Thursday, December 25, 2014

'Carol of the Bells' - Boston Pops Orchestra - Lyrics

'One Solitary Life' That Changed The World Forever

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was 30. Then for three years, He was an itinerant preacher.

He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth — His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

[Twenty] long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.

I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.

— This excerpt is from a sermon by Dr. James Allan Francis in "The Real Jesus and Other Sermons," a collection published in 1926 by the Judson Press of Philadelphia.

Bing Crosby & David Bowie - The Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth

Pope's Christmas message to those fleeing ISIS: 'Do not be afraid or ashamed to be Christian'

Pope's Christmas message to those fleeing ISIS: 'Do not be afraid or ashamed to be Christian' - Christian News - Jerusalem Post

Grover Norquist: Hillary Clinton, Obamacare's Gruber are top taxpayer foes

Grover Norquist: Hillary Clinton, Obamacare's Gruber are top taxpayer foes | WashingtonExaminer.com

2014 Nativity Message of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

Monday, December 22, 2014

Rep. Mike Kelly Gives Obama Lump of Coal for Christmas

Obama Gives Military 1% Pay Raise

While billions are spent on Obama cronies and campaign donors, our men and women in the military get a lousy 1% pay raise. Thanks, Obama.

Obama Gives Military 1 Percent Pay Raise

Pa. lawmaker estimates selling state liquor system could net $1B

Republican legislator estimates selling state liquor system could net $1B

How Western media enable Islamic terrorism

Raymond Ibrahim: How Western media enable Islamic terrorism | Human Events

Rick Warren: Don't Drown Out Jesus This Christmas

Don't Drown Out Jesus This Christmas

JibJab 2014 Year in Review: "2014, You Are History!"

Obama Nominates A Fox To Guard Elections' Hen House

Obama Nominee to Elections Panel Helped Dem Group Skirt Massive IRS Fine

Pennsylvania’s naughty list

Pennsylvania’s naughty list - LancasterOnline: Editorials

Monday, December 08, 2014

Obama vs. The Little Sisters of the Poor


Poll: Race relations have worsened under Obama

Poll: Race relations have worsened under Obama | WashingtonExaminer.com

Half of the Senators who voted for Obamacare won't be part of new Senate

Half of the Senators who voted for Obamacare won't be part of new Senate | WashingtonExaminer.com

Pa. voters open the door to Tom Wolf tax hikes

Paul Kengor: The Tom Wolf era begins: Make way for 'Gov. Revenue'

Spending Restraint, Reform Needed to Balance Pa. Budget, Not Tom Wolf Tax Hikes

Spending Restraint, Reform Needed to Balance Budget

Sen. Pat Toomey: GOP-led Congress will end gridlock

Sen. Pat Toomey: Next Congress will end gridlock

Kathleen Kane no longer is able to remain as Pa. attorney general

Lowman S. Henry: Kathleen Kane no longer is able to remain as Pa. attorney general

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

Senate Confirms Clueless Obama Donors for Ambassadorships

Senate Confirms Clueless Obama Donors for Ambassadorships

Sharyl Attkisson to headline 2015 PA Leadership Conference

Acclaimed broadcast journalist Sharyl Attkisson, who was targeted by the Obama Administration for her investigative work into the Benghazi scandal and coverup, is coming to Pennsylvania next spring as a headliner for the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, the annual gathering of the state's leading conservatives.

From the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference:
Sharyl Attkisson, investigative journalist, and author of the best-selling book Stonewalled, will be the featured dinner speaker at the 2015 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference to be held April 17-18 at the Radisson Penn Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill (Harrisburg), Pennsylvania.
For 20 years (through March 2014) Attkisson was a correspondent for CBS News. In 2013, she received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism for her reporting on The Business of Congress.  She also received Emmy nominations in 2013 for Benghazi: Dying for Security and Green Energy Going Red
Additionally, Attkisson received a 2013 Daytime Emmy Award as part of the CBS Sunday Morning team’s entry for Outstanding Morning Program for her report Washington Lobbying: K-Street Behind Closed Doors.
In September 2012, Attkisson also received an Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism for the Gunwalker: Fast and Furious Story.  She received an Investigative Emmy Award in 2009 for her exclusive investigation into TARP and the bank bailout.
She is author of the current New York Times Bestseller, Stonewalled (Harper Collins) which addresses the unseen influences of corporations and special interests on the information and images the public receives every day in the news and elsewhere.
Attkisson will join a who’s who of luminaries in headlining the annual conference.  In recent years featured speakers have included Jonah Goldberg, Steve Hayes, Frank Luntz, Charles Krauthammer, Dick Morris, Michael Reagan, Ann Coulter, Michele Malkin, Joe Scarborough, and Laura Ingraham.  The conference also features appearances by state and national leaders, interactive panel presentations, and exhibits by numerous conservative organizations.
The Pennsylvania Leadership Conference is the premier gathering of conservatives each year in the Keystone State.  It is the largest and longest-running of the state-based conservative conferences regularly attracting a long list of conservative elected officials, scholars, journalists and activists for two days of speeches, panel presentations, workshops and networking.

Obama edict raises questions about benefits for illegals

Obama edict raises questions about illegal immigrants' benefits | Human Events

Club Gitmo might stay open for business after all

Club Gitmo might stay open for business after all | Human Events

Friday, November 21, 2014

Another pay raise for the Pa. House of Lords

The median household income in Pennsylvania is $52,000, but thanks to
automatic pay raises they gave themselves since 1995, Pennsylvania
state legislators now get a base salary $85,356, plus  unlimited expense
vouchers, plus Cadillac health plan, plus free car and gas, plus
lifetime pensions.



The House of Lords is actually located in Harrisburg, not London.



Cost-of-living raises boost salaries of top Pa. officials

Democrat Tom Wolf Bought and Paid For by Big Labor

Pennsylvania taxpayers will be taking a backseat over the next four years. If there was any doubt in your mind that Pennsylvania Democratic Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf is a puppet of Big Labor, consider this:
FOUR TOP WOLF DONORS WERE GOVERNMENT UNIONS


Government unions pumped more than $7 million directly to political candidates
across Pennsylvania—including $2.7 million given to Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf —
and at least $1.6 million in election-related TV ads.


The most recent campaign finance reports show seven Pennsylvania government
unions gave $7.2 million in campaign contributions in 2013-2014. That’s
up from the $4.7 million during the last election cycle.


Topping the list were PSEA: $3,037,756; SEIU: $2,119,312; AFSCME: $1,178,197; and UFCW: $385,179.


Government unions funneled an additional $1.6 million to Pennsylvania “SuperPACs”
like PA Families First, which ran several TV ads in support of Wolf.
POLS ON THE STREET: Fattah’s Fate Is Key To Other Seats

An Imperial Presidency

Report: Just 50%, not media-hyped 97%, of scientists blame humans for climate change

Purdue: Just 50%, not media-hyped 97%, of scientists blame humans for climate change | WashingtonExaminer.com

#UNCONSTITUTIONAL: Barack Obama on executive orders

Obama's Next Executive Order?


Newspaper: Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane's credibility is gone

The Kathleen Kane chronicles: The Pa. attorney general's credibility is gone

Saturday, November 15, 2014

CBS Evening News: ‘Embarrassed Democrats’ Trying to ‘Turn Gruber into a Stranger’

CBS Evening News: ‘Embarrassed Democrats’ Trying to ‘Turn Gruber into a Stranger’

Weekly Republican Address: 'You deserve a government ... that puts your priorities first'

#Grubering

Petition Demands Return of $400K in Taxpayer Funds Paid to Jonathan Gruber

Petition Demands Return of $400K in Taxpayer Funds Paid to Jonathan Gruber | Truth Revolt

School Paints Over Historical Mural With New 'Heroes' -- Oprah and Obama

School Paints Over Historical Mural With New 'Heroes' -- Oprah and Obama | Truth Revolt

Gruber Linked to Getting Obamacare to Illegal Aliens

Who Lied? Jonathan Gruber Linked to Getting Obamacare to Illegal Aliens

FBN’s Melissa Francis: ‘I Was Silenced’ When at CNBC for Criticizing ObamaCare

FBN’s Melissa Francis: ‘I Was Silenced’ When at CNBC for Criticizing ObamaCare

Friday, November 14, 2014

Jonathan Gruber Embraced Misleading the Public About Obamacare

Jonathan Gruber Embraced Misleading the Public About Obamacare Even While It Was Still Being Debated

Senate Democrats drop from 60 to 46 since passing Obamacare

Dems' path after Obamacare: Down, down, down | WashingtonExaminer.com

Senate Democrats drop from 60 to 46 since passing Obamacare

Dems' path after Obamacare: Down, down, down | WashingtonExaminer.com

Speaking of stupid voters ...


Newspaper praises ouster of RINO Dominic Pileggi as PA Senate Leader

Pileggi's defeat: A blessed check

Gruber's Obamacare comments expose what's wrong with liberalism

Philip Klein: Gruber's Obamacare comments expose what's wrong with liberalism | WashingtonExaminer.com

Report: 42 percent of new Medicaid signups are immigrants, their children

Report: 42 percent of new Medicaid signups are immigrants, their children | WashingtonExaminer.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

‘People Are Going To Be In For A Shock': Penalty For Uninsured Not Signing Up For Obamacare To More Than Triple

‘People Are Going To Be In For A Shock': Penalty For Uninsured Not Signing Up For Obamacare To More Than Triple « CBS DC

Former AP Chief Ron Fournier Laments 'Obamacare's Foundation of Lies'

Former AP Chief Ron Fournier Laments 'Obamacare's Foundation of Lies'

Conservatives Oust Pileggi as PA Senate Majority Leader

Dominic Pileggi, arguably the most powerful political figure in Pennsylvania, has been ousted by fellow Republicans as Senate Majority Leader. Pileggi was widely criticized for bottling up Gov. Tom Corbett's reform agenda in the GOP-controlled Senate, which in turn may have contributed to Corbett's defeat on Nov. 4 to liberal Democrat Tom Wolf.

A conservative team of state Senators publicly denounced Pileggi, a moderate Philadelphia-area state lawmaker and sought his ouster. With the addition of three more seats, the Republican majority in the 50-member PA Senate is now 30-20. The new Senate Majority Leader is Sen. Jake Corman of Centre County.

Corbett sought to privatize the state's liquor monopoly and revamp public pensions, but both measures died in the Senate because Pileggi refused to bring them up for a vote. Pileggi also would not allow a vote on SB 76, which would have eliminated Pennsylvania school property taxes.

Pileggi was often referred to as a RINO (Republican In Name Only) by Harrisburg observers. The Wall Street Journal today called Pileggi's ouster as a "setback for Pennsylvania Democrats" because of Pileggi's willingness to work with Democrats and incoming Gov. Tom Wolf.

The only holdover in leadership positions is Senate President Joe Scaranti, who holds a largely ceremonial position. Because of the defeat of Republican Tom Corbett and Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, a Democrat, newly-elected Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, who is also a state senator, will now preside over the Senate. Stack has said he plans to keep both his senate seat and his new post as Lt. Gov., but there are questions about the constitutionality of holding two elected offices at once.

Over in the House, where Republicans also bolstered their majority, ultra-conservative state Rep. Mike Turzai was elected Speaker of the House, another blow to liberal Tom Wolf's chances of getting any of his tax-and-spend agenda through the Legislature.

Here's a release from the Republican Party of Pennsylvania congratulating the new Senate leadership:

PA GOP Chairman Gleason Congratulates New State Senate GOP Leadership Team


HARRISBURG – Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement regarding the reorganization session of the State Senate Republican Caucus.
"Congratulations to President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, Majority Leader Jake Corman and our entire State Senate Republican leadership team on their elections," Gleason said. "At such an important time in the history of our Commonwealth, it's important to continue the tradition of strong Republican leadership that will stand up for the Republican principles of individual freedom and economic opportunity in our state Senate.
"I congratulate the new state Senate Republican leadership team, and look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."
Today, State Senate Republicans chose the following officials to serve as members of their leadership team:
President Pro Tempore – 25th District Senator Joe Scarnati
Senate Majority Leader – 34th District Senator Jake Corman
Senate Appropriations Chairman – 16th District Senator Pat Browne
Senate Majority Whip – 27th District Senator John Gordner
Senate Majority Caucus Chairman – 24th District Senator Bob Mensch
Senate Caucus Secretary –  33rd District Senator Rich Alloway
The following State Senate Republicans were appointed to serve in leadership positions by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati:
Senate Caucus Administrator – 10th District Senator Chuck McIlhinney
Senate Majority Policy Committee Chairman – 29th District Senator David Argall

Gallup: By 17-point margin, public wants GOP Congress, not Obama, to lead nation

By 17-point margin, public wants GOP Congress, not Obama, to lead nation | WashingtonExaminer.com

'Democrats need new ideas, new leadership and new ideas' but cling to Reid, Pelosi despite midterms drubbing

Reid, Pelosi hang on to power after Dems' drubbing | WashingtonExaminer.com

Under Obama, illegals get driver's license, credit cards, Obamacare

Under Obama program, illegals get driver's license, credit cards, Obamacare | WashingtonExaminer.com

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Differing accident accounts raise questions

Democrat Kathleen Kane bounces from one controversy to another. Now
there are questions swirling about her account of a recent traffic
accident in which Kane sustained a concussion.

Differing accident accounts raise questions




Thursday, November 06, 2014

Every Newly Elected GOP Senators Campaigned on Repealing Obamacare

100% of Newly Elected GOP Senators Campaigned on Repealing Obamacare | CNS News

Democrats Aren't The Only Ones Crying About Tuesday's Election Results


PA Gov. Corbett: Penn State 'probably' should not have fired Joe Paterno

While some pundits blame Gov. Tom Corbett's defeat Tuesday partially on his handling of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case while Corbett was Pennsylvania Attorney General, the lame-duck Republican governor drops a bombshell today.


Corbett: Penn State 'probably' should not have fired Paterno

Conservatives Want Pileggi Out as PA Senate Majority Leader

With Republicans holding commanding majorities in both chambers of the Pennsylvania Legislature, the real power-brokers in Harrisburg over the next two years will be legislative leaders and not newly-elected Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. With that in mind, conservatives are mounting a challenge to Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, who is blamed for scuttling much of Gov. Tom Corbett's first-term agenda and leading to Corbett's defeat on Election Day. At least two state Senators - Scott Wagner of York County and Sen. Donald White of Armstrong County - have  publicly called for replacement of Pileggi, who represents parts of Delaware and Chester counties. And now Sen. Jake Corman of Centre County, the current Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, has announced he will challenge Pileggi for the top leadership post.

The conservative American Future Fund Political Action issued the following statement on the pending leadership fight within the GOP caucus:
"This past Tuesday, while Republicans across the nation were celebrating landmark victories, Pennsylvania Republicans were facing the first defeat of an incumbent Governor in the Commonwealth's history," said Nick Ryan, Chairman of American Future Fund Action. "One of the main causes of the defeat of Governor Corbett was the inaction, ineptitude, and impotence of the Republican leadership in the Pennsylvania State Senate."

"For four years, Governor Corbett was unable to pass virtually any legislation that would have moved Pennsylvania in the right direction. The cause was simple, members of the Republican State Senate cared more about union bosses in Philadelphia than their constituents or the good of the Commonwealth as a whole. The blame for all of these problems lies at the feet of Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi. Pileggi's Philadelphia Boss-Style politics has no place in the leadership of the Republican Party should we hope to govern based on principles rather than our campaign coffers," concluded Ryan.
With Republicans controlling 30 of the 50 seats in the Pennsylvania Senate, a majority vote of 16 is needed to win the post of Majority Leader, which Pileggi has held for the past eight years.

Expressing Condolences to Democrats


A handy post-election spin guide for dejected Democrats

John Hayward: A handy post-election spin guide for dejected Democrats | Human Events

How did pollsters miss the Republican wave?

How did pollsters miss the Republican wave? | Human Events

Economist: 75% of Obamacare Costs Will Fall on Backs of Middle Class

WSJ Chief Economist: 75% of Obamacare Costs Will Fall on Backs of Those Making Less Than $120K a Year | Human Events

Monday, November 03, 2014

Corbett says Pa. governor's race 'boils down to one word'

Final sprint: Corbett says race 'boils down to one word'

Dick Thornburgh Endorses Tom Corbett for Governor

All ages see higher premiums under Obamacare

All ages see higher premiums under Obamacare | WashingtonExaminer.com

Seven Unions Top Koch Bros. in Super PAC Spending

Seven Unions Top Kochs in Super PAC Spending — and That’s Just the Money We Know About

Race-Baiting and the Democrats' Future

Race-Baiting and the Democrats' Future

Empty seats at Obama rally for Democrat Tom Wolf

A vote for Tom Wolf is a vote to raise your taxes

Poll: Obama’s Approval Rating in Pa. Stands at 32%

F&M Poll: President Obama’s Approval Rating Stands at 32%

Monday, October 27, 2014

'The Greek Secret'

Critics: Democratic PA Attorney General Kathleen Kane puts politics first

Critics claim state Attorney General Kane puts politics first

PA Gov. Tom Corbett vows to protect coal industry against job-killing Obama/Wolf agenda

Corbett vows to protect coal industry at Armstrong County rally

Guest colum: Once is Too Often for Crime Victims

PA State Rep. Mike Vereb - Once is Too Often for Crime Victims

Gov. Corbett predicts re-election win on November 4

The pundits, pollsters and liberal media have written him off, but Gov. Tom Corbett is confident Pennsylvania voters will give him a second term.

Gov. Corbett claims internal polling shows him closing in on Tom Wolf | Local News - WTAE Home

Obama's Next 'Fear' Summit


Newspaper questions Democrat Kathleen Kane's competence as PA attorney general

Reversing Kane: Questions of competence

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Weekly Republican Address: TX-23 Challenger Will Hurd

Democrat Tom Wolf wants to expand welfare rolls if elected Pa. governor

Wolf says he'll end food-stamp asset test if elected governor

Ryan Costello endorsed by Philadelphia Inquirer

Here's a mild surprise. The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania's largest newspaper but with a left-leaning editorial board, has endorsed Republican Ryan Costello for Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District. There's no doubt that Costello is far more qualified than his Democratic challenger, but the Inquirer endorses Democrats 99 percent of the time.

Read the full endorsement editorial here.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Whistleblower: Obama blocking voter roll cleanup

Whistleblower: Obama blocking voter roll cleanup

Government twits on the prowl for 'subversive' tweets

Government twits on the prowl for 'subversive' tweets

Unions Bankroll Candidates on the Backs of Taxpayers

If you're wondering who is bankrolling Democrat Tom Wolf's bid for
Pennsylvania governor, it's public-sector unions (and they expect to get
paid if Wolf becomes governor.) 

Unions Bankroll Candidates on the Backs of Taxpayers

Democrat Tom Wolf Finally Releases Tax Returns: Reports $1.3M in 2013

Wolf reports $1.3M in 2013 income - WHTM Harrisburg, Pa.

VP Joe Biden's son thrown out of the Navy for cocaine use

Why Hunter Biden will get away with being thrown out of the Navy for cocaine use. | RedState

Thousands of Obama government workers paid to sit home

Paid leave: the government 'punishment' that only hurts the victims | Human Events

Monday, October 20, 2014

Andrew Klavan: Helping the Pro-Obama Media Learn From the Past

Pa. Supreme Court Justice McCaffery, a Democrat, suspended in email porn scandal

State Supreme Court Justice McCaffery suspended in email porn scandal

Poll: Two-Thirds Say America ‘Out of Control' Under Obama

Politico Poll: Two-Thirds Say America ‘Out of Control’ | Truth Revolt

Democrats Walk Out During Obama Campaign Appearance

People Walk Out During Obama Campaign Appearance | Truth Revolt

Not Paying Enough Taxes? Elect Tom Wolf Pa. Governor

Democrat Tom Wolf: Elect me Pa. governor before I tell you how much I will raise your taxes

Candidate for governor Wolf won't pinpoint tax increase figures

Voters poised to hit brakes on Obama, Dems

Salena Zito: Voters poised to hit brakes on Obama, Dems

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Tom Wolf severence tax would hurt Pa. county budgets

Pennsylvania counties have received millions of dollars from the natural gas industry in the form of "impact fees" in recent years but Democrat Tom Wolf, who is running for governor, wants to impose new taxes on the industry, which would reduce the impact fees or eliminate them entirely. Wolf's plan would funnel more money into public education (already getting $10 billion from the state) but would reduce money for county and municipal governments.

Earlier today, State Rep. Tom Murt, R-152nd Dist.,, Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor and former Montgomery County Commissioner Tom Ellis held a press conference on the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown to discuss the benefits of the impact fee in Montgomery County.

The presentation was one of 50 that took place across Pennsylvania as part of the "Commonwealth Day of Truth" campaign organized by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania.

Democrat Worth Millions Plays Poor in New Campaign Ad

Dem Worth Millions Plays Poor in New Campaign Ad

Gov. Tom Corbett speaks to the Digital First Media editors

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Fact Checker: Democrats Blaming GOP for Cuts to CDC 'Absurd'

The Democratic Party should change its name to the Pinocchio Party considering all the lies it tells. 

WaPo Fact Checker: Charge: Blaming GOP for Cuts to CDC 'Absurd' | Truth Revolt

Who should get the next U.S. jobs? More illegals or America's jobless?

More ObamaCare rate shock awaits... after the elections, of course

More ObamaCare rate shock awaits... after the elections, of course | Human Events

Obama: We'll tell you how dangerous Ebola is after the election

We'll tell you how dangerous Ebola is after the election | Human Events

Majority View Democratic Party Unfavorably for First Time in 30 Years

Majority View Democratic Party Unfavorably for First Time in 30 Years | Truth Revolt

The movie everyone in the Obama White House should be forced to watch

Hitler finds out Ebola landed in Dallas

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Newspaper: Wolf refuses to say how much he will raise Pa. taxes

Candidate for governor Wolf won't pinpoint tax increase figures

Shocker! PA Teachers' Union Endorses Ryan Costello for Congress

Stop the Presses! You better be sitting down for this one. Pennsylvania's largest teachers' union, which endorses Democrats 99.99% of the time, has endorsed Republican Ryan Costello in the race for Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District over Democrat Manan Trivedi.

Here's the official press release from the Costello for Congress campaign:

PSEA Recommends Ryan Costello Over Opponent in PA-6
Pennsylvania State Education Association says "Costello firmly believes that supporting quality public education for all children is a right for every child."

WEST CHESTER, PA – A strong supporter of public education, Ryan Costello – the Republican candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 6th District -- has received the support of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and the National Education Association (NEA) Fund for Children and Public Education.  The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education serves as the political voice of more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers. 

“Mr. Costello firmly believes that supporting quality public education for all children is a right for every child,” said Korri Brown, President of the Southeastern Region for the PSEA, which represent 182,000 educators and retired educators in Pennsylvania.  “He comes from a long line of family members, including his parents, who have dedicated their lives to children and our schools. He is a person that understands the world that teachers and education professionals work and live in and we believe he will be a strong advocate for our members if elected.”

Brown noted that the Southeastern Region PSEA/PACE is a bipartisan group the has recommended eight Republicans and eight Democrats this year for the general election based on their positions on issues important to the organization’s members.  Brown said the PSEA team interviewed and closely examined both candidates in this race, which included interviews with both candidates, and decided that Costello was the candidate best suited to support public education in Washington.

Karen White, Director of Campaigns and Elections for the NEA, added to Brown’s comments, thanking Costello for his “commitment to policies that foster great public schools for every child.”

“Both of my parents were Pennsylvania public school teachers, so I know the value and importance of a good education,” said Costello.  “We need to ensure that we are providing our young people a strong academic foundation to prepare them for success later in life. I have the utmost respect for our teachers and other educators who play a vital role in instilling in our children a desire to learn, so their support means a great deal to me.  I look forward to working with school leaders, teachers, and parents to improve our educational system and provide educators with the tools and funding needed to meet the educational needs of our young people.”

Costello also noted that he has serious concerns about the implementation of No Child Left Behind and Common Core standards. “I believe the federal government is too involved in micromanaging education at the local level,” said Costello. “As someone who grew up at a dinner table listening to discussions about education, I believe we need to return more control to local school districts and teachers to allow for greater innovation.  We cannot have a one size fits all mentality when it comes to our children’s education.”
 
The NEA joins a growing list of organizations that have formally backed Ryan Costello’s campaign for Congress.  Other groups endorsing Costello include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chambers of Commerce (SEPAC), the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, and the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

'Unfair: Exposing the IRS' official trailer

Opinion: Tom Wolf's dumb idea about Philly schools

Tom Wolf's dumb idea about SRC

‘Unemployed’ Man in Dem Attack Ad is Actually Employed

‘Unemployed’ Man in Dem Attack Ad is Actually Employed

Monday, October 13, 2014

Greek Food Bazaar Returns to Berks County on Oct. 17-18-19



READING – The largest ethnic food festival in Berks County returns this weekend for its 44th year at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
In addition to authentic Greek food and pastry, the three-day festival (Oct. 17-18-19) features live music, folk dancing, gift rooms and church tours.
New this year is The Plaka, where local crafters will be selling their wares, as well as children’s activities, including a train ride. Also new is an expanded seating area under an outdoor tent, which will offer new food choices and music/dancing to the sounds of the band Enosi, which will perform Saturday from 6-10 p.m. (There is cover charge for the Enosi performance).
“The food has always been the big draw at the Bazaar, but we’re trying some new things this year to give younger families and young adults more activities,” said Achilleas Lambriodes, who is chairman of the outdoor activities. “There’s a lot more to see and do this year.”
The food is prepared and cooked on the premises by church members using family recipes handed down through generations. All food items are available to eat-in in or take-out.
Athenian-style chicken platters, which comes with Pastitsio or rice pilaf, Greek-style string beans, a Greek salad, roll and butter for $12 will be offered all weekend in the main dining hall. You can substitute Plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) or Souvlaki (chunks of marinated pork) on the platter meal.
There are also a la carte items such Gyro (marinated beef and lamb slices) and Souvlaki (pork shis-ke-bob) sandwiches; Calamari (squid) cooked in tomatoes and wine; Moussaka (eggplant casserole); Arni Psito (roast lamb cooked with herbs); and Pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with béchamel sauce).
A variety of imported Greek wines and spirits, including Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, are available, as well as domestic and imported beers.
While enjoying a meal in the main dining hall, visitors will be treated to Greek music by Stavros & Maria, a brother-sister duo who are also members of the church.
The church’s youth dance group, Kefi, will perform traditional Greek dances wearing colorful costumes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds. The Agora (Greek market) offers packaged Greek foods and prepared dishes to go. The Kafenio (Greek coffee house) features fresh-brewed Greek-style coffee, rice pudding and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors can also shop for original artwork, gold jewelry and items imported from Greece in various gift rooms.
A popular stop for all visitors is the pastry room, where you can sample Baklava (almonds, butter and honey layered in flaky pastry), Teelikta (walnuts, butter and honey rolled in flaky pastry); Kourabiethes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar); Koulourakia (Greek twisted butter cookie); and Galaktobouriko (a filo pastry filled with custard and moistened with honey syrup).
Another Greek delicacy offered throughout the weekend is Loukoumades (puffed honey balls), a warm, dough pastry topped with syrup, cinnamon and chopped nuts.
Tours of the church interior, which features one of the largest collections of Byzantine iconography in the United States, are offered on the hour throughout the weekend.
Bazaar hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Additional parking is available at the adjacent Berks Catholic High School. The event will be held rain or shine.
The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about one mile from Business Route 222 South (Lancaster Avenue).
For more information, call 610-374-7511 or visit www.stsconstantinehelen.org

Memo to Tom Wolf: Size matters

Further proof that Democrat Tom Wolf doesn't have a clue about
Pennsylvania government. Philadelphia Daily News columnist John Baer
can't believe Wolf doesn't think the Pennsylvania Legislature is too
big. (It's the largest full-time state legislature in the country and
costs Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $300 million a year. The bloated
size of the Legislature - 253 members - allows do-nothing politicians to
hide in the crowd.) 

John Baer: Memo to Tom Wolf: Size matters

Report: 4 Islamic terrorists found in Texas in last 36 hours

Report: 4 Islamic terrorists found in Texas in last 36 hours

Newspaper: Tom Wolf's 'Fresh Start': Vague & Stale

Tom Wolf's 'Fresh Start': Vague & stale

Newspaper: Tom Wolf's 'Fresh Start': Vague & Stale

Tom Wolf's 'Fresh Start': Vague & stale

Prepping for Ebola in Pennsylvania

Prepping for Ebola in Pennsylvania involves orchestra of departments

Friday, October 10, 2014

Newspaper questions Tom Wolf's fuzzy math on Pa. tax hikes

Editorial: Fuzzy math

Union Partners With Planned Parenthood To Back Pro-Abortion Candidates

SEIU Partners With Planned Parenthood To Back Pro-Abortion Candidates…

Democrats' Voter Fraud Machine Gears Up For November Election

Federal Judge Appointed By Obama Strikes Down Texas Voter ID Law Claiming It’s A Racist “Poll Tax”…

Tom Wolf's 'Billion Dollar Lie' on Pennsylvania Education Funding Exposed

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Guest Column: A Health Fear of Ebola is Advisable


By Congressman Joe Pitts, R-Pa.-16th Dist.

For decades now, Hollywood has been producing thrillers about the rapid spread of disease. Many are pure fiction, with the disease resulting in brain-craving zombies. Others have the air of reality, like 1995’s blockbuster “Outbreak.”

We can’t help but recall images from movies when we think of the very real Ebola outbreak. But right now, the most important thing is to get the facts about what Ebola really is, what is going on in Africa and what is being done here in the U.S. to prevent spread of the disease.

First, Ebola is a virus that can infect humans and primates such as monkeys and chimpanzees. It was first discovered in 1976 and there have been sporadic outbreaks in Africa over the following decades.

The disease is not spread like the flu or the common cold. It cannot spread through the air, only through contact with bodily fluids of someone with symptoms. While early symptoms can appear similar to other fevers, extreme bleeding, diarrhea and vomiting develop over the coming days. Up to two out of three people who contract Ebola may lose their life to the disease.

The current outbreak started in Guinea in the spring of this year. It spread to the neighboring countries of Sierra Leone and Liberia. It has moved from smaller villages to larger cities, including the capital of Liberia, Monrovia.

While the World Health Organization has recorded over 3,000 deaths, they also say that this figure may be unreliable since none of the three nations have a modern public health system. That fact has been a critical factor in the spread of Ebola.

Medicine in West Africa looks almost nothing like what it does here. Where there are medical facilities, they are often open to the air. There may only be one doctor available to treat patients and nurses typically have only basic training.

In Africa, myths about the spread of Ebola abound. Many falsely believe that the disease is actually being spread by people trying to disinfect areas with chlorine. Personnel in protective equipment are often feared more than actual carriers of the disease.

By contrast with Africa, the United States has a sophisticated health system to prevent the spread of any disease. The Centers for Disease Control, based in Atlanta, is the premier organization in the world for studying and preventing communicable diseases.

In mid-September, I received a briefing from CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden while he was in Washington. Dr. Frieden had just returned from Africa, where he witnessed firsthand the situation. I then again spoke with Dr. Frieden after the announcement that a man in Dallas had been diagnosed with Ebola. I am confident that right now CDC is doing its best job and that they have adequate resources.

The CDC has been preparing for the possibility that someone would enter the country with the disease. Hospitals have received instructions about how to isolate, test and treat patients. More than 100 CDC staff are in the affected countries and hundreds more are doing work here in the U.S.

Ebola can only be spread by people who are showing symptoms. Currently, anyone getting on a plane in the affected countries is being tested for fever. However, given that the Dallas patient didn’t come down with a fever until arriving in the U.S., there may need to be more restrictions on travel. In fact, British Airways chose to suspend flights without a government order.

Africa is where Ebola started and it is where is must be stopped. It is important to know exactly why President Obama sent U.S. military personnel to the affected countries.

Service members are not treating patients. They are filling a much needed logistical role in coordinating the response. They are making sure that airports are functioning, ferrying in supplies. They are setting up tent hospitals so that more patients can be isolated and treated. They are also training additional nurses in how to combat Ebola.

This is low-risk work that could yield great rewards. The more people in Africa who contract Ebola, the greater the risk to the rest of the world. Sitting by idly is a recipe for disaster.

I will not say that there is absolutely nothing to fear. Ebola is a serious and deadly disease. What is needed is a healthy fear, based in real knowledge of the disease. Knowledge is the first weapon in preventing the spread of disease.

For more information visit www.cdc.gov.

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