tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82081126956064979062024-03-05T12:44:03.103-08:00The Abbeville Journal & ReviewAll of the: News, Opinions, and Local History that is fit to print about Abbeville, South Carolina; and the interesting people who live there.frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-83383940427426303852011-07-27T23:41:00.000-07:002011-07-27T23:49:19.633-07:00Abbeville Property Tax Deliquincies are way up this year.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8EoysNDi3ntwsITC8N2ih8r-rYIyWAqtGi0CB1dtHNmxpUqeSZAE2fri6_R7VUgVU8lu_4Nb1C2RsoPHw-Vb4HR5adGK4AavQxYLRrotginZasKRVuBFC5VKK4Jo23ljkCkzmMuEszw/s1600/post+office+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8EoysNDi3ntwsITC8N2ih8r-rYIyWAqtGi0CB1dtHNmxpUqeSZAE2fri6_R7VUgVU8lu_4Nb1C2RsoPHw-Vb4HR5adGK4AavQxYLRrotginZasKRVuBFC5VKK4Jo23ljkCkzmMuEszw/s200/post+office+photo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Generic <b>Post Office</b> photo....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to <b>The Abbeville Post Office</b>, the number of: <span style="color: white;">" Delinquent Tax Notices "</span> - this year has completely dwarfed all previous years. Whether it's our: <b><i>20 Percent Local Unemployment Rate</i></b>, <b><i>Stagnant Personal Wages</i> Over 20 Years Of Inflation</b>, or <b><i>Just The Economy In General</i></b> - is now functionally irrelevant. What is relevant, however, is <b>' The Lesson Involved '</b>. When <b>The Worst Case Scenario </b>eventually happens, as it always inevitably does, the importance of <i><b>Principles</b></i> soon becomes obvious to everyone!<br />
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When the average <b><i>Hard-Working </i></b>and <b><i>Law-Abiding Tax Slave</i></b> is threatened with losing his home, it's an eye opening experience for all of us. Our <b>State </b>and <b>Federal Governments</b> already tax us at all points in the process.... they take it when we earn it, they take it when we spend it, they take it when we give it away, and they take it when we die... they add in special taxes for: <b><i>Gasoline</i></b>, <b><i>Automotive Parts</i></b>, <b><i>Alcohol</i></b>, <b><i>Tobacco</i></b>, <b><i>Firearms</i></b>, and many other <b><i>Selective Products</i></b>... they add in: <b><i>Special Licenses</i></b>, <b><i>Permits</i></b>, <b><i>Registrations</i></b>, <b><i>Usage Taxes</i></b>, and <b><i>Fees</i></b>... and leave us virtually nothing, upon which a man might rightfully exist. <br />
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But then, we must face <b>The Local Tax Offices</b>.... who exist for the sole purpose of continually forcing us back into The National Workforce - after a lifetime are hard fought labors! You see, <b>Property Taxes</b> are are just a fancy governmental term for <b><i>Legalized Extortion</i></b>. Why should a man pay rent to a governmental landlord - in order to keep what's already his, by his own human efforts and right? Why should he be forced to choose between: <i>Food</i>, <i>Clothing</i>, and <i>Shelter</i> - when that shelter has already been paid for? <b>In Principle</b>, this truly isn't right!<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Now many of you will bring up: <b>Public Safety</b> and <b>Our Schools</b> - which are obviously quite necessary... after all, you always do when anyone mentions this particular subject... but, you never answer <b>The Obvious Response</b> on everyone-else's minds. Why must it be <b>' A Property Tax '</b>? There's dozens of reasons, why it shouldn't be; but I know of absolutely none, why it should!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Many Troubles With <b>Property Tax</b>:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Poor Counties</b> can't maintain their: buildings, teachers, or schools; While <b>Rich Ones</b> suffer absolutely no hardships.</li>
<li><b>Renters</b> are forced to pay their landlords double the effective rate of other non-commercial properties - because its included in their own rent. Thus, <b>The Poorest People Among Us</b> are taxed at a much higher rate - while getting no credit for having actually paid it.</li>
<li><b>Businesses</b> are either: <i>Constantly Getting Exemptions </i>[ to stay here ], <i>Taxed Out Of Existence</i> [ because their own process requires large amounts of: Land, Capital Equipment, and Inventory ], or <i>Grossly Under Taxed</i> [ since a 200 million dollar business, can now quite easily be run from your own home ]. In either case, the local citizenry always suffers through either: <b><i>Higher Taxes</i></b>, <b><i>Higher Unemployment</i></b>, or <b><i>Grossly Underfunded Services</i></b>.</li>
<li>Meanwhile: <b>The Elderly</b>, <b>Retired People</b>, and <b>The Situational Poor</b> - are constantly being punished by such an unfair and inequitable system as <i><b>The Property Tax</b></i>.</li>
</ul>
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Wake Up, <b>America</b>, Extortion Is Wrong! It's wrong when the gangsters do it... it's wrong when your own neighbor does it... and it's wrong when the government does it. It's <b>' A Bad Principle '</b>, whose time has long since expired. President <b>Barack Hussein Obama</b> was right about one thing... it is, <b>The Right Time</b> for a true change of national direction. <b>America</b> needs to return to its <b>Original Founding Principles</b> of: <b><i>Freedom</i></b>, <b><i>Equality</i></b>, and <b><i>Brotherhood</i></b> - before it's far too late! <br />
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<blockquote>
{ <b><span style="color: white;">***</span> NOTE:</b> If you're not <b><i>A Believer</i></b>, or are offended by <b>' The Truth '</b>, then don't bother reading below this line! You have been warned... the rest is up to you. }</blockquote>
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div>
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Sadly, however, it's not going to happen.... The answer, to whether <b><i>America</i></b> may be found in <b>Biblical Prophecy</b>, has already been answered in <b>The Affirmative</b>... and, more importantly, certain <b>' Verifiable Prophecies ' </b>have already begun!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just <b>This Year</b>, In 2011:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://usa-prophecies.blogspot.com/2011/06/isaiah-19-political-unrest-in-egypt.html">The Troubles Surrounding The Kingdoms Of Egypt Began.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1482100388">The Empire Of Japan Had An Earthquake And Tsunami.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://usa-prophecies.blogspot.com/2011/05/2011-japanese-earthquake-was-predicted.html">The United States Withdrew Its Forces From Japan.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://usa-prophecies.blogspot.com/2011/06/mississippi-flood-2011-biblical-event.html">The Mississippi River Is Still Flooding After Five Whole Months.</a></li>
<li>The Storms Of The Bible Belt Have Been Devastating.</li>
<li>We've Had Natural Disasters All Across Our Nation.</li>
<li><a href="http://usa-prophecies.blogspot.com/2011/07/space-shuttle-atlantis-americas-last.html">The American Space Program Has Now Ended.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://fbarbour.blogspot.com/2011/07/american-debt-default-looming.html">And The Debt Crisis Will Soon Explode In Our Faces.</a></li>
</ul>
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<b>Seven </b><b>Specific Prophecies</b> have all occurred in <b>' The Exact Sequence Biblically Specified '</b> - during the course of 2011... and all of them are relevant to only one nation, ever mentioned, within <b><i>The Prophecies</i></b>! That nation is <b>' Latter Day Canaan </b>[ or Tyre ] <b>'</b>; but, I just call it: <b>" <a href="http://usa-prophecies.blogspot.com/">America In Prophecy</a> "</b>.<br />
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If you're wondering where I've been, I started this new blog - since no one else, anywhere, was providing <b>' The Truth About What's Coming '</b>. I'll try to do better in my <b>Abbeville Postings</b>, now that I'm finally caught up. It's hard work building an entirely new blog from scratch....<br />
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<br />frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-14427658135741012192011-03-30T12:28:00.000-07:002011-03-30T13:47:08.067-07:00A Walking Tour Of Abbeville In The Springtime....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f078c0a60725f21c7007f000000000001.PIC_0182.JPG" id="aptureLink_KbbSXTNi2m" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="158px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f078c0a60725f21c7007f000000000001.PIC_0182.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="PIC_0182" width="210px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Downtown Renovation continues....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While construction continues upon <b><i>The Downtown Abbeville</i> Renovation Project</b>, and the City of Abbeville is undergoing <i>A Very Expensive</i> and <i>Time-Consuming Facelift</i> - leaving us with more than 30 fewer [but, still highly-needed] parking spaces - <b>The Natural Effects Of Springtime</b> have given us <i>Some "True Splendors" To Enjoy</i>, at virtually no public expense! The following local photos were taken around Abbeville, over several <i>Warm</i> and <i>Sunny Days</i>, by Linda Young and I, while walking around town. We both hope, that you shall thoroughly enjoy them!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07b1bb4478e937ee007f000000000001.PIC_0203.JPG" id="aptureLink_7T1myf60gZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="158px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07b1bb4478e937ee007f000000000001.PIC_0203.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="PIC_0203" width="210px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A magnificent: "Clump of Irises...."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Having started out - upon: "<b>Our Walk About</b>" - on <b><i>Magazine Street</i></b>, we were truly amazed by the simple beauty - which was once again flourishing along the wayside of <i>Abbeville's Mostly Unadorned</i> and <i>Middle Class Neighborhoods</i>. From: <b>The Dogwoods </b>and <b>Daffodils</b> [which were fully in bloom], to <b>The Lawns </b>and <b>Hedges</b> [that provided their verdant background of contrasting greenery] - this two hour long stroll provided <i><b>Much Delicate Food For The Soul</b></i>... and together, <b>We Praised Yahweh</b> - for such abundantly ample blessings!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07c1b646253b4cb4007f000000000001.PIC_0089.JPG" id="aptureLink_OBFFIwzRuv" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="158px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07c1b646253b4cb4007f000000000001.PIC_0089.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="PIC_0089" width="210px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "Camellia Bush" upon Magazine St.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And there were many, <b>Of These Natural </b>and <b>God-Given Blessings</b>, to be thoroughly grateful for... as we continued along, upon our walk! While many of us appreciate the magnanimous forethought of those who plant these: "<b>True Wonders Of Nature</b>," we often forget <b>The God Of Creation</b> who has provided for <i>Their </i><i>Natural Existence</i> and <i>Ongoing Sustenance</i> - since, "<b>The Very Beginning Of Time....</b>" <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07d6eab4f7d509dc007f000000000001.PIC_0087.JPG" id="aptureLink_IlJuU5Wm1a" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="158px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07d6eab4f7d509dc007f000000000001.PIC_0087.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="PIC_0087" width="210px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lush greenery as Spring Renews Itself....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Even as: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEbIRzAqNPo" id="aptureLink_aLulszJ4Dm">"<b>The Foundations Of Our Earth Are Now Being Shaken</b>" - as so long ago prophesied</a> - there is [yet] much beauty to be enjoyed, by those who fully appreciate, <b>Such Simple Things</b>. If only <b><i>The Majority</i></b> of Our Brothers And Sisters could [honestly] Wake Up - from <b>Their Spiritually Induced Slumber</b> and begin to appreciate, what they already possess! After all, what is the point of: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj-_YU09NLc" id="aptureLink_13poGfZsr7"><i>Money</i>, <i>Material Wealth</i>, and <i>Financial Success</i></a> <i></i> - if our entire entire lives are <b>Physically Consumed</b>, in pursuing them, to the exclusion of all else?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07e9638dc6849582007f000000000001.PIC_0162.JPG" id="aptureLink_3snArOla2W" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="158px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07e9638dc6849582007f000000000001.PIC_0162.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="PIC_0162" width="210px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One local homeowner has "The Right Idea."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As humans, we must [properly] dedicate: <a href="http://yahhudiim.blogspot.com/2011/03/middle-path-is-neither-zealotry-nor.html" id="aptureLink_ohBBT5Ry7t">"<b>At least, some portion of our lives</b>"</a> - towards an appreciation for the world, which fully surrounds us; and towards <b>Yahweh </b>[God Himself] who has so amply for provided it! In <i>The Rush</i> and <i>Hustle</i>, that is: "<b>Our Daily Life</b>" - for so many of us - we no longer understand <b><i>The True Importance</i></b> of <b>Such Balanced Perspectives</b>... and our: <i>Families</i>, <i>Homes</i>, <i>Local Communities</i>, <i>States</i>, and <i>Nations</i> - are [now] greatly suffering for it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07fc3c319dbecb34007f000000000001.PIC_0151.JPG" id="aptureLink_ZOfFT85ew9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="158px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f07fc3c319dbecb34007f000000000001.PIC_0151.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="PIC_0151" width="210px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A retaining wall on South Main Street. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>But for those, <a href="http://yahhudiim.blogspot.com/2011/02/prophetic-timeline-is-largely-fulfilled.html" id="aptureLink_3HpeMamTdM"><b>Who Fully Understand What Is [Now] Happening</b></a> - as so long ago promised, that it would eventually occur - such things aren't nearly as traumatic as they could be. In fact, we can take all of these things in stride, <b><i>In Our Faith</i></b> that: "Yahweh Is [now, and has always been] Fully In Control Of Everything" - as always....<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f081b7928478f9220007f000000000001.PIC_0103.JPG" id="aptureLink_YtptUkIl0C" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="158px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f081b7928478f9220007f000000000001.PIC_0103.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="PIC_0103" width="210px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>America</b> hasn't escaped, what's coming....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is not to say, that <b>Our Current Worldwide Events</b> aren't deeply disturbing and horrifically tragic for those now undergoing them... for, they most definitely are! After all, who among us, hasn't already felt: <a href="http://yahhudiim.blogspot.com/2011/03/isaiah-chapter-24-message-for-our-time.html" id="aptureLink_R6bxMe2qSt">"<b>The Ever-Increasing Birth Pains Of His Kingdom</b>"</a> - or has remained fully untouched, by <i>Their Personally Deleterious </i>and <i>Physical Effects</i>? Although we may not realize it yet, <b>America </b>[Itself]<b> Now</b> <b>Closely Resembles This Flag</b>, which we also captured - upon our own walk about town.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f0836ff538502383c007f000000000001.PIC_0137.JPG" id="aptureLink_GZ6DykgEtj" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="158px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012f0836ff538502383c007f000000000001.PIC_0137.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="PIC_0137" width="210px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another lovely flowering bush.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And undoubtedly, <b><a href="http://yahhudiim.blogspot.com/2011/03/is-america-babylon-great-or-false.html" id="aptureLink_HPrtt9arfD">Far Worse Is Now Coming...</a></b> But, then again, so is: <a href="http://yahhudiim.blogspot.com/2011/02/yahshuas-parables-wedding-feast.html" id="aptureLink_UatX2vpIL3">"<b>The Wedding Feast Of Yahshua!</b>"</a> For it is written, that: "<b>Yahweh Giveth</b> [that which is Truthfully Needed] <b>And Yahweh Taketh Away</b> [that which has continually hindered Our Own Spiritual Growth]..." and we can echo, <b><i>The True Sentiments Of His Prophets</i></b>, when we [ourselves] proclaim: "<b>Praised Be The Name Of Yahweh, In All Of The Earth</b>!"frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-81898201154947273892011-03-21T17:57:00.000-07:002011-03-30T14:42:57.654-07:00The Real Problem With All Of These Bailouts....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yourscoops.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Clarke-and-Dawe1.jpg" id="aptureLink_Of2IzdJ6nl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="170px" src="http://yourscoops.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Clarke-and-Dawe1.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="yourscoops.com » Blog Archive » Entertainment for Friday 30th July ..." width="180px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comedians Clarke and Dawe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Having stumbled into this very timely video, <b>By Clarke </b>and<b> Dawe</b>, which discusses the finer points of: <b>"Our Ongoing Financial Woes</b>" - I thought that you [also] might like to see it.... Absolutely No-One Can Explain <b>Such All-Important Matters</b> - like <b>Clarke</b> and<b> Dawe</b>! Just watch the following video, and you'll very soon see....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"<b>The Trouble With All Of These Bailouts....</b>"</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D0VhS8qXT0" id="aptureLink_DDYmR8lSj6" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"><img height="310px" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5D0VhS8qXT0/hqdefault.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Clarke and Dawe: Lending merry-go-round" width="380px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Clarke </b>and <b>Dawe </b>teach us to just: "<i>Follow The Money</i>...."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
I must say, that they really have a handle - upon <i><b>This Whole Financial</b></i> <b><i>Disaster</i></b> and <b><i>Lending Paradox</i></b>! "Who is going to Bailout, those Who Are Bailing Out, the ones Who Are Getting Bailed Out?" And, more importantly, who will be [actually] sitting, "<b>In A Sound Financial Chair</b>" - when the music finally stops? <b><i>The Answer</i></b> [of course] <b>Is:</b><b> </b>"<b>No One!</b>"frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-57257725636040879732011-01-11T14:00:00.000-08:002011-01-11T14:28:25.664-08:00The Blizzard Of 2011 And Global Warming<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d75b428f6f2722339007f000000000001.PIC_0014%282%29.jpg" id="aptureLink_R8BH7fT7Nv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d75b428f6f2722339007f000000000001.PIC_0014%282%29.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Snow covered house" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Blizzard of 2011</b> blanketed Abbeville homes....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While we continue to hear about the long term complications of: "<b>Global Warming</b>," "<b>Planetary Temperature Change</b>," and "<b>Climactic Shift</b>" - fewer and fewer Americans are [honestly] buying it! It's not that<b><i></i></b> <b><i>Planetary Temperature Change </i></b>isn't possible. Rather, it's exactly the opposite. Planetary Temperatures have never been stable... and yet, the very same plants and animals are still here - after [purportedly] millions of years. In fact, our planet has been several degrees warmer and entirely ice free - at several points in the past geologic record; and yet, amazingly, we still have <b>Polar Bears</b> today!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d76f6ac76f822eedb007f000000000001.Abbeville%20Courthouse%20Jan%202011.jpg" id="aptureLink_bZvjMsni5J" style="clear: right; display: block; margin: 0pt auto 1em; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d76f6ac76f822eedb007f000000000001.Abbeville%20Courthouse%20Jan%202011.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Abbeville Courthouse Jan 2011" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Abbeville County Courthouse</b> - Jan. 2011.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Most of us recognize the readily apparent reality that <i><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LattPwE4Rws" id="aptureLink_u4CSWGMXL5">Planetary Temperature Changes</a></b></i> will always continue to occur. After all, <b><i>Climactic Shift</i></b> has happened in naturally occurring cycles; and our more recent history doesn't display anything at all different. Nor, have our <b><i>Highly-Educated</i></b> and <b><i>Well-Compensated Scientists</i></b> displayed a very reliable track record when it comes to understanding such complex and natural processes. For all of our amazing technology, they continue to overturn their own scientific findings with an alarming frequency of regularity.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some [More Recent] Examples:</span><br />
<ul><li><b>Coffee:</b> Carcinogen, or Antioxidant?</li>
<li><b>Eggs:</b> Heart Attack Waiting To Happen, or Health Conscious Breakfast Food?</li>
<li><b>Cell Phones:</b> Microwave Radiation Threat, or Passively Useful Devices?</li>
<li><b>Sunscreens:</b> Cancer Preventative, or Specific Carcinogenic Threat? </li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d75bc566ac3265042007f000000000001.PIC_0008%282%29.jpg" id="aptureLink_mEzYY39Je8" style="clear: left; display: block; margin: 0pt auto 1em; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d75bc566ac3265042007f000000000001.PIC_0008%282%29.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Snow covered car in Abbeville" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy snowfall covered everything in sight....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In fact, it may be centuries before our scientists can [honestly] give us definitive answers to millions of <i><b>Highly Important Questions</b></i> upon which they continue to waffle with amazing regularity. And yet, these are all examples of things, which they have studied within a thoroughly-enclosed laboratory environment for decades... and they have also possessed reliable and quantifiable data to intellectually conjecture upon.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d76fd34c6e11cc9cb007f000000000001.Abbeville%20Monument%20Jan.%202011.jpg" id="aptureLink_AKUJLPe817" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d76fd34c6e11cc9cb007f000000000001.Abbeville%20Monument%20Jan.%202011.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Abbeville Monument Jan 2011" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <b>Confederate Memorial</b> upon the square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>However, the same cannot be said of: <b><i>Global Warming</i></b>, <b><i>Planetary Temperature Changes</i>, </b>or <b><i>Climactic Shift</i></b>. And even if it did, we couldn't establish a baseline - or knowledgeably select an ideal temperature to maintain - without an accurate and verifiable understanding of the true effects at different naturally occurring temperature ranges. Nor, could we document these effects without firsthand experience and accurately recording them. Consequently, <b>Temperature Change</b> is [honestly] <i><b>A Non-Issue</b></i> - without first recording many centuries worth of actual data, upon a worldwide and global scale.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d770010d31b279711007f000000000001.Abbeville%20Town%20Bell%20Jan.%202011.jpg" id="aptureLink_NyY4WuS1du" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d770010d31b279711007f000000000001.Abbeville%20Town%20Bell%20Jan.%202011.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Abbeville Town Bell Jan 2011" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Town Bell</b> currently coated in white....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While our scientists have been arguing over <b>Global Temperature Change</b> for well over two entire centuries, the rest of us have quietly gone about our own lives - in the full knowledge of <b><i>Mankind's True Ignorance</i></b> regarding such seemingly all important things... and [largely] living without fear and undue trepidation of the unknown! Were we any worse off for having honestly done so? I [personally] don't think so....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d77030161053abb36007f000000000001.Abbeville%27s%20ice%20covered%20roads.jpg" id="aptureLink_klwjJCYFJC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d77030161053abb36007f000000000001.Abbeville%27s%20ice%20covered%20roads.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Abbeville's ice covered roads" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice covered streets in the downtown area....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Meanwhile, <b>The Blizzard Of 2011</b> is just another example of our naturally unpredictable weather.... Nothing more, and nothing less! While numerous scientists are now admitting that we have been living in a <b><i>Three Year Period Of Cooling</i></b> quite recently, most of them claim that this: <span style="color: white;">"Ongoing and Short-Term Trend"</span> - isn't in any way indicative of the much larger cycle. Which, of course, makes perfect sense from everything that we [do] factually know.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d7708b1459dbb19d1007f000000000001.And%20the%20clean-up%20begins.....jpg" id="aptureLink_e4GqbtkNUR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d7708b1459dbb19d1007f000000000001.And%20the%20clean-up%20begins.....jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="And the clean-up begins " width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow can be very hard work....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All <b>Temperature Shifts</b> are cyclical; regardless of whether the overall trend is actually warming or cooling. Of course, by the very same scientific standard, the past <b><i>Fifteen Year Cycle Of Warming</i> </b>doesn't offer much more scientific weight [over the long term], than the currently cooling one! Will this <i><b>Three Year Cooling Trend</b></i> continue for twelve more years and actually deepen noticeably? Will it quickly dissipate and temperatures begin to climb upward? And does it really matter over the long term, exactly which way it finally goes? If we are being <b>Intellectually Honest</b> with ourselves, then we must truthfully admit, that: <span style="color: white;">"No-One Really Knows...."</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d770b689ba82a5937007f000000000001.Traffic%20entering%20the%20town%20square.jpg" id="aptureLink_3rsk1IrX7P" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d770b689ba82a5937007f000000000001.Traffic%20entering%20the%20town%20square.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Traffic entering the town square" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching <b>The Abbeville Town Square</b>...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What <b>Our Climactic History</b> has shown over the past several centuries is that our <b><i>Planetary Ecosystem</i></b> is far too complex and dynamic to reasonably predict with any true accuracy based upon the most advanced technology which is available today! With millions of <b><i>Highly-Advanced Computers</i></b> and <b><i>Cutting-Edge Climactic Programs</i></b>, fully dedicated to understanding it, we can't even predict <b>The Daily Weather</b> two weeks in advance... or, accurately do so, upon a simple or day to day basis.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d771a55a15d710f15007f000000000001.The%20Barbour%20House%20Jan.%202011.jpg" id="aptureLink_PLw3ji2p1p" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d771a55a15d710f15007f000000000001.The%20Barbour%20House%20Jan.%202011.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="The Barbour House Jan 2011" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Anderson/Barbour House</b>....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While "<b>The Real Kooks</b>," such as <i>Microsoft's</i> <i>founder </i>Bill Gates, are figuring out ways <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WQtRI7A064" id="aptureLink_bkTpHmefs0">To De-Populate Our Planet</a></i> - most of us are far more worried about them, than any potential effects of <b>Global Temperature Change</b>. After all, the people that they want to effectively get rid of are us; and we aren't planning on going anywhere, without fighting back! At least, I know that I'm not....<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d770eea859b85a832007f000000000001.The%20Blackwell%20House.jpg" id="aptureLink_5EqmnWXqNv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d770eea859b85a832007f000000000001.The%20Blackwell%20House.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="The Blackwell House" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old <b>Blackwell Residence</b>....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Meanwhile, we received a <b>Total Accumulation</b> of around 8 inches of: <b><i>Snow</i></b>, <b><i>Sleet</i></b>, and <b><i>Freezing Rain</i></b> - just this week in Abbeville, South Carolina. Everything is closed due to the weather; and our children have received a pleasant respite from <b>Our Public Schools</b>. And since their current focus now leans more toward <b><i>Political Indoctrination</i></b>, than <i><b>Actual</b></i> and <b><i>Substantial Education</i></b>, I feel confidant that: <span style="color: white;">"He, who controls the weather,"</span> knows best!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d7711765ecaa926fb007f000000000001.Abbeville%27s%20Town%20Cannon%20Jan.%202011.jpg" id="aptureLink_pg9zfz1s13" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012d7711765ecaa926fb007f000000000001.Abbeville%27s%20Town%20Cannon%20Jan.%202011.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Abbeville's Town Cannon Jan 2011" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Abbeville Town Cannon</b>....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Abbeville, undoubtedly, has seldom been more beautiful than it is today! Everything is blanketed in a thick covering of: <b><i>Snow</i></b>, <b><i>Sleet</i></b>, and <b><i>Ice</i></b>... and most of us have been forced to remain home, thus enjoying some much-needed time with our families. And what could be more beneficial than that? Just think about it, while you enjoy these wonderful<b> </b><i><b>Local Pictures of </b></i><b>Historic Abbeville</b>....frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-42825274160424890582010-11-07T09:42:00.000-08:002010-11-07T17:20:22.107-08:00"Daylight Savings Time" And Other Such Foolishness<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.timebooth.com/images/daylight-savings-time.jpg" id="aptureLink_fJauVz0BSO" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="258px" src="http://www.timebooth.com/images/daylight-savings-time.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Daylight savings time | TimeBooth." width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does "Daylight Savings Time" really save time?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here we are once again moving our clocks backward, like the "<b>Foolish Social Lemmings</b>" that we are... and to what [honest] purpose do we continue do so? Is there any actual merit in this twice yearly ritual of adjusting our clocks for the <i>Spring</i> and <i>Autumn</i> Seasons? Let us consider the facts, as they currently stand - within the readily apparent daylight of our all too common and human reality....<br />
<br />
For Instance:<br />
<ul><li>Each day consists of <b>24 physical hours</b> regardless of when it effectively starts or stops.</li>
<li>It encompasses the exact same amount of <b>daylight</b> and <b>darkness</b>.</li>
<li>Most businesses now operate under the <b>"Daily Work Shift" System</b> and span multiple work shifts.</li>
<li>And who has ever worked at a single business that didn't utilize <b>Interior Lighting</b> - for reasons of convenience and safety - in the daytime, as well as, at night? </li>
</ul><br />
In what way are we "<b>Saving</b>" anything? We most certainly aren't saving:<i> Time</i>, <i>Daylight</i>, <i>Electricity</i>, or [even] <i>Money</i>... and considering the millions of man hours, that we waste as a nation setting and resetting our clocks, we are actually "<b>Wasting</b>" a great deal of: <i>Time</i>, <i>Labor</i>, and <i>Energy </i>- while observing an unyielding <b>Cultural Mythology</b>! Wake Up, people and start thinking for yourselves.... You certainly can't do any worse, than those currently in charge.frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-4949252637632089232010-09-30T10:32:00.000-07:002010-09-30T20:41:01.671-07:00New Downtown Meat Market Having Its Grand Opening Today<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="188px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b6450c55c5df4a486007f000000000001.100_1768.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Court Square Market" width="250px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Mennonite Market upon Abbeville's town square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b6450c55c5df4a486007f000000000001.100_1768.JPG" id="aptureLink_MQDv4oZDV0" style="float: left; padding: 0px 6px;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div>For those of you who have been looking forward to the <b>New </b>"<b>Court Square Market</b>" - opening in downtown Abbeville - the wait is finally over. It's having its Grand Opening today - <b>Thursday the 30th of September</b> - and, wow, what a place to shop! <u>All I can say is that neither: Ingles, nor Bi-Lo compare - when it comes to price verses meat selection.</u> I was enthralled by everything about this new <b>Mennonite store</b>. It is well laid out, extremely well presented, and the products largely available are of exceptionally good quality! More importantly, the profits will stay in <b>Abbeville</b> and benefit our own local community; unlike the big box stores around town.<br />
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Although it compares to "<b>The Pantry Shoppe</b>" out on the Due West highway, it is much grander in every single detail and is conveniently located in downtown Abbeville. They've pulled out all of the stops on this one folks, so Y'all best check it out real soon! The owner Marv Stoltzfus can take reasonable pride in his unique and highly valuable accomplishment. In case you don't know where it is yet... it's located in the <b>Old Savitz Drug Store building</b> right on the town square. For your reference - until the new phone books come out - the new store's phone number is #366-9675. <br />
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For more store photos, continue to the next page.<br />
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<a name='more'></a> <br />
*** Being greeted with Free Samples upon entering the New Mennonite Market. My kind of store! :0)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b64558f1c13ffe134007f000000000001.100_1770.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Entering Court Square Market" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Samples being offered during the grand opening - this week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b645d0ca5d8755203007f000000000001.100_1772.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Meat case at Court Square Market" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An excellent selection of meats at entirely reasonable prices awaits you....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b645d0ca5d8755203007f000000000001.100_1772.JPG" id="aptureLink_3kbhovz8PS" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b645f69c19569448a007f000000000001.100_1781.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Bakery selection at Court Square Market" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal favorite is the baked goods section, its just delicious....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b645f69c19569448a007f000000000001.100_1781.JPG" id="aptureLink_7s4tWNgUiR" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b645f69c19569448a007f000000000001.100_1781.JPG" id="aptureLink_7s4tWNgUiR" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b6463a8ac1a0cec6f007f000000000001.100_1785.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pies and other fancy delicacies at Court Square Market" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those pies... OMG folks, I've died and gone to heaven!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b6463a8ac1a0cec6f007f000000000001.100_1785.JPG" id="aptureLink_6gQVHjLHib" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b6466c2c05d45fc4c007f000000000001.100_1780.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fruits, Snacks, and other knicknacks at Court Square Market" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from across the middle of the store....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b6466c2c05d45fc4c007f000000000001.100_1780.JPG" id="aptureLink_LxDD9tE5Hs" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b64558f1c13ffe134007f000000000001.100_1770.JPG" id="aptureLink_ec8s5GKYhr" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65a4ccdeddf5817b007f000000000001.100_1782.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Checkout at the Court Square Market" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast and friendly service at the checkout is assured at the <b>Court Square Market</b>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65a4ccdeddf5817b007f000000000001.100_1782.JPG" id="aptureLink_iVo2dR5EJd" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><br />
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Be sure to check out the little <b>Mennonite Craft Shop</b> in the back section of the store, called: "<b>Primitive Home And Gifts</b>," as well... its owners Gary and Jeanetta Yoder have a wonderful selection of unique gifts and crafts - which will brighten up anyone's home! Their new craft store, located within <b>The Court Square Market</b>, has replaced their smaller <i>Trinity Street location</i>; and includes an even greater selection to currently choose from. They are always happy to assist you; and these pictures are [also] included below.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65bd5e46fee55ea2007f000000000001.100_1773.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Primitive Home and Gift Store at Court Square Market" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the "<b>Primitive Home and Gift Center</b>" at Court Square Market....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65bd5e46fee55ea2007f000000000001.100_1773.JPG" id="aptureLink_fFrstHKwem" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65c009a89d2eda76007f000000000001.100_1774.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Displayed crafts at "Primitive Home and Gifts"" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A particularly nice piece of Mennonite artwork at "<b>Primitive Home and Gifts</b>."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65c28f98bc1f2b6f007f000000000001.100_1775.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Primitive Home and Gifts Back wall ...." width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quality Mennonite merchandise on now on display at "<b>Primitive Home and Gifts</b>."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65c009a89d2eda76007f000000000001.100_1774.JPG" id="aptureLink_VN4qaHEdjD" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a> <a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65c28f98bc1f2b6f007f000000000001.100_1775.JPG" id="aptureLink_2sfXp4dDlT" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="319px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65c48e0301d8c51d007f000000000001.100_1776.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mrs. Jeanetta Yoder at Primitive Home and Gifts" width="425px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from "<b>The Primitive Home and Gifts Store</b>" at Court Square Market. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b65c48e0301d8c51d007f000000000001.100_1776.JPG" id="aptureLink_AhTkXyUR7O" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a> <br />
<br />
Although store traffic was extremely heavy, during the <b>New Grand Opening</b>, the workers were bright and cheerful and quite [honestly] grateful for the opportunity to happily and efficiently serve their new Abbeville customers. Altogether, the atmosphere at <b>Court Square Market</b> was by far the most pleasant that I have experienced, in quite some time, while shopping. I give this one a definite "<b>A Plus</b>" overall... and I don't make such recommendations very lightly!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For Your General Knowledge:</span><br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thetr02-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0836192427&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><b>Abbeville</b> has a very large and vibrant <b>Mennonite community</b>; and we are honestly very grateful for them. They are: <i>quality conscious</i>, <i>hardworking</i>, <i>industrious</i>, and <i>morally upright citizens</i> in our local community... and they contribute tremendously to our local social fabric! To learn more about the Mennonites and Amish, consider reading: "<b>Who Are the Anabaptists?</b>" by Donald B Kraybill.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ </div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> About our contributor:</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWGvY1aoUVBC0w03_lFoKJsnvk4rAYWpVKW5eCWaj0yqhw7wrRgDscFFDUEyEMWNDPyiAEXJOkGYv6_1406nL3IqwVDCrnKDCxEK0hvKObZ00FdPLu44kSzLQPk_Jg9I23EF4V6sOTd4/s270/Franksblogpic.jpg" id="aptureLink_WBI70Ukk21" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWGvY1aoUVBC0w03_lFoKJsnvk4rAYWpVKW5eCWaj0yqhw7wrRgDscFFDUEyEMWNDPyiAEXJOkGYv6_1406nL3IqwVDCrnKDCxEK0hvKObZ00FdPLu44kSzLQPk_Jg9I23EF4V6sOTd4/s270/Franksblogpic.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Francis R. Barbour - blogger for the "Real American Truth."" width="100px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis R. Barbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.real-american-truth.blogspot.com/" id="aptureLink_PDoHwtB4GA"><b>Francis R. Barbour</b></a> is an: author, freelance writer, and internet blogger - who attended Lander University from 1983 until 1987. As a long time resident of Abbeville, he has been: a past member of <i>The Abbeville Jaycees</i> [in good standing], a ten year member of <i>The South Carolina Army National Guard</i> [honorably discharged], and an outspoken advocate for openness, honesty, and disclosure in our local and national government. He currently maintains a number of political and religious blogs and writes articles for <a href="http://helium.com/">Helium.com</a>.</div>frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-54956992503792034242010-09-30T09:59:00.000-07:002010-09-30T10:11:10.356-07:00A New Barber Shop Has Opened In Abbeville<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="250px" src="http://www.bbemuseum.com/museum/images/barber_pole.gif" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="barber poles" width="200px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>New Barber Shop </b>now open in Abbeville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.bbemuseum.com/museum/images/barber_pole.gif" id="aptureLink_Ox4EYLQMFl" style="float: left; padding: 0px 6px;"></a>As I went out about town today, I stumbled across a true bargain.... We have a <b>New Barber Shop</b> in town offering <b>$5.00 haircuts</b> <b><i>through the rest of the week</i></b> - in order to herald its grand opening, which occurred on Tuesday September 28th. <u>This price is only good until Saturday, so you had better hurry in to see the new proprietor Charlie Norris really quick!</u> I'm only sorry, that I didn't find out until today... I'm sure, that my readers could have used the heads up about it - much sooner. Alas, I don't get out as much as I used to.<br />
<br />
<b>Charlie's Old Fashioned Barber Shop</b> is a nice little "<i>Mom And Pop Enterprise</i>" located next to the Printing Shop on Washington Street and across the street from the Old Poliakoff's Department Store. He did an outstanding job upon my own hair; and I am certain that he'll do just fine for yours, as well! Charlie has <i><b>7</b><b> years barbering experience</b></i> with another local hair cutter; and he is also <i>a registered barber</i>. Moreover, since he is just now starting his own shop, there is very little waiting time largely involved.<br />
<br />
I would strongly recommend him for these reasons alone. However, with a regular price of just <b>$10.00 per cut</b>, I am sure that you'll find services highly attractive for most of you. Personally, I've long since tired of traveling to Greenwood for a reasonable haircut... or, anything else, for that matter. <u>Let's start supporting our local Abbeville businesses and rebuild our own local economy, folks!</u> Stop in, and see Charlie, real soon... you'll be glad that you did. For those of you who like to call ahead, his new <b>phone number</b> is <b>#366-7828</b>. Be sure and tell him, that we sent you.frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-60502664651756388722010-09-30T04:14:00.000-07:002010-09-30T04:28:26.430-07:00A Book Review For: "The Guns Of The South"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="279px" src="http://www.enotes.com/w/images/thumb/1/15/Guns_of_the_south.jpg/175px-Guns_of_the_south.jpg" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Guns of the South - a book by Harry Turtledove" width="175px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <b>Civil War</b> "What If" scenario.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.enotes.com/w/images/thumb/1/15/Guns_of_the_south.jpg/175px-Guns_of_the_south.jpg" id="aptureLink_C2H3xBgntz" style="float: left; padding: 0px 6px;"></a>Having recently read: "<b>The Guns Of The South</b>," by Harry Turtledove, I figured that I might recommend it to my own readership as a fairly well-written book of periodic science fiction. Although the physical setting is in <b>1864</b> amidst the backdrop of <b>The American Civil War</b>, Turtledove has carefully and painstakingly woven certain elements from our own era into the mix - producing a very interesting tale of purely entertaining fiction and fantasy. I was, actually, quite pleasantly surprised, by [precisely] how well it turned out in the end. As far as <b>"What If" </b>Scenarios can go, this one is far better than most!<br />
<br />
As most of us already know, <b>The Confederacy</b> was no longer fairing too well - by the Winter of 1863 and Spring of 1864. They had taken far too many physical losses in the previous year, their ports were largely blockaded, their currency was functionally debased, and everything was in very short supply. Without European support and/or material assistance, The Confederacy would soon crumble under the sheer physical weight of their Northern brothers. And yet, this book renders them their much needed assistance - in the form of individuals resupplying them and minimalistically re-equipping them from 150 years in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thetr02-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0345384687&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The <b>"America Will Break" Faction</b> - which maintains some warehousing facilities in <i>Rivington, North Carolina</i> - produces: AK47's, MRE's, and some medicines, over the course of that last pivotal winter. However, the <b>AWB</b> has its own political agenda to substantially promote and this lays certain groundwork for a future contention between them. <b>General Robert E. Lee</b>, who has learned from his past mistake of fighting a strictly defensive war, takes advantage of his new found abilities and ends the war quickly by marching upon Washington, D.C. - after breaking the Northern Spring Offensive... and all of this happens, in just the first two hundred pages!<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thetr02-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0345406141&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>However, here is where the story gets even more interesting. Who are these mysterious strangers from Rivington, North Carolina... a town which sprang up virtually overnight? What are their true intentions with respect to The Confederacy? And will <b>General Lee</b> - who knows that they're from the future - be able to protect his beloved southern homeland, from their insidious plans for it? After all, these Rivington men have access to far more than just modern medicine, pre-packaged foods, and machine guns.... <br />
<br />
Our beloved <b>Civil War Characters</b> are brilliantly reproduced in this particular book. Surprisingly, for a <br />
Californian author, this includes their: individual personalities, character traits, and strategic military peculiarities. However, he does over do it sometimes with the periodic cliches... lending the book a slightly amateurish quality - which, at times, distracts somewhat from the book. But it is still an excellent work of its genre and well worth the purchase price to read it! If you're looking for <b>Historically Accurate Escapist Literature</b>, then this is right up your alley. I can assure you!frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-50997803725756446522010-09-21T06:06:00.000-07:002010-09-21T06:17:29.570-07:00Piedmont Blues And Hash Bash Is Coming Around Soon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="188px" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/a8yFxreMUQM/0.jpg" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Piedmont Blues and Hash Bash Abbeville, SC" width="250px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blues Legend Mac Arnold - live in outdoor concert.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When it comes to<b> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Events </span></b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Being Held In South Carolina</span></b><b>,</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> very few of them can honestly compare to our own Annual<b> </b>"<b>Piedmont Blues and Hash Bash</b> - which comes around [once again] on: <b>October 7th, 8th and 9th</b>!" There is nothing better than: well-prepared <i>Barbeque</i>, true <i>Southern Hash</i>, and the <i>Piedmont Blues</i> - to quite honestly lift one's spirits... and </span><a href="http://www.bluesandhash.com/" id="aptureLink_lvg84pKylS">Abbeville's "Blues and Hash Bash"</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;"> is a magnificent signature event in a reasonably small town atmosphere. If you're going to attend only one of <i>Abbeville's Annual Events</i>, this year, then you can't do any better than attending just this one.</span><br />
<br />
<b> </b>As a <b>South Carolina Barbeque Association "Master Barbeque Award" Event</b>, <span style="font-weight: normal;">Barbeque Experts and Afficianados alike come to this small South Carolinian town - from all over the southeastern region - to enjoy the good-natured and highly spirited competitive environment. </span>Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.visitabbevillesc.com/" id="aptureLink_akamsx4Wyr">Abbeville</a> is fast becoming an Annual stop with those competing for top prize money and awards in this very popular culinary category. <span style="font-weight: normal;">To their particular following, the fantastic and largely free musical entertainment is just one of many secondary enjoyments. As many of them will, quite frankly, tell you: <span style="color: white;">"Barbeque is very serious business, in this part of America!"</span></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img align="right" alt="Hunter Holmes" height="243" hspace="15" src="http://www.bluesandhash.com/images/nav_slides/34.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="162" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hunter Holmes</b> live in concert.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">This <b>Fifth Annual Event</b>, as always, will be held downtown upon Abbeville's historically bricked square - during the majority of all events... thus, you should bring your own customary blankets and folding chairs for seating - during the weekend of ongoing town events. However, <b>The Kickoff Barbeque Dinner</b> and <b>Concert By Hunter Holmes</b> will be held inside the newly renovated </span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Mq5qyAsSNIQ/TGFjHjYuZLI/AAAAAAAAjxA/TfQWtvwp2Xc/s800/AbbevilleSCdowntown5-22-10w.jpg" id="aptureLink_UVZICZOwyi">Old Abbeville Livery Stable</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">- on Thursday the 7th at 6:00 PM. <b>Tickets will be $12.00</b>, including: food and entertainment. Beer and Wine will also be on sale, by the cup... so, to be sure, bring a few dollars extra!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="color: white;">***</span> Note:</b> For more information upon <b>The Piedmont Blues and Hash Bash</b>, you can visit its own designated website online at: </span>http://www.bluesandhash.com/frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-28121107169914880672010-09-16T14:58:00.000-07:002010-09-16T15:11:22.915-07:00Local Abbevillian Wins Online Humor Contest<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="146px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b1c74d859d49b30ac007f000000000001.first%20place%20comedy%20plus.jpg" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="first place comedy plus" width="200px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbevillian wins online humor contest. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b1c74d859d49b30ac007f000000000001.first%20place%20comedy%20plus.jpg" id="aptureLink_OajHfCWXyY" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"></a><b>Local Abbevillian</b> - freelance writer and internet blogger <b>- Francis R. Barbour</b> [who calls himself, <a href="http://www.fbarbour.blogspot.com/" id="aptureLink_ERSzwkrCsM">The Real American</a>] recently won an online humor competition, by hilariously captioning a very interesting police photo!<br />
<br />
The "<b><i>Caption This</i></b>" <b>Contest</b> - which was being held at the <a href="http://comedyplus.blogspot.com/2010/09/caption-this-winners.html" id="aptureLink_q1PzWlFh6A">Comedy Plus blog</a> - is a regular and friendly competition among internet bloggers, upon that particular daily humor site. When we approached Mr. Barbour, for our own <b>Town Exclusive Interview</b>, he stated:<br />
<ul style="color: white;"><li>"Go figure... I thought the guy in third place would have won? After all, '<i>There ain't enough milkbones in the WORLD, Bubba</i>' was a pretty darn good response."</li>
</ul><br />
Meanwhile, after having closely scrutinized <b>the photo in question</b>, we too must admit that he could be right... since the expression and even body language given off, by that particular bloodhound, is priceless! Ultimately, however, we can still see why the site chose his interesting and clever response out of dozens of other very well-written choices. <u>One must honestly note all three primary subjects in the picture, in order to get the full benefit of his incredible talent for captioning.</u> But, it [definitely] works on a far deeper level, than the numerous other submitted responses!<br />
<br />
<b>Congratulations</b>, definitely goes out to <b>Mr. Barbour</b> - for representing your town so well and bringing back the gold!<br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><b> </b><br />
<b>*** Note:</b> For those of you who haven't seen the photo in question, or who missed the link at the top, please visit <b><a href="http://comedyplus.blogspot.com/2010/09/caption-this-winners.html" id="aptureLink_vMHuWm9lGh">Comedy Plus</a></b> and see what all this fuss is about. You'll be glad you did! ;0)<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"> </span>frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-83175822063570498752010-09-16T08:37:00.000-07:002010-09-16T09:05:09.895-07:00Joke Of The Day: Growing Up American Style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="228px" src="http://www.crochet-world.com/newsletters/talkingcrochet/images/40201909/little_girl_lg.jpg" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Happy Little Girl" width="250px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Girl: "I Wanna Be President Some Day..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.crochet-world.com/newsletters/talkingcrochet/images/40201909/little_girl_lg.jpg" id="aptureLink_wIq03rjOyI" style="float: left; padding: 0px 6px;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">I recently asked my friends' little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be President of the United States.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there so I asked her, "If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She replied, <span style="color: white;">"I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people...."</span> Her parents proudly beamed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Wow...what a worthy goal,"</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span>I told her. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">"But you don't have to wait until you're President to do that...."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Tell you what - you can come over to my house and mow the lawn, </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">pull weeds, and sweep my driveway, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house."</span> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">"How about doing something wonderful like that?"</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She thought that idea over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: white;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">"Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?</span><span style="color: white;">"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">I said, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Welcome to the Republican Party."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Her parents still aren't speaking to me.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">[Moral Of The Story: </span><span style="font-size: large;">Although it isn't an issue, at all, when giving away someone else's: money, property, and/or physical efforts - </span><span style="font-size: large;">even little children understand the value of their own hard work. ]</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>*** Note:</b> Borrowed from Phil of <a href="http://philcoiinetnetau.blogspot.com/2010/09/356-this-week-we-lost-mick-edwards-from.html" target="_new">Phils Phun</a></span>frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-6403210112117325482010-09-14T05:01:00.000-07:002010-09-14T06:21:54.409-07:00Abbeville, South Carolina: Remembering When The Grenadiers Were Great!<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="150px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b0fe46d197b3a28c8007f000000000001.100_1762.JPG" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Abbeville High School.jpg" width="200px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Abbeville High School </b>- side entrance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b0fe46d197b3a28c8007f000000000001.100_1762.JPG" id="aptureLink_7NS8oDmTRS" style="float: left; padding: 0px 6px;"></a>One thing is certain about <b>Abbeville, South Carolina</b> - like it or not - this small southwestern Carolina town continues to evolve and change... and not always for the better. Take, for instance, <i>Abbeville High School</i>. It has a whole new look with that wonderful red and gray roofline. After continually replacing its flat roof for years - at a tremendous "out of pocket" expense - someone thought to themselves: "Gee a sloped roof might actually shed water - before it had a chance to leak." Of course, this isn't "Rocket Science," but <b>Abbeville's Intellectual Elite </b>can be like that, quite frequently. They aren't usually elected because of their obvious intelligence, but rather, despite all public knowledge to the contrary!<br />
<br />
Like <b>most smaller American towns</b>, Abbeville has been blessed with several well-connected families and the elections are largely decided by a mixture of: personal popularity, interconnected familial relationships, and [precisely] who is openly rooting for you. Although it doesn't hurt to own at least one nicely tailored suit, most of Abbeville's ruling elite have that already well-known base covered. After all, they're usually quite well to do in the area of their own personal finances.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Now, don't go getting the wrong situational impression! <b>Abbeville</b> isn't a town full of: "Red Necks," "Southern Hicks," or [even] "Country Bumpkins." They're just a little closer bred, than most larger southern cities within our particular local environs.... Meanwhile, however, these local "<b>Political Thoroughbreds</b>" run for office - even faster than those darn race horses down in <i>Darlington</i>! Well anyway, to make a long story short, they [eventually] wizened up about the whole "<b>Flat Roof Issue</b>" - so we must give them some credit!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="253px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b0ff28767a1b8ccf0007f000000000001.scan0001.jpg" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Abbeville Grenadier and decorated clarinetist" width="200px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A local glowing with <b>Grenadier Pride</b>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>However, we can lament certain indisputable and historical facts concerning our nationally ranked and internationally famous <b>Abbeville Grenadiers Marching Band</b>. After winning eight consecutive <i>State Marching Band Championships</i> in: the "AA, " "AAA," and "Overall Best Band Categories," our local band director, <a href="http://martincbaker.blogspot.com/2010/01/mentor-has-passed-my-tribute-to-mr.html"><b>Mr. Leyland Scott</b></a>, and his bagpipe/colorguard director, <b>Mrs. Virginia Ferguson</b> - were considered <i>Southern American Legends</i> - in the national marching band community. In a period, of a little over a dozen years, their remarkable leadership and visionary direction brought home hundreds of hotly contested trophies! Meanwhile, the <b>Abbeville Grenadier Juggernaut</b> was considered [by many] to be absolutely unshakeable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="206px" src="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b0ff7b372e7f61645007f000000000001.scan0002.jpg" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Two Band Members before the big day.jpg " width="200px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two brothers preparing for the big day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://apture.s3.amazonaws.com/0000012b0ff7b372e7f61645007f000000000001.scan0002.jpg" id="aptureLink_KCSMgTZrvA" style="float: left; padding: 0px 6px;"></a>Abbeville's local pride in their "<b>Black Hatted and White Plumed Grenadiers</b>" was so great, that a "AA High School" - with around four hundred total students - boasted nearly one-fourth of its student body in its own small town band; and Wright Middle School bolstered these numbers still higher... the <i>Abbeville Band Boosters Club</i> held a larger single membership, than any other local civic organization... and a fleet of four personally owned <i>Greyhound Buses</i>, assisted this [constantly competing] band, in traveling all over the country. From: Washington, D.C. to St. Petersburg, Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana - the Abbeville Grenadiers [frequently] won over the hearts of America... and [even] <b>Queen Elizabeth II of England</b> began to take a highly interested personal notice!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="250px" src="http://nickbaines.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/queen-elizabeth-ii.jpg" style="border: 0px none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Queen Elizabeth II sovereign ruler of England, Scotland, and Wales." width="200px" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Queen Elizabeth II</b> - a <i>Grenadier</i> Fan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://nickbaines.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/queen-elizabeth-ii.jpg" id="aptureLink_w0hXcxcosq" style="float: left; padding: 0px 6px;"></a>In those days, <b>The Southeastern Tournament Of Bands </b>was held in the little old town of Abbeville, South Carolina. Out of both: respectful deference to the extremely high caliber our our local band directors, and the amazing organizational abilities of the <i>Abbeville Band Booster Club</i> - which could seemingly perform the impossible, with such limited local resources. The Stadium was far too small for any physical comfort - during such monstrous and taxing events... The Band Room could hardly accomodate one "AAA band" at a time... The <b>Entire High School Property</b> was far too small - to honestly accomodate such numerous vehicles and the crowds of musicians... and the costs of these yearly events were amazingly prohibitive - to such a small and closeted community! And yet, they pulled it off - like clockwork - year after year, after year....<br />
<br />
And then, <b>Abbeville's Intelligentsia</b> struck upon another one of their numerous highly constructive ideas. Why not combine all of the county's numerous smaller High Schools into "<b>One Big County-wide High School</b>?" Just think of all the monetary savings that might inevitably result for our small and local community? Of course, such an idea must be tested first - to see if these various community factions can all get happily along... and what better opportunity for Abbeville, than to experiment first with their <b>Nationally Ranked Marching Band</b>? After all, one sound success - in that particular undertaking - would [most certainly] get the entire county motivated behind doing it.<br />
<br />
I can assure you that, like most of the <b>simple-minded</b> and [seemingly] <b>well-intentioned politicians</b> of that era, they never intended to destroy one of Abbeville's single greatest revenue generating assets; nor its symbol of traditional and cultural pride! Those misguided idiots honestly believed in what they were invariably doing. Like <b>the bunch of fools </b>running our nation into the ground now, <u>they never [even] thoughtfully considered the precariously balanced and highly relevant factors that they were so foolishly tampering with....</u> To their way of thinking: four band directors must be better than two, more than 100 additional band members could only make the band stronger, and a county-wide group of band boosters could only raise even more money to equip it and compete!<br />
<br />
In the end, the <b>four highly-strung band directors</b> turned out to be, at least, one too many... the <b>100 additional band members</b> swiftly dwindled to fewer, than before its county-wide adoption... and the <i><b>Abbeville Band Boosters</b> </i>became increasingly: frustrated, contentious, and disorganized - over a geometrically growing number of local band and/or school related issues. For one thing, the idea of only attending your own <b>High School Football Games</b> - once every three weeks - was highly detrimental to the band's ongoing morale... for another, the logistics of busing all of those widely scattered band members cut largely into their practice times... not to mention the poorly maintained smaller school equipment always constantly breaking down! <u>It turned out to be one very big political disaster, and our marching band has never factually recovered to this day....</u><br />
<br />
This is not to say that the current <b>Abbeville Marching Band</b> isn't a quaint and wonderful little group of highly energetic local youths - who play their hearts out at our Local Football Games. But for a town, which once entertained and performed for <b>Queen Elizabeth II</b> [herself] and her fully decorated military <b>Blackwatch Guards</b> - in one of her infrequent North American visits - what can be [honestly] said? For a time, Abbeville was world famous - as <b>The Greatest Grenadier Band in all of North America</b>.... Now, we're known for having brick streets - with a few kids in black pants - to occasionally march upon them!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">About our contributor:</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWGvY1aoUVBC0w03_lFoKJsnvk4rAYWpVKW5eCWaj0yqhw7wrRgDscFFDUEyEMWNDPyiAEXJOkGYv6_1406nL3IqwVDCrnKDCxEK0hvKObZ00FdPLu44kSzLQPk_Jg9I23EF4V6sOTd4/s270/Franksblogpic.jpg" id="aptureLink_WBI70Ukk21" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWGvY1aoUVBC0w03_lFoKJsnvk4rAYWpVKW5eCWaj0yqhw7wrRgDscFFDUEyEMWNDPyiAEXJOkGYv6_1406nL3IqwVDCrnKDCxEK0hvKObZ00FdPLu44kSzLQPk_Jg9I23EF4V6sOTd4/s270/Franksblogpic.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Francis R. Barbour - blogger for the "Real American Truth."" width="100px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis R. Barbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.real-american-truth.blogspot.com/" id="aptureLink_PDoHwtB4GA"><b>Francis R. Barbour</b></a> is an: author, freelance writer, and internet blogger - who attended Lander University from 1983 until 1987. As a long time resident of Abbeville, he has been: a past member of <i>The Abbeville Jaycees</i> [in good standing], a ten year member of <i>The South Carolina Army National Guard</i> [honorably discharged], and an outspoken advocate for openness, honesty, and disclosure in our local and national government. He currently maintains a number of political and religious blogs and writes articles for <a href="http://helium.com/">Helium.com</a>.</div>frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-21753295382545897262010-09-13T23:02:00.000-07:002010-09-13T23:05:44.550-07:00Joke Of The Day: The People Have Spoken<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Barack_Obama_on_phone_with_Arlen_Specter_4-28-09.JPG" id="aptureLink_tHHzgvgVEZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="220px" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Barack_Obama_on_phone_with_Arlen_Specter_4-28-09.JPG" style="border: 0px none;" title="Barack Obama on telephone.JPG ..." width="150px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barrack Obama on telephone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tired of his increasingly lower political approval ratings and the numerous Tea Party rallies being held outside of The White House, <b>President Barrack H. Obama</b> decided to do something constructive about it. So, when things were slow in the office, he called up his CIA Director and said: "I've got a special assignment for you guys to handle... send me, over, your very best agent in the morning!"<br />
<br />
Within minutes, a special coded message was sent out to The Middle East, and the most talented American CIA Operative was soon headed back to Langley, Virginia. Upon receiving the details of his personal presidential assignment, the next morning, he headed straight away to The White House in order to be briefed upon the particular specifics.<br />
<br />
As he arrived in the Oval Office, Barrack greeted him with a sigh of utter relief. Then he began: "I hear you're the best in the business... and that is precisely what I need at this time...."<br />
<br />
"I also hear that you are incredibly dutiful, honorable and loyal. I need that, more than anything else - at this time."<br />
<br />
Agent: "Yes sir, Mr. President, I am!"<br />
<br />
Obama: "I can't seem to trust what my staff tells me, anymore. Everything they tell me seems to just work out all wrong, dammit!"<br />
<br />
"First, there was that whole Banking Bailout... then the damn Health Care Fiasco... and now I'm dropping in the polls - even faster than, Bernanke's destroying The Dollar.... I just don't know what to do anymore."<br />
<br />
Agent: "I understand, sir. How may I help?"<br />
<br />
Obama: "I want you to visit every State in the Union, every Major City... and I want you to stay out on the road - until you have an idea of what the vast majority of Americans honestly expect from me, as their president.... Do you understand?"<br />
<br />
The CIA agent responded in the affirmative, and he left The White House immediately. He wasn't heard from again, for nearly four months. Finally, when he showed up early - upon one Saturday morning - the President eagerly demanded to see him immediately.<br />
<br />
Obama: "Did you find out what the vast majority of Americans honestly expect from me, as their president?"<br />
<br />
Agent: "Yes, sir, I did."<br />
<br />
"Well, then, what do they want from me?" Obama demanded.<br />
<br />
So the agent pulled out an: old, yellowed, and frail paper scroll - from underneath his jacket - and then handed it to the President.<br />
<br />
Agent: "They want you to read this, sir...." <br />
<br />
So, Obama unrolled the scroll and examining it closely, then stated: "But... this is, The United States Constitution...?"<br />
<br />
Agent: Yes sir, they know that...."frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-37847302241919148862010-09-13T09:42:00.000-07:002010-09-13T09:56:42.449-07:00Joke Of The Day: Upgrading Your Intelligence<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://diabetic-forum.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/doctor-talking-with-patient-in-hospital-room-uid.gif" id="aptureLink_MAYkTB29S1" style="clear: left; display: block; margin: 0pt auto 1em; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"><img height="133px" src="http://diabetic-forum.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/doctor-talking-with-patient-in-hospital-room-uid.gif" style="border: 0px none;" title="doctor talking with patient in hospital room" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patient is consulting with his doctor....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A mid-level corporate executive who was disappointed - by once again being passed over for promotion - decided to take the modern and proactive approach to solving his problems. If his own creativity and intelligence were holding him back, then he would just have to [hopefully] raise his I.Q. another 20 points. After all, modern medicine can do almost anything these days.... <br />
<br />
Finding out about a highly recommended medical center - which specializes in brain transplants, modifications, and upgrades - he set up an appointment to undergo the rigorous physical and psychological testing. Meanwhile, after this massive battery of tests, the doctor tells him that he is definitely an acceptable candidate for the new medical procedure. He's ecstatic.<br />
<br />
"That's great!" the executive said. "But I understand that this procedure can also be really expensive."<br />
<br />
"Yes, sir, it certainly can," the doctor replied. For instance:<br />
<ul><li>"One ounce of an Accountant's brain, costs one thousand dollars." </li>
<li>"One ounce of an Economist's, costs two thousand." </li>
<li>"One ounce of a Corporate President's, costs forty-five thousand." </li>
<li>"And one ounce from a Democrat, can even cost seventy-five thousand dollars...."</li>
</ul><br />
"<b>Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars</b>! For just one single ounce of <b>A</b> <b>Democrat's</b> <i>Brain</i>? How can you possibly charge so much for <i>Brains</i> '<b>from Democrats</b>?'"<br />
<br />
The doctor replied: "Do you have any idea, how many Democrats that we have to kill, to make just that one ounce? Luckily, however, they always seem to believe us - when we offer them <i><b>Free Nationalized Healthcare</b></i>....frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-14731736438578087762010-09-12T17:22:00.000-07:002010-09-14T06:18:13.244-07:00Abbeville Is Slowly And Subtly Changing Over Time<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/4615955262_673511fd6a.jpg" id="aptureLink_aGbHVVWvNN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="267px" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/4615955262_673511fd6a.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Flickriver: Most interesting photos from Abbeville, South Carolina ..." width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbeville County Courthouse - on the square.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Although many in <b>Abbeville, South Carolina</b> may have noticed the subtle changes - which have occurred in the last couple of years - many who have moved away will now notice [from this photo] that the <i>County Courthouse</i> is looking much brighter than in times past. This is due, in large part, to certain subtle changes in the exterior landscaping - which occurred right around the time of our last <b>Abbeville Tornado</b>. At that time, the city embarked upon a new project to let in much needed ambient light and remove several massive old growth oak trees - which largely prevented it.<br />
<br />
It was a very good thing too, since <b>The 2008 Abbeville Tornado </b>would have probably demolished much of our downtown area had they not so smartly done so! As it was, much of the city was heavily damaged - and left without power, for around two weeks - in its very significant aftermath. A much belated Kudos must be given to these fine city employees who worked so very hard to clean it all up afterward. As one long-time resident of Wardlaw Street stated:<br />
<ul><li><span style="color: white;">"They did a fine job, in clearing up this whole mess... but I sure wish they started with 'Wardlaw.'"</span> </li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yn7yr5UQx1E/R7OnTl9V7fI/AAAAAAAAAGw/0Gy4ZH6SKAw/2008-02-05%2BTornado%2B%2892%29.jpg" id="aptureLink_0pBilKlXlT" style="clear: left; display: block; margin: 0pt auto 1em; padding: 0px 6px; text-align: center;"><img height="188px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yn7yr5UQx1E/R7OnTl9V7fI/AAAAAAAAAGw/0Gy4ZH6SKAw/2008-02-05%2BTornado%2B%2892%29.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Abbeville Tornado 2008 .jpg" width="250px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <b>Abbeville Tornado</b> in 2008 struck around dark.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, everyone can't be first to have their streets cleared, or power restored, and I have it from a very good source that he has since forgiven them this one small civic transgression. The source which shall remain unnamed lives in one of Abbeville's few dark blue houses - with nicely contrasting antique white trim. He's somewhat of a "Rebel Without A Viable Cause" - as are many of our other local inhabitants. No surprise there, really.... We are "<b>The Birthplace of The Confederacy</b>," after all! However, back to our local story about the Abbeville County Courthouse....<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/64/228832328_cbd7822f15_o.jpg" id="aptureLink_cyqEqszwrm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="249px" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/64/228832328_cbd7822f15_o.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Abbeville Town Clock.jpg" width="160px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbeville Town Clock replica.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Although the beautiful period clock in this particular photo seems quite genuine, when compared to the original Abbeville town clock, it is actually a carefully crafted replica - which [not only] looks much better, than the older one, but frankly keeps much better time as well. It was installed along with a large number of new, but period appropriate, street lanterns throughout the town. For once, they all match - from one end of the town to the other! What a marvel idea, from the minds of Abbeville's Elite Town Leadership.... What will they [honestly] think of next?<br />
<br />
Well, actually, they have initiated a whole number of wonderful new changes - in an effort to revamp our beautiful and largely historic little town. For instance:<br />
<ul><li><b>The Sidewalks On Trinity Street </b>have been completely restored to full pedestrian functionality and physical attractiveness. </li>
<li><b>The Original Town Stables Building</b> has been completely restored as an <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Mq5qyAsSNIQ/TGFjHjYuZLI/AAAAAAAAjxA/TfQWtvwp2Xc/s800/AbbevilleSCdowntown5-22-10w.jpg" id="aptureLink_NoHFcJOicr">Indoor Farmers Market</a>.</li>
<li>We now have <b>New Public Bathrooms</b> adjacent to the Farmers Market and Public Parking Area.</li>
<li>And, <b>The Rebuilt Sidewalks Lining North Main Street</b> are as nice as they can come.</li>
</ul><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www2.wspa.com/mgmedia/image/294/0/13751/sc_jobless_rate_climbs_after_two_months_of_decli/" id="aptureLink_A447WPE2jk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="150px" src="http://www2.wspa.com/mgmedia/image/294/0/13751/sc_jobless_rate_climbs_after_two_months_of_decli/" style="border: 0px none;" title="SC Unemployment Benefits Agency Open Saturday | WSPA" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>19 Percent Unemployment</b> in Abbeville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Which, to my personal way of thinking: does a great deal for <b>The City of Abbeville</b>'s "<i>Local Self-Esteem</i>," but it does absolutely nothing for our local economy - which has suffered horribly, under thirty years of prolonged City and [even] County Mismanagement. Apart from, the largely failing: <b>Art Galleries</b>, <b>Restaurants</b>, and <b>Antique Stores</b> - which didn't generate much actual revenue, even before this prolonged recession - Abbeville has few local businesses to still [currently] boast of! With one of the highest overall levels of unemployment in the <b>State of South Carolina</b>, perhaps we should reconsider the negative growth policies of our more recent past?<br />
<br />
<b>What say Y'all, upon this very important local subject?</b> I would greatly appreciate your comments - following this particular news article. I am considering giving it a political go, potentially in the future, and I would greatly appreciate your own personal input - upon this particular subject. However, please be duly considerate of others and properly respectful. Remember, this is The South and We'all [at least attempt to] observe a certain public decorum. Cursing is for: "When the object of your scorn cannot potentially hear you..." as is gossip, and all other such grossly sinful talk - which is largely disrespecting of others. Believe me, Y'all - That's, "Bonafide!"<br />
<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">About our contributor:</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWGvY1aoUVBC0w03_lFoKJsnvk4rAYWpVKW5eCWaj0yqhw7wrRgDscFFDUEyEMWNDPyiAEXJOkGYv6_1406nL3IqwVDCrnKDCxEK0hvKObZ00FdPLu44kSzLQPk_Jg9I23EF4V6sOTd4/s270/Franksblogpic.jpg" id="aptureLink_WBI70Ukk21" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWGvY1aoUVBC0w03_lFoKJsnvk4rAYWpVKW5eCWaj0yqhw7wrRgDscFFDUEyEMWNDPyiAEXJOkGYv6_1406nL3IqwVDCrnKDCxEK0hvKObZ00FdPLu44kSzLQPk_Jg9I23EF4V6sOTd4/s270/Franksblogpic.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Francis R. Barbour - blogger for the "Real American Truth."" width="100px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis R. Barbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.real-american-truth.blogspot.com/" id="aptureLink_PDoHwtB4GA"><b>Francis R. Barbour</b></a> is an: author, freelance writer, and internet blogger - who attended Lander University from 1983 until 1987. As a long time resident of Abbeville, he has been: a past member of <i>The Abbeville Jaycees</i> [in good standing], a ten year member of <i>The South Carolina Army National Guard</i> [honorably discharged], and an outspoken advocate for openness, honesty, and disclosure in our local and national government. He currently maintains a number of political and religious blogs and writes articles for <a href="http://helium.com/">Helium.com</a>.</div>frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8208112695606497906.post-62948934933896265672010-09-12T14:42:00.000-07:002010-09-14T06:17:36.801-07:00Abraham Lincoln [The Northern Despot]: A Product Of Smooth Southern Seduction<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://abrahamlincolnfunfacts.com/images/Abraham_Lincoln.jpg" id="aptureLink_CNYSlnfJtF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="263px" src="http://abrahamlincolnfunfacts.com/images/Abraham_Lincoln.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Abraham Lincoln Fun Facts Give Insight Into an Influential President" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbeville's President Abraham Lincoln?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As difficult as it may be, for most self-respecting southerners to admit, <b>President Abraham Lincoln</b> was just as intricately connected to <i>Abbeville County</i> as the concept of "Lawful State Secession." Regardless of his paternity, Abraham Lincoln was factually conceived in <b>Abbeville</b>! While it is firmly believed that many in our town are just a bunch of "Red-Necked Bastards," in Lincoln's case the evidence is actually pretty strong.... Perhaps, not a "Red Neck," but definitely "A Bastard!" His actions as President, need not be included....<br />
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As the local story goes, "<b>Honest Abe</b>" is the very own offspring of one <i>Southern Statesman</i> named John C. Calhoun [a long time resident of Abbeville] and a local barmaid, Ms. Nancy Hanks. If true, then Abbeville has a lot more skeletons in its closet, than many of us have ever expected. Personally, the owner of one local <b>Confederate Shop</b> strongly detests this idea... however, the facts are extremely strong in its overall favor. Whereas, "The Truth" regarding his paternity may never be satisfactorily known.<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Meanwhile, the numerous verifiable facts speak for themselves. For instance:<br />
<ul><li><b>Ms. Nancy Hanks</b>, Abe's mother, was a local barmaid at "Orr's Tavern" in Craytonville, South Carolina - which was run by members of her Hanks/Orr family.</li>
<li><b>John C. Calhoun</b> regularly frequented this local watering hole and enjoyed Nancy's company at almost every available opportunity - according to documented witnesses.</li>
<li><b>Ms. Hanks </b>was pregnant with child upon leaving the county, and did indeed give birth - to Abraham - shortly after arriving in North Carolina.</li>
<li><b>Tom Lincoln</b> - who was hired by John C. Calhoun to take her to relatives in Kentucky - for unstated reasons - only married her after Abraham's birth.</li>
<li><b>Abraham Lincoln</b> suffered the rare genetic and paternal malady of "Marfan Disease" - which could only have come from his true father.</li>
<li><b>Vice-President Calhoun</b> was medically documented as having this particular genetic disease - of Marfan.</li>
<li>While, in the <b>Abbeville County Courthouse</b> is one child support agreement - on file between Mr. John C. Calhoun and Ms. Nancy Hanks for the sum of $100.00 per year in child support - for one unnamed illegitimate child born February 12th, 1809.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/57/70457-004-C3255403.jpg" id="aptureLink_ssSNhDECxf" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="261px" src="http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/57/70457-004-C3255403.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Calhoun, John C. :: John C. Calhoun (vice president of United ..." width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John C. Calhoun - possibly Lincoln's father?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The apparent irony of this inevitable disclosure - regarding the illegitimate paternity of President Abraham Lincoln - is that Vice-President <b>John C. Calhoun</b> was the primary advocate for <i>Sovereign State Rights</i> [prior to the Civil War] and <b>Lincoln</b> was the primary causation of its seemingly inevitable destruction upon America's <i>Civil War Battlefields</i>! Thus, one familial line may have decided the fate of a nation and caused the disruption of millions of American lives... all the while, it was just one family's squabble amongst themselves. Was this the primary motivation for what some have labeled "<b>Lincoln's War</b>" - in so many northern newspapers of that period? Who knows....<br />
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While all of this documented evidence is not entirely conclusive, in itself, the probability of this actual "<b>Lincoln/Calhoun Connection</b>" is extremely high - when all things are properly considered. Just because certain long standing <i>Confederate Supporters</i> now find the whole idea quite repugnant - to their own personal sensibilities - we cannot ignore this veritable mountain of circumstantial evidence. Of course, the only way we can possibly know for sure is to examine their own genetic material... and I'm sure that neither: <b>The Unionists</b>, nor <b>The Confederates</b>, would ever allow that to occur! Some things are better off [factually] unknown....<br />
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<b><span style="color: white;">***</span>Note: </b>For more upon "<b><span style="color: white;">The Issue of Secession</span></b>," read:<br />
<ul><li> <a href="http://fbarbour.blogspot.com/2010/09/do-states-have-right-of-secession.html" id="aptureLink_DSiNEOKIgC">Do States Have The Right Of Secession?</a></li>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">About our contributor:</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWGvY1aoUVBC0w03_lFoKJsnvk4rAYWpVKW5eCWaj0yqhw7wrRgDscFFDUEyEMWNDPyiAEXJOkGYv6_1406nL3IqwVDCrnKDCxEK0hvKObZ00FdPLu44kSzLQPk_Jg9I23EF4V6sOTd4/s270/Franksblogpic.jpg" id="aptureLink_WBI70Ukk21" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px 6px;"><img height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWGvY1aoUVBC0w03_lFoKJsnvk4rAYWpVKW5eCWaj0yqhw7wrRgDscFFDUEyEMWNDPyiAEXJOkGYv6_1406nL3IqwVDCrnKDCxEK0hvKObZ00FdPLu44kSzLQPk_Jg9I23EF4V6sOTd4/s270/Franksblogpic.jpg" style="border: 0px none;" title="Francis R. Barbour - blogger for the "Real American Truth."" width="100px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis R. Barbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.real-american-truth.blogspot.com/" id="aptureLink_PDoHwtB4GA"><b>Francis R. Barbour</b></a> is an: author, freelance writer, and internet blogger - who attended Lander University from 1983 until 1987. As a long time resident of Abbeville, he has been: a past member of <i>The Abbeville Jaycees</i> [in good standing], a ten year member of <i>The South Carolina Army National Guard</i> [honorably discharged], and an outspoken advocate for openness, honesty, and disclosure in our local and national government. He currently maintains a number of political and religious blogs and writes articles for <a href="http://helium.com/">Helium.com</a>.</div>frank barbourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10028338067353019974noreply@blogger.com4