10 Minute Ticker:

Russia's "Pravda"
US decent into Marxism happening at breathtaking speed

Nicolle Wallace:
The dignity of George W. Bush

Last of the 706:
Last HMS Titanic survivor dies at age 97

Getting ready?
Israel stages largest ever 5-day military drill

42-1
Chrysler Dealers who donated to GOP overwhelmingly forced to close

Global Warming Update:
Freeze Warning Issued for parts of New York

LA Times:
American Indian Charter school mocks liberal values - produces some of top test scores in state

Susan Boyle places 2nd in yesterday's finale of "Britain's got Talent"

Though she placed second place in the competition she gave a spectacular performance singing "I dreamed a dream" from Les Miserables. Spectacular:

Hat Tip to Gateway Pundit

Happiness 101

Can money buy happiness? Are rich people happier than poor people? Who are the happy people in our society? Interesting article on happiness we want to share with you:

FRIDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Having lots of money, good looks and fame may sound like a sure ticket to happiness, but a new study suggests otherwise. Researchers at the University of Rochester in New York tracked 147 college graduates, evaluating their goals and their happiness at two points in time -- one year after graduation, and then 12 months later. "The attainment of extrinsic, or 'American Dream,' goals does not contribute to happiness at all in this group of people, but it actually does contribute to some ill being," said study author Edward Deci, a psychology professor. The study is published in the June issue of The Journal of Research in Personality. Those who had attained the wealth and fame goals were less happy, he said, than those who achieved more intrinsic goals such as personal growth. Why? Here is what some of the students told him: "The whole process of being so on the treadmill to wealth, fame and image leaves me feeling like a pawn or a puppet in life." Those who focused on intrinsic goals such as personal growth, enduring relationships and helping in the community "showed substantial increases in life satisfaction, well-being and happiness areas," he said. Deci's results support his own self-determination theory, a theory of human motivation developed with his colleague Richard Ryan. It says that well-being depends largely on meeting your basic needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness.The results, Deci said, confirm earlier research that found the more committed you are to a goal, the more likely you are to find success. But unlike previous research, this study found that achieving goals doesn't always bring you happiness and wellness. Instead, they found that reaching materialistic goals such as a certain salary can contribute to ill-being. Those who valued more the close relationship, personal growth and community involvement had more positive feelings and a deeper sense of well-being. You can read the entire article here.

The NY Times recently published a fascinating article on The Politics of Happiness which details that on the average conservatives are happier than liberals.

• Liberals are more likely to see themselves and others as victims of circumstance and oppression, and doubt whether individuals can climb without governmental help. Consider a bit of evidence.

• The 2005 Maxwell Poll on Civic Engagement and Inequality asked, “How much upward mobility — children doing better than the family they come from — do you think there is in America: a lot, some, or not much?” Among those sampled, 48 percent of below-average income conservatives believed there’s “a lot,” versus 26 percent of upper-income liberals.

• In the same poll, 90 percent of the poorer conservatives agreed that, “While people may begin with different opportunities, hard work and perseverance can usually overcome those disadvantages.” Just 65 percent of richer liberals agreed.

Hopeandchange updates:

COMMON CENTS is your one-stop-shop for all of your hopeandchange updates. There is no doubt about it - we definitely live in the era of hopeandchange.

Hopeandchange Update #1
16,000 jobs lost PER DAY since the Stimulus Package was signed 100 days ago

Hopeandchange Update #2
Mortgage foreclosures and delinquencies rise to a record high

Hopeandchange Update #3
Oil jumps above $65 a barrel - highest level in 2009

Hopeandchange Update #4
Bloomberg - US hyperinflation to approach "Zimbabwe Levels"

Hopeandchange Update #5
Gun and ammunition sales on rise in US - up 60% this year

Hopeandchange Update #6
US and South Korean troops under "High Alert" after N Korea threats

Hopeandchange Update #7
Pelosi - "Every aspect of our lives must be subjected to inventory"

Hopeandchange Update #8
Rasmussen Poll - 37% say US is headed in the Right Direction

Democratic Party ethics updates:

As a public service COMMON CENTS is bringing you a wrap up of some of the ethics updates surrounding members of the Democratic Party. We admit that it can be very difficult to remember all of the ethics that affect today's Democratic Party but, as always, COMMON CENTS is happy to provide you with these invaluable updates into the ethics and conduct of leaders of the Democratic Party.

Rep. Charlie Rangel
LAT: Rangel under investigation for failing to report income from his Caribbean villa

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
Jackson subject of House Ethics probe related to contacts to Rod Blagojevich

Senator John Edwards
Edwards under Federal Investigation for misuse of campaign funds

Senator Roland Burris
FBI releases wiretap of the "Pay to Play" scandal

Sec of State Hillary Clinton
Clinton fundraiser pleads guilty to fraud

Senator Chris Dodd
"A Washington scandal bigger than Watergate"

GOV Rod Blagojevich
3 million pages of documents 400 hrs of recorded conversations presented

Rep William Jefferson
Trial delayed until June 9, 2009

Nancy Pelosi
Knew about waterboarding as far back as 2002

Quick Clicks:

Judge Sotomayor:
"Latina women make better decisions than white men"

Look out below:
North Korea fires another missile into the East Sea

6-1
CA Supreme Court uphold ban on gay marriage

Video:
Rush calls Sotomayor a racist - gets called a racist in return

Corruption update:
Blago-gate rolls on and on - Senator Burris' connections to impeached Gov

Sotomayor in her own words:

"

Susan Boyle does it again!

Britain's own Susan Boyle wow's us again with her rendition of "Memories" from the Broadway Show "CATS". Once again she shows off her beautiful voice and leaves the judges speechless.

Here's to the Heroes!

What do you say to someone who voluntarily puts themselves in harms way, who goes overseas to a foreign country to fight for our freedom? What do you say to someone who spends years overseas often times not knowing when or if they are coming back? What do you say to someone who spends the best years of their lives in some of the worst conditions imaginable? What do you say to someone who, oftentimes, faces dangers you and I can't even imagine and does so without blinking?

All you can say is "Thank You". As we all know Memorial Day is devoted to and dedicated to remembering those who died in service to our country.. COMMON CENTS proudly brings you these video's which say far better than we can a special thanks to America's who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for our freedom:

Billy Ray Cirus: "Some Gave All"

Toby Keith: "American Soldier"

Lee Greenwood: "Proud to be an American"

Tim McGraw: "If you're reading this - I'm already home"

10 Minute Ticker:

Hero's they are:
Tribute to Sgt York - 2LT Audie Murphie and more

Times Online:
"God is stronger than Obama"

Hopeandchange update:
US Economy continues downward - may lose AAA rating

Drill Here Drill Now...
Poll - 75% of Americans favor new energy sources over higher mpg

It's here:
California faces day of fiscal reckoning

Michelle Malkin:
The Jihad virus in our jails

The April rating are in and...
Fox News beats MSNBC and CNN COMBINED for every time slot

"And in this corner..." (VP Cheney vs. Pres Obama)

The key to any strategy is accurate intelligence, and skilled professionals to get that information in time to use it. In seeking to guard this nation against the threat of catastrophic violence, our Administration gave intelligence officers the tools and lawful authority they needed to gain vital information. We didn’t invent that authority. It is drawn from Article Two of the Constitution. And it was given specificity by the Congress after 9/11, in a Joint Resolution authorizing “all necessary and appropriate force” to protect the American people. Our government prevented attacks and saved lives through the Terrorist Surveillance Program, which let us intercept calls and track contacts between al-Qaeda operatives and persons inside the United States. The program was top secret, and for good reason, until the editors of the New York Times got it and put it on the front page. After 9/11, the Times had spent months publishing the pictures and the stories of everyone killed by al-Qaeda on 9/11. Now here was that same newspaper publishing secrets in a way that could only help al-Qaeda. It impressed the Pulitzer committee, but it damn sure didn’t serve the interests of our country, or the safety of our people.

We see that, above all, in how the recent debate has been obscured by two opposite and absolutist ends. On one side of the spectrum, there are those who make little allowance for the unique challenges posed by terrorism, and who would almost never put national security over transparency. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who embrace a view that can be summarized in two words: “anything goes.” Their arguments suggest that the ends of fighting terrorism can be used to justify any means, and that the President should have blanket authority to do whatever he wants - provided that it is a President with whom they agree. Both sides may be sincere in their views, but neither side is right.

Who do you think made the better Arguments? President Obama or VP Cheney?

Steele this

Michael Steele absolutely nailed it in this speech. He articulated a clear concise message painting how and why to take on the Obama Administration. Congratulations Chairman Steele for an outstanding speech! Hat Tip Hot Air

Well, the president is personally popular. Pity the fool who paid for a poll to figure that out. Folks like him. He's got an easy demeanor. He's a great orator. His campaign was based on change and hope. He's young. He's cool. He's hip. He's got a good looking family. What's not to like? He's got all the qualities America likes in a celebrity, so, of course he is popular. There's only one problem. He's taking us in the wrong direction and bankrupting our country. Were it not for that little detail, I'd be a big fan too. This popular politician who is our president is engaged in the most massive expansion of the old industrial age model of government that our country has ever seen. This popular politician is spending America into debt of such mammoth proportions that none of us can even begin to calculate it or really understand it. The numbers are so big that they seem impossible.

Learn something:

There is no better editorial page out there, none, than Investor's Business Daily's editorial page. IBD publishes outstanding, common sense editorials that should be required reading across America. This is a definitely site to visit everyday.

Audacity vs. Reality - Why Israel should not accept a Palestinian State
Canada's Oil Bonanza - Canada has all the oil the US needs and then some
Perpetual Recession - Everything you need to know about "Cap and Trade"
INTEL and Europe - Europe vs Free Markets
Michael Reagan - As California goes on tax hike so goes the nation
The Green Wind of Destruction - Expect 9 job LOSSES for every green job created!
Flailing in Quicksand - The CIA vs. Nancy Pelosi

Monday Night Links:

Now it's all tied up:
For first time since 2005 GOP matches Dems on Party Affiliation

Swine Flu Update:
NY City to close 16 schools

Is this rally for real?
Stocks up again - Dow up 3% Monday!

24 season finale
Season Finale is tonight at 8 Eastern / 7 Central

Pregnant at 63!
British woman to give birth in June - oldest Brit mom ever

President Obama at Notre Dame

President Obama visited Notre Dame on May 17th to speak at their commencement ceremony. COMMON CENTS brings you highlights of the day's events:

Text of the speech.

Obama abortion position in the minority

Sarah Palin hits Notre Dame on invitation

Nearly 40 protesters arrested at ND

Jill Stanek - video's and photos from the protests

Norma McCorvey "Jane Roe" arrested at ND

Alumni have pledged to withhold nearly $14 million in donations

Required Readings:

Gallup Poll:
Pro Life Majority: 51% consider themselves Pro Life

Hopeandchange update:
Home prices fall at fastest pace since 1955

Bush was right:
Pres Obama to reinstate Bush's Military Terror Tribunals

He does it again:
VP Biden gives location of the "secret bunker" (H/T Gateway Pundit)

IBD Editorial:
Today's doves flew as hawks in 9/11s wake

Pres Obama admits our long term debt is "unsustainable"

Internet Radio Network:

Many of you know, but most probably do not know, that we at COMMON CENTS have a sister homepage THE INTERNET RADIO NETWORK. At the IRN you can listen to over 70 of America's favorite Radio Shows via Free Streaming Audio 24 hours a day. The IRN has something for everyone so we hope you enjoy listening. As you know the Talk Radio Audience has successful upscale demographics and usually:

• have an income over $75,000 (vs. median US income of $48,200)
• have graduated college
• own their residence
• are likely to use the Internet
• are 25-65 years old (with the numbers of women listeners steadily increasing)

Listen to The Internet Radio Network here.

PELOSI'S PONTIFICATIONS:

Not since Bill Clinton has a politician been more blatantly caught in a lie that Nancy Pelosi in the last weeks. Her ongoing story explaining what she knew about CIA enhanced terrorism techniques have at least five different endings. Her Thursday press conference was painful to watch but we have it here for you. If you can't bear to watch it all the "highlights" are between 5:30 to 9:30

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Karl Rove - Ms Pelosi is hip deep in dangerous waters

Sen Lieberman to Pelosi "On that specific point I disagree"

GOP - "Nancy Pelosi could have objected"

Michelle Malkin - Pelosi and the Dem's dangerous blame game

NT Times - Acknowledges she was told of waterboarding in 2003

Too funny - "Eyes Wide Shut" Even John Stewart doesn't buy it:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Waffle House
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Man vs. 'Delta Smelt fish' - Fish Wins!

As amazing as it seems we have gotten to a place where the ridiculous is now statue. Thanks to a court ruling the irrigation pipes in Central California, some of the richest farmland in the world, have been turned off. This is because of a court ruling that placed the Delta Smelt, a tiny 2-inch fish that looks like a minnow, onto the Endangered Species Act. Amazingly they are pumping water straight into the Pacific Ocean instead of to citrus, almond and to other vital cropland causing the loss of thousands of jobs. Congressional Representative said recently on the House Floor:

REP. DEVIN NUNES (R-CALIF.): You're spending $1 trillion and you will not put in one provision that would create — save 80,000 jobs. This is an insult to my constituency. What we have today is a man made brought on by laws, passed by Congress, to where we're starting the breadbasket of the world and starving it of water to save little fish, which is outrageous.

Amazingly House leadership refused to allow a vote that would mandate the pumps be turned back on to irrigate the fields. Representative Nunes says that as many as 80,000 jobs could be lost due to this ridiculous idea. Read all about here. and here. How would you feel if farming was your livelihood and you were forced to watch as water flowed by your farm, never to be used by humans, all to protect a 2 inch fish?

10 Minute Ticker:

The titanic struggle of our time:
Obama Administration vs. Cheerios cereal

What April tax receipts?
US posts first April tax DEFICIT since 1983.

Crap sandwich update:
Woman dead 40 years gets Federal stimulus check

Single payer insurance reality:
VIDEO - Are the elderly cost effective to insure

Pretty Lady:
Miss California Carrie Prejean gave an emotional defense of her defense of traditional marriage

Hat Tip Gateway Pundit

Listen here to Carrie Prejean defending her faith during this week's Focus on the family interview with James Dobson

Who gives - who takes?

The COMMON CENTS author was in a room to donate blood today. Scanning the room I did a quick demographic check: the people in the room were overwhelmingly white, predominantly male and overwhelmingly older. There were no minorities giving blood there. The place I work is extremely diverse - I estimate at least 40% minority and 50% female. Now I know it was a small sample that I observed but I have noticed this in the past when I give blood. I have been giving blood for nearly 30 years and I've fount that usually it is older, white people who are getting stuck. People I would characterize as "Conservative". Is this just coincidence? I did some research and the results may, or may not surprise you.

People who identify themselves as conservatives donate money to charity more often than people who identify themselves as liberals. They donate more money and a higher percentage of their incomes.

It is not that conservatives have more money. Liberal families average 6 percent higher incomes than conservative families.

So is the fact that most of the states that voted for John Kerry during the 2004 election donated a lower percentage of their incomes to charity than the states that voted for President Bush.

Conservatives not only donate more money to charity than liberals do, conservatives volunteer more time as well. More conservatives than liberals also donate blood. "If liberals and moderates gave blood at the same rate as conservatives, the blood supply of the United States would jump about 45 percent."

You can read the article here

Another great article on conservative vs. liberals generosity is here.
Liberals like to be known as generous and giving but the facts are otherwise. Sarah Palin and her husband Todd just trounced Senator Biden's family in terms of their charity giving. Consider:

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made considerably less money than rival Sen. Joe Biden, but the Palin family gave more to charity in the last two years than Biden has in the last eight combined, according to Palin's tax records released Friday afternoon.

Palin, the running mate of presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and her husband Todd reported meager earnings from 2006 and 2007, at least by presidential-politics standards.

In 2006, the Palins paid $11,944 in taxes on $127,869 in income. In 2007, they paid $24,738 on $166,080.

But in 2006, they donated $4,880 to charity, and in 2007, they donated $3,325.

By contrast, Biden (D-Del.), Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's running mate, has donated a total of $3,690 since 1998 despite his higher Senate salary, according to an analysis posted by National Review. Read about it here.

5 Minute Ticker:

White House forecast:
The will be no job growth until 2010

Isralai Pres Netanyahu to Pres Obama
Israel will never withdraw from the Golan Heights

Welfare Cars:
Mass giving away free cars to include AAA membership, insurance...

Dick Cheney:
"Interrogations saved hundreds of thousands of lives"

44 cents!
Price of a first class letter going up 2 cents on Monday

More hopeandchange:
VIDEO - Pres Obama laughs at Wanda Sykes joke about Rush "I hope his kidneys fail"

"Currahee!"

This video, courtesy of CBS and Gateway Pundit is just awesome. It is inspiring and breathtaking, the story of two American hero's Gen David Petraeus, Lt. Brian Brennan who is a walking miracle and the power of one simple word: "Currahee!". You may remember that word for the TV Series "Band of Brothers". Enjoy folks:

"We few we happy few - we band of brothers"

The job you save may be your own!

Believe it or not there is something simple that all Americans can do to help the American economy, help their fellow Americans and even help themselves. It is so simple anyone can do it - the next time you are buying something take a minute turn the box around and see where it it made. Only buy products made in the USA. But nothing is made in the USA anymore! Really, actually did you know that the USA is the world's largest exporter with 2008 exports increasing over 20% to $1.84 Trillion. And exports make up twice the portion of the US GDP they did 40 years ago. To be fair we are the world's largest importer also. What do we export? Literally everything. Boeing is the world's largest exporter but the US exports computers, electronics (up 32% in 2008), food, cars, beverage and even clothing.

But I'm not convinced - everyone knows we don't make anything in the US anymore! In our own household we have aggressively began a Made in the USA campaign. In the last year we've bought New Balance shoes which has six New England factories, Kenmore Washing Machine, Dunlop Tires, Lee Jeans and a Milwaukee Saw Zaw and more. Our tile is made in the USA. Our dogs treats are made in the USA. When I go out I buy Miller Lite or a domestic beer which of course is Made in the USA. It's really not that hard folks - and you will feel good about doing it.

But everyone knows the best cars are imports - when America builds a good car I'll buy one. The latest JD Powers survey rank Buick as the best built and highest quality car manufacturer. Buick tied with Jaguar, to be fair, and this was the first time in 14 years that Lexus was not number one. Interesting the lowest seven manufactures, hence poorest quality vehicles are all imports (Suzuki, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Isuzu, Mazda, Saab and Scion).

Bottom line: There are over 300 million Americans. If each one increased their purchases of Made in USA products $10 that is $3 Billion pumped directly into the US economy. If each increased US purchases by $100 $30 billion into the US economy. $1000 increase is a $300 Billion increase into the US economy. That is real money folks and the US Government estimates that for every 1 Billion of increased exports 20,000 jobs are created or saved. Do the math. The bottom line is that actions have consequences and there are consequences to where we chose to buy our items. COMMON CENTS gives brings you some sites dedicated to supporting Made in USA products.

• Made in USA.org
• Americans Working.org
• Still Made in the USA.com
• Clothing Made in the USA.com
• Made in USA Products Store.com

Global Warming Update:

Polls show that Global Warming ranks dead last in the public's opinion of the problems facing America (see yesterday's post). With that in mind COMMON CENTS brings you another Global Warming Alert posting. Be warned, these Global Warming Update are NOT for the faint of heart!!

Antartic Ice Shelf Growing - thickest ice in 10 years.

Pres Obama admits Cap & Trade policy will cause electricity rates to skyrocket

Arctic Ice Sheet is at its highest point since 2002

Great Falls, ND - May Blizzard sets 3-day record

Czech Pres - "Global Warming is a new religion"

Scientiest - CO2 levels are at historic LOW, we are in a CO2 famine!

Quick Clicks:

Emergency?
House Dems seek $94.2 Billion in Emergency funds

Hopeandchange update (H/T Gateway Pundit):
ACORN charged with submitting 19,000 fake registrations in NEV

The politics of hate (H/T Hotair.com):
Campaign to destroy Miss California intensifies

Scare Force One:
Pics of last weeks Air Force One buzzing low over NYC now classified

Thank Goodness!
Al Gore is losing Global Warming Debate

A new holiday is declared:
Pres Obama wishes everyone a Happy "Cinco de Quatro" (five of four)

Video Posts:

Common Cents brings you these video for your viewing pleasure:

About killing the DC voucher's program which helped minority students attend Private Schools


Biden - Is he or isn't he?


Republican Weekly Address - Rep Lynn Jenkins


Condoleezza Rice returns to Stanford and confronts some Liberals

5 Minute Ticker:

California dreaming...
As California goes so goes the nation

Cancelled:
NY Cancels Cinco de Mayo parade

LA Times editorial:
"It's Obama's economy now"

Democrat scandal update (H/T Gateway Pundit):
Speaker Pelosi blocks investigations of Murtha, Jackson, Rangal, Harman, etc

Jack Kemp RIP
Former Congressman and VP Candidate dies at 73

Hopeandchange update:
Forecast - 600,000 jobs LOST in April

Anyone looking for a new job or career?

COMMON CENTS realizes that many people are looking for full or even part-time work. We hope this list of job sites and job services helps you. Good luck and keep a positive attitude:

• Monster.com is the largest job search site. If your resume is not posted here you are wrong.
• Yahoo's Hot Jobs.com is a free site that has thousands of jobs
• WorkTree claims to be scans MILLIONS of jobs in seconds! View jobs from thousands of online sources INSTANTLY! 50,000+ links to jobsites, recruiters, employers and more!
• Job.com is another very large job search site. Registration and resume posting is free and this job search site always ranks as one of the top career sites on the Internet.
• Beyond.com - 330,000 New Jobs posted each month from 100,000+Employers.
• SnagAJob.com is America’s largest hourly job website, featuring more than 100,000 active job postings in industries including: restaurant, retail, office and more.
• Indeed.com claims to have 846,873 new jobs in the last 7 days. Search job sites, newspapers, associations and company career pages.
• Simply Hired.com claims to have over 2,781,464 jobs posted from around the web.
  
• Execu-Search.com specializes in jobs for Executives
• The Ladders.com specializes in jobs paying $100,000 and up!
• The Federal Government is always hiring!

Don't neglect Craig's List. They have thousands of jobs available in every sector. Free to use, free to post and no charges for anything.

And finally The Day Job Nuker is a easy to navigate site dedicated to showing you how to make a living online.

Pres Obama obliterates the Bush and Clinton records!

President Obama is currently just laying a giant body slam, a huge smack down to the President Bush and President Clinton economic records. The numbers are in and they definitely show that President Obama is just obliterating the legacy of both of his predecessors. The debate is over there is nothing that can be stated other than the obvious.
President Obama currently is pulling a 8.07 while President Bush pulled a 5.27 and President Clinton only rated a 5.21. As any 3rd grader knows 8.07 is vastly superior and completly exceeds either 5.27 or 5.21. Let it be known that there is no comparission - there are only cold hard facts and President Obama is making mincemeat of the tiny numbers compled by either Bush or Clinton!

HUGE Hat Tip to Gateway Pundit