I like it when politicians say what they mean. If you’re all about the working class, then be about it and stand by your decision. Those poor people will always have the government to lean on (just ask Newt). Right?

The Democratic National Committee has used this misspeak to their advantage in their latest ad.

 

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The most recent Department of Agriculture report on the general characteristics of the SNAP program’s beneficiaries says that in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2010:

• 47 percent of beneficiaries were children under age 18.
• 8 percent were age 60 or older.
• 41 percent lived in a household with earnings from a job — the so-called “working poor.”
• The average household received a monthly benefit of $287.
• 36 percent were white (non-Hispanic), 22 percent were African American (non-Hispanic) and 10 percent were Hispanic (Table A.21).

We don’t argue that the program is either too large (as Gingrich does) or too small. It has certainly reached a historically high level, and may or may not grow even larger in the months to come. But the plain fact is that the growth started long before Obama took office, and participation grew more under Bush.

Now, I don’t want you to think I’m blind to the fact that there are people abusing the system. Just like the tax code is abused, I’m sure there are many getting over on the good ol’ US of A. But for the most part, in my special world, I’d like to think it’s beneficial to those who need it most.

As an added bonus, I thought I’d add a link to the WIC PARTICIPANT AND PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS 2010:  SUMMARY.

 

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As part of Google’s ongoing commitment to encouraging women to pursue careers in computing and technology, we’re pleased to announce the Google Anita Borg Scholarship, through which we hope to encourage women to excel in computing and technology and become active role models and leaders.

Scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of candidates’ academic background and demonstrated leadership. A group of female undergraduate and graduate student finalists will be chosen from the applicant pool.

All scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to visit Google headquarters in Mountain View, California for a networking retreat which will include workshops with a series of speakers, panelists, breakout sessions and social activities.

Award Amount:
$1,000 – $10,000

Deadline:
Usually In February

Website/Contact Info:
http://groups.google.com/anitaborg

 

Wednesday – Friday: Office Hours marathon of online question and answer sessions on Twitter
To participate, anyone can ask a question on Twitter with the hashtag #WHChat, and administration officials respond to questions in real-time via Twitter.  Follow the Q&A through the @WHLive Twitter account.  If you miss the live session, the full Q&A will be posted on WhiteHouse.gov to cross-post and Storify.com/WhiteHouse.

1/25: Answering general questions about the speech

All-day: Josh Earnest, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary

1pm: Mark Zuckerman, White House Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council

3pm: Dan Pfeiffer

1/26: Constituency focused sessions

10am: Veterans

• Matt Flavin, White House Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy

11am : LGBT

• Miriam Vogel, White House Senior Policy Advisor and Gautam Raghavan, Assoc. Director for Public Engagement

Noon : Women

• Racquel Russell,  Special Assistant to the President for Mobility and Opportunity Policy and Avra Siegel, White House Deputy Executive Director for the Council on Women and Girls

1pm: Seniors

• Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health Policy and Nick Papas, Assistant Press Secretary

2pm: Latinos

• Felicia Escobar, White House Senior Policy Advisor and Julie Rodriguez, White House Associate Director of Public Engagement, and Luis Miranda, White House Director of Hispanic Media

3pm: Native Americans

• Kimberlee Teehee, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs

4pm: Small Business owners

• Christine Koronides, Senior Advisor for Economic Policy, National Economic Council

5pm: African Americans

• Danielle Gray, Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy

6pm: Asian American Pacific Islanders

• Chris Lu, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary

1/26: Specific Issue focused sessions

10am: Rural Issues

• Doug McKalip, Senior Policy Advisor for Rural Affairs

11am: Foreign Policy

• Ben Rhodes, Deputy NSA for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting

Noon: Education

• Roberto Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the President for Education Policy

1pm: Health

• Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Asst. to the President for Health Policy and Nick Papas, Asst. Press Secretary

2pm: Energy

• Heather Zichal, Deputy Asst. to the President for Energy and Climate Change and Dan Utech, Deputy Director for Energy Policy

3pm: Consumer Protections

• Brian Deese, Deputy Director National Economic Council

4pm: The Economy

• Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director National Economic Council

5pm: Job Opportunities

• Portia Wu, Senior Policy Advisor for Mobility & Opportunity Policy

6pm: Urban Issues

• Racquel Russell,  Special Assistant to the President for Mobility and Opportunity Policy

Monday, 1/30: Your State of the Union Interview with President Obama
In the first, completely virtual interview from the White House, President Obama will answer questions that have been submitted by Americans from across the country via YouTube. The virtual event with the President will happen through  Google+ Hangout, a live multi-person video chat.  Your readers can submit questions now through the 28 ^th at youtube.com/whitehouse.

 

Well, that’s about to end. Life is no less hectic, but I want to commit to doing better this year. “Random thoughts about everything and nothing” will become less of a motto and more of a reality. While the posts may not be as lengthy as I’d like, I hope to share some quality thought-provoking topics with you.

Here’s to a new start.

 

Comprised of the sons and grandsons of runaway American slaves, the league helped pioneer the sport of ice hockey changing this winter game from the primitive “gentleman’s past-time” of the nineteenth century to the modern fast moving game of today. In an era when many believed blacks could not endure cold, possessed ankles too weak to effectively skate, and lacked the intelligence for organized sport, these men defied the defined myths.

While I might not be a big hockey fan, I’m all about learning more about black history. There’s some good information to be had. Check out the video and let me know what you think.

 

I was listening to Malcolm pub the show on the Tom Joyner Morning Show yesterday and he piqued my interest. I have a special place in my heart for the Cosby Show because everywhere I went as a kid, I had to hear the “Theo Huxtable” references regarding my name. I didn’t mind the attention, but sometimes it got old.

According to the show’s website Reed Between the Lines follows a modern-day blended family as they navigate life’s ups and downs with wit and humor. According to Warner, BET has signed the show for a full season. It’s good to see BET making the move to get family shows on the network.

Reed Behind the Lines debuts tonight (October 11th) at 9pm CST. Check out the video below for a sneak peak of the show.

 

Press Conference: Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald
If you want to help or if you know someone near Bastrop that can help, please forward this information:

Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management ( Like them on Facebook)
Financial needs are great and donations can be made through the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance: 512-332-8661 or 512-332-8977.

Donation needs - Supplies needed at this time- new pillows, bed sheets, blankets, towels and toilettries. These donations are being accepted at Trinity Zion Church @ 151 Shiloh Rd., accepted until 7p tonight then beginning at 9am Tuesday. Call these numbers for donations information: 512-332-8661 or 512-332-8977.

VET HELP!! - A vet in Bastrop trying to do triage out in the fields for the Bastrop animals and she is in desperate need of help. She needs vet or medical people to help her, bandages, meds, whatever she can get. Please contact Christy at 512-796-0327 Pls. leave a msg. if she does not answer!”

Angel Care Ambulance - In need of non-perishable items, ex: can foods, bottled water, diapers, personal hygenie items, blankets, etc. If you would like to help, please drop off items at Angel Care Ambulance. 1105 W. Corpus Christi. We will deliver the items by this weekend. Any questions please contact Micki @ (361)542-9117, SHOES AND CLOTHES OF ALL.

For additional news coverage on this situation visit:
http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories

Please pray for all the leaders, emergency crews, assisting crews and people in Bastrop County. This is a devastating fire and the dry weather isn’t helping the situation. If I receive any additional information, I’ll post it here.

 

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) announces the following job openings:

Compliance Field Inspector (Inspector IV) – South Region (El Paso and surrounding area)
Posting Number: 0604-11
Group/Step: B15, Position 229
Opening Date: 06/23/11
Closing Date: Until Filled
$31,729 – $37,500 annually

Boiler Inspector Team Leader (Boiler Inspector III) – Austin (North Campus)
Posting Number: 0801-11
Group/Step: B22, Position 109
Opening Date: 08/05/11
Closing Date: Until Filled
$50,002 – $53,448 annually

Boiler Inspector Team Leader (Boiler Inspector III) – (East Region - Houston)
Posting Number: 0802-11
Group/Step: B22, Position 46
Opening Date: 08/05/11
Closing Date: Until Filled
$50,002 – $53,448 annually

TDLR provides a total compensation package that enables us to attract, motivate, and retain highly skilled and talented employees, including a merit system, full use of salary ranges, performance awards, retention
and recruitment bonuses. TDLR is ranked as one of the Top 25 mid-sized employers in Greater Austin.

Please visit TDLR’s employment page  for more information on these positions, how to apply and all other current openings.