Post Christmas Madness

My holidays sucked!

I am unhappy & will elaborate later!

Julian

Christmas Vacation

Today I learned that I am assigned to a local highschool for their junior level students. I shall be teaching students in preparation of the their standardized test called TAKS in March. I am a little nervous but I am excited too.

Sadly, the school I was at made the news: 'Teacher suspended for having sex with student; investigation pending & teacher suspended with pay.'

THAT'S the school I've been assigned to, and the words of my fellow playmates & loves ring in my ears:

"Julian ... don't fuck your students!"

No extra credit.

No after hours tutoring.

No spankings or anything similar.

Just teach & GET THE FUCK OUT!

And Happy Holidays!

Blessings,




Julian

Heidi & the Guitar

Guitar Hero 01 - Heidi Klum dancing like Tom Cruise


Guitar Hero 02 - Heidi Klum losing her blouse - Yowza!!


And then there's Alf ... Hell, even I've done it.

Okay,

So I am Johnny-Come-Too-Lately perhaps but I do LOVE young women with guitars, and it doesn't have to be a real guitar. Case in point: Heidi Klum & the video game Guitar Hero. And I wanted to collect the images & thoughts here - and to show off the videos for the world to see.

Now, girls with guitars? I don't see them playing like Jewel does but just watching them draped with a Fender or a Yamaha, mmmm ... that's wonderful dear readers.

And so here's the videos with Heidi Klum, a super-model hottie:





Guitar Hero 01 - Heidi Klum dancing like Tom Cruise

Guitar Hero 02 - Heidi Klum losing her blouse - Yowza!!

And then there's Alf ... Hell, even I've done it.

Chelsea Street Pub, northeast San Antonio circa 1987 ... the guy singing in the band was asked to called me to the stage & we sang 'Old Time Rock & Roll'; later she was sleeping with (or just plain fucking) a dear friend of mine who wouldn't sleep with me ~ Ha ha ha! ~ and later wound up pregnant with his baby. It was loud and I was drunk but it was a fine birthday all things considered.

Maybe a blowjob would have helped me.

Such a shame as I had such a mad crush on her, or maybe it was her tits.

Well, I am an admitted tit-fanatic! ~weg!~

Either was it wasn't meant to be and this video just brought me a smile of those good-ol-days.

Hope everyone gets a chuckle & a smile.

Always,



Julian

A Christmas Apology

My Dear Friends,

Today I am working on Christmas cards. I was gonna try getting some home-made gifts in the mail but unfortunately I am on a more limited budget than before so this idea went to Hell.

But I want some very special people to know how much they mean to me so please expect a small something in the mail. Hopefully next year (meaning January 2009 not Christmas 2009) I shall have a little something creative for you to smile about - belated but showing you how much I love you who make my life a little better with your time, words and smiles.

Thank you for everything you do & all the good you send my way every day.

Blessings,

Julian

50 THINGS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SAY OUT LOUD AT WORK

1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of shit.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a word you're saying.
10. Ahhhh. I see the fuck-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12 You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a shit.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any resemblance between your reality and mine are purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks?!
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your cry-baby whiny-arsed opinion would be?
24. Do I look like a fucking people person to you?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were aiming for, you missed.
31. Oh I get it. Like humour, but different.........
32. An office is just a mental institute without the padded walls.
33. Can I swap this job for what's behind door..........1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume (or aftershave). Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic, and disorder. My work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; it turns out I just needed the money.
39. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being more intelligent.
40. Wait a minute - I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
41. Aren't you a black hole of need.
42. I'd like to help you out, which way did you come in?
43. Did you eat an extra bowl of stupid this morning?
44. Why don't you slip into something more comfortable? Like a coma.
45. If you have something to say raise your hand... then place it over your mouth.
46. I'm too busy, can I ignore you some other time?
47. Don't let your mind wander, it's too small to be let out on its own.
48. Have a nice day, somewhere else.
49. You're not yourself today, I noticed the improvement straight away.
50. Do you hear that? That's the sound of no-one caring.

Monster Inside Me

Sometimes we want to be loved and be in love, and maybe that's why I feel so horrible around the holidays. I can't but to let the bile rise inside my throat and yet ...

There's a part of me that would remind me I AM a human being, and can be better than my most base desires and my cruel intentions that I keep housed inside my black heart.

Somtimes we all feel like monsters, and sometimes inside ourselves the monster dwells.

But, some people actually love the monster inside you.

Inside me.

I recently found a journal I haven't written in since 2004. I am carrying it & locking it in my briefcase so I can have something to scribble my fears in when there's a quiet moment. I had to keep a teaching journal and to explain what occurred on a daily basis for my last education classes.

Like my experiences it's shown me I'm not crazy about being a teacher in Texas, nor about teaching to the standarized test established for the state.

Fuck that - I need to be free & joyful.

And creative ... very creative.

Okay, enough for today.

Blessings,




Julian


YOU AND ME
(Alice Cooper/Dick Wagner)
ALICE COOPER - 1977


When I got home from work
I wanna wrap myself around you
I wanna take you and squeeze you
'till the passion starts to rise.

I wanna take you to heaven
that would make my day complete
but you and me ain't movie stars
what we are is what we are
we share a bed some lovin' and t.v. yeah.

That's enough for a workin' man
what I am is what I am
and I tell you babe
well that's enough for me.

Sometimes when you're asleep and
I'm just starin' at the ceiling
I wanna reach out and touch you
but you just go on dreamin'.

If I could take you to heaven
that would make my day complete
but you and me ain't movie stars
what we are is what we are
and I tell you babe
well that's enough for me.

You and me ain't no superstars
what we are is what we are
we share a bed some popcorn and t.v. yeah.

And that's enough for a workin' man
what I am is what I am
and I tell you babe
well that's enough for me.

When I got home from work
I wanna wrap myself around you
I like to hold you and squeeze you
'till the passion starts to rise.

I wanna take you to heaven
that would make my day complete ...


(C) Ezra Music/Early Frost Music (BMI)

http://www.absolutelyrics.com/lyrics/view/alice_cooper/you_and_me/



Version with the Muppets - hilarious!


Original version with all the greatest tough guy posters I grew up with in the '70's. GOD I'm fuckin' old!

Subliminal Messages Are Overt

Myself, I thought the "Hooter's" waitress or French maid's outfit would have been more popular. Or maybe any of the ones below ... ~lol~

And if you're wondering why I have two schoolgirls ... well, I like schoolgirls. ~wink!~

http://www.arbys.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arby

Self-Loathing Game

I hate myself. I really do deep inside, and maybe that's why I feel either elitist and snobby, or sadistic and evil. And I hold so much in at times it leaks out of me like leeched poison.

Today I was in line at Wal-Mart with a female friend of mine, and she was doing a little shopping for her friends' gift for Christmas. As I stood in line, I saw a man & woman with shitloads of boxers and crap (I really can't detail what but it was all forgettable.) on the register.

Suddenly, I blurted out "God I can't wait to make money again so I can buy people useless things they don't need for Christmas."

Needless to say it was really quiet even in a super-store like Wal-Mart.

And sadly, I just didn't feel ashamed of myself. I know someone heard me but I really didn't care.

Outside the store, the woman asked me, "Why'd you say that stupid comment?"

I replied: "I just feel jealous." (I don't - just sad.)

As we drove out of the parking lot, I saw a trailer with a slew of scriptures written by hand about the coming apocalypse. He had asked 'Are you a sheep or a goat?'

Should I have apologized or not sulked, or maybe just kept my fuckin' mouth shut? Maybe I'd of been better off if I'd of gotten into a fight; perhaps then I'd of felt something moreso than internal bile rising into my heart and soul.

The holidays really don't mean shit to people and certainly not to me - all my friends know I can't do shit for money but they're unable to send me anything but lists of presents, sizes and color choices or web locations. And thus, I feel lousy.

Like people will never know ... constantly on the verge of tears.


Matthew 25:31-46
The Judgment

25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 25:32 All the nations will be assembled before him, and he will separate people one from another like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 25:33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 25:34 Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 25:36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 25:37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 25:40 And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’

25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels! 25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not receive me as a guest, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 25:44 Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not give you whatever you needed?’ 25:45 Then he will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.’ 25:46 And these will depart into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”


Sadly, I just don't feel like much any longer. Maybe I shall be more hermit-like and hidden, and maybe THEN I'll find some measure of fame and influence. I really have no truth in me left, and I'm constantly unhappy living here in Texas. I need a new life and a change - maybe another state, or another life, or another name.

Maybe ... always maybe.

Adios for now,


~ j ~






http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-hatred

http://www.head-cleaners.com/selfesteem.html

http://www.bible.org/ - passage found here

Cold In Texas - I Don't Like It

Dear Friends,

Enclosed are a few thoughts for today:

First off I am having coffee and writing, and it's cold as you'll see below in the screen grab.

So, to stave off the cold I reheated some menudo to have for breakfast. THIS is how I'd rather spend my mornings: writing my thoughts and posting on-line. I am going to have my human anti-freeze before walking the dog this morning, bundling up and making sure to cover my neck to be as safe as possible.

After all, I gotta stay healthy and keep alive this holiday season. Insurance is pricey for a substitute teacher, and for a student teacher, a luxury. Now when I had insurance I rarely used it and everyone is teaching is panicking about being injured before they can gain a contract or a job that will take
care of them.

Personally I am couting down but not counting on teaching as a future. Honestly, I won't be happy doing it in any way and I am going to accept the idea that THIS is where I'll be ... for now.

Life WILL change.

I WILL find my inner joy and my fantasies.

I SHALL be more than most people can ever imagine.

Thanks for listening.





Julian




http://cocinalamexicana.espaciolatino.com/menudo.html - recipie written in Spanish

http://arturovasquez.wordpress.com/2008/04/01/things-white-people-dont-like/

http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/authenticfamilyrecipes/r/Menudo.htm - recipie & a little information about the food itself

How Much Someone Should Love Me

Scene from the movie "Mr & Mrs Smith"





A lot of people will say they love you but if you can't imagine fighting for someone like this, tooth
and nail, maybe you're only in lust & not in love.

I know Lust. She/He/It and I have been steadfast friends since the 80's and always worried about the outcome of my objects of desire.

Maybe starting over will give me that chance to live the life ... and the love I crave so much. Open, vile, perverse and wicked, without secrets or fears.

Enjoy the song. See the movie if you can.



Julian

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356910/ - movie link & plot summary









Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Mondo Bongo Lyrics


I was patrolling a Pachinko
Nude noodle model parlor in the Nefarious zone
Hanging out with insects under ducting
The C.I.A was on the phone
Well, such is life

Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair, oh

Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair

Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair

For the Zapatistas I'll rob my sisters
Of all the curtain and lace

Down at the bauxite mine
You get your own uniform
Have lunchtimes off
Take a monorail to your home

Checkmate, baby
God bless us and our home
Where ever we roam
Now take us home, flaquito

Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair


http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/mr&mrssmith/mondobongo.htm

http://apersistentvision.blogspot.com/2006/08/mr-and-mrs-smith-dvd-2005.html - not happy but still a review.

Coutdown to Graduation

Originally I had a ticker on my previous blog where I was watching for my December graduation, but when I fucked up my deadline for student teaching I had to push it back a semester.

I've been given two pieces of advice from my female friends:

1. "You're not a Bohemian; act like this job matters for the future."

2. "Don't bang your students no matter HOW tempted you are or you're gonna get buttraped in jail."






Read the stories below and see what kind of bad teachers, even the cute ones, are thought of in academic circles. I can only imagine what they'd think of my erotic writings. ~lol!~

So here's the new one. Let's hope I make it across that stage!





Julian

http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/19991031Justin7.asp

http://dogbonesbackyard.blogspot.com/2006/05/florida-school-teachers.html

A Second Chance

I was driving downtown after a futile rush to sell my law book back, learning the bookstore hit it's limit and I either have to wait for a sale in February, or I can try selling it on-line via eBay or someone similar.

I'm getting a degree in a few months; my life will essentially end when that happens. There's no way back from a 'career' and touting dreams or recalling moments of glory is pathetic.

Maybe it is time to leave Texas ... even for a little while.

Adios for now.




Julian





Shinedown - Second Chance lyrics


My eyes are open wide
By the way I made it through the day
I watch the world outside
By the way I'm leaving out today

I just saw Hayley's comet shooting
Said "why you always running in place?
Even the man in the moon disappeared
Somewhere in the stratosphere"

[Chorus]
Tell my mother, tell my father
I've done the best I can
To make them realize
This is my life
I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance

Please don't cry one tear for me
I'm not afraid of what I have to say
This is my one and only voice
So listen close, it's only for today

I just saw Hayley's comet shooting
Said "why you always running in place?
Even the man in the moon disappeared
Somewhere in the stratosphere"

[Chorus]
Tell my mother, tell my father
I've done the best I can
To make them realize
This is my life
I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance

Here is my chance
This is my chance

Tell my mother, tell my father
I've done the best I can
To make them realize
This is my life
I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance

Sometimes goodbye
Is a second chance [x2]

http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/shinedown/second_chance.html

I Just Went 2 my Student-Teaching Meeting ...

- and they gave out (or left the box open for us to steal from) t-shirts with the school logo.

Sadly, since they haven't posted this image/t-shirt on the website I decided to take t-shirts, idiotic smiles and stupid art from Texas t-shirts to use for this blog.

"I spent $12,000 on my education and all I got was this lousy t-shirt."

If nothing else I should have been given a t-shirt with more bite, more balls, like the examples below:

Or even this:

I'm finishing my degree this May and will have a Bachelor's degree in English with teaching credentials for English 8-12 grade, Reading in the same area, and I'll try getting my certification in Art (general) for all the classes I have taken since the beginning of my college escapades.

Life Sucks!

I hate living like I do; thank you all for listening!

Julian

A Twinge of Jealousy

I am growing older, and probably more obscene & wicked in my ages and devinances. I am unsure of many things but I do KNOW THIS is horse-shit!

1. I AM doing student teaching, or at least I 'think' I am. I shall be meeting with the asswipes from my fucked-up university and submitting myself to 15 GODDAMNED weeks of asenine repetition, as if I don't fucking know what it's like to be a teacher, in a class all day, or with the variety of kids from normal & pansy to deranged & violent!

They're not gonna fuckin' scare me but they ARE gonna bore the ungodly shit out of me!

Miley Cyrus was just made a million-dollar book deal, because all the teens know SO fuckin' much about life as to fill a book with the wisdom of life.

After all, Miley is 16. Isn't that a statement of brilliance?

Rush Limbaugh is getting a bonus, plus $38 million dollars a YEAR, and he stated, "I didn't finish college"; yet I shall be completing my degree and working the rest of my fuckin life to pay off my $40,000 in school loans. I won't ever actually afford to be married or to get fuckin' laid or even have a drink again.

I wish I were more apt to suicide and could just raze the shitty university. THEY SUCK DONKEY DICKS AND THE SWEAT FROM A DEAD MANS' BALLS!!!

I hate my life, my fears and my needs.

I should not be sad or angry - just comfortable. I should be able to call someone ... say "Come visit me in Texas and I'll do all the wicked things we discuss on the phone or in cyber-chats/sex when we're alone."

I should not be wondering where my next meal will come from or how I'll reach Decembers' rent deadline.

I am going to be a fuckin' slave.

A slave to the grind.

When I was kicked out of the Marine's in 1986 I was told I'd be taking a bus back to Texas. I was at the Greyhound station in San Diego, California. I bought some porno magazines, hoping to jack-off and have an orgasm that I hadn't had since I arrived. (Yes, I was still a virgin! So fuckin' sad!) I was tempted to call my parents, cash in my bus ticket, and stay. I don't know if a bus ticket can be cashed in like a plane ticket, so I came home to Texas on a long, dull three-day ride that stopped in San Antonio at 8:00 am with no money in my pocket and the sadness of my
heart and failure that has never left me.

Teens write to embellish their lives and resume, loudmouthes keep fanning the fuckin' flames, and I am watching the Big-3 Automakers beg Congress for a bailout of their own debts. After all it takes a LOT of money from others to keep their corporate jets flying.

~sigh!~

Adios for now ...



Julian




Miley Cyrus Signs Seven-Figure Book Deal
By Ulrica Wihlborg - Originally posted Tuesday April 22, 2008 03:25 PM EDT

Miley Cyrus has signed a seven-figure book deal with Disney Book Group, the teen star's publisher announced Tuesday.

The book will focus on the 15-year-old's road to fame, from growing up in Tennessee to navigating the spotlight as an international star, and how her family – especially mother Leticia – helps keep her grounded. According to Disney, the book will feature never-before-seen photos, family stories and a look at the star's inner circle.

"I am so excited to let fans in on how important my relationship with my family is to me," Cyrus said. "I hope to motivate mothers and daughters to build lifetimes of memories together, and inspire kids around the world to live their dreams."

Publication is scheduled in spring 2009, to coincide with the premiere of the Hannah Montana feature movie.


http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20194112,00.html

*******

Rush to Judgment
by Sophia Banay
Jul 10 2008

Rush Limbaugh's new contract may be as big as his mouth, but the deal reveals some hard truths about the radio business.

Rush Limbaugh's reported mammoth, eight-year, $38 million-per contract with Clear Channel has quickly sparked two very different reactions: It's given hope to a bloodied radio industry and simultaneously angered legions of talk-show hosts who aren't making enough to buy entire emerging-market nations.

But news of the contract "is a great affirmation by Premiere"—Premiere Radio Networks syndicates The Rush Limbaugh Show—"and by the advertisers that there's great reach still in radio," argues Jeff Haley, chief executive of the Radio Advertising Bureau.

That "great affirmation" comes as ad revenue evaporates and audiences vanish. Annual revenue for radio has been spiraling. In 2007, overall revenue for the U.S. radio industry declined 2 percent, to $21.3 million, from the year before, wiping out meager 1 percent gains in 2006.

Haley says (surely with fingers and toes crossed, and eyes fixated on heaven) that podcasts and streaming internet broadcasts will likely be incorporated into Limbaugh's new contract, as Clear Channel and its ilk struggle to capture and retain tech-savvy listeners, bored with the standard radio box. And as that evolution takes place and the medium modernizes, "it's only natural that these strong franchises," like Limbaugh's, "will expand," he says.

Limbaugh himself is a complete stranger to audience woes. He claims to have 20 million listeners (other industry analysts peg it at closer to 14 million), and he's available on the AM dial, readily accessible to anyone with a bare-bones radio and a tolerance for ads, no subscription necessary. His bombastic personality and conservative views have paved the way for the likes of Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck. And the new contract marks him as central to the success of Premiere's business plan.

Despite that, the contract may serve as a mixed blessing to the rank and file of the radio industry as a whole. Sure, it’s a vote of confidence for the viability of radio as a successful medium for ads. Sure, it offers some glimmer of hope to aspiring talk-radio hosts.

More immediately however, it is causing untold frustration among other up-and-coming hosts. Michael Harrison, editor of radio industry trade publication Talkers magazine, says many have called him in frustration to complain that they aren't making enough.

Another high-profile radio personality, Howard Stern, made headlines four years ago after signing a reported $100-million-a-year contract with the subscription-only Sirius Satellite Radio. That arrangement, too, was based on capitalizing on emerging technology to garner new listeners, but has had mixed results so far: Stern has failed to drum up an audience bigger than somewhere in the estimated "single-digit millions" for his channel, according to Harrison.

Still, Sirius's investment in Stern was a wise one, he says. The star brought the fledgling company significant notoriety and can be expected to build a more solid audience given time now that Sirius has merged with rival XM.

Amid the fuss, it's worth remembering that the contract's financial details were revealed by Limbaugh himself, hardly an impartial source, in a profile in the New York Times Magazine. The deal is reported to be worth $400 million over eight years, not including a nine-figure signing bonus. But none of this has been confirmed by Premiere. And, like any contract, Limbaugh's is no doubt peppered with protective clauses and contingency plans to shelter the company signing the checks.

The host is "going to have to continue to do a heck of a job for that figure to come to fruition," says Harrison, in terms of ratings, revenue, and other performance metrics. Premiere will likely expect revenue growth to at least keep pace with the cost of living, say 3 percent a year—and ratings goals will reflect similarly high expectations.

Still, if the contract numbers are real, they may be justified. In radio, "there's a powerful personal connection that happens. That's what drives Rush's reach and the valuation of his programming," says Haley. "The new contract will absolutely pay off."


http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/top-5/2008/07/10/Rush-Limbaughs-New-Radio-Contract

*******

Does anyone really need this much money for this much crap? Well ... maybe these guys:


http://www.sodahead.com/question/191189/gm-chrysler-ford-should-they-be-left-for-dead/

******


Carmakers' bailout pleas hit Senate skepticism
By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS, Associated Press Writer Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Associated Press Writer - 36 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Desperate U.S. automakers ran into fresh obstacles from skeptical lawmakers Thursday as they appealed with rising urgency — and a new dose of humility — for a $34 billion bailout. Without help, said one senator, "we're looking at a death sentence."

With lawmakers in both parties pressing the automakers to consider a pre-negotiated bankruptcy — something they have consistently shunned — the Big Three were contemplating a government-run restructuring that could yield results similar to bankruptcy, including massive downsizing, in return for the bailout billions. But there was no assurance they could get even that.

And that wasn't all the unwelcome news. Congressional officials said one leading proposal — to tap an already approved fund set aside for making cars environmentally efficient — wouldn't give the carmakers nearly as much money as they say they need.

The auto executives pleaded with lawmakers at a contentious Capitol Hill hearing — their second round in less than a month — for emergency aid before year's end. But with time running out on the current Congress, skepticism about the bailout appeared to be as strong as ever.

"In all due respect, folks, I don't think there's faith that the next ... three months will work out, given the past history," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y.

"No thinking person thinks that all three companies can survive," said Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee.

Chris Dodd, chairman of the Banking Committee, was the senator who spoke of a death sentence — though he also said, "We're not going to leave town without trying" to help.

The auto executives are to make their case at a House hearing on Friday, and Congress could take up rescue legislation next week in an emergency session.

But Democratic congressional leaders were leaning on the White House to act on its own. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., wrote to President George W. Bush on Thursday asking him, as they have repeatedly, to use the $700 billion Wall Street rescue fund to help the auto makers — something the administration has consistently refused to do. They argued that such a course was justified because of the potential for grave harm to the financial sector in the event of a carmaker collapse.

Auto state lawmakers went further, threatening to block the administration's access to the second half of the financial bailout fund unless it made "a firm commitment to assist working Americans and save American jobs."

The clear implication was that no more Wall Street aid would be available without help for the Big Three.

"I think they'll read between the lines," said Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., who teamed with Democratic Rep. John Dingell, also of Michigan, in a letter to colleagues outlining their position.

Under legislation enacted in October creating the financial industry rescue program, Congress can vote to block the Treasury Department from accessing the second $350 billion, although it would need a two-thirds supermajority to do so over a presidential veto.

Bush, too, voiced skepticism about an auto rescue package.

"No matter how important the autos are to our economy, we don't want to put good money after bad. In other words, we want to make sure that the plan they develop is one that ensures their long-term viability for the sake of the taxpayer," he said in an interview with NBC News.

President-elect Barack Obama was keeping his distance, prompting Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., who has been dealing with both the financial bailout and the auto rescue proposal to say Obama is "going to have to be more assertive than he's been." Frank is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, which will conduct Friday's hearing.

Repentant after a botched first crack at bailout pleas, the executives from General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC all agreed during Thursday's session that a multibillion-dollar bailout deal would include a supervisory government board that could order major overhauls of the companies if deemed necessary for survival.

United Auto Workers union President Ron Gettelfinger, aligned with the industry in pressing for the aid warned that without action by Congress: "I believe we could lose General Motors by the end of this month." He said the situation was dire and time was of the essence.

The Big Three CEOs apologized for past blunders. "We made mistakes, which we're learning from," GM chief Rick Wagoner said. Ford CEO Alan Mulally also acknowledged missteps, saying his company's approach once was "If you build it, they will come."

But as a result of the misjudgments, he said, "we are really focused."

The Bush administration wants the aid to be drawn from an existing $25 billion program to help the industry retool its plants to make their vehicles more fuel-efficient.

But congressional budget analysts said Thursday that would yield only $7.5 billion in short-term loans.

The auto executives made the trip from Detroit in new-model hybrid autos made by their respective companies, two weeks after a first appeal for $25 billion in which they were chided for flying on private jets to beg for money.

Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli promised that his company, recipient of a previous government-subsidized rescue loan in the 1970s that it repaid, would reimburse taxpayers by 2012 this time and would devote itself to manufacturing "fuel-efficient cars and trucks that people want to buy."

Asked whether the carmakers would agree to a setup like the one established for Chrysler's 1979 bailout, with a federal restructuring trustee who had some of the same powers as a bankruptcy court, all three executives indicated they would. Ford's Mulally added, "I probably need to think about that a little bit. It sounds right, but I just don't know all of the implications."

Lawmakers still complained of sticker shock, noting that the bailout's price tag had jumped $9 billion since the trio last appeared.

Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, the senior Republican on the Banking Committee, pressed the automakers to explain why, and explain how the sum would not simply "prop up a failed business model for a few months ... and how are you going to pay it back?"

Democrats, too, questioned whether an auto bailout would amount to investing taxpayer money in a failing enterprise.

"Be honest and tell me ... just tell me if things stay the way they are now, are you going to be back in a year" asking for more money? asked Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.

Protesters who briefly interrupted the hearing were a reminder of what polls show is thin public support for a rescue. "The bailout is a sellout!" demonstrators chanted as they were escorted from the hearing room by police.

Gene L. Dodaro, the top official at Congress' watchdog agency — the Government Accountability Office — agreed with Dodd that the financial industry rescue fund set up in October "is worded broadly enough" to permit it to be tapped for the automakers.

Dodaro testified that the Federal Reserve also has the authority under existing law to make loans to the domestic auto industry if it so chooses.

Dodd said that both Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke had been invited to testify at Thursday's hearing but had declined. He later criticized the treasury chief for traveling to China at a time of economic peril in the U.S.

"Time to come home — we have a serious problem here," Dodd said. "I need the Federal Reserve to step up as well."

Though the current total request is $34 billion, Ford's proposal says it might have to come back with a second request for an additional $4 billion if the recession persists into 2010, raising the total even higher.

___

Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Tom Raum contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081205/ap_on_go_co/congress_autos

Death to those who oppose us!

When I saw this I freaked out & then began laughing ... sick but I had to.

I'm always fearful of some silly thing; maybe this is the one thing I need to really fear!

Julian

Today is December 1, 2008

Today is World Aids Day 2008 - Please follow the link above to learn more. AIDS is not just a disease for the promiscuous or homosexual but for anyone in the world. Please don't place labels or make judgements.


Blessings,



Julian



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day

The Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge Poem

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.

There is always food and water, and warm Spring weather. Those old and frail animals are young again. Those who have been maimed are made whole again.

They play all day with each other. But there is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches, the ears are up, the eyes are staring, and this one suddenly runs from the group.

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.


Author unknown

Dear Reader,

I was chatting with a dear friend of mine, who shows me she still loves me (agape not passion - get your mind out of the gutter!) and she told me of the loss of her beloved pet. I wept a little for her, knowing what I went through with the Losoyas last year and the expense it takes to care for animals when they are ill. And even then, sometimes they still die, and it wounds your heart. I remember rushing in with Mr. & Mrs. Losoya when their little dog Blackie died. Mr. Losoya rushed in, picking up the lifeless animal, cradling it, crying out loud, wishing and cursing. Blondie & I helped him get drunk later that night.

Mrs. Losoya came out in the middle of our binge, saying she had just gone to bed and instinctively called for Blackie, and when he didn't come, she wailed. We were taken by surprise, but he held her all night and let her watch him destroy his liver. I guess that's why my blogs about dogs are so rabid (No pun intended!) and honest about how I feel about dogs (and cats) and their treatment.

To my friend, all I can do is pray and hope things come back to fill your heart and make you
smile. You loved and were loved, and in this world that's all you can do.

After she told me that I took Blondie for a few extra hugs and after posting this we're going for a nice long walk in the sunshine.

Blessings to you my friend.

Always,



Julian



http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Poem.htm - poem & memorial website

http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm - poem again

http://www.chersanfrenchbulldogs.com/Rainbow%20Bridge.JPG - art image & poem

http://pets1st.com/articles/00075RainbowBridgePoem.asp - This is the version I am posting

http://aspcacommunity.ning.com/ - Help when you can