Another Day in My Life: First post of 2016

In the last four days I’ve come face to face with the reality that I will be an orphan. The word “orphan” is usually associated with a child who was given up by parents or both parents are deceased. Well, the inner child dwelling within me will fall into the latter category one day…

My sister and I respect our mother, and as we were taught, we will respect her wishes.  We have placed her into in-home hospice. Over and over she has let it be known that she wants to die in her own bed, and being that this woman is the most important person in my life at the moment, what she wants is all that matters. This is how 2016 began for my family.

As opposed to when I lost my dad or a grandparent, the emotions here are different. Mom has good days and bad days. Given that she has days where she is lucid and is the woman I knew, there are days when she is not. During the latter, the dementia can totally transform the people we know and love into an alien life form, barely recognizable…

Those are the days that are difficult but I am going to hang onto every lucid moment that I can get. The nurses and workers who are in the trenches every day with this should be commended. Thank you, Ms. Colorado for your monologue on nursing. People need to watch it.   The nurses that took care of my mom at Hendrick Medical Center treated my mother with dignity and respect. She hasn’t been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but she does have some dementia.

The nurses are more than nurses. The aides are more than aides. They also helped me to cope. They also bore the brunt of the difficult moments. For that I am grateful. Anyone who wants to make a detracting, snarky statement should come talk to me.  Joy Behar,  in particular should take note. If she wants to continue in her snarky commentary due to her lack of education and/or common sense, she should be job hunting because journalism is clearly not her forte.

When dealing with sensitive subject matter, if someone is going to editorialize and not report the facts of a matter, they should remain silent rather than reveal themselves for the incompetent writers that they are. Entertainment at the expense of the elderly, the vets, the nurses, doctors and aides is not entertainment. It is an insult and this viewer will not watch any show that allows its writers and/or hosts to engage in such detracting garbage.

Why? Because my mother is the most important person in my world at this moment, as is every other person who suffers from such things. If writers cannot comprehend that we should be responsible adults when dealing with these subjects, then it is time to back away from the pen and the keyboard.

 

 

Political Correctness Truly Defined (Part 2)

I want to make something perfectly clear here. I do not feel that one’s political views should have any bearing on whether or not they are accepted as artists, writers, singers, etc…The trend in Hollywood has been for decades to embrace the far left and shut out anyone with any views that deviate from that view, even if the person trying to make a living is middle of the road.

There is a view among many in society that a comic should only entertain according to the point(s) of view that are personally acceptable to them. Artists in all camps do not accept this notion as it is a form of dictating their material, or in easier terms to understand, societal censorship.  Politicians have been subject to ridicule from both sides of the spectrum but it is only when someone who is in power on the left that the specter of censorship rears its ugly head.

There were proposed rule changes to the FCC about writers and reporters that did not get put into place because those rules interfere with the first amendment and since the media is largely “owned” anyhow, it was a waste of taxpayer funds to make such rules. If the people of the United States wanted government controlled media, they’d start moving elsewhere.

Reporters, if they have any sense of ethics, should be reporting the story truthfully, without interjecting what they think should happen as a result of the evolving stories coming into place. The people do not need a journalist to help them make up their minds. They have a sense of what they feel is right and what they feel is wrong.  In fact, if anything, viewers should find any reporter that takes it upon himself/herself to try to change their views on any issue to be insulting. That is not their job. If they want to get preached at by anyone, they will turn off the television and go to church. The audience, for the most part, wants the story–without how  the person reporting “feels” about it.

Both the media and Hollywood have worked very hard to be the self-appointed moral compass of this nation and that is the last thing they should be. Individuals can decide the course of their own destinies without their advice. For the most part if they are not paid to entertain, they are paid to inform. Personally, unless I’m watching the news or PBS, I do not want to hear about political topics. I go to movies to escape these things. I go to concerts to escape these things. When those in these fields try to tell me I should have point of view A rather , point of view B, I tend to get rather angry.

I do realize that some acts in general ARE politically motivated and write their music accordingly. If the fans want that, that is their decision. Those acts are doing what they think is their “mission” in life which is to bring awareness. There is nothing wrong with that.  The same holds true for writers who make it known what the purpose is for script A or script B. However if it’s not on a topic that has my interest, I won’t go or watch the show.  However that is NOT the job of the journalist and they need to get back to reporting the news and stop giving 3 minutes of story and 30 minutes of editorializing.

When writers insert politics into a script with what otherwise would be a very good drama that isn’t pushing their views, I change the channel. I do not want to watch a TV sitcom and hear about how good Obamacare is. That is not why I watch TV. Thank God the Brits aren’t doing that crap. However getting money from grants to do so is an incentive. I’m sure if the GOP had done that, the left would be screaming bloody murder about taxpayer funds going toward that. Well I would also, but it is because taxpayer funds shouldn’t be going to pay for advertising government programs and campaigning on mainstream TV shows on MY DIME.

We have a 17 trillion-dollar deficit and that is the last thing government money should be going to…Common sense should dictate as much.

As for Hollywood, they should have followed Clint Eastwood’s example when he hired both Tim Robbins and Sean Penn to be in “Mystic River”. He hired objectively and their political views didn’t make a bit of difference. He hired them on the merits of their talent.  Remember Matt McConaughey’s Oscar acceptance speech and how Hollywood cringed? I hate to burst their bubble that speech was indicative of a more “new age” view than anything, which many there embrace.  Hollywood, by exhibiting such bias, is alienating  the movie going audience. As they continue to lose more at the box office due to this and the rising prices of tickets, they should bear in mind that if they cannot be open to viewers of all factions, this trend will continue.

That being said, if anyone is open to the idea of opening up an Independent movie studio in TX, I know of a place that is for sale in a desert location that would make an excellent spot due to it’s historical significance alone–for a cool $2.9 million bucks and you’d better snatch it up before a certain studio in California decides to do so (if they get the idea)! I just had to throw that in, but have a great day!

Why We Should All Read the Writings of ANY Public Figure…

If you want to know what any public figure is about, read their writings. Read the books they wrote themselves. Those reveal the content of their character. If you have not read those, then don’t criticize those who have. To refuse to check out a person’s own words means that one is willing to remain willfully ignorant. They are willing to be used for that person’s gain. It doesn’t matter if that person is a political figure, entertainer or journalist. Those words that were put into print define them. It is those who choose to stay willfully blind who refuse to read them–or listen to them if they are available on audio. If they are upset with YOU for doing so, then it is because they don’t want to see the truth, but to live in their own Utopian delusion whatever that may be.

I have a nasty habit of calling writers on the carpet when they contradict themselves as well. We all should all be doing this if we are paying attention.

One Tin Soldier Rode Away…

I am shocked and saddened to learn that Tom Laughlin has passed away.  Even though he was 82, his death was unexpected.  For those of you who do not know who he is, I consider him to be the grandfather of the Independent Film.  He is the one who took on Warner Bros. and then distributed his own films which are still among the highest selling films of all time.  I am referring to the “Billy Jack” Trilogy.  These films inspired an entire generation to look within themselves and to try to make a difference in the world.  The release of “Billy Jack” also signaled the birth of a whole new way of marketing film–and it changed the industry whether some recognize this or not.  The world of Independent Film owes this man much more than people realize.  So it is here I will pay my tribute. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute than to close with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qswm7lHp7oY

My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, his wife of 60 years, Delores, and his children and grandchildren.

Here is a copy of the obituary as well:Obituary – Tom Laughlin (1)

How Times Have Changed…

In 2014, the 3oth Anniversary of Live Aid will be celebrated, I’m sure.  1984 was a self-defining Christmas for me and for a lot of my generation because we were forced for the first time in our hedonistic generation’s existence to think about someone else in another part of the globe. The artists had the guts to put this in our faces and to this day I still respect them for it.

In recent years we’ve seen so much focus on the self among our own youth that somewhere along the road, they didn’t find that same sense of purpose–yet. It appears to me that we are so focused on ourselves and pissed about what our government is doing in this country that we’ve lost sight of ONE fact.  WE CAN CHANGE THINGS–ONE PERSON AT A TIME.  However we must start with ourselves. We can and must  lead the way for a younger generation.  We cannot leave this up to others because it is not their job to do our job. It is up to us to impart a sense of what is good and what is right into our children, our grandchildren and in a few more years–maybe our great-grandchildren.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the video. I hope it renews the fire in your soul that we had back when were younger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjQzJAKxTrE

 

They started it all…

 

This is a HUGE Problem in Today’s Society…

Can anyone take a guess at what one of our biggest problems in today’s society is? As a whole we have become complacent to the idea that it is okay not to keep one’s word. A person is only as good as their word is, and if their word fails, then they fail. Period. Americans will allow their intelligence to get insulted time and time again and not bat an eyelash when they get manipulated. Why is that? What has made us so accepting of people who will say anything we want to hear, only to find that they never had any single intention of honoring their word?

This takes place in many areas of our lives but the result is the same.  If someone we care deeply about does it, we are far to quick to forgive–especially if that person is our partner. Well–most of us anyway. I am not that way anymore. I got in touch with my inner bitch a long time ago, and I am here to tell you, when I get lied to and the person is caught, that trust can never be brought back at any price.  In fact, I tend to make a clean break now.

In fact, I’ve booted exes, former buddies and a few peers from my life that seem to take pride in such behavior. Yes, pride. They say things like, “Oh I was just BS’ing.”  Sorry but your BS’ing got people hurt.

Now I want to address another form of “lying”.  Remember this story?

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Gay-Server-Tip-Lifestyle-Receipt-Discrepancy-233040811.html

 

Don’t jump the gun yet! I don’t think the waitress lied.  I think she and the family were, in fact, victims.  HERE is what I think went down with this story.

I think the waitress turned the ticket into whoever was handling the cash register.  I believe a reprint was made and that was the ticket given to Ms. Morales.  The reason I am giving her the benefit of a doubt is that there are more ways to rip off a person than one can shake a stick at, and I think whoever did it pocketed her tip and gave her a bogus receipt. I feel the note on the receipt, which again does NOT match the customer’s handwriting, was written by whoever cashed out the original ticket. If this is the case, there are two victims here–the family AND Ms. Morales.

Now there are people who will get even more angry if this is the case because of all the donations sent to Ms. Morales as a result. Either way she was still a victim. She got angry and posted that receipt merely to make a point. She did not intend to expose the people by name, but was simply hurt by the note left. Sadly, if that note was left by a fellow employee, I hope that he or she is caught via video, fired and then made ineligible for rehire because this type of person will continue to perpetuate fraud upon his/her co-workers and upon other customers as well. IN fact it should become a police matter at that point–even if all he/she did pocket was the $18 tip.  There is no telling how many other tips got pocketed that should have went to the wait staff  if this is the case.

I would also like to add that cons who are into criminal theft are not going to be making donations to “Wounded Warriors” either. As far as Ms. Morales goes, people really need to reserve their judgment.  I find it highly disturbing that if my scenario is correct, that anyone would leave such a hateful, spite-filled note to any waiter or waitress.

Have we as a society not learned that all people deserve a fair shake? Evidently not given some of the heated rhetoric I see directed at  Ms. Morales as well as  the family. America it is time to be quiet and wait to see what happens on this one. I think that both the family and Ms. Morales deserve that much.

Parents, Parents, Parents! It’s TERM PAPER TIME! Here is HOW to Help Your Student!

Parents, if you’re helping kids with their term papers and such, MAKE SURE that the blog posts they are citing  (IF THEY ARE USING THEM) are run by REAL PEOPLE whose credentials you can verify. There are a lot of phonies out there giving out phony facts to elevate their egos and they are spreading a LOT of false information about various subjects they claim to be experts in.  If the paper counts for a MAJOR GRADE, your quick thinking may make the difference between an A/B paper and a C/F one.

If they name a university, check out its website and see if that person is a faculty member. If that person’s name is NOT on file, then the whole site is bogus! Tell your kid to keep looking!  That’s the best way to check it. Then direct your child to find something easier to verify. In fact, if you want to, call that professor up on the university extension IF that person’s REAL name is on the blog, and ask him/her and verify that this is his/her site. A lot of people do rip off ID‘s. Most professors won’t mind verifying the info either and if it is not their blog, they will take action to shut it down.

There are too many “wannabe” experts out there pretending to be somebody they aren’t. Some get paid for each hit on their website. Think of it this way, if the site is bogus, you’re not just helping your student to a better grade, you might be preventing possible internet fraud.

Tune in next time for another writing tip…Same bat time! Same bat channel!

 

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This Has GOT To STOP! How Can Anyone Do This Crap?!

Usually I can look at something and keep my cool, but when I hear about child pornography rings and animal cruelty–those are two hot button subjects that IMMEDIATELY pull my trigger and set me off!

Please sign this petition:  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/863/365/434/?cid=FB_TAF

This is one sick individual who should never see light outside of a jail cell for her many acts of cruelty against defenseless animals and she has the gall to call this shit “art”?!  Hello! What the hell kind of crack was the judge smoking to let this slide being that in TEXAS this shit IS illegal?

People, these are the sick individuals that graduate to SERIAL KILLING!  Read about Charles Eng, Ted Bundy, Ed Gein, Wayne Gacy and countless others. They started with puppies, kittens, and other defenseless animals.  THIS HAS GOT TO STOP in America. We should NEVER, EVER tolerate this under the guise of “art” or any other bullshit they try to use to make their sickening behavior more “justifiable” to the public.

I am not kidding when I stress that people who are this sick are in the same league as child pornographers.  NONE of them should ever be out among society.  Neither we, our children, our grandchildren,  and/or our pets are safe with sick people like this on the loose!

I have an immense love for animals.  I’ve had dogs, cats, gerbils, hamsters and such from the time I was a kid. I even once had a white mouse named “Brutus”.  I cannot even bring myself to apologize for the heated anger or vernacular in this post because I am so worked up right now.. Let’s get together with others who can help us stop this crap dead in its tracks, please! Thank you.

 

The New Mob…

Note: Most who know me know that politicians are the last people on Earth I would ever put my trust into. That is where this is coming from…

A mobster walks in to your business. “We can give you protection but you’ll need to pay us a certain fee for this protection.” “I don’t need or want what you have to offer. I can protect myself.”  you tell him. “You might want to reconsider that. Things can happen, yanno?”he says.

“I’ll take my chances.” you say to him.

Within two weeks he comes into your store, holds you at gun point and takes a third of your earnings for that day and tells you, “There is nothing you can do about this. You’ll pay it one way or another and we are coming once a pay period to collect. This is our neighborhood and we OWN the police.”

Then you are left struggling. “How can I pay the bills? The car payment? The vendors?” Your significant other is in tears and says, we should leave this place… What do you do? Leave or try to change it?

Think about this seriously for one moment.  It is your business and family being extorted…YES, EXTORTED. Now let us change-up the scenario a bit…

Let us look at our government officials.  They have taken upon themselves to pass into effect an extortion bill without the consent of the governed. By this I mean the Affordable Care Act.  The only ones who benefit from this are those who cannot or will not pay.  And those of us who obey the law, keep our jobs and DO pay are having to move out of our homes in West Texas. It is the working people like us–LIKE ME who have to live in an RV/Camper that my former boss owns because on what I make I cannot even rent an apartment. I could live in my car if something were to happen, but hopefully it won’t happen anytime soon.

Please don’t go into the supply vs. demand bullshit. There are two to three property management companies in town that handle ALL of the apartments here and they began gouging when they realized the boom was coming and it is happening EVERYWHERE in West Texas.  There are many families with $35K a year coming in that have to live in tents and storage rooms over this crap. Thanks to this, I can’t even save up the money to MOVE elsewhere. We are trapped in this area like slaves.  I actually think it was planned out to be this way too.

No American should have to live like this but this is our government at work in all of its infinite lack of wisdom. It is my opinion that they are trying to make everyone dependent upon it. They are creating the crisis to get us to cave into them. That is the last thing we should be doing. Why? They work for US. WE are not here to serve them and their lemmings and special interests. The two major parties are destroying the country and it is time we change direction totally. I will never vote for a candidate out of either major party again–unless they are Libertarian leaning. They lied to us all and failed us as a people.

And if we really wanted to send a strong message to them as a people, all everyone would have to do is pull together and pass a law that requires all citizens are to receive the same quality of care and help regardless of profession, sex, race, age, income etc with NO EXEMPTIONS–meaning our fearless government leaders (sarcasm intended) would have to be on the same program…  Pass a law like that and it  will over-ride this damned debacle they didn’t read in the first place. In fact, they should be fired and jailed for not reading it, subjecting US to it and EXEMPTING THEMSELVES from it.  NO OTHER COUNTRY does this to its people…

At least with a bill like I gave an example of, they CANNOT be exempt from it.  It would also make void direct IRS access to our bank accounts and leave decisions about medical care between doctor, patient and his/her family and not some idiot not qualified to practice medicine on the other end of a phone line.

When our founders wrote the Constitution, they did not intend to exempt themselves from the laws they passed. They did not set themselves up like a monarchy or oligarchy either. They did not believe in the principle of “diplomatic immunity” either. This country needs to change that as well.  We are the only country that allows this garbage to the best of my knowledge.

Anyway back to my original point. They are supposed to be working for US. Not passing laws over the will of the population and that is exactly what has happened. The only way to change this is to win elections locally first–right down to mayoral races and school board elections and work our way up from there. And I seriously hope that all of them who signed this into law get convicted of running the nation’s largest Ponzi scheme, which is exactly what this sham of a health care law is. By passing it, the government has made itself the new “mob”.

And before anyone starts bitching, I pay my share and always have. I grew up and had to work 2 jobs–sometimes 3 to survive. I should not have to do that again at my age and it really has me pissed off.  THAT is what both major parties have done for me. That is why I have never trusted politicians and never will–especially Dems and Repubs.   Don’t try to tell me the Dems are for the poor and working class either. After what they did to the unions, I know that is bullshit.  Don’t tell me the Repubs care about my values either.  If they did, the Sioux  would have been awarded the land stolen from them over time–when the descendants of the thieves that stole it, who are now on it (and controlling it) die off.

Either way, I am looking at 3rd party candidates for the most part in my state over this crap.

To Me No Tribute to the 9/11 Incident Equals This One…It is Short, Wordless, and Powerful.

See for yourself…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZIxFd5I280

 

No movie made, no documentary filmed can have as much impact as these horses kneeling and looking toward the empty space where so many lives were lots on September 11, 2001.  Budweiser only aired this one time in January of 2002.

I remember where I was that morning. I was teaching classes that had 30 students or more, who went into utter shock.  One of my special needs students thought his parents went down on the plane that left Dulles.  We finally got him calmed down and when he realized they were in Dallas he was fine.

For two weeks afterward, counselors spoke with kids who were heartbroken for those in NYC who lost family members, friends, teachers, etc….They drew pictures and made cards for them.  Our country was united from old to young…

This is exactly why we must never forget this attack any more than this nation must never forget Pearl Harbor, lest we stay divided.