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Camel & Lilac




Lately I have an affinity for pastels, blush colors and lilac in particular. I don't like to play favorites( because I love all the colors) but I couldn't resist to this great combination of light lilac and camel. This idea combination came into my mind when I received this two level pants ( thanks to Choies.com). To articulate these colors even more, I added a burgundy bag and one of my new DIY necklace from "Bittersweet Colours Accents "collection. The vibrant pink color against the camel top is like icing on the cake :) don't you think ?




                                                                               Leather coat: Kenneth Cole/ option Here
                                                                               Top: Cherokee
                                                                               Bag: Innue/ similar Here
                                                                               Pants: thanks to Choies.com/ Here
                                                                               Shoes: Aldo/ option Here 
                                                                               Necklace: DIY, made by Bogdan and I



Sears: The Best Tool for "Made in America"

Sears: The Best Tool for "Made in America"
December 7, 2012
Sears accused of misleading public on Craftsman line

Costello declined to say how many Craftsman tools were made in the U.S. and Hart, who filed suit against the retailer in 2004, isn't sure either. After the suit was filed, Sears took Craftsman tools off the shelves and blacked out the words "Made in America," she said.

The best tool for the job is apparently a black marker. Sigh.

See Also:
The Softer Side of Sears (Musical Tribute)
Our Pillars of Retail Strength

Married Workers per Capita


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In addition to changing demographics, rising divorce rates, and a poor economy since 2000, there's also the following.

October 9, 2012
As Protestants decline, those with no religion gain

"Protestant" is no longer America's top religious umbrella brand. It's been rained out by the soaring number of 'Nones' -- people who claim no faith affiliation.

For what it is worth, I'm a nonbeliever in a great many things. The resilience of the economy? The claims of politicians? A one true religion? You name it.

Rev. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptists Theological Seminary in Louisville, saw a welcome clarity in the report, even if he didn't like the new picture in focus.

"Today, there's no shame in saying you're an unbeliever, no cultural pressure to claim a religious affiliation, no matter how remote or loose," Mohler says. "This is a wake-up call. We have an incredible challenge ahead for committed Christians."

Candy Mountain


Shun the nonbeliever. Shun. Shun.

Got kidney?

See Also:
Skepticism

Source Data:
St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart

41.0 Million Missing Jobs

Long-Term


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@#$%!


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@#$%!


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@#$%!

Short-Term


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@#$%!


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@#$%!


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@#$%!

Let's take it back to 1984 yet again.


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@#$%!

See Also:
40.8 Million Missing Jobs

Source Data:
St. Louis Fed: All Employees: Total nonfarm

Federal Statism Considering Challenging States Rights, Initiated by Democratic Administration...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty
-vs- Tyranny



More federal power statism being exerted into the role that many believe ought to be reserved for the "Several States." I find myself thinking on just how the rEpublican right, and the social conservatives, both whom should support Washington and Colorado on this will ultimately come down.

WASHINGTON — Senior White House and Justice Department officials are considering plans for legal action against Colorado and Washington that could undermine voter-approved initiatives to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in those states, according to several people familiar with the deliberations.

Even as marijuana legalization supporters are celebrating their victories in the two states, the Obama administration has been holding high-level meetings since the election to debate the response of federal law enforcement agencies to the decriminalization efforts.

Marijuana use in both states continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. One option is to sue the states on the grounds that any effort to regulate marijuana is pre-empted by federal law. Should the Justice Department prevail, it would raise the possibility of striking down the entire initiatives on the theory that voters would not have approved legalizing the drug without tight regulations and licensing similar to controls on hard alcohol.

Some law enforcement officials, alarmed at the prospect that marijuana users in both states could get used to flouting federal law openly, are said to be pushing for a stern response. But such a response would raise political complications for President Obama because marijuana legalization is popular among liberal Democrats who just turned out to re-elect him.

“It’s a sticky wicket for Obama,” said Bruce Buchanan, a political science professor at the University of Texas at Austin, saying any aggressive move on such a high-profile question would be seen as “a slap in the face to his base right after they’ve just handed him a chance to realize his presidential dreams.”

Federal officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Several cautioned that the issue had raised complex legal and policy considerations — including enforcement priorities, litigation strategy and the impact of international antidrug treaties — that remain unresolved, and that no decision was imminent.

The Obama administration declined to comment on the deliberations, but pointed to a statement the Justice Department issued on Wednesday — the day before the initiative took effect in Washington — in the name of the United States attorney in Seattle, Jenny A. Durkan. She warned Washington residents that the drug remained illegal.

“In enacting the Controlled Substances Act, Congress determined that marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance,” she said. “Regardless of any changes in state law, including the change that will go into effect on December 6 in Washington State, growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remains illegal under federal law.”

Ms. Durkan’s statement also hinted at the deliberations behind closed doors, saying: “The Department of Justice is reviewing the legalization initiatives recently passed in Colorado and Washington State. The department’s responsibility to enforce the Controlled Substances Act remains unchanged.”

Federal officials have relied on their more numerous state and local counterparts to handle smaller marijuana cases. ... {Read More}

Looking forward to the debate that will without a doubt occur. Casting my vote for the States Right contingency. But undoubtedly a sticky wicket. Perhaps for both sides.

Via: Memeorandum

Belief In God Or Higher Power= 91-92% Worldwide

Belief In God Or Higher Power= 91-92% Worldwide
Check out these stats






More 
 

Cross Posted : 2012 Presidential Election Cost Hits $2 Billion Mark

Cross Posted : 2012 Presidential Election Cost Hits $2 Billion Mark

WASHINGTON — The 2012 presidential election broke the $2 billion milestone in its final weeks, becoming the most expensive in American political history, according to final federal finance reports released Thursday. The reports detailed a last-minute cascade of money from mega-donors and an onslaught of spending by the Obama and Romney campaigns and "super" political action committees.
The final campaign finance tallies filed with the Federal Election Commission included nearly $86 million in fundraising for the losing presidential candidate, Republican Mitt Romney, in the election's last weeks. That final burst brought the Romney campaign's total for the election to above $1 billion. Final fundraising and spending totals for President Barack Obama's victorious drive also topped $1 billion.
Surpassing the $2 billion mark was long expected after an election season dominated by the supercharged competitive pressures that both campaigns faced in mounting massive fundraising blitzes to stoke expensive media ad battles and ground wars. The Obama and Romney campaigns each mobilized competing squads of ultra-wealthy fundraisers, sought aid from free-spending allied super PACs and deployed multimillion-dollar media broadsides and armies of organizers.

The Layoff Lottery


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All things being equal, the odds of being laid off in a given week are currently 360 to 1. Employees haven't been this "safe" since the dotcom bubble and the housing bubble. Hurray.

Every nonfarm payroll worker gets a chance to play this game each and every week. Households with two workers get to play twice. It's just like playing Powerball. The odds are so much better though!

At 360 to 1 odds per week, the chance that a single worker can go 5 years without a layoff is 49%.

(359/360)^(52*5) = 49%

The chance that both workers in a two-earner household can go 5 years without a layoff falls to a much lower 24%.

(359/360)^(52*5*2) = 24%

That poses a serious problem for households which require two incomes to make the mortgage payments. Who thinks banks factored this math in when making the mortgage loans? I sure don't. Sigh.

And lastly, I strongly believe that we will return to the blue median trend line at some point in the not too distant future (and quite possibly well below it). Factor in that I've been a permabear since 2004. Your opinion may vary.

Disclosure: I've seen the unemployment lines twice in my life, which is pretty much par for the course. Look how many times I dodged the bullets though.

See Also:
Sarcasm Disclaimer

Source Data:
St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart

Extreme Initial Claims Danger v.26


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I don't see how it is possible to blame all of this on the hurricane.

See Also:
Extreme Initial Claims Danger v.25

Source Data:
St. Louis Fed: Initial Claims
DOL: Initial Claims

Rubio, a Polished Politician...

Rubio, a Polished Politician...
by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty
-vs- Tyranny


Marco Rubio when asked if homosexuality is a sin handled the question like a real professional politician. While saying his faith considers it a sin he went on to say there are a whole bunch of other sins as well. I guess an affirmative but without actually saying the words "I consider it a sin", or answering simply "yes." He added that from a policy position while his faith informs him on decisions he doesn't go around pointing fingers.

... "I can tell you what faith teaches, and faith teaches that it is. And that's what the Bible teaches ... but it also teaches that there are a bunch of other sins that are no less. It teaches that lying is a sin, it teaches that disrespecting your parents is a sin, it teaches that stealing is a sin, it teaches that coveting your neighbor and what your neighbor has is a sin," Rubio said. "So, there isn't a person in this room that isn't guilty of sin. I don't go around pointing fingers in that regard."

On a personal level, he said, "I'm responsible for my salvation, and I'm responsible for my family's and for inculcating in my family what our faith teaches. And then they'll become adults and decide how they want to apply that in life."

Regarding his choices as a lawmaker or, presumably, candidate for other office, Rubio said, "As a policymaker, I can just tell you that I'm informed by my faith and my faith informs me in who I am as a person. But not as a way to pass judgment on people."

Rubio, who gave a speech at this year's Republican National Convention on the same night Mitt Romney accepted his party's nomination, often is considered a possible contender for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination — giving his remarks further importance than they might otherwise have.

Rubio has a mixed voting record on LGBT issues in his short time in Congress, having received a 47% ranking from the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT rights group, in this Congress. Beyond his votes, he has opposed same-sex couples' marriage rights and recently recorded a call in support of the National Organization for Marriage's election efforts in 2012.

Of his Wednesday comments, though, HRC Vice President for Communications Fred Sainz said, "It's a shame that Senator Rubio falls outside the mainstream of the majority of people of faith who view supporting equality for LGBT people as an extension of their faith. ... {Read More}

It would have been refreshing if Rubio had simply said no and let it go at that. But of course preserving the support of the socons is all important in a rEpublican party that seems sometime to be informed more by faith than by reality or reason.

Via: Memeorandum










McAfee captured

McAfee captured

Mr McAfee, the man behind the popular anti-virus computer software, has been in hiding since November after his neighbour¸ the American businessman Gregory Viant Faull, was shot dead.
Mr McAfee, founder of the anti-virus software company that bears his last name, denies any involvement in Mr Faull’s murder which happened on Ambergris Caye, an island where they both live off the coast of Belize. Police say they want to speak to him about the killing, but claim they do not consider him a suspect.
However Mr McAfee has repeatedly said that he believes the police and government in Belize are corrupt and that he will be “summarily executed” if he is ever caught. He has previously dismissed the possibility of ever handing himself in.
During his time on the run a blog written by the 67-year-old, has documented his travails which include disguising himself as a tramp to avoid detection.
On Saturday the blog was updated. A message, which unlike other posts appears to have been written by a third party, read: “We have received an unconfirmed report that John McAfee has been captured at the border of Belize and
Mexico.”http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/belize/9717170/John-McAfee-captured-on-Belize-Mexico-border.html

Bubba on the Fiscal Cliff, and Hillary...

Bubba on the Fiscal Cliff, and Hillary...
by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty
-vs- Tyranny


Bill Clinton is urging the "faithful" not to be too discouraged with what they see going on in inept Washington DC as discussions continue in an attempt to broker a deal between rEpublicans and dEmocrats to avert the fiscal cliff. During his lecture session he played coy as to whether Hillary would make another run for the "Crown" in 2016.

The Hill - Former President Bill Clinton sought to strike a comforting tone Wednesday, telling a lecture audience they shouldn't "get too disgusted" by ongoing budget negotiations in Washington.

"Don't get too disgusted by what you see — they're doing a little dance now," Clinton said, equating the two sides to sumo wrestlers circling one another in the ring. "I'll be very surprised if they don't do a reasonably acceptable deal."

The president made the remarks, reported by the San Jose Mercury News, at De Anza College's Flint Center as part of the 45th Annual Celebrity Forum Speakers Series.

Clinton said a deal would be struck, but that it must include Republicans allowing the Bush-era tax cuts to expire.

Clinton was also asked about the odds his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, would make a presidential bid of her own in 2016. Clinton called his wife "the most gifted person in public service in my generation," but played coy about a possible bid.

"If I did know, I wouldn't tell you," he said.

My prediction on both... Congress and the President ultimately agree on a deal that continues to kick the can done the road thus passing the problem to a different administration and Congress to resolve... Hillary is most certainly putting on her running shoes. Oy Vey!

Via: Memeorandum

they are kind of a big deal

There is nothing I hate worse than bragging on myself. Beyond ironic statement as there is this whole blog thing going on, I know. But that is a post for another time.

I however, have no problem bragging on those that I know.

So as I get ready to do some heavy duty Christmas wrapping this weekend, I thought I would share two wonderful and very different gift wrapping options by people I just happen to know.

First up we have my college friend Keely. Girlfriend is a mega talented graphic designer and her house is always amazing (which you know I love). She gives Martha Stewart a run for her money and the cherry on top - she's funny. Really funny. Enter her Snarky Gift Tags.

These are right up my alley as there is nothing I love more than a smart ass comment to go with my holiday cheer. Check out her Etsy store and buy these suckers up before they are all gone.

Secondly, I'm lucky enough to know Carrie Kiefer. She is my cousin's wife (so my cousin-in-law?) and half of the Ampersand Design Studio. Carrie's talent is just beyond - you should have seen her wedding. And to top it off, she's just about the sweetest girl around. She and her partner are making major waves with their prints, their fabric and their all around killer talent.

Their printable gift tags were featured in the best gift guide ever, To & From, that I mentioned last week.


Two great ways to add some major style to your packages this year.

So was I right or what? I know some pretty talented people! Have you wrapped anything yet? Have you bought anything yet?

And btw, thanks for all of the great advent advice, you all are the best!!

Coral-Red burst





As I promised you yesterday, here is the outfit that I wore at Bogdan's and I first jewelry exhibition. In my characteristic way I combined bright colors, as this oversize orange blazer and top, with patterned wide leg pants and, of course I couldn't wear as accessories anything else than one of our colorful DIY creations, the "colorful comets" necklace. Nothing spectacular but for sure was comfortable and most of all colorful, the way I like it. I hope you like it too!



The winners of the  zeroUV Giveaway are: Iris Truta and Vanda!Congrats!! I'll contact you soon for more details about the prize.




                                                                        Blazer: Coldwater Creek/ option Here
                                                                        Top: Divided/ option /Here
                                                                        Bag: vintage
                                                                        Heels: Nine West/ similar Here
                                                                        Necklace: DIY made by Bogdan and I
                                                                        Pants: Body by Victoria/ another great option Here 





The Quote of the Year

November 21, 2012
Macau grapples with booming casino economy

“Macau is a complete illusion of prosperity because what we are building is only casinos, rooms and some shops with famous brands,” said lawmaker Jose Coutinho.

Good thing we know better!

Quote of the Day

December 4, 2012
Olive Garden parent cuts view on restaurant sales drop

Darden's promotions did not "resonate with financially stretched consumers as well as newer promotions from competitors", Otis said in a statement.


"Bittersweet Colours Accents" my first jewelry show




A special thank you to Charles and Susie Andrews, the owners of  The Garden Gallery

Last Saturday some of you probably saw on Instagram photos from Bogdan's and I first jewelry show: "Bittersweet Colours Accents". Yes! It finally happened and todayI want to present you some pieces as well. Most of the designs are new but some of them you probably saw them before incorporated in my outfits. I'd like to hear your opinion and also which one is your favorite.
Tomorrow a post with my outfit that I wore at the exhibit!





advent calendar blues

I'm feeling a bit behind already and it's only December 5th.

I've got lists made, presents half way complete, decorations underway and meals/parties planned but I'm slacking in one area. The advent calendar.

We have a lovely felt calendar we pull out each year, and each year I feel under pressure to find stuff to fill each day. So I usually end up buying a bunch of crappy little things to hand out that break an hour later or I give the girls candy and treats when they already get enough of that at this time of year.

Pottery Barn Kids
I tried going to Pinterest for some inspiration, but have you ever done a search for 'advent calendar' in Pinterest? It's like googling 'mysterious cough'. You are going to get way more information than you'll even need.

I love the idea of filling each day with an activity or something, but it's hard to find an activity that works well for both a 5 year old and a 20 month old.

So I'm all ears. Do you do an advent calendar? How do you do it? What do you fill it with? Want to come take care of mine?