No Fun???

Some believes that the high court will side against the company that’s seeking to evade the Affordable Care Act’s requirement.

“The Court will not violate anyone’s religious beliefs, but no one has the right to discriminate against a woman or a man because of own. 

Business owner has a right to his or her religious beliefs, but that doesn’t mean you get to impose it on any women/men who have different beliefs.

Just a thought.

Don't defeat yourself -Soccer

Mexico and the Netherland.

The game looked like a sure Mexico victory heading into the final minutes. In the first half, Mexico had most of the better chances and was looking threatening from outside the box and on the counterattack.

In the second half, Mexico opened the scoring with a beautiful strike from outside the box to lead 1-0. Then a decision is made to make sure to defend this goal by all means.

That opened the door for the Netherland to continue to attack and Mexico defends. Mexico succeeded to be ahead till few inutes before the end. The Netherlands scored twice in the final eight minutes to go from being sent home to advancing to the quarterfinals. What a turn of events. It is all in your strategy.

Just a thought.

Fighting ISIS.

 

The first group of U.S. Special Forces [advisors] arrived in Baghdad. 
 
The Syrian government bombed Sunni militant targets in Iraq. Iraq media reports that the attacks near Iraq’s western border were carried out by U.S. drones [May not be true but just propaganda to show that US is involved].

The New York Times reports that Iran has been sending two daily flights of 70 tons of military equipment and supplies, launching a small fleet of drones and also sending Militia to fight the Sunni.

CNN reported that some old tanks for the Iraqi military are on the move while the newer are in their bases.
 
From all these reports and others, it is obvious that the Iraq military is unwilling to fight.  This after years of training by the Americans.

So here is the Americans, the Iranian, the Syrians, and the Iraq to fight a tiny force with minimum equipment. The ISIS has pulled all parties together for this fight.  

Just a thought

Dvision...*

The division between Iraq's Sunni and Shia is the oldest in the Middle East. It is one which seems increasingly shaping the destiny of this region.  Thousands of devotees from both sides pour into Syria. Jihadist [al-Qa'ida] volunteers on the Sunni side and Hezbollah militants on the Shia, are joining what is fast becoming a transnational civil war between the two factions. Now into Iraq.

The majority[ Shia] became in charge of Iraq after the invasion on 2003 and the fall of Sad-am. Now all of a sudden, the Sunni got support and ready to fight while the Shia just walked away. The Sunni control many towns moving to Bagdad [power] and the oil fields [source of funds].

So the fight will continue. At the end, the Kurds will be standing over the collapse of others. Then the Turks would fight them.

Netanyahu, who deals with both on a daily basis, said both the radical Shi’ites, led by Iran, and the radical Sunnis, led by al-Qaida and ISIS, are both enemies of the US. “When your enemies are fighting each other, don’t strengthen either one of them.  Both sides would want US to inter the conflict, then turn against US.

Both Soma Wrestlers look the same without the outfit, and that's the naked truth. Let us not get sucked-in the Game.    Just a [peaceful] thought.

Failed.. reappeared.

The Bushies are back.         Bush’s national security team, architects of the 2003 Iraq war, have reappeared.

"The policies of the last six years have left American diminished and weakened, Cheney says.   

Paul Wolfowitz said on MSNBC, we have an obligation to stop what he said is an Al Qaeda-linked group. "This is about preventing another 9/11."  
Paul Bremer, " U.S. might need troops on the ground in Iraq.

Reid "To the architects of the Iraq war, who are now so eager to offer their expert analysis. "Unfortunately, we already tried it your way, and it was the biggest foreign policy blunder in the history of the country."

Democrats point out "the non-existent WMD, disbanding the Iraqi military, more than 4,000 killed U.S. soldiers, billions upon billions spent on the war, frayed alliances, and backlash from other countries". Add to this, the World Financial collapse in 2007 after the Trillion dollar spent on the failed war.

Yet you can't blame someone for trying to ......

Just a thought.

Megyn interviews Dick Cheney

 Megyn Kelly began by quoting Washington Post columnist Paul Waldman:
“‘There is not a single person in America who has been more wrong and more shamelessly dishonest on the topic of Iraq than Dick Cheney, and now as the cascade of misery and death and chaos, he did so much to unleash raises anew, Mr. Cheney has the unadulterated gall to come before the country and tell us that it's all someone else's fault.’ The suggestion is that you caused this mess, Mr. Vice President.  What say you?”

Kelly came back hard: “But time and time again, history has proven that you got it wrong as well in Iraq, sir.  You said there were no doubts Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.  "we would greeted as liberators"  "the Iraq insurgency was in the last throes".  And you said that after our intervention, extremists would have to, quote, ‘rethink their strategy of Jihad.’ 

Now with almost a trillion dollars spent there with 4,500 American lives lost there, what do you say..... you were so wrong about so much at the expense of so many?”

One more questions, Were the President then served appropriately?

Just a [4500 lives lost] thought

Medical Marijauana...?

Governor Cuomo has made it clear he doesn’t want the bill to legalize medical marijuana in the state to go up in smoke, he just wants to make certain it isn’t administered in any smokable form.
That’s one of the stumbling blocks holding up passage of the measure. The state senate worked late as leaders conferred with the Governor to reach some compromise.
The Assembly approved it, and it was expected to breeze through the Senate until the Governor said he feared the measure in its current form would wreak havoc unless major changes were made. He doesn’t want it administered through smoking the weed. It could be given orally.

No need for any delay since it impact the patients' lives. Marijuana's side effect [Smoked or not]looks great compared to Chemotherapy treatment.

Physician visit, Co-Pay, Insurance Premium, Pharmacy, Co-Pay or a dispensary, Manufacturing, Distributors, DEA, Court system, etc. So let us make it simple, not a money maker on the backs of those who needs it. Let us put the patients comfort first, make sure it is low cost product for the patient who is or isn't on Government's assistant.

Just a [simple] thought.

Spain, Down and Out...

Spain has been the world’s best soccer team, winning the World Cup in 2010 and winning the European Cup in 2008 and 2012. They did it with flair and creativity, with a beautiful, fluid short passing game. 

Spain lost 5-1 to the Netherlands, then fell 2-0 to Chile. They will play Australia but they cannot advance. The Aussie put up a surprisingly good battle against the Netherlands.

Spain appeared slow, no desire to win or prepared to fight.  Spain’s goalkeeper, Casillas, may be blamed for couple of errors.

So for the World Cup Soccer 2014, one of pre-tournament favorites is a bust, leaving Brazil, Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands as the most potent-looking teams thus far.

Just a [sad] thought.

Quack...!

Dr. Oz testified in a Senate subcommittee hearing and acknowledged that his backing of so-called "miracle" weight loss products have "provided fodder for unscrupulous advertisers," Consumerist reported. OZ had a history of being a bit overly enthusiastic about some of the alternative and nontraditional treatments he’s highlighted, resulting in countless scammers cashing in on the questionable weight-loss treatments he’s described as “miracles,” like the green coffee extract that is the subject of an ongoing federal action.

Senator Clair McCaskill, Chair, grilled the talk show host in her opening remarks.   "I'm concerned that you are melding medical advice, news and entertainment in a way that harms consumers."

Oz admitted that his "cheerleading" of products that are often used as "crutches" has caused trouble for himself and the Federal Trade Commission, but he said he stands by his research.

"I do think I've made it more difficult for the FTC," Oz said. "In the intent to engage viewers, I use flowery language. I used language that was very passionate that ended up being not very helpful but incendiary and it provided fodder for unscrupulous advertisers."
[I am not sure who are unscrupulous.]   Just a thought.

Same...

The Iraq war [2003], which Bush officials and media advocates sold as easy and inexpensive, grew into the biggest U.S. foreign policy debacle in a generation, resulting in the deaths of over 4,500 U.S. soldiers and 100,000 Iraqis. It also cast a shadow over the U.S. media, which largely promoted the administration's bogus case for war. [Wall Street Journal]  6/16/14

There has been a good deal of comment, some of it quite outlandish, about what our postwar requirements might be in Iraq. Some of the higher end predictions we have been hearing recently, such as the notion that it will take several hundred thousand U.S. troops to provide stability in post-Saddam Iraq, are wildly off the mark. It is hard to conceive that it would take more forces to provide stability in post-Saddam Iraq than it would take to conduct the war itself and to secure the surrender of Saddam's security forces and his army, hard to imagine. [Wolf-Wiki]

Hawks are only happy when we are at war, fueling the military-industrial complex as U.S. soldiers die and platoons of maimed veterans return home to underfunded medical care.  [Alert Net 6/13/14]  

And here we come again. Ignorant people are trying to deceive the American people. Help with Air fire. Al-Qaida, Terrorist,  Foreign Fighters, Islamists, Time is running out, Obama not starting a war, terrorist will be back in New York...

Well, if the Sunni, Shiite, Kurds, or anybody is in charge of Iraq, it is all the same. Some are good, some are bad and some are in the middle. It is the same.

Just a [same] thought. 

Bogus.......Again.

The Iraq war [2003], which Bush officials sold as easy and inexpensive, grew into the biggest U.S. foreign policy debacle in a generation, resulting in the deaths of over 4,500 U.S. soldiers and more than 100,000 Iraqis, and injuries. It also cast a shadow over the U.S. media, which largely promoted the administration's bogus case for war. [Wall Street Journal]  6/16/14

  It is hard to conceive that it would take more forces to provide stability in post-Saddam Iraq than it would take to conduct the war itself and to secure the surrender of Saddam's security forces and his army, hard to imagine. [Wolf-Wiki]

Hawks are only happy when we are at war, fueling the military-industrial complex as U.S. soldiers die and platoons of maimed veterans return home to underfunded medical care.  [Alert Net 6/13/14]  

And here we come again in Syria.  Help with Air fire. Al-Qaida, Terrorist,  Foreign Fighters, Islamists, Time is running out, Obama not starting a war, terrorist will be back in New York...

Well, if the Sunni, Shiite, Kurds, or anybody is in charge of Iraq, it is all the same. Some are good, some are bad and some are in the middle. It is all the same.

Just a [same] thought.

Defending against itself.

Reporter Lara Logan

The insurgents have seized several cities and are threatening Baghdad. Fighting under the banner of the Islamic State in Iraq (ISIS), they regard Iraq's Shia majority as "infidels".

Iraqi security forces, bolstered by Shia and Kurdish militiamen, holding the advance by Sunni militants north of Baghdad and have retaken a number of towns that had fallen to the rebels. One cleric, sitting with a driver and bodyguard in an expensive four-by-four vehicle, said they were prepared to fight to the death and "splash their blood" to rid Iraq of the ISIS "terrorists".

Iran says it could be prepared to work with the US to fight Sunni insurgents in Iraq.
Sunni and Shia name each other as Infidels and terrorists. They are ready to fight, with religious people to justify the killing, creating a volatile situation.

Iraq has oil, and all the eyes and the fights are on it. Reduce the need for their oil, the region becomes more peaceful.

Just a thought

Golfer's story-Two Heart Transplant!

Erik Compton is a Norwegian-American professional golfer. When he was nine, Compton was diagnosed with  a condition where the heart muscle is inflamed and unable to pump as hard as it should. This condition has resulted in him undergoing two successful heart transplants, the first being in 1992 when Compton was 12, and the second taking place in 2008.

During The Masters at Augusta, Georgia in April 2009, Compton received the Ben Hogan Award, given to a golfer who has stayed active in golf despite a physical handicap or serious illness. He also gained recognition for his attempts to be allowed the use of a golf cart during qualifying rounds for PGA Tour.

He plays with a lot of heart at US Open.

It doesn't matter what anybody else does, [he explained] It matters what you do.

Just a [fantastic] thought.

 

Golfer with never 'give up' attitude surges to tie for 2nd behind after sterling 3rd-round 67

The Goal

Robin van Persie just doesn’t score ordinary goals emphasized his penchant for the spectacular with a breathtaking, diving header against Spain.  So far this is the best goal in this tournament.

Müller scored a hat trick to lead Germany to a convincing 4-0 victory that left short-handed Portugal in shambles. Ronaldo was left wanting to score in a World Cup match. While Pepe, central defender, was sent off in the 37th minute for an ill-tempered head butt on Müller. It left Portugal with 10 men for nearly an hour. He should be banned for a year for what he put his team through.

Just a thought.

Rain...*!

Regina Ilyinichna Spektor is a Russian-born American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered on New York City's East Village.
In New York City, Spektor studied classical piano at the Manhattan School of Music until she was 17.  Although the family had been unable to bring their piano from Russia, Spektor found a piano on which to play in the basement of her synagogue, and also practiced on tabletops and other hard surfaces.
Here is her song. I love Paris in the rain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWXWivwhi14

World Cup Soccer

World Cup opener was everything soccer fans could have hoped for. The Brazilian team did its part, beating Croatia, 3-1. The stadium was filled with national pride as yellow jerseys covered all sides of the stadium.

The expectation from the Brazilian was higher than what I got out of their first game. They were down, then came the doubtful Penalty kick. More would come from Brazil.

Mexico dominated the Cameron and matched their physical activity and speed. Scored fantastic goal that was incorrectly considered off-side.

The Netherland did their magic today. They defeated Spain 5-1. Fantastic goals from Van Persie and Robben while Spain's goal is from (doubtful) PK.

Spain will improve quickly so is the Netherland. More great plays to come.

Just a thought.

Running but?

Iraq seems to be breaking apart, into Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish.

Militants seized Mosul's airport, TV stations and the governor's office. They freed up to 1,000 prisoners.

More than 90,000 Iraqi soldiers deserted rather than confront the militants, according to the official close to Maliki’s office. [Be careful of these reports]. The militants and Sunnis took their place in the city's boulevards and buildings.

This is a habit of Iraqi soldiers once the fight began. In 1992 over 80,000 soldier surrender. They quickly realize that there is a way not to fight.

Now the Iranian are helping the current Shiite government. US are trying to do something but what? Would we have a cooperation with Iran? May be.

The Iraqis are waiting for others to do something.  If no body does, then they will defend the oil field till the end. That is what the Sunnis and Militants are after as well. Time for US Energy Independence, then Iraq would not fight to death for the oil. They may fight for something else.

Just a thought.

Reform...

The wages of most American workers have fallen or stayed flat while their productivity continue increasing. This fundamental problem has held back our economy. When wages are low, consumers don’t have money to buy the products they make and businesses don’t see markets to support additional investment.
This stagnation has resulted in a race downward in labor practices. 

McDonald's figured out that paying its low-wage workers more would actually be a good thing for McDonald's.  Walmart and Subway indicated that they do not oppose an increase to the minimum wage.

Minimum wage of $7.5 pushes the employee into welfare. Someone got to support the employee who is working 40-50 hrs a week just to have food or a place to live. Single mothers would suffer the most in these conditions.

While businesses lobby for reduce taxes, or find a way to reduce it, the welfare system is supplementing large businesses that pay their employees the minimum.

Raising the minimum wage will help businesses after all. Stable employment, more employee spending, and less dependence on welfare for the employees or the business themselves.

Considering the needs of entry level employees would go a long way. It is a welfare reform that the republican always ask for. So give it a push.

Just a thought.

Guns-Pictures.??

Israeli Soldier on the beach-carry weapon, Army recommendation

National brands like Applebee’s, Jack in the Box, Starbucks, Chipotle’s and Wendy’s,  requested that patrons stop bringing automatic weapons into their establishments.

Chili’s and Sonic, literally under the gun, when members of the gun-rights group, walked into Texas-area outlets carrying assault rifles, their version of Pink Floyd’s “The Gunners Dream.” The restaurants ask that patrons “Put Your Guns Down,”

The rationale behind these new policies rests on the premise that weapons can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for others.

On the other side, French chefs are now trying to stop diners from taking snaps of the meals. They claim it ruins the atmosphere and could give away their secrets.

No Cigarette, No assault weapons, No picture taking, what's the world coming to?

Just a thought.

The Exchange...

The Obama administration continues to take heat following the trade of five Guantanamo Bay prisoners [over ten years] for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
The five Taliban, released to Qatar, are subject to strict bans on militant incitement.

The most famous swap, in 2011, involved the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian militants in exchange for one Israeli Sergeant Shalit.
The Militants released include those involved in the 2002 bombing of a Tel Aviv nightclub that killed 21 and the bombing of a hotel in Netanya in 2002 that left 30 dead. 
Nothing is wrong with the exchange. The Taliban could have asked for more than five.

Detainees in Guantanamo have been prisoned for more than 10 years, with no court cases or a date for it.

Releasing these five people is really a punishment as they go back to a different world. They may not have the same social status as once had.

Cuban prisoners in USA rioted when heard that they would be returned to Cuba.

Things are not what it appear. Obama is Ending the War in Afghanistan, not starting it.

Just a thought.

Leg Up...*!,

The makers of Cialis want to sell a version of the popular erectile dysfunction drug over the counter. They expect to launch the OTC version on 2018.

The move is an effort to get a leg up on the competition from other Generic companies  after it loses patent protection in 2017.

A large unmet demand exists for over-the-counter Cialis because many men suffering don’t feel comfortable talking to a doctor about the problem [company's position].

Lilly choose to partner with Sanofi due to their experience in gaining approval for over-the-counter versions of other drugs.

Marketing, selling, promoting, and in the process, blog the competition is just a process of renew the cash collection process.

First is the Brand prescription form and as the patent ending, now a new marketing program to block the generic. All in all, the customer[patient] are taken for a ride.

The system needs repair. If you have ED, that would not be the only thing you have. Your Heart [clinically] may be in the wrong place.

Just a [Hearty] thought.

The Video, No Soldier left behind.

The video provides a fascinating window into what occurred in the field. The Pentagon’s elite descended in a Blackhawk helicopter and met with the sergeant’s captors who dressed up in civilian attire.

Carried a stick like flag marking a ceasefire, willingness to collaborate on the exchange.

Worth noting is the hand shake, the hand on the heart gesture and the continue waving  hands after the exchange.

Hand shake means your close, welcomes, can talk to me, convers, and if we have time, have a cup of tea, or smoke a cigarette and chat.

Hand placed on the heart is the greatest gesture ever in the old country.  It indicates that what you are doing warms my heart, very much appreciated. 

My, then a 3 year old nephew, did that indicating a hug from a distance. I do that.....

As you are leaving, a wave is usually travel safely

So take a second look at the video, the meeting, the greeting, the exchange and the depart. It may give you a better understanding of ...... a Peaceful time.

Just a thought.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2648208/Taliban-releases-video-showing-U-S-deserter-Bowe-Bergdahl-handed-US-forces-armed-guards-holding-white-flags.html

No Soldier left behind.

The principle of leaving no one behind, no matter the cost, is deeply embedded in the U.S. military. Those in uniform, and their families, believe that no stone will be left unturned to get them home if they fall into enemy hands.

The U.S. commando’s attempt to rescue 65 American POWs held at North Vietnam’s notorious Son Tay prison. A 116-plane air armada, flew hundreds of miles over mountainous territory at treetop level to the prison camp.

During the Kosovo war, a 40-aircraft task force, including helicopters loaded with Marines and backed by a flotilla of three warships with 2,000 more Marines, flew deep into enemy territory to bring Captain O’Grady home.

Remains of Captain Michael "Scott" Speicher, lost in 1991 Persian Gulf War have been found in the Anbar province of Iraq after a nearly 20-year search, the U.S. Navy reported.

So it is not about one Bergdahl, its about the US commitment to its forces and their families. It is about peaceful exchange of prisoners with the Taliban.
No one got shot, and no one got killed.

No soldier will be left behind. It is a commitment. Just a thought

Pain Pill...

 Chicago filed a lawsuit against five major producers of  pharmaceuticals accusing the group of concealing the risks associated with certain painkillers.        

The drug maker "should never place its desire for profits above the health and well-being of its customers,".

The city said that the companies knew for years that certain pain-alleviating drugs were addictive and could prove debilitating in the long-term.

       

The drug makers "spent millions of dollars funding, assisting and encouraging doctors and front groups" to promote the drugs and broaden their reach among users afflicted with chronic pain,

Chicago says.  The United States is now awash in opioids," the suit said, citing data showing that more than 250 million prescriptions for the narcotic were filled in 2010.      

The suit contends that the drugs have ramped up addiction.

Pain Medicine helps those with disability, Cancer, Surgery, etc and yet is a subject of abuse. However,  it is a matter of law enforcement actions at the end user and or the provider. No easy result.      Just a [painful] thought. 

Dense...*!

Japanese people enjoy one of the longest average life spans in the world — 86 years for women and 79 for men (80 & 75 respective for Americans)  with far lower rates of obesity and chronic diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease and some types of cancer.

The diet incorporates lower-calorie foods served in controlled portions. They eat around 25 per cent fewer calories than the average western person.

The secret is to replace energy-dense foods, like chocolate, potato chips, and cookies, with less energy-dense, like fruits, vegetables, etc. In a study from Penn. State U., researchers served women meals that were 25% smaller than average and contained 30% fewer calories according to the principles of energy density. They ended up eating an average of 800 calories less per day, without missing the extra food.

The Japanese achieve a lot of physical activity by simple actions such as walking, climbing stairs and using a bicycle to run errands. Try the new method, it may work for you.  Just a thought.