Walking on Water in 2007

You have to see this video to believe it. National Geographic has a video of the "Jesus Lizard," a lizard that gets its name because it can actually walk on water.

Merger Question

This year I relaunched a blog that I had abandoned when I started this one. After much thought, it seems as though I don't have enough time to devote to both blogs. KevinsView.com is more political in nature and this blog is more personal finance in nature. This blog is still my thoughts and I was wondering what you all thought. I would like to hear your thoughts in the comments and in the poll (in the sidebar).

Would you be offended if I posted an occasional political thought? Do you think the political thoughts would turn people away? Bring more visitors in? Do you think it is a good idea? Let me know your thoughts. I will be anticipating your comments and your votes.

Details...if I do merge the two blogs...KevinsView.com will be forwarded into the DebtFree4ever.NET blog.

Kansas Foster Parent Given National Honor

WIBW-TV reported this weekend that an area foster parent and adoptive
parent was nominated by Congresswoman Boyda to honor him by the
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. I would like to
congratulate Mr. Griffiths on this honor.

In the article (below) Boyda said:

"Earlier this year, the House of
Representatives honored foster parents by unanimously passing my
National Foster Parents Day resolution. Yesterday's awards gala was
another opportunity to honor these loving families. Of course, no
award can repay the efforts of caring men and women like Stuart, but I
hope the recognition helps to express our nation's gratitude for their
efforts."

This is great and should be an additional incentive for the President
to Proclaim National Foster Parents Day.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District)
has honored Riley resident Stuart Griffiths as a 2007 Angel in
Adoption for his exceptional work as a foster and adoptive parent. The
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which
orchestrates the Angels in Adoption program, Thursday honored Mr.
Giffiths, along with more than 180 other Angels nominated by Members
of Congress across America, at an awards ceremony and gala event in
Washington, D.C.

Mr. Griffiths is a dedicated foster parent who has, over the years,
hosted 32 foster children. Mr. Griffiths first started working with
children as a wrestling coach while in college, when he gave rides to
and from practice to a young man living in a group home.

Mr. Griffiths wanted to do more to help, so he began volunteering at
the young man's group home – helping with homework, playing ball, and
whatever else was needed.

Eventually, the home asked Mr. Griffiths to take on the role of
assistant director. He later returned to school and earned a degree in
social work, and he has devoted the last eight years of his life to
working in child protective services.

As a foster parent, Mr. Griffiths has focused on helping children who
were victims of abuse or had behavioral problems grow into successful
and talented adults. He now has five adopted sons, ranging in age from
14 to 19.

Congresswoman Boyda said, "For over a decade now, Stuart has opened
his home and his heart to children in need. His efforts are moving and
truly inspiring, and I'm pleased to have the chance to honor his
caring work."

CCAI was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral,
bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) to more
effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about the issue
of adoption.

The Angels in Adoption program is CCAI's signature public awareness
campaign and provides an opportunity for all members of the U.S.
Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have
enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States
and abroad.

The Angels in Adoption program was established in 1999 as a
Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since
then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness
campaign culminating in an awards gala and celebration in Washington,
D.C.

Congresswoman Boyda added, "Earlier this year, the House of
Representatives honored foster parents by unanimously passing my
National Foster Parents Day resolution. Yesterday's awards gala was
another opportunity to honor these loving families. Of course, no
award can repay the efforts of caring men and women like Stuart, but I
hope the recognition helps to express our nation's gratitude for their
efforts."

Interstate Bakeries May Close the Doors

Sounds like wonder bread maybe going out of business. If they hold true to their previous threats (a couple weeks back).

Interstate Bakeries Corp. today said it has not been able to reach agreement with the Teamsters union after reaching agreement Friday with its other main union.

On Friday, the bankrupt maker of Twinkies and Wonder bread said it had reached agreement on contract modifications with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union.

Interstate said the bakers’ union had begun having its members vote to ratify the changes, which included health and welfare concessions and changes to the company’s distribution network.

In a release this morning, IBC said it has not been able to reach agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on modifications to its collective bargaining agreements necessary to allow a more capable and cost-effective path-to-market, specific health and welfare concessions, and increased work rule flexibility.

IBC previously said that if it didn’t have agreements with its two principal labor unions by a self-imposed Sunday deadline it would seek interim Bankruptcy Court approval for a 30-day extension to consider its options, including a liquidation of the company. A hearing is set for Wednesday.

IBC today said it remains open to discussions with the Teamsters leading up to the hearing.

IBC also said that it is continuing discussions with prospective investors to secure the financial resources required to successfully emerge from bankruptcy and implement its business plan, but that all financing proposals it has received to date require union alignment to the company’s business plan.

If union and financing arrangements are not achieved Wednesday, however, IBC said it will pursue court approval of the extension and focus efforts on alternative plans to maximize the value of the bankruptcy estates.

The Teamsters, which represents around 10,000 employees, object to additional health care concessions, as well as the company’s plan to separate the job functions of many drivers who currently sell and deliver the company’s products.

The union says the distribution changes would reduce the pay for many of its members, but Interstate Bakeries said the effect would be smaller than the union is claiming.

The Teamsters last week asked the bankruptcy court to deny Interstate Bakeries’ request for more time, saying three years has been more than enough to work out a plan.

JP Morgan Chase Bank, which represents the company’s pre-bankruptcy lenders, made a similar request this week, saying the deadline should be pushed back no further than Oct. 31.

A committee of unsecured creditors has also filed motions, seeking to force Interstate Bakeries to talk with potential buyers and allow creditors to be part of those negotiations.

The Star and The Associated Press

In a previous article Interstate has said that if they liquidate, they would not consider offers from two companies that has expressed interest in the company. Those two companies are Yucaipa, an investment company headed by Ron Burkle of Los Angeles, an equity firm affiliated with J.P. Morgan, the bank representing it's creditors. To me, they are in bankruptcy, and are in no position to say who will buy them. That will be up to the judge and no one else.