Taking a break
Sorry everyone I’m really sick today so until I get better I’m going to try and rest. This cold or whatever has lasted for 2 weeks and I’m not getting much sleep. So, until I get better and get some sleep this will be on break.
Proof Positivity: Is This Truly A Blog?
Shirley Petretic
Is this truly a blog? I’m beginning to wonder. The news that I present is new news, I do interviews, and I live “blog.” I think I’m a one man newspaper. It would be nice to have more than just myself doing this. I treat this as a job. I post every day Monday- Friday when life keeps me busy I’m a little late but I nearly always publish before 9:00 AM eastern. I have countless other blogs and this is the only one that I feel a responsibility for. I’m even at a blogging slump but only at my other blogs. I’ve shirked on my other writing responsibilities. I think I just need a break from the constant writing I had been doing. I would have to say this is more like an e-newspaper, with a slight twist, with my opinion at the beginning. It is true that this blog was more like a blog in the beginning and I did less work for it when I began this. I am proud of what Proof Positivity has grown into and I hope to continue growing and expanding Proof Positivity.
Former President Jimmy Carter Dedicates ‘Gift of Sight’ Statue
Oak Brook, Illinois, January 27, 2009—Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will dedicate the “Gift of Sight” statue on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at Lions Clubs International headquarters. The statue symbolizes Lions Clubs International Foundation’s (LCIF) ongoing efforts to combat preventable blindness and is a gift to Lions from The Carter Center.
The bronze statue is of a a child leading a man blinded by river blindness which is caused by a worm that breeds in fast-flowing rivers. It is a major cause of blindness in west and central Africa.
“Rosalynn and I have seen the devastating effects that blinding diseases have on individuals and their families. The Carter Center and Lions Clubs International Foundation, along with other vital partners, are working to preserve the vision of millions of people in Africa and the Americas,” said Carter Center Founder President Carter. “Thanks to these coordinated efforts, river blindness is nearly eliminated from the Western Hemisphere.”
“It is a great honor to have former President Jimmy Carter dedicate this symbolic statue,” said Lions Clubs International President, Albert Brandel. “This partnership program is preventing and eliminating blindness around the world, and Lions are proud to take a hands-on approach.”
The statue was commissioned by The Carter Center Board Chair, John Moores. The sculptor, R.T. “Skip” Wallen, internationally recognized sculptor and printmaker from Juneau, Alaska volunteered his time to produce the original bronze study. Other life-size castings of the “Gift of Sight” statue are located at The Carter Center in Atlanta and Merck & Co, Inc. Headquarters in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, as well as four additional locations worldwide.
What’s The Buzz
Dear Bee Scientists I am giving this money to you so you can so you can help the bees. I love bees. Katie Brown
6-year-old Katie Brown gave $20 of her allowance savings to the UC Davis honey bee research program.
Katie learned of the problems honey bees were facing from Haagen-Dazs Web site which states “Imagine a world without honey bees.”
Katie’s mother, Molly Pont-Brown, says she ”gets a portion of her allowance each week for charity and had been wanting to help the bees and saving up for a long time, so we were looking online for ways to help the bees and stumbled upon their (Haagen-Dazs) program.”
Eager to share information with her classmates on the plight of the honey bees, Katie took photos of foods that bees pollinate and served Honey Bee Vanilla ice cream, the new flavor that Haagen-Dazs created last year as part of its bee crisis-awareness campaign.
Katie is “about to give another $40 additionally from her Star Student Week,” her mother said. The six-year-old chose to donate $2 per child to the honey bee research program instead of buying the customary trinkets for them. Katie also sent each classmate a “bee-mail” from the Haagen-Dazs Web site to let them know about it.
For Christmas, Katie received a Haagen-Dazs bee shirt and bee books from her family. Her grandmother in California is giving her a “bee friendly garden.” Katie’s next birthday party will feature a bee theme, Honey Bee Vanilla ice cream, and will be a benefit for honey bee research.
“What a great thing (the drive to save the bees) for Haagen-Dazs to do,” Molly Pont-Brown wrote in a letter to UC Davis. “And, of course, we appreciate all your department is doing to help the very important honey bees with your research, as well!”
When told of the Delaware girl’s bee crusader efforts, Katie’s mother said, “It’s fun to hear that there are other little bee crusaders out there, as well.”
Those interested in donating to the honey bee research program at UC Davis or learning more about the design competition for the honey bee haven can access the Department of Entomology home page .
Proof Positivity: Over The Rainbow
Proof Positivity
My husband learned an important lesson last night. Civil rights aren’t just for African American, they are for all people. President Obama’s administration intends on dealing with these issues:
*Combat Employment Discrimination: They will pass the Fair Pay Act, to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work, and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
*Expand Hate Crimes Statutes:
*End Deceptive Voting Practices
*End Racial Profiling
*Reduce Crime Recidivism by Providing Ex-Offender Support
We have had a bit of irresponsibility or laziness in the government the past 8 years and the fact that a lot of the government entities are online makes keeping an eye on what’s going on a little easier. You can follow what Hillary Clinton is doing on Twitter and check out the blog.
The presidency means something more than a new age of responsibility. It means in America you truly can be anything. As a woman all I ever hear is first woman to do this or that. The fact that Hillary CLinton came so close means I can tell my little girl you can do anything you want to do. So, some where over the rainbow a woman will be president.
Top Podcasts of 2008
Each year, Podcast.com publishes the Top 10 Podcasts in a number of categories. This year, the categories and top three winners in each are:
Top Downloads – This list represents the top podcasts on Podcast.com based on the number of downloads from the site
Top Plays – This list represents the top podcasts that were played directly on Podcast.com
Top Podcasts added to Playlists – This list represents the top podcasts that were added Podcast.com member playlists.
Top Podcasts Subscribes – This list represents the top podcasts that were subscribed to by members of Podcast.com.
Top Podcast Page Views – This list represents the top podcast pages that were viewed on Podcast.com.
Top Viral Podcasts – This list represents the top podcasts that were shared on blogs and social media sites.
Top Business Podcasts – This list represents the top podcasts that were defined as a business podcast via tagging.
Top Podcasts Episodes- This list represents the top podcast episodes that were played on Podcast.com.
- Discovery News (Video) – Top Technology Finds Piles Of Treasure
- I have no clue what this is but the title alone is not child appropriate and I’ve removed it to keep this site child friendly http://podcast.com/episode/32092323/15605/
- 60 Minutes Podcast – The Full Broadcast – 60 MINUTES
Shrek Says The Neon Lights Are Bright On Broadway
In the new Broadway hit Shrek The Musical, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NYSE: DWA) is relying on Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) 3D character animation technology. A customized system based on Autodesk MotionBuilder
Shrek the Musical
software is being used to generate a digital face in the Magic Mirror, which speaks to Lord Farquaad in real-time for every show.
“We’ve had a great, longstanding engagement with Autodesk; we rely heavily on Autodesk software and custom development for many of our projects,” said Jim Mainard, head of Research and Development, DreamWorks Animation Technology. “For Shrek The Musical, the sophistication, interactivity and believability of the Magic Mirror wouldn’t have been possible without Autodesk technology.”
Autodesk is a world leader in design innovation technology. Autodesk 3D software and services enable customers to visualize, simulate and analyze entertainment and design projects. For Shrek The Musical, Autodesk designed a system that captures the facial motion of actor John Tartaglia in real-time and uses it to animate the face in the Magic Mirror. This live-to-stage performance is the first of its kind in a Broadway musical.
Shrek The Musical is a new musical based on the story and characters from the book by New Yorker cartoonist William Steig. The show celebrated Opening Night at The Broadway Theatre in New York City on December 14, 2008.
Autodesk, AutoCAD and MotionBuilder are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
(C) 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Fight To End Polio
The polio eradication initiative is working to fight against polio. In America this disease does not exist. Jonas Salk created a vaccine that works for us. The wild polio virus runs rampant in Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, and imported cases from these countries threaten other developing nations. It is in these four countries that the most serious challenges exist, including vaccine effectiveness , low vaccination coverage rates , and access problems due to conflict . Much depends on the countries themselves. Recent progress in key areas has shown that these challenges can be overcome with sufficient national and sub-national commitment.
“G-8 countries pledged repeatedly to take all necessary steps to eradicate polio,” said Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. “Germany has contributed significantly to living up to this commitment. We urge other countries to join us in closing the funding gap and ensuring that health workers have the support they need to protect the world’s children from polio.”
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Launched in 1988, the GPEI — spearheaded by Rotary, the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF — has reduced the number of polio cases by 99 percent over the past two decades, from more than 350,000 cases in 1988 to an estimated 1,600 in 2008.
The GPEI partners will use the new polio eradication funds to support a range of activities, including:
- National Immunization Days, when countries aim to immunize every child under five years old with oral polio vaccine
- Supplemental immunization activities focused on providing extra vaccinations to children in high-risk areas
- Research into new vaccines and ways to ensure they are available to vulnerable children
- Surveillance activities to detect cases of polio so that progress can be measured and outbreaks contained
Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said: “Together with enhanced commitment by the last four endemic countries at all levels, the new funding commitments are precisely what is needed to help the governments in these countries overcome the remaining barriers to reaching every child with polio vaccine.”
“Successfully eradicating polio is crucially important, not just to ensure that no child will ever again be paralyzed by this devastating disease, but also to show that today — in the 21st Century — we can deliver life-saving health interventions to every single child, no matter where they live, and even in the most difficult and challenging environments,” said Dr. Chan, who in 2008 made polio eradication WHO’s top operational priority.
This is the second challenge grant for polio eradication the Gates Foundation has given Rotary. The first came in November 2007, when Rotary agreed to match a $100 million grant dollar-for-dollar.
Rotary clubs worldwide already are hard at work raising the matching funds for what the organization has named Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge. Since the first Gates Foundation challenge grant was announced, Rotary clubs have raised more than $60 million toward the goal.
Proof Positivity: Is It Business As Usual?
Proof Positivity
Is it business as usual? I don’t think so. All the media Is talking about Michelle Obama’s Jimmy Choo shoes and J.Crew accesories. See, even I just mentioned it. Michelle Obama looked fabulous. Even I could very easily see why they would compare her to Jackie Kennedy.
If the media sees her in sweats I swear they would be in shock for her being human. That’s all I’ve heard about, is Michelle Obama’s fashion sense. I’ve seen quite a few first ladies look dowdy and frumpy. I think Michelle Obama is the first that won’t need help.
Now is a wonderful time for my country. Maybe we can begin to heal from the damage that has been done. We need a leader who will push it’s time to work together not against each other.
In the region where I live there is a lot of fear. There is a lot of racism and Barack and Michelle Obama obviously aren’t white. I was shocked to hear my husband state “We’ve lost control.” What? You’re Italian and your family has only been here 100 years.
If there ever was control Africans would not have been slaves and Native Americans would not have been forced on to reservations. Does anyone truly believe Native Americans wanted to move to area where you can’t grow anything and some are unsanitary?
Stop thinking about self. That is my message.
I wanted to apoligize for this getting out late. My son had a 2 hour school delay and an hour later I had to pick him up because of a water pipe breaking or frozen.
New Jersey Students ’Speak Out for Peace’
New Jersey After 3 (NJA3), a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to expanding afterschool opportunities for New Jersey’s youth, will respond to the call for service issued jointly by President Barack Obama and General Colin Powell by showing tribute to the peaceful community actions demonstrated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a “Speak Out for Peace” initiative. “Speak Out for Peace” is a statewide service learning project organized by NJA3 that engages students in its afterschool programs in meaningful examinations and positive actions towards peace and hope in their schools, communities, and the world at large. “Speak Out for Peace” projects will kick off during the week of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and take place throughout January and February in dozens of afterschool programs statewide.
NJA3 has created an integrated project that will engage youth in thinking about creating change in their local communities from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day of Service to Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26, 2009). NJA3 disseminated over 200 service learning kits to their extensive statewide network of over 100 afterschool programs.
Afterschool sites throughout the state will have the opportunity to look at themes of hope and peace during the celebration of MLK Day of Service using “Speak Out for Peace: MLK Edition” kits. The “Speak Out for Peace: MLK Edition” kits contain information about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his ideas around non-violence, and a six week curriculum that leads students to plan and participate in projects that promote their voice and vision for how their communities can contribute to and create a peaceful society.
Most significant to the initiative is the opportunity for youth to make use of a public platform for the purposes of promoting hope, peace and literacy. Youth participants will be encouraged to explore public speaking, creative writing, photo journalism, music creation, dramatic arts, etc. as means of spreading the message, and engaging the public while educating, informing and disseminating information.
“There’s no better feeling than hearing the proud voices of neighborhood kids standing up for a better tomorrow, by taking action in their communities today. That is what ‘Speak Out for Peace’ is all about. Following the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other great community leaders including President Barack Obama, and General Colin Powell, the students in NJ After 3 afterschool programs will now have their own platform on which to be heard — and they will do it in their own artistic way that we hope will inspire peace & hope within their communities,” stated Mark Valli, President & CEO of NJ After 3.
NJA3 will utilize its existing service-learning staff, partnering AmeriCorps members, as well as youth development workers as Service Learning Ambassadors, engaging between 3,000 to 4,000 NJA3 youth in service-learning projects under the themes of hope, peace and literacy. Additionally, 2,000 to 3,000 community and family members will join students during their culminating events.
Pennsylvania is ‘Here to Help’
Governor Edward G. Rendell today praised the generosity of state employees who donated nearly 5 tons of food to help Pennsylvanians struggling in a difficult national economy.
The Governor launched a food drive on Dec. 15 to help food banks replenish their shelves at a time when demand for their services has grown while donations have fallen.
“I continue to be impressed with the kindness and generosity of our commonwealth workforce,” said Governor Rendell. “Public service, by its nature, requires compassion; and state employees can always be counted upon to give back to their communities in times of need.”
More than 9,800 pounds of food were collected in about 20 donation bins from Dec. 15 through Dec. 31. The bins were located in state office buildings around Harrisburg, as well as regional office buildings in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton.
“These donations come at a critical time for Pennsylvania’s food banks, many of which are struggling to help the growing number of families who have been caught in the national economic downturn,” said the Governor. “The food that was donated, which is enough to provide nearly 8,000 meals, will help food pantries across the state succeed in their urgent mission.
“That level of giving by our employees is heartening, as are the charitable donations others made to similar causes during the holiday season. And although our food drive has ended, I hope the generosity of our citizens will not.
“Please keep alive the spirit of giving and make additional donations whenever you can,” urged Governor Rendell. “Your donation — regardless of the size — will have an immediate impact in your community by helping to ensure that no one is forced to go hungry.
The Here To Help page gives access to existing government programs that can serve citizens of all ages and businesses on matters of unemployment compensation, property tax relief, veterans benefits, education, job training, as well as health care and prescription drug coverage.
Resources are grouped by the following topics: economic development, employment, family services, housing, older Pennsylvanians, and economic development.
Proof Positivity: Presidential Inauguration
Proof Positivity
There is a lot going on today and I am going to attempt something that I haven’t done yet, live blogging. This is going to be tricky. I have two small children running around it is going to be real tricky.
A study conducted among 3,772 Democrats, Republicans and Independents revealed that the majority of Americans believe that the key issues facing the nation will improve during the next four years with Barack Obama in office.
I think this is something that is across the board. A lot of people feel the only way to go now is up.
Barack Obama is trying to hold on to his Blackberry. For security reasons officials want to take it away. There is no doubt that Barack Obama is the most technologically advanced of all the presidents we’ve had previously. He has a twitter account and I’m not sure if it’s real or not but a stumble account as well. He has been putting youtube videos up. Barack Obama is a generation xer, my generation. The generation that was labeled generation do nothing. In my generation there is a rise in community service. My generation has become generation do something.
As I’ve mentioned before community service is part of the reason I continue to do this blog. I have happily spent my youth on community related projects and I will continue to do so. Barack Obama supports those same programs that I believe in. We need to learn to help one another and stop being all about self.
Change to Win’s chair states, “As millions gather across the globe to witness this joyous moment — the swearing in of our nation’s first African-American President Barack Obama — we celebrate as a nation united for hope and change. Today’s inauguration not only marks the beginning of a new presidential administration — it marks the beginning of a new movement. Now we must work together to build on this victory to restore the economy, rebuild the middle class and renew the American Dream.
“America’s workers voted for change and we will mobilize workers and communities to make change that works. Our seven unions and six million members will work with the Obama-Biden administration and new Congress to establish a bold agenda to fix our national health care system, invest in green projects and technologies to help create millions of new, good green jobs, and put working families back on the path of prosperity by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.
“This is our moment — we need to seize the opportunity. If we’re going to revive the American Dream, we have to build an economy that works for everyone. Working families across the country are ready and willing stand united and help enact change that gets our economy back on track now, and for generations to come.”
A feeling of hope fills America and the world as well. I’ve never seen anything like what we are experiencing in America. I’ve never seen political products sold in places that aren’t America before.
NBC will begin with the Inauguration at 10:30 AM eastern time and even the MLB is getting in the act .
It has been 133 years and 26 United States Presidents since Major League Baseball’s National League was officially formed in 1876. To commemorate the storied history of baseball and its place as a social institution, MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, will offer fans live coverage of the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.
MLB.com will begin its coverage with streams of six past Presidential Inaugurations, including John F. Kennedy (1961), Lyndon B. Johnson (1965), Jimmy Carter (1977), Ronald Reagan (1981), George H. W. Bush (1989) and Bill Clinton (1993). Each of these Presidents has participated in the time-honored tradition of the throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game.
Following those historic replays, Vinny Micucci and Hal Bodley will host the “MLB.com Live Inauguration Special” at 11:00 a.m. (EST). Bodley, who attended his first inauguration in 1949, will provide his unique perspective on the national pastime’s connection to the White House through the recollections of his 50-year journalism career and several visits to the White House, the Oval Office and Air Force One while interviewing six sitting U.S. Presidents.
MLB.com will join the official Inauguration ceremony at 11:30 a.m. (EST) and provide a live stream through its conclusion.
Hulu will also have live coverage.
I will be updating through out the day and when I have the Inaugural speech that will be posted as well.
8:37 AM Obama family getting ready to leave Blair House.
Obama family running late.
Family chose to keep the rug Laura Bush designed in the oval office.
13 minutes late Obama family left Blair House.
8:49 Arrival at St. John’s Episcopal Church. This is a prayer service that goes back to Franklin Roosevelt.
The crowd of people is incredible they had been waiting since 4:00AM.
Presidential inauguration happens on hulu in 1 minute.
jcolman from twitter states “January 20, 2009: We can be the kind of people we always wanted to be. The future starts now.”
Service will last for an hour this is a private event so there will not be much about the prayer service. I will be back when more is going on.
Cases of Hypothermia being reported in DC. Emergency services are responding.
girl2008 from twitter says “Laughing. Best name I’ve heard about the inauguration. The Obamarama. 
“
Zappos.com is about 150 feet away from the speech site. from twitter zappos “Amazing view at Inauguration, looking towards Washington monument seeing more people together in one place than ever seen before in my life.”
All those with phones will not be able to communicate soon. Obama family arrives at the White House @ 9:52AM.
Michelle Obama hugs Laura Bush upon entrance to the White House.
Again, the view of the crowd is incredible. 1.2 million is a guestamate of the amount of people there.
tonyfarley from twitter “I can’t believe the emotions I am feeling this morning. Never before. Pride?, happiness?, hope? All of the above.”
dantompkins ”I’m proud of what is about to happen today. Lot’s of hard work by 1000s of people.”
As you can see lots of pride in America as we get ready to welcome a new president.
If you would like to follow me on twitter feel free.
Philanthropic “The age of inclusive, empathetic, collaborative and generous leadership is about to begin in the United States of America.”
Senator Kennedy walking out with the assistance of a cane. 10:42AM
Chenney in a wheelchair. Strained his back packing.
From Joint Center President Ralph B. Everett “Today we begin a new chapter in the story of America and in the promise it holds for all people.
Two hundred and thirty-three years after our country was founded on bedrock principles of human equality, an African American now occupies the highest elected office in the land. Behind that simple fact are many tales about the arc of our history and the people who have helped bend it toward this moment.
President Barack Obama has already begun to set a new direction to address the enormous burdens that have been placed on his shoulders. But for the rest of us, especially those who never thought they would live to see this day, it is a time to pause and reflect on the wonders of our democracy and the enduring power of the dream that has been carried through the ages from the founding fathers to Dr. King and into the present day. It is a time to teach our children about the new possibilities that are now theirs to behold.
And while the vision of a more perfect union now seems closer to our grasp, our new President has noted that there is a long road ahead of us. At the same time, he has spoken eloquently about a new spirit of service and responsibility in which each American is called upon to look after not only ourselves, but each other. We wholeheartedly endorse that message and pledge to carry it forward in every aspect of our work.”
President Obama inspired hope and inspiration
“Don’t tell me we can’t change.
Yes, we can. Yes, we can change. Yes, we can.”
The three words “Yes, we can” has reawakened hope for citizens throughout the world, and especially for our youth. Young adults were engaged, interested and involved in this election in unprecedented numbers. To commemorate the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States and to capture the passion of today’s youth, the Fund for the Future of Children, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, invites youth throughout the world to submit an essay or creative response for inclusion in a book project entitled “Something Deeper Happened: Young Voices and the 2008 U.S. Election.”
This is a unique opportunity for anyone ages 25 and under to express how they have been inspired by President Obama and the election, what activities they have begun as a result of the election, or how this election has affected their life plan. Entries may be an essay, poem, image or photograph. Musicians and video artists are invited to submit entries that may be selected for display on the Fund for the Future of Children website.
“Something Deeper Happened: Young Voices and the 2008 U.S. Election” will be sent to President Obama when complete, and profits from book sales will fund youth leadership programs and micro-grants for public service projects awarded to young leaders by the Fund for the Future of Children.
Submissions are due by February 28, 2009. One entry per person, please. All entries are subject to screening and editing and may be posted on the Fund for the Future of Children’s website. Winners will be notified by March 10, 2009.
More twitter tweets:
jamesbyers Power is about to be transferred. World is watching. The Heavens are rejoicing ummm let me calm down LOL
jeffjam Well, so far my day has been completely unproductive. Too distracted by hope and patriotism and all that.
DoOneGood Did you know that… YES WE CAN!
Barack Obama will be sworn in using the Bible that Abraham Lincoln used. It seems to me that mass media is trying to compare Barack Obama to so many people they need to understand Barack Obama is his own individual self.
Al Gore seen in the crowd as well as Oprah and Samuel L. Jackson.
Former President Bush speaks with the Clinton’s. Jimmy Carter making his way out.
39th president Jimmy Carter and Rosiland announced
George and Barbara Bush announced.
42nd president Bill and Hillary Clinton Announced.
Biden family announced.
New first children announced.
Luara Bush and Lynn Chenney announced.
Jill Biden and Michelle Obama announced.
President Bush and Vice President Chenny announced.
vice president elect Joe Biden announced. I’m having one of those moments when I feel so patriotic I want to cry.
President elect Barack Obama announced. This is a great day for America.
Flags waving ,spectacular!
Aretha Franklin singing “let freedom ring.”
Joe Biden being sworn in for one brief moment we have a democrat as vice and a republican as President.
Barack Obama being sworn in as President of The United States of America
Here we go! Barack Obama is being sworn in!
At this moment I feel pride in my country.
AARP CEO Bill Novelli:
“
“Americans began this new year recognizing that the world we face today is much different than it was a year — or even six months — ago. Our economy is a complicated mess. Many of our financial and industrial institutions are on life support. Many of the greatest companies in America are running on fumes, and some have come up empty.
“People are losing their jobs, their homes, their health care and their pensions and retirement security that they have worked a lifetime to attain. People have lost confidence and they need help.
“Today we welcome a new era in history and in government. The leadership and decisiveness that the Obama Administration and Congress exhibit over these next few months will have a direct impact on all Americans not only for today, but for decades to come. Despite the challenges we face, we are also presented with a unique opportunity. We can make America better by building a strong economy and increasing jobs; an affordable, quality health care system; and a sound retirement system.
“This is an exciting time. We are faced with a rare opportunity to put America back on track — we have a crisis that demands it, a new Administration and Congress with a mandate for change, and a public ready for change. This is not the time for business as usual. It is the time to demonstrate bold leadership — to take our agenda to the people and our nation’s leaders, to demand change and to work hard to bring about that change. And that’s exactly what we intend to do.
“AARP is prepared to help lead the charge in this effort and share the responsibility we all have in working together to make this happen. We will continue our efforts to advocate with policymakers, to educate the public and to provide resources to individuals no matter what phase of life they might be in.
“AARP recognizes the great challenges – and opportunities – our President faces in the coming months and we wish him the best of luck and support as he enters his presidency.”
American Muslim leaders yesterday marked the inauguration of President Barack Obama by releasing “peace doves” at a mosque in the nation’s capital. The release of 44 white doves, one for each president, symbolized the American Muslim community’s desire for a more peaceful world and the key role played by presidents in achieving peace based on justice and freedom.
The news I have been presenting through out this post is breaking news and I will continue to present it through the inauguration.
The White House web site has been updated.
a statement by National Association of Realtors(R) President Charles McMillan:
“Today is truly an historic day for our country. On behalf of NAR’s 1.2 million Realtors(R), we welcome the new president and his administration, and pledge to work with him to stabilize the U.S. housing market and set the economy on the road to recovery.
“President Obama has pledged to work with Congress to immediately implement aggressive policies to decrease the number of preventable foreclosures by helping to reduce mortgage payments for responsible homeowners. We welcome President Obama’s efforts on foreclosure prevention and agree that addressing rising foreclosures and strengthening existing home sales and housing initiatives are critical components to a housing and economic recovery.
“NAR will also continue to focus on policies that will help bring buyers back to the market to reduce inventory and stabilize home prices. This is the only way to successfully improve and sustain the housing market and the nation’s economy.
“The president has a tough job ahead of him with many hurdles. NAR looks forward to working with President Obama and his team, and to quickly move forward with meaningful legislation and policies to help make homeownership once again a part of the great American dream.”
Inaugural Speech
President Barack Obama:
“My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far–reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God–given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short–cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk–takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
statement by Secretary Tom Ridge on the inauguration of Barack Obama as America’s 44th president:
“This is a celebratory day for all Americans as we join together to congratulate Barack Obama on his inauguration as the 44th president of the United States.
“Now may the spirit of unity evoked in President Obama’s inaugural address inspire collective effort throughout the halls of government, across this great nation and with our friends and allies around the world.
“As leaders and as citizens, let us support our new president and remind ourselves that we are stronger when we work together to achieve a secure and more prosperous country.”
This concludes my broadcast When I have it I will be posting the inauguration in it’s entirety. I can’t believe I pulled this off. Yeah! I have spent my entire morning on the computer and it was worth it. If you enjoy the read please leave a comment.
