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THE PLAY TAKES A SURGICAL TWIST -- Just A Minute Radio for Friday 120127

2012-01-27T00:16:00.000-05:00

Well hardly seems possible but we’re drawing on to the end of January.

Florida has already cast a *bunch* of advance ballots – and it’s a winner take all kind of voting. Frankly I’ve forgotten how many electoral votes are in the Florida count… but it’s a bunch … the number 30 sticks in my mind. I’ll look it up when I’m not so sleepy.

The debate in Jacksonville coming *after* the State of the Nation speech and *before* Florida with that big Hispanic contingent in it’s delegation – is a hefty player as Al Gore and George Bush (43) can tell you without blinking – maybe tearing up a little but they’re big boys now.

I’m finally getting the hang of doing things with my desk-top computer… I’ve only had it about a year and a half (L) … by now I would be thinking about a replacement *except* for two things: I don’t have the money -- & 2 -- I don’t want to be having to learn something new about a new machine.

That’s what’s bugged me all along about computer things. You hardly get one to the point where you know what you want to do and how to do it – and next thing it’s time to re-up for another expensive machine with new programs etc. etc.

My view of my memory system is it’s like your “too small” attic or storage room. When you want to put something new in… you’ve got to throw something that’s in there out… or away… or give it to someone who wants it. A garage sale is more work than generally it is worth… but no sense griping about all that.

The night (I’m typing after midnight) draws on apace… when I get to this stage I always make errors – like not *sending* the stuff I’ve prepared for the radio. That’s not helpful for today… or in this case the NEXT day – which it turns out is *already* today… Argh!

Well… enough griping about today… or this week…. See you next week. Have a great weekend!

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack & Barbara

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THE PLAY TAKES A SURGICAL TWIST

Just a Minute: Are you good at solving mysteries?

At eight last night four candidates stood on a Jacksonville stage queried by CNN’s white-bearded Wolf Blitzer, and tried to deliver -- if not a knockout punch at least a win by a TKO.

Dr. Ron Paul got the most laugh lines with his short answers and succinct delivery – but he’s not really playing for the grand prize. The win he will carry away will be a slot on the nominating conference program – and keeping his ‘libertarian’ campaign alive.

Sen. Rick Santorum – youngest of the bunch seemed trying hard but lacks the seasoned and courteous gravitas to pull it off. Newt tried his ‘argument with the moderator’ act – but struck out. Thus leaving Mitt Romney having still a steep hill to climb to the National Convention, but finally achieving a degree of the necessary determination and ‘fire in the belly’ observers say he must master. So the battle will probably continue until they return to Tampa on August, 27^th.

Can’t be too soon for me. <> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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TWO ON A BENCH YOU CAN'T FORGET -- for Just A Minute Radio on Thursday 120126

2012-01-25T17:25:00.000-05:00

Once more yesterday we enjoyed weather in the 60’s – like Florida – but we’re still here in the studio! Will it ever be winter? Just ask the folks in Wisconsin.

This journey is taking us on a convoluted route – up hill and down dale – and who knows if Grandma will get to carry her presents over the white and drifted snow any time soon? We’ll have to get some of the New Englanders, or upper MidWesterners to carry the snow to the sleigh from all I hear in the weather reports.

I can remember the days we were able to ice skate in Roanoke Virginia… and the days we were not… in fact my brother… four years younger… fell into the ice cold water one winter… and I was the one to shepherd him home. I don’t think I was too gentle… and I have apologized several times over the years. Things sometimes stick in your mind when you shudda done better! And I shoudda. My Brother’s name is Jimmy and he suffers a LOT from arthritis… back in our school days we never gave it a thought.

Well time does change things for us doesn’t it. Don’t say something today you’ll be sorry for tomorrow.

One of the reasons for speaking softly – says the ‘manners book’ is that if you use quiet and comfortable words they go down a lot easier when you come to the place of having to eat them. Certainly a thought that ought to be spread around during this political season. Yesterday I watched the ceremony when the Congresswoman from Tucson, Arizona submitted her resignation to the Speaker of the House in the early afternoon. She’s a really sturdy and beautiful lady and deserves all the accolades. She has a loyal and diligent staff from all reports and they deserve accolades also for the difficult times they have had to suffer. May the good Lord bless them all.

See you tomorrow.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

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“JUST A MINUTE”

TWO ON A BENCH YOU CAN’T FORGET

Just a Minute: Do you recall Nancy and Newt on a cozy park bench discussing their agreement on “Global Warming?” Now their memory is ramped up and it’s making new news.

First, when Mr. Gingrich was asked about that warming TV commercial the two opposites made – his response was, “That was one of the stupidest things I have ever done.” And a lot of us agreed.

Now he and Mrs. Pelosi – his bench mate in the earlier TV spot – are both involved with one another on TV except not together. Since Mr. G is now front runner in Florida she knows a few things when he had to resign and pay a $300 thousand dollar ethics fine – which would simply crush his run for the nomination.

Newt professes he doesn’t know what she’s talking about and she should lay it all on the line -- which might cause her to violate a secrecy pledge made when Newt was dismissed from the Speakership.

Looks like we may have struck an iceberg on the voyage to the nomination and I suppose we’ll just have to await results.

<> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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HOW'R YOU GONNA GETEM WORKIN' AGAIN? -- for Just A Minute Radio on Wednesday 120125

2012-01-25T01:09:00.001-05:00

Back near waterside again. It’s been *almost* Florida weather this fall/winter in our part of the Blue Ridge SE of the Smokies. It’s hard to get a real WINTER feeling. In our part of the upstate we’ve just not seen snow.

But who knows… It was back in the 70’s I think when we had a 13+inch snowfall, enough to close schools, churches etc. etc. somewhere near the first week in March as I recall. I know it was enough to make travel on I-85 from Charlotte on down toward Atlanta in to South Carolina’s largest, unplanned parking lot.

But that was unusual – just like this warm streak has been unusual. (I wonder just how much just like is likely (or liable) to pull the same stunt. Ah well… we shall depend on our handy- dandy, always alert, WX station near the Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) airport, to keep us informed.

Actually – to tell you the truth – as a pilot who was trained and used to flying in rough weather when necessary, I do (and did) appreciate the efforts the men and women there put into their forecasting. As far as those who *must* depend upon weather forecasts… I’d rather have them forecast weather that turns out not to be as bad as expected than the other way around. And the fact is – again speaking for myself – I’d rather be down here, wishing the weather was good enough to be up-there… than the other way around. Once or twice in 20+ years of all weather flying I did find myself wishing to be on the ground safely than otherwise.

So the weather people for my money in the main do an excellent job of conveying what conditions are expected – and giving pilots ‘opt out’ choices than knowledge than a turned around situation. There are OLD pilots and BOLD pilots – but it’s a rare day when you’ll run into a group of OLD BOLD pilots. (J)

Times up for today… see you again tomorrow – DV,

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

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“JUST A MINUTE”

HOW’R YA GONNA GITTEM WORKIN’ AGAIN?

BB: Jist A Minit: Mr. Jack – Now that-ut we ain’t in South Carolina no mo-wa –

Whut air we gonna git done?

Homer: Mite as well go on doin nuthin fer awl th progress bin made.

MizP: Well whut’s the firs than ta do?

BB: How ‘bout buildin’ tha-ut oil pipe line. Thousans of jobs!

Homer: He’s done caved ta th onyion bosses.

MizP: You means Union… don’t cha?

Homer: Yeah – thass rite.

MizP: Well whut IS a-hapnin?

BB: Rite now seems like nuthin’s happnin -- nothin’ ta say.

Homer: Well they better git busy an say hit!

Jack: Did ja hear anything new last night at the state of the state?

BB: Sounded ‘bout th’ same as ever… only longer…

MizP: Whut air we a-gonna do ‘bout hit.

Homer: We’s either gonna git our head’s t’gether or we’s gonna…

MizP: We’s gonna hang sepretly -- an thas uncomfortable I heer.

BB: Hit shore souns uncumfortabbuble ta me.

Jack: How so?

BB: Firs thang is less see sum ackshun… not another bushel o words.

Homer: Ah’d shore secund tha-ut motion.

MizP: Ah’d jes as soon they shuddup an DO sumpin.

Jack: Right – You’re talking about getting a bill passed.

MizP: Seems like they caint see th foress fowah th’ trees.

Homer: Whut da ya mean Miz Pearl?

MizP: Ah mean get sumpin done…Not jis argued ‘bout it

BB: Hit’s like a barge stuk in a water lock.

MizP: The voting public is getting ready to say a pox on …

bof yo houses.

BB: Thass rite… He’s done sole out to the labor bosses again.

MIzP: Ifn’ he’d git ta work an quit flyin’ round th nation.

Homer: Rite Miz Pearl tell’em ta git sumpiin done quit jis tawkin’.

Jack: So thanks to everybody … You know the Lord is in

control lets just quit talking for now.

<> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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THE MORE WE SHOVEL THE MORE SEEMS TO BE THERE - Radio for Just A Minute on Tuesday 1201124

2012-01-24T00:31:00.000-05:00

OK folks… time for a little rest.

How about a saunter along the well trodden path – watch out for the sleeping gators. Observe the great grey beards of hanging Spanish Moss… it’s a trademark of Florida and so here we are.

We’re learning about abandoning politics for a little while just to let the ‘little grey cells recuperate’ and resume their original duties and function. While visitors to these parts busy themselves with the contest that will come later in Tampa when the nominating convention convenes in Tampa. But enough of that for now… we’ve decided it’s time to think about something else…

What else is there? Will Jack and the Beanstalk fans cry. They spend each waking moment (and some sleepy ones too) thinking about how this feat of beating back Barack Obama and his drive for four more years. We’re just here for a little relaxation R&R one might call it – and the incipient debate this evening continues to draw the ones whose future is well wrapped up in the proceedings today… and next Tuesday.

So…we’re trying to keep the army moving along without it losing the connection with why we’re interested in the ‘Glades of Florida.’

What’s happening today is we’re taking 30 seconds or so of program time to see if we can grab a little return from never, never land – and concentrate on the task at hand… as well as praying for all the candidates. I have some ideas about how to pray at the moment – but have been asked to ‘cool it’ for the present. So that’s what I’m doing and we are not in the BIG state of Florida with something like 14 million people – and a few gadzillion oranges and other types of fruit.

So to accomplish my purpose I’m headed for bed after putting this blog in the proper channels…and praying for you as well as for all the candidates… Because I’m positive the LORD’s will – NOT My will is the important thing to keep the eye on the prize. Thanks for being with us.

May the Good Lord Bless and Keep us in the hollow of HIS hand.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack & Barbara

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THE MORE WE SHOVEL THE MORE SEEMS TO BE THERE

Just a Minute: Today is even more crowded with political junk mail no matter how fast I bail it out. So, today I’m veering off the beaten path.

I don’t personally know H. Jackson Brown Jr. but he’s written lots of books from Tall Pine Lodge in Fernvale, Tennessee. Even the name sounds restful.

In these books he collects observations by individuals of different ages and assembles them in random volumes of ‘sayings’ I’ll read you a few to bend your mind off politics and give the grey cells a rest. These are things he has learned:

I’ve learned my Daddy can say a lot of words I can’t. – Age 8 // that it doesn’t cost anything to be nice. – Age 66 // Most of the things I worry about never happen. Age 64 // every great achievement was once considered impossible – Age 47 // Homemade Toll House cookies should be eaten while still warm. – Age 29 // If you spread the peas out on your plate, it looks like you ate more. – Age 6.

OK now you’ll feel better tomorrow. <> I’m Jack Buttram (END)

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YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE A TV HOLIDAY -- Monday Jan 23rd 120123

2012-01-23T00:36:00.000-05:00

Well, It’s pleasing to have all you folks here on time and all.

Saturday was an interesting day at most polling places. The staff were required to tell you only one party would be voting on Saturday in South Carolina – and it *might* not be yours. But from all we could tell at voting places there was not *much* confusion. In parts of our County the polling sites are so close together people continue to get one mixed up with another.

And there are the inevitable breakdown of machines. Which delay’s voting – and particularly keeps the polling open beyond the seven PM deadline. Even when new machines are requisitioned there are still delays and unacceptable problems because of the new procedures required which turn out to be delaying. But in the places I observed there was order and general good behavior – with few exceptions.

It seems to happen most of all to people who are not frequent voters – as in not having voted in three or four years. That’s OK *if* you haven’t moved or died. You’d be surprised how many ‘dead’ people vote in general elections in some states. But it’s generally not a problem in South Carolina.

Well… talking about it makes me sleepy because the polls have to open at 7 AM – that means the polling place has to be set up generally no later than 6 AM… And then the place has to be closed at 7PM… and all the take-down process takes time and hope… Hope that the ‘automatic’ machines will produce CORRECT tapes as to the numbers of people who voted – which must be MATCHED (numbers only) with the number of people who signed the voting roster to vote.

Well mistakes do happen and they are a bear to untangle – especially with an inexperienced crew. So we’ll be having more voting later this year… November 6^th to be exact. So if you move, or in some other way change your place of ‘registration’ – normally the ONE place you call home – be sure the county registration – or registrar’s – office has new paper-work filled out on you within thirty (30) days of your move, so you are registered or re-registered in your new domicile… (place of living) – you can only have ONE … you can only vote ONCE – but there are cases of being handicapped etc. in which you can have someone help you at curbside and vote legally.

So – enough of all that… let’s pray the system works well and the campaigning and behavior on the hustings will correct and dignified and as rapid as possible.

Aren’t we thankful to live in America where voting is not only allowed but encouraged! Let’s thank the Lord for that!

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack & Barbara

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“JUST A MINUTE”

YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE A TV HOLIDAY

Just a Minute: If you don’t care for negative campaigning – you might as well declare a noise-free zone at your house for the next nine days. You didn’t really think Mr. Romney would ‘go quietly into that good night’ did you?

It appears Mitt – who doesn’t like street fighting – is sharpening up what he will need to stay in the race now for some time. Newt, who feels right at home when the verbal swords are clashing, is relishing his role.

What I would have liked to have seen, vanished in hot air; the ‘tumult and the shouting’ I wrote about on Friday may now be softened since something like 30 to 40 percent of the eligible voters have already have already cast their advance ballots.

Less than three percent of the GOP’s convention delegates have now been selected – so there’s still plenty of room for elbowing and sand-throwing.

Might as well turn up the stereo -- select what YOU want to hear.

<>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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THE TUMULT AND THE SHOUTING DIES...? for Just A Minute Radio for Friday 120120

2012-01-20T01:31:00.000-05:00

I wasn’t entirely sure we’d make it on this run.

This has been a hectic week and a half or so since the close of the New Hampshire primary… and it looks like Iowa will be looking for those missing eight precincts between Thanksgiving and New Years. Rumor has it that this has happened before.

In fact one of the partial telephone conversations that was broadcast on the night everyone was staying up trying to find the missing ballots had a rather gravelly voice saying: “Oh those E-8 Forms are a waste of paper anyway!” Sounds like whoever he was he’d decided how to get rid of them so he wouldn’t have to travel in to DesMoines to place ‘em where they belonged.

It’s sure made an embarrassment for the Iowa delegation. Perhaps they’ll do something corrective by next go ‘round. Or it could just become a part of the Iowa Caucus routine… the Treasure Hunt to find the Precinct reports. It gives a certain ‘flexibility’ to the ballot returns. Hmmmmm.

Well… they stayed up late to finish up the reports. And we’ll be doing the same thing here in South Carolina – only NOT losing the ballots I hope. So… I’m yawning and toddling off to bed so I won’t be nodding off when the voting’s going on tomorrow. Thanks.

See you next week, (DV)

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack and Barbara Too…

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THE TUMULT AND THE SHOUTING DIES…?

Just a Minute: Perhaps I’m just getting older, but the noise erupting from the TV rockets between my ears and I’m wondering if the world will come upright again after the current election. Did we have an inkling this would happen when Mr. Obama declared his run for the Presidency?

We’ll finish this South Carolina campaign tomorrow – and thank the Lord for some welcome rest between now and the resumption of it in Florida after a few weeks. We surely welcome the break. But when I think this won’t be over ‘til November… please hand me another aspirin.

Recent experience shows we definitely can use refresher lessons in courtesy with one another. We urgently need to realize our Constitution protects free speech, but does not condone offensive manners or forsaking respect. Our recent irritation with one another calls to mind a bit of Rudyard Kipling poetry…“The tumult and the shouting dies - The Captains and the Kings depart - Still stands thine ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart.”

<> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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WHAT IS THAT CHOAKING FEELING NOW HERE? for Just A Minute Radio Thursday 120119

2012-01-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

OK just for today we’ll break off the politics for news about the Internet… and SOPA and PIPA.

They are whatchamacallits – the Army and Navy use them all the time. I can’t recall the generic name of abbreviations but the services are full of ‘em. SOPA stands for Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect Internet Piracy Act. COCUSA (Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America – where I was employed long ago) are engaged in protecting the creators of copyrighted materials. And these legislation pieces are aimed in that direction.

Google, Wikipedia and other utilizers and distributors of the Internet wares are interested in cutting down on ‘piracy.’ ‘Piracy’ in their eyes is where someone creates a book, a song, a painting, and lots of other things – they hold a ‘copyright’ to what they have created. Others who come along and ‘pirate’ that creation should not be able to do so… or need to be obedient to the copy write laws and pay the original creator for his/her work. It is very complicated law.

One of the most recent problems arising out of this is radio stations that play music created by someone else – should they be *required* to pay a fee… a royalty … to the person who wrote, composed or played the song which then was broadcast on the air? A big change in the enforcement of this ‘law’ just about drove a lot of radio station managers buggy.

Well… you can see the person responsible for creating the material does have a right to be compensated for his/her services… but what about the guy who has bought an put up the station that plays the music… he’s using it (the music) and it’s making another person richer… what does the radio station owner collect out of that? Most of the music industry says – well the station is profiting by playing my music and selling advertising on his station which is popular because of what I have created… therefore *I* the owner of the station should be getting some slice of the pie… and it goes on.

Well… I’m certainly not going to solve that problem here… but you begin to see where the boundries lie… and there’s a lot to be explained and pounded out etc. etc. more than I can manage here. But at least you now know why some of the Internet was dark yesterday… I guess you can write them about it. (J) Eventually it’ll all “come out in the wash” as the old folks used to say.

I’m giving up for today… politics looks simpler after this escapade. (J)

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

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“JUST A MINUTE”

WHAT IS THAT CHOAKING FEELING THAT’S NOW HERE?

Just a Minute: Yesterday – well in fact up until just after midnight this morning – a large part of the Internet was shut down. It went dark because some of the users want to demonstrate against legislation called SOPA and PIPA which they see as huge threats the usefulness and freedom of this ‘social’ medium.

What has happened is Wikipedia and hundreds of other websites went dark for 24 hours protesting two controversial pieces of legislation they see as threatening Internet security while undermining freedom of speech. This legislation is advanced in an effort to crack down on online "piracy" which they define as the illegal distribution of copyrighted material.

Hollywood, music writers performers etc. along with the Chamber of Commerce of the USA are sympathetic to the cause -- believing the laws will help protect copyrighted material. Problem is they may also become abridgements to freedom of speech protected under the first amendment to the Constitution. SOPA and PIPA are aiming to protect from ‘piracy’ but at this stage are canons aimed at constitutionally protected free speech.

Beware and be forewarned. <> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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AH DON'T THANK I UNNERSTOOD WHUT YOU SAID -- for JUST A MINUTE Radio Wednesday 120118

2012-01-17T22:55:00.000-05:00

Things are moving pretty fast nowadays as we get deeper into the actual Presidential Preference Primary.

Lot of “P’s” in that sentence – but it serves to awaken listeners to the fact this is an unusual election because it is allowing the voters of a state to select nominees on the State’s ballot for the election to follow in November of 2012. It’s a complicated matter before and after the actual voting.

First of all the electoral process was put in place back in the 1700’s when horses, mules and boats powered by sail power were the main means of transportation. It was before the telephone or speedy means of communication. It would be a 100+ years until the telegraph came into being and railroads became the most rapid method of transportation.

All of this meant to get the word out about who wanted to run for office and how it might be accomplished in a nation that was spread out from the eastern coast of North America to the Mississippi River and from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Lawrence river – it was quite a territory. That meant long carriage or horseback rides and mail that was very slow in its travel. Consequently there had to be communications by mail which took time and travel.

All that just to put you in the mind of what was involved in electing a government and establishing it in the new nation. It was not simple and there was much ground to be covered.

When you stand back from pre-Revolutionary days and contemplate communicating from Northern Maine to Georgia and territories westward – all by horseback or carriage speed – you begin to grasp some of the challenges that faced the new leaders of the New World.

It’s always inspirational to me to think on those hardships and dedication; and to recall the effort that had to be exercised in those days to bring the United States into a cohesive and successful state. I’m sure it evidences God’s care and leading to those who valued their freedom to worship without being dictated to by a king or a warlord. When I meditate on it all the words of the hymn “How Great Thou Art” begin to churn in my subconscious… and I find myself thanking the Lord for HIS kindness in seeing our nation through the birth pangs and growth difficulties that have brought us to this present day. How thankful we should be every day and every hour.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

“JUST A MINUTE”

AH DON’T THANK AH UNNERSTOOD WHUT YOU SAID

MizP: Jist a Minit: Mr. Jack – Ah’m gittin mo an mo cornfused.

Jack: What’s it all about Miz Pearlie?

MizP: Firs of awl ah heah Mista Rominy is a-head and then Ah heah

hit’s Mr. Gingrich an I don know whas th truf.

Homer: Ah’m with Miz Pearlie Mr. Jack – awl these numbers is cornfusin’.

Jack: OK..we’re voting in South Carolina -- Saturday … there are

statewide races -- and there are National races.

Homer: But theys only one winner?

MizP: But you kin have diffrunt ree-sults in each one?

BB: Ah gits hit… you kin have one ahead in the State wide race…

MizP: But sumbody else ahead in a national race ?

Homer: So sumbody kin win th’ race in South Carolina … but ….

BB: But be behine or lose on th’ national scorecard.

Jack: Exactly. All that’s not explained when if you’re just talking

about who won or is winning in South Carolina.

MizP: Oh – so Mr. Rominy won in Ioway an New Hamshire but he …

Homer: He coudda loss in South Carlina!

BB: But how are we a-gonna know who… who…

MizP: Rite… who’s the winner?

Jack: What do we call the race or the election just now here in our State?

BB: Hit’s th’ Presidential preference primary….

Jack: Right -- the purpose is to elect *delegates* to the national

nominating Convention which won’t convene until in the summer.

Homer: An tha’ss where they’ll e-lect th’ nominee!

MizP: Oh yeah…thass where then they picks a vice-president…

Jack: Right – where they pick a V.P. Nominee… the Republican ticket.

MizP: But whut about th’ pollsters and awl?

Jack: Gallup and Rasmussen they are just observers.

MizP: Oh, -- so who do we b’leeve?

Homer: You end up with th’ O-fficial vote thass whut counts.

BB: An ‘splain sumpin’ ‘bout th’ Letric college.

Jack: I think you mean the ELECTORAL COLLEGE – and that’s

Homer: Ah know – thass the story fer another day…

Jack: Right…’cause time’s up. Don’t forget to vote Saturday –

I’m Jack Buttram (END) Jebco Editorial Service

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CONTESTANTS SOAK IN THEIR OWN BRINE - For Just A Minute Radio -- Tuesday 120117

2012-01-17T01:25:00.000-05:00

How nice to have you on the premises. This is an unusual week.

We’re not used to breaking for election day on any day but Tuesdays… but this one is special and was decided by the powers that be back close to 30 years ago when the political parties decided to ask the State to take over running the primaries…

So thus it has been for three decades or more. In any case don’t forget if you want to vote for your favorite to be the GOP nominee in the Fall… this Saturday is the BIG day.

It’s a long story. For many years it seems there just weren’t any primaries run by the political parties. I need to go and check up on some of that data. In any case… you have to register – but you should know South Carolina voters do not register by parties… Voters in NC… do! I think the same is true for Georgia – but I’ve never lived there. For about ten years we lived in Virginia and that is another story. Which I’ll not clutter up the airways with today.

In any case if you have not registered to vote…. You don’t have to register by party – but if you do vote in the Republican Primary it’s expected you’ll vote for the same party when the real election on November 6^th comes around. Don’t fear… I’ll do my best to remind you.

Primary voting is quite different from ‘regular’ voting in South Carolina and if you need a refresher check with the DMV or some other office in the Court House.. Those of you in states other than SC will want to check out your local laws.

And nice to have you with us today. Look for you again tomorrow at “Earl “N” Lester’s Bait Shop and Sushi Bar.” And a lot of water goes under the bridge before we saddle up for the autumn vote in November. We’ll catch you up on it as we get closer…. But if you move you’ll want to get your ID card changed and get a new registration card at least 30 days before the next election. My wife is better at this stuff than I am.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack & Barbara Buttram

===================================

“JUST A MINUTE”

CONTESTANTS SOAK IN THEIR OWN BRINE

Just a Minute: Last evening I watched South Carolina election contestants all in full ‘thrust and parry’ mode -- leaving saber scars but not mortal wounds. Mr. Huntsman departed with grace.

I’m switching over to “contestants” rather than candidates because it now feels like a finely tuned quiz show. After 15 or so debates – and helps from coaches and writers everybody gets better. However Mr. Paul’s suit would benefit from a skilled tailor making his jackets look less like a horse collar.

Mr. Romney’s delivery and timing are better each engagement and some ‘buyers’ come back deciding they better go for the quality and experience of a proven tool. There’s still the ‘thwack’ of baggage to carry. Mr. Santorum repeatedly voted against right-to-work legislation which is not good news in South Carolina. Newt has made stylistic errors adding to his load while Perry and Paul continue to split conservative votes.

Gov. Nikki Haley, backed Romney early, adding to his priorities saying that the current issues are jobs, spending and the economy. “Everyone in South Carolina knows somebody who's out of work.” – She said -- That’s it! <>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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THE 'LATE' ATTACHMENTS FOR MONDAY 120116

2012-01-15T15:18:00.000-05:00

The attachments missed the train again… but here they are at the head of the line: Jack

LOOKS LIKE THE LONG ROAD NEEDS A-TURNING'--For JUST A MINUTE RADIO - Monday 120116

2012-01-15T15:13:00.001-05:00

The time for getting ready to vote in the South Carolina Republican Preferential Primary is a-gettin’ short.

Did you know that South Carolina has beaten Michael Moore – the ‘heavy set guy’ in jeans, sweatshirt and red baseball cap who keeps stirring up the “progressive pot” to be more progressive – has been beaten to the punch by the South Carolina primary? “Tis true!”

Dear old giant-size teddy Mike has been advocating moving election day to the weekends – so more people can vote. Apparently no one has informed ‘Mikey” that the South Carolina primary is being held on Saturday. Otherwise HE – in his mighty self – could claim the credit. South Carolinians have been voting in the primaries (at least the preferential primaries) for some little time… since Ronald Reagan ran about 1980… on the weekends – spelled Saturday! Hail King Michael!

About the only accurate thing to be said about the GOP primary being held this weekend is that Michael Moore wishes his ‘progressives’ were so enlightened. Well… maybe not… maybe it’s just a mistake on the part of the Palmetto State. I’m not sure you would find a majority who would do on the election day what Mr. Moore *Instructed* them to do. But perhaps I’m underestimating his persuasive abilities. I do know he can talk *somebody* out of putting up the money to finance his heavy handed films.

Well – it forebodes to be a very political week – as if we hadn’t had enough already. And come late on Saturday evening this old state may be marked out as the most progressive in site because of its Saturday voting.

God bless you all... So… DV see you tomorrow.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram“JUST A MINUTE”

LOOKS LIKE THE LONG ROAD NEEDS ‘A-TURNING’

Just a Minute: Only five days before the voting in the South Carolina primary. Some changes in the air over the weekend indicate Mr. Gingrich apparently is getting criticized for predicting he is the most likely nominee! -- As well as the nature of his attacks on Mr. Romney. It looks as if there’s ‘reassessing’ time in the wind.

Word is out several major Gingrich donors express being fed up with his class-warfare tactic. Mr. Limbaugh compared the Gingrich attacks with Mr. Obama's critical remarks on free-market capitalism as well as rich people. Some are saying Mr. Gingrich has tainted his political legacy. Well, I’m no expert on political legacies but storm clouds appear to be in the offing no matter how much money the Obama Campaign has assembled.

Some Gingrich advisors say use the Super PAC money – donated by Las Vegas casino owner Adelson -- to run positive ads on Mr. Gingrich's ideas or critique his economic growth plans or knock Romney on healthcare and gay marriage – but the question seems to be can he lose with dignity. We’ll see.

<>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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WE HAVE A DREAM TICKET IN MIND -- for JUST A MINUTE RADIO - Friday 120113

2012-01-13T03:59:00.000-05:00

An even longer day than yesterday. Of course… the SUN Has started it’s southward journey… or appeared to.

Yep – hasn’t seemed like winter very much by the temps and the lack of snow. Hard hit for the snow people. We were in Florida a few years ago at this same time frame and it was a disaster for the tropical fish people who raise them for their living. That year it was too cold and the small separate pools in which they started their families… it was just too cold and nothing to be done about it. The word was it happened twice in a short period of years and wiped out a lot of the fish producers.

I guess that’s the kind of thing that makes a business fail – without even trying. And Farmers… they’re on tenter hooks every growing season. Hard things to take in the losses of livestock and crops and all.

Must be the same feeling too when you run a hard race and still don’t win. Well… I’m sympathetic to making a living that way. But trouble comes in most any circle when greed or get rich quick pops up it’s ugly head.

Since I’ve been up too long I’ll see you next week Lord willing… have a great weekend.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack & Barbara

=======================

“JUST A MINUTE”

WE HAVE A DREAM TICKET IN MIND

Just a Minute: OK … If you’re gonna take a leap make it a big one!

I’m backing Mr. Romney … and dropping the “Mitt” to increase Presidential respect. So … we need to get on with helping him select a running mate.

Some think I’m foolhardy – but mine is the confidence of the sure adventurous. He’ll have lots to do when victory swings his way so we may as well lend a voice to the present process.

Having survived the spears of his competition, we cast off all timidity and suggest a choice equally ‘bold’ matching the selection of Mr. Romney as Commander in Chief. I point to the individual who’s exhibited singularly bold and effective leadership under fire – Gen. David H. Petraeus.

Now where would I get the chutzpah to make such ‘bold’ choices? All I can say is: I believe I got the original idea from the one who really knows. Having blessed the first choice, he is equally eager to make the successful follow up.

That’s all I’m cleared to say right now – Sorry -- out of time. <>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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WE NEED A MAGNUM DOES OF ANTI-DIM ATTITUDE - For Just A Minute Radio on Thursday 120112

2012-01-11T23:10:00.000-05:00

OK – here we are on the downhill side of the week – and with all this ‘liquid snow’ lying around and temps that are averaging 10 degrees F above the usual … well… VP Gore … call your office.

What is really troubling me as we round the corner into a ‘hometown’ stretch of getting ready to vote in South Carolina on this “pick a candidate” sweepstake.

Frankly, I really desire and yearn for a way to shorten up this marathon that has grown and grown until we barely get out of one contest before the other one starts. But I think since I’ve already exceeded my ‘warranty’ period of “three score years and ten” – so I don’t expect to be around to wrap up this project. I just hate to see us wasting all this time, money and effort in something which could be done so much more efficiently and shortly – especially since we don’t have to wait for representatives to travel by horseback or buggy from ‘home’ to the capital in dear old D.C.

We could rather easily wrap up this thing with a lot less expenditure of $$$ -- and I keep expecting we will run out of ‘hot air’ along the Potomac. But then I guess it’s expended appropriately among all the states. The ski slopes however are taking a hit this year since we’ve siphoned off all the hot air already. (OK…so we haven’t really… but it’s something to think about if we’re really serious about preserving energy.

My genuine concern IS expressed in today’s program (script enclosed) because it seems having this loooooooooooooooooooooooooong to raise money and campaign and all… things fester and grow and seem to become more and more swelled up beyond appropriate proportions with these two year – four year – and six year election cycles. We can do better than that I think.

But I’ve decided to do my bit and cut down the amount of hot air *I’m* expending. Shall we just calmly lean back and pack it in for today – and pray for a more relaxing day tomorrow? I hope so.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

=============

“JUST A MINUTE”

WE NEED A MAGNUM DOSE OF ANTI-DIM ATTITUDE

Just a Minute: Ronald Reagan’s 11^th Commandment not to speak ill of a fellow Republican is on my heart and mind. He was trying to preserve harmony in the political ranks. He’d been through tough movie union battles that gave him winning experience.

What we are facing now is equally divisive and alarming at in the five trillion dollar debt piled on in the last three years without the ‘consent of the governed.’ We have folks supposedly aligned with us but who are at great variance.

In the 1964 Presidential campaign Republican Governor Nelson Rockefeller seemed determined to send us over the cliff. That was a terrible campaign to live through – but eventually we came through by God’s grace, not our skill.

Now we have folks picking up their cudgels to wound their brethren. I don’t want to see that. It’s described only as a ‘dog in the manger’ attitude -- paraphrased, it says: “If I can’t have it – you won’t either!”

That destructiveness has to be abandoned now. I’m working and praying to that end. I pray you will too. <>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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HIT SHORE TOOK US A LONG TIME TO GIT HERE - For JUST A MINUTE RADIO on Wednesday 120111

2012-01-11T01:51:00.000-05:00

I don’t quite know how we managed it… staying up late – Midnight on Monday/Tuesday to catch the Dixville Notch voting.

Funny, in South Carolina we were able to look in to upstate New Hampshire and see them actually dropping the nine ballots in the box.. then take them to the ‘counting’ room and then post them up on the polling place wall – like they were expecting 10,000 people to look in. Well if you take the audience numbers seriously (and advertisers do) there probably were several million people looking in at one time or another on Tuesday morning (after Monday midnight) to see the first votes being cast. I guess I’ve seen newspaper photos of those actions… and maybe even a newsreel shot or so…. Don’t remember that. In any case – there’s no doubt about it the world is shrinking… and getting warmer by some counts.

As a matter of record the temps here in SC during the first week in January have been miraculously mild. You really have to go up in the mountains to get below freezing… which it does.

We’ve had a few frosts… and my yard looks about as ragged as possible… although for last night we were under some kind of storm watch that had T-storms in the forecast…(J)…I recalled for my wife one Christmas when we had 78F on Christmas Day…. – but that’s not usual. A college roommate and I were working on the local university campus when it was deserted for Christmas break. We were working (running the broadcast station during Christmas break while students were away from campus) and we had one of the loudest cracks of Thunder on the week between Christmas and New Years that I *ever* remember.

Well… odd things do happen. And reading the polling numbers and trying to keep up with what’s going on politically… it taxes my usually sleepy headed brain. So… I’m not one for these late night sessions. Still … at times it’s part of the job. And the phone doesn’t distract nearly as much. (J)

Hope you’re having the beginning of Happy New Year. May the Lord bless us all.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

=============

“JUST A MINUTE”

HIT SHORE TOOK US A LONG TIME TA GIT HERE

BB: Jist A Minit: Mr. Jack – What’dya thank of th New Hampshire voytin’?

Jack: I’d rather hear your description of it Billy-bob.

MizP: Yeah… Ah’d like ta know whatcha thank too.

Jack: Go on Billy-bob tell us what you’re a thiniking.

BB: First thang is I has a hard time keepin’ awake.

MizP: You mean with all the tawkin’ goin’ on?

BB: At’s perzakly whut ah mean and having ta stay up late.

MizP: Ya has ta give everbody they’re say – otherwise hit ain’t America!

BB: Well seems like nobody has ennythang ta say ‘cuz they’s

awready done said hit.

Homer: But Mr. Gingrich done dug hissef a hole too big ta git out of.

Jack: You think so Mr. Bill?

BB: He looks shorter evertime he opins his mouth.

MizP: He’s supposed ta have a lotta brains – lotsa fokes says.

Homer: Them brains musta bin pushin down too hard.

BB: Summa the thangs he an Gov. Perry bin a sayin – come off stupid.

Jack: How so?

BB: My Daddy said hit ‘bout th pot not bein’ smart to be

a callin’ th’ kettle black.

Homer: Fer a man who has a PHD an on toppa tha-ut three wives –

MizP: Oh that-ut does raise up sum questions.

Jack: Right – Well my questions are about bullets.

MizP: Whut bullets, Mr. Jack?

Jack: Seems like he’s getting his ammunition out of Mr. Obama’s gun.

BB: Ah’ve heered that-ut said more’n oncet.

Homer: So whut’s a- gonna happen?

Jack: Well the 21^st is the schedule for South Carolina’s vote.

MizP: Oh, Me… and I thought we’s gonna have some rest.

Homer: Well Miz P. They don’t get ta do this in China.

BB: Homer’s rite Miz Pearlie… we need ta be thankin’ an prayin’ bout hit.

MizP: You’ze perzakly rite Mr. Bill… Thanks. .

Jack: And thanks to everybody … The Lord is in control lets’ remember

so be with us next Wednesday. <> I’m Jack Buttram.

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WE'RE WALKING THE WALK VERY CAREFULLY -- For Just A Minute Radio on Tuesday 120110

2012-01-10T00:54:00.000-05:00

Finally the day of the first ‘official voting’ has arrived – and still it doesn’t seem to fulfill all the requirements for an ‘official election.

For instance, since Mr. Obama occupies the White House and the Presidency, in many states there is no ‘contested’ race to the nomination of someone to succeed him. Such was the surprise when we saw the person getting the most votes on the New Hampshire ballot early this morning… was Barack Obama! That’s not what we expected!

But as it turns out since there don’t seem to be active Democrat candidates in New Hampshire… at least “I” haven’t heard from them… I forgot there still *is* an election… of course it’s a

‘pro-forma’ matter in states where there are no active Democrat candidates… but since according to the TV mutterings… there were about 30 names on the Democrat ballot in Dixville Notch. I’ll leave the big counts up to the networks because I’m not plugged in there… as I write this… but I know the current President did get three votes out of Dixville Notch .. which was more than any other candidate for that office got. Is that an ‘ill-omen’ for the GOP or what? I understand there were nine or so Democrat names on the ballot… so apparently there was not an overwhelming Democrat tide… at least not according to that vote… but it was split several ways I suppose.

The answer to that question will be a long time a-coming… like till the ‘sixth of November… I think that’s election day… and I really don’t think there will be a ‘live’ candidate opposing Mr. Obama for the post… although stranger things have happened I suppose. So… to me it’s kind of half an election at this point. The Democrat Nominating Convention will be just up the road in Charlotte… and the GOP Convention will be in Tampa I believe. (Don’t have my notes before me.) So… there’s still a LOT of road (campaign road and thousands of gallons of jet-A fuel to burn to find out what’s going on.

But at least the process is underway.

And with that … I’ll make one last urging to lay down the cudgels and look at the horizon … see if there’s a brighter day coming when we elect those who are genuinely inclined to make the best of our Country and reunite us in peace and good fellowship.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack & Barbara Buttram ‘

===================

“JUST A MINUTE”

WE’RE WALKING THE WALK VERY CAREFULLY

Just a Minute: Today is Election Day in New Hampshire. These are the first officially cast ballots in the New Hampshire Primary. Up to now it’s been straw votes in Iowa and caucus votes – which don’t count until they’re properly recorded and certified.

The first “official” votes cast in New Hampshire were cast just after midnight in Dixville Notch. In 2008 there were 21. Usually they vote on the 2^nd Tuesday in March but Florida moved up and others shifted including South Carolina.

Dixville is absolutely determined to be the first votes cast in national elections. So they show up in the middle of the night, vote and one minute later close the voting box to go home.

It isn’t the process that makes me nervous, it’s the lack of wisdom in some of our GOP leaders who are formed up in the circular firing squad to say intemperate things about fellow Republicans. Fellow voters read Romans Chapter 12. Pay special attention to verse 19: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves…it is written Vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the Lord.”

<> I’m Jack Buttram.

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JAM elements for Tuesday 121010

2012-01-10T00:33:00.000-05:00

Here we are ready to LAUNCH into the voting of 2012 without fear or doubt!

PROMOLINE FOR Tuesday 12101O: Did you stay up to see the voting at Dixville Notch last night? It happened and when you hear the results later today or read it in the papers, possibly you will be surprised. Just stick with us…it may be late tonight – as it was a week ago – before we have a definitive vote – although it’s more likely since voting in New Hampshire will probably be considerably smaller than Iowa. In any case WMUU-FM at 94.5 will carry the results – so stick around.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

============

“JUST A MINUTE”

WE’RE WALKING THE WALK VERY CAREFULLY

Dixville is absolutely determined to be the first votes cast in national elections. So they show up in the middle of the night, vote and one minute later close the voting box to go home.

<> I’m Jack Buttram.

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JAM elements for Monday 120109

2012-01-08T01:16:00.000-05:00

Wonderful Florida wx w/out the humidity.

PROMOLINE FOR Monday’ JUST A MINUTE 120109: The zingers still fly back and forth although wiser ‘old hands’ say that’s UNWISE as we draw on through the Primary Election process. However even some who should know better ignore that advice. Listen to today’s JUST A MINUTE at (hour) – you’ll be pleased I think for the advice given as we come up to this important opportunity in the South. Stick with WMUU-FM 94.5 for information particularly important for Christians.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

===========

“JUST A MINUTE”

THE QUESTION: WHO MAY BE TRUSTED?

Just a Minute: As the first genuine GOP primary votes are cast this week – we look at the situation in New Hampshire – and since we are among the first voters in the GOP primary – we have to ask ourselves the question whose information is trustworthy? We’ll make our decision on the information we get, and the information we credit or believe. Unfortunately it’s quite a bit like going to an auction. We bid on what we observe, and what we believe. Then we must live with the consequences. Right now our Nation lives with the consequences of the last election.

What shall we do about the next one?

My best suggestion for the South Carolina registered voters who will be casting ballots in the same contest on the 21^st of this month is to listen, read, and especially for our Christian friends we should commit our choice to the Lord, and listen to His voice as we pray for guidance.

In my judgment that is the most responsive – and responsible thing we can do in this current situation. <> I’m Jack Buttram.

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THE QUESTION: WHO MAY BE TRUSTED? - for Just A Minute Radio on Monday 120109

2012-01-08T00:48:00.000-05:00

We’ve been having good weather here in South Carolina but one of our Missionary Doctors coming back from Michigan narrowly escaped a 40 car pile up in KY --- due to snow. She had to spend the night in Corbin, KY and travel on uneventfully next day. However her schedule for getting back to her overseas field was delayed .

Winter does present its problems from time to time. (L)

So do political primaries. At present I’ve seen it written by good folks the GOP is in a brawl. I pray it isn’t that bad. There are many contradictions – people who supported one another last time around have been making positively *unfriendly* noises and comments this time. Which only gives the ‘other side’ (I don’t care to term them THE ENEMY.) confusion in their own ranks.

I’m trusting by the time we finish the Florida primary all this ‘who shot john’ yelling in the dark will be past. Some of the poor ethics being shown by a few people in the ranks of this contest is really troubling. Unfortunately we have a smattering of people in our ranks unable to grasp what good government is for. It’s not for their own advancement! Although they may insist it is.

During this contest thus far I heard a very good quote from someone on my side of the aisle who said: “You know – we say we come to Washington to help others; but too often it turns out we stay here to help ourselves.”

To that I said “AMEN.” We need public *servants* who are not putting themselves first. You’ll have no trouble finding that in the Bible if you care to do the research. For now I’ll put my ‘sermon’ aside and proceed on to the task at hand – selecting President Obama’s *replacement*.

So… I’ve restated my aim for this contest – and uttered prayers for its success… and we’ll leave it at that for today. God bless you as you do whatever God leads for you!

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

=============

“JUST A MINUTE”

THE QUESTION: WHO MAY BE TRUSTED?

What shall we do about the next one?

In my judgment that is the most responsive – and responsible thing we can do in this current situation. <> I’m Jack Buttram.

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IS GRINCH SET ON CAUSING AN OBAMA WIN? - For Just A Minute Radio on Friday 120106

2012-01-05T22:58:00.000-05:00

We seem to be ‘easing’ into Winter on a toe-in-the-water schedule. Although I did see a newspaper photo showing the ‘Polar Bear Club’ taking a chilly dip at Paris Mt. State Park last week near Greenville. People have to be bent on torture – or significantly off their rocker to do that!

But so far in the upstate we’ve managed to navigate the early winter season with just frost on the windshield or roof of the house – but no snow down here in the uplands.

Still, it’s even a long time until groundhog day. We’re not even one week out of a five and change week here in January.

What does the two-faced Greek Janus icon represent – from which we get the name of the year’s first month January?

I copied this from the Internet: JANUS-- “An ancient Roman god of doorways, of beginnings, and of the rising and setting of the sun, usually represented as having one head with two bearded faces back to back, looking in opposite directions.“

This – I suppose is where we get the “two-faced” terminology from – perhaps it’s even the start of the description of one who is ‘double-tongued’ – even forked tongue? Lots of speculation.

My feeling – even though this is my birth month – is we could far better do with another May or June and scrub January. I’m not a big fan of the Greeks – What’s the word for all the Greek gods? I’ve forgotten.

PANTHEON!

There…my sturdy PC came to rescue my diminishing memory. I think we tried to memorize them in elementary school. I guess I forgot most of them… except Morpheus… he of the sleepy-heads.

So it’s sleepy time. Please drop me a note at (n4zhk@arrl.net) and I’ll send you a thank you.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

==========

“JUST A MINUTE”

IS GRINCH SET ON CAUSING AN OBAMA WIN?

Just a Minute: The former Speaker of the House has a very difficult job biting his tongue, to keep from driving his poll numbers deeper into never-never land. What escapes Mr. Gingrich is, those of us on the outside looking in are far more interested in seeing a new President in the White House – not in watching a failed attempt to help him restore a degree of respect he has himself eroded.

Mr. Santorum is also intent on just enjoying 15 minutes of fame! Wednesday evening on stage he – very unwisely – expressed his dissatisfaction with the way in which Ronald Reagan handled Social Security thirty years ago. I can’t fathom what possessed the former Pennsylvania Senator to undertake second-guessing a long dead popular Republican hero.

Mr. Santorum’ who – by my lights – severely erred in supporting Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter, who returned to being a Democrat last time around and still lost.

What we don’t need right now is throwing elbows at one another or putting our own concerns ahead of the BIG goal of replacing Mr. Obama in the Oval Office. <> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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PERSISTENCE = 'LASTINGNESS" or DIUTERNITY -- for Just A Minute Radio on Thursday 120105

2012-01-05T01:54:00.001-05:00

Wow! – Winter has finally decided to pull down that Brrrr Cold Arctic Blanket of Air from the Northern Climbs and lay it on us.

We’re about to go through what is usually the coldest part of winter for our region. But the lovely icy queen can often come early or stay late. There’s not much we can do about it except wrap up well – and use gloves and scarves when needed!

There is no pulling back now – we’re definitely in the ‘caucus’ race where *everybody* gets (or doesn’t get) prizes. But in Through the Looking Glass Lewis Carroll made things a little more cheery than they seem to be in bold black and white alone.

The Ice Queen has left her calling card with me in the form of a cough and cold that came with the New Year. Which seems determined to stay a while. But there’s no use in complaining – just recall these cool days and nights when Summer returns.

We do have the wheels turning now for the primary season which has done its deal with Iowa – next Tuesday is New Hampshire and the 21’st the circus comes to town in the Upstate – as well as the lowlands of the Palmetto State. In a way it’s a fun ride… in another it’s rather much more politics than *I* personally care to put up with for such a long period as we are doing. But until the population rises up and objects vociferously…. We’re stuck.

For the ten years or so that our family lived up in northern Virginia we had a campaign *EVERY YEAR*. The Legislature set it up that way in order to set the Governor’s Race on the odd schedule – and the Va. Gov. only gets ONE term. So the Old Dominion gets inundated with politics and dunked under once *every* year.

I just would like for all the participants (or all the GOP voters) in the ‘snowball’ fight to realize OUR object for the good of the states and the commonwealths we are *most* anxious to win back the Presidency in hopes of keeping the Ship of State right side up. It is difficult to imagine the amount of debt we have draped about our necks and the necks of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren! This is a crime which the children do NOT deserve. Our generation and all those responsible for it should be ashamed. I remember thinking of the amount of debt which had been accumulated during the second world war. As a school kid I felt it was part of the punishment on *my* America I did NOT bring on myself. Still I appreciated the fact we won that war… but then came along the Korean and VietNam etc. We’ve gotten more or less acclimated to it – It’s a crime! WE SHOULD NOT HAVE LEFT THIS MESS TO CLEAN UP. Now it’s going to be even harder to get rid of and there seems to be a curtain of invisibility about that load… that surely rubs the wrong way.

Well… time to give up and go to bed.

Have a great day today… we’ll look forward to being together again soon!

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

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“JUST A MINUTE”

PERSISTENCE = ‘LASTINGNESS’ or DIUTERNITY

Just a Minute: Today I searched for a word to depict Sen. Santorum’s epic effort in Iowa. I never found one fully expressing the force of will it must have taken for him to go against the grain and achieve his goal of reaching each county and delivering his message. Despite the obstacles we see an admirable victory achieved.

So now we’ll observe the continuation and see just how it all comes out. We gain unexpected knowledge through this political exercise.

Also, we see the liability, growing and developing like a poisonous vine, a determination between individuals to ‘set the record straight’ -- even though the result may cripple one another to the point of missing the immediate goal and losing such control that will avoid the reefs that will sink or greatly damage the ship. It’s a delicate and precise task determining success or failure for all aboard.

The captain and the crew, despite their differences in perspective and party, must put aside emotional reactions and take timely action to save the ship of State – or all will be irretrievably lost. <> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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WHEW! HOW DID WE GET ON THIS PLANET? -- for Just A Minute Radio Wednesday 120104

2012-01-04T01:55:00.001-05:00

Well, I never knew exactly what to expect on the12th day of Christmas… but it comes along somewhere on this route.

Communication sent to me from the OFA (Old Farmer’s Almanac) tells me ‘Tis today… I guess I miscounted somewhere – I figured it was tomorrow. But then ‘tomorrow’ never comes according to old songs.

More and more I forget – and one of my New Year’s Resolutions was not to forget so much. I suppose that’s not something to be ‘resolved about.

Anyway we’ve passed the first hurdle of the New Year… the Iowa Caucus. By now your radio or whatever news pipe you use has told you a lot – much about what happened in Iowa yesterday. Still there is much to learn. What IS going to happen? Well…. We won’t know that until November we think. Can we wait that long? Nah… it’s like waiting for Christmas to come – again… it’s not ready yet. (J)

I hope you are recovering from Christmas and New Years… and even the 12^th day too if that was a problem. We certainly are ‘filled up’ with politics. No sooner is Iowa passed but the expectation of what will happen in New Hampshire is on the board. Then comes South Carolina on the 21^st. I was on the SC GOP committee back a ways when we visited five sites I think all around the State considering if we wanted to have the Primary continue to be run by the Party or the government… The decision came in favor of the State doing it… so now we pay taxes to have the government count and administer the ballots for what used to be a political party’s responsibility.

Well… things change. That’s something we learned from the candidate back a ways wasn’t it… HOPE and CHANGE. I think we have a shorter slogan for the political outlook now. I’m not going to wade off into that thicket.

I picked up news on the Internet that next year about this time there will be a new movie about the Hobbit… Did you know that? They’ve even started to make the movie trailers... Isn’t that odd. All of those I’ve been around the trailers were made at the end… but then there are lots of things that get changed around in this modern world.

So I’m making a change right now. Instead of staying up to document the end of the beginning (the beginning of the primary voting) I’ll let the radio tell you about it and everyone who ‘knew all along who was going to win, to tell you why and how they knew. Meantime… I’ll think about baseball. (J)

Have a great day!

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

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“JUST A MINUTE”

WHEW, HOW DID WE GET ON THIS PLANET?

BB: Jist A Minit: Jist where are we now Mr. Mr. Jack?

Jack: We’re at the start of two thousand twelve Mr. Bill.

MizP: Ah wasn’t fer sure we’s gonna make it .

Homer: Facs is Miz Pearl I ain’t sure we’s made hit yet.

Jack: Oh yes – we’re here Homer. You and Miz Pearl and Billy-Bob –

We’re all safe and sound at the Bait Shop and Sushi Bar .

MizP: In Playfair?

Jack: In Playfair Miz Pearlie … on the Carolina Line.

MizP: Well that-ut las week in 2011 jess ‘bout wore me out.

Jack: Things get busy at the year change over don’t they.

BB: So’s th’ firs cawcus has done happened in I-oh-way?.

Jack: Well Mr. Billy – it sure has.

MizP: Well don’t keep us in tenderhooks… what’s a goin’ on?

Homer: I watched an listened but had a hard time making sense of hit.

BB: Yeah Me too!

Jack: That’s the way the Iowa caucus goes. ---

MizP: An we got ‘nother’n comin up I heer?

Jack: Right – by this time next week we’ll hear from New Hampshire.

BB: Whut air they a’goin’ ta deecide?

Homer: Same thang theys’ tryin’ ta dee-cide in I-oh-way…

Jack: Right Billy-bob -- selecting delegates to their convention.

MizP: Allof a suddin we’s in th’ middle of electrifyin’ th ‘lection.

Homer: Thas rite Miz P… an rite down heer in South Car’liner we….

BB: We’s gonna do th’ same thang on th’ twenny-firs’ of Jan-u-erry.

MizP: Oh… I had done fergot all ‘bout tha-ut.

But who won yestiddy?

Jack: It’s not all settled yet.

BB: They’s more procedurin’ ta go on.

MizP: They’s still a-makin’ up they mines?

Jack: Something like that. Iowa’s selection is different from other states.

BB: Ah – fer one, will be glad when we git outtn th’ woods.

Homer: So will Ah Mr. Bill.

MizP: Well hit’s all cornfusin’ ta me.

Homer: Hit is ta mos everbody, Miz Pearlie. We’ll splain hit to yer.

Jack: I’m afraid our time for ‘splainin—will have to come later…

BB: Time up already?

Jack: Just flies… See you’all next week. I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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JAM elements for WEDNESDAY 120104

2012-01-04T01:26:00.001-05:00

Up early in the morning… may have to do it next week… or maybe not?

PROMOLINE FOR Wednesday 120104: Well… the first Iowa Caucus results came in on the wire last night and I’m afraid all the Bait Shop and Sushi crowd went to bed early. But we’ll do the best we can later today to bring you their reaction to the general scene if you’ll stay with us at (hour) from now when they’ll be here to chat. We’re always ready to pass on their wisdom. They’ll be right here on 94.5 FM WMUU and I know they’d like for you to be here too.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

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“JUST A MINUTE”

WHEW, HOW DID WE GET ON THIS PLANET?

BB: Jist A Minit: Jist where are we now Mr. Mr. Jack?

Jack: We’re at the start of two thousand twelve Mr. Bill.

MizP: Ah wasn’t fer sure we’s gonna make it .

Homer: Facs is Miz Pearl I ain’t sure we’s made hit yet.

Jack: Oh yes – we’re here Homer. You and Miz Pearl and Billy-Bob –

We’re all safe and sound at the Bait Shop and Sushi Bar .

MizP: In Playfair?

Jack: In Playfair Miz Pearlie … on the Carolina Line.

MizP: Well that-ut las week in 2011 jess ‘bout wore me out.

Jack: Things get busy at the year change over don’t they.

BB: So’s th’ firs cawcus has done happened in I-oh-way?.

Jack: Well Mr. Billy – it sure has.

MizP: Well don’t keep us in tenderhooks… what’s a goin’ on?

Homer: I watched an listened but had a hard time making sense of hit.

BB: Yeah Me too!

Jack: That’s the way the Iowa caucus goes. ---

MizP: An we got ‘nother’n comin up I heer?

Jack: Right – by this time next week we’ll hear from New Hampshire.

BB: Whut air they a’goin’ ta deecide?

Homer: Same thang theys’ tryin’ ta dee-cide in I-oh-way…

Jack: Right Billy-bob -- selecting delegates to their convention.

MizP: Allof a suddin we’s in th’ middle of electrifyin’ th ‘lection.

Homer: Thas rite Miz P… an rite down heer in South Car’liner we….

BB: We’s gonna do th’ same thang on th’ twenny-firs’ of Jan-u-erry.

MizP: Oh… I had done fergot all ‘bout tha-ut.

But who won yestiddy?

Jack: It’s not all settled yet.

BB: They’s more procedurin’ ta go on.

MizP: They’s still a-makin’ up they mines?

Jack: Something like that. Iowa’s selection is different from other states.

BB: Ah – fer one, will be glad when we git outtn th’ woods.

Homer: So will Ah Mr. Bill.

MizP: Well hit’s all cornfusin’ ta me.

Homer: Hit is ta mos everbody, Miz Pearlie. We’ll splain hit to yer.

Jack: I’m afraid our time for ‘splainin—will have to come later…

BB: Time up already?

Jack: Just flies… See you’all next week. I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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THE NOISE YOU HEAR CELEBRATES UNCERTAINTY -- for JUST A MINUTE Radio on Tuesday 120103

2012-01-02T23:02:00.000-05:00

Glad you found us today. It’s been a regular maze of uncertainty in network worlds in this holiday complex – sort of beginning at Thanksgiving. I think all the New Year’s noise and fireworks causes the groundhogs to quake in their dens and perhaps is reason for delaying Spring. Although we shouldn’t be complaining about that yet – not much at least lest we disturb the ancient ideas of the North Wind becoming angry with us down in the ‘warmer climes.

Surely by now, you are just about full to the brim of all the pre-primary ‘news’ that has come your way. We’ll try in this ‘interval to at least give you something different and possibly still informative. If you listen to the program for today you’ll get an idea of where I’m coming from. It was possible to see this ‘bolus’ of information and activity coming way back ‘yonder’ when Mr. Obama started campaigning full throttle as he still had 2 years to go on his term in the U.S. Senate as one of the senators from Illinois. But ever since the days of Al Capone an the Chicago ‘machine’ Illinois has been a bifurcated state with the head next to Lake Michigan and the foot being down south (in the Northern sense). I don’t think Abraham Lincoln had it that tough in his early days of legislating.

In any case we’ll do the best we can to point in the right direction. There are many voices hollering from the grandstands telling you which way to look. We each best be looking to the Lord for our guidance and listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit as we read the scriptures and whatever devotional material we utilize day by day. When the voices become clamorous, Satan takes it as good ‘cover’ for him to be putting in his own two-cents worth to distract us – or lead us off of the path of God’s way. That’s why we need the ‘washing of the water of the Word’ every day – and I thank Him for His provision of that daily manna for our blessing.

Better go get with the program – I say to myself. Best wishes to you too… as you search for the truth of what’s happening today in God’s world. .

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THE NOISE YOU HEAR CELEBRATES UNCERTAINTY.

Just a Minute: Today, I doubt you will hear the sound of the starter’s pistol. Nonetheless, it’s the start of one of the most significant political races of this, or any other century. We have less than a minute to talk about it.

This affects every family and every individual in America. The first phase tells you who they are and why they want to be elected; the second is the long slog through the primary states to win the nomination; and the third is the election itself in November.

If you look long and hard you’ll see a lot of 1980 in 2012 – that was the year Jimmy Carter lost his Presidency to Ronald Reagan. Carter got to the place where his own party didn’t like him. The big difference now is everyone has seen the candidates and formed some kind of opinion. A big factor in that process is the fact the second administration will be worse than the first.

Think of it – Obama freed of the restraint of having to face the electorate again.

Wise political observers say – “Believe me – you don’t want to go there!”

<> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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YOU TRULY NEED A PROGRAM! -- Just A Minute Radio for Monday 120102

2011-12-30T22:43:00.001-05:00

Ok-ey Doak-ey – here we are in another year!

And just as confused as ever. (L) We’re supposed to find out how many Iowa delegates will be voting for which candidate when the nominating convention of the Republican Party convenes in Florida this summer. But we really have no idea who we want to be the candidate for this party YET! Things have been so mixed up so far – according to the MSM (main stream media for those who do not follow Rush Limbaugh’s line of speech) and I doubt if we’ll get an iron-clad verdict this week even though millions of $$$ have been expended in the process… both of contributed tax type money and that voluntarily donated by supporters.

It’s going to be a long year – I fear… and we’re just starting. But perhaps the excitement of the possibility of making change will indeed stir the corpuscles and crank up the engine.

I’ve started off the new year with a grand, cold, sore throat and cough… so don’t get too close to the radio… stranger things have happened.

Tomorrow we’ll do some more ‘educated guessing’ and watch the pros do the same thing… and sometime down in the week – or maybe the month – we’ll get an indication of just what happened in Iowa in January. The difficulty is the process has been shoved up to the head of the line… and penalties on who gets to vote at the convention are being imposed by Party rules… so we really have nothing substantive – or maybe definitive – to really show for the efforts that have gone on before.

Meanwhile, our President and his family and I presume knighted members of his Cabinet are working on their golf game… (90 rounds or so for POTUS) and lots of heavy thinking… (Rhymes with imbibing)… and so the Ship of State sails on it’s deficit way.

We’ll try to be more informative – if possible, tomorrow.

Cordially, IN HIM (J)

Jack

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“JUST A MINUTE”

YOU TRULY NEED A PROGRAM!

Just a Minute: It’s a near impossibility this year to tell the players without a program – but since I’m short on time lemme reel off the ones *I* think at least have a chance.

Romney and Paul, (of all people), are statistically tied for first. And amazingly the media virtually ignores the fact Iowa’s previous caucuses have a spotty record for choosing the eventual winners. Santorum is closing in and a strong possibility for third – and from there on it’s Perry, Gingrich and possibly even Bachmann.

You can put those last three in almost any order you wish with a roll of the dice – they’ve all held the lead at one time or another.

Jump toward the end: We’ve experienced ‘faddist’ styles in candidates like we did in Jr. Hi School when loafers or blue denim’s or whatever came into style and faded. Each has experienced a surge – Mitt’s has been relatively steady which is due to his showing four years ago – and calmer strategy and planning – plus lots of steady cash.

So who’ll win? Be listening on Tuesday. <> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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IS #2 ABOUT TO BECOME #3? -- for Just A Minute Radio on Friday 111230

2011-12-24T22:59:00.001-05:00

Here’s the last message to aim for the last week of 2011… I’m glad to be thru with this year.

The Crystal Ball game is cloudy – mainly because of mud being stirred up from the bottom. Visibility is clouded by an abundance of speculation. I’ve seen Pundits change their predictions at 15 minute intervals. That was particularly true on the last ‘showdown’ trap into which Speaker Boehner walked. But when things happen that fast it’s hard to see the curve balls coming.

Anyway – “Once bitten; twice shy.* as the old saying goes. But many of the newbies in this Congress don’t have the ‘battle’ experience that tells them the other side is laying a trap. So they blithely march on till it’s too late – and the only tools left are apologies and retreats. All of which amounts to ‘eating crow’ – and that’s not something you ‘develop a taste for.’

However we now have a years’s worth of House veterans who at least have undergone a bit of ‘class warfare’ and are learning fast. Some will be casualties – but that’s the result of desiring to be a ‘public servant.”

I heard it put fairly succinctly last week when an experienced legislator said something like: “We come here to serve the people – then we stay here to serve ourselves.

How true how true… and an honest statement by an honest member. If we have more members who look at themselves stringently instead of self-servingly – things will go a LOT smoother and fairer -- and the folks back home won’t be disappointed.

So – this’ll be the last message of 2011 – and next week we start on a clean slate. BUT I think it wise not to think the battle is over. It’s hardly begun. There was some ‘Foxhole Humor’ that survived WWII… one of the axioms I fondly recall was from an infantryman who wasn’t really *trying* to sound bitter… he just told it like he felt it. It said: “Well, it goes along like this for a while – then it gets worse!” That’s probably what ought to be expected for the next couple of years after the self-created god has fallen from grace. Existence still goes on--- and if the tubers aren’t too big you can probably get to where they don’t taste bad at all. It seems to be what comes with the game… like playing with a wire connected to the 3^rd rail. When the game’s no fun any more – it’s time to leave.

Too many of our ‘public servants’ have failed to heed the warnings.

OK… signing off for today --- and this year.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

Have a blessed New Year in the Lord!

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“JUST A MINUTE”

IS THE #2 ABOUT TO BECOME #3?

Just a Minute: Is Burger-King about to lose his throne? Remember the “Where’s The Beef?” hamburger wars about 25 years ago? Maybe we’re going to travel that way again. The American people – at least a hefty portion of them – are ‘plumb upset’ the way things are going with our government. They’re about to ‘throw the bums out’ – they’ve been asking “Where’s the beef?” too long… it’s time for answers and it appears it’s more than ‘tea party’ time.

Last week Wendy’s got ready to pass the usual hamburger #2 slot with 1400 fewer stores than Burger King – the usual occupant as the second ranked hamburger purveyor. Does this intimate there’s rebellion in the lower ranks of America’s fast food consumers?

The unquestioned leader in hamburgers is McDonalds selling about 2.3 million dollars worth a year; whereas both Burger King and Wendy’s sell about 2.6 million together. To what do we attribute this shift in taste?

Sure there’ve have been menu changes but little Wendy in pig tails may be joggling the physically larger monarch because Americans are gonna upset the Hamburger cart signifying bigger changes to come. Stay tuned.

<> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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THERE'S A DIFFERENT CELEBRATION GOING ON -- for Just A Minute Radio on Thursday 111229

2011-12-24T16:40:00.001-05:00

Working our way between Christmas and New Years:

And we begin today’s JUST A MINUTE with a brief understanding of what Hanukkah – the Jewish Holiday connected with the feast of lights – is about.

It’s a *very* short course in Hebrew History… but the Syrian Greeks had occupied the territory called Israel these days for going on 200 years. Obviously that didn’t sit well with either party. Finally a Jacobean hero – Judas Maccabaeus. He began to rouse the Jews telling them they could re-take their homeland if only they would get to it.

Certainly I was not there – but he comes across in some of the history as a man who is cut out for the front lines. Since my knowledge of Hebrew History is very thin… I did take a course in it years ago – but ancient history isn’t my field of study for excellence. I do enjoy history – and Hebrew history is sprinkled with history. There’s just a lot of names, dates and places that are not in my short file stack. (L). My teacher was Dr. J.Barton Payne who put together an amazing Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy in the early ‘70’s before there were computers sprinkled around the land. I’m sure he had help of some graduate students…. But it was and still is an amazing compilation of particularly Old Testament prophecy.

He was quite a scholar especially in Greek. Unfortunately when he was visiting his missionary son in Japan he went on a hike intending to climb Mt. Fuji with his son. At the last moment the son had to take another assignment but Dr. Payne did not want to miss the opportunity to climb the famous mountain. There were signs along the mountain’s trails which warned not to take certain routes because of their danger – but Dr. Payne was not a Japanese linguist – and apparently taking the wrong trail he fell and being all alone was injured fatally. How ironic that such an educated scholar happened upon a trail marked in a language with which he was not familiar and it cost him his life.

I suppose it shows us that even the most dedicated and skilled are sometimes found seriously short of knowledge that is vitally important.

I hope you’ve had your interest whetted in ancient and modern history. It is after all…. HIS story.

Thanks for walking with me today.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THERE’S A DIFFERENT CELEBRATION GOING ON

Just a Minute: I had not realized it but the Jewish celebration called Hanukkah -- is also called Chanukah -- in some books. I’m not partial to either but in looking up I found some Marine outfits are particularly attracted to its tradition of being ‘the few and the proud.’

Essentially it commemorates the victory of the Jews in 165 BC over the Syrian Greeks who had occupied their country, and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is Hebrew for “dedication.”

They light one candle in a candleholder each night for eight nights in memory of a legend that the lamps burned, without enough oil, miraculously for a week. An eight-day festival begins on the 25th day of Kislev, commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over Antiochus Epiphanes. Formerly it was one of the lesser Jewish festivals, but today it’s celebrated by Jews especially the United States, where it occurs usually during the celebration of Christmas.

In any case it’s part of our celebration between Christmas and New Years.

<> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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WHAT KINDA REPORT CARD DO WE GET THIS YEAR? -- for JUST A MINUTE RADIO -- on Wednesday 111228

2011-12-24T13:02:00.000-05:00

OK -- Hard to believe but we’re just today, tomorrow and Friday before our work here at the ‘update’ fair is done.

Yessiree… I was wondering if the end of 2011 would ever get here as Mr. O continued his ‘shovel-ready’ work of preparing the biggest [deficit] hole in modern history! He is (I think) out there in the westernmost state of this honorable Union diggin’ with the *divot machine* to set a new Guinness Record of the most golf played by any U.S. President in any term in the White House.

That will apparently go on the mantelpiece of the mansion he reclaims back in Chicago if he can tear himself away from Washington after he has set the bar at the lowest possible point for any POTUS. After the ‘Obama’ era if there is a President who manages to exceed the record of ‘dishonorably discharging the responsibilities of POTUS’ it is highly un-likely the USA will continue to exist except in the history books and one of the 17 MARVELS of the Western World for leakage from a government treasury.

It is un-likely, if he wins a second term, there will be enough money in the treasury to fuel Air Force One and its supporting fleet of backups and vehicle transport aircraft to make any trips of greater length than from Andrews Forces base to Dulles where one can transfer to domesticated commercial airplanes. Even then they will have a tough time operating after the collapse of the Air Traffic Control Centers due to strikes by the appropriate (or inappropriate) unions who believe they have been cut out of the largesse.

The bright spot in the coming economic situation in such an eventuary situation would be only for the printing industry (in order to fulfill U.S. Treasury’s needs for paper money manufacturing machines – formerly called ‘presses’) and a great boom in the paper supplying part of the American economy – although it will probably also be short of manpower due to the starvation situation that is forecast to develop once the AFL-CIO party gets control of the economic levers in what’s left in 2014 of the formerly American economy.

The only difficulty the newly installed second term POTUS would encounter is that the pipefitters and plumbers unions are unable to outfit the President’s newly-expecting-to-be-built mansion. Its location has yet to be determined due to the inability of the transportation or electronic communications networks to function in light of the totality of the world’s economic bailout failure.

Fact is we’re storing up ink cartridges in order to ensure the ability to print and run the communications networks in 2015 and beyond when total collapse is forecast.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERY BODY. (L)

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

==========================

“JUST A MINUTE”

WHAT KINDA REPORT CARD DO WE GIT THIS YEAR?

MizP: Jist A Minit: Do you thank hit’s gonna be a better yeah, Mr. Jack?

Jack: I guess I always think so, Miz Pearl.

MizP: You mean the way we tawks to one another…?

Jack: I believe Bait Shop and Sushi Bar bunch seems to get along OK. .

BB: You’s tawkin’ ‘bout the Congers aint’cher?.

Jack: Well Mr. Billy – they could easily be exhibit “A”….

But I think the problem lies deeper than that.

MizP: Ah reckon you’s got a wider target – field of view.

Homer: We’s jist come through Chris-mus and you’s seed sumpin…

Jack: You’ve touched on it, Homer. It’s called the Bible belt ---

MizP: An shunt hit be?

Jack: Look around us… there’s a lot of Charity going on … but…

BB: But they’s a whole lotta wickedness too…

Jack: Right Mr. Bill… and that’s a result of …

MizP: Hit’s people turnin’ they’re backs on God. We puff’s our seves up

but hit’s only 2 percent we give away.

Homer: If’n you go down that road Miz P… we won’t git done today. .

Jack: Right Homer –

MizP: We claims to be so gen-rous – but that’s the wrong place to look…

BB: No – we ain’t perfect – they’s only one who’s perfect…

Homer: An we jist celebrated His birfday.

MizP: How comes we meks such big mistakes.

Jack: It’s in God’s word Miz Pearl – all we need to do is read it and …

BB: And accept hit, Mr. Jack -- lots of us’n jist turn away.

MizP: Or they relies on they own good works.

Homer: Thas the mistake th Rich young ruler done made…

BB: An lotsa other people too.

Jack: But there is a Saviour – the only one.

MizP: Like you say we jist celebrated his birth…

Jack: That’s right Miz Pearl… it brings us to the end today…

MizP: Les meditate on hit this comin’ year.

Jack: Great Idea… sorry we have to go Happy New Year everybody!

<>. I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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PYONGYANG MAKES NEIGHBORS NERVOUS -- Just A Minute Radio for Tuesday 111227

2011-12-24T00:26:00.000-05:00

Holidays --- and another one just around the corner of the weekend.

Plus Congress trying to decide how to unlock the horns of deadblock without getting mud all over themselves and looking silly. It’s a difficult job – especially when trying to look impressive and making the moves that show the Nation you know what you’re doing. It’s hard when you don’t!

Well… that’s a sentence you’ll probably want to save until after New Year’s Day when you can chew over it like a dog with a bone.

These Freshmen House members are beginning to grasp the fatigue and difficulties that looked so easily resolved when observed through a glass’n’glistening TV screen.

Everybody’s got to get broken-in somehow. But it looks like some of the truth that has been being batted around the Capital Dome and getting rather fractured is beginning to have some import – real Importance for a change. If the GOP drops the ball on this election and we’re all faced with the prospect of four more years of trillion dollar deficits and 26 Presidential games of golf a year it’s gonna be a hot time in the old town [make that Chicago] tonight! I don’t think it’ll ignite another fire as bad as the one that just about wiped Chicago off the map – but it’s gonna be hot. And we’re just about to enter the furnace.

The primary election battle in the hinterlands will temper the activity of the last two years because we have a ‘PRESIDENTIAL’ election to navigate. Look back to the long Bush-Gore Shad-counting ballot in Florida that just about jerked a knot in our tail.

That should give some weight (gravitas) to the contest. But since we have already seen Barney Foof take to the sidelines – there will be more I’m sure.

Some years ago in my home town of Roanoke, Virginia when the ‘fireworks’ laws were not as well monitored as they are now, someone for a joke tossed a cherry bomb in the middle of a huge fireworks display across the street from a Junior High School building. *Fortunately* it was not on a day when school was in session or there would have been far more casualties than there were. But there were enough of the scared and wounded that Roanoke has never been the same since.

I’m fairly convinced we’re in the middle of such a powder-keg setting across America for this coming year. I’m not so concerned about physical violence as I am about moral violence. When you start down a steep and slippery slope if there’s enough incline and slickness there will be serious injuries before the contest is over – possibly of the nature like that Congresswoman Giffords experienced in Arizona – but more likely to the structure of our freedoms and moral tone in America. We can go so far that there will be no coming back.

For that and the morality of our nation we’d better give ourselves to serious prayer. May God bless us all.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

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“JUST A MINUTE”

PYONGYANG MAKES NEIGHBORS NERVOUS

Just a Minute: “They’re trying to do things they’re not very good at…” according to Mr. Jeffrey Lewis of the ‘James Martin Center for Non-Proliferation Studies’ in D.C. He says North Korea is the kind of country who would build nuclear arms which don’t work.

Problem is North Korea’s recent missile efforts have been sullied by misfires and operational difficulties – it’s that kind of country, North Korea experts say. The problem is exacerbated by North Korean leadership which kicked out the IAEA inspectors in early 2009 – and since then have invited foreign scientists, including Americans, to visit a secret enrichment operation in 2010

Apparently North Korea has developed a taste for highly enriched uranium rather than the plutonium-based bombs they have already stored. They seem to be using the lower grade explosives to throw watch-dogs off the track. It’s a trick also possibly being used by Iran.

So rather than add North Korea to our ‘worry’ list – we’d be better off adding them to our prayer list. <> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

Jebco Editorial Service

www.wmuu.com

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2011-12-23T17:13:00.001-05:00

The file should now be attached. – Jack

WHO ARE THE WISE MEN? -- Just A Minute Radio for Monday 111226

2011-12-23T17:09:00.001-05:00

We hope you had a very pleasant and happy Christmas yesterday.

Today we’re ready to help you pick up the toys that are ‘scattered and broken’ I fear – that St. Nicholas won’t come again for a year…

And by that time all the Christmas good cheer will have to be renewed. (J) – Which does happen every year—we hope.

Well… we do have a more permanent outlook if we set aside the ‘temporal things’ that disappear and break and have to be replaced and all that… and turn our eyes to the skies – as the poets say and concentrate – or perhaps the better word is meditate on things that don’t get lost or broken so quickly.

My memory was (and still is to a degree) that there’s a period of sadness that seems to follow the highlights of good cheer and family fellowship.

The sobering moment for me this year came during the run-up to Christmas. Working on JUST A MINUTE almost every day – seems to get me caught up in the moment – especially the election moment that will come up in 2012 – when I believe there is so much at stake. So… I need to concentrate on the eternal and not be so caught up in what is temporary and going to be caught up by thieves and stolen.

Well… that’s the way the world works. And up to now we haven’t known anything but existence in this world. But my younger brother Jimmy, who lives in Virginia where we grew up together, have been apart for something like 60+ years and while we’ve kept in touch it’s not the same as living in the same house, eating at the same table and all that goes with it. So… as they years go by I find myself being more and more nostalgic for the ‘good old days.’ (Maybe they weren’t so good as we imagined.) Especially since we’ve had a broader taste of ageing and the difficulties that entails.

All that to say I’m finding as I near the 80+ mark at the end of next month… well it’s a bit intimidating. Now that I’ve gotten started on the subject I’ll probably revisit it in the coming week between the holidays. I hope you’ll join us.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack & Barbara

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“JUST A MINUTE”

WHO ARE THE WISE MEN?

Just a Minute: Christmas was yesterday – but a question lingers in the air today from B.Y. Williams poem: Who are the Wise Men?

Who were the wise men of long ago?

Not Herod, fearful lest he lose his throne;

Not Pharisee’s too proud to claim their own;

Not priests and scribes whose province was to know;

Nor money-changers running to and fro;

But three who traveled, weary and alone

With dauntless faith because before them shone

The Star that led them to a manger low.

Who are the Wise Men now when all is told?

Not men of science; not the great and strong;

Not those who wear a kingly diadem;

Not those whose eager hands pile high the gold;

But those amid the tumult and the throng

Who follow still the Star of Bethlehem.

--B.Y. Williams

So since that wonderful, sacred, worshipful day is gone until another year rolls round. We’ll cap our cheer for now and aim to live for HIM preparing for the coming year to trust HE will be coming soon.

<> I’m Jack Buttram (END)

Jebco Editorial Service

www.wmuu-fm.com

e-mail n4zhk@arrl.net

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THE SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS - for Just A Minute Radio - Friday 111223

2011-12-22T15:18:00.001-05:00

We have almost arrived at the wonderful time for the Sugar Plumb Fairies to dance – Christmas Eve tomorrow.

So it’s a very special treat for the kiddo’s… at least it was for me. I often am transported back to times when our two maiden aunts who lived near us in Southwest Virginia (and it still wasn’t very near in that New River Valley area that still looks like wilderness) would make a big deal out of Christmas Eve for my ‘little’ brother and me.

I’m about four years older than he is and I’m not really sure I was a ‘good’ BIG brother. I think I kept him from ‘taggin’ along when I was playing with the bigger guys. Of course that kept him out of a lot of trouble… but it was also something that I’m sure ‘hurt his feelings… at least looking back on it I’m pretty sure that was the case.

Anyway – Christmas Eve meant after dark we were ‘dodging’ Santa’s sleigh. You know if HE saw you were still up and about he might not stop at all at our house. (L)… and that wasn’t pleasant to contemplate. My Aunt Emma was always teasing us with pretending to see Santa nearby and we would duck down behind the driver or passenger seats in the old ’35 Ford. [I wonder where that old car is now? Dad had to put three or four rebuilt engines in it up through my college days – I didn’t have access to it. Times were hard… Dad made everything count… and buying a new car on a mail clerk’s salary during the Depression wasn’t a high priority. I’m glad I could ride the bus for 10cents.

I gotta get out of here. My producer Angelo wants me to get the programs ‘in the can’ for next week. So… I’d better get with it.

Have a great Christmas everybody. Praise the Lord and we’ll see you before New Years’

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THE SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS

Just a Minute: Today we conclude the story of Jesus’ birth:

When the wise men departed, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

So Joseph took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Then Herod, when he saw he was mocked by the wise men, was angry and sent forth, to slay all the children that were in Bethlehem from two years old and under.

It was fulfilled which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “In Rama was heard, lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children because they were not.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt -- saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel – and being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

So we conclude the Christmas story today with our best wish for a blessed Christmas for you and our families. <> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

Jebco Editorial Service

www.wmuu-fm.com

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THE VISIT OF THE MAGI -- THE WISE MEN -- For Just A Minute Radio on Thursday 111222

2011-12-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

It’s not exactly difficult to realize we’re getting toward the New Year is it?

Everybody has it in their mind that Winter begins on December 21 … and ordinarily that would be true. But according to the OFA (Old Farmer’s Almanac) the sun crossed the equator – effectively moving from the northern hemisphere to the southern at 12:30 AM *today*… i.e. 30 minutes into December 22 (Today! At least it’s *supposed* to do it that way. And for this kind of stuff I think the OFA has a reputation of some length to maintain so I tend to figure they’re correct. They’ve certainly been at it a LOT longer than I have.

Meantime – Washington is in a dither. I’m not taking much time for it – I know you’ve heard and seen more than you wanted already. Seems to me like the ladies and gentlemen who pull down the kinds of salaries they do… well they ought to be able to get the simplified deadlines of passing the budget etc. etc… done on time. After all it’s not like a sudden surprise appointment.

Yeah… yeah… I know… things get busy at Christmas – but if you were going to be ‘docked’ by the hour minute or day… you’d be certain to get things done when they are supposed to be done!

Well… it’s too close to Christmas to be playing Scrooge! (L) Let’s go on to more pleasant things. --- One of the ‘unpleasant’ things that hit me Wednesday morning was that my blood glucose level (blood sugar) was out of tolerable range for me by about 15 points. We’ll see if I can pass up enough holiday sweets to get it back down in range.

Meantime I took a walk in the drizzle yesterday with one of my grandsons and my dog … He’s the smart one in the family I’m referring to my grandson … Smart on computer stuff and cars and things. So I find him a neat companion when we’re just battling drizzle… Yesterday wasn’t too bad for the battle… and I guess it’s doing us good climate-wise. Too often we tend to get crispy-brown over the summer weather sometime – and it takes a lot of rain for all the lakes to recover. But that’s the ‘way the cookie crumbles’ I hear. I also wonder who it was that thought up that slogan.

I hope your Christmas cookie isn’t crumbling.

I’ve found a very good cure for crumbling cookies. Submerge yourself in. say, the book of Job… and read it all the way through. [You can do it in less than an hour.] You’ll come out feeling a whole lot better! I think the Lord put that story in our Bibles so we couldn’t say something like, “I’ve got it worse than anyone!” You can’t seriously read the book of Job –especially right at Christmas time and think you had it worse than Job. Well… I won’t try to convince you today. (Tomorrow maybe – (J)

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack & Barbara

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THE VISIT OF THE MAGI – THE WISE MEN

Just a Minute: Today we learn of the Wise Men’s arrival in our holiday series.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

He gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, and demanded of them where Christ should be born.

They said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

So he sent them to Bethlehem, saying: Go and search diligently for the young child and when you have found him bring me word again that I may come and worship him also..

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. -- And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:

And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

<> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

Jebco Editorial Service

www.wmuu-fm.com

e-mail n4zhk@arrl.net

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www.justaminuteradio.blogspot.com - Just A Minute: meaningful commentary on today's issues

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PYONGYANG MAKES NEIGHBORS NERVOUS -- Just A Minute Radio for Tuesday 111227

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WHO ARE THE WISE MEN? -- Just A Minute Radio for Monday 111226

THE SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS - for Just A Minute Radio - Friday 111223

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