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As a woman, I am so embarrassed by these fools. . . .

So, today, a heretofore unknown (and apparently, there was a good reason for that), representative from Illinois, got her name in the press today (although not much, so far.  Perhaps the main stream media realizes this was not an appropriate statement to make).   She took a page from the infamous Hillary rant of "what difference does it make?!" in reference to the attack in Benghazi and the murders of four brave American citizens.  Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), decided it was appropriate to tell her "colleagues" in Congress, who have the abominable nerve to question why a $93 million dollar contract for a simple website has ballooned to $600 million plus, and why the president lied as to the website being ready to go and the American people can keep their doctors and their preferred insurance policies, to "get over it!"  http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/10/30/schakowsky-blasts-republicans-at-anti-obamacare-hearing-get-over-it/

And to add to the idiotic responses today, HHS Secretary Sibelius actually answered a question from a Congressman (now we know she doesn't think she works for taxpayers or Congress, but bear with me), the immature and wholly inappropriate response of "Whatever".    http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/30/21247012-miserably-frustrating-sebelius-apologizes-for-glitchy-obamacare-site  Um, like, yah, we seem to have a Valley Girl for HHS Secretary.

Good gracious, women like Abigail Adams must be rolling in their graves.  These are examples of the best women we have in this country to serve in public office?  For shame on all three of the aforementioned women.  I only wish Abigail Adams were able to read these three stooges the riot act.

Please, ladies, tell people who have lost their insurance plans and cannot afford the affordable insurance available under the so called ACA, "Whatev!" and "Get over it!" to their faces.  Be braver than Hillary, who, to my knowledge, has not yet had the poor taste to tell the family members of the four Benghazi victims "what difference does it make?!"  None of these three women are deserving of the honor of serving the United States of America in any capacity.

Great Deal Alert - Nations Photo Lab

Hi folks.  Long time, no see.  I could entertain you with all the potholes of my life which would explain my absence, but, why do that when I have a great deal for you:

Nations Photo Lab http://www.nationsphotolab.com , about which I have previously blogged, is having a sale on prints.  30% off.  Now, I can't say enough about their metallic prints - I think they just make the photos pop!  They use Kodak Professional Endura Metallic papers, and I was just absolutely thrilled when I saw my order.  Well worth the slightly higher costs.

In any case, by now, I am sure you  are saying, "Just give me the coupon code!"  Here it is:  ALLPHOTO gets you 30% off all prints now through 10/22/13 at 11:59 pm EST.

Enjoy!

And to make all the government busybees happy:  I am providing the information about a great deal that I found.  I have received no compensation for spreading the word, nor have I been asked to spread the work by Nations Photo Lab or anyone else.  I have and will not receive any compensation for this post, and the opinions are all mine and are simply that:  my opinions.

Zazzle deal alert - 65% off wrapped canvases!!!

Have that great picture you just want to see on canvas?  Zazzle can do it for you!  Have a blank wall just crying out for a gorgeous canvas?  Check out Zazzle!  There are designs by an untold number of artists for you.  And best of all, they are all on sale at 65% off if you have the right friends (me) and know the secret password!.

I'll give it to you in my tweet below, and all I ask is that you use my link (it will take you to my shop where you can feel free to look around or check out the work of others or create your own wrapped canvas).  I'd just appreciate it if you'd start with my link.  Also, if you are on twitter, I would love it if you would retweet the following:

Best deal on wrapped canvas prints - 65% off at Zazzle use link http://www.zazzle.com/aballenphotography?rf=238025147469164076 … … & code CANVASDEAL13 Please share/retweet thanks.

Thanks so much folks and happy spring! The offer is good through tomorrow.

Sorry to have been MIA - new camera alert

After losing my beloved 15+ year old Samoyed, life has been a little sad.  But then it got rather busy because I now have a 4 month old Samoyed.    this is Wonder - out playing in the snow today, taken with my iPhone 4S.  Yes, I finally got my hubby to break down and get me a smartphone so I have been playing with its camera.  Once you are used to DSLRs and high grade point and shoots, you can't be impressed with phone cameras, but they are handy and always available.

Now, speaking of high grade point and shoots, a new Sony came out and what I read of its specifications I would just love to give it a whirl.  It sounds similar to my DSC-H20 which is maybe 4 years old now, but so many upgrades - sounds like it could retire my Sony alpha and its many lenses.

I know, cut to the chase and tell you what it is.  Well, okay then.  It's the Sony DSC-H200.  It has amazing specifications.  Like what, you ask.  Well, what do you think of 20.1 megapixels?  How about 26x zoom?  Or 3.0" LCD screen and Picture and Beauty effects.

I would love to get my hands on one of these and they do seem reasonably priced - I've found it as low as $229 at one major online retailer.  I have so many cameras, I don't know if I can justify spending money on another one, but this one has me drooling.

If any of you get one, come back and leave your comments - would love to hear them.

This is not an endorsement - I have no personal knowledge of this camera and Sony did not provide me with any information, promotional items, etc.  I came across the camera on my own and thought I would share it with you.  Enjoy.

Another camera contest

pictureline inc. is giving away a Canon EOS 6D 24 - 105 f/4 kit.  Enter here http://bit.ly/TO4VxR and good luck!  Let me know if you are the lucky winner!

Cool photography giveaway!

There's a great giveaway going on.    pictureline.inc. is giving away lots of cool prizes  - today's was (I was too late) I believe a Nikon D3200.  Not bad.  Enter through this link http://bit.ly/PjiB2p  - it's a Facebook contest, if that matters to you.