Musing about the eve of Y2K and Y2K+10

Ten years ago, New Year's Eve was celebrated with a bit of apprehension because of Y2K. I know I wondered if the lights would stay on, or more importantly, if the heat would stay on! Would the technological fabric of our lives would hold together or unravel?

My old Girl Scout motto, Be Prepared, prompted me to do just that: be prepared for what might come. We had our emergency light, heat, water, and food sources in the ready, just in case. Thankfully, nothing happened. Whether we went off grid for a national emergency or just a weather related reason, as we did a few weeks ago, we learned it is good to be ready.

Since our house had a fireplace, we invited my dad and sister to our house New Year's Eve 1999 for a movie marathon. (Well, at least until midnight, if the power went off.) We watched home movies that spanned 40 years, from our childhood days on up to my son's toddler days, and ate all manner of junk food. We had fun.

Thankfully, there was no technology failure and no need for concern. Our movie marathon continued past midnight.

This New Year's Eve, I find myself thinking concern over Y2K was the good ole days!

In 1999, our economy wasn't in the mess it is in today. We also weren't poised to take over the private health insurance industry with an unconstitutionally mandated government system. There was no war on terror, at least not on our soil, as most of us thought the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 was more of a fluke.

This New Year's Eve, one thing remains the same as New Year's Eve 1999: the movie marathon. We've done it every year since Y2K. We have upgraded to showing DVD's with a projector on a big screen in the living room though.

This year's picks: The latest Star Trek, the 4th Indiana Jones, G-Force, and maybe Night at the Museum 2. There might also be a home movie or 2 for nostalgia's sake.

Let the junk food and festivities begin!

What are your New Year's Eve traditions?


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty - Tea Party - meeting Wed. Dec. 30th, 5:30pm

The Tea Party movement, that began as a spontaneous tax protest, is moving toward the next step: organizing to protect our constitutional rights.

Locally, a group that calls itself The Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty organized a lakefront tea party last September. They are now holding an open meeting at the Franklin Library on Wednesday, Dec. 30th at 5:30pm, for those interested in learning more about the group and its activities.

Come and talk with members and attend a short meeting that will "cover plans for events and activities in 2010."

Their website states they are "a group of non-partisan, like minded individuals dedicated to the restoration of the American republic to its originalist constitutional basis. We have chosen our name in homage to those Revolutionary Patriots, the original Sons of Liberty, who were political activists agitating for independence, liberty and taxation with representation."

For more information, call Tim Dake at 262-308-0553 or email Tim at timd@wisconsingrandsonsofliberty.com.

The Franklin Library is located at 9151 W. Loomis Road, Fadrow Room A

Their website: Wisconsingrandsonsofliberty.com is also a great source for local Tea Party events and groups.


I learned of this meeting, via an email alert, from Americans for Prosperity Regional Coordinator Scott Sindey.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Come to Bethlehem and see, Christ the Lord the newborn king

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them,
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
to men on whom his favor rests.
Luke 2: 8-14 KJV & NIV

And she she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” The name Jesus means the LORD saves.

Merry Christmas

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Stopping ObamaCare: Hoping for Ghost of Christmas Future or appendectomy?

Unfortunately, ObamaCare health care reform has become a matter of being the best bill money can bribe. It seems the only way the Democrats can cram it down our throats is to offer big buck incentives to hold-out Senators to reach the magical 60 vote majority and then vote in the dead of night.

Senator and Doctor Tom Coburn said it best, "This process is not legislation. This process is corruption, and it's a shame that that's the only way we can come to consensus in this country is to buy votes."

If bribes weren't bad enough, Senate Leader Harry Reid scheduled the final vote on the eve of Christendom's most significant holiday, Christmas Eve. The timing of his vote is a slap in the face to Christians.

All I can say is that our founding fathers are rolling over in their graves at the dirty tricks some legislators have sunk to.

What can we do? Really nothing, except pray that just one of those 60 Democrats would change their vote? You know, in the spirit of A Christmas Carol, where the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future visited Ebenezer Scrooge prompting his change of heart, that 1 or 2 Democrats would be convicted or have troubling dreams of what America will look like in the future under the tyranny of ObamaCare.

Or, we need something to keep a Senator or 2 from voting on the Senate floor Christmas Eve. Not anything serious, just a well timed emergency appendectomy or something?

Unless we get a reprieve, we probably will have a signed Senate bill on Christmas Eve. Talk about coal in our stockings!

The only shred of hope we have of defeating ObamaCare after that is to hammer our legislators while they are home in their districts over Christmas break. The House and Senate versions still must go through conference committee to come up with the final version. My hope would be some Congressmen would reconsider, seeing that over 60% of Americans DON'T WANT OBAMACARE.

God help us, everyone.

Pertinent reading (my emphasis): Catholic League: Reid deals "Three Card Monte" : "...Sen. Harry Reid’s health care bill resembles—“Three Card Monte.” The dealer is the federal government with its “opt out” and “firewall” illusions regarding abortion coverage; the confederate is the insurance companies with its “segregation of funds” illusions; and the loser is the taxpayers, especially those who are pro-life.

The central difference between the card game and the health care bill is that the former doesn’t wind up subsidizing the killing of innocents."

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Last 2 chances to "stuff" Tom Wacker's Salvation Army Kettle

I almost forgot to blog about this, but there is still time to help out. Brookfield resident Tom Wacker is ringing the bell again for the Salvation Army at the Pick 'n Save at 17630 W. Bluemound Road, Saturday from noon to 3pm and Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 6 - 9pm.

Tom does a topnotch job manning the red kettle; he is a real pro. Here is what Tom had to say about the Salvation Army:

"...I will be bell ringing again this year to support the wonderful work that the Salvation Army does for the most unfortunate in our world. Not only do they minister to the needs of the most troubled among us, but they do it in a most efficient way with some of the lowest overhead of any national charity.

We all have much to be thankful for and given the condition of the economy, the needs of the most unfortunate have never been greater.

So once again, if you are in the Milwaukee area, I would urge you to stop by when I'm ringing and share a hug and a bit of Christmas cheer. And if you can, toss a little something into the kettle and help your fellow man this Christmas season."

I support the Salvation Army. They not only help the less fortunate, but they also give disaster aid.

Mary Stutzman, the Salvation Army volunteer coordinator had this to say about Tom's past bell ringing efforts:

"The support that you [Tom] and your family and friends have shown The Salvation Army each year is overwhelming! Last year alone, you raised $X! This is the equivalent of providing a weeks worth of groceries from our food pantry to 100 people, 160 nights of shelter for a homeless person, or 20 community meals to 125 people in need in our Community Meal program."

So stop by Saturday or next Tuesday to help Tom "stuff the kettle" or if those times aren't convenient, stuff the kettle without Tom. It all goes to a good cause. You may also contribute online.

Donations are down this year and needs are up. Share what you can.

Past Post: Tom Wacker rings Red Kettle Salvation Army bell again at Pick 'n Save

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Visit O Little Town of Bethlehem, Brookfield

On Thursday and Friday mornings, I will travel in time back to ancient Bethlehem to participate in Elmbrook Church's Bethlehem Marketplace.
This will mark my 4th time working in Bethlehem.

I have worked in the weavers and dyers booth as well as the spice shop before, but this year I am going to try my hand as an apothecary and do a bit of gossiping in town too. (I guess the gossip was the ancient version of blogging?)

If you have never been to Bethlehem Marketplace, do make an effort to go. It truly must be seen to be believed! The church does an excellent job of transforming the gymnasium into ancient Bethlehem.

The guests tour through the marketplace in Bethlehem and visit the various vendors--that is where volunteers like me come in. We man the booths in costume and perform various jobs, assuming the roles of the locals in living history mode.

In past years, they always had an oasis family, complete with camels and lots of animals. The tourists' travels end with the last stop, the stable, complete with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. I have to admire those moms who bring their newborns in for their child's first acting job!

Admission is very reasonable at $3. There are still a few time slots left, but you better hurry!
They still could use volunteers too so if you have done this before or feel comfortable doing living history, consider signing up.

For more information, visit the Bethlehem Marketplace website or call the church hotline, (262) 796-5730

Brookfieldnow: Spending Christmas in Bethlehem


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

'Tis the season...for campaigning: Coon & Vukmir

Amid all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation, some people are preparing for something else: The 2010 elections! Tomorrow evening is Rep. Leah Vukmir's Christmas Party (see bottom of post); yesterday was David Coon's Christmas Open House.

Last night, I stopped in at David Coon's Open House. David lives in my neighborhood and is running for Rep. Leah Vukmir's vacant 14th District Assembly seat in the Wisconsin legislature.

Our paths had crossed during the Bush campaign (he was the contact for yard signs), so I was at least familiar with his name. He told me he started getting involved with politics when he worked on the Kasten campaign when he was just 17 years old. He has been a member of the Waukesha County Republican Party for over 20 years.

Before I went to his home, I had looked at his website: Davidcoonstateassembly.com and found he is not just a Republican, but a solid conservative. After meeting and speaking with him, I thought he was well versed in the issues important to me.

Contact David Coon dlcwm@netscape.net
Telephone:262-391-6817
Address: 955 Garvens Ave.
Brookfield WI 53005

I know there are others throwing their hat in the ring, but I have not looked into their candidacies yet--I am just getting started.

Tomorrow evening, Leah Vukmir is hosting a Christmas Party at Alioto's from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Radio host Jay Weber will be there too. Jay is breaking a long-standing rule of his not to do these sort of events, but he is making an exception for Leah! (Email Events@LeahVukmir.com or call 414-759-1100 for more information.) I don't usually attend these types of things, but I hope to stop in to wish her well.

Vukmir, as most know by now, is running for liberal Democrat Jim Sullivan's 5th District State Senate seat in November. All I can say is, more power to her! Leah is a solid conservative and not afraid to stand up for her beliefs.

On a very local level, I spotted my first mayoral race campaign sign. It was for David Marcello. (I am not supporting David, just reporting that I spotted a sign.)

So you see, it 'tis the season for campaigning too.


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Code Red Rally: Over the river, through the woods, to Washington DC they go!

Americans for Prosperity is hosting a Code Red Rally today, at our nation's Capitol at 1:30pm. Patients First is also organizing buses for the day. Both groups are helping people organize for one reason: to tell the Senate to "keep their hands off our health care".

All I can say is more power to them.

As AFP stated, "The number 1 reason Congress has taken this long on this issue is YOU," the protester. I have to agree. It is only the growing outcry of average Americans who attended Tea Parties and Town Halls and now Capitol steps rallies that have delayed what President Obama hoped would pass last summer.

What a time to be taking time off work or from the scurry of Christmas preparations to go to a rally! The weather certainly isn't conducive to spending time outdoors either. But people are concerned about the government federalizing 1/6th of our economy by taking over the health care industry, so they will show up. I will be watching Drudge and sites like Michelle Malkin for updates today.

Harry Reid's ObamaCare bill changes moment by moment. Yesterday, the pundits were declaring it in critical condition, because Lieberman wouldn't vote for something that included the public option of expanded Medicare. Well, that no longer seems to be a problem. The goal is, after all, to just get anything passed.

Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska earlier said he wouldn't vote for something that included taxpayer funded abortion... well, maybe now he would... for a price. The compensation arm-twisting is in full force. Malkin wrote, "A Hill source says to pay attention to Sen. Ben Nelson. He is reportedly being threatened with closure of an air force base if he doesn’t fall in line and will be offered a “blank check” bribe bigger than Sen. Landrieu’s."

The CBO was to give their score of Reid's bill, but which one? The one that includes expanding Medicare? The one that covers abortion? The one that allows importing prescription drugs? This bill changes faster than a runway model!

Senate Republicans are balking. WSJ: "Republicans decried the Democratic deal making, and urged the majority party to slow action on legislation they contended will undermine the U.S. economy."

Senator John McCain summed it up well, "'Whether expansion of Medicare is in or out...doesn't affect the core problem with this legislation, which is that it does not reduce costs' and increases the size of government."

Those of us who stay home can at least call our senators along with the key players:
Sen. Russ Feingold, up for reelection! 202-224-5323 Feingold said last weekend that he was "opposed to dropping the public option completely and that he was not yet committed to supporting the bill."
Sen. Herb Kohl: 202-224-5653

Find your Senator here

Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska: 202-224-6551 Nelson didn't want taxpayer money to fund abortion but now is threatened with an air force base closure in his state.
Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota: 202-224-2551 Dorgan is pushing for re-importation of prescription drugs from Canada and other countries, which would go against the drug companies deal made earlier.
Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut: 202-224-4041 Very early on, Lieberman said that because of the economy, he didn't think this was the time for a government insurance company or opt out provision. He is being threatened with loss of position if he doesn't vote for it. Even his wife's breast cancer cause is catching flack.
Sen. Olympia Snowe: 202-224-5344 Who can figure out where she really stands, but she and Collins the weak links among the Republicans.
Sen. Susan Collins: 202-224-2523 Collins is the other wishy-washy Republican.

You might want to remind them that in the latest CNN poll, 61% of Americans oppose this Senate health care bill, 79% say it would INCREASE the deficit, and 85% believe it will increase their taxes. These numbers are growing all the time.

I'm hoping Reid can't get the votes to pass his version of ObamaCare but the president is calling senators to the White House for the royal arm-twisting today.

I also hope and pray thousands show up today to protest. All I can say is, God bless 'em, everyone.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Christmas at Brookside: Christmas Musical tonight and Sunday

Looking for something to get you into the Christmas spirit tonight or tomorrow? How about Brookside Baptist Church's CHRISTMAS MUSICAL?

If you've ever wondered if Christ's birth or becoming a Christian really makes any difference, this year's Christmas Musical might help answer those questions. The musical includes "real people telling the real meaning of Christmas" interwoven throughout the program.

One of the many things I enjoy at Brookside is the music. Their choir programs, accompanied by their orchestra, have always been excellent, and if last Sunday's preview is any indication, this weekend's presentation will not disappoint.

Brookside Baptist Church is easy to find on Pilgrim Road, just south of Lisbon, in Brookfied. Directions

The program begins at 5pm on Saturday night and 6pm on Sunday. There is a reception after the performance. (Brookside is also known for it's good food!)

I plan to be there Sunday night. See you there?

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

So glad to be back on the grid!

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday morning we were into hour 12 of being without electricity. The previous night, the power flicked 3 times and then went off around 9pm, right in the middle of cookie baking. At least I had just finished baking one batch and hadn't started another.

We did the usual scramble for flashlights and candles and then decided we might as well turn in for the night.

I did pick up our corded phone to call in to WE Energies. Oops, we have VOIP, no phone! Got out the cell phone and made the call, only to hear a long explanation how 16,000 homes were out of power and they would be repairing as quickly as safely possible. I did not listen to the entire message because it seemed to just drone on about the crisis and didn't have an option to report an outage.

We slept OK because we keep our bedroom rather chilly anyway. The next morning I had to attend to the number one concern: COFFEE. Fortunately I had some ground already so I made a makeshift cup atop of our propane single burner rig. Ahhh, now I felt ready to face the day.

Called WE Energies again. This time I got a new message of 25,000 people out of power...they were calling in private contractors to help restore power... etc. etc. Again, I did not wait until the end, because cell phone battery life was a concern.

Second item of business was to make friends with the snow-blower. I got out my detailed instructions and prayed it would start easily for me on a slow pull start. It did! (It has electric start, but that was not an option.)

Called WE Energies after doing most of the driveway. This time they were down to 9,000 people out of power and estimates were restoration by noon for Milwaukee County and, gasp, midnight for Waukesha. Argh.

While I was searching for something to eat without opening the refrigerator, I noticed the dog was shivering in the house. Put his sweater on. Had an interesting lunch of walnuts, rye bread, and an apple.

Went back outside for shovel clean-up and hauled some wood in for a fire. The temperature was supposed to drop later; I figured I better be prepared.

Finished the snow clean up and came in. I happily found some ground decaf coffee for a second cup! Got the fire going and threw in 2 foil wrapped potatoes for supper.

After that, I called my sister, who volunteered to try to call WE Energies again for me. She actually listened to the entire message, this one included information about Kenosha County, and found there was an opportunity to report an outage at the very end of the message. She reported ours and then called me back to report they were now saying power might no be restored until noon Thursday!

Oh-oh, I better get more wood in, I thought, if we had another day to go without heat.

My other half came home around 6pm. He called WE Energies and on the first ring, got a live body!!! After relaying the events of our outage, which indicated a re-closer trip (like circuit breaker on the transformer) was the likely culprit. He told the worker that it probably only needed resetting. (Our neighborhood has had trouble with it before.)

Ate a dinner of canned beef stew and our fireplace baked potatoes amid a table full of lit candles. Not bad. (I am still in my coat, boots, and headband from shoveling. It was bulky but warm.)

Somewhere around 7:30pm, the lights came back on! Yippee!!! The furnace and refrigerator kicked in; we were back to business as usual. I promptly turned the oven on; the cookie marathon must go on!

There is nothing like a power outage to make one appreciate the conveniences we all take for granted. We live with more conveniences than Henry the 8th ever had!

I often think of Laura Ingalls in her book, The Long Winter (inspired by her life), when I start feeling sorry for myself when dealing with the cold and snow. In her book, Laura and her sister Mary had to twist up sticks of hay non-stop to keep the fire going, because they ran out of firewood. Food was also very short. They nearly died during that winter.

I also think of Abraham Lincoln, who read by firelight. You really have to want to read to do that. I couldn't manage it even with a table full of candles.

How about the wonders of hot, running water? A hot shower is a blessing I have appreciated ever since the specter of Y2K threatened that basic part of every day life in America.

Our 22 hours without power reminded me that I could be better prepared to deal with power outages. Keeping food that is ready to eat, or with minimal cooking, water, candles, lamp oil, fire wood or duraflame logs, and propane lanterns (they throw a fair amount of heat), stoves and heaters are things we all should have on hand.

We managed pretty well for our 22 hour ordeal, if you don't count all the times I flicked on the light switches to no avail. Can't say I want to repeat it though!


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Do you celebrate St. Nick on Dec. 6th? It's very Milwaukee

Did you grow up celebrating St. Nicholas' Day? If so, you know to hang your stocking by the chimney on the eve of Dec. 5th!

St. Nicholas or St. Nick is relatively unknown in most of the United States. He was a Christian Bishop living in the Roman Empire in the early 300s AD. The holiday is a German custom and very much part of being a Milwaukeean.

When I was a little girl, we didn't celebrate Santa on Christmas morning, but we did enjoy hanging a clean sock up on the eve of Dec. 5th. Since we didn't have a fire place. we improvised by hanging our socks on the drawer handles of the mahogany knee hole desk. Hey, it kind of looked like a fire place!

It was always fun the next morning to see what mom and dad put into our stockings. Sometimes we would get a stuffed animal; sometimes golden foiled chocolate coins*--those were always intriguing. Once they forgot all about St. Nick until we hung up our socks. That year we got bags of home-popped popcorn, a pack of gum? and some quarters.

Why the chocolate coins? If you know the St. Nicholas story, you would know that he was said to have thrown money through an open window of a poor family's home, during the night. The family was poor and had no dowry money for their 3 daughters. Having no dowry back then meant they probably wouldn't marry, which also meant they would be sold as slaves or go into the oldest profession. The money was said to have landed on their socks and shoes drying by the hearth. It is interesting to me that he did this secretly--no pompous show of his generosity.

In remembering St. Nicholas' Day, oranges or apples often were given. They were to represent the gold St. Nick gave. That is why an orange frequently was put into the toe of a Christmas or St. Nick stocking. (Oranges used to be pricey fruit before the days of improved transportation and considered a real treat.)

I kept the St. Nick tradition alive with my son too. Unlike Santa's visit, which occurs on Christmas Eve, St. Nick occurs early in the month. There is no confusion for children as to where St. Nick fits into the nativity story. (It is rather like celebrating George Washington's birthday with cherry pie.) St. Nicholas Day is a just-for-fun holiday commemorating a real person, who was known for his kindness and good work. No need for all the tall tales, deceit, and subterfuge about how St. Nick is omniscient or makes it all around the world in one night delivering presents to good boys and girls.

No, St. Nicks can be celebrated and enjoyed in the full light of the truth and used to illustrate an important biblical truth that it is more blessed to give than receive. In fact, you could incorporate a secret good deed for a needy family as part of your celebration with your children.

Giving, rather than receiving, after all, is a message we all need to remember every day of the year.

Have a happy St. Nicholas Day!


St. Nick's Day Can be a Nice Little Surprise Milwaukee Journal, 1999 - Lots of nostalgia about Winkies and Drews Variety stores. (I still love to visit Winkies in Whitefish Bay!)

My favorite cucumber and tomato, aka Larry and Bob at Veggietales, tell a St. Nicholas story of sorts in their latest DVD: Saint Nicholas, A story of joyful giving. I have not seen it, but I do enjoy those Veggies.


*I got my chocolate coins this year at Aldi. They also had them in silver. The coin design was the Kennedy half dollar. Some years I have found foreign coins in various sizes. I liked these the best and threaded a gold thread through them to hang on my Christmas tree--as pictured. Gold was after all one of the gifts the Magi brought to baby Jesus.

Gold chocolate coins are also used for Hanukkah celebrations as the "Gelt"?

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

I don't often quote Jon Stewart, but "Poor Al Gore" cancels Copenhagen

You know an issue has traction when the the lib comics start jabbing their own on the left. This week, Comedian Jon Stewart threw this zinger at Global Warming Guru Al Gore. (I don't watch Jon, but Vicki McKenna mentioned it on her radio program. It is funny--raunch removed):

"Poor Al Gore, global warming completely debunked by the very Internet you invented. OH, OH the irony, the irony."

He also chided the CRU for throwing out raw data.

"But here's what's great about science, in disagreements we go back and look at the raw data (clip showing data destroyed) ... ...Why would you throw out raw data from the 80's?...", after all, he still has his girlie magazines from the 1970s!

This morning, I learned** that the Guru himself, Al Gore, CANCELED his special Copenhagen $1,209/ticket book promo, photo op, and snack with Al event!

Why?

The Danish ticket coordinator stated, "'great annoyance' was a factor in the cancellation, along with unforseen changes in Mr. Gore's program for the climate summit." Gore's cancellation affects 3,000 believers, um, make that ticket holders.

"Great annoyance"? "Unforseen changes in Mr. Gore's program"? Could it be Mr. Gore doesn't know how to incorporate eating crow into his slide presentation?

Al Gore's credibility was already on thin ice. Remember Gore has photo-shopped some of his pictures for greater affect in his movie and on his book cover. He won't debate any naysayers--he says he will, but then he cancels. And he will not answer pointed questions. Most recent example, when Gore was in Madison, WI, he would not respond to a simple question about polar bears being considered threatened when their population is growing*.

Whatever you might believe about man made global warming, this latest cancellation is HUGE. Certainly in a crowd of 3,000 believers, willing to pay $1,200 just for the privilege of being in his presence, Gore was on friendly turf.

The man made global warming believers will still believe because it is a religion, not science, but canceling was a major faux pas, in my opinion. As any religious leader knows, you don't disappoint the faithful.


More reading: ClimateGate Overview
Houston braces for about 2 inches of snow, earliest ever!
Take back Al Gore's Oscar, two Academy members demand in light of Climategate

*I know "threatened" is a matter of semantics and doesn't have so much to do with population as with thriving habitat. Still, increasing by 20,000 in 30 years shows polar bears are faring better.

**Thanks to Jay Weber's link page

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation