Amercian Idol

I have seen a remarkable number of news articles about how mean and rude the judges on American Idol are to people trying out for the show this year. Have you seen the auditions, there are a group of people who know they can't sing, are unusual looking or dress unusually and they go on their to get their fifteen minutes of fame. These people want to be on TV and A.I. wants to show the unusual with their potential stars and they are both serving each others needs. You cannot convince me that they don't know what they are getting into when they walk in the room. The other group are the mediocre or Karaoke singers, they are not good enough to get on the show but some dimwit in either their family or friends has told them they are and they believe it. They cry when they get turned down, have you not seen the show, only the best get through. Over 30 million people watch these audition shows and they are all waiting for the train wreck and A. I. makes sure they get it. The next time you see and news article crying about how mean the judges are, just remember, the plan is working.

SPRING HILL - The parents of a 17-year-old boy killed in a police chase last year are suing the Spring Hill Police Department, two of its officers and the city of Spring Hill for $2 million.
Paxton Farris, a passenger in a pickup truck driven by Scott Gooden, who was 16 at the time, was thrown out of the vehicle around 3:45 a.m. Jan. 15, 2006 and run over by a police cruiser. A grand jury absolved the police officers of criminal wrongdoing in the case. Gooden was also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

As I have been told, the police spotted a truck sitting outside a garage at 3:00 in the morning, they went to investigate with lights on. The truck ran from the police at speeds approaching 100mph, the truck then crashed throwing the young man out and a pursuing police car ran over him. I feel terribly for this young man's family but what did the police do wrong? Should they not pursue someone sitting outside a business at 3 in the morning and when that person runs from them should they not give chase?

I have no problem of the lawsuit against the boy who was driving but what we have here is a deep pocket approach. The parents of the dead boy know the driver does not have the money to pay so they are suing the town, the police and the officers in the hopes of getting a judgement or settlement. This is exactly why we need tort reform, I have no problem with suing the people to blame but those officers were doing their sworn duty and they should not be held captive to a law that is ridiculous as this.

There are actual municipalities in the country that has "no pursuit" policies for their patrol officers, so if those officers see a crime committed they are not allowed to pursue the criminal. How does that serve the common good.

So Long, Coach

65 year old Bill Parcells announced his retirement from professional football coaching today. This is probably a good thing, bad tempered, hot headed but what a great football mind. He created so many great assistants who have gone on to be head coach. My favorite thing about Coach Parcells was his passion for winning and his intolerance for stupid questions from reporters. I am sure there was very little easy about playing for or working for Coach Parcells but I am also sure the game is a little less special because of his walking away. Good luck Coach!

Quote Of The Day 01/22/07

A dear friend sent this to me and I think it is very appropriate.

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who make excuses and those who get results. An excuse person will find any excuse for why a job was not done, and a results person will find any reason why it can be done. Be a creator, not a reactor. -- Alan Cohen, A Deep Breath Of Life

The Acid Rock Anthem

In 1968 a re-birthed Iron Butterfly went into the studio and and created what some consider to be a masterpiece of acid rock. One side of the album contains five normal acid rock tracks, legend has it the band was experimenting with some heavy drugs and then went to record the song "In the Garden of Eden", they were so wasted on drugs that not only could they not say the name of the song, they couldn't stop playing. That is why the song is 17:55 long. The song is "In-A Gadda-Da-Vidda" and it is what the band is known for today. On the strength of this one song the album stayed in the top ten for over a year. This is definitely a masterpiece recording and if you have listened to the four minute version you are in for a real treat with the original long version. Here's good listening to you.

Chicango 39 (My Beloved) Saints 14

Thank you New Orleans Saints for a great 2007.

Well as I said in an earlier post, I am disappointed that the Saints lost the game, but in a first for Saint's fans I am really optimistic about next year. Sean Payton has got the team definitely headed in the right direction. Simply put they met a better team, not necessarily offensively but definitely defensively. I am very impressed with Chicago's defense and I believe the can cause trouble for either New England or Indianapolis. Offensively they have a pretty decent offense but Rex Grossman is definitely a problem. I thought the press and most fans were hard on him this past year but after watching this game I am not so sure. Well congratulations to the Bears and good luck in the Super Bowl.

Let's not forget this was a 3-13 team last year and this year they played for the NFC Championship this year. Nobody has ever had that big of a turn around in the NFL.

Thanks for a great year; Coach Payton, Drew Brees, Duece McAllister, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston and the rest of the team. We are looking for great things from you in 2007.

Can Government Go To Far?

I know California has some strange folks but this is just nuts. How about the parent who lets their child overeat and the child is heavy, is that child abuse? Once again, what ever happened to personal responsibility?

"A Bay Area lawmaker said Thursday she will introduce a bill next week that seeks to make California the first state in the nation to ban spanking children who are 3 years old and younger. The legislation would make the violation a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $1,000.

"I think we ought to have a law against beating children," said Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, D-Mountain View. (Since when did spanking become beating? Can some parents go to far, sure, that's called child abuse and their are already laws on the books for that.) The lawmaker said she conceived of the idea after chatting with an acquaintance who is a legal expert on child abuse.

While California would be the first state to adopt such a measure if it becomes law, it wouldn't be the first in the world. There are already 15 countries -- mostly in Europe -- that have banned hitting children. In an interview with The Chronicle, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he was unfamiliar with the bill but had an immediate question about its practicality.

"How do you enforce that?" he asked.

One lawmaker in the Assembly simply objected to the idea of legislating how parents can discipline their kids.

http://www.sfgate.com/

Today's the day, can 40 years of suffering end and the Saints win a trip to the Super Bowl? They are 2 1/2 point underdogs and since the home field is worth three points it looks pretty even. The big question is the Saints being a dome team how will the weather affect them. If it is just cold they should be ok, if it is a Chicago snowstorm it could be dicey. Any way, we will see, my emotional pick is Saints 34, Bears 18. If only it is so.

Go Saints!

This one should be great, talk about a lightning rod. She jumped in with both feet, and I cannot believe she would even start this effort if she did not believe she would have a very good chance of getting the nomination. Despite peoples perception she is a centrist democrat who campaigns exceptionally well, is articulate, thoughtful and has probably the best advisor in American politics. I can see a Clinton / Obama ticket as being extremely strong for the Democrats. Their are some people who will never vote for her but if she plays her cards right she can bring a lot of the center and all of the left to her. She has no chance of pulling the far right or the religious conservatives so it will be an uphill battle. If nothing else she will add some excitement to the primary process. Let the games begin.

The Death of Personal Responsibility

Yes, the death of this woman was a tragedy, but was it foreseeable, and how much of the responsibility lies with the woman?

What happened to personal responsibility?
The family of a California woman who died (Was she forced?) after participating in a radio station's water-drinking contest to win a Nintendo Wii will sue the station, their lawyer said on Thursday. (At the very least did her husband know her plans and if so, does that make him negligently responsible?)

I feel terrible for the three children and the family of this young lady, but she was 28 and was old enough to make her own decisions. She decided to participate in this contest and I guarantee she signed a waiver of responsibility.

At some point we have to recognize that when we make a decision in our life then we have to accept the good and the bad that comes along with that decision. This incident is a tragedy, when making a decision think about the consequences and be ready to live with it.

Barak Obama - Hype versus Hope

"The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I’ve got news for them…We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America” from www.Barakobama.com. Is this the answer to what Amercia needs or is he positioning himself for a Vice President spot. He is definetly an intriguing candidate but what is his experience. Some would argue that his lack of national experience could be his strength, we need a new face, a new direction, new leadership. Others would say that the last time we elected someone with his experience level it was Jimmy Carter, that lead to record breaking inflation, interests rates and misery for the country. I would encourage everyone to watch and listen. This could be an interesting run.

News is starting to come out: He voted against requiring medical care for aborted fetuses who survive. He supported allowing retired police officers to carry concealed weapons, but opposed allowing people to use banned handguns to defend against intruders in their homes. And the list of sensitive topics goes on.

From WWW.WOBC.Com: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. He's only been in the U-S Senate for two years.But voters and political opponents will also be able to examine Barack Obama's (buh-RAHK' oh-BAH'-muhz) eight years as an Illinois state senator.

Obama filed papers this week creating an exploratory committee. He's the least experienced of the potential Democratic candidates.

In the Illinois Capitol, he was known as a consistently liberal senator. He helped reform the state death penalty system and create tax breaks for the poor, while also developing a reputation as someone who would work with critics to find agreement.

His votes that could prove controversial included one against requiring medical care for aborted fetuses who survive. He also voted to allow retired police officers to carry concealed weapons, but he opposed letting people use banned handguns to defend against intruders in their homes.

Obama could also face questions about his actions outside public office, including his admission that he used cocaine in his youth.

Released in 1967 this short lived band produced an album that was impossible to follow. These guys had the courage to cover the Beatles when they were still active, on this album they do a good job on "Elanore Rigby" and "Ticket to Ride". To show you how diverse they were, they covered Curits Mayfields "People Get Ready", Argent's "She's Not There", and Sonny Bono's "Bang, Bang". They do a great job on the previous songs but the album is made with "Illusions of My Childhood", "You Keep Me Hangin' On" and "Take Me For A Little While". They did not last long but they created an incredible album.

Vanilla Fudge was -

Carmine Appice
Tim Bogert
Vince Martell
Mark Stein

Good Listening to you.

Divine Intervention - We'll Take It

For years it was the most shopworn of jokes about the New Orleans Saints: They could not even beat the Little Sisters of the Poor.
But now the Saints are in the playoffs, and the nuns consider themselves part of the team that faced the Philadelphia Eagles in the Superdome last night. It is a pretty potent combination, Sister Paul believes. “Who else but the Saints would the Little Sisters of the Poor support?” she said, speaking of the venerable order, which was founded in France and has a long history in New Orleans. “You can say the order is behind the Saints 150 percent.”

Paul was the mother superior for the order’s Mary Joseph Residence for the Elderly in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina. The 80 residents were unable to return after the storm because emergency personnel had commandeered their building. So they moved to the order’s other 30 facilities.

Paul, four other nuns and 30 of her charges ended up at Sacred Heart Residence for the Elderly in Mobile, Ala.

“We are total fanatics,” Paul said in a telephone interview. “We can’t be in New Orleans, but we’ll be glued to the set. We’re having a box supper so we can eat in front of the television.”
The New Orleans residents being cared for by the nuns, range in age from 82 to 104, and Paul acknowledges that bets are being made around the home.

“It isn’t all that much,” Andree Briant, 97, said. “There aren’t many people that will bet against the Saints here.”

Briant, born and raised in New Orleans, began attending Saints games when the franchise was established in 1967.

“I haven’t missed a lot of the games over the years,” she said. “But I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited.”

Another resident, Estelle Falgouft, 82, had season tickets for 10 years, and always hoped to see the team in the Super Bowl. Now she believes she will. “I keep up with them every day,” Falgouft said. “It’s a good team now, not like those old teams. I think the Saints will win by two or three touchdowns.”

Falgouft was looking forward to the game against the Eagles. We’re going to have it on the big screen,” she said. “It’ll be chaos, bedlam, wonderful.”

The nuns have private prayer throughout the day, divine office five times a day and Mass daily, Paul said. Prayers during those times are not formally devoted to the New Orleans Saints, but there is still a lot of other praying for them going on among the residents. “I’m a through believer in prayers,” Briant said. “And we’re praying for a win. It’s going to be wonderful, it’s going to be a miracle, kid.”

http://www.nytimes.com

How bout them Saints

I have waited fourty years for this day. The New Orleans Saints are headed to the NFC Championship game. The Aint's, the first team to lose to the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaners, the continual heartbreak has finally come to an end. Do I want them to win next week, of course, will I be happy with this season if they lose, no, but I will be content. The addition of Sean Payton, Drew Brees and Reggie Bush along with the great play of Duece McCallister have me so excited about the future for this often maligned team. I want them to win next week and then on to the Super Bowl and I don't care who they play. If you watched them win tonight against a very good Philadelphia Eagles team then you know we can beat anyone. We will see what happens, but all I have to say is:

Go Saints!

All The Kings Men

In the 1920's and 30's a politician like no one had ever seen came on the scene in Louisiana. Huey Long, also known as the Kingfish ran the state with incredible conflict and eventually power. If he had not been assassinated there are those that believe he would have made a formidable run for president. Robert Penn Warren wrote the book "All the Kings Men" and said that the main character "Willie Stark" was not Huey Long, nobody who understands Huey Long and watches the character in this movie can possibly walk away believing that is true. Sean Penn does a remarkable job capturing the emotion and passion of "Willie Stark", from his stump speeches to his approach to his enemies you can see the determination of a driven man. Some can argue that Jude Law's character of Jack Burden is the central character of the novel / movie, he certainly is critical and the movie would not have reached it's great levels without this character. Law plays the character brilliantly for this is a man torn between two worlds that are at conflict with each other and his approach to the role is unsettling. He remains stoic but you can sense the torture. The supporting cast is excellent; "Sir Anthony Hopkins", James Gandolfini, Kate Winslett, Patricia Clarkson and Mark Ruffalo all give outstanding performances. This movie is out on video now and you should give it a watch, you won't be disapointed.

I leave you now with a quote from Huey Long's 1928 successful run for Governor, it could easily have come from Willie Stark. "Where are the schools that you have waited for your children to have, that have never come? Where are the roads and the highways that you send your money to build, that are no nearer now than ever before? Where are the institutions to care for the sick and disabled? Your tears in this country have lasted for genera­tions. Give me the chance to dry the eyes of those who still weep here.”

Huey Long, 1928

"Travelin' Band", "Run Through The Jungle," "Looking Out My Back Door", "Up Around The Bend", "Who'll Stop The Rain", "Long As I Can See The Light", these six rock classics say everything about this album. Bluesy, soulful and hard rocking all combine to make this a fantastic (and maybe their best) Creedence Clearwater Revival album. Released in July of 1970 this album is just as good today as it was back then. Every other song is a song you will recognize and even the ones that aren't you will tap your foot to. A very good and very long version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and a hard charging cover of Roy Orbison's "Ooby Dooby" are two more stellar songs. The album also includes "Ramble Tamble", "Before You Accuse Me" and "My Baby Left Me" round out the album in fine style.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

John Fogerty

Tom Fogerty

Stu Cook

Doug Clifford

Good listening to you.

Quote Of The Day

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

Winston Churchill

The Definition of a Student Athlete

"I'm really happy for Coach Cooper and the guy who've been around here for six or seven years, especially our seniors."

-Ohio State quarterback Bob Hoying, after winning a Big Ten title.

Florida Gators - National Champs

Florida Gators 41 / Ohio State 14

Let this be a lesson to you.

You the person who everyone says how good you are. (Ohio State)

You the person who everyone says you don't deserve to be there. (Florida)

The game is played on the field and you should never, never underestimate your opponent. That is what I believe happened last night. Ohio State was outcoached, outplayed, and outlasted. Congratulations to the University of Florida, Coach Meyer, the players, the fans, HM, David B. and the SEC. Your strength is appearant.

Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.

Nikita Khrushchev (1894 - 1971)

Quote Of The Day 01/06/07

Most people would rather be certain they're miserable than risk being happy.

Robert Anthony

The Greatest Show On Earth

Well it's that time of the year again, off to Las Vegas for the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show. this is an event unlike any other. This is the fifteenth show for me and I am always amazed by the technology, advances and features of the new products that will be tomorrows common household products. Thousands of people, entertaining clients until the wee hours, sales presentations and tired feet. I wouldn't change any of it for anything in the world.

Quote Of The Day 01/05/07

To all my friends with OCD and those that worry a lot below sum's it up. I know it is difficult but think about the things that bother you find the smallest one and let it go. Imagine your worries as a bouquet of helium balloons and let that one fly away forever. Remember, make it the smallest and easiest one. Good Luck.

"What worries you masters you. "

Haddon W. Robinson

Quote Of The Day 01/04/07

I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.

Woodrow Wilson (1856 - 1924)

Quote Of The Day 01/03/07

I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.
Og Mandino (1923 - 1996)

(Happy Birthday DAD)

Another Great Album

Released in 1976 to critical acclaim, peaking at #5 on the Billboard chart in 1977 this album is incredible. I bought this album when it came out and for about the first two weeks played the title cut over and over. When I finally got around to listening to the rest I was blown away by the richness of the sounds and the thoughtfulness of the lyrics. Each song stands alone as a story entwining you into a mystical imagery that is remarkable simple yet elegantly graceful. Al Stewart is known by the title song but this album defines him, it let’s you know who he is. Another clue to the greatness of this album is that it was produced by Alan Parson’s. If you have ever listened to a Parson’s record you will understand and appreciate this album even more. Good listening to you.

The Young Rascals

In 1966 the album was released to good review's and it went on to be one of the years best sellers. If you are a fan of 60's rock you should give it a listen. There is not a bad song on the album and it still holds up after all these years. The Rascals, as we called them, earned their chops playing clubs in New York City and surronding area's. The results were this album, the first cut "Slow Down" an uptempo number gives a great indication of how good the album will be. Side 1 is good, side 2 is great, "Good Lovin'", "Like a Rolling Stone", "Mustang Sally", "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" and "In the Midnight Hour", possibly the best selection of side 2 material on vinyl. Often refered to as "Blue Eyed Soul" they covered many traditional blues/soul sounds but they made them distinctfully their own.

The Rascal's were :

Eddie Brigati / Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Felix Cavaliere / Organ, Keyboards, Vocals
Gene Cornish / Guitar, Vocals
Dino Danelli / Drums

Good listening to you.