But he also said he wouldn't support any cuts in defense, Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid -- which, along with debt payments, would put more than two-thirds of the budget off limits.

Add in the war on terror and unemployment and welfare benefits that's about 87% of the budget. Budget cutting is tough.

One of my co-workers who was laid off last week just stopped by to say hi before heading out to lunch with a few friends, and she told us more details on her severance package. We had been hearing from previous laid-off people that they were getting two weeks per year with a maximum of 26 weeks, but Nancy told us that she got capped at 38 weeks. If I got laid off this year, I would be eligible for 34 weeks, so that was good to hear.

Nancy is 70 years old (which I would never have guessed--I thought she was around 60), so she's been collecting social security for five years and will be going on Medicare when the insurance runs out here. The younger people who were laid off are the ones I'm worried about.

For those who don't want government interfering in their lives.

Joe The Plumber Quitting The GOP: Time Magazine

Oh, Joe, you rascal. Never stop being you!

Random photo, bringing the wacky: [link]

Because guess what day it is?

Joe the Plumber, also known as Samuel Wurzelbacher, is quitting the GOP.

Eh, I still wouldn't let him anywhere near our cats.

Anyone ever done a "stop payment" on a check? Is it a big deal to do?

Just call the bank and tell them. Mine charges $17.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Oh Java classloader issues, how I hate thee.