John Murtha's "Pork" of a Monument to Himself at Taxpayers Expense

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley --- You may remember Congressman John Murtha (D-Pa.). He maligned and bad mouthed our troops even though they have fought for our freedom and liberty and for his "privileges" as a "Congressman" to bring home "pork" of unbelievable amounts (tens of millions of dollars) to an airport named after himself that gets - are you ready for this - 20 visitors a day on the average!

From my friend and fellow conservative Lynn Beckman. See how your hard-earned tax dollars are being spent by the Democrats and the Republicans that "buy their votes" with our tax dollars! It's all pork stupid!

The below link illustrates very graphically how PORK pays off for incumbents. It's easy to see why the good folks of John Murtha's district may well re-elect him. He brings home the BACON!

However, I wish ABC would have translated the dollars spent on this airport into the cost to American taxpayers for each vote the infamous Congressman John Murtha stands to gain from the country's "investment" into the John Murtha Airport. Absolutely staggering to think about this kind of thing going on continually all over the country, year in and year out. Talk about a sea of RED INK !!! By the way, even though Murtha is a Democrat,

I'm not in any way excusing the many Republicans who perpetrate the same crime. They're all guilty and need to be un-elected at the next election, and replaced with fiscal conservatives, regardless of party.

The John Murtha Airport in Johnstown, PA

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7415354

This was on ABC Nightly News a few days ago. The first few seconds is a
commercial. Then it goes into a report on the John Murtha Airport.

Kitty Dies on Show and in Real Life

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley --- Every now and then you see a story that captures your attention. This is one of those stories.

It's the moment every pet owner dreads and hopes will never come, but inevitably does: the day they have to say goodbye to an aging and sick pet.

On Monday night's episode of "The Closer" on TNT, viewers watched -- sniffling, misty-eyed and reaching for a hanky -- as Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (played by Kyra Sedgwick) said her final goodbyes to her terminally ill cat, Kitty. Cradling her rescue cat in her arms, Brenda allowed a veterinarian to administer a dose that will put the ailing Kitty to sleep forever.

"There were lots of people weeping on set when the vet came to do the euthanasia scene," James Duff, the show's creator and executive producer, reveals to Paw Nation.

It's unusual to see a detective on a crime series dealing with a dying pet, but this particular story line was a function of art imitating life. When the real feline actor playing Kitty was diagnosed with a "fairly untreatable" kidney issue, Duff decided to write it into the show.

"I had become attached to the cat and didn't want to replace her," Duff tells Paw Nation. "I thought, 'before she goes, let's deal with her on the show.'" Handling the cat's failing health was difficult at times for Sedgwick, whose own mixed breed cat died before filming began on the fifth season of The Closer. "She actually broke down weeping," says Duff. "Then she got upset again when she learned the real cat died after filming."

If Duff seems unafraid of exploring a topic not often seen on television -- "It's not an upbeat moment, it's sad," he says -- it may be because he knows what it's like to lose a beloved pet. "I had a cat for 14 years -- my longest adult relationship," he says. "She was given anesthetic during a teeth cleaning and had a heart attack and died." Duff, who has a 12 year-old dog named Henry realizes how precious little time he has left with his aging dog. "They love you so much," Duff says, referring to our pets. "And that informed the story line with Kitty."

Source: www.pawnation.com

Michael Jackson - " I am better off dead"

'I'm better off dead. I'm done': Michael Jackson's fateful prediction just a week before his death ...

Freedom Isn't Free - Staff Sgt. John Beale's Arrival Home

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley --- It is Sunday morning in Kentucky in the summer. Hot and humid. Kay is taking the early hours to do some weed-eating. I did some 2-hours of yard work yesterday and today decided I needed to catch up inside. While checking my e-mail I came across a video and a new blog site. I will share both with you in a moment, however, first I have somethings to get off my heart.

I am over all the political correctness.

Bottom-line: I don't like this President, this Congress or either of the two parties - Republican or Democrats.

No one up there represents me or my viewpoints. I am not alone. I know that from talking to my friends and acquaintances on both sides of the political spectrum. Our country is running amuck!

We have allowed our country to be turned over to a bunch of thugs and pantywaists in Congress on both sides of the aisles. Some of our country elected a President on the basis of something other than common sense.

This is not to suggest that either candidate was that worthwhile frankly.

Somehow we have totally gotten away from what I believe our Founding Fathers intended our country to be.

A once great America, "The Shining City on the Hill" is turning into a version of the socialist Europe and Canadian model; neither of which do I believe is sanctioned by the vast majority of people in the "Real America."

I told my wife the day of 9-11 that all that fawning and singing on the steps of the Capitol and how all of Congress was going to hold hands and have tea together and work united was a bunch of crap - a political show and nothing more.

Was I wrong? No! I wasn't wrong.

I also told her at that time that I wanted to be a part of the fight on the war on terror.

Well, in a small way I contributed but not to the extent and level I wished. I was too old I was told to re-enlist. I was too out-of-date to assist in the intel area. I could not speak any of the languages and had never fought on the desert battlefield.

Yet, I believe that many of us even at our "advanced" age (yes, 59 is looming now) will soon be faced with having to protect what little freedoms we will have left after this President and Congress finishes looting them

It was our "younger men" such as Staff Sgt. John Beale, the 39-year old from Riverdale, Ga. who fought for us in Iraq.

S/Sgt Beale was with the U.S. Army,1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, Calhoun, Ga.

He was killed by a IED on June 9th.

They brought Sgt Beale home for burial recently and it was videotaped.

What you will see, if you watch this video, will reaffirm for some the values that we as Americans out here in the "Real America" hold dear.

I believe that the vast majority of American still hold the values of freedom, liberty, and a country where we will be left alone to pursue our own dreams without benefit of continuing government intervention or oversight very dear.

A country where we will choose to work for our benefit and not for the benefit of other men.

I have known a number of Sgt. Beales over the years and I can tell you that every one of them without exception believed in the principles and values stated above and in our Constitution.

That is why they voluntarily enlisted.

That is why they chose to defend our country against terrorists. And they do understand that freedom is not free.

Often I have said to my liberal and progressive friends, "We fought for your right to say and do whatever you wish as part of your freedom of expression but it doesn't mean I agree with it or that I condone it."

Frankly, too much of what is going on in our country now is beyond my ability to understand or condone and therefore I choose not to do so.

And having said that I will acknowledge right now that you will hear the pundits on both sides of the political aisle make their audacious commentaries on the "war" and those that fight it.

Those pundits from the progressives on MSNBC, NBC, ABC, and CBS will malign and wring their hands over the war while having thrills run up their legs about the new President.

The Washington Post will solemnly list S/Sgt Beale on their casualty page.

Then you will see the so called conservatives those on the "right" wave their flags and talk proudly how they support the troops and America but how they are now in exile and have to fight their way back into political power.

Both sides are full of it.

The blow-hard blustery crap they spew day in and day out is worthless chatter and noise. Their interest is in ratings and getting and keeping power ladies and gentlemen it is that simple.

What you won't see (except in the video below) is the sincere and deeply felt emotions of the everyday Americans who understand the sanctity of life, the value of freedom and liberty, the intent of the Founding Fathers who said that "All men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights and that among these are the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ..."

No, you won't see this type of video on MSNBC, or if you did you would have Keith Olberman or Chris Matthews making some kind of snide comments about us "hillbillys" or "rubes" showing our patriotic fervor.

You probably won't ever see it on Fox News either but if you did it would be to further their ratings and their own vanity.

What you are about to see is the "Real America" yes, the "Red States" showing their respect for a fallen hero - one of their own as it is.

One person remarked that they didn't think they would see this very often where ever it was they lived.

Well sir, you are mistaken when it comes to thinking that about the South.

Most of us who had parents that raised us right especially in the South still pull over to the side of the road when a funeral procession passes. Many of us even get out of our cars and bow our heads in reverence.

There is a "Real America" out here Mr. President and Congress.

In this "Real America" we are the taxpayers that you want more money from to pay for your global warming, your housing and car company bail-outs, your single payer health insurance travesties, your trips to Chicago and Paris and the luxuries that you in Congress think you are entitled to by being there.

And yes Congress (both sides of the fence boys and girls - both sides), you bunch of fawning sycophants, there is a "Real America" out here. An America where we still honor our fallen heroes.

The vast majority of us still believe we have to fight and die for our freedom and liberty and an America that believes it is better to take the war to the bastards than to fight it on our on soil.

No, I don't expect this President and Congress, or those that want government to be their "Sugar Daddy" would understand much of this.

In reality I don't really care if they do or not but now and then you have to get this stuff off your heart and chest.

Now, if I haven't bored you to death with my commentary, or upset you so much you can't think straight, then sit back, turn up the speakers and get you a tissue.

This video was shared by Dr. Ignatius Piazza
(http://www.ignatius-piazza-front-sight.com/)

The video was taken by Rep. Steve Davis from the front seat of a patrol car that escorted the body of S/Sgt Beale home.

Thank you S/Sgt Beale. May you rest in peace.

Simper Fi, Dr. Darryl

Farrah Fawcett Dies at Age 62

From Whitemarsh, Md. ---- My world is a little sadder today with the passing of Farrah Fawcett.

She was a generational icon for many of us in the 1970s and her life was like the soap opera that hopefully would one day lead to happiness for her and all of us.

I unabashedly admit I was a Farrah fan and her hair style, well it went on to be just one of the many things that made the 70s so memorable to me.

Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.

Dr. D

Women are happiest between the ages of 50 and 70

From Whitemarsh, Md --- This interesting article was shared with me this morning by my dear friend Gaye Stockman out in Wyoming. I thought I would pass it along for your enjoyment. D.

Women are happiest between the ages of 50 and 70, a finding that is likely to surprise a lot of people.

That's the word from Chicago-based TrendSight Group, a consulting think tank, that conducted in-depth interviews with 50 women and supplemented that information with the results of a 30-year lifestyle study.

The results? They found that women in this age group are more than just content with life. They also believe they're in the prime of their life. Why? They feel liberated! They are not only happier, more confident, more involved and more socially active than their mothers were at this age, but also compared to today's younger women.

"The majority of today's older women don't experience midlife as a 'crisis'-- the way some men typically do," says lead study author Marti Barletta and author of "PrimeTime Women: How to Win the Hearts, Minds and Business of Boomer Big Spenders." "They truly feel at their peak--personally, professionally, financially and psychologically. They are what I've come to call The PrimeTime Women." The 50-plus population is growing, while the under-50 population is shrinking. Barletta advises that "younger generations need to know aging isn't a dirty word; with it can come incredible confidence, strength and freedom."

According to Barletta's research, older women are more content with their lives than younger women. Overall, older women say this is a time of new freedom, since they no longer feel constrained by familial and societal pressures to be, act or think a certain way. Only 42 percent of older women felt they were under a great deal of pressure most of the time, compared with 65 percent of younger women. Older women know adversity will come, but feel they have the tools and skills to handle it. "PrimeTime Women experience what I call a 'liberation from expectation.' They have a newfound control over their lives," says Barletta. "Our research confirmed what numerous studies have indicated, but that society has chosen to ignore--the 50s and 60s are the happiest decades of life."

Older women are involved with their family, work, community and society more deeply and passionately than younger women. Fifty-eight percent of women 50 to 70 consider their work "a career" rather than just a job, compared to 51 percent of women 25 to 49. Moreover, 66 percent of older women say they enjoy their work "a lot" compared to 56 percent of younger women.

Women 50 to 70 years of age are more politically engaged as well. More older women are interested in politics (64 percent) and believe their vote counts (81 percent) than younger women (54 percent and 73 percent respectively). PrimeTime Women are more likely than younger women to do volunteer work (61 percent vs. 57 percent) or belong to a club or organization (51 percent vs. 42 percent). And the environment certainly isn't a "young" issue. PrimeTime Women actively "go green" even more than younger women.

This is real optimism: Fully 59 percent of women ages 50 to 70 feel their greatest achievements are still ahead of them.

--From the Editors at Netscape

When God Helps Us To Smile

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley ---Now and then, I suspect when God thinks that we need it, (s)he will give us something to smile about even more than usual.

When we arrived home last night about midnight from Tybee Island to say we were tired would be an understatement - tired yet happy that we had had the opportunity to see our friends and enjoy the island again. I drove the first 9 hours and then Kay took over. I became the care-giver for Little Bit, who insists that he ride in the lap of the passenger and it makes no difference if it is me or Mom.

Little Bit, "the old man" of the pack having earned the title passed down to him by Stimpy, was most content to lie back and have his rotund tummy scratched or kick back and snore away and so was I. Max finally settled in once he realized that this was going to be a longer ride than usual.

This morning I went down to check on a "raft" that somehow has gotten placed on my lower deck to find "God's" latest surprise for us in the form of these smiling faces (this is not my photo it is one from www.dcwild.com/mammals.htm but you get the idea?).

Sometimes we just need something to put a smile on our faces.

Love, peace and grace, Dr. D.

Lt. Col. Ty Edwards - A Hero Amongst Heroes

Tybee Island, Ga. --- Many of the readers of this blog will recall that our family member L/C Ty Edwards, Marine Corps was wounded during an ambush while serving in Afghanistan and thankfully has been recovering remarkably well due to the commitment of his PT nurses, his lovely wife and family, and his parents. Kay, Penelope and I had the distinct privilege of visiting Ty while we were in Florida working earlier this year.

Recently Ty awarded a Bronze Star to a fellow Marine and was honored to also be awarded himself a Jefferson Award. Below you will find his television debut.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=15689@wfts.dayport.com&navCatId=105

We are very proud of Ty and all his men. And we want all the men and women who serve so valiantly and with such dedication to protect our country in this war on terror to remember the overwhelming majority of the American people support your efforts. We believe in the value of taking the war to the enemy and we send each of you our prayers daily and God's speed for a safe return to your home and family.

Oooray! Dr. D.

ACLU Wants To Tear Down WWI Veterans' Memorial

From Tybee Island, Ga. --- Can we say "absurd"?

For those of you who have not heard this story please take the time to watch the You Tube below about the efforts being undertaken by the ACLU for one poor, pathetic "could be offended" Oregon man who wants a memorial cross erected to WWI veterans removed from public land in the Mojave Desert. Since 1934 this memorial has stood proudly to remind veterans who visit it of the pain and agony of the first world war and to provide a place where they could come and help heal themselves.

I don't fault the ACLU, after all their mission in life is to file stupid and meaningless law suits time and again - it pays their salaries and bills along with the donations they get as a 501-C-3 foundation. However, I must question where they spend time and money when it comes to such frivolous nonsense as this.

Read and then watch and then make up your own mind:

After WWI many U.S. soldiers moved to the Californian desert to find physical and emotional healing. In 1934, they erected a memorial to honor their fallen comrades, a single white cross, - a symbol used around the world to memorialize those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The site for the memorial was chosen because at a certain time of day, the sun casts a shadow on the rock which resembles a WWI doughboy. For more than 75 years, the memorial has stood as a reminder that there were those who fought and died for our freedoms.

But sadly today, the ACLU and a federal judge in California, want to tear it down. In fact, the judge has ordered the memorial covered from view while the case is on appeal.

You can join in saying "Don't Tear Me Down."

Americans should honor their war heroes and the freedoms they so valiantly protect; and we're taking our case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court this fall.

You can join in this battle, by going to www.donttearmedown.com

Should We All Just Go 'John Gault'?

"Everyone has the right to make his own decision(s), but none has the right to force his decision on others." --- Ayn Rand ('The Virtue of Selfishness', Chapter 12) {WMail Issue #10}

From Tybee Island, Ga. --- There were some big storms rolling through the low country last night and as I lay awake listening to the thunder, comforting my little buddy "Little Bit," I began to think about the fact that I started working at age 13.

Today, at age 58 approaching 59, that means that I have worked close to half a century. For 46 years of my life I have worked and paid taxes. I have tried to grow an estate, maximize my wealth and talent, continue my education and give back in a meaningful way to society not just through my taxes but also through my charity.

I am now being told by the POTUS and current Congress that I will be penalized through higher taxes that will be redistributed to those in need of health care, midnight basketball, new bridges and transit systems to nowhere, more money for the public school system and the endless array of publicly funded programs that have no accountability whatsoever.

As I lay awake listening to the night sounds of the storm I came to understand what Dr. Sigmund Freud meant by the two most important things in a man's life is "love and work."

Both of these have at times in my life alluded me in fulfillment. Man I believe is always searching for unconditional love and meaningful work.

I came away from this contemplation thinking that maybe it is time to simply go "John Gault" and let the looters on both sides of the political spectrum in Congress loot somewhere other than my pocketbook.

What do I mean?

"Who is John Gault?"

John Gault was the fictional character in Ayn Rand's classic novel Atlas Shrugged.

After many years of not reading this book yet being encouraged to do so by many friends on the conservative and libertarian side of the political fence I did so the past two months. The book is more than 500 pages yet once you get into it if you have any sense of outrage at what is going on now in our once free and capitalistic country you will become even more outraged.

What Rand wrote about in 1958 is today's world where the government has nationalized and socialized business and industry.

In the book the government has turned the country into a socialist welfare state because its "leaders" believe all wealth should be redistributed.

John Gault led the strike in this novel to shut down the "engines of the world" and invited those who were or would be the producers to join him in Gault's Gulch where they would produce only enough to sustain themselves and work for no other man's benefit.

Recently on Pajamas TV (www.pjtv.com), Dr. Helen Smith, a Knoxville, Tenn. psychologist, noted that many people are considering how to become present day "John Gaults" in other words if the administration is going to penalize us as producers for earning more by taking more in the form of taxes then how can we "John Gault" it by earning less and enjoying life more?

Seems pretty simple to me POTUS and Congress, you want to tax anyone earning above $250,000 or is it $150,000 VP Biden?

Whatever level you choose you can bet that from that point forward those of us whom you count on to produce your taxes may just decide to earn less and less, maybe even reduce our production to the level that we can also sign up for your redistribution and giveaway programs.

Yes, it has been 46-years that I have diligently worked, saved and at times maybe even sacrificed some of my life spirit to be a good, patriotic tax paying citizen. Oh, I will still pay the tax man until I die in some form or fashion, because there are even hidden taxes now that we all must pay to get along, but should I work for the other man's needs and at his whims when he is not willing to work for himself and pay his own share?

I recommend you listen to this interview with Dr. Smith at:

http://www.pjtv.com/video/Ask_Dr_Helen/PJTV_Daily_Oct_29th_Dr_Helen/676/1951/

then decide for yourself your own future.

I look forward to meeting you Mr. Gault!

Love, peace and grace, Dr. D

America is NOT a Democracy - It Never Was!

From Tybee Island, Ga. --- It always bothers me when I hear people refer to our form of government as a democracy. It is simply not so and was never intended by our founding fathers. Freedom comes from the Republic form of government - The Rule of Law. Government must be limited for us to have our freedoms and our liberty. Enjoy this very instructional video:

Wonderings Amongst the Swamps of Tybee

From Tybee Island, Ga. --- We are finally "back home" again on the island.

As I cross the Bull River bridge there is something in the air that reminds me that this is where I need to be right now in my life. It is a place where I "ground" myself and find contentment even in those days of stress. It is the haven for my soul and my place to come and reflect and reconnect with people who started out as strangers only to become dear friends. It is a place to rejuvenate the heart and help it mend from the many breaks it has had in its life.

Crossing that bridge in the afternoon with the sun sinking behind you as you look East to the Atlantic and see the expanse of colors and shades of intensities between light and dark you realize that for some of us this is a special place.

There also is a smell to the island. I think it is that combination of salt spray and decay, paper mills and diesel fuel, and detritus from the swamps and low country. It permeates the nose as you meander across the causeway. It is always there. Intensities of the smell only vary depending on the direction of the wind.

It is at this island that now and then in life you get the opportunity to meet folks that end up becoming not just friends but dear friends.

Tim and Allison over on the adjacent Wilmington Island are on that list. This past weekend they were kind enough to host a "welcome back to the island" BBQ for us and some of our "dog park" friends.

Now, as most of you know I have written about Tim before in these pages - we share a common phobia related to monkeys - Allison, Tim's wife and most undoubtedly "better half," is a home office employee for Lockheed Martin and one of the most fantastic chefs I have had the privilege of knowing.

They also are the proud parents of a blonde Lab - Lucy, who like all our "kids" finds that way of creeping into your heart and grabbing hold not to let go any time soon.

I have found that you can often go through life and not take the time to sit and visit with strangers who may become friends and that is what this island provides me the time to do when I am here.

Kay and I are more than glad that we have had the opportunity to break bread, sip wine and jaw the bone with these two fine people that we count as dear friends because all too often we don't take that time.

"Happiness is time spent with a friend and looking forward to sharing time with them again," Lee Wilkinson said and I couldn't say it any better.

Love, peace and grace, Dr. Darryl

MSNBC Republicans: Steven Crowder & AlfonZo Rachel Join Forces for an Everyday MSM Promo

From Tybee Island, Ga. --- I could not have said or performed it better. Even though I am moving more toward a Libertarian viewpoint daily I can still appreciate the humor. Dr. Darryl

MSNBC Republicans

http://www.pjtv.com/v/2012

Obama Beach?

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley --- Is the entire world so enamoured with the POTUS they get tongue-tied? PM Brown you owe every single veteran an apology immediately. My WWII veteran friends knowing he won't I will tell you I am embarrassed for our British friends and allies and I know they would all issue their personal apology given the opportunity.

On Being Friends - Vivian - My Dancing Queen

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley --- Have you ever met someone and just knew from the outset they would be a friend?

Such was the case with our dear friend Vivian Ortiz at Tybee Island, Ga., our home away from home and a friend that we met a few years ago at the dog park.

Such wonderful friendships I believe have something to do with mystical connection, as if maybe you have known them before, or the level of trust and rapport is so solid at the outset you just know they are your friend.

Vivian is the “mother” to “Sister,” one of Max and Little Bit’s buddies at the dog park. Her previous best buddies, Jackson and Max, transitioned a couple of years ago. We got to meet them. I even got to photograph them and many of you have seen their photos on my personal web site www.ldarrylarmstrong.com

Dog lovers know other dog lovers --- and that maybe part of the fascination that develops close friendships but not always.

I have come to believe that we bring people into our lives that we need and that need us. People that share common values, histories, happiness and heartbreak. Although we may not share common politics, religions or food tastes – then again we may. However, there is no doubt in my mind that Vivian is one of those dear souls that I have reconnected with from sometime in the past. I am grateful for that.

More so I am grateful to know such a talented artist --- she is a dancer. Not just any dancer, rather a committed, talented and dedicated dancer.

Now for those of you that know me I don’t dance well at all. Perhaps, I at one time fantasized about being John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever but that was truly a fantasy. My wife can attest to the reality of my inability to lead probably because I have always been following ;-)

When Vivian told me of her love of dance I had no idea until I had the privilege of seeing for myself on the two following You Tubes.

I told Vivian that I truly wanted her to dance at my Memorial service to set the stage for the celebration of a life and the understanding that we go through this one only once.

Graceful, exciting, sensual and joyful --- that would describe our friend Vivian as she expresses herself through her marvelous talent. Enjoy.

Love, peace and grace, Dr. D

"Dancing Queen"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc5m9BVEv9k&feature=related

From the Broadway Hit - "Chicago"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ7cG0u0yyE

Listen Carefully To All The Warnings Before Taking

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek on Lake Barkley ---

TEQUILA

Andy Rooney's Tips for Handling Telemarketers

Tips for Handling Telemarketers Three Little Words That Work !! (1)The three little words are: 'Hold On, Please...' Saying this, while putting down your phone and walking off (instead of hanging-up immediately) would make each telemarketing call so much more time-consuming that boiler room sales would grind to a halt. Then when you eventually hear the phone company's 'beep-beep-beep' tone, you know it's time to go back and hang up your handset, which has efficiently completed its task. These three little words will help eliminate telephone soliciting. (2) Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end? This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone. This technique is used to determine the best time of day for a 'real' sales person to call back and get someone at home. What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times, as quickly as possible This confuses the machine that dialed the call and it kicks your number out of their system. Gosh, what a shame not to have your name in their system any longer !!! (3) Junk Mail Help: When you get 'ads' enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these 'ads' with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away. When you get those 'pre-approved' letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope. Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular 41 cents postage 'IF' and when they receive them back. It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes. Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. Send a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back! If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them. You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! It still costs them 41 cents. The banks and credit card companies are currently getting a lot of their own junk back in the mail, but folks, we need to OVERWHELM them. Let's let them know what it's like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all they're paying for it...Twice! Let's help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that's why they need to increase postage costs again You get the idea ! If enough people follow these tips, it will work ---- I have been doing this for years, and I get very little junk mail anymore.