The Fireside Post
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Tiger Woods Treated For Texting Addiction

With denial protecting the psyche celebrities are falling victim to the addiction of texting.  Tiger Woods has done the public a service by admitting his addiction and receiving specific treatment for his malady.  Evidence now shows that texting addiction leads to moral degradation. With information from known associates of Mr. Woods we learn that the […]

1Apr2010 | | Comments Off on Tiger Woods Treated For Texting Addiction | Continued
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Weight Loss Myths – And Why People Believe Them

My Doctor said, “Don’t worry about your weight, worry about your health.”  That philosophy works for a skinny guy like him,  In my case, I am healthy.  All of my blood work comes back in the normal ranges.  But I also carry almost forty pounds over the recommended weight for my somatotype.  When I was […]

31Mar2010 | | 3 comments | Continued
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Obama, Oil, And Rational Leadership

I wanted a new car – but I didn’t have the money.  I wanted to go skiing at Aspen – but I didn’t have the money.  I bought a good used car for cash and drove it to the local Missouri ski slopes.  I am relaxing today with my feet immersed in hot salt water […]

31Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Obama, Oil, And Rational Leadership | Continued
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Obama Delivers On Student Finance Reform

The reforms that President Obama signed into law include historic investments to make education more affordable, and deliver on another key campaign promise. The legislation: * Ends subsidies to special-interest private lending companies * Doubles funding for Pell Grants to help more students afford a college education * Will cap a graduate’s annual student loan […]

30Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Obama Delivers On Student Finance Reform | Continued
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Scarface School Play – I don’t get it

What in the world is going on?  If this play had been done in one of my grand children’s schools I would be up in arms – people would think I had joined the radical right, that I was a card carrying member of the Tea Party.    Anyway, make of it what you will.

30Mar2010 | | 2 comments | Continued
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The Dark Art of Rovian Politics – Flavored With Threats of Violence

The campaign for Party control of our country has entered a troubling time.  The GOP Camp is stirring the pot, adding the spice of violent threats, flavoring with acidic language, hoping for a secret potion.  The stew is beginning to boil, steam is wafting, dark clouds forming, and the warlock is pleased.  The dark arts […]

30Mar2010 | | 3 comments | Continued
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U. S. Government Has Higher Ethical Standards Than Catholic Church

One time in the history of our country a President had to resign.  He was caught covering up for some dim-witted burglars working on his election team.  Just imagine that the President had been covering for hundreds of staffers who were molesting young boys.  The United States Government has higher ethical standards than the Catholic […]

29Mar2010 | | Comments Off on U. S. Government Has Higher Ethical Standards Than Catholic Church | Continued
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The Mis-Use of MAP Testing

My Taxi service is employed every morning – I give two of my grandchildren a ride to school.  This morning my third grade granddaughter told me she was wearing her lucky shoes because they were to take the MAP test today.  She said, “I am scared to take this test.”  I asked her why she […]

29Mar2010 | | Comments Off on The Mis-Use of MAP Testing | Continued
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Addicted to Chocolate

I am all about chocolate.  With a desperate last effort to lose weight before my knees collapse from the sheer force of gravity I am coming to the reality that I may be a chocoholic.  Normally I am offended by the ‘oholic’ suffix because it is just so cliche’.  My present medical condition seems to […]

28Mar2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Forgiving The Priest

Is it possible?  When a Priest is charged with being the father of his parish, of being the spiritual leader of the congregation, when the Priest has charge over our children, and then violates every tenant of his charge – that Priest must suffer some consequences.  But does that mean eternal damnation?  Does that mean […]

26Mar2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Why the Health Care Reform Bill Passed

This is an issue of public opinion, and it is an issue that has been long considered by the public and their representatives. It is a political hot potato, and the potato has landed in the hands of the Obama administration. The reason that the previous administration did not address the issue with proposed legislation is that they were fully aware that any attempt at trying to solve the problem is most likely political suicide.

26Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Why the Health Care Reform Bill Passed | Continued
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Joaquin Phoenix, Exotic Animals, And Conservation

Joaquin Pheonix, that masterful actor, has taken up the cause of PETA and their crusade to end the brutal killing of exotic animals for their skins.  The skins are used to make shoes, purses, ties, belts, and other ornaments for the pleasure of humanity. Caution readers – this video is graphic. In this advertisement for […]

26Mar2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Why Fear Matters

Al Quaeda, the terrorist organization founded and run by Osama Bin Laden, has set the standard of values for many of the radical right wing in America.  Do unto others as they have done unto you seems the common refrain – a refrain based in fear.   This is a remarkable mentality given two precepts […]

25Mar2010 | | 7 comments | Continued
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Tea Bag Protesters Encouraged by GOP Representatives

Warning to readers – the following videos are disgusting examples of free speech in America.   Irony abounds when the Teabaggers claim that President Obama is pushing the country toward socialism, communism,  Nazism, and totalitarianism.  The United States of America is a Republic, governed by representatives of the people.  The people elected President Obama and the […]

24Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Tea Bag Protesters Encouraged by GOP Representatives | Continued
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Limbaugh Republican Political Strategy Fails

One year has passed. Barack Obama is President. The Patron Saint of Republicans is Rush Limbaugh – and Rush Limbaugh called for the failure of the new President. The strategy was simple minded – block every legislative effort, force failure, then recapture the Congress in 2010, then the Presidency in 2012. The passage of the […]

23Mar2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Health Care … A More Perfect Union

“We the People of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect union…. ”  The preamble to the Constitution of the United States does not claim perfection – but rather seeks a government format that can progress toward a more perfect union.  The political label ‘progressive’ has been dissed for many […]

22Mar2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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The Redemption of Tiger Woods

The redemption of Tiger Woods did not happen with blubbering confessions of sin, orchestrated by treatment programs based solely on anecdote. The redemption of Tiger Woods can only happen with consistent trustworthy behavior over time.

22Mar2010 | | Comments Off on The Redemption of Tiger Woods | Continued
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Kansas Loses to North Iowa

In the upset of the decade number one ranked Kansas lost to Northern Iowa in the second round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  What happened? Northern Iowa won – that is what happened.  They hit the shots when it counted.  Their three point shooting was spectacular and knocked Kansas out of any rhythm. The stunning […]

20Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Kansas Loses to North Iowa | Continued
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Marching for Health Reform

THE     P R E S I D E N T ’ S     P L AN    F O R    HE A L T H    R E F O RM “At this moment, we are being called upon to fulfill our duty to the citizens of this nation and to future generations… I don’t […]

18Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Marching for Health Reform | Continued
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The Problem Really is the Heterosexuals in the Military

There is a culture which surrounds all Military bases – both from the nature of a military and from the parasites that promote wanton behavior. The Department of Defense has let our soldiers down. Preparing a soldier for combat is not the only responsibility of the DOD – preparing the soldier for all aspects of life seems appropriate.

14Mar2010 | | Comments Off on The Problem Really is the Heterosexuals in the Military | Continued
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Children of War – The 20th Century Bleeds into the 21st.

The sins punished for generations are War, Poverty, Hunger, Ignorance, Physical Illness, and a general disregard of others by society. These sins compound daily – the accruing interest to be paid by succeeding generations.

12Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Children of War – The 20th Century Bleeds into the 21st. | Continued
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Toyota Should Hire A Redneck

Toyota should hire a Redneck – that is the advice from the General Store in Punkin Center, Missouri.  We were talking the other day about fixing old cars when Billy Ray said straight out that someone needs to do some fixin on new cars.  Billy Ray claims that just about any old Redneck could have […]

11Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Toyota Should Hire A Redneck | Continued
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Funny Obama WEB Pictures

Let me be perfectly clear – I am a big fan of President Obama.  So there.  Last week some Republican used some pictures he found on the WWW in a PowerPoint presentation to some Republican cash donors.  The goofy liberal media jumped up and down with protest.  The idea of the pictures was to instill […]

9Mar2010 | | Comments Off on Funny Obama WEB Pictures | Continued
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The First Family – Obama’s are Marital Inspiration

President Obama and First Lady Michelle are celebrating Women’s History Month.  The kicked off the month with a White House gathering of women from the Girl Scouts to local Georgetown groups.  We find their intriguing presentation more than the typical political theater – the Obama’s are an inspiration to harmony in marriage.  Check this out: […]

9Mar2010 | | Comments Off on The First Family – Obama’s are Marital Inspiration | Continued
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Dick Cheney’s Pre-Existing Condition

To say that a snow storm in Washington D. C. proves there is no global warming is like saying that Dick Cheney received good health care proves there is no need for health care reform.  Cheney has had five heart attacks – the first when he was in his late thirties.  He has changed jobs […]

25Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Dick Cheney’s Pre-Existing Condition | Continued
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Colbert With Shaun White

Not only is Shaun White almost the best snowboarder in history – he is one of a few people who can match wits with Steven Colbert.  Even President Obama, a witty fellow himself, will not even attempt an interview with Colbert.  Check out Shaun White – he steals the show from Colbert. The Colbert Report […]

23Feb2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Canadians Have ‘Canadian Style’ Health System

What does it mean to have a Canadian Style Health System.  Steven Colbert has managed to qualify the distinct differences between health care in the United States and health care in Canada. Republican House leader John Boehner would have us believe the Canadians are a bunch of socialists who deny their children their basic human […]

23Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Canadians Have ‘Canadian Style’ Health System | Continued
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Glen Beck is the Disease in America

Glen Beck has topped himself. He somehow has managed to equate evolution with progressive politics. His comparison of revolution to evolution is totally insane – but the real fear is the platform given to him by the ‘conservative movement’ in America. These folks think they are carrying out Ronald Reagan’s vision – but Ronald Reagan […]

23Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Glen Beck is the Disease in America | Continued
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Gospel Kitsch – or Kitsch Gospel

My son (who writes this magazine with me) has both a greater appreciation of Art and of the Gospels.  He can point out yard art in rural America that qualifies for kitsch.  I’m talking about those pink flamingos and beer can sculptures found regularly in northwest Missouri.  The same folks who have beer can art […]

22Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Gospel Kitsch – or Kitsch Gospel | Continued
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Huckabee with Michelle Obama

Governor Mike Huckabee is a real gentleman – too bad he is also a wacky fundamentalist Christian and works with the yellow journalists at FOX News.  His interview with the First Lady was enduring.  It seems Huckabee understands that Michell Obama is the First Lady – she is not the President.  Huckabee correctly follows a […]

21Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Huckabee with Michelle Obama | Continued
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Letterman Defines Difference Between Himself and Leno

Dave Letterman is a classic comic. His timing is near perfect – but his willingness to take on controversial topics nears courageous – even at the expense of his own reputation. Dave tackles the topic of the difference between himself and Jay Leno. Listen for the joke on Dick Cheney:

20Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Letterman Defines Difference Between Himself and Leno | Continued
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Brainwashing Tiger Woods – Failures of Addiction Therapy

Future psychologists will look back on this era of addiction treatment in much the same manner that they presently look back on 19th century mental asylums. The real sadness is that progressives in the present mental health community already recognize the deplorably foolish tactics of many addiction treatment centers.

20Feb2010 | | 6 comments | Continued
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Tiger Woods Statement (Video)

Tiger has spoken – now the analysis begins. What did he say? What did he mean? Is he in denial? Is Tiger covering something? Has Tiger been completely honest? We have our own thoughts on these matters – but we will wait for an opportunity to speak responsibly on the subject of Tiger Woods, Tiger’s […]

19Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Tiger Woods Statement (Video) | Continued
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Redneck Logic

Occasionally we have the opportunity to write something about our neighbors. Billy Ray come over the other night and told us this story. Who knows what to believe from a Redneck?

17Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Redneck Logic | Continued
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Angry Electorate Kicks the Family Dog

Many are ready to condemn the President. People are hurt – and are responding with anger. Any good anger management program teaches how to best focus or direct the anger. The classic story concerns the frustrated employee who comes home at night and kicks the family dog.

17Feb2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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American Idol Behind the Scenes

This link takes American Idol fans to a “Share Widget” One can copy this widget to your favorite web site. Enjoy

16Feb2010 | | Comments Off on American Idol Behind the Scenes | Continued
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Everything American Idol – 2010

Hyperlink to a vast array of information about American Idol. We offer this service merely as a convenience to web surfers. Enjoy.

16Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Everything American Idol – 2010 | Continued
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How to Lose a Political Majority in Ten Months

This past decade should have taught the politicians in Washington D. C. a thing or two about how to lose a majority in Congress.  The shenanigans on the hill are just not well tolerated by the voting public.  Each of the two dominant political parties have won and lost majorities by foolish political wrangling.  Did […]

15Feb2010 | | Comments Off on How to Lose a Political Majority in Ten Months | Continued
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Political Party Custom and Nature

World War Two in Europe was winding down.  There was talk of an armistice – a mutually agreeable peace treaty.  The allies, Soviet, English, and American, called for an unconditional surrender – there would be no armistice.  Some criticized ‘unconditional’ as too severe.  These terms seem to apply to the current atmosphere in Washington D. […]

13Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Political Party Custom and Nature | Continued
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“Democracy is no Harlot…”

The 2010 Tea Party shenanigans are dangerous.  They use the name “Tea Party” to denote an affiliation with the historical Boston Tea Party that preceded the American Revolution.  The Boston Tea Party was a direct revolt against King George’s tax on imported tea – taxation without representation.  This modern version bears little resemblance to the […]

12Feb2010 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Angry At Government – Or Just Angry

The word ‘angry’ is being thrown around with loose abandon.  Editorials across the free press note the ‘anger of the voters.’  There is legitimate anger.  But there is also illegitimate anger.   Does legitimacy make any difference?  Is anger the same whether legitimate or not?  Is an angry voter a rational voter? The essence of anger […]

12Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Angry At Government – Or Just Angry | Continued
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Steven Colbert, FOX, and Global Warming

It is February – in North America.  It is snowing, and the temperature hovers around freezing.  In two months it will be April, the average daily temperature will hover around 55-60 degrees.  What can this possibly mean?  Can this mean that North America’s climate is seasonal – or does this mean the global weather is […]

11Feb2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Spiritual Responsibility

To think that any particular faith, such as Christian or Muslim, is more favorable to God than another is an astoundingly arrogant notion – and it is irresponsible.

10Feb2010 | | Comments Off on Spiritual Responsibility | Continued
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Clutter, Hoarding, Pyschological Diagnosis or a Busy Family

So what is it with people who hoard ‘things’ – who place their ‘things’ around the house with indiscriminate frivolity? Is this just a value system learned in childhood, the symptoms of a life too busy to sort through the ‘things’, or are these people nuts and require treatment with Tiger Woods? And the more important question: Am I one of ‘those’ people?

10Feb2010 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Redneck Ingenuity – or Schizophrenic Engineering?

I know rednecks.  I should.  I am one generation removed from hillbillies.  Around these parts people who are one generation removed must go through the redneck phase – and sometimes that phase lasts a couple of generations.  I am known as a half-breed because I obtained a formal university education.  Even my redneck friends will […]

5Feb2010 | | 3 comments | Continued
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The Army of God, Scott Roeder, and the Right Side of History

Scott Roeder shot and killed late term abortion Doctor George Tiller May, 31, 2009.  No one disputes this fact.  Roeder proudly admitted to the shooting while on trial for murder in Kansas.    Roeder was convicted of murder by a jury of his peers.  Peers, in this case, means twelve people who lived in the county […]

4Feb2010 | | 2 comments | Continued
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The Problem is Heterosexuals in the Military

My son is a flaming heterosexual.  He does not attempt to hide this fact, but neither does he go around broadcasting his sexual preferences.  Our family chose to just ignore his life style.  When he was twenty years old he joined the Navy.  It was some time during his four year tour of duty that […]

3Feb2010 | | 6 comments | Continued
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2012 Mayan Prediction – Respecting Logic

Marilyn vos Savant is some sort of genius who sells her logic to Parade Magazine.  People write with questions, Marilyn answers.  The question on January 31, 2010, concerned the Mayan prediction of the end of the world in the year 2012.  The question:  Can you add some logic to calm the hysteria?  The flaw in […]

3Feb2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Something is Terribly Wrong in Youth Football

He was ‘jacked up’, got his bell rung, he was clocked.  He took it like a man.  This is real man sport.  Only a real man could take a hit like that.  Have you ever heard any of those sort of comments regarding football?  Have you ever used those terms yourself.  I have.  And I […]

2Feb2010 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Obama meets House Republican Conference 1/29/10

President Obama is a very unusual man. He has a striking intelligence – nothing really special about this – there are a lot of smart people. There are lawyers and Medical Doctors and PH.D’s in the House and Senate. Our Government is well populated with intelligence. What strikes us about Obama is his phenomenal patience.

30Jan2010 | | Comments Off on Obama meets House Republican Conference 1/29/10 | Continued