Ireland?

Map of Ireland ©Mountain High Maps®, modified by James Martin
More things to make you think. I was wondering why if Ireland's business tax rate is so wonderful it is not recognized as an economic superpower? That is what Mr. McCain says is one of our problems here. It ignores the fact that the tax rate and what you pay after deductions can be vastly different and that a majority of businesses here legitimately pay much less than the 35% rate. Also the last time I checked we were not outsourcing huge amounts of jobs there or having many of our corporations relocating to Ireland.

So John enough with the Ireland stuff. And if I have to hear the work maverick too many more times I will be ill.

Fun Etsybloggers Team Finds

I am a member of the EtsyBloggers Street Team. They are a very busy, very fun bunch of shop owners and bloggers. The membership is global and the fun never ends. You can't join right now but if you love Etsy and have a blog you can get in on the fun starting in February of next year.

You can get an idea of the range of products from these busy bloggers by searching etsybloggers team and then be prepared to be amazed.

I did just such a search this morning and came across this yummy soap from the shop "Spotted Cow Soaps". I have a feeling that if this soap sounds as good to you as it does to me you should act fast before it all sells out!

Happy to You!

This lovely daughter in law is having a birthday!

The Underdog Says

"I love being the underdog. You know, every time that I've gotten ahead, somehow I've messed it up," the Republican candidate said.

This quote is from a CNN article I found just scanning headlines and it got me wondering, as I am apt to do, as I read it. Would winning this election be the ultimate in getting ahead. If so, should we worry that if he is elected that Mr. McCain would "mess it up"?

Honestly the other thing that scares me is the thought of putting Sarah Palin a heartbeat away from the presidency. I have had issues all my life with overly perky, not so intelligent social butterflies.

I am not Joe 6 pack or Joe the plumber or their female equivalents. I am a fairly serious, thinking woman, in her 50's who believes that the Democratic candidates offer a better choice. My choice is for those I believe can think deep thoughts, feel the pain on both sides of a decision, and as Mr. Obama says, work for me tirelessly every day he is in the White House.

This Mama is Magic

In the Baby Friendly Beads shop you will find an assortment of necklaces that please mother and baby. I think the reminder bracelets are a great idea for nursing mothers and wish I had one oh so many years ago when I was a nursing mom. If you aren't a nursing mom but know one I think these would make a fantastic gift!

In the Mama's Magic shop she explores even more creative ideas making beaded bugs and fraternal earrings. What are fraternal earrings you ask? You did ask right? According to Jen who explains it very well I think, "They are not identical but definitely a pair." I just love the idea of jewelry that is fun!

Of course being the featured blogger for the month of October by the EtsyBloggers Street Team you know there has to be a blog involved somewhere. Mama's Magic blog is filled with delightful reading of the family life and creative life of this busy lady.

One woman - two shops - one blog and all interesting.
Follow the links and see for yourself!

The Debate Like a Million Other Bloggers

eloquence-
• noun fluent or persuasive speaking or writing.

— ORIGIN Latin eloquentia, from eloqui ‘speak out’.

John McCain said that Barack Obama was using the eloquence of his words to persuade us. According to my Oxford English dictionary that is what they both were doing and I don't see that as a bad thing. It is what they should both be doing right now to win the hearts and minds of voters.

Here is what I do see and feel free to leave any comments that reasonably discuss this here on this post.

• Barack Obama wants to try to protect 95% of us from paying more taxes.
• JohnMcCain wants to reduce taxes on businesses to encourage growth.

I know these are campaign statements made with the best intentions and sometimes we have to vote on the stated goals knowing that the way government works means that the goals may not be met.

My curiosity leads me to ask this-
Are these the same greedy businesses that caused the Wall Street troubles to overflow to Main Street according to John Mcain? Why would we possibly think that these greedy businesses would trickle down their lower tax benefits to us?

Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmm?

Take A Break

When I want to clear my mind or take a break between tasks there are a couple things I like to do. First of all I am a reader. It is very rare for me not to have 3 or 4 books from the library usually lined up to be read. Second I like to do puzzles. I enjoy many kinds of puzzles from jigsaw ones laid out on the dining room table to software like Zuma and Tetris. My favorite puzzles for some time now have been Sudoku. Sometimes I want to breeze through easy ones and at other times I really want to challenge my thinking skills with something more difficult.

I wanted to share with you where I get my puzzles. Some time ago I discovered the site krazydad.com. The puzzles are printable and donations are accepted. It is has lots of sudoku puzzles, mazes, a puzzle form called slitherlink and more.

This is quite an interesting site with puzzles, a blog, screensavers and a bio of the creator. There is even a fun little tool in his freebies section where you can make your own kaleidoscope.
Here is one I made from a scarf I have available in my shop on Etsy. Take the time to check out this site. I don't think you will be disappointed and you might even find more ways to relax.