The Great CPAC 2012 Attire Controversy

Man, I must have gone to the wrong events at CPAC. Erick Erickson:

 

I am more than a bit shocked by the young men at CPAC this year who just seemingly refuse to grow up or act their age. More troubling, while in 2005 it seemed to be just college kids, as the years have passed it is not just the 18 to 21 year old set, but the twenty and thirty somethings who just can't seem to grow up. It's like they started out at CPAC this way in college and each year at their CPAC reunion descend back to their freshman year rush week.

 

Melissa Clouthier turns her attention to the young ladies at CPAC and says she "was dismayed to see how many of them either looked frumpish or like two-bit whores."

 

First, are these young people being taught anything by their parents? I was at another service-oriented gathering of young women where the girls were in tight bandeau-skirts (you know, the kind of tube-top skirts that hookers wear on street corners?). They were sitting with their mothers. What is going on here?

Second, have women so internalized feminist dogma that they see themselves in only two ways? Butch, men-lite wannabes or 3rd wave sluts who empower themselves by screwing every available horndog man?

Neither path is a way to self-love and respect, mind you. Both tracks will inhibit future success.

 

Sarah Rumpf: "What boggled my mind about some girls at #CPAC dressing like skanks is that it was SNOWING. They're risking frostbite in *delicate* spots."

Cam: "As long as we're talking #CPAC dress codes, I saw a couple of guys wearing white belts. Please don't. Just . . . don't."

I didn't encounter many young (or not-so-young!) men acting like frat boys at spring break, but I left before the evening hours. And as for the young women, no discussion of whether young women are wearing too little is really thorough without pictures.

Amelia wonders if this is much ado about nothing: "Conservatives don't like being told what to do, including #CPAC attire. Just let them dress like hobos & skanks & we can judge them." Anthropocon suggests, "We could just make #CPAC a 3 day toga party."

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2012 Hoping for A Change in White House

Avg.. Retail price/gallon gas in U.S. $1.83 $3.44 84% 1

Crude oil, European Brent (barrel) $43..48 $99..02 127.7% 2

Crude oil, West TX Inter. (barrel) $38..74 $91..38 135.9% 2

Gold: London (per troy oz.) $853.25 $1,369.50 60.5% 2

Corn, No.2 yellow, Central IL $3.56 $6.33 78.1% 2

Soybeans, No. 1 yellow, IL $9.66 $13..75 42.3% 2

Sugar, cane, raw, world, lb. Fob $13..37 $35..39 164.7% 2

Unemployment rate, non-farm, overall 7.6% 9.4% 23.7% 3

Unemployment rate, blacks 12.6% 15.8% 25.4% 3

Number of unemployed 11,616,000 14,485,000 24.7% 3

Number of fed. Employees 2,779,000 2,840,000 2.2% 3

Real median household income $50,112 $49,777...

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Al Lee (TX) For US Congress!!

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Health Benefits of Pistachios....Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Sugar, Relieves Stress

The pistachio nut, a native to the Middle East, is one of the oldest flowering nut trees with archaeological evidence of the nut dating back to 7,000 BC. Once known to be an exclusively royal food, it remains one of the least explored of the nut varieties. In recent months, researchers from the University of Toronto, Penn State University, and George Mason University in conjunction with Inova Fairfax Hospital, conducted three different studies on pistachios with stellar results for this lime-green colored kernel. Antioxidant-rich pistachio eases the effects of daily stress During the Penn State study, researchers added pistachios to a healthy moderate-fat diet and investigated the effects on cardiovascular response. The nut was incorporated into the subjects' diets between snack and other foods such as pesto, granola or muffins. Stressors were then introduced as two tests: psychological and physical. The researchers found positive results with as little as 1 and 1/2 oz of pistachio added daily to the diet, where reductions in stress effects were visible on blood pressure. Consuming 3 oz of pistachios daily showed even greater relaxation of the arteries, thereby easing the workload on the heart. Pistachios greatly reduce risks of heart disease Results from researchers at George Mason University and Penn State also indicate beneficial effects in reducing some blood lipids simply by adding one or two handfuls daily of pistachios to a moderately healthy diet. Significant reductions were observed in total cholesterol in the blood by 8.4% and in the LDL or bad cholesterol by 11.6%. In both studies, considerable reductions on the predictors of cardiovascular disease were observed when pistachios were added to the diet. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of the nut can also contribute to the reduction of inflammation, a root cause of many diseases, as well as oxidation by free radicals. The super nut blunts the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar Well known for their research on blood sugar, Dr. Cyril Kendall and Dr. David Jenkins of the University of Toronto recently presented their findings at an Experimental Biology conference in Washington D.C. Among the pistachio benefits highlighted was this nut's significant effect on lowering the response of blood glucose after the consumption of carbohydrate rich foods such as mashed potatoes, pasta or rice. They found that the positive impact on blood sugar increased with an increase of pistachios consumed with those meals. This exciting news could be promising for the millions of Americans suffering every year from the effects of diabetes. Most diabetes sufferers also deal with other risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, all precursors to cardiovascular disease. Can't go wrong with pistachios Adding a handful or two of pistachio a day to your daily regiment is not only beneficial but also presents no harm in weight gain, blood pressure and require no major lifestyle changes. This heart-healthy, protein-rich snack also contains antioxidants usually found in leafy green vegetables and brightly colored fruits. High levels of phytosterols and fiber as well give them cholesterol-lowering properties. Lastly, pistachios are packed with a variety of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium, lutein, choline, calcium, manganese and copper. This delicious sweet nut is one of my favorite snacks. It makes a great addition to smoothies and makes a perfect paste to add in salad dressings or even as a sweet filling with a little stevia in filo dough. Let your imagination go wild and enjoy pistachios daily. For the ultimate pistachio flavor, try it raw during the season between mid to late summer. You can find it at Mediterranean grocery stores across the country, but mostly in California where 90% of the pistachios in the U.S. are produced. Alternatively, soaking raw dried pistachios overnight can yield a similarly delicious flavor.

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St. Valentine

Although a Christian bishop named Valentine was martyred on February 14 in A.D. 271, there is nothing in this legend to account for the 

custom of choosing a sweetheart on this day.

By the early 1600s, handmade valentines were customarily sent from admirers to sweethearts. About 1800 the first commercial cards

appeared. Cards were usually sent anonymously. As early as 1822, an English official reported having to hire extra postal workers on this 

day. 

In 1849, Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, started selling quality valentines so popular that she was called “Mother of the 

American Valentine.”

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Texas Chili with Steak, Corn and Black Beans

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 pounds steak (sirloin, blade, rib eye or other ~ used blade for this one)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• grated cheddar
• sour cream

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot.  Add the garlic, onion and bell pepper.  Stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot
2. Cut the steak into small cubes, cutting away fat and any membranes from the beef.  After the onion and pepper have been cooking for a few minutes, add the cubed steak.   Cook for 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally.  The steak should be browned on all sides.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, black beans, corn, spices and brown sugar.  Bring to a boil and lower the heat to a low simmer.  Cover and let the chili cook for at least an hour.  Stir it every 10 minutes to make sure nothing sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Ladle into a bowl.  Garnish with cheddar cheese and sour cream ~ serve with nacho chips or crusty bread.

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Becoming Minimalist’s Top Posts of 2011

by JOSHUA BECKER

A special thanks to each of you for making 2011 another incredibly phenomenal year at Becoming Minimalist. It continues to grow well beyond my craziest expectations. During 2011…

• Subscriber count grew from 7,500 to 12,000 readers (after less than 500 readers in 2010).
• Twitter followers increased from less than 2,000 to 4,400 (after 0 followers in 2010).
• Facebook fans grew from 1,000 to 4,000 (after 0 fans in 2010).
• Our book Simplify became the #1 Self-Help book on Amazon for 12 days selling 12,000 copies in the past 6 weeks.

2011 has also been a year of major life-change for us personally as we moved our family from Vermont to Arizona. It is our hope that this move will further accommodate an increased writing/speaking schedule in the future as I continue to dream about more opportunities to inspire others to live more by owning less. We have found such freedom and joy in the pursuit of less… and hope that the minimalist movement continues to grow in 2012.

Taking a look back, here were the Most Popular Posts of 2011 on Becoming Minimalist as determined by readers:

The Danger of Neglecting Time Alone. For the first time in human history, the possibility for relationship with others exists around us at every moment of every day. Left unchecked, this constant stream of relationships can have some damaging effects on our lives

Reasons to Escape Excessive Consumerism. It is time to take a step back and realize that excessive consumption is not delivering on its promise to provide happiness and fulfillment. Consumption is necessary, but excessive consumption is not.

18 Good Reasons to Get the Television Out of the Bedroom. One of the best decisions that we made during our journey towards living with less.

New Ways to Judge Others. For too long our world has made judgments about others on faulty criteria. Let’s start looking for the right things.

40 Ways to Give More Life. Every interaction that we have with another human being offers us the opportunity to give life or drain it… let’s be sure to give the gift that holds the most potential for improving the lives and world around us.

Life Habits to Improve Your Writing. A look back at some of the intentional habits I have become more thoughtful about developing in my life that I believe have most benefited my writing.

Here were a few of my personal favorite posts over the past year:

Stop Comparing Your Life. Start Living It. There is such amazing freedom in the realization that we don’t need to compare our lives to others.

Tying Our Hearts to the Right Things. The realization that my heart appears naturally drawn to the places where I have invested most changes everything.

Minimalism Quotes… Through the Centuries. I love the fact that minimalism is not a new way to live life. In fact, some of the greatest minds over the past 3,000 years have encouraged it.

Addressing Minimalism’s Misconceptions. Anyone who has ever encouraged others to intentionally live with less has heard one/some of these misconceptions. It’s important to know how to address them.

Lucilla’s Story (And Our Own). One of those life-changing moments that you never forget.

And here were the most-read guest posts of the past year:

7 Ways to Prepare for a New Baby Without Shopping. Because the best way to prepare for a new baby is not with an afternoon of shopping or obsessing over paint samples for the nursery.

The Domino Effect of Simple Living. As you begin to ask yourself why something is important to you, you’ll become more aware of why you make certain choices.

You are More Than Enough. It is easier to love more deeply when you realize you have enough… and that you are enough.

Whether you have been reading Becoming Minimalist for one week, one month, or one year, welcome and thank you. As this blog goes forward into 2012, it will certainly continue to evolve and be redefined. But, it will always stay true to its core message that there is more joy to be found in owning less than can be found in pursuing more – because we are just as excited about that truth as when we first started!

Republican Party

If you don't like the GOP, do leave....we need people that even when things don't go their way, get up each day and keep fighting. Anyone can be in that 20% of America that sits on their butts and wait for either party to deliver a candidate they like the best. 

GOP needs everyone, but, 70-80% of the party should not have to cater to the 20-30% of the minority. (Or whatever the percentages are)

Plus, as I have said so many times, no group, alone will ever totally control this party. The direction of any party will always be controlled by those that contribute the most $$$$$ to it. No party that is made up of people making 100K and under will ever control the politics in DC.

I think the biggest misconception out here, is those in DC work for us....well, if that's the case, and with the shape they have America in, why are so many of them been in DC for 10, 20, 30 years. Yes, we can 'fire' them by voting them out, but, we know during the last 50 years that doesn't work very well. The only way I know to change DC, for the good, is to have term limits. Or at least have the right leaders in all major areas of Congress and hopefully a president that supports as well as use his veto pen when necessary or flat out just not sign legislation he doesn't support.

I know this may sound harsh, but it's true. Sorry for the long post. 

Bottom line we need people in DC that don't care only about the Constitution and governing within it's pages. Yes, that may be asking for way to much??

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Romney's Rout in Florida

Mitt Romney won a broad, deep, and decisive victory in the Florida Republican primary last night; a victory that casts serious doubts on the rationales of every other candidates’ (but Ron Paul’s) continued participation in the race.

Romney won more votes last night (771,842) than John McCain did four years ago (701,761). His 46 percent of the vote was greater than Newt Gingrich’s 32 percent and Rick Santorum’s 13 percent, combined. He won among whites, Latinos, every age group, every education group, and every income group. He won among men. He won among women. He won married voters. He won single voters. The only groups he lost were “strong supporters” of the Tea Party (45 percent to 33 percent) and “White Evangelical/Born Again” Christians (38 percent to 36 percent). Even then, Romney did win soft Tea Party supporters 50 percent to 28 percent.

Florida Republicans are strong conservatives. They picked Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., over moderate Charlie Christ. They elected Tea Party favorite Rick Scott governor. Romney’s wide margin of victory shows he has broad enough appeal to unite conservatives.

http://www.cnn.com/election/2012/primaries/epolls/fl

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GOP Selection Process and Mitt Romney's Win In Florida

It's well reported that FL represents a microcosm of the American Electorate, more so, than any other state.

Mitt won the hispanic vote. He split tea party activists and evangelicals. He won where people live. He won the female vote by a large margin. He won the male vote by a small margin. Gingrich won the panhandle and largely tied in the few northern Florida population centers.  

Newt's future wins will come in the Southern States....Key for him may be TX with all it's delegates.  He won't win the biggest delegate state, CA and the 3rd largest delegate state NY. He might have won Virginia, but we know he's not on the ballot. 

The most optimistic thing that could happen for Newt or Santorum, is for no candidate to get the required 1144 delegates. Which would mean the GOP candidate would be chosen by the delegates at the  Convention in August.  Or those delegates could say the heck with all of them and nominate a person that has not been in this race.  

My horse is not in this race, so it doesn't matter to me which one of the current contenders win the nomination.  I will vote for that nominee. 

Just a side note I mentioned yesterday:  I saw two different reports this morning on two different networks where pundits were saying Newt, if he's not the GOP nominee, could mount a 3rd party run with maybe him and Trump.  We know that would be a disaster. 

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