Gettin' Poetic on the Justice

Good evening to all,
hope your day was a good one.

By now, you all know how I feel about the Supreme Court's decision to expand the powers of eminent domain, I think it was just plain wrong for the highest court in the land to allow the erosion of property rights within our great nation, for with the stroke of a pen anyone's property is now subject to being seized if some company decides they want to make use of your land, and if their proposal promises to generate more revenue for the city, county, or state. It's all about money, and that stinks.

Here's where the title of this latest entry comes from.....

It seems that a very wealthy individual who is in the media business, has decided to petition a small town in New Hampshire for the right to build on a small parcel of land with a single residence structure, tucked away in a rural part of the state, and scenic in it's beauty. The man's company plans to put a hotel on the property, which would surely bring in more revenue than those measley property taxes being paid, the proposed name for the hotel would be "The Lost Liberty Hotel", complete with a coffee shop named the "Just Desserts". Attempts by the media to contact the present owner of the property have gone unanswered. But who is the mystery owner who refuses to speak out against his property becoming the proposed site of a new "revenue generating" hotel, you might ask? Well it turns out that the home belongs to an Associate Supreme Court Justice (one who happened to vote in favor of expanding eminent domain). Word around the internet has most everyone wondering how he will be able to fight the proposed takeover of his property, the decision will untimately rest in the hands of 3 positive votes on the 5 person city council where the property is located. I guess what's fair is fair, and it's only fair that if all of us would have to pack up and move, so should one of the people responsible for us having to do so. This will be one heck of a story to keep track of, as it's certain to open up new dialogue on the controversial matter which has received too little media attention. Could this be "poetic justice" coming into play? My best guess is that only time will tell....

Bush's Speech

On a more serious note, and keeping with the question of "how can I call this blog Wide Awake in America if I don't talk about the big stuff goin' on?" I watched President Bush's speech last night regarding the Iraq War and Afghanistan, I didn't find many answers in it, and actually came up with more questions than when I started watching. Looks like my family members will continue to serve there for quite some time (my family has two marines, one army sergeant, and one working with the navy, deployed out there somewhere in the thick of things), I worry about them every day, and pray for them and all of the soldiers who are out there bravely doing their jobs. I sure hope they come home soon, and safely. I was wondering.... what are your views on the war? Please feel welcome to leave your comments.

"Super" Gift !

Wow, today has been a good day
for findin' all sorts of interesting news stuff,
(interestin' to me anyhow) LOL*
I hope you find the stories as interesting as I do.

Russia, the site for a big meeting of American business execs with Russian President Vladimir Putin; Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots was showing off his Super Bowl XXXIX ring to the prez, when he took it off to allow Mr. Putin a chance to get a closer look, Ol' Vlad took a look, said "thank you" and pocketed the ring said to be valued at $15,000, then walked away. *LOL Guess that'll show the NE Patriots bigwig to go flashin his bling-bling around at parties. Of course I don't believe for a second that Vladimir simply heisted the ring, but that it was a misunderstanding as many gifts are presented to presidents of foreign countries by visiting dignitaries. Not wanting to create an international incident, Mr. Kraft (after a few days of being unavailable) told reporters that "of course it was a gift to the Russian president." My feeling about the whole thing is "why not?", afterall as owner of the football team Mr. Kraft could simply commission another one to be made. Maybe he did intend to give the ring as a gift? We'll never know the whole story about the incident. If it wasn't intended to be a gift, but rather just a "look what I've got" kinda thing goin' on, my question is "why didn't he have a suitable gift for the Russian president?" (it's just the polite thing to do) That'll teach 'em to show up empty-handed ! (if that was actually the case.) *LOL What's really a bummer is that Mr. Putin won't even be able to wear the "world champion" ring, as presents are handed over to the Kremlin Library for cataloging and possible exhibition to the general public. One last thing, what's up with the "world champion" thing in U.S. sports? The only true world championship is the "World Cup" soccer (pardon me, "football" to the rest of the world) championship, and perhaps boxing "world champion".. Here, we have "The World Series" of baseball, but I've never seen a championship series between the U.S champs versus the Japanese League champs (though that sure would be one heck of a game to see), in the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Women's National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, and others, they all exclaim "World Champs !" after one team gains victory within the league, ahem.... where is the rest of the world though? Don't get me wrong though, I love sports, and true champions they all are, I don't intend to take anything at all away from their accomplishment with these words, just that I can't figure out what is wrong with exclaiming "National Champions !", that has a certain ring to it, and it doesn't make the rest of the world look at us and wonder what the heck is goin' on. *LOL

Laughing is good !

Here's one more from the pages of "News of the Weird",
a website featuring crazy news stories
from around the world.

In March, a man tried to rob a convenience store in a Pittsburgh suburb, using the clever disguise of a Pluto (Mickey Mouse's dog) mask. The robber stepped up to the counter, brandished a gun, and in a loud voice demanded "GIVE ME ALL YOUR MONEY !", unfortunately wearing a Disney mask isn't the most intimidating of disguises for an aspiring robber to wear (guess the mask from the movie Scream has gone out of fashion), the would-be crook was forced to leave empty handed when the clerk couldn't stop laughing long enough to fork over the cash. LOL*

"No soup for you !"

Here's one more that made me laugh a little today,

Residents in a Seattle neighborhood petitioned to the city to do something about an odor eminating from a soup factory near their neighborhood. It seems that on Monday and Tuesday of each week, neighbors were stinked out of their homes by what was described as "a near body odor smell" resulting from the making of onion soup on those days. Looks like the petition won, as the city has agreed to pay the soup factory $23 million dollars to relocate, forever gone will be those stinky onion Mondays and Tuesdays...... ahhhh, the sweet smell democracy in action. What will the city do with the land it is acquiring from the soup factory, you might ask? They've announced that they plan to build a sewage treatment plant on the location. LOL*

Bet they wish they had soup now.

West Virginian Camels

Hello to all,
here's a few words on a story I just read..

From the sound of it, camels are just downright mean creatures, not to mention West Virginian camels, sheesh ! So, don't be fooled by the laidback cool of Joe Camel as seen in commercials years ago. *LOL

Here's the copy and pasted story as it was printed, I was going to try to tell the story on my own words, but I couldn't have described it better than the original source. LOL*

In May, a 1,500-pound camel named Poon, roaming around his home at the Mayle Farm in Shinnston, W.Va., decided to sit down on top of a woman who was painting a fence. No one could hear her muffled screams, but she managed to call 911 on her cell phone, and help arrived just as Poon had begun to bite her. [Reuters, 5-31-05]

Intolerable Cruelty

Good afternoon to all,
hope your Wednesday is going well.

Today, I read a news story about a tabloid "news" service printing a "Top 10 Ugliest People in the World" list, and including a burn victim on their list. How cruel and insensitive is that to do to a person who has suffered so much? The individual is a police officer named David Schechterle, who was injured when his police cruiser burst into flames following an automobile collision. I feel sorry for even using the term "burn victim" when describing the man, who bravely served his community in law enforcement, but the term was used to illustrate just how awful it was on the part of the tabloid "news" service (Weekly World News). Officer Schechterle and his family handled the situation with class, saying that "at least some good came out of a bad situation", as the AMI Corporation issued an apology, fired an employee, and made a cash contribution to a Burn Center. Is anyone else as tired as I am, of hearing about deep pocketed people buying their way out of circumstances resulting from their bad behavior? When I heard about this story, I couldn't help but imagine the hurt felt by the Schechterle family. In a news service, I find it difficult to believe that only one single individual (who was fired) had total responsibility for running the malicious story, what about proofreaders, editors, and their bosses? I used to think that Weekly World News was almost funny, as I would read the crazy headlines while waiting in line at the grocery store, though I doubt they'll be as funny to me anymore. I can't help but feel that the heart of this situation is nothing more than bullying at a level that should have been outgrown in grade school, it also reminded me of a schoolyard fight I once got into while getting between four guys picking on a girl in a wheelchair. I got the worst out of that, but it all evened out as the guys had to walk through my neighborhood to get home. *LOL That was one of those life changing moments for me, as on any other day I might have been just another person passing by without noticing or simply ignoring what was going on around me, maybe it was when I made eye contact with her? But the tears in her eyes tore at my heart. I dunno, it just felt good to stand up for what was right, and to help a girl who was only trying to make her way to the schoolbus. I guess I had forgotten, but in a way, that might have been what lead me (years later) to consider entering study to one day work with the elderly as a profession, and making a choice to try and help people for a living. I'm not sure how it pays, but I believe that the true reward will come from the way it will be good for my heart and soul. It's interesting how certain things as simple as reading something or even hearing a song, can cause memories to come flooding back, that's what I was thinking about after reading the story of a tabloid picking on a person who never did anything to them, just for the sake of a few laughs. To Allison, I never knew her last name, wherever she might be I hope she's happy, as today I remembered her smile and wave to me when her bus drove away.

Will Smith Speech

Good afternoon to all,
hope the day is going well for you.

I found an article today that mentioned Will Smith's intention to address the hip-hop community of rappers tonight on the BET Awards show. Smith, who is emcee'ing the event, plans to give a speech to the assembled crowd on the subject of gangsta rap's impact on the youth of America and the world. While the points made by ol' Will do have some truth, I'm wondering how it will be received by the gangsta rap community, too often the want and almost obligation of "keepin' it real", blocks out all sensible reason. I don't know what the big deal about keepin' it real is anyhow, how does that prevent someone from expanding their view upon the world, into putting down the gun, and trying to make a positive difference? I can understand the need to tell the stories of the street, to pass along those tales to others who couldn't imagine a life such as what they're hearing described, it's important for others to know, as it in some way educates and gives voice to those who would otherwise have had no voice. However, it's far too often that we see the emergence of the "super street person", baddest on the block, gunslingin', wearing a 20 lb. piece of platinum around their neck, swaggerin' about proudly wearing the bullet-proof vest, cruisin' in their bomb-proof car, and talking down about any education other than what the street can provide. The street can provide an education, that is for sure, but it is a hard lesson, one that comes in the most unforgiving of ways. What would impress me, would be for one of those gangsta rappers to start up a community center in their old neighborhood, and to think back to a time when they were growing up there... what was it that they most wished the neighborhood had at the time? Giving a chance to the kids of their old neighborhood would be an admirable thing for them to do, rather than just living off of them as they purchase their CD's, buy their sneakers. and clothing items, only then will they be worthy of their position of influence. Imagine the first kid graduating from college on the 50 Cent college scholarship, now that would be cool, if only 50 would grow up a bit and stop imitating the role of Al Pacino in Scarface. Imagine the first home built by the P. Diddy Habitat for Humanity joint effort, and the smile of an inner city kid who now has a safe backyard in which to play, all is possible, but the music world (all genres of music, not just rap) is short sighted in how it makes money and gives little back. Imagine if the proceeds from just one concert per year, from all the mega-successful artists out there, and the real good it could do for a community or even just one family down on it's luck or living in a shelter somewhere (there are entire families out there who are homeless), instead of buying the $500,000 car to park next to the $300,000 car in the garage, why not do some good for the world around them? Afterall, if the donation were done in the name of a private foundation they could create, the amount would be a tax deduction. Anyhow, enough of my soapbox ranting, I was momentarily lost in what I would do if God blessed me with the responsibility of wealth (something I've thought about, and actually mentioned in a prayer a few times: I said, "God, I don't know what you have planned for me in the future, but if you allow me a way to help people, I pledge to you that I surely will and with all the love in my heart." I plan to one day be able to buy a few homes, fix them up, and speak to homeless shelter administrators, and churches to find families to help, one year with no rent, after that all rent will apply towards ownership of their own home. My parents think my idea is crazy, but I don't care what they think, sometimes people just need a little help to turn their situation into that which they could scarcely dream about. Though it might sometimes sound like it, I'm not one of those preachy people, I have my faith but I don't believe in forcing it upon anyone else, hope you all don't mind some of the stuff I talk about.) Anyhow, back to the Will Smith story, *LOL I'm not sure how his words will be received, as he isn't exactly a member of the gangsta rap community, most likely he will be dismissed as someone thinking they are above the rest, and harsh words are almost sure to follow as the comments fly. He has some good ideas, but what would really make a difference would be if a rapper like The Game were to speak up on the issues. We'll see how all of this plays out after tonight.

Saw "Blade Runner" Today !

Hello to all,
hope the weekend was a good one for you.

Today, I had a chance to watch the Director's Cut version of the movie Blade Runner, it's been around a while but was the first time for me. What was interesting about the movie was the removal of the Harrison Ford's narration throughout the entire movie, and it sure gives the film a different feel. Word has it that the narration was added after the movie was shot because studio execs were worried audiences wouldn't understand the plot (I read that on one of the bazillion Blade Runner fan sites around the internet today). Word also has it that Harrison Ford idn't want to do the narration, but was forced to do so by contractual obligation, which is why the sound of the narration sounds so "matter-of-fact" or without much enthusiasm. I hear that Harrison Ford is one of those actors who doesn't like to do much more than just act in a movie, can be a bit surly on the movie set and nearly problematic when it comes to movie promotion, but who really knows? I'm not one of those individuals who have studied all aspects of the movie, but I was very impressed with how much information some of the fan sites had, I now think it would be interesting to actually read the book from which the movie was adapted, titled Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? One thing I've always liked about the movie, is the ending scene with Rutger Hauer, where his android character is coming to terms with his own mortality, his time is almost up, his programmed expiration date is upon him and he realizes he values life now more than at any time, he speaks to Harrison Ford's character while trying to make sense of the moment, saying:

"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe ...
Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.
I've watched C-beams ...
glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate.
All those moments will be lost ... in time
like tears ..... in rain."

Almost poetic for a sci-fi movie, or any movie for that matter, and those words sure made me think when I first heard them, about our moments one day coming to be lost in time. I sure recommend the movie to anyone who hasn't seen it yet, and for those who have seen the original movie, I recommend the Director's Cut, it gives the viewer a chance to form their own opinion about the scenes and story, rather than having a feel as if it is a story at bedtime with all that narration. *LOL

"This land is (not) your land....."

Hello to all,
let's all take a moment to sing an old song...
(ok, just a part of the song *LOL)

"This land is your land, this land is my land, from California to...." (ok, you know how the rest goes)

I guess that song carries a bit more truth today than it did when we sang it in grade school class, your land is no longer just your land, and the "my" in the song now includes private developers who believe your chunk of the world would look better with a mall or office building on it. In a ruling today by the U.S. Supreme Court, cities can sieze privately owned property, and can sell the property to private land development interests. No longer is the rule of "eminent domain", limited to just municipal projects for the benefit of the city (highway's and schools), but is now expansive enough to allow private companies to say "this neighborhood is sure convenient in location, it would make a nice place for a mall, our new office building, or a high-rise apartment complex", and we have nothing to say about it if city officials go along with the private business proposal. What's scarier is that since the ruling came from the U.S. Supreme Court, even if city officials don't go along with the business proposal, the private company could have avenues by which to simply go around the blocking motion of the city. What happened to the American dream of home ownership? This ruling truly does stink.

Suspect's Dad Nabbed?!

Just saw a news alert regarding the Halloway disappearance case, it seems that the father of Joran Van der Sloot was arrested today ! Wow, that came as a surprise, as this situation just gets stranger by the day. First, a girl leaves in a car with 3 men, she then disappears without a trace, police question the last 3 young men she was seen with, at which time they apparently lied to police and implicated two security guards, the guards are arrested while the 3 men remain free for a long number of days, police realize they were given bad info regarding the security guards and arrest the 3 men, the security guards are then released days later, the Halloway family meets with the Van der Sloot family and calls the father "a slimeball who knows something", the stories of the 3 men being held begin to unravel and contain contradictions, the American press and later the world press invade the island, Aruban travel officials claim tourism isn't effected by the case, but is actually "up in numbers" (guess they didn't factor in the number of reporters who had come to the island and booked accomodations), radio talk-show host in the U.S call for a boycott of Aruba for potential tourists, Aruban officials become angered by "an orchestrated attempt to apply pressure on the investigation", the father of one of the men is brought in for questioning, the father is later captured running from reporters in chase, a Texas search organization volunteers to help with the search on a private level, the same search organization is publicly welcomed by Aruban officials but is quietly tied up in red-tape regarding the bringing of search dogs to the island, the father is ultimately arrested on undisclosed suspicions. Whew ! and that is where the situation is at the present moment (see what I mean about the whole thing being a bit strange?), 24 days since the initial disappearance, and no closer to resolution. What is your best guess as to what happened? My prayers still go out for Natalee Halloway, and her family.

Social "In"security

Good afternoon to all,
hope the day is goin' well for you.

Today, I was watching the news and saw a speech being given to younger people, the topic was Social Security and how it won't be there for them in the future. Ahhh, it's always nice to give hope to the youth of America. *LOL I don't like people trying to scare the heck out of youngsters, (and I don't believe they are being told the complete story) of course some will give it thought and be swayed into a mindset that Social Security is something that doesn't apply to them, I believe that will make future plans for dismantling Social Security all the more easy, as indoctrination of the young into believing there is no hope for the system will take root and votes or support will follow when those young people come to voting age. The Social Security Trust Fund could remain solvent if: so much money wasn't being sent to other countries (gotta take care of problems here first, and even a 1 or 2% reduction across the board would make a huge difference), and if Social Security money wasn't used for other things than what was intended (raiding the Social Security Trust Fund coffers is bad, and what's worse is making a case about the system being on it's way to insolvency after spending the money on other things, that just implies no intention of repaying the money). Surely the contributions from each and every working person in America could support the system, especially if past money was returned to the trust fund, imagine the bazillions of dollars which have flowed into the Social Security Trust Fund since it's inception during the days of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, nobody can convince me that all that money was paid out with the small Social Security checks our seniors receive each month. The years to come might pose a problem, as the "baby-boomers" will be hitting retirement age, and the money will be more needed than at almost any time in our history, but the problem isn't with the money not being enough, the problem is where did the money go, and for what projects? I believe that the problem lies with accountability rather than solvency. If congress really wants Social Security reform, the place to start would be legislation forbidding the use of Social Security Trust Fund money for anything other than paying Social Security. Just the view of someone who saw their grandma try to make ends meet on a small check each month, please don't allow America's seniors to be put in a position where they can't make ends meet, entering their retirement years only to be greeted by the stress of financial worry.

What happens to fan mail?

Good afternoon to all, hope the day is a good one for you,

Today, I found a story at "The Smoking Gun" website that mentioned someone finding a discarded box (sittin' out on the curb) filled with fan mail for Mariah Carey. The Smoking Gun site being what it is..... of course they printed examples from the box. If you've never visited that site before, take a look through their archives, you'll find all sorts of legal documents and other (sometimes odd) information on their pages. I'm wondering what the official response will be from the star's publicist, I'll bet it will have something to do with the box being mistakenly included with items that were to be thrown out *LOL, as that seems to be the standard type of explanation when something like this happens. Still was interesting to read the sort of mail that famous people receive, some sounded a bit creepy.

Pesky Squirtin' Pranksters

Good afternoon to all, it seems that Britain's notorious "squirtin' pranksters" have struck again, their latest target Tom Cruise who was walking the red carpet for the British premiere of his latest film "War of the Worlds". The pranksters, who also targeted Sharon Osbourne for an earlier prank (also involving water and a fake camera), this time used a fake squirting microphone on Cruise. Ol' Tom handled the situation better than the fiesty Sharon, who ducked into a local eatery to snag a champagne bucket to use for dowsing the pranksters with water, amidst a flurry of words I better not repeat here on the blog. *LOL Cruise stalled the prankster long enough to give security time to forceably remove them and hand them over to authorities, they now face the possibility of assault charges being filed. It's been a strange time for Tom Cruise lately with the odd behavior on talk shows, the rumors, and now the prank. Nobody knows if the rumors are true, but if Tom wants to get people off his back, he needs to just take things easy in regards to his engagement to Katie Holmes (which would make Cruise a very lucky man if the marriage is on the level), no more flailing around on shows like Oprah, and acting too animated.... that's not a way to dispel those kind of rumors. LOL* If the guy is just truly happy about being engaged to a very attractive young woman, then that's cool..... but if he's trying to make a spectacle about the quick engagement to put down the rumors which have followed him lately, then that's not cool as it would be as if he is using Katie to benefit himself.

Battleships to Aruba?

Good afternoon to all,
hope your Monday is going well.

I've been hearing word on television news (mostly FOX network, but now some internet) for a call upon the navy to send a battleship to cruise international waters off the coast of Aruba. "Huh?", was my reaction when I heard that suggestion, but it's not as far fetched as it seemed (I guess). It appears a review of history shows that in the time of Theodore Roosevelt, naval warships were sent to an area where an American was being held against their will, as a sign of American solidarity in mutual interest. With the media storm that has followed the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, I wouldn't be surprised to see news footage of a battleship or some other sort of naval presence near the island. In these days of television politics, it would be a moment that would gain much press, and could give the appearance that the American government has taken an interest in the case coming to some sort of resolution. With the upcoming Senate election on the way, it could spur votes (particularly in the South) and create a small gain in support for the administration. I'm not writing this with support for battleships to Aruba, nor am I in support of using a tragic event to gain a political edge, but as a realist I do believe that this action could very well occur. I still hope for a good outcome in the Holloway disappearance case, but as time drags on it becomes more difficult. Perhaps a battleship off the Aruban coast might serve to cut through the increasing level of Aruban defiance that has been shown to the girl's family, and reporters on the island. I heard recent mention of the Aruban Public Information Officer calling for a ban of information to be given to reporters, not just on information relating to the case, but any information pertaining to the island. So, I'm kinda torn between how such a move of naval presence might help the family, and how the move would be an exploitation of a tragic event for media coverage. I dunno, but I am interested in hearing what you might think, let us know what you think about this possibility, is it justified or would it be just wrong?

The End of an Era? Tyson

Good evening to all, tonight I finally had a chance to see what might be the very last Mike Tyson fight ever, sure was sad to see how things turned out for ol' Iron Mike. Through the years of his career, I've experienced moments of pure boxing joy when Tyson had one punch power, a no-nonsense approach and style, and reigned as king of the hill, to moments of near sadness at witnessing the ugly side of boxing when Tyson bit a piece Evander Holyfield's ear off, and when he was seemingly out of control during both professional and personal moments in his life. For all that can be said about Tyson, he is a difficult person to either appreciate or despise, ask anyone and you'll find that most people pick a side. I lean more towards the side of appreciating the boxer for what he gave to the sport, more than taking the easy road and tearing him down for the times when frustration, age, personal / financial problems began to take their toll on his performance and behavior. Anyone who has been involved in a combat sport such as boxing or even martial arts can tell you that the personal mental battle is more difficult to master than any opponent you could ever face, go into a match-up without a clear mind, and problems are sure to follow. Anger, frustration, and despair are the true enemies to anyone engaging in a fight, and that seemed to be the greatest obstacle Mike Tyson faced in all his years. It's disheartening to hear that after all the blood, sweat, and tears, Mike is close to being broke, with so many hands in his pocket following a match that from the millions earned, his take is in the thousands before taxes and living expenses. Tonight I heard a legend, with bowed head, express how he no longer had the heart for boxing, and was simply boxing to support himself and his daughter. On what might have been his final walk to the dressing room, some spectators had the nerve to pelt the man with garbage, I would ask any of them to walk in Mike's shoes for just a short time, but I know that not one of them could meet that challenge. As a boxing fan, I bid a fond farewell to Mike Tyson, and hope the future brings good fortune to him, may God put some good people in his path to give him help and point him in the right direction when needed. If I had a way to pass along a few words to Mike, I'd ask that he polish up his personal life, and put forth the image of someone wishing to be on his best behavior, get a good agent, and charge them with the task of contacting HBO and Showtime for a boxing commentator job. I know I'd tune in to hear what he had to say during the fights, and it would be a way for Mike to remain close to the sport which he loved. Is this the end of an era? I guess only time will tell...... but whatever the outcome, it is one that has been played out numerous times in boxing, a sport where sometimes the participants can't afford to quit and stay on longer than they should.

War Casualty Figures and News

Good Morning to all, hope the weekend is off to a great start for you all, I must apologize for starting the day on a bit of a down note, but I was thinking..... how can I call this site "Wide Awake in America", if I don't mention the war? I figured that to be a disservice to the brave men and women serving in our armed forces, deployed around the world, fighting for their lives, so I did some looking around the internet to find a site that could keep us all informed as to what exactly is going on out there. As the conflict drags on, and from all appearances it will continue for years to come, there are many of us who have (or will have) friends or family deployed into combat conditions. One thing I've noticed is the lack of war news on the news channels and websites, too often a story like that disgusting "runwaway bride", or the even more disgusting Michael Jackson trial have taken the forefront in news coverage. With all of the latest coverage surrounding the Natalee Halloway Aruba situation (though I do find it very important to keep the story in the news to expedite action by the Aruban officials and bring her home safely to the arms of her loving parents and country) one would think that there is nothing else of great importance going on in the world at the time, but the war has oddly become a sidenote to the coverage of other stories. I actually saw a long news segment on the world's largest omlette being cooked in some country, complete with interviews of the cooks, only to have a five second mention of "two more soldiers were killed in action". I couldn't help but feel that something was very wrong with the way things are, when cooked eggs get more time than our sons and daughters, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers who are out there doing their duty and sometimes paying the highest cost in the name of country. Here is a link to a website that gives ALOT of information on both war fronts, Iraq and Afghanistan. May God speed all of our soldiers home, safely and soon.

What's up in Aruba?

Hello all, I'm watching MSNBC news at the moment, and noticed they are showing a live feed of a new search currently being conducted near the hotel where Natalee Holloway was staying. If you're unfamiliar with who Natalee Holloway is, she is the 18 year old Alabama girl who disappeared from a class trip to the island of Aruba. Two security guards held for possible connection with the case have been released, arrested after they were implicated by one of the three island residents (those last seen with her) who were later taken into police custody themselves. Why arrest two men on the word of one of the last three men to be seen with the girl? Why just question the three men, then release them for one week? Seems as if the locals weren't expecting the media fallout. Word around the internet is that one of the three men held for questioning, gave information leading to the authorities looking in the present location. Why did it take 15 days for them to look just a few yards away from the hotel?" The entire island is only 6 miles across and 19 miles long, sheesh ! Also, why isn't our government applying more pressure to Aruban authorities to gain access to investigative information and assist in the search? Why wouldn't the local authorities welcome the help from an agency that deals with this sort of thing far more often? I believe the local Aruban authorities are struggling with what to do about a situation that has grown in media attention and how tourism will be affected. However, the appearance of "foot dragging", and the withholding of information by the Arubans is perhaps the worst possible way for them to go. Who hasn't followed this story as it slowly unfolds and relate it to how we would feel if it were a member of our own family? I sure hope that somehow this situation turns out to have a happy ending and the girl is found alive, if not then the Arubans deserve to lose a large part of the 70% American tourism by which their economy depends, they took things far too slow, and did some very strange things in the most important and vital early moments following the disappearance. Far too many questions remain after so many days.

Back...... finally !

Good afternoon to all, hope the day is going well for you. It's been a while since my last blog post, I caught a really bad cold that had me laid up in bed for a few days. Sheesh, that one hit me like a ton of bricks, first cold I've caught in a few years, but enough of my whinin' about my cold, just wanted to say it's good to be back, and to thank those of you who have visited this blog and those who have left their comments ! It's fun to know that someone is actually reading this stuff, I appreciate your visiting.

Bad Actors?

Good afternoon to all,
hope this Monday is treating you well.

Today, I heard mention of yet another actor behaving badly, this time it was Russell Crowe, previously it was Burt Reynolds (both incidents happened in New York of all places, sheesh !). In this latest incident, Russell Crowe threw a telephone at a hotel worker because he was unable to complete a call to New Zealand (musta left his cell phone in the limo or somethin', and forgot all about the internet and e-mail), I dunno how it was the hotel worker's fault, but as a result of Mr. Crowe's lack of phone etiquette, he was treated for cuts to his face. This isn't the first time ol' Russ has flown off the handle needlessly, and wary a bystander should be if they happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, several previous incidents have also involved violent acts. Now, in regards to the Burt Reynolds incident from a few days ago, it seems that ol' Burt, perhaps getting a bit crabby in his old age, slapped a reporter who admitted to not seeing the original version of the movie "The Longest Yard". "What kind of a man are you?!", exclaimed Burt after the smack. LOL* The whole situation would be laughable, had Burt not been serious. (at least the news reports where I got my info, described the scene as if he were) In these days of two war fronts, rising gas prices, people trying to scare the heck out of us about almost everything, and inflation rates just waiting to rise like a loaf of bread in the oven, at least we still have the movies to take us away from it all, if not for just a few moments. Don't the actors realize the role they play in making people smile, say "wow!" or whatever? When I hear of incidents where an actor crosses the line, or treats a regular ol' person with disrespect, I can't help but think that what we regard as "celebrity status", like most anything that brings a certain level of recognition, some level of power and influence by money or social standing, comes with a level of responsibility. In our lives, we've all come across the "bad bosses" from jobs we've worked, that is a real world example of an individual not suited for the level at which they are playin the game. I assume it's much the same for celebrities, some can handle it while others cannot. All of this is unfortunate, as I hear Russell Crowe's latest movie "Cinderella Man" is actually quite good, as is the Adam Sandler remake of Burt Reynolds' movie "The Longest Yard". If an actor dislikes the promotion part of acting (which is a major part in selling a movie to potential movie-goers), maybe they should get out of the business? If they won't leave willingly, the general public is sure to tire of their off-screen tantrums and stop giving them the attention which seems to drive them crazy. Here's a question I've been wondering about for some time: "If they are actors, why can't they act as if they are playing the role of a thankful person?" At least a little thankful for the attention, and thankful for the regular people of the world who have served their part in elevating them to the height of stardom. I believe in cases of the surly, ungrateful actors of the world, we as regular people should help them, perhaps to help them remember what it is like for most everyone else.... a world with no screaming fans, and a day to day job in an office or shop. I believe I'll most likely spend my hourly wage elsewhere (not at those movies), if not just to help them out and allow them to come back to the real world.

Jackson Trial..... ewwww !

Good Morning to all, I sure am glad it's Saturday,
as I'll bet you all are !

This morning I was clickin' through the channels, and saw something on the E! (Entertainment Channel), they seem to have a show where they re-enact the Michael Jackson Trial in full detail. (which is where the "ewwww", comes from in the title of this lastest installment) The show has actors who look very much like their counterparts, from the lawyers, the judge, and even Jackson. That had me wondering, how did they manage to talk a Michael Jackson impersonator into sitting there and have all of that stuff said? I was also wondering, what if Michael Jackson is found guilty, and goes to jail..... what happens to all of the surgically altered individuals who have made themselves look like Jackson? Their impersonation jobs would probably be few and far between, and how easy would it be for one of them to get a regular ol' job like anyone else? Imagine the look on a human resources person in charge of hiring for some place like Wal-Mart, when their next interviewee walks in looking like Jackson? Would make for a strange afternoon, I think. Also, will the die-hard Jackson impersonators take it to the next step, and change their looks as the real Jackson's looks would probably change while in prison. I guess time will tell how this latest strange situation turns out. Please feel welcome to leave a comment or two, and let me know what you think about the whole thing, is Jackson goin' in or will he be found not guilty?

NASA "Deep Impact" Project?

Good evening to all, hope the day was a good one for you,
here's a story I heard just recently heard, in of all places... the shopping channel on television.
(they were selling a very nice Meade telescope)
Has anyone else not heard of a NASA project named "Deep Impact", scheduled to take place on July 4th, 2005? The project involves a comet, an 820 pound projectile, and 22,000 miles per hour, the rate of speed by which they intend to smash into the comet's nucleus. But why? (my first reaction at the news) The official answer was:: "Just to see what will happen". Yikes ! Answers that sound too similar to "because it's there" or "because we can" make me nervous. LOL* Somehow, I can't help but wonder: "What if it changes the orbit of the comet?" Wouldn't be very good if it nudged it in our direction. "What if it fractures the comet into smaller parts?" Could create several objects of concern. Also, what's with the name? Surely someone at NASA had to have watched a sci-fi movie of a few years ago, named "Deep Impact", where a fast moving object threatens to impact Earth. What about the aging shuttle, and budget cuts? Effects of the budget cuts and personnel lay-offs can be easily seen and felt in a town like Clear Lake, Texas where the Johnson Space Center is located. I guess in this day and age, questions like those are just no fun. LOL* The Deep Impact Project has been in the works since 1999, but software was still being written and rocket engine replacement was being done just prior to launch on January 12 of this year. Sounds like a very expensive fireworks display will be going on somewhere out there this July 4th.

Neil Wants His Hair Back !

Good afternoon to all,
here's a story I found almost funny today......

Like most men of advancing years, Neil Armstrong (ex-astronaut) wants his hair back, and now ! LOL* Though, not in the way you might think...... it seems that the former "man on the moon" stopped by a barbershop to get clipped, one haircut later his discarded hair was then gathered up and sold to a "hair collector". Yes, that's right, there are actually people out there who collect snippets of hair from famous people. Within the more impressive collection than I would have originally thought, are tufts, shearings, (or however you might call them) from Abraham Lincoln, Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, even Napoleon. Not wanting to join "the hair club", Neil Armstrong filed a lawsuit to reclaim his lost locks. However, the money the barber received for the hair has been spent, and the collector said the "hair isn't parting" his collection. (ewww, bad joke, I know)

The Cat Invasion !

Four kittens who have staked out a claim on my backyard.
Picture is a few weeks old, but more are sure to come !

"Coin-gate" in Ohio?

Good Morning Everyone,
hope the day is off to a good start for all.
Just as one of the most integral parts of the 1970's Watergate scandal reveals itself, there seems to be some sort of developing story coming out of Ohio, by all appearances it seems to have been goin' on for some time, though I sure haven't heard anything about it on the news. I know all about the so-called "Runaway Bride" we talked about yesterday, and more than I ever wanted to know about the Michael Jackson trial testimony, but not a word about the Ohio story. I admit I don't know much about the story, but was surprised to see so much investigative work and follow-up information posted on a Toledo newspaper's web site (thanks to Meta-filter). Here's what I heard so far, the story appears to involve some sort of investment in rare coins in Ohio. Could this become the latest of the so-called "-gate" nicknamed stories that appear from time-to-time? For all intents and purposes, we'll refer to it as a possible "Coin-gate in Ohio".