All The News That's Fit Our Agenda

The New York Times sends me an internet email daily about the social beat in the city. I lived in NYC for over 10 years, and I love keeping in touch. Recently they have updated their format to include the news headlines as well.

This morning, I wondered how they would handle Memorial Day, considering their candidate is in office and we are still a presence in Iraq. Would they show festivities or memorial services being held around the city? Guess what? Nothing! Not one word. There were more than a dozen stories in this web issue, but not a syllable to remember the dead, who fought for freedom of the press.

Once upon a time, the New York Times stood alone, or close to it, as a voice of the people. It formed opinions and was used as gospel for current events. I guess they have swallowed their own kool-aid, and now they are in the business of deciding what the opinion of the people should be. IMHO Today, they are just a more respected National Enquirer (Hell even the National Enquirer is a more respected paper these days).

The tragic part is that they are still forming impressionable minds and being used as gospel truth, when in fact they are just an expensive propaganda machine.

The New York Times is role modeling ingratitude for the masses.

Memorial Day isn't being pro-war. It is being pro-American; saying thank you to the Americans who served and sacrificed their lives for our country.

Thank you to all the families who have lost their loved ones so that we can, at least for today, continue to breathe free.

Freedom isn't Free

This is what we talkin bout Wyllis

Watching Gary Coleman grow up was a little painful for anyone with a heart. We all knew he appeared younger than he really was, and would remain short of stature for the rest of his life. A 4’8” black man? Anybody with half a brain knew he’d be nowhere as soon as the sitcom folded.

It’s like seeing a spectacular beauty in middle age, trying to cling to girlish charms. I much prefer to see the courageous women who embrace their age and make the most of it. Gena Rowlands comes to mind.

As I look back on the ponderings above….Anyone with a heart….half a brain….courage….somehow appropriate tribute to Gary; doing Wizard of Oz-isms for someone who couldn’t find his way back ‘home’ into the hearts of America.

The most hurtful part was seeing him play roles as himself, his TV character, or parodies of his real life troubles. Hard to keep your dignity when you need a paycheck. His parents and managers had stolen all his money and Hollywood for an adult Gary stole his dignity. Watching the butchers of “entertainment TV” chew him up and spit him out was the most pathetic at all. TMZ behave like soulless zombies.

It’s sad, really, and I never could tolerate to see Gary Coleman playing himself as a mockery. It’s simple exploitation, and it shows humanity at its worst. I wonder if TMZ stands for too many zombies.
On The Right Track (1981) Gary Coleman, Maureen Stapleton, Bill Russell

"I can't read; I can't write, and they won't let me talk"

Title of this blog quoted from a taped conversation between Linkletter and his son.


Art Linkletter dies at 97: broadcasting pioneer created 'Kids Say the Darndest Things'
Art Linkletter, the radio and television talk-show pioneer who was best known for eliciting hilarious remarks from the mouths of babes and who late in life was a popular motivational speaker and author, challenging seniors to live as zestfully as he did, has died. He was 97…."I've been around long enough to develop some insights," Linkletter told the Orlando Sentinel in 2007, "Don't retire, become a 'seniorpreneur,' keep a positive outlook, and maintain your sense of humor."

"Retire?" he said in response to a Times reporter's question in 1988, when he paused for an interview between skiing at Vail, Colo., and scuba diving off Brisbane, Australia. "If you retire, you can't ever have a day off."
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-art-linkletter-new-20100527,0,4664663.story

This is the first guy I can remember loving. I loved my dad, but that was so complicated, not feeling secure in Dad’s estimation of me, that it left me bewildered till my late 20’s. Art Linkletter was a guy I knew would enjoy me. He seemed clearly kind, and tolerant, not a guy who could get mad at you for spilling milk or not paying attention. He'd laugh at the dumb,and sometimes outright mean things kids would say; I felt safe that he'd love me as I was. As many of the people of my early life looked at me sideways, like a confused puppy, I knew Linkletter would “get me.”

When I “met” Art he was a few years younger than I am now. There are moments when I see my life as far spent, and death is clearly a certainty. Thinking of Linkletter and all that awaited him in the last 45 years, it occurs to me, there could be much more on the forefront. It makes me a bit more excited about what the future could hold. It makes me rethink feelings of being a fool for starting a business that might make a fortune as I drop dead. Thank God I had broccoli for dinner.

Are you allowed to say that?

I'm thinking of my libertarian friend, Walter E. Williams, who blew up Google searches to volcanic levels for speaking intelligently about an unpopular point of view regarding Arizona’s new immigration law.

Kids let's face it, for all the horror that the USA (that isstill what we're calling ourselves, right?) is going through presently, we are still the envy of the whole world; I don't care what Oprah says. Our standard of living is phenomenal, and It is not possible for us to sustain our lifestyle and bring anybody who can find a way in, into the melting pot. It's just simple math.

The socialist have a simple solution, destroy our economy, and bring The USA into the global economy fold. Walter E. Williams is pointing out to maintain our way of life it must be protected (and IMHO today, not so much from immigrants, but from our government).

He is making a point and I hope we get provoked by it.

I am quoting at the end of my blog today an article written by Mr Williams, and think it to be about the most provoking thing I have read recently.


Black Americans and Liberty
by Walter E. Williams
http://townhall.com/columnists/WalterEWilliams/2010/05/05/black_americans_and_liberty


Having recently reached 74 years of age, if one were to ask me what's my greatest disappointment in life, a top contender would surely be the level of misunderstanding, perhaps contempt, that black Americans have for the principles of personal liberty and their abiding faith in government. Contempt or misunderstanding of the principles of personal liberty and faith in government by no means make blacks unique among Americans, but the unique history of black Americans should make us, above all other Americans, most suspicious of any encroachment on personal liberty and most distrustful of government. Let's look at it.

The most serious injustices suffered by blacks came at the hands of government, at different levels, failure to protect personal liberty. Slavery was only the most egregious example of that failure. Congress and the courts supported the injustice of slavery through the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act and the Dred Scott decision. After emancipation, there were government-enforced Jim Crow laws denying blacks basic liberties and court decisions such as Plessy v. Ferguson that reinforced and gave sanction to private acts that abridged black people's liberties.

Michelle Malkin

The heroic civil rights movement, culminating with the 1964 Civil Rights Act, put an end to the grossest abuses of personal liberties, but government evolved into a subtler enemy. Visit any major city and one would find that the overwhelmingly law-abiding members of the black community are living in constant fear of robbery, assault and murder. In fact, 52 percent of U.S. homicides are committed by blacks, 49 percent of homicide victims are black and 93 percent of them were murdered by fellow blacks. The level of crime in black communities is the result of government's failure to perform its most basic function, namely the protection of its citizens. The level of criminal activity not only puts residents in physical jeopardy but represents a heavy tax on people least able to bear it. That tax is paid in the forms of higher prices for goods and services and fewer shopping opportunities because supermarkets and other large retailers are reluctant to bear the costs of doing business in high-crime areas. This government failure has the full effect of a law prohibiting economic development in many black communities.

Then there's the grossly fraudulent education delivered by the government schools that serve most black communities. The average black high school senior has a sixth- or seventh-grade achievement level and most of those who manage to graduate have what's no less than a fraudulent diploma, one that certifies a 12th-grade level of achievement when in fact the youngster might not have half that. If the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan wanted to sabotage black academic excellence, he could not find a more effective means to do so than the government school system in most cities.

Tragically, most Americans, including black people whose ancestors have suffered from gross injustices of slavery, think it quite proper for government to forcibly use one person to serve the purposes of another. That's precisely what income redistribution is: the practice of forcibly taking the fruits of one person's labor for the benefit of another. That's also what theft is and the practice differs from slavery only in degree but not kind.

What about blacks who cherish liberty and limited government and joined in the tea party movement, or blacks who are members of organizations such as the Lincoln Institute, Frederick Douglass Foundation and Project 21? They've been maligned as Oreos, Uncle Toms and traitors to their race. To make such a charge borders on stupidity, possibly racism. After all, when President Reagan disagreed with Tip O'Neill, did either charge the other with being a traitor to his race? Then why is it deemed traitorous when one black disagrees with another, unless you think that all blacks must think alike?

I hope it's misunderstanding, rather than contempt, that explains black hostility toward the principles of liberty

Pretty

I'll Have The Unusual

Nikki Haley Affair Rumors: Politics As Usual
By Shannon Bell
Rep. Nikki Haley lives by strong conservative principles, she’s attractive, young, and she’s been endorsed by another who fits that mold. Now allegations of a Nikki Haley affair have surfaced conveniently after Rasmussen reports that Haley has taken the lead in South Carolina’s gubernatorial campaign. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to have predicted such an allegation would surface…
...A Nikki Haley affair allegation doesn’t come as a shock. As a matter of fact it should have been expected. Haley herself said today that she expected something like this to happen. Folks, for his part claims the affair and now conveniently refuses to answer questions or speak about the allegations any further.

http://www.rightpundits.com/?p=6284

This “As Usual” headline is among the saddest part of our brave new world. In a world where people are allowed to publically accuse you and then remain silent, without the least bit of evidence is worse than “politics as usual”; it’s a perverse kindergarten.

I entered high school in 1973, the year the Watergate scandal became intense, and teenagers don’t need reasons to be cynical about adults. I presumed people went into politics for power lust, greed & approbation. About a dozen years later, in President Regan’s second term, something changed for me. Whether he was just a great orator, or a better actor, he made me proud to be an American, probably for the first time. He pointed out to me how great our country, and our system is.

I have never been a party man preferring to vote my conscience. My conscience has been troubling me the last few elections, as I have had a hard time decided if there was any point to voting at all.

If you’re with me then let me remind you that the action of voting, if nothing else says, I am paying enough attention to you politicians to at least take the time to vote. It also reveals that we still value government by the people; hurry before its all gone!

Impossible you say? Read the history books friends, it has happened before.

What I Found On "Lost"

What We Lose With The End Of ‘Lost’
by MeCaitlin Kelly
“Broadside
I loved seeing Koreans, an Iraqi, a fat guy and an inter-racial couple play integral roles, becoming leaders and well-loved by their community. “Lost” began six years ago, long before anyone else was casting such diversity. It never felt faux-diverse, as so many of these efforts do, just real.

I’ll miss that community. Many of us now live alone, work at home or are looking for work. We hunger for a lively, funny, quirky posse of our own. We don’t want to run from the smoke monster or shoot a polar bear or have to suffer a plane crash to find one, but the hard-won interdependence of the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 speaks to a powerful longing.”

http://trueslant.com/caitlinkelly/2010/05/23/what-we-lose-with-the-end-of-lost/

I loved Ms Kelly’s article, in fact, much more than I did the TV series “Lost”. To be honest, it was in its third or fourth season by the time I tried to watch it, but it never made a bit of sense to me. I found it interesting and well done but unfathomable, like the plot to “The Big Sleep”.

By the time a “Lost” series devotee offered to loan me season one on DVD, my mind kept replaying the criticisms about how this series went on and on becoming more & more convoluted as it went. Life is hard, TV shouldn’t have to be.

What I did appreciate about the episodes I watched, and Ms. Kelly’s article was finding believable “average” people in extraordinary circumstances. This makes for good entertainment. I was inspired to see people overcome common obstacles we all have “just getting along”, in situations where their lives depended upon it.

Also, since IMHO today, television is more like a mentor for society than a mirror reflecting society, it’s nice to see positive role models who look like us, along with the obligatory fashion model types (who to be fair, were very good in their roles). They had strengths and weaknesses and didn’t fit well into ‘stereotypes’, just like us.

What more can I say than, Ok society, get busy and start reflecting.

Eat The Dots, Don't Drink The Kool-Aid

Pac-Man 30th anniversary: Google celebrates with free online Pac-Man game hidden in logo - go play!
BY Jeff Zalesin
DAILY NEWS WRITER

“Originally Published:Friday, May 21st 2010, 1:46 PM”

“Google offers a free online Pac-Man game to celebrate the games 30th anniversary. Related NewsArticlesEating through history: Pac-Man turns 30. B'klyn artist turns Greenpoint into Pac-Man gameIt's the Pac-Man 30th anniversary this weekend, and Google is celebrating as only Google can: with a free online game embedded in its homepage logo.

The ever-changing Google logos - called Google Doodles - which often celebrate holidays and notable birthdays, was updated Friday to look like a screen classic Pac-Man game. “

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/2010/05/21/2010-05-21_google_celebrates_pacman_anniversery_with_playable_logo.html

OK, Pac-man is 30 years old, I wonder if those dots taste bland now-a-days? Is it me or do the ghosts seem more lackadaisical than they used to be?

Maybe it’s because I met Pac-man in a bar, and he seemed to be chased by ghostie roadrunners. Back then I was just barely legal. The drinking age was 18, kitties; but we had to walk five miles in the snow to get our liquor.

Nothing is the same as when Pac-man first showed his yellow, round, possibly ripped off from Wal-mart smiley face logo, back in 1980. We were genuinely frightened a lot. We worried about terrorists and the Middle East. Within a couple of years we worried over AIDS, though it wasn’t an acronym yet. We worried about our economic future. Schools were falling behind other countries like Japan, and before the end of the decade congressman were warning that we kids could never expect to have as successful an economic life as our parents were, at that time, enjoying.

I remember playing Pac-man waiting for my girl to get off work so we could neglect all our worries and dance to the Thomas Twins, “Hold Me Now” and forget about how unsafe we really felt. With a few chemicals and a better than average DJ, we whirled away anxiety and responsibility and felt safe for a little while.

Then came the day I figured out I wouldn’t live on this earth forever. I realized that if I did want something here, from this world system, then I had better start making a plan.

You know what? Things really haven’t changed that much. It’s your move.

Victims Don't Get Songs, except Tom Dooley

A love song for Jeffrey Dahmer
By SUSANNAH BRESLIN
“Off the Record”

“Upon hearing the song’s title, a prospective listener might expect Dudley Saunders’ “Love Song for Jeffrey Dahmer” to be ironic. It isn’t….. Along with “Love Song for Dahmer,” which appears on Saunders’ award-winning The Emergency Lane, we talked about prostitutes and psychopaths, what sex and violence have in common, and the reception that he expects to get on his upcoming tour.”

http://trueslant.com/susannahbreslin/2010/04/19/a-love-song-for-jeffrey-dahmer/

Yes, and exactly what type of reception do you expect Mr. Saunders? The kind that spends money I suspect. Boys and girls, can you say exploit? I know that you can.

Remember the Charles Manson-esque culture referenced in music and fashion? Alkaline Trio’s "Sadie," which referred to Susan Atkins, by her nickname as she was known in Manson’s cult. That was still being cashed in on 20 years later. That’s just one of scores of musician and “artists” who’ve attached their wagons to that killer’s star.

The Preppie Killer, Robert Chambers, in the 1980’s had at least a half a dozen songs “inspired’ by him on the radio. He is presently serving around 20 years for dealing drugs, after his insanity plea was thrown out. Everybody sing!

Bob Geldof wrote a song after reading a report from WRAS, on the shooting spree of 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer, who fired at children playing in a school playground at Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego, California on 29 January 1979. She killed two adults and injured eight children. Spencer’s full explanation for her actions was "I don't like Mondays; this livens up the day." The song, “I don’t like Mondays”, was first performed less than a month later.

Hey, I come from the era of the Sex Pistols, I try not to be too provincial, but c’mon guys! Celebrate these mental patients and see how much better our culture is while you enjoy the cash from your freedom of speech?

Robbie The Robot Spoke so Clearly.....

The Unanswered Questions About Google TV
By Janko Roettgers May. 20, 2010, 12:23pm

“Murphy was in the room when Google unveiled its Google TV platform at its I/O developer conference today. The demo was plagued with numerous problems, with remote controls losing sync and questionable content showing up on the TV feeds used to demonstrate Google TVs integration of the Web and the TV. Those snags turned the keynote, which was also used for a much smoother presentation of the new Android 2.2 version, into a three-hour long marathon session, and Best Buy’s CEO Brian Dunn had a hard time sounding convincing when he said he wanted a Google TV device “right now.”
http://newteevee.com/2010/05/20/the-unanswered-questions-about-google-tv/#comments

Google is amazing, no doubt about it. I am writing this blog on a Google blog; my email is on Google, as well as my calendar; 2 weeks ago I bought the newest Droid phone. If Google isn’t the prophetic Big Brother, He’ll do until the real BB shows up.

My Droid is amazing; the things it can do are astounding. I can touch “Car Home” on the screen; touch “Navigation”; touch the microphone and say, “McDonald’s” and the town I’m in and it will instantly lead me there by the hand. It will, with the appropriate applications, wake me up, keep my appointments close at hand, and beep when it’s time to close. It will play Three Stooges phrases when my brother who never grew up calls. It plays TV, it plays Music, and it shows me email, and facebook and my favorite weather channel. It can do anything….except be audible.

Female voices are great, but anyone with a touch more testosterone Marion Jones cannot be heard on this phone. The low pitches always sound as if they are making automated noises rather than a man’s voice.

Didn’t they test this thing with guys? I know I’m not the only one cause the customer service lady admitted that this is a regularly complained about issue. I know technology must make advances every 15 minutes so we all get to be famous before we die, but could I please use my phone the old fashion way too? Let me speak, and don’t force me to do the Frank Valley & the 4 seasons version of “Big Girls Don’t Cry” every time I am on the droid.

Check out the website

Yogi and Boo Boo Had A Good Press Agent

"I'm smarter than the average Bear"

Yogi Bear



Hearing Held on 1st N.J. Black Bear Hunt in 5 Years

Associated Press
"TRENTON, N.J.-- Supporters and opponents of what would be the state's first approved bear hunt in five years weighed in Tuesday on rules that would authorize a fall hunting season.

The Environmental Protection Department and the Fish and Game Council heard from several groups, including The Humane Society, the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and other nature conservation groups during its black bear management policy hearing Tuesday night.

Groups in support called anti-hunters too emotional and impractical. Some in the groups against the plan called the hunters supporting it extreme and bloodthirsty."

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/05/12/hearing-held-st-nj-black-bear-hunt-years/

Do these people really get the problem, or have they been so Disneyfied that they can’t wrap their minds around animals being a danger to human life? Clearly human life is being devalued as the Avatar jellyfish-like little demons suck the reason out of our souls.

Bears kill people, not just when threatened, but when they come into contact with people. It doesn’t mean that I think bears are bad. I think they are wild animals, and when wild animals don’t face enough natural predators, or hardships then they come looking for greener pastures, and we humans create these greener pastures.

If you wear, sit on, or grip cow skin, also known as leather, then please give me a break. You eat meat? You think they put the chickens in those Soylent Green suicide chambers so they can peacefully slip away to chicken feather heaven?

Yeah, bears are cute. I had a Yogi Bear stuffed animal that I slept with as a kid, and I loved him, but my grandfather, the hunter (who used literally everything possible from everything he caught) showed me the reality of how savage a bear could be when approached.

Grandpa also had an amazing garden where he would savagely tear those poor tomatoes from mother vine.

Why don’t we save our rage for the mistreated children in our own communities? Why don’t we freak out about the mistreatment of senior citizens left alone, neglected in nursing homes? Why don’t we discuss it over a beautiful bear steak, which, by the way, Grandma could roast to a melt in your mouth consistency?

Bon Apetit

Orthocenter- What is an Orthocenter:
The answer could make you a millionaire

“Most of America is suddenly abuzz with the singular question of what is an orthocenter. Now,enlightened people will produce a thousand pages and more underlying the definition of an orthocenter, its formation,values,characteristics and a lot more but this question didn’t rise from the academia but came to light from a reality game show, the ever popular ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’.”

http://www.entertainmentandshowbiz.com/orthocenter-what-is-an-orthocenter-the-answer-could-make-you-a-millionaire-2010051853355

I go daily to Google’s hottest trends and see what strikes my fancy to talk about here in this blog. Being a former teacher the tricky little math term, orthocenter, struck my fancy and I started researching why this was “Hot”.

As you can read from the quoted article, clearly, not the most academic of reasons, but it was hot, nonetheless. What really intrigued me was the search I did. I usually try to find the original source so that I can quote the appropriate person and credit the website. On this occasion that was completely impossible.

After searching several sites and not seeing any human listed as author, I did an advanced search with the exact quote of the beginning of this article as my search words. I came up with more than twenty sites listed as carrying this exact quote. The website quoted above was far more listed in my search than any other, but none of the sites did I find a credited an author for the article.

The bottom line is I really wonder if these trends are actually started as a result of these “copy cats” who quote the entire article and then try to sell you some type of crap, or are they doing what I did; looking on Google, and then quoting the article so you’ll land on their site and see their crap….

Either way, IMHO today, it’s sad that in a world of endless subjects, this would be among our society’s hottest search trends; a game show question.

Oh well, how else will we ever learn what a orthocenter really is?

Do "Do-Overs" Get Over Done?

Sprinter Marion Jones seeks to make amends in WNBA
By JEFF LATZKE (AP)
The 34-year-old Jones will return to the world of sports Saturday night when she makes her debut with the Tulsa Shock, the WNBA franchise that moved out of Detroit in the offseason. Known for her triumphs as a track sprinter at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and later for having her five medals taken away for using steroids, she's returning to her roots as a basketball player after more than a decade.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iLKQmPNqpiBKSfD0RctW-3F6oBdwD9FM43NG0

I believe in second chances for everyone. I wouldn’t be here without them (forget for a moment, the 3rd and 4th….etc. chances I have used). But should you be allowed to continue to professionally compete in sports after you’ve used drugs?

IMHO today, I have to say the message you’re sending out is, you shouldn’t use steroids, but if you do, and get caught, don’t worry, you’ll still get paid.

I am no advocating scarlet letters, but I am saying there are consequences to real life actions; smoke and you’ll probably get cancer or emphysema. Cheat in the professional sports arena, and you shouldn’t get to play anymore.

Marion Jones, I do want to congratulate you on returning with a positive message, to “take a break” before you start on the wrong path. This is an important message. You want to be a role model? I am all for that. There are literally hundreds of ways you can use your celebrity to lead young women and men from making the same mistakes you have. What message does your returning to professional sports give?

Is that my cell phone, or am I having heart palpitations?

Records aren't their strong suit now
Posted: Saturday, May. 15, 2010

You may have missed this bulletin, but the technological arms race in swimming is over. FINA, the world governing body of the sport, decreed in 2009 that the high-tech bodysuits that contributed to more than 100 world records over the past two years would be banned in 2010.

That means the space-age suits - which sliced through the water more efficiently than human skin and also made it easier for swimmers to float - are no more.

And that's a good thing.

"I think swimming is actually swimming again," said Michael Phelps, the 14-time Olympic gold medalist who set numerous world records in the bodysuits. "Now it's not who is wearing what suit and who has what material... It's going to be more challenging to be able to swim that fast. We've got to be in better shape. Stronger. We'll have to do a number of things to get back to those times, but I think the people who want to get back to those times will."

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/15/1437064/records-arent-their-strong-suit.html

IMHO today, this shows some genuine integrity. If you’re talking about breaking a record, than it seems you should all be playing on an even playing field.

With today’s advances in sports sciences, not to mention the illegal enhancements that permeate certain formerly sacred American past times, it’s nice to know we haven’t surrendered all reason in the name of “advanced technologies.

With all the advances, my telephone is now my address book; calendar, alarm clock, road map, friend updater, music storage, movie and fact finder, bank book, camera, photo album and I can even talk to people. Do these things really make my life, better, more complete; more effective? I have wasted many hours setting up programs and files I have never used; many hours plastered onto a social network, and afterwards wondered what had I actually done.

I think the reason Shakespeare is still relevant is because humans don’t really change. Our terminology does, our technology does, but as a the human race, I think we are very much the same.

We need food, water, shelter, love, & fulfillment, a sense of value for our lives. Technological advances and terminology can’t replace them. But they might diminish, or distort our enjoyment of them.

Behind the B-Ball

Kenny Anderson Gets His College Degree 19 Years After Leaving School For NBA

By Casey Gane-McCalla
May 13, 2010 1:12 pm

“After the child support and the squandered millions, Kenny Anderson was the one who registered for college, who mastered the digital classroom, who studied in his spare time.

“My son sees me with books in my knapsack and he says, ‘You’re 39 years old, you’re still going to school?’ ” Anderson said of his son Ken Jr., 9.

The payoff will come Saturday at St. Thomas University in Miami, when Anderson will don his cap and gown and graduate, 19 years after leaving Georgia Tech.”

http://newsone.com/entertainment/sports-entertainment/casey-gane-mccalla/kenny-anderson-gets-his-college-degree-19-years-after-leaving-school-for-nba/

Having spent the day with a teenager, suspended from school, for thinking he already knows everything, this was an encouraging story. Where there is life, there is hope, and Kenny Anderson is living the proof.

How many of us can say that we spent our lives wisely? For the large majority, only those who had “terrible parents” who made them study hard, and make wise decisions are fortunate enough to be in that situation.

My parents were really terrific and loved me as well as they possibly could, but they were afraid of my hating them, and they let me make some really lousy decisions as a result. I had to throw away ten years of my life thinking I already knew everything, and then ten years undoing the crap I was living in.

Now, the lemonade from the lemons here is that I am a great child advocate who loves kids enough to be hard on them in a way they don’t tolerate from their parents.

Primarily because they are not as familiar with me, and because I have the love and respect of their peers, I get to say what parents wish they could say. I appeal to their intelligence and treat them with respect, because they’re humans. But I don’t care if they hate me for awhile after I’ve told them the hard truths. The bottom line is when you authentically love someone they give you the right to stick em with the hard truths.

While Kenny Anderson’s story is inspirational, it is sadly very rare.

Check The Price Tag

'Housewife' Danielle Staub embarked on ‘spiritual journey’
Sunday, May 2, 2010
BY VIRGINIA ROHAN
“The Real Housewives of New Jersey” had already taped, and Bravo was already teasing Giudice’s infamous restaurant-table-flipping incident, which we later discovered was sparked by her fury at Staub…. “That was where I sort of as a young lady started to make some wrong turns,” she says. “I got to revisit it through writing, and it was a great experience. Painful at times.”
Staub, 47, also has a fitness and nutrition video, a T-shirt line and a beauty guide in the works. And she happily reports that her daughter Christine, 16, is a model with IMG.”… Younger daughter Jillian just recorded her first single, which will be soon released on iTunes”

Somehow this is reminiscent of people throwing their virgin daughters into volcanoes, to appease the gods. This article mentions abuse this mom experienced as a young girl, yet her 16 year old is working as a model, and her younger daughter is releasing her new single.

Ms. Rohan, I wonder why you didn’t ask her about protecting her daughters from making decisions children shouldn’t have to make at such a young age. It seems that it would be all the more important when they clearly come from a, at least a somewhat dysfunctional background. But I guess that is part of the dysfunction.

Being a famous teenager has got to be more dangerous than being a shark trainer. The waters those teens must swim in contain some very smart sharks. IMHO today, you can equate this to corporal punishment; it’s OK at times, but often fame, and hitting your kids does more harm than good.

As you sacrifice your daughters to the altar of public notoriety, I hope they’re not required to make all the same mistakes you did. Ms Staub, don’t you think you should find a spiritual guide who would recommend you protect your kids from the stuff that dragged you down to your “painful times”?

Unholy Acts

Melissa Huckaby Pleads Guilty To Kidnapping, Murder Of Sandra Cantu
By Matthew Keys

“The body of the 8-year-old was recovered from a sealed suitcase found in an irrigation canal April 7th.
The following day, Huckaby told FOX40 News and local newspaper The Tracy Press her suitcase was reported stolen from the driveway of her mobile home the day Cantu went missing…Cantu, told reporters her suitcase was filled with Sunday school supplies.
Huckaby's interview with various media outlets, including FOX40 News, led authorities to suspect the Sunday school teacher in connection with the disappearance and murder of Cantu. Huckaby was arrested April 8th.”

http://www.fox43.com/news/nationworld/ktxl-news-huckabypleadsguilty,0,710013.story

Nothing hurts more than to hear of the death of an innocent; particularly, a child. Almost every report I read leads with something like ‘Sunday School Teacher murders a child’. It’s sensational, and certainly grabs your attention.

Why, you ask? How can someone involved in the church do such a thing? Well I have a common sense answer and a slightly theological answer as well.

To begin with plain old common sense, disturbed people often seek out the church as one of the few places willing to accept them as they are. Many people who don’t fit in at the local social gatherings find acceptance and an open door policy with God’s family. This often leads to some less than desirable behavior in and around church gatherings. For those of us in the church government business, I think the only reason this kind of thing doesn’t happen more often, is the diligent effort of church leaders keeping the troubled folk out of service positions where they may be tempted to behave inappropriately.

The more theological point of view, IMHO today, is that to discredit the church is the enemy’s delight, and he will certainly spend more time trying to twist the church-goers, over the night club attendees. The closer a person gets to God the harder he is tempted. For those who are unbalanced, it’s easy pickings.

No matter the reason it is tragic that this poor child had to suffer; life in prison without hope of parole is birthday cake, in comparison to the life of the family whose baby is gone.

Steamed, not Foamed

Happy Hour
From May 7 to May 16, you can pick up half-price Starbucks frappuccinos each day from 3:00-5:00 p.m during their “Happy Hour.” Limit one per customer
http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/2010/05/starbucks-happy-hour-half-price-frappuccinos-57-516/

This is an amazing idea that in these tight economic times makes great PR sense. Starbucks has been off my radar since tightening my financial belt, and this is just the excuse I need to darken their delicious doors once again.

This, as I have mentioned before, is the great thing about hard times, it brings out the best and most innovative ideas and people to come to light. People with ideas and good work ethics receive more attention because people don’t have money to throw at any half-brained ‘expert’ with a degree.

We have our highway system as a result of another hard economic time. This was when the concept of working for your money was considered the honorable thing to do. People were desperate for jobs and weren’t just looking for a handout. Once the USA is out of hands with anything to hand out, that’s when we’ll see brilliance in the marketplace, either that or revolution.

There’s a world full that still long for the opportunity available to us, and I hope the up and coming generation takes ownership of their own civic destinies and rescues our republic and beautiful document, the Constitution, for another generation to enjoy.

Anyone want extra foam?

Gratiutude for a Nurse

Nurses Day: Have You Thanked Your Caregiver Today?
Posted by news on May 6, 2010 0 Comment .Nurses Day: Have You Thanked Your Caregiver Today?
May 6th, though not a national holiday, is National Nurses Day. As patients quite normally see their nurses far more than their doctor, have you thanked your nurse today?
http://thaibignews.com/nurses-day-have-you-thanked-your-caregiver-today-3.html

Why do the most thankless jobs often bring the most dedicated people? I’m not sure but I know it’s true. I spent years of my life in hospitals, 2 years as a patient and 10 visiting patients as part of my job.

Knowing a fair amount about human nature, I believe I have found there to e two major types in the nursing field. Those who are in it for the prestige; expecting a sense of importance and majesty, along with a good paycheck. Ten years after they’ve begun their quest, these are the not-so nice nurses we’ve all encountered. They found out there is more poop than glory in their line of work. They watched a lot of 'ER' and it didn't look this grimy. They slave away and are shown little gratitude or acknowledgement. The doctor pops in, at most, once a day and gets all the credit for the patients’ recovery.

The second type of nurse is the one that’s incredible to meet. She or he selflessly serve; ignore the ingratitude and criticisms they encounter every day, and they love doing the work. The patient isn’t an inconvenience, but the reason they went to work that day. They don’t get paid enough, because nobody could afford to pay people like that what they are worth.

And let me tell you, if you wind up in their care, thank God, and thank them, again and again, because they are THE healers.

Thanks Ladies and Gentlemen, for your sacrifices and going beyond the call of dutry.

The Cheese Stands Alone

'Glee' high notes: 'Run Joey Run' or 'Ice Ice Baby'?
By Carina MacKenzie

“…Tonight Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) decided to gain herself a "Bad Reputation" with her own video for "Run Joey Run," a Top 5 hit for David Geddes in 1975. She conned her three favorite boys into performing with her in the hopes that she'd come off looking edgier if she had more than one guy vying for her affection.
The video was perfectly cheesy, complete with fog machines, split-screen phone calls, and a cameo appearance by Sandy Ryerson (Stephen Toblowsky) who played Rachel's father -- accidentally shooting her when he means to get her boyfriend, Joey.
The other video featured in the episode had some serious star-power, with Olivia Newton-John revamping her iconic 1981 "Physical" video as a duet with Sue Sylvester.”

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/05/glee-high-notes-run-joey-run-or-ice-ice-baby.html

When I first checked on the show, “Glee”, I was turned off by the adult content clearly meant for a younger audience who shouldn’t be (but probably would be) awake to see this show. But frankly there’s been so much buzz, I had to give it another look. Cheesy is right, all right, Ms MacKenzie; in fact my prediction is this will be the anti-Woodstock of this generation. Ten years from now, no one will publically admit to having been there, watching it. There is genuine talent here and some fun songs and scenes, though the story lines are no more than an excuse to sing and dance.

Cheese can age beautifully, but the still gorgeous Olivia Newton John singing “Let’s Get Physical”? Come on, that song was Cheese Wiz, 15 minutes after it came out in the 80’s. And Cheese Wiz, like Twinkies never age.

Hey I love Barry Manilow and The Carpenters, so who am I to thumb my nose at Cheese?

Exchange Policies

Shahzad Faisal Proves We Are Still Asleep At The Wheel
by Tamara N. Holder Illinois

“When are we going to wake up and demand that our government protect us?”

“Instead, it is the job of our government to monitor people and gather intelligence so that the terrorist never even boards a plane.”

“American citizens have a duty to demand greater intelligence and more answers. As my mom always says, "You don't get unless you ask."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tamara-n-holder/shahzad-faisal-proves-we_b_562122.html

The quotes above from Ms Holder Illinois were in regards to the Times Square bomb attempt. The thing Ms HolderIllinois doesn’t seem to grasp is that she is asking Big Daddy Government to remove her liberties in order to make her safe.

When we demand that somebody else be responsible for us, we must sacrifice some privilege that goes along with the autonomy of being responsible for our own stuff. I’m not talking about waiting at the airport an extra hour so we can be carefully screened, I am talking about the right to privacy; not to be monitored and scrutinized by the thought police. Anybody read the prophetic novel, 1984?

Liberty costs us something. It’s dangerous, and it always has been. It’s why we’re allowed to bear arms, and why we are supposed to have checks and balances in our government, by the people and for the people. If we give up our liberties for freedom, then the terror really begins.

The Germans embraced Hitler because he put food on their bare tables. Initially they weren’t concerned with a few fringe, lunatic policies in order to bring Germany back to splendor. But once in power, guys like him start doing away with some dangerous practices, like free elections, for “the safety” of the people.

Ms Holder Illinois, didn’t your mom always say, “As long as you live in my house, you’ll live by my rules?”

“It behooves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of it in the case of others: or their case may, by change of circumstances, become his own. “
Thomas Jefferson

Follow That Man!

'The Pacific'

By William Douglas Lansford

May 3, 2010


“(Sunday's episode of "The Pacific" — the eighth of the 10-part HBO miniseries — depicted the death of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone during the first day of fighting on Iwo Jima. William Lansford, a Marine and Angeleno, also fought that day in Iwo Jima and recalls his friendship with the famous Marine gunnery sergeant and his last day.)

In Pendleton I reported and was assigned to Company C, 27th Regiment of the newly formed 5th Division, but being early, I was told I'd find the area deserted. They were right. The new barracks stood empty, the bunks had no mattresses, the rifle racks were bare, the empty halls echoing.

Outside again, I was surprised to see a young Marine smiling at me. He wore khaki, with sergeant's stripes, and in no way resembled the muscular giant depicted in oils on a recent cover of Collier's magazine. Actually, he looked much like any other Marine, but what caught my eye was the tiny blue ribbon spangled with white stars pinned over his other ribbons. It was, unmistakably, the Congressional Medal of Honor and the smiling guy was John Basilone.

Serving with Basilone was a brief but golden period of the war for me. He never barked like the other gunnery sergeants but ruled like a wiser, older brother looking after his younger siblings, with humor and a style all his own. Under the hot California sun, with our faces stuck in the dust of Camp Pendleton, he could pick up a draggy machine gun drill with "Awright, ya goldbricks. Ya cut the time on settin' them guns up or don't expect no liberty come Friday!" And we did it because we knew he was the best machine gunner in the Corps and we wanted to be like him.

Basilone did more than train the men. He taught our recruits the meaning of esprit de corps, and in those of us who had fought, he rekindled a willingness to fight again. His simplicity, his cheerfulness, his grasp of human nature — the charm and easy grace with which he carried his honors — gave us not only confidence but pride. We were "Basilone's boys" and were envied for it throughout the division.”

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-basilone-20100503,0,2802009.story


I know this is a long post, and most of it is quoted from the L.A. Times article, but it moved me so to think of that type of leadership, and how I long to see it again.

Leadership can be based in fear or inspiration. The former will breed what fear always breeds, mistrust, violence, chaos. The ;atter breeds character. It brings out the best in people and creates aspirations beyond most of our natural ambition. I want to be that kind of leader, and I want to follow that kind of person. IMHO, that’s what has made this such a great country; we can choose who to follow and obey, becuas eoif great leaders like John Basilone

Lemmings or Leaders of the Free World?

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"Times Square Learns to Start Worrying and Hate the Bomb Scare"

"By Laura Mortkowitz
Posted Sunday, May 2, 2010 - 2:41am
“Businesses and Broadway shows alike closed down yesterday evening when a Times Square was evacuated, reports the New York Times. When police discovered a bomb in a parked Nissan Pathfinder they evacuated thousands from the area. The bomb never detonated. Businesses along Seventh Ave. were evacuated as well as Broadway between 43rd and 46th Streets and part of Eighth Ave. Among the businesses that were uncharacteristically empty were a Foot Locker (FL), a McDonald’s and the Toys “R” Us between 44th and 45th Streets. Outside of the closed area, “tourists milled or sat at tables much as they do on any other Saturday night.”

The thing that tickles, tantalizes and terrifies me is that just beyond the barricades stand the crowds. Why are they there? Are they courageous patriots proving that they will not be frightened into submission? Are they hoping to see some fantastic destruction; is it bloodlust? Are they just too dumb to realize that their lives may genuinely be in danger?

IMHO, I am guessing it is a combination of all of these. The good news is that this is the American spirit that has stood up, when push comes to shove, and defended what our forefathers gained through their own acts of patriotism, bravery, and sometimes stupidity.

The question we should ask ourselves is how much longer will we be pushed by big daddy government (who supposedly is representing the people they govern) before we stand up, again?

You Can't Tell the Players Without A Program

"Obama Cheating Scandal
Written by Rob on 01 May 2010
President Obama has been caught in a shocking cheating scandal after being caught in a Washington, DC Hotel with a former campaign aide, sources say. And now, a hush-hush security video that shows everything could topple both Obama's presidency and marriage to Michelle! A confidential investigation has learned that Obama first became close to gorgeous 35 year-old VERA BAKER in 2004 when she worked tirelessly to get him elected to the US Senate, raising millions in campaign contributions.


Okay kids, the above quote was taken from a rag called the American Conservative News. Am I mistaken, and I'm not, or did they quote the National Enquierer, word for word? They're the Conservative American News? Oh baby, you're working for the left or you don't know beans. Conservative means not jumping off the cliff with the rest of the Lemmings, but holding back to consider the most prudent path. This must actually be a liberal page to bring down the right to the same mud slinging standards the left has been using for most of my life.

Please tell me that true consertatives still has some geuine values. and not just political platforms to serve winning.