Tommorrow is a very special and powerful day for our country. Tens of thousands of prayer events are planned across the country on Thursday May 1, 2008 in recognition of the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer. There are over 35,000 National Day of Prayer events that will be held around the United States on May 1. In churches, parks and on courthouse steps, citizens will pray for our nation; government leaders, media, military, schools, churches, businesses and families.
"This is a critical time to be in prayer for our country. The biblical principles upon which America was founded are under attack in every segment of society," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. "We pray God will raise righteous leaders for our country."
This year's theme, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" is based on Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." The Lord hears and responds to His children's cry for help. He is their strength, refuge, and courage in personal and national times of suffering, despair and loss.
About the National Day of Prayer:
Recognizing that prayer has been and continues to be an integral part of our nation's history, Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1952. This observance is currently held on the first Thursday each May, when all Americans are encouraged to exercise their religious freedom by gathering publicly to worship and pray for our land.
Visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more and I encourage you to find and attend an event in your area!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
THE SUPREME COURT RULES
The Supreme Court does it again. But first, did you get a chance to see U.S. Justice Antonin Scalia, Sunday night (4/27/08) on CBS's 60 Minutes?
There are two interesting Supreme Court Cases that he had a big part in deciding and he talked about them both. The first was Gore vs. Bush where the Supreme Court handed the Presidency of the United States to George W. Bush. This in turn has led to the past eight years where the U.S. has accomplished nothing except killing thousands of people and going into debt for trillions of dollars. A debt not to be paid by us, but by future taxes on our children and grandchildren. In fact, for the first time ever, U.S. taxes have been lowered during a time of war. Mostly for the wealthy.
Justice Scalia said this WAS NOT a political decision. WHAT? Naming the President of the United States by the Supreme Court is not political? I still can't find a word about the naming of the President of the United States in the Constitution. The only true decision would have been to rule for recounts in whatever states it applied. Let the majority of the people decide who the President is, not the Supreme Court.
In addition he said it was Al Gore who wanted the Supreme Court to rule and he got what he wanted. The Justice is guilty of a short memory in what was the worst ever decision by the high court. It was W. Bush and his fathers conservative backers, led by Jim Baker, who wanted the conservative Court to rule and they got what they wanted.Then, Justice Scalia stated on CBS, it is legal for the U.S. to torture terrorist. His reasoning. The Constitution does not apply to torture. In fact the
word torture never appears in the Constitution. That's not the Constitution I studied in Law School and its not the Constitution of the country we live in.
Fast forward to today. Just a week before the Indiana primary, the USSC upheld the Indiana law where you have to have a government picture identification before you can vote. This ruling will severely limit the poor and aged, particularly the black population, from voting. To get photo-
identification you have to have a birth certificate. That costs money. You have to have transportation to a state government office. That costs money. In Indiana this applies to a demographic that mostly votes for liberal democratic candidates.
When I grew up there was a similar law in most southern states to keep the poor black folks from voting. Not because they were democrats but
because the white folks were afraid who they might vote for.
I had hoped that we were past that. Apparently not in Indiana and not in today's conservative Supreme Court.
It was called a POLL TAX.
There are two interesting Supreme Court Cases that he had a big part in deciding and he talked about them both. The first was Gore vs. Bush where the Supreme Court handed the Presidency of the United States to George W. Bush. This in turn has led to the past eight years where the U.S. has accomplished nothing except killing thousands of people and going into debt for trillions of dollars. A debt not to be paid by us, but by future taxes on our children and grandchildren. In fact, for the first time ever, U.S. taxes have been lowered during a time of war. Mostly for the wealthy.
Justice Scalia said this WAS NOT a political decision. WHAT? Naming the President of the United States by the Supreme Court is not political? I still can't find a word about the naming of the President of the United States in the Constitution. The only true decision would have been to rule for recounts in whatever states it applied. Let the majority of the people decide who the President is, not the Supreme Court.
In addition he said it was Al Gore who wanted the Supreme Court to rule and he got what he wanted. The Justice is guilty of a short memory in what was the worst ever decision by the high court. It was W. Bush and his fathers conservative backers, led by Jim Baker, who wanted the conservative Court to rule and they got what they wanted.Then, Justice Scalia stated on CBS, it is legal for the U.S. to torture terrorist. His reasoning. The Constitution does not apply to torture. In fact the
word torture never appears in the Constitution. That's not the Constitution I studied in Law School and its not the Constitution of the country we live in.
Fast forward to today. Just a week before the Indiana primary, the USSC upheld the Indiana law where you have to have a government picture identification before you can vote. This ruling will severely limit the poor and aged, particularly the black population, from voting. To get photo-
identification you have to have a birth certificate. That costs money. You have to have transportation to a state government office. That costs money. In Indiana this applies to a demographic that mostly votes for liberal democratic candidates.
When I grew up there was a similar law in most southern states to keep the poor black folks from voting. Not because they were democrats but
because the white folks were afraid who they might vote for.
I had hoped that we were past that. Apparently not in Indiana and not in today's conservative Supreme Court.
It was called a POLL TAX.
Monday, April 28, 2008
MORE ON THE LZR RACER OLYMPIC CONTROVERSY
The Beijing Olympics don't start for more than three months, but the swimsuit competition already is underway. This weekend in the French Olympic trials in Dunkirk, the U.S. based TYR Sports will officially unveil it's new Tracer Rise Suit, their challenge to the much-hyped Speedo LZR Racer. Speedo swimmers wearing the LZR Racer have now set 35 world records in recent weeks.
Speedo claims the LZR Racer can improve performance by up to 2%. TYR claims double the benefit up to 4%. "The time drops are well-documented," says TYR founder Steve Furniss. Only select swimmers have been competing in Tracer suits since January, but that gives TYR bragging rights over Speedo for being first off the starting blocks. However, Speedo has been worn more widely since its February introduction, thus their standard of 35 world records, not counting this weekend.
This SUPER SUIT is made of polyurethane woven fabric which is water-repellant and lightweight. The LZR Racer has ultrasonically bonded seams that help reduce drag. The Tracer Rise has compression panels that contour certain muscle groups to control movement.
The Super Showdown is this weekend. Three months and one week remain before the 2008 Olympics. Is there still time for Speedo and TYR to work even more magic? And don't forget Arena has not yet unveiled
their new suit.
The dilemma facing top-level swimmers contracted to rival brands is risk wearing a swimsuit that might be slower than your competitors or break with your sponsor to join the LZR Racer - TYR Tracer playing field.
"Swimmers not wearing the new space-age swim-suits should either stop crying about it or move heaven and earth to get their hands on them." That's the message from former Australian head coach Don Talbot, who also says, "The choice of swimmers between Olympic success or lucrative rival sponsorships is a no-brainier."
(The above BLOG includes even more information from John Naber, four golds and one silver in Montreal Games in 1976. He'll be back with us after the French Championships for the first show-down between LZR and TYR.)
Speedo claims the LZR Racer can improve performance by up to 2%. TYR claims double the benefit up to 4%. "The time drops are well-documented," says TYR founder Steve Furniss. Only select swimmers have been competing in Tracer suits since January, but that gives TYR bragging rights over Speedo for being first off the starting blocks. However, Speedo has been worn more widely since its February introduction, thus their standard of 35 world records, not counting this weekend.
This SUPER SUIT is made of polyurethane woven fabric which is water-repellant and lightweight. The LZR Racer has ultrasonically bonded seams that help reduce drag. The Tracer Rise has compression panels that contour certain muscle groups to control movement.
The Super Showdown is this weekend. Three months and one week remain before the 2008 Olympics. Is there still time for Speedo and TYR to work even more magic? And don't forget Arena has not yet unveiled
their new suit.
The dilemma facing top-level swimmers contracted to rival brands is risk wearing a swimsuit that might be slower than your competitors or break with your sponsor to join the LZR Racer - TYR Tracer playing field.
"Swimmers not wearing the new space-age swim-suits should either stop crying about it or move heaven and earth to get their hands on them." That's the message from former Australian head coach Don Talbot, who also says, "The choice of swimmers between Olympic success or lucrative rival sponsorships is a no-brainier."
(The above BLOG includes even more information from John Naber, four golds and one silver in Montreal Games in 1976. He'll be back with us after the French Championships for the first show-down between LZR and TYR.)
Friday, April 25, 2008
AN OLYMPIC PROBLEM
When I first saw the new LZR Racer, I thought for a moment it was the G-suit for pilots in the U-2 program, where they fly above 70,000 feet. Then I noticed the name, LZR Racer. That sounded like a new automotive addition to the NASCAR fold. But the full name gave it all away. Speedo's full body LZR Racer swim suit, holder of more than a dozen swimming World Records.
The Olympic problem? The LZR Racer may not be available to all swimmers in the Beijing Olympics this summer. For the latest in the world of swimming I checked in with John Naber winner of 4 Golds and 1 Silver swimming medal in the Montreal Games in 1976.
John said the problem for the 2008 Olympics is that, right now, only Speedo has created this new full body suit where you feel you are riding higher on the water. Many think it is the fastest swimming suit ever created.
This is the key. When you wear the LZR Racer you FEEL FAST, and at the World and Olympic level, swimming is as much a mind game as an athletic game. If you feel fast when you are on the starting blocks, then you'll swim fast.
The LZR Racer will in fact be available from Speedo, free for all Olympians. And there in, lies the problem. Many world class swimmers are under contract to other swim wear companies, such as Nike or Arena. Thus they would have to break their contract to compete in a Speedo. The one shinning light is that all of the other swim wear companies are furiously working to create their answer to Speedo's LZR Racer. If they do, then, no problem. If they don't, will those swimmers signed by Speedo have a large advantage at the Games?
Believe me, when the other swimmers are on the starting blocks and they look around and see their competitors in Speedo's LZR Racer, they'll feel it's not a level swimming pool. Then the ultimate question, is that the true Olympic spirit?
John Naber then presented one other side to this equation. When he swam in Montreal in 1976, Speedo (his company) had just come out with a new swim suit made from lycra. But John swam in his old suit made from nylon. His reasoning? He didn't want anyone to believe that it was his swim suit that won his medals. Naber again emphasized the importance of your mind set when you are on the starting blocks in the finals of the Olympic Games.
At that moment he was always reminded of the comic Steve Martin who once said, “Before I go out on stage, I always put a piece of baloney in my shoes. It makes me feel funny."
The Olympic problem? The LZR Racer may not be available to all swimmers in the Beijing Olympics this summer. For the latest in the world of swimming I checked in with John Naber winner of 4 Golds and 1 Silver swimming medal in the Montreal Games in 1976.
John said the problem for the 2008 Olympics is that, right now, only Speedo has created this new full body suit where you feel you are riding higher on the water. Many think it is the fastest swimming suit ever created.
This is the key. When you wear the LZR Racer you FEEL FAST, and at the World and Olympic level, swimming is as much a mind game as an athletic game. If you feel fast when you are on the starting blocks, then you'll swim fast.
The LZR Racer will in fact be available from Speedo, free for all Olympians. And there in, lies the problem. Many world class swimmers are under contract to other swim wear companies, such as Nike or Arena. Thus they would have to break their contract to compete in a Speedo. The one shinning light is that all of the other swim wear companies are furiously working to create their answer to Speedo's LZR Racer. If they do, then, no problem. If they don't, will those swimmers signed by Speedo have a large advantage at the Games?
Believe me, when the other swimmers are on the starting blocks and they look around and see their competitors in Speedo's LZR Racer, they'll feel it's not a level swimming pool. Then the ultimate question, is that the true Olympic spirit?
John Naber then presented one other side to this equation. When he swam in Montreal in 1976, Speedo (his company) had just come out with a new swim suit made from lycra. But John swam in his old suit made from nylon. His reasoning? He didn't want anyone to believe that it was his swim suit that won his medals. Naber again emphasized the importance of your mind set when you are on the starting blocks in the finals of the Olympic Games.
At that moment he was always reminded of the comic Steve Martin who once said, “Before I go out on stage, I always put a piece of baloney in my shoes. It makes me feel funny."
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
WHO WEARS A LAPEL PIN?
Ever since Charles Gibson of ABC-TV attacked Barack Obama for not showing his love of America by not wearing an American Flag lapel pin, I have wondered who does show their LOVE in this form.
So, over the past four days I have been checking out those on national television, in politics or the media, who do not wear an American Flag lapel pin.
I have discovered an interesting mix: Hillary Clinton,. Karl Rove, John McCain, Nancy Pelosi, Chris Matthews, Eugene Robinson, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert. Brian Williams, Tim Russert, David Brooks, Mark Shields, Rachel Maddow, Pat Buchanan, Dan Abrams, and Michael Moore.
And this is just a beginning.
So, over the past four days I have been checking out those on national television, in politics or the media, who do not wear an American Flag lapel pin.
I have discovered an interesting mix: Hillary Clinton,. Karl Rove, John McCain, Nancy Pelosi, Chris Matthews, Eugene Robinson, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert. Brian Williams, Tim Russert, David Brooks, Mark Shields, Rachel Maddow, Pat Buchanan, Dan Abrams, and Michael Moore.
And this is just a beginning.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Legend Of The Cherokee Indian
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage? His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
If you liked this story, pass it on.
If not, perhaps you took off your blindfold before dawn.
Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
If you liked this story, pass it on.
If not, perhaps you took off your blindfold before dawn.
Friday, April 18, 2008
THESE ARE DANGEROUS TIMES
I received the following on my web site. I found it so interesting that I searched for the author. So far it's anonymous, but it's very interesting.
HOW LONG DOES THE USA HAVE?
This is the most interesting thing I've read in a long time. The sad thing about it, you can see it coming. I have always heard about this democracy countdown. It is interesting to see it in print. God help us, not that we deserve it.
How Long Do We Have? About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
'A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government.'' A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.' 'From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.'
'The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years.'' During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage.'
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election:
Number of States won by:
Gore: 19
Bush: 29
Square miles of land won by:
Gore: 580,000
Bush: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by:
Gore: 127 million
Bush: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Gore: 13.2
Bush: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: 'In aggregate, the map of the territory Bush won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country. Gore's territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare...'
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the 'complacency and apathy' phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the 'governmental dependency' phase. If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.
If you are in favor of this, then delete this message; if you are not, then Pass this along to help everyone realize just how much is at stake, knowing that apathy is the greatest danger to our freedom.
Thanks for reading.
HOW LONG DOES THE USA HAVE?
This is the most interesting thing I've read in a long time. The sad thing about it, you can see it coming. I have always heard about this democracy countdown. It is interesting to see it in print. God help us, not that we deserve it.
How Long Do We Have? About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
'A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government.'' A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.' 'From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.'
'The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years.'' During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage.'
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election:
Number of States won by:
Gore: 19
Bush: 29
Square miles of land won by:
Gore: 580,000
Bush: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by:
Gore: 127 million
Bush: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Gore: 13.2
Bush: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: 'In aggregate, the map of the territory Bush won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country. Gore's territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare...'
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the 'complacency and apathy' phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the 'governmental dependency' phase. If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.
If you are in favor of this, then delete this message; if you are not, then Pass this along to help everyone realize just how much is at stake, knowing that apathy is the greatest danger to our freedom.
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
MY BLOG
My blog would be the easiest job in the world if I could only follow Charles Barkley as he daily shares his attitude on the NBA, all other professional sports, and any major crisis around the world.
His most recent quote comes from a weekly conference telephone conversation with sports writers around the country. Here we go, "The Washington Wizards (NBA) have got to be the dumbest team in the history of civilization." Don't you just love that statement. Now, we really know how Charles feels.
The first thing you notice after you stop chuckling, (play on his name) is he never understates his feelings. Barkley is commenting on the recent "trash talk" by the Wizards aimed at their first round NBA playoff opponent, the Cleveland Cavaliers led by (All-World) LeBron James. The Wizards firmly believe Cleveland will be so upset about their "trash talk," that it will take them completely out of their game, and this will lead to a Washington series victory.
Charles Barkley does not agree with the Wizards. Truthfully, not a lot of NBA fans agree with this approach. I'm one of them. I'm a lifelong member of the old school, " Let sleeping Cavaliers lie." Don't stir them up. Just quietly sneak into town...play...then quietly leave town.
This doesn't work for everyone, including Charles Barkley, who has never been quiet in his entire life. Of which, we are all glad.
His most recent quote comes from a weekly conference telephone conversation with sports writers around the country. Here we go, "The Washington Wizards (NBA) have got to be the dumbest team in the history of civilization." Don't you just love that statement. Now, we really know how Charles feels.
The first thing you notice after you stop chuckling, (play on his name) is he never understates his feelings. Barkley is commenting on the recent "trash talk" by the Wizards aimed at their first round NBA playoff opponent, the Cleveland Cavaliers led by (All-World) LeBron James. The Wizards firmly believe Cleveland will be so upset about their "trash talk," that it will take them completely out of their game, and this will lead to a Washington series victory.
Charles Barkley does not agree with the Wizards. Truthfully, not a lot of NBA fans agree with this approach. I'm one of them. I'm a lifelong member of the old school, " Let sleeping Cavaliers lie." Don't stir them up. Just quietly sneak into town...play...then quietly leave town.
This doesn't work for everyone, including Charles Barkley, who has never been quiet in his entire life. Of which, we are all glad.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
THE TORTURE ENABLER
John C. Yoo has been named the,"torture enabler." C. Yoo was one of the young guns on W. Bush's legal staff, which apparently included the entire Dept. of Justice. According to the recent release of the 2003 torture memo, C. Yoo wrote and W. Bush claimed his legal right to torture any "terrorist" he picked out. These two proved to the entire world that the American government was not only inept but was also thoroughly corrupt.
When Jonathan Turley, the outstanding Law Professor at George Washington University, discovered the John C. Yoohas a J.D. (Doctorate of Jurisprudence) Degree he said, "That makes me ashamed of my own J.D. Degree."
Like Jonathan Turley and John C. Yoo, I also have a J.D. degree. Mine is from the University of Arkansas Law School, and John C. Yoo has also made me ashamed of my law degree.
The saddest part of the story is that this same John C. Yoo is now a law professor at UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law, one of the truly great Law Schools in the country. What is John C. Yoo going to teach? Perhaps, "How to disgrace your country in three easy lessons."
I do believe that if I had graduated from Boalt Hall School of Law, I would be hiding my law degree in the back of my closet and would be tough to find if they came looking for a donation.
You have to wonder, "What were they thinking?" In Berkeley.
When Jonathan Turley, the outstanding Law Professor at George Washington University, discovered the John C. Yoohas a J.D. (Doctorate of Jurisprudence) Degree he said, "That makes me ashamed of my own J.D. Degree."
Like Jonathan Turley and John C. Yoo, I also have a J.D. degree. Mine is from the University of Arkansas Law School, and John C. Yoo has also made me ashamed of my law degree.
The saddest part of the story is that this same John C. Yoo is now a law professor at UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law, one of the truly great Law Schools in the country. What is John C. Yoo going to teach? Perhaps, "How to disgrace your country in three easy lessons."
I do believe that if I had graduated from Boalt Hall School of Law, I would be hiding my law degree in the back of my closet and would be tough to find if they came looking for a donation.
You have to wonder, "What were they thinking?" In Berkeley.
Monday, April 14, 2008
THE MASTERS
Every year I forget how absolutely beautiful the Augusta golf course really is. However: Should I forget, the same cadre of announcers is there to remind me of its beauty. AND they also remind me of the special language of the MASTERS -
- Patrons, not gallery.
- Second cut, not rough.
- Hole location, not cup location.
- Second nine, not back nine.
- Our leader, not tournament leader.
If announcers make a mistake, they silently disappear. Money is never mentioned
THREE QUICK QUESTIONS:
- How much money did Immelman win?
- How much did Tiger win for second place?
- How much money did Snedeker leave on the table
when he dropped out of sole second place?
LOTS OF NEW FACES AMONG THE TOP TEN. The winner, not champion, Trevor Immelman. THE PROUD NEW OWNER OF THE GREEN JACKET.
(Remember when Phil won his first GREEN JACKET, he slept in it on Sunday night.)
Friday, April 11, 2008
A great magazine cover photo of Joe Torre, April 6, 2008
I just want to check Joe's record as a manager. The Yankees had not won a World Series in 18 years, and yet won in 1996, Torre's first year at the Yankees HELM. (Don't you just love that baseball talk) From that point on he followed with 11 straight playoff appearances, nine more division titles, five more American League Pennants, and THREE MORE WORLD SERIES TITLES. (12-10-6-4, or 4-6-10-12) Either way not a bad STAT for THE BIG GUY. (Managers are always THE BIG GUY.)
And now little known David L. Ulin takes up his desktop computer and spells out that..."Torre must guide the Dodgers to their first pennant in 20 years - to secure his place in baseball history." He adds that Torre isn't a legend just another man (manager) (baseball talk). Ulin does add that Torre's record with the Yankees (Hot-Plate of Sports) (I added that) - "is matched only by those of Casey Stengel and Joe McCarthy, two of the most iconic figures ever to manage a baseball team."
Okay, I had to look up iconic (not a baseball term) in Webster's Dictionary. Here's what I found, "iconic, an object of uncritical devotion; idol. So Torre's the match with Stengel and McCarthy That's good enough for me and David L. Ulin should go back to editing books for the L.A.Times.
COVER - PHOTO - Los Angeles Times Magazine
And now little known David L. Ulin takes up his desktop computer and spells out that..."Torre must guide the Dodgers to their first pennant in 20 years - to secure his place in baseball history." He adds that Torre isn't a legend just another man (manager) (baseball talk). Ulin does add that Torre's record with the Yankees (Hot-Plate of Sports) (I added that) - "is matched only by those of Casey Stengel and Joe McCarthy, two of the most iconic figures ever to manage a baseball team."
Okay, I had to look up iconic (not a baseball term) in Webster's Dictionary. Here's what I found, "iconic, an object of uncritical devotion; idol. So Torre's the match with Stengel and McCarthy That's good enough for me and David L. Ulin should go back to editing books for the L.A.Times.
COVER - PHOTO - Los Angeles Times Magazine
Thursday, April 10, 2008
CHARLTON HESTON
The first time I saw Charlton Heston he was 40 feet tall. He commanded the entire movie screen at the Majestic Theatre in my hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas. In the Era of movie stars he was a MOVIE STAR.
Like me, when you first heard of his death, you were probably reminded of that fantastic 15 minute chariot-race in "Ben-Hur." Did you know it took five weeks to film and required 15,000 extras. Also, Heston was most proud that he did all of his own stunts in that race. I looked at it again last night and even on the small screen of my computer it is still unbelievably exciting.
Growing up in small-town mid-America I had that movie business all figured out. You see, they just made one copy and then sent it first to the big cities. Eventually it worked its way down to small towns for either a three day or four day run. Then, if you missed it, that was it. Your only chance.
If you were under 12 years old the movies cost 11 cents and for adults 12 years or older it cost 35 cents. There were no senior citizen cut-prices.
However sometimes the theatres gave you a kitchen dish when you left the theatre. The biggest bargain in Fort Smith was the New Theatre. On Saturday afternoon for one ticket you saw the double feature, a cartoon, a popcorn advertisement, a Pete Smith Speciality, and the on-going 13-Week Serial. (The forerunner of television.)
The other thing I remember about movies when I was growing up, was that we never got in at the start of the picture. If our date was at 7:30 we got into our seats at 7:40 and then when we recognized the scene, that's where we came in, so we got up and left and headed for the drive-in.
The movies were a major part of our lives. After all no television, no video tape, no VTR, no IPod, no Blockbuster, no NetFlex. And of all the MOVIE STARS I remember most is Charlton Heston, "The Ten Commandments," "The Greatest Show On Earth,""The Big Country,""The Greatest Story Ever Told,""Major Dundee,""Will Perry,""El Cid,""The Agony and the Ecstasy,""Khartoum,""Planet of the Apes," any of which would be a career for many of today's movie stars.
In 1998 Heston was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As a survivor of prostate cancer I had written a book containing many personal stories of cancer survivors. I mailed a copy to Charlton Heston, wishing him well. Three weeks later, I received the nicest letter thanking me for thinking of him and for sending my book. It was signed CHARLTON HESTON. It is one of my proudest possessions.
Like me, when you first heard of his death, you were probably reminded of that fantastic 15 minute chariot-race in "Ben-Hur." Did you know it took five weeks to film and required 15,000 extras. Also, Heston was most proud that he did all of his own stunts in that race. I looked at it again last night and even on the small screen of my computer it is still unbelievably exciting.
Growing up in small-town mid-America I had that movie business all figured out. You see, they just made one copy and then sent it first to the big cities. Eventually it worked its way down to small towns for either a three day or four day run. Then, if you missed it, that was it. Your only chance.
If you were under 12 years old the movies cost 11 cents and for adults 12 years or older it cost 35 cents. There were no senior citizen cut-prices.
However sometimes the theatres gave you a kitchen dish when you left the theatre. The biggest bargain in Fort Smith was the New Theatre. On Saturday afternoon for one ticket you saw the double feature, a cartoon, a popcorn advertisement, a Pete Smith Speciality, and the on-going 13-Week Serial. (The forerunner of television.)
The other thing I remember about movies when I was growing up, was that we never got in at the start of the picture. If our date was at 7:30 we got into our seats at 7:40 and then when we recognized the scene, that's where we came in, so we got up and left and headed for the drive-in.
The movies were a major part of our lives. After all no television, no video tape, no VTR, no IPod, no Blockbuster, no NetFlex. And of all the MOVIE STARS I remember most is Charlton Heston, "The Ten Commandments," "The Greatest Show On Earth,""The Big Country,""The Greatest Story Ever Told,""Major Dundee,""Will Perry,""El Cid,""The Agony and the Ecstasy,""Khartoum,""Planet of the Apes," any of which would be a career for many of today's movie stars.
In 1998 Heston was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As a survivor of prostate cancer I had written a book containing many personal stories of cancer survivors. I mailed a copy to Charlton Heston, wishing him well. Three weeks later, I received the nicest letter thanking me for thinking of him and for sending my book. It was signed CHARLTON HESTON. It is one of my proudest possessions.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
PETRAEUS FOR PRESIDENT
As I suspected, General David Petraeus, "Can't handle the truth."
Tuesday was his day. The perfect time to stand up and tell the American public that the Iraq War is not winnable, that the sooner we get out the better. That we have to stop this waste of lives and money. But no, the General had even more charts, that only he and George W. understand. They point out, he commented, that he can't comment, on any more withdrawals after summer. Until after a 45 day recess, this summer, to check his next set of charts. And, guess what, George W. will keep him until W. leaves office in January. That's all part of the plan.
If John McCain is the next president then look for Petraeus to be awarded his 5th STAR and continue to head up, not only the War in Iraq but all U.S. Military action, throughout the world. Don't forget, Generals are programmed to fight wars, that's their career.
However, if Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton is the next president then look for George W, to award Petraeus his 5th Star before he leaves office. You might say, Petraous hasn't had his 4th Star long enough to qualify for another one. Military rules or Constitutional law has never stood in the way of George W. If he wants to do it. Then he'll just do it. Petraous will then suddenly resign and immediately become the Republican's next candidate for President of the United States, circa 2012 or 2016.
Tuesday was his day. The perfect time to stand up and tell the American public that the Iraq War is not winnable, that the sooner we get out the better. That we have to stop this waste of lives and money. But no, the General had even more charts, that only he and George W. understand. They point out, he commented, that he can't comment, on any more withdrawals after summer. Until after a 45 day recess, this summer, to check his next set of charts. And, guess what, George W. will keep him until W. leaves office in January. That's all part of the plan.
If John McCain is the next president then look for Petraeus to be awarded his 5th STAR and continue to head up, not only the War in Iraq but all U.S. Military action, throughout the world. Don't forget, Generals are programmed to fight wars, that's their career.
However, if Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton is the next president then look for George W, to award Petraeus his 5th Star before he leaves office. You might say, Petraous hasn't had his 4th Star long enough to qualify for another one. Military rules or Constitutional law has never stood in the way of George W. If he wants to do it. Then he'll just do it. Petraous will then suddenly resign and immediately become the Republican's next candidate for President of the United States, circa 2012 or 2016.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Today is the day.
General Petraeus, was discovered by George W., was promoted to his 4th star by George W., keeps his job AND possible political future by what he reports to congress and George W., today.
He has to decide on telling the truth to the American public or telling the same GOOD NEWS that George W. wants to hear and at least keeps his job for nine more months. Then he'll have a new leader. Perhaps one who prefers the truth. Your career of a lifetime depends on what you say.
It all comes down to this. General Petraeus, "Can you handle the truth?"
He has to decide on telling the truth to the American public or telling the same GOOD NEWS that George W. wants to hear and at least keeps his job for nine more months. Then he'll have a new leader. Perhaps one who prefers the truth. Your career of a lifetime depends on what you say.
It all comes down to this. General Petraeus, "Can you handle the truth?"
Thursday, April 3, 2008
This is a lifetime basketball game...
...One to save and savor.
Courtesy of CBS Sports. Click on the link below and enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZtU676jA_k
Courtesy of CBS Sports. Click on the link below and enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZtU676jA_k
THE TWO BIG "B's"
I spent the last few days trying to figure out how in the world does the IOC, the International Olympic Committee pick cities for the future. Sometimes I believe they write down on slips of paper all of the upcoming "hot spots" in the world, shake them up in a leprechauns hat and then pull out the winner. CHINA, you've got to be kidding, CHINA. They need lots of work on their human relations and on their air quality. Already the talk of "B" Boycott is a whirlwind through Europe with almost daily disclosures that various heads-of-state will boycott...but boycott only the opening ceremonies. Which means they will miss a great photo opportunity. G.W,Bush is still going, He wants to have "Up close and personal...talks" with China's President Hu Jintao. Bush says he's going to ask about the factory workers, in China, who have been recently fired. The interpreters should have a field day with that one. The 1980 boycott by the American Team per Jimmy Carter only hurt the athletes of the American Team, no one else.
But there is another "B" problem in New England of all places. The 2008 Patriot football season is in PERIL, according to six bloggers plus a newspaper and god knows how many radio talk shows. The reason, All-World Quarterback Tom "B" BRADY, is missing the Voluntary workouts to vacation in Europe. Brady is the captain of the team, the leader in the clubhouse, the main man, the key to the Patriot machine, and he is missing the action. However, it was revealed that Tom is traveling through Europe on the arm of the very beautiful, model, Gisele Bundchen. "WAY TO GO TOM."
But there is another "B" problem in New England of all places. The 2008 Patriot football season is in PERIL, according to six bloggers plus a newspaper and god knows how many radio talk shows. The reason, All-World Quarterback Tom "B" BRADY, is missing the Voluntary workouts to vacation in Europe. Brady is the captain of the team, the leader in the clubhouse, the main man, the key to the Patriot machine, and he is missing the action. However, it was revealed that Tom is traveling through Europe on the arm of the very beautiful, model, Gisele Bundchen. "WAY TO GO TOM."
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
THOUGHTS FOR TUESDAY MORNING
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Courtesy - Joshua Stein, www.thepositivewebsite.com
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
Courtesy - Joshua Stein, www.thepositivewebsite.com
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