Fruit Pizza and the State of the Union
59Yakkity Yak!
Good morning breakfastpoppers. Today is Wednesday, January 26, 2011. I watched the President's speech last night and between jumping up and down in disbelief and falling asleep I felt kind of disjointed. Now that I think of it my feelings were a mirror image of the President's words, flat, empty and confused. Before I elaborate, let's pick up the mood by preparing a Fruit pizza for breakfast. You will need 1 (18 ounce) package of refrigerated cookie dough, 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 and 1/2 cups berries and sliced fruit (any kind you like), 1/2 cup apricot preserves and 1 tablespoon water. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. On an ungreased 14 inch pizza pan, form the dough into a pizza shape and cut slits into the dough. Bake crust for 12 minutes and allow to cool. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla together. Spread this evenly over crust. Arrange your choice of sliced fruit on top of the pizza. In a saucepan over low heat, mix together preserves and water until it turns into a sugary liquid. Brush mixture over pizza. Cut into slices and serve immediately or if you prefer you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Dig in and enjoy while I share some observations I made while alternately dozing and listening to the State of Our Union.
After the back slapping, smiling, posturing applause died down and President Obama started to speak, I had a really strong feeling that I had somehow been privy to a re-election speech aimed at 2012. Had his speech writers inadvertently loaded the teleprompter with the wrong speech? No, it wasn't long before I realized that this was the intended speech but the content and tone of it was disturbing.
The president seemed to be speaking out of both sides of his mouth, a " Sybilesque" moment if you will. One minute he suggested that we freeze spending for 5 years. Of course the freeze would be at the highest levels of spending, so in effect we would still be bleeding money like a crash victim. In the next moment he proposed massive investment, which is another word for spending. His call for "re-doubling" efforts to put money into roads, research, transportation, education, efficient cars, high speed rails and amusement parks (just kidding) sent a chill down my spine. Where is this money coming from? It must be Monopoly money because we certainly don't have any real money. I especially loved the part of the speech where he vowed to veto any bill that came to him with earmarks in it. If the president had listened to the new Speaker of the House, John Boehner, he would have realized that the Speaker promised that no bill with earmarks would ever land on Obama's desk.
I got a real kick out of the part of the speech where the president took credit for cutting taxes even though the rates have been in effect for over a decade. The strange part came when he called for an increase on taxes on the rich. At that point I jumped off my couch and performed a rousing rendition of "It's the Same Old Song". The old Obama popped out at that moment, but I must say I wasn't shocked because no matter how much he is trying to look like he is "changing", clearly he's not.
What he failed to do was get to the nitty gritty of our problem which is deficit reduction and jobs. At a time in our history that has left thousands of people without employment and hope, the president seemed to be defending the government's expansion of debt and government.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I gave the speech a 3. It seemed out of tune, off-key and I couldn't dance to it...POP...
Well said, Pop. Between the lies, repetition and talking in circles it was difficult to figure out, "what's new". Nothin's new as far as I can tell. We'll continue to hemorrhage money and he'll continue to be a yammering imbecile with a sick grin.
Good morning taxlarry,
I wonder if anyone in the audience was really listening because if they were they wouldn't have been applauding like fools. See you at the Inn. I will be arriving by dogsled once again. *-10 inches of the white stuff is on the way.
Good morning rkhyclak,
It's wonderful to see you at the breakfast table. I hope all is well. Your take on the speech is fabulous. Apparently you were really paying attention. See you at the Inn. I'm buying.
POP: Great analysis. He certainly can talk the talk - how else would he be elected?, but he will never walk the walk. His take on earmarks makes sense to me, as he probably told the Dems to get it all in 2010, and they did, so when he was forced to keep his campaign promise of 2 years ago, they would already have everything they wanted. Now, about a spending freeze - is he kidding?
to freeze spending is not a reduction, and now to push for more money for education is a joke. Again, he certainly knows how to say what people want to hear.
Pop, you are correct - it was a re-election speech, and only that. If our economy strengthens, it will be because of the newly elected congress pressuring the White House to back off, and not for anything Obama has done.
Your breakfast made me thirsty, so I'm off to the bar early. Someone save me a seat....
Good morning Pino,
It seems to me that for an re-election speech is was pretty lame. He made absolutely no sense in my book and he offered no concrete solutions to our problems. Spend, spend, spend is the best he can come up with. We deserve better. See you at the bar. I will bring my snow shoes since 8 to 10 inches are on the way. P.S. Your dance with Maven just blew everyone away. Encore?
Pop,
I thought the empty suit was in fine voice when he congratulated congress on bi-partisanship of keeping Bush Era tax cuts and then demonized the "rich" for not paying more in taxes. I wonder if Puppetmaster Soros allows him to speak ill of the rich like this!!!!!!!!!
Good morning Tom,
To me he sounded like he had a split personality. See you at the Inn. Snow is on the way, so dress warm. I'm buying.
Pop, Here is a good one from FOX, in reference to Gabby quote The assassination attempt cast a somber mood over President Barack Obama's State of the Union speech on Tuesday night, where many lawmakers in both parties wore black-and-white lapel ribbons to signify the deaths and the hopes of the survivors. Giffords' husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, watched the speech from her bedside in Texas, as he held her hand.end quote
horse shit! I'm headed to the bar, 50
Dear 50,
I just gagged and choked on my pizza. See you at the bar. It's already snowing quite heavily so I'll arrive by dogsled. I'm buying and let's not talk about the speech.
POP, um..... alcohol is a notably absent ingredient in today's recipe. Just thought I would point that out to you. In lieu of watching the SOTU, I chose to watch re-runs of Jersey Shore on MTV. I feel I got the same level of satisfaction watching 7 non-New Jersey Italian people get drunk, screw and fall down that I would had I tuned in to the President's address. I have always found that these addresses are just a bunch of empty words with little impact. I think of it as more of a time for Congress to get in some exercise, with all the standing up and down, up and down and clapping like circus monkeys. I really think you should have added some vermouth or something to the pizza....
It is snowing once again. The toddler and I have hitched up the dogs to the sled and after we are done training for the Iditarod, we will slide on over to the inn....
POP: Maven and I danced like Fred and Ginger. What a great partner - but where did the seven veils go?
Morning POP...State of the Union speeches seldom produce inspirational or defining outcomes...Kennedy and Reagan were the exception...The President, with his bully pulpit, serves the nation best when inspiring and motivating the American people through a passion that is perceived as real and honest...The flat, uninspired, and bald boilerplate pronouncements had me going ho-hum, here we go again...All the usual suspects, lined up and paraded in new clothes, but still wearing the same dirty underwear...Will someone please change the diaper..?
See you at the tavern, POP...I'm bringing a Barbera which pairs nicely with pizza...Larry
BPop it sounded like the same old platitudes you hear from every politician to me. And I also caught that little line about how he signed in taxcuts when all he did was extend them. However I have to give him some props for talking about simplifying the tax code. But I have heard that one from a million politicians too. And I noticed when he was crowing about " Don't ask Don't tell " the joint chiefs weren't applauding.
Same old stuff POP - Here he was faced with another opportunity to actually lead, and he failed miserably. No surprise. Got the snow shoes out again and heading for the inn gonna bring my pizza in a box so we can have a beer with it!
@ Pino...Thanks for the memories...I took them home and mounted them on my workout room walls, just to remind me of that night...You floated like a butterfly, and stung like a bee...Such sweet torment...Larry
Good morning Jamie,
Trust me, having subjected myself to the speech, you learned far more about the state of our union from watching Jersey Shore, which, I must say, is not a good thing. I can't believe the coincidence. I am training for the Iditarod too! The dogs are getting restless so I am leaving for the Inn soon. The snow is piling up. I'm buying hummus, veggies and wine.
Dear Pino,
I'm afraid the bartender used the veils to clean the bar. You and maven really shook up the joint. Bravo!
Dudette, you totally blew my cover by using my first name.... Curses! I am exposed!
Maven, would you please save me a glass of the Barbera? And this shameless flirting with Pino, when will it stop?
Finally, Taxlarry, today marks the first day that your comments were typo free! Kudos!
Good morning maven,
The speech was a big yawn, but going to the Inn should prove to be very interesting. Your dance with Pino was amazing. Pizza sounds fabulous. I am leaving shortly as the snow is piling up and I can't risk not being able to make the trip. I live for it.
Good morning tony,
I think I nodded off when he spoke about Don't Ask, Don't Tell". The speech was uninspired and produced nothing of value. Sounds like we are in for another round of spending. I am heading for the bar by dogsled. See you soon and I'm buying food and drink.
Good morning Hmrjmr,
Did you say lead? I don't think that's in the cards for the next 2 years. I imagine he can hardly wait to get out on the campaign trail and "connect" with the people. See you at the Inn. The snow is falling and I'm in the mood to be in the company of friends I like and respect. See you soon.
Dear maven,
I know it's none of my business but after I read what you wrote to Pino, I had to throw myself out in the snow and roll around to put out the fire!
Dear jellio,
I didn't realize your actual name is jamie. I made a typo. Sorry...
how odd
Obama's (only) strength is delivering a speech, and last night, he failed. It was flat, uninspiring, and predictable. On top of that, it was blatantly dishonest...the biggest spender in history telling the rest of us that WE are spending too much?
Sheesh!
And what's with the big Republican House majority timidly going along with the Democrat demand that they not demonstrate the devastating results of the November election by all sitting together this year?
Our own Arizona RINO, John McCain, was back in full liberal mode last night, smiling and applauding Obama half the night.
Pour me a Bloody Mary.
Dear jellio,
It is really odd,,,Hmmm....
Pop
As was the case with the Arizona pep rally; you’re a better man than I Gunga Den for watching this excruciating Pontificating! Ms. Patriot and I were able to find an exciting show on the home and garden TV where we watched grass grow!
As for the speech; of course it was disturbing; it was being given by a very disturbed individual; one who harbors a deep visceral hatred for this country. As for the back slapping, are you sure you didn’t mean back stabbing; the Republicans were seated amongst the enemy!
Speaking out of both sides of his mouth; that’s not a Sybileque moment; it’s his version of Bi-partisanship; freeze spending for the Republicans and keeping the higher unprecedented levels for his fellow Commicrats! He wasn’t counting on his audience being astute enough to see through the charade!
Reinvestment; AKA Borrow more in order to spend more for Roads; keep public service workers working (payback for SEIU) Research; keep idealistic Professors working (payback for the Elitist Professorial Group that repeatedly delivers the young student votes for the Democrats), Transportation; payback to his Environmentalist Waccos (get people out of cars and onto trains- but wait why then do we need the Roads); and finally the Holy Grail for Democrats, Education (Pour more money down that rat hole known as Public Education to satisfy the NEA)! All I can say is the Trial Lawyers must be feeling left out right now; they appeared to get nothing!
Earmarks; let’s see…….the name game Earmarks….Earmarks Earmarks Bo Beer Marks Banna Fanna Fo Fearmarks Fee Fi Mom Meeremarks…… Earmarks……..Let’s do Pretend… Pretend Pretend Bo Betend Banna Fanna Fo Feetend Fee Fi Mo Metend……Pretend…. Lets do Ban…. Ban Ban Bo Ban Bannna Fanna Fo Fan Fee Fi Mom Man Ban…. Let’s Pretend to Ban Earmarks!
Pop great idea; we’ll use Monopoly money and develop high speed rail transportation on the Reading, Pennsylvania, B and O and Short Line Railroads!
Hey the fact that Obama was forced into not raising taxes on everyone is in his mind a Tax Cut; welcome to Obama World; kinda like Wally World but it never closes. The clowns that run it will gladly stick their hands deep into your pockets and pick them any hour of the day any day of the year; there are no holidays in Obama World!
One final point; he failed to get to the nitty gritty of our problem because to do so would have required self reflection and he like all Narcissist he is incapable of self reflection; I have looked at the enemy and it is ME!
Pop, I watched the State of the Onion as well but was definitely not well by the end. Didn't figure I'd recover fast enough to write about it for a while...but if you can stand the heat in that particular kitchen, time for me to cowboy up.
Let see, angles on the speech-like-a-bleached-flour-pancake...hmmm...
Later!
Good morning WillStarr,
All I can say is what a farce. Freeze spending, spend, spend,spend...cut taxes (not really) raise taxes... you can't do both so just hit the road and start doing what you enjoy.. travel, golf and shaking hands. See you at the Inn. It's snowing and I will be arriving by dogsled.
Dear Patriot,
Monopoly money is the way to go. We can buy hotels and railroads and hire imaginary people for imaginary jobs. There is even a jail which is perfect for the likes of Pelosi and Reid. See you at the Inn. It's snowing like crazy so dress warm.
Dear Ghost,
Don't push yourself to write about the speech. Just hearing it is enough punishment. Come to the tavern instead. Pizza and beer are on me. It's snowing for a change so bring skis.
Morning Pops,
There was few big things that jumped out at me…one was where he made claimed that if we “repealed” the HC Bill it would add "a quarter of a trillion dollars" to the deficit, but yet the trillion we just spent was perfectly fine on our deficit?.....Sounds like perhaps he got his math skills from one of those failing public schools.
Also, where he said “If you have ideas about how to improve this law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with you.”
REALLY?...That is why he told the republicans to “get out of the way”….to “go to the back of the room”…..for “if repubs bring a knife to the fight, YOU bring a gun”……….REALLY, NOW, you are eager to work with us”?
How about his spending freeze? He said “this would reduce the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade”….OMG! He spent $3.5 trillion in one year…but he will save us .”$400 billion over 10 years”?
My favorite part of the speech is where he said
“Thank you. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.”
He nailed that part perfect…
See ya in the bar!
We did not watch the President's speech last night...I couldn't imagine anything new would be said...and words are cheap and easy to come by, especially when you have good speech writers...and most of it is so over the top... no sense for the average citizen. I pray these next few years go quickly, and he will be voted out of office.
Good afternoon CMerritt,
His assertions were groundless, his facts not factual and his accomplishments fabricated. He had the opportunity to give us something with substance and he blew it. I'm off to the bar by dogsled. it's snowing like crazy. Pizza and drinks are on me.
Good afternoon b.malin,
You didn't miss a thing except perhaps a chance to be aggravated. See you at the bar. Dress warm, it's snowing.
Voted up...Who starts out a State of the Union with Google and Facebook mentions, Seems all he was concerned with was the growth of the inet. As far as more pie in the sky dreamworld words....the STATE of our Union was never addressed by the President.....
But Representative Paul Ryan of Winsconsins' response aptly described it. HE cut to the chase and I applauded his response heartily.
What truly got me was the people sitting behind the loon as he spoke. Totally disenchanted, looking bored and uninterested. Yet somehow, the prez ratings were up>??? People fell for the senseless prattle. ??? God help us all.....
As far as the job issue: There are so many people who work in the Gulf on boats, supply and crew boats, having to do with our oil exploration there who are out of jobs and will remain out of jobs. They know nothing else...How does Obama expect those people to go back to work??? Not everyone relies on the internet for their living nor would be able to even begin to do this....
Irritated? Listened to nonsense..That's about how I viewed it as I was muttering to my tv last evening.
GREAT SYNOPSIS BREAKFAST POP.....ENJOYED THE BRUNCH TOO, as I am always late to the table.
Good afternoon Wealthmadehealthy,
The speech lacked substance and common sense. That sums it up for me. Freeze spending at unacceptable levels and spend money on everything under the sun. He was talking in circles. See you at the Inn. It's snowing so dress warm. I'm buying.
I felt like I was on a teeter-totter, up and down. Then I went "down" for the night. Like my Daddy said "he didn't say anything" !!! I need a tall one tonight, I'll be the one covered in the "white stuff". Save me a seat!
Well, the part of the speech that I waited for was the announcement that the education department was being dismantled and control of education was being returned to the states in the interest of saving money and reducing spending...no chance...had to make a plea to spend even more on education when we have already spent a fortune to create a mediocre system. Then there was the moment when he announced that Robert Gates and the Joint Chiefs had agreed to give up some money for the military...sure, we know those folks are overpaid. Then there was the moment when he announced that our military had been freed of the chains of "Don't Ask Don't Tell"...not one smiling face among Gates and the Joint Chiefs...they know they have problems coming big time. The important parts of this speech was what was not said...and I think we can figure those things out for ourselves. WB
Sorry. I couldn't eat your delicious breakfast today, bp. I'm still nauseated from listening to that pitiful 're-elect me speech' last night. Does anyone in government, anyone at all, realize that we are currently paying 40 cents for every single dollar we borrow? That's nauseating, too.
Dear kindacrazy,
He said a lot of things but his words were filed with contradiction. See you at the bar. I am ice skating over.
Good afternoon Wayne,
What wasn't said weighed heavily on my mind. We are in for more of the same garbage that burdened us these past 2 years. See you at the saloon. I am coming on skis!
Good afternoon drbj,
His speech left a bad taste in my mouth, too. Meet us at the bar and we'll talk ourselves down from the ledge. I'm buying. Bring snow boots!
Now that's what I call having fruit for dessert! yum! Yes last night was certainly having a fruit (Obama) for entertainment (speech). You about summed it up for me too. I half piad attention while I was cooking dinner. I could tell by the disturbed look on my husband's face that it wasn't the speech of the century, although he made a great joke about something to do with fish.
I know Obama made promises about the recession and unemployment improving when he was elected, but what I've seen is a brand-new problem that wasn't around in past recessions and that is companies are starting to learn how to do without the employees they laid off. Because of technology and workers in other countries, companies are cutting costs and not rehiring even as their profits and the economy go up. Obama keeps talking about getting the economy and business stablized to help people get jobs, but that's not working in our day and age. Great hub- was interested in what you thought about the speech. Same as i did.
Speech? We don't need no distracting speech. We need November 2012 to come early.
Good morning, POP. You still the best in combining delicious recipes and political news. Hubwalking...... This is a new term for me to visit my friend's hub. I liked pizza and you made this healthier by using fruits. Thanks for share and I got good news from you as always. Vote up.God bless you.
Prasetio:)
POP, You summed it up perfectly and with a bit of humor!
Good evening izetti,
I found the speech to be lacking in substance and real life solutions to our problems. I am so sick of campaign mode. It is a huge waste of our time and clearly time is not on our side. See you at the Inn. It's sleeting so dress warm.
Dear FitnezzJim,
Amen. Get over to the bar. We are waiting for you.
Dear prasetio,
It's so great to see you at the breakfast table. I am very happy you enjoyed the breakfast pizza and the news. Come on over to the Inn. I will save you a seat.
Dear Pamela,
Thanks for coming to dinner, you know how much I enjoy your company and your intellect. Is it too late to head for the Inn? I hope not.
I don't have a television, which means I didn't get a chance to watch the speech. Part of me thinks I should have, so that I could write up something about it, and another part of me reasons if I did have a television I probably would have thrown it out the window, some point during the speech.
Thanks, for this commentary on it Pop.
Rachel.
Thank you for great commentary. I watched the speech & thought the same thing---here's his first campaign speech for 2012. He tracks to the middle (sort of) rhetorically, BUT in action & policy, he remains a flaming leftist ideologue. And ideologues of any stripe are not any good at providing stable, intelligent, visionary, common sense governance.
Good morning rachell,
Trust me, if you had a television it would be history by now. Buying a TV and watching the speech would have been a terrible waste of time and money.
Pop, I did watch and there just wasn't anything in his speech we all didn't already know.There were the few references to real Americans such as the man whose genius enabled the rescue of those trapped mine workers, and others who took control of their lives turning bad situations around. The reference to the new speaker of the house John Boehner, I felt was almost an insult and totally unnecessary. The state of our union was not addressed in his speech and as you and other have stated ssimply a kick-off for the 2012 elections.
Good morning Ken,
We are definitely on the same page. It's interesting, I heard Obama say he would rather be a one term president than compromise his values. I guess he changed his mind and really wants a go at 2 terms. I pray his wish doesn't come true.
Good morning Fiddleman,
We are at such a critical time in our history that it is shocking to have to sit through a speech so utterly lacking in substance.
Pop,
Another great assessment and hub. The breakfast was wonderful. I set up an account at the Inn, and it's all tax deductable as it's under "The Housefire Project" which is a non profit. (shameless plug)
Like you, I thought .. "This is a campaign speach for a second term." Then I remembered, "He won't run for a second term." Three reasons. 1. He doesn't like his job. 2. He's not any good at it. and 3. He'd have to run against The Man With No Pants. I said I wouldn't run for president, and just focus on building The Housefire Project, (another plug) but I'd have to run if I heard that our first "sorta black" president was running for re election. I could call myself the first American Indian President. Afterall, I am 1/5 Apachie. In fact, I'm going to start celibrating my Indian heritage. From now on, I will greet people by raising my hand to my shoulder and saying .."How." If I'm forced to run against the incumbent President, and get the opportunity to debate "Dark Face With Forked Tongue," I will begin the debate with .."How, Mr. President."
So I say to you .."Thank you for much wisdome, and may the light of many moons shine upon your hubs my lovely Pale Faced Sister!"
jim
Good Morning Man with No Pants Besides the still Waters,
Get ready my Indian brother for you will have to run hard against Obama. He will seek another term and he some some very powerful men behind him making sure that he stays where they put him. Be careful and go in peace.
POP, his double spaced speech was perfect for his double talk. I doubt many watched this BS, no matter what comes out of his mouth it's just like a fart in the wind!
Dear jiberish,
CBS, ABC and NBC thought that Obama's speech was his "Reaganesque" moment which is pretty funny because I believe Obama was not a fan of Reagan.
How.
Yes, my sister, The Black Faced One will ride with many ponies, but his message is weak and filled with many holes. His blanket has many fleas. Man With No Pants rides but one mighty Stallion, his message strong, and his blanket clean. The Black Faced one is covered by the pants that hide his frail body. The Man With No Pants has nothing to hide ...not sure where I'm going with this, but I like my new Injun idenity. May the fire of a thousand matches keep your tee pee warm at night Sister of many brain cells.
The One With No Pants
jim
Howdy Pop!
Well you sent me to the dictionary on this one. But you were right on, except for your "just kidding" comment. Our local amusement park (Kentucky Kingdom) has asked the government to give them $50,000,000 so they can open again. New info for you!
Voted up and awesome! as usual!!
POP,
token liberal here. i'm really beginning to enjoy the chance to comment to your group, although i'm still puzzled by what appears to be an emotional rather than intellectual response to obama.
for example, rachel noted that she hadn't seen the speech but is sure she would have hated it. that's fair.
i thought that the spending freeze proposal was a gesture to the gop. many liberals don't believe that's the way to go. FDR's wpa pulled the country out of the depression, but he agreed with gop pressure to pull back, thus prolonging the economic recovery.
trickle down econ. doesn't work, prime the pump does. both take money. i'd rather we go with somthing that works.
why are you defending the 2% who'll see a 4% tax hike from 35-39%. during ike's admin. the rate was 92% and they did and have done amazingly well. do those people really need apologists from the middle class?
btw, the insult to j. boehner is something he's extremely proud of and has repeated how he rose from humble beginnings, most recently on 60 minutes about 2 weeks ago. another example of the need for some of your people to broaden their information base.
what bothers me most about what i read here and elsewhere is the personal animus against obama. i thought george bush was a terrible president, but never felt he was a bad person.
How- Oh Great Man with no Pants Beside the Still Waters,
Your parents named you well. He who has nothing to hide should achieve greatness. And so it is written and so it is said. At noon tomorrow beside the babbling brooke we are having refresher course in war paint. Be there..You are the man..
Dear Pixienot,
This is news to me and it just goes to prove that the inmates are indeed running the asylum!
Good morning sam,
What you describe as personal animus is really utter disgust and frustration with his policies. The speech was the first among many campaign speeches to come which I am sure he will enjoy doing. Clearly, the Oval office with sleeves rolled up is not his bag. In any case, the stimulus "stimulated" nothing and we are still in trouble. The nation needed to hear substantive real ideas that make sense. "Investments" is just another name for stimulus. We need free market solutions, not more government. Thanks for stopping in for breakfast.
taxlarry 16 months ago
it is the same old song. Nothing more than a campaign speech. Just say anything you think everyone wants to hear. Cut spending? OK. Spend more? OK. empty words from an empty suit. To the bar. BARTENDER.........