“other nations”

“We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals. Remote from universal nature and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate for having taken form so far below ourselves.

And therein do we err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings: they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.”

Henry Beston American writer and naturalist

“Other Nations”

“Earthlings”

Progressively Leading American Workers into the Government Service Fold

There is something not right about Obama’s lip service to the importance of job creation versus what he is actually doing about it.

2009’s nearly one trillion dollar stimulus bill as good as ignored the swelling lists of the newly unemployed. As a back-burner issue there was a lame stab at job creation by concentrating on short term construction contracts that ignored floundering small businesses. Ironically, construction unemployment levels swelled to a record 19% by the end of 2009.

It turns out that the only area of notable job growth has turned out to be a cause for alarm for the average, free-thinking entrepreneurial American.

“The era of big government has returned with a vengeance, in the form of the largest federal work force in modern history.

The Obama administration says the government will grow to 2.15 million employees this year, topping 2 million for the first time since President Clinton declared that “the era of big government is over” and joined forces with a Republican-led Congress in the 1990s to pare back the federal work force.

Most of the increases are on the civilian side, which will grow by 153,000workers, to 1.43 million people, in fiscal 2010.”

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/feb/02/burgeoning-federal-payroll-signals-return-of-big-g/.

When is anyone going to notice that a key component of the Obama Administration and its progressive members’ plan to scrape every citizen under it’s umbrella of power is to systematically focus on growing the government’s work force, thereby creating a new and dominant worker force, held captive and subject to it’s progressive master’s socialist ideology.

This orchestrated exodus of patiently shepherding the masses into the progressive camp is not new methodology. We see it at work with the corrupted unions, most recently with the check card issue. But nowhere has progressive ideology been flourishing more than in our education system. Millions of young formative minds pour into their cauldron each year, yearning to be filled with ideas and information – the ultimate captive audience for revisionist history and progressive ideology. Additionally, with their children spending out-of-school time in a succession of parent-less situations like childcare and extended school-day programs, weary and out-of-touch parents’ ability to temper the influence of the daily assault of the NEA’s progressive agenda has been severely impeded. Unless much more is done to examine and expose the deliberate and systematic crushing of the principles that this country was founded on we will continue to be led down the path to communism by the progressive movement.

To facilitate the mass migration of America’s workers from the private sector into government service the Obama Administration is adding further tax burdens to middle class individuals.

“NEW YORK (Reuters.com) –The Obama administration’s plan to cut more than $1 trillion from the deficit over the next decade relies heavily on so-called backdoor tax increases that will result in a bigger tax bill for middle-class families.In the 2010 budget tabled by President Barack Obama on Monday, the White House wants to let billions of dollars in tax breaks expire by the end of the year — effectively a tax hike by stealth.

While the administration is focusing its proposal on eliminating tax breaks for individuals who earn $250,000 a year or more, middle-class families will face a slew of these backdoor increases.”

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100201/bs_nm/us_budget_backdoortaxes

The goverment is also dragging it’s heels on any business growth measures for small businesses, as illustrated by President Obama’s anemic announcement during the State of the Union calling for Jobs Bill and tax credits for small business hires. It turns out the Jobs (Stimulus) Bill will cost a head-scratching $33 billion dollars and there is no precedent that it will work. What will work is what has always worked in the past – make the temporary tax cuts of 2001 and 2003–now set to expire in 2011–permanent. Then small business owners can make plans and decisions can be made with an eye toward the future. The cut will reduce income tax rates across the board compared to current law. It would give the private sector maximum predict­ability as it decides how to best spend its recovered income.

“Just as we cut taxes for families and small busi­nesses, we need to cut them for corporations as well, from 35 percent to 25 percent. And we shouldn’t be afraid to say so. Our corporate tax rate is one of the highest in the world, driving invest­ment and jobs overseas. Lowering this key rate will unlock trillions of dollars to be invested in America instead of abroad.

And rather than giving large companies loop­holes and targeted tax benefits–which only encourage them to spend money on the lobbyists who secure such goodies–Congress should get out of the business of picking winners and losers in the market and simply cut everyone’s taxes and let the best company win. My plan will make businesses compete for consumers, not Congressmen.

To further simplify and improve the code, our plan would also:

• permanently repeal the alternative minimum tax once and for all;
• permanently maintain the capital gains and divi­dends taxes at 15 percent;
• permanently kill the Death Tax for estates under $5 million, and cut the tax rate to 15 percent for those above;
• permanently extend the $1,000-per-child tax credit;
• permanently repeal the marriage tax penalty;
• permanently limit itemized deductions to home mortgage interest and charitable contributions.

The Heritage Center for Data Analysis widely respected economic forecasting model projects this plan would create nearly 500,000 jobs this year, 1.3 million next year, 7.5 million by 2013, and a total of nearly 18 million jobs over the next decade.

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/hl1108.cfm

The Progressive Movement and the Transformation of American Politics

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adapted from The Joy of Vegan Baking ~ Colleen Patrick Goudreau

These are my favorite chocolate chip cookies. They have all the characteristics that many chocolate chip cookie connoisseurs think that a good chocolate chip cookie should have – crispy buttery outside, very slightly chewy inside, a not too molasses-sweet, yet very faintly salty background flavor … and, oh yes!, lots and lots of chocolate chips!!

makes 3-4 dozen cookies

4½	tsp	egg replacer (Ener G brand, available in powder form from Whole Foods)
6	tbsp	filtered water
1	cup	nondairy butter, softened a bit (½ tub, or two half-sticks) (Earth Balance brand from Whole Foods)
½	cup	granulated *vegan sugar
¾	cup	organic **dark brown sugar, firmly packed
3	tsp	organic vanilla extract
2¼	cups	unbleached all-purpose flour
1	tsp	baking soda
1	tsp	Celtic fine grain salt
1½	12 oz bags	nondairy chocolate chips, ***(Sunspire semi-sweet, or Whole Foods 365 vegan)

 

… preheat oven to 375°

 

… line cookie sheet or half-sheet baker’s pan with parchment paper or Silpat silicone liner

 

1.   In medium size bowl combine the flour, baking soda and salt

2.   In food processor or blender (whichever is easiest for you, just put the water in first, then the egg replacer) whip the water and egg replacer together until thick and creamy.

3.   In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer (whichever is easiest for you), cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla.

4.   Bump the egg replacer mixture in the blender to remix it a bit, then blend it into the creamed mixture.

5.   Gradually add in the flour mixture by large spoonfuls to the creamed mixture until it begins to form a dough. Don’t over mix. When almost completely combined, blend in the chips.

6.   It’s time to form the cookies and arrange them on the baking sheets. The easiest way to do this is to grab a cookie-sized hunk with the tips of your fingers (I wear surgical gloves), and with your finger tips loosely form a semi-flattened cookie shape. Place a dozen cookies per sheet, evenly spaced.

7.   Depending on your oven’s ‘true temperature’, bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, a minute or so longer if a crispier texture is desired. If you are baking two sheets at a time bake only one sheet for you initial bake, since like making pancakes or waffles, the first batch is always the least ‘perfect’

*sugar that is not filtered through bone char, as most white table sugar is

**dark brown sugar is made with molasses which deepens the sweetness

***don’t use grain-sweetened vegan chips unless you want chocolate chip cookies with “burnt melted raisins” (as described by dd) in place of what started out as chocolate chips in the dough

Hundreds Gather to Protest Global Warming!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

The Christmas Story

Gospel According to Saint Matthew

1:16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations, from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations. And from David to the transmigration of Babylon, are fourteen generations: and from the transmigration of Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations. 18 Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. 19 Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: 23 Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. 25 And he knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

2: 1 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. 2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. 3 And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. 5 But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet:

6 And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; 8 And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him. 9 Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. 10 And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country. 13 And after they were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy him. 14 Who arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod: 15 That it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my son.

16 Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry; and sending killed all the men children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: 18 A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. 19 But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph in Egypt, 20 Saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead that sought the life of the child.

21 Who arose, and took the child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But hearing that Archelaus reigned in Judea in the room of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither: and being warned in sleep retired into the quarters of Galilee. 23 And coming he dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was said by prophets: That he shall be called a Nazarene.

Gospel According to Saint Luke

1: 26 And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.

31 Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. 33 And of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? 35 And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: 37 Because no word shall be impossible with God. 38 And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. 39 And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. 40 And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.

41 And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.

46 And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him.

51 He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy: 55 As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months; and she returned to her own house. 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time of being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbours and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her, and they congratulated with her. 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him by his father’s name Zachary. 60 And his mother answering, said: Not so; but he shall be called John.

61 And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63 And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came upon all their neighbours; and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea.

66 And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: What an one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost; and he prophesied, saying: 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people: 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant: 70 As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning:

71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us: 72 To perform mercy to our fathers, and to remember his holy testament, 73 The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us, 74 That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and justice before him, all our days.

76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways: 77 To give knowledge of salvation to his people, unto the remission of their sins: 78 Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us: 79 To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace. 80 And the child grew, and was strengthened in spirit; and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

2: 1 And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. 2 This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, 5 To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

6 And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. 9 And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. 10 And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:

11 For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will. 15 And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us.

16 And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 17 And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. 18 And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: 23 As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: 24 And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons: 25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him.

26 And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: 29 Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; 30 Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: 32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; 35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.

Best Vegan GRAVY

Your trusty blender is the secret ‘ingredient’ that makes this rich, savory gravy easy and foolproof!

And there’s another essential ingredient that makes this a standout gravy recipe. Besides their deliciously warm and slightly spicy flavor, Shiitake mushrooms are a healthful source for protein and fiber!

1 oz. (approx. weight) package of dried Shiitake mushrooms

2 cups of the broth from the reconstituted Shiitake mushrooms (see directions)

2 cups of vegetable broth (made with one whole Rapunzel Sea Salt and Herbs bouillon cube mixed into 2 cups of boiling water)

1 cup dry white wine like Pinot Grigio

1 large Vidalia or sweet onion, minced

4 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp of Garlic Gold Nuggets)

1 tsp powdered dried sage and 1 tsp dried thyme leaves (or 2 tsp dried Herbes de Provence)

¼ cup nutritional yeast flakes, aka “nooch”

1 tbsp flour

4 tbsp Earth Balance butter

Celtic sea salt and pepper to taste

(Add an optional 1 tbsp poultry seasoning when serving with vegan chix cutlets, vegan turkey or stuffing)

1. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over dried mushrooms in a medium size bowl and set aside
2. In a large, (approx. 4 qt size) heavy bottom sauté pan (or high-sided skillet) sauté the onion in the butter; when the onion has softened add the garlic and continue to sauté for another minute or until the onion begins to caramelize
3. Add the mushrooms in their broth, the vegetable broth, the wine and the seasonings and bring to a simmer
4. Turn the heat off and, in two batches, blenderize the mixture in a blender, returning each blenderized batch of gravy to the sauté pan
5. Continue to cook the gravy on a low simmer for 8-10 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency
6. Stir in the ‘nutch” and adjust seasonings to taste

Makes approximately 5 cups of gravy