whattayouthink

The choices on Halloween are tough

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:45:00 +0000

Over the years we have done many different things for Halloweeen. We've given out tracts & candy; we've gone to the church Harvest Parties; one year we even went door to door GIVING Christian stuff out instead of getting the treats.

Of course, now that we're in Kansas City, usually we just stay home, turn the lights out and have a quiet evening. Well, even that is now suspect.
All day long on the news they have been reporting that convicted sex offenders are required by law to keep their lights out and not give out candy. Oh boy, I wondered why all the neighbors look at me that way after Halloween.

Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:04:00 +0000

Well, I've been forced into joining facebook. In the past I have been able to resist the invitaions to join that I've had. But nearly my entire staff is doing it and the pressure was unbelievable to become a part of this network of people who (as one of person put it) "have nothing better to do all day than chat with people on the internet". In the two days that I have been a facebook member I have been "nugged" or "tapped" or "tagged" or some such thing AND I was placed in jail where I had to answer trivia questions to get out. So I guess it hasn't been a complete waste of time.
On a positive note, since I joined I have also heard from three long time friends that I hadn't heard from in years and from my two oldest granddaughters who are members. So, facebook is THE action place to be.

20 Pound Burger

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:02:00 +0000

This guy ate this 20 pound burger in about 4 hours. Perhaps it's my lack of spirituality, but this is the kind of thing I dream of when I'm on a fast. The burger included a bun, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, mild banana peppers and a cup each of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and relish. I realized that eating one of these at ANY given time would probably kill me, but during a fast would kill me and send me to hell.

You know you're in "hill country" if you see these...

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:39:00 +0000

A Thought In Light Of Our Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:48:00 +0000

Thomas Jefferson, in a Letter to the Secretary of the Treasury:

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs."

I'm passing along: "The Birk Plan" What's your thoughts?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:02:00 +0000

Hi FOLKS,

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free.

So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.

Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.

That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.

But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in thei r pocket.

A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.

Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads

Put away money for college - it'll be there

Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.

Buy a new car - create jobs

Invest in the market - capital drives growth

Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves

Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed
by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG - liquidate it.

Sell off its parts.

Let American Gene ral go back to being American Gene ral.

Sell off the real estate.

Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work."

But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion

We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC

And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

SHOCKING PICTURE (click picture to enlarge)

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:03:00 +0000

I'm Seeing Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:02:00 +0000

A recent study indicated that the color PINK has a soothing, calming effect. It went on to suggest that at least one wall in your home be painted pink. Before, pulling out your paint brush, it is important to remember that "hot pink" does not have the effect that a pastel pink does.
MY PROBLEM in all of this is that I H A T E pink! I own nothing that is pink. I wouldn't want to own anything pink. There is nothing pink in our home. Just seeing pink irritates me. The only thing worse than pink is something that is pink AND frilly. When I see pink, I just want to hit something. They clearly didn't use me in their case study. Hating Pink And Loving It.

The ONE issue of the election

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:37:00 +0000

As we are about 52 days away from the election, it has finally gotten down to ONE MAJOR ISSUE: Putting lipstick on farm animals. Thank God for the clarity.

The Media and The Election

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:53:00 +0000

It is amazing to see the bias in the media. Is there any news agency reporting the truth? For example, depending on which news service you listen to, the polls on the election are different. According to a poll in USA Today McCain is ahead by 10 points; CBS news poll has the two tied; and the MSNBC poll says that Obama won the election last week. Go figure!

Our Dependence On Foreign Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:47:00 +0000

I thought I'd chime in on our dependency on foreign energy. My personal feeling is that I would like to see the US completely free from depending on ANY other country for energy. My suggestion is that we build thousands of wind turbines. Imagine, if we began to build wind turbines here in the US, in just a few years we would not be dependent upon foreign wind!!!!

Sunset On The Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:46:00 +0000

One of our last nights at Vail, we took the lifts to the top of the mountain to watch the sun set over the peaks. It was splendid. See for yourself.

The Cave Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:56:00 +0000

We continue to be blessed by the beauty of God's creation. These pics are from the cave tour that we took.

A Jeep Tour Up The Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:44:00 +0000

We had an awesome time on Tuesday (Michelle's BD) as we took a 5 hour jeep tour up the mountains. Greg, our guide, was a real "mountain man". He knew all the wild flowers, the history of all the mountains and mining towns, how to survive in the mountains, and all the natural medicines found in the woods. He will probably die of Dutch Elm Disease. Anyway...I took lots of pics and have posted them below. They say it all.

One Week in Vail, Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:12:00 +0000

Having saved our pennies for months, I was able to give Michelle the birthday gift of a trip to Vail, CO. She has never seen the Rockies and I was 15 when I saw them. Just the 11 hour drive was amazing. We enjoyed each other's company as we saw the plains of Kansas and then saw the mountains rise before us. I'll be posting through the week as we enjoy this spectacular display of God's majesty.

The top picture was just a part of our drive to Vail. The next picture is from our balcony. Remember, jealousy is not from God.

Greeting Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:30:00 +0000

My wife, Michelle, is having a "significant number" birthday next week, so I've been reading a lot of greeting cards to find just the right one. Of course if it were up to me, I'd always buy goofy / funny cards, but having been married for nearly 40 years, I know when to buy a card with a good message that expresses the heart. I also know that you can't always buy the 99 cent cards if you want to impress your wife.
Overall I like Hall_ _rk cards. They usually express the thoughts of my heart. But I do have to object to their recent line of gay marriage cards that they have. Now I TOTALLY accept people who are gay - not their lifestyle - but them as people. And, I have several friends who are living that lifestyle, and several who were formerly gay but have been set free. I guess it's the idea of giving a card that wishes them happiness, love and joy in their relationship that I struggle with.
Oh well, Hall_ _rk, you aren't expressing my thoughts on this one.

Oh, and by the way, I HATE those stupid little figurines that they have too.

Bod-a-bing

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:44:00 +0000

Being a New Yorker I am fascinated with some of the phrases that you will only hear in the NY metro area. Bod-a-bing is one of them. Used often by Italian mobster type people, it's most general meaning is "to take care of with no problem", such as "We can throw the body in the river bod-a-bing." I often wondered if we ought to have a translation of the Bible in New Yorkese? If so, we might find passages like:
"Jesus cast out the demon, bod-a-bing".
"Jesus raised his voice and said, 'Come Forth', and Lazarus came forth from the grave, bod-a-bing."
and my favorite...
"So forget about it, the devil and his angels will be thrown into the lake of fire for ever, bod-a-bing."

"Bob-a-bing" and "Forget about it" used in the same sentance carries a double portion annointing.

FINALLY, I'm back

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:39:00 +0000

After many months I am finally blogging once again. I can offer NO excuses for my absence in writing that you would accept or believe. I can only say that I have been working hard in order to earn extra money so that I can repair my ship and head back to my home planet. See. I told you that you wouldn't believe me. Anyway, my hope is to blog once or twice per week. I welcome your comments and look forward to chatting once again.

Sitting by Owen

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:46:00 +0000

Taking the flight back from Albany, I had the experience of sitting next to Owen who is 4 and 3/4 years old. I know this because he repeatedly told me this throughout the flight. He was a cute little boy - but he was all boy. He drove his play cars up and down my arm, showed me the wings they gave him several times, leaned WAY OVER on to me to see out the window, burped the alphabet (I think) and asked me nearly a thousand questions.
What was amazing was that his mother managed to fall asleep for most of the flight, so I was the object of Owen's focus and attention...yeah me. It's good to be home.

Saying Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:04:00 +0000

Michelle and I are back in Albany, NY for the 2nd time in just a couple of weeks for the funeral service for my mom.
She was an amazing lady and words cannot express what we owe to this saint of God. Joy and laughter were hallmarks of her life, and she had a profound influence on everyone that she met. It was in 1971 that she helped lead Michelle and I to the Lord. She & dad have continued to love and support us all through our ministry.
I will share that she died of cancer and that she suffered very little pain. Just a week before her death, she played several games with us - one of her favorite things to do. She died in her sleep on Christmas Day. We thought that this was such a kiss from the Lord to fall asleep and wake up on Christmas day in glory.
What were those first minutes like? What did she see and experience on her first day in the Lord's presence? What revelations of God and the return of the King has she learned already?
Merry Christmas mom. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Glad to be back in WARMER weather

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:25:00 +0000

Last weekend we took a trip to New York for family reasons.
Anyway, this is what greeted us. S N O W.... and lots of it. This, plus temps in the single digits.

So glad to be back in good old KCMO

So Why Does S....bucks Cost So Much?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 21:35:00 +0000

It amazes me that people are willing to spend so much for a cup of coffee. Is it that their coffee REALLY tastes so much better? I don't think so.

I think S....bucks is for people who's day consists of humdrum or even boring daily decisions. But the coffee ordering process is like a poetic work of art giving them the chance to finally feel like they have all the power in the world. There they stand; their money in hand, and with all the authority of a corporate CEO, they announce:

"I'll take a double, grande peppermint mocha frappuccino".

OR

"I'll have a tall, sweet, Sumatra, carmel, expresso, Java chip".

Just hearing them gives you the impression that they must be really important. You ask yourself, are they bank executives? Airline pilots? Stock exchange guru's? No, they're just simple mailmen, bus drivers and stay at home moms. But wow, can they order a cup of coffee!

It's worth every "buck" at "S....bucks"

You Know You're an IHOPer If...

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:05:00 +0000

I recently saw an extensive list of "You Know You're an IHOPer If...." I've posted a few of my favorites. Enjoy.

You know you're an IHOPer if...

- You know that Misty or Justin could easily win American Idol.

- You have to explain the difference between the International House of Pancakes and the International House of Prayer, daily.

- You know more about Israel than you do the United States.

- You pronounce "God", "Gauwd".

- You already have plans for what you're going to do in the Millenial Kingdom.

- You've shown up for someone's wedding wearing your nametag.

- Even as a man, you're excited about being a bride.

- You've been ruined.

- You've contemplated shaving your head and buying trendy glasses.

- You think that "Amen" is always followed by "Let's stand".

The "What Kind of an Idiot" Column

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:48:00 +0000

Well, here we go again...
A man goes into the convenience store and buys a sandwich which has gravy on it - then puts it in the micro wave to heat it himself. He is then burned by the hot gravy. Duh, stuff comes out of the micro wave hot! My cat knows that. But instead of realizing how stupid he was and leave it at that, he is now suing because he burned himself on the gravy that HE overheated. Of course, he'll win. I don't know who's the bigger idiot; the man who burned himself or the judge who awards him the money.

The KEY words tell it all

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Bunkoff) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:27:00 +0000

I read a news story the other day that still has me laughing. But it's the KEY words that tell it all.

It seems that a teacher from ARKANSAS was going to show the class how to SKIN AN ANIMAL. (I don't know about you, but we never took that class in New York) But as the teacher began, it turns out that the animal was STILL ALIVE. So, the teacher takes the animal out to his PICK UP TRUCK and shoots it with a NAIL GUN.

I'm sorry but ARKANSAS, SKIN AN ANIMAL, STILL ALIVE, PICK UP TRUCK & NAIL GUN has "Red Neck" all over it.

Maybe this was just another regular day at school in Arkansas.