final stretch to vacation. Tomorrow begins a (too short) six-day vacation. Just a little time off to spend with family and get a break from work.

It's also my daughter's FIRST birthday tomorrow. We're going to take her to the Zoo in Indianapolis, then have a birthday party for her in the park on Saturday.

It'll be nice to avoid the hectic rush of commuting two hours to work each day!

Joe

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Average Joe Radio Episode 22: The Best Of...

New this week on

Average Joe Radio

Episode Twenty-Two: The Best of Average Joe

This one's a long one (55 minutes). Low Bandwidth download version (lower audio quality) is available below.

"Rain" from "Filling The Pages"
by Matthew Ebel
Buy at Matthew Ebel.com
Featured in Episode One


"Come Alive" from "Revive"
by Steadman
Download at SteadmanBand.com
Featured in Episode Five: Artist Spotlight


"Upside Down" from "Bob Gentry"
by Bob GentryBuy at BobGentry.com
Featured in Episode Six: Driving to Chicago


"Shine" from "It's About Time"
by Kevin Reeves
Buy at CDBaby
Featured in Episode Seven: Super Bowl Thoughts & Sledding


"Unlikely Messenger" from "Deep Enough"
by Brett Mikels
Buy at BrettMikels.com
Featured in Episode Ten: The Valentine LP


"Redemption" by Kevin Reeves and Ian Baird
Featured in Episode Eleven: New Music!




"7th of September" from "Christopher Dallman"
by Christopher Dallman
Buy at MySpace.com
Featured in Episode Twelve: Housekeeping


"Land of Lincoln" from "Silent Wings"
by William Brooks
Buy at Magnatune
Play Video
Featured in Episode Sixteen: Artist Spotlight


"I Know You're There" from "Beer & Coffee"
by Matthew Ebel
Buy at MatthewEbel.com
Featured in Episode Seventeen: Live or Memorex - Part 2


"Manhattan Street" from "Between Here and Home"
by David McMillin
Featured in Episode Twenty: Time


"Skimming" from "Skimming"
by Mike Errico
Buy at Engine Company Records
Featured in Episode Twenty-One: Raison d'Etre


"Aftermath" from "Good and Reckless and True"
by The Alternate Routes
Buy at Aware Store
Featured in Jersey Joe's Pick To Click

Feedback Line: (206) 600-4JOE

All music, commentary, and download hosting provided by:

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