James the Greater the Apostle, patron saint of laborers.

This is a statue of St. James. It is frequently confused with James the Greater. This statue is in Spain. It is entitled St. James, the Moor-slayer. It is also stated James the Greater body lies in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

It is highly contested this is the body of St. James the Greater (click here). The reasoning frequently is related to the change in majority religions of Spain from the Moors coming from north Africa practicing Muslim to the later the Christians. 

The Christians of Spain were originally from small kingdoms in the northern parts of Spain.
Eventually, Christianity would spread through the peninsula.

The idea that James the Greater was responsible for this change in majority faith in Spain stems from the fact he was rarely mentioned in the Bible. He also is not believed to have authored any books of the Bible. There are two James in the Bible; James the Greater, son of Zebedee and James, son of Alphaeus.

Now, if this seems murky, it is probably because it is. There is a lot of interpretation within the actual books of the Bible. Some of these figures are more or less interpretations and/or validations of people within the writing of the books that exist in the Bible. 

James the Greater is noted in several books of the mainstay of the Bible, Matthew, Mark and John. The best example is Mark 3:17 "to James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, he gave the fresh name of Boanerges, that is, Sons of thunder."

Boanerges in interpretation is "Sons of Thunder." These two men were known to have a fiery temper. It was indicative of the people of that time and place. James the Greater is also called fiery when he demand Jesus prove his power as the "Son of God" by burning down a village. He would also prove a test to his faith along with his mother as they frequently enjoyed the temporal rewards of Christ's kingdom. And Jesus would set them straight by pointing to the fact his kingdom was one of meekness, humility and suffering.

John 18:36 My kingdom is not of this world - Is not an external, but a spiritual kingdom; that I might not be delivered to the Jews - Which Pilate had already attempted to do, Joh 18:31, and afterward actually did, Joh 19:16.

This not about James or anyone else, but, a personal observation. I believe it is that passage most often used in the politics of the south to oppress. Just an observation. 

James the Greater, pictured right, would be the first to be martyred in belief of the faith as Jesus taught it. He was beheaded in 44AD. He wasn't around when the massive change in majority faith changed in Spain, however, there is a window of doubt he would have come to the northern peninsula.

His death is announced in the Bible: 

English Standard Version (ESV)

Acts 12: 1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword,

New American Standard Bible 
Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them.

James beheading occurred at the order of King Herod. Herod was the king of Judea. Judea is south of the Sea of Galilee, just north of the Dead Sea. It isn't really likely James the Greater would have gone to Spain and then come back to Judea.

The only writings attributed to James is this letter, called "The Epistle of James." But it's age is considered about the third century AD. The author James is mostly believed to be a follower of Christ. He mentions patient perseverance and overcoming temptation. It is believed to be addressed to the 12 tribes scattered abroad. This usually means Palestine. If this James traveled it might be he that lay in state in Spain. 

James 1:1

English Standard Version (ESV)

1 James, a servant[a] of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Late 19th and 20th century excavations (click here) under the cathedral have disclosed a Roman-period tomb below the high altar, and a stone inscribed with the names Athanasius and Theodore.

There are many reference to fish and fishing in the New Testament.

...Jesus preached in terms of fishing, (click here) almost echoing Jeremiah when he says to Peter and the other fishermen: —From now on you will be catching men— (Lk 5:11). 

Two miraculous catches of fish are related in Luke 5:1-11 and John 21:1-8). 

All of the gospel writers attest that he fed thousands with fish and bread. 

He compares the kingdom of heaven to a dragnet (Mt 13:47-48). 

He paid taxes with a coin found in the mouth of a fish (Mt 17:27). 

Jesus is depicted as preaching from fishing boats and sailing in fishing boats. The crowds that followed him carried bread and fish (Mk 6:35-40). 

The hungry asked for fish (Lk 11:1). 

Jesus was given fish to eat after his resurrection in Jerusalem (Lk 24:42), and he cooked fish for his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Jn 21:9). 

He traveled to and from places in the company of fishermen. And, most importantly, Jesus choose fishermen for the important job of spreading his word and building his church....

Zebedee

 Hans von Kulmbach is the painter. He lived at the end of the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages was a time when most governance was based in the practice of Christianity of one vernacular or another. It wasn't at all unusual for a King or Queen to justify conquests in the name of God. 

The Royalty of the times were depicted as ornate. Below right is a portrait of King Henry V of England. He died in 1422.  

So, there should be no surprise the paintings of biblical figures were ornate as well. But, according to the Bible Zebedee was a successful fisherman. Fishing and fish are mentioned throughout the New Testament. As a matter of fact the Old Testament names the creatures making it to Noah's arch, but, there were never any mention of fish. Fish in the Bible are considered to be abundant and not in need of godly intervention. Jesus fed the masses with fish, bread and wine. Often that is viewed as a sustenance most of the first Christians understood. 

But, fishermen had means that others necessarily did not. Often the way fishing rights worked was similar to that of sharecroppers in the USA. There was an overlord (a wealthy man) that had purchased the land from a government official of Rome. The Roman governance of this land lie with a family known as Herod. The governor at the time of Jesus it was Herod Archelaus (23 BC - 18AD). I hope this is starting to paint a picture.

Zebedee lived in Bethsaida. That city is visited often by the New Testament. The map to the left is of Bethsaida. It is found in northeast Israel, along the Jordan River where it enters at the north end of the Sea of Galilee. 

Zebedee is an interesting man. He is pictured above with his family. His wife, Salome and his two sons officially known as James the Greater and James the Lesser. The denotation of Greater means older and Lesser means younger. As adults they would later individualize themselves as James and John. 

The name Salome appears in many places in ancient history. No different than the name Herod. It is like a popular female name, but, tends to follow familial blood lines. The Salome referred to Zebedee's wife is not necessarily within the family of Herod, but, I have my suspicions. The apostles were folks closely affiliated with Rome, so whether or not there was a connection is interesting. If there is, that would place Zebedee in a fishing venture provided by his wife's family of Herod. Salome I was the older sister of Herod.

Starting to see the life of Jesus as consolidated to a certain area whereby people of means lived and thrived. In one reading Zebedee is actually stated as having many fishing boats and hiring day laborers. So, the folks Jesus finds as friends are people of means and tied to Rome and the Romans. 

In translation Bethsaida means "House of Fishing."

It's Sunday Night

It's been nine months (click here) since we wrote about the Lynx/Axe body spray ad in which horny angels fall from heaven, but it's apparently taken that long for South African regulators to get a solitary complaint and ban the ad outright. A male Christian viewer complained about the spot, specifically over the idea that angels would forsake their divinity for aerosol cologne. And apparently all it takes is one person's hurt feelings to cancel out months of creative effort. "The problem is not so much that angels are used in the commercial, but rather that the angels are seen to forfeit, or perhaps forego their heavenly status for mortal desires," the regulating body noted in its ruling. "This is something that would likely offend Christians in the same manner as it offended the complainant."

Whitney Houston - Yes, Jesus Loves Me

1. Yes, Jesus Loves Me by Whitney Houston (click here for official website)
2. 
   
3. Jesus loves me! This I know,
   For the Bible tells me so;
   Little ones to Him belong;
   They are weak, but He is strong.
   • Refrain:
     Yes, Jesus loves me!
     Yes, Jesus loves me!
     Yes, Jesus loves me!
     The Bible tells me so.
4. Jesus loves me! This I know,
   As He loved so long ago,
   Taking children on His knee,
   Saying, “Let them come to Me.”
5. Jesus loves me still today,
   Walking with me on my way,
   Wanting as a friend to give
   Light and love to all who live.
6. Jesus loves me! He who died
   Heaven’s gate to open wide;
   He will wash away my sin,
   Let His little child come in.
7. Jesus loves me! He will stay
   Close beside me all the way;
   Thou hast bled and died for me,
   I will henceforth live for Thee.

The insurance companies will be a problem.

The reason the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed in the first place was due to the 'gaming' the insurance companies engaged to 'beat their responsibilities' under contracts. There is no reason to believe that will not continue. There was no 'pledge of honesty or good practice' required by the PPACA. If such a pledge was required there would not be a health care insurance company issuing policies.

The shenanigans will be the same and the rejection of claims will not change. There will be well funded insurance claim agents still serving up deaths of citizens. The difference this time is the patients being served as victims to increase profits have power on their side. It will still continue to require filing for appeals regarding claims and filing complaints with any state's insurance commission. 

None of that frustration will change, as a matter of fact the insurance companies will be more tenacious as ever because the Republicans have painted 'the big mistake' picture of the PPACA. The insurance companies will use that 'tone' in the country to reinforce that understanding to avoid paying claims.

In the state of California, there needs to be real consequences for complaints filed by consumers. If an insurance company is racking up the complaints with the state insurance commission fines need to be levied. The reason? The insurance companies will attempt to overwhelm a state agency and slow down the process to claims. A state agency could become so slow that it will never serve the best interest of the consumer and people will stop filing complaints. The fine facing insurance companies for repetitive and volumes of complaints should be significant. Once a trend is realized by the state the fines should immediately match the monies denied the consumer.

In other words, if a complaint is for $8,000 then the fine should be $8,000. If the insurance company finds it is still less of a liability to pay the fines, then up it to a quarter million per complaint. If that doesn't work and after 25 to 50 complaints a year file charges of fraud against the CEO.

No one said this was going to be easy, but, it certainly may well be a real addition to any state's treasury.

June 28, 2014

By Chad Terhune

Fustration and legal challenges (click here) over the network of doctors and hospitals for Obamacare patients have marred an otherwise successful rollout of the federal healthcare law in California.

Limiting the number of medical providers was part of an effort by insurers to hold down premiums. But confusion over the new plans has led to unforeseen medical bills for some patients and prompted a state investigation.

More complaints are surfacing as patients start to use their new coverage bought through Covered California, the state's health insurance exchange.

"I thought I had done everything right, and it's been awful," said Jean Buchanan, 56. The Fullerton resident found herself stuck with an $8,000 bill for cancer treatment after receiving conflicting information on whether it was covered....

My experience with United Healthcare in 1997 was an example of how they attempt to avoid paying legitimate claims. I suffered an accident regarding my face and had to go to the emergency room. My policy required me to pay $50.00 for an emergency room visit. 

I had to endure a surgical procedure to begin to mend from the accident. I was taken from the ER to a surgical suit and then to a medical floor to recover from anesthesia. What made it worse was the day of the week, it was Sunday. An on-call maxillofacial surgeon had to be called in and the surgical staff as well. It slowed things down a bit. But, even with all that I was discharged from an ER eleven and a half hours later. 

United Healthcare refused to pay the claims. I paid the $50.00 deductible to the hospital and the physicians and anesthesia nurse continued to advocate for payment. They stated they knew it was covered. I provided them a copy of the insurance policy.

Within the policy it clearly stated any ER visit would remain same until 23 hours after ER entrance of the patient. I was well under 23 hours and the surgery was an emergency measure. I had to file a complaint to the state insurance commissioner via USPS Certified Return Receipt. I sent a copy of the complaint to United Healthcare with the same mailing certification. Two days after mailing I received a phone call from my oral surgeon's office stating the claim had been paid in full. End of discussion. 

I don't know why the Former Secretary is being scrutinized for announcement. No one else is being pressured. It's a woman thing.

Women, regardless of age, spend a great deal of time to attend to their attractiveness. Women like be complimented about their appearance and in turn frequently provide feedback to others. All throughout this blog are compliments to people. It is because it shows a quality society thrives on both in social aesthetics and economy. Have a great run for President, Hillary.

Julian Borger

The Guardian 

17 November 2009

...The extravagant (click here) compliments were delivered in an interview with Vogue magazine, which put journalistic objectivity to one side to describe Britain's foreign secretary as "tall and dashing". The interviewer added for good measure: "I got a crush over the phone in about five seconds partly because of his accent."

But he was outdone by Clinton, who responded: "Well, if you saw him it would be a big crush. I mean, he is so vibrant, vital, attractive, smart. He's really a good guy. And he's so young!"

Vogue describes Miliband as smitten too, but in a more buttoned-up way: "She applies intellect but also psychology to the dossiers that she's studying," he said of Clinton. "She's delightful to deal with one on one. She's someone who laughs and can tease, and she's got perspective as well."...

Former Secretary Albright was once asked about gender and serving in office. She stated the one of the differences she found in settling differences the other party would send flowers to mend good will.

(FIFA.com) Friday 20 June 2014

The latest edition (click here) of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking shows some movement in almost every confederation following qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ and for continental championships. 

The top three of USA, Germany and Japan are unchanged and there has been only one alteration in the top ten, with Australia rising to ninth at the expense of Korea DPR (11th, down 2). Close on their heels are China PR (13th, up 3), who have reached their best position since 2011, while Denmark (15th, down 2) are still in freefall, having sunk to their lowest position since the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking was introduced...

ByCRIMESIDER STAFF
AP 
June 27, 2014, 1:20 PM

...Solo pleaded not guilty (click here) to two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence Monday in a Kirkland, Wash., court and was released without bail.

She is accused of assaulting her sister and 17-year-old nephew at her sister's home in suburban Seattle early Saturday, June 21. Her lawyer claims the goalkeeper was a victim in the altercation.

"I understand that, as a public figure, I am held to a higher standard of conduct," Solo said. "I take seriously my responsibilities as a role model and sincerely apologize to everyone I have disappointed."

Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 11....

That is a lie. Perhaps Mr. Lavro needs to read the Ukraine constitution. They are trying to defend it.

Well, lookey thar. A Russian masquerading as a Ukrainian asking Ukraine to kill more Russians at the east Ukraine border. Amazing. Do the Russians at the east Ukraine border realize they are being double crossed by Russia?

A member of a radical youth group demonstrates in front of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's office in Kiev, Ukraine. The demonstrators were demanding an end to the cease-fire in eastern Ukraine.

Staff and wire reports
USA TODAY
12:57 p.m. EDT June 28, 2014
...In televised (click here) remarks Saturday, Sergey Lavro said the U.S. is encouraging Ukraine to challenge Russia. Lavro's comments came a day after the European Union decided against immediately imposing new sanctions on Russian for destabilizing eastern Ukraine....

It isn't at all Ukraine that is confrontational. It's unfortunate Russia is so scared of their neighbor, but, Ukraine has a right and responsibility to defend their borders. I haven't noticed any aggression against Russia. The aggression is all on the Russian side of the border.

I thought Russia was ready to sign economic agreements with Ukraine. Heck, if they can't get their goods across the border what good is any agreement?

What have we yet to learn about our friends in the Middle East?

It looks as though the advisers helped. And there are weapons and not bombs strapped to their chests. Now, it is beginning to look like a sustainable governance. I congratulate all leaders involved to bring about a resolve to defend their people. They could use some body armor, too. 

They are going to need mechanics as well to repair their armored vehicles or otherwise, then they take back their land. They have to be able to repair their assets which includes vehicles.

The soldiers may indeed want to 'mask' their faces to protect themselves and families from recognition and retribution. Given this region of the world it isn't at all a bad idea to conceal their identity. They aren't competing for Iraqi's Top Model. It is dusty, too. Any face mask will protect their lungs, too.

Any type of mask doesn't come with USA issue uniforms. Maybe we have learned something from our friends that not only conceal identities, but, protect lungs and otherwise. There may be many reasons we don't yet understand as to why the armies trained by USA advisers aren't 'at the ready' as they should be. Obviously when holy men send out the directive to defend it is heeded. That sort blessing needs to be respected and made part of any defensive forces routine. 

The USA is not a majority Muslim country. We are not necessarily viewed as the most friendly nation to Muslims globally. There may be a real 'culture' barrier to success for these forces. I strongly suggest those culture barriers be explored and respected and therefore respect the man in the uniform for who he is to his community and family. I think the USA has a long way to go to understand and appreciate these people. 

Muslims are not Osama bin Laden and Osama bin Laden was never a Muslim. He was, however, an extremist that perverted religious to use for his own purposes. These people are great people with great nations and I never doubted it for one second. We need to understand and appreciate them, it isn't necessary from them to appreciate us.

We are in their land. It is called respect.













June 28, 2014

Iraq's army (click here) has routed Sunni militants in a major offensive on the northern city of Tikrit, state media say.

State television said the governor's HQ had been recaptured and 60 fighters from the Isis militant group killed.

A spokesman for the rebels confirmed heavy fighting but implied the attack had failed, saying they were pursuing what was left of the army offensive.

The rebels control large swathes of the north and west after lightning raids that captured the second city, Mosul.

'Flee or be killed'

On Saturday, thousands of Iraqi troops backed by tanks and air power attacked Tikrit from four directions, state TV said.

It said there had been complete success in clearing Isis from the city, with some militant commanders among the 60 killed. It said the other insurgents there had fled....

What is unique about those three countries?

Add to that Belize, now what is unique about those four countries? I know you know this. I think.

It is obvious. It is screaming at you in the picture below.

Those four countries CONNECT South America to North America. Are they a strategic interest for the drug cartels?

This is the part that gives it away. If anyone were to do an analysis of where the worst of the violence existed in Belize, they would fine it was along the western border with Guatemala and in Belmopan the capital city. I know because I tracked the activities in Belize for nearly five years to understand that country. I posted on this blog a private jet that had landed on a highway in the middle of the night loaded with drugs from South America, possibly Columbia, but couldn't take off because the pilot hit a tree and ruined the left wing. In that same story was the realization the local police were in on it.


Sadly what the USA is now witnessing with children entering the country is an outbreak of gang warfare within the drug cartels to control this land.

Also on this blog is a story reported by the Washington Post whereby USA agents and Belize security officers were beginning a patrol within the country to discover and end the drug cartels influence. 

I haven't heard of any dead American agents coming from Belize and it might be after a couple of years, the hornet's nest of drug cartels are finally pinched into a smaller corridor and the authorities from these countries and the USA are closing in on them. That would incredible, a miracle and the great hope for the people of these nations. Why you ask?

Because the leaders of these countries have been attempting to do this:

Tratado de Libre Comercio entre la República de Colombia y las Repúblicas de el Salvador, Guatemala y Honduras (click here)

This is the first paragraph in translation: 

Colombia and the countries of the Northern Triangle of Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras) began negotiations for a free trade agreement that allows them to improve the four countries access to their markets, building on complementarities of their economies and promote mutual investment, to achieve higher levels of development that benefit the population.

This is the great hope of the leaders of these nations. They want to lift their people out of poverty and trade with other free nations. I do know with Belize, Great Britain needs to provide 'debt relief.' It was quite convenient to pin the Belize debt on the new nation from the previous British occupation. 

The Belize government has no court, per se, to settle this issue and they are limited to the courts of Great Britain to plead it's case that this is not their problem. There is one man in particular that is a sincere problem for Belize. I don't recall his name, he is a Brit and a member of the Conservative Party. He is the one that should be responsible for the entire of the Belize national debt left over from it's occupation because he caused it. I know his name is on this blog, too. He is a power broker.

There is also some darn woman from Ireland that literally robbed the Belize treasury of millions in oil monies because the new administration of the new country didn't have the correct interpreter of the contract with the oil company. Those millions should also be returned to Belize as well. Part of the reason some companies are in Belize, including those that build dams on rivers and cause huge amounts of pollution in areas of tourism, is because the administrators in the new nation are hopeful of jobs for their people. It never works out that way, the labor to these companies are usually brought from other countries.

No one has to take my word for it because I know it is all here or in my notes that never made the blog. But, it is all true.

These four countries are incredibly important in ending the drug cartels hold on northern Mexico as well. As long as these countries are used as a traffiking destination the drug cartels in Mexico will remain in business. If these corridors are shut down there will be no more drug cartels in Mexico except what they might be able to grown north of Guatemala and Belize.

The American people need to know about these children sent to the USA in desperate times and why they are here. It is not about any immigration policy or some silly idea parents kissed their children good-bye to trust a 'coyote' with their safety. At this time in the USA these children are here because the drug gangs are actively fighting for their corridors and may be losing the war. I find it strange they seem to be flushed out only to seek power over towns were none of this occurred before.

President Obama and the leaders of these nations need to continue to put pressure on the drug corridors and hopefully shut them down, hence, the slowing of drug traffic to and through Mexico to the southern USA border. 

I am sincere about returning them to their native lands. I worry about the populations of these countries and if there is a fall in citizens in any real way. But, the children have to be safe when returned.

Absolutely not!

Syria is not an ally of the USA. Does Turkey need munitions? Does Jordan need munitions? Syria is Russia's ally and it is Russia that sells munitions to that country. A bilateral build up in the country of Syria will only kill more people and escalate the resolve of ISIS. 

No way.

The USA should not be contributing to INSTABILITY in the region for the sake of pride and profits. 

There is no way to know who will finally end up with a half billion US in munitions in Syria. Right now Hezbollah is involved along with Assad and there is ISIL. I do not see a role for the USA at all in this civil war.

It is not only a civil war in Syria and Iraq, it is sectarian violence. The USA should never provide weapons to any outbreak of ethnic hatred. Never. The USA should never expect to accept genocide. Never.

WASHINGTON — President Obama (click here) requested $500 million from Congress on Thursday to train and equip what the White House is calling “appropriately vetted” members of the Syrian opposition, reflecting increased worry about the spillover of the Syrian conflict into Iraq.

The training program would be a significant step for a president who has consistently resisted providing military aid to the rebels in the conflict in Syria, and has warned of the dangers of American intervention. But military and State Department officials indicated that there were not yet any specific programs to arm and train the rebels that the money would fund, nor could administration officials specify which moderate Syrian opposition members they intended to train and support, or where they would be trained.       

President's should not be facing deep debt upon leaving office.

At least serving in office has brought wealth to our Presidents after they leave office. It is incredible there is such a financial liability to people at the top of our governing structure.

June 27, 2014
By Phillip Rucker
...Bill Clinton (click here) has been paid $104.9 million for 542 speeches around the world between January 2001, when he left office, and January 2013, when Hillary Clinton left as secretary of state, according to a Washington Post review of the family's financial disclosures....

I've always heard how expensive it is to live in Washington, DC by Senators and House members, but, dearly few have stated it is an enormous burden to the President while serving in office. 

The Late Jackie Kennedy refurbished the White House in the short time they resided at the White House and people complained about the budget she was given. Well, what was she going to do use her own funds? 

I suppose the Obamas are lucky to have the girl's grandmother living with them, otherwise, the nanny costs would be a ridiculous amont. I have to wonder if the household budget, including a gardening hobby, is more than sufficient to support The First Family. 

The nation has to recognize this family is on call to the nation's need 24/7. That is unrealistic in expecting them to handle all the costs on their own.

The comments by the Former Secretary of State makes me wonder a great deal as to what expenses while servicing in office accumulates large debt. Serving in the Presidency should never add so much debt that the years after leaving requires working for large sums of money. I imagine there are requests for their time at meetings by worthy and perhaps even preferred organizations the Former First Family cannot accommodate because of their need to earn their way out of debt.

It concerns me there is such financial liability in serving as President and First Lady. I am wondering if the US House actually undercuts the White House budget to force ill relations between the legislative and executive branch. The White House budget and cabinet budget should not be decided by the US House, but, determined by an autonomous branch of the government, such as the GAO. 

I am thinking the GAO can bring forward the costs of the Executive Branch for review and increases to carry necessary operation. I am viewing this with some surprise that the US House handling the operations of the Executive Branch isn't governed by separation of powers. The US House should never have the capacity to bring covert pressure on the Executive Branch. I think the White House and Cabinet budgets should be litigated for separation of powers.

The US Senate should pass a bill assigning a formula for the GAO to identify the expenses of running and living within the Executive Branch. The math formula could then be reviewed for increases and/or decreases. The White House and Executive Branch budget needs to be autonomous and somewhat generous, especally when realizing this the Commander and Chief of our military. Four years minimally is a long time to place personal assets into trust while maintaining the integrity of those investments. The entire budget issue for the Executive Branch concerns me. It is probably necessary to carry out a formula for the Vice President as well. I don't think the nation has carried it's responsibility for these people. 

World Cup, what are the stats?

Teams - Top Goals (click here)

Top team currently is the Netherlands with 10 goals scored.

MATCHES PLAYED48/64 (click here)



Best Attacking - France

Best Passing - Germany

Best Defending - Iran

Top Scorer - Thomas Mueller - Germany - 7 shots - 4 scored

Top Runner - Michael Bradley - USA - Distance traveled 38019 meters 
                                                                                (452818 feet)

Player with Most Passes Completed - Javier Mascherano - Argentina - 89.4%

Top Saves - Ben Foster - England 

Social Responsibility (click here)

If I were running for office in Kentucky, I would not miss the chance of being seen at the new addition to the Corvette Museum. I'd be careful of where and how I walked, though.

June 26, 2014
By Jolie Lee
The National Corvette Museum (click here) appears to be benefiting from its own misfortune.

After a massive sinkhole swallowed eight Corvettes in February, it has become an attraction in its own right

The museum's board of directors decided Wednesday to keep the sinkhole partially unfilled for now....

And exactly how important are Corvettes?

See, that man in the orange hat? He is standing next to his car. His car is a Corvette. And why is he such a noteworthy example of a Corvette owner.

He has been waiting to be reunited with his Corvette for 33 years. Now. That is love.

June 25, 2014
By Frank Witsil, Eric Lawrence and Katrease Stafford
Mississippi Bureau (click here) of Investigation officials said the car was located at a residence in Columbia, Miss. "The investigation is ongoing regarding the vehicle's history and whereabouts during the past three decades," the MBI said in a statement.

Shaw said SCAR worked with the Mississippi police and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to trace the vehicle back to Talley. The investigation revealed that Talley's claim was never paid by his insurance and he remains the owner of the car.

Talley said when he received an initial phone call from his insurance company notifying him that the car was found, he thought it was a joke. But when the Michigan State Police called, he couldn't believe his luck.

"I said, 'This isn't no joke. They wouldn't be joking with me because I don't think they have time to play with me,'" Talley said. "I was shocked."

Smith said the last time Talley, now 71 and retired in Detroit, had seen his beloved car was when it was parked on Jefferson Avenue in July 1981. Then the car disappeared. Talley reported the incident to police, but never thought he'd see the car again....

And to realize the stolen car was in unknown condition and it was General Motors that payed the bills to bring the car back to it's owner. That is a car.

Pro-Life

Jesus Christ never killed anyone to change their hearts.

I basically see the cartoon as did the ancient Vedic of India. "A concern with preserving the male seed."

Ever hear of legislative malpractice?

I look forward to lawsuits against individual legislators when they disregard expert advice or step outside the bounds of what is reasonable for a legislature to do. The legislative quackery existing in Red States and the US House is rampant. 

Congressional Job Approval Rating 13% (click here).

The Congress shall have power...To establish a uniform rule of naturalization...To promote the progress of science and useful arts,...To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

There are no other bodies of government in the USA that can address the problems of this nation. Any unwillingness to do so while swearing loyalty to political funders demonstrating the same unwillingness to have the legislature conduct the country's business while holding funding as hostage is culpability and proves the US House has alienated their electorate and substituted those that pay for the services they provide. 

54 votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act is legislative malpractice. It is abuse of power. I think it is time individual Americans file suits against legislative malpractice especially when it seeks to provide venues that hurt Americans.

Class action suits whereby people are injured by an obstructive congress, such as immigration reform, should point to the degree the Republicans are hiding from their responsibilities and not solving the nation's problems. There is a crisis along the USA border existing more than a week now and yet there is absolutely no action in Congress to address this emergency. Instead, the US House rather play politics with children and prolong their outcomes. That is hurting life in the USA, disrupts quality of life for those involved and borders on human rights abuse. The country should never stand for legislative malpractice. Canter was the first real victim of this malpractice, but, hopefully he won't be the  last.

Usually, this form of poor performance is reserved for impeachment, but, since the entire US House is gripped with loyalty to their Funding Gods, it requires a lawsuit to bring about the justice the American people seek. There should be no reason for ONLY violent overthrow of a government so much as demanding relief from the damages the legislators cause.

Wednesday June 11, 2014 5:32 AM

Chiropractors shouldn’t be ruling on young athletes’ concussions (click here)

The Ohio legislature has ignored expert medical advice and put children at risk by opening the door for chiropractors to independently clear young athletes to resume play after they’ve suffered a concussion.

Elected officials last week tucked the provision into a wide-ranging education bill not open to line-item veto by the governor.

This is a terrible idea.

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries. They require time to heal. Young people’s brains are still developing. A second impact, whipping the brain around again, can cause a lot more damage.

Chiropractors are experts at what they do, but that expertise does not extend to concussions.

The General Assembly leapt over common sense and science in yielding to chiropractors, weakening the state’s model law, which took effect last year. That law, the result of hours of expert testimony and debate at the Statehouse, protected injured youths by giving physicians ultimate authority over return-to-play decisions....