I am not a very politically minded person. I don't base my decisions upon what my party believes. I go on my gut and align myself with those areas that I firmly believe will be the better outcome for myself, my family, and the country. I am a republican, have been all my life. Was there one defining moment that made me this way? Not really, more of a series of events persuaded me to believe what I do and think the way I think.
I don't hate the democratic party. I don't by into the whole stigma that if you're a democrat you don't believe in God. I don't think that all democrats are evil and that their way of thinking is evil. Truth be told, my wife is a democrat. It really hasn't effected our marriage because of this fact. In fact, I do share some of the ideas and values that the democratic party favors such as gun control, role of the federal government, and foreign policy. Where we disagree is abortion, marriage, and states rights.
There are things about the republican platform I believe and others that make me sick. I am not an elitist. I don't believe I am better than anyone who thinks differently than I do. That does appear to be the present thoughts of the GOP. I don't think that Democrats are the way of the devil. I don't agree with them on a lot of issues, but I don't believe that they would run us into the ground. I do share the Republican views on marriage and abortion, that marriage is a respected institution that must be upheld, and I don't believe that abortion should be something that you can just do. In fact, I am against it all together.
What ticks me off the most about the world of politics is how many in politics think the rest of us are stupid. Explain it to me, I'll catch on, so will the rest of us. Stop trying to sound like you're out for our best interests, and actually be out for our best interests. I'm talking to you: members of congress and the man that is called our president. I think the biggest reason I am not a democrat is because of Barack Obama. He has single-handedly taken what the framers of this great nation had in mind for the presidency and turned it into his own personal totalitarian regime. Remember people, this is my opinion. You are all perfectly within your right to support him and like him, just as I am perfectly within my right to disapprove and go against everything he stands for.
I have never seen a more ego-centric man sit in the white house leading this nation like him. He clearly has no connection to the pulse of America and doesn't care what the will of the people is. He says he hears it, but then goes against it altogether, as was the case of his wonderfully designed and appreciated health care ultimatum, er I mean bill.
The Republicans didn't do much better the last time out with McCain and Palin. I wasn't wild about either of them being the leaders of our country either. He didn't seem to have a grasp on the pulse of America either and she didn't seem to a grasp on reality.
I am waiting for this great nation to be one nation again, where politics isn't a curse word and people who are elected to high office treat that office with respect and dignity. I would love for Americans to feel that their leaders hear them and act according to their wishes and desires.
It seems to me, and maybe it's just me, but I hope it's not, that the political parties are simply choosing what they seem to be the lesser of two evils. That mediocrity and average will be enough for the hard working people of America. I want my country back. I want my leaders to stand up and do their job. Remember what is law and enforce it, not tear down and go against what one state does because it won't. Support your states! Great work Arizona, you have my support and I don't live there.
Remember, all of this is my opinion, it is not intended to raise arguments or to anger people. I did attack both parties and lift both parties. I am just tired of this trend where we have come to expect less and less from each other and our leaders and I for one would like to see that trend come to an end. Give me one nation that favors the will of its citizens over that of the desires of the law breakers and maybe I'll sing a different tune.
This is your opportunity Mr. Obama to do something great for the country, not your ego. A lesson I learned from President Nixon, "Greatness comes not when things are good, but greatness comes when you've taken some knocks, some defeats, some disappointments, when sadness comes, because only when you've been in the deepest valley can you ever know, how magnificent it is, to be on the highest mountain."
Until next time
P
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
I don't want to.
Ok, so this won't be a very popular post from me but I don't care. This is how I feel and I won't change my mind. I haven't seen nor will I see, Avatar. I have no reason other than I don't want to. It didn't look that good to me. I wasn't blown away by the previews and I didn't feel that it was worth my time.
I have no judgments for those who have seen it love it or own it. I simply do not share in your opinion and I don't want to see it.
I write this not to gain favor or support for my decision, but I am also getting tired of explaining myself. I don't want to, and that is the only reason I need for not seeing it.
Enjoy the movie, have a blast. I for one will not be one of them. There are movies I have seen that I am sure you won't see. I accept your decision. Please accept mine.
I don't see myself changing my mind anytime soon and that is going to have to be good enough for all of you. I love you, I thank you for your constant attack on my ability to make decisions for myself, but on this, I must stand firm. I will not see this movie, because I do not want to.
Nuff Said.
Until next time
P
I have no judgments for those who have seen it love it or own it. I simply do not share in your opinion and I don't want to see it.
I write this not to gain favor or support for my decision, but I am also getting tired of explaining myself. I don't want to, and that is the only reason I need for not seeing it.
Enjoy the movie, have a blast. I for one will not be one of them. There are movies I have seen that I am sure you won't see. I accept your decision. Please accept mine.
I don't see myself changing my mind anytime soon and that is going to have to be good enough for all of you. I love you, I thank you for your constant attack on my ability to make decisions for myself, but on this, I must stand firm. I will not see this movie, because I do not want to.
Nuff Said.
Until next time
P
Happiest Indeed
I sit here, knowing that in a little over a week, my Disneyland pass will need to be renewed. I am happy to renew my pass. Very happy. Having lived in the O.C. for pretty much all of my life, Disneyland has become something of a routine for me. It would be like people in New York City no longer being able to see the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. That is what having Disneyland in my life has meant to me. I don't know what I would do without it. I really don't.
There are so many things that appeal to me about this place it would take three posts to accurately describe my feelings. So I will give my top five things that I love about going there and taking part in being at the happiest place on earth.
Before I get to what I love, I will discuss what I don't love that way I end on a positive note. There are only three things I don't like: Price of food. Come on, let's be a little fair about this. The Parking lot.... ugh, getting in an out is somewhat a nightmare, but where is that a not a problem? And lastly, how crowded Indiana Jones can get. Come on, the ride isn't that good.
Now, onto what I love.
1. The Haunted Mansion. I tell you no matter how many times I have been on it, and I have been on it many times in my lifetime, it never gets old or loses it's appeal. I love standing in line for that ride, especially at night. The lights, the music, all of it make the ride worth waiting for. I am not a fan of the Nightmare before Christmas, in fact, it is the only movie that I have ever walked out of, but when it is the theme for the ride, I enjoy it. I like it. The ride as a whole, may be my favorite and I enjoy every second that I am there.
2. Space Mountain. Who doesn't love the thrill of this ride? In the dark, fast speeds, hard turns, unsuspecting drops, this may be the best roller coaster I have ever been on. Thank the Good Lord for fast pass because it allows you go and do other things and then come back so that you only have to endure about fifteen minutes worth of waiting. Life is pretty good when you come off this ride and you truly do wish that you could do it all over again.
3. The natural ambiance. This is just a pleasant place to be. It's clean, the people there are usually friendly and the workers there make the day fun and worth it. Every ride has something unique to offer whether you're in line at Star Tours, The Tower of Terror, or Soaring over California learning about the history of aviation, you always have a good time while you are waiting to go on a ride. Even if you're not in line and you're walking between lands or going up main street, there's a good chance you will see a character posing for pictures or you will see something else that simply dazzles you.
4. Toy Story Mania. Any ride where you get to be involved is a good one. I love Buzz Lightyear and look forward to that every time, but Toy Story Mania is something different. I don't know how to describe it, but even though you know you're shooting at a screen, you feel as though you're really in the setting for which the game is taking place. The wind effects or sprays give the ride that something special so that when you're off it, you feel like that was a time well spent, and like so many others, you can't wait to do it again.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean. This ride or attraction has some of the best animatronics or robotic effects that I have ever seen, and it's an old ride, so this technology has really lived up to its hype and has delivered. The ride is smooth, fun, and even though you get annoyed with the song after the fifth loop, you still enjoy the experience. You feel part of the new movie experience they have done to the ride adding Jack Sparrow, Barbosa, and Davey Jones. Going through the town after the battle at sea, you really see the attention to detail the ride creators were going for.
That happiest place indeed. There are so many wonderful things about this place, that for those out there who have yet to feel what I have described, your time is coming. Savor it. Live it up. Make a memory.
I did. I proposed to my wife there. Right in front of the castle. It's a magical place and no matter what your age is, when you walk through that turn style and you enter the magic kingdom, you will feel like you've entered the place you were always meant to live in... once you're there, happiness will feel like an eternity. Don't believe me? See for yourself.
Until next time
P
There are so many things that appeal to me about this place it would take three posts to accurately describe my feelings. So I will give my top five things that I love about going there and taking part in being at the happiest place on earth.
Before I get to what I love, I will discuss what I don't love that way I end on a positive note. There are only three things I don't like: Price of food. Come on, let's be a little fair about this. The Parking lot.... ugh, getting in an out is somewhat a nightmare, but where is that a not a problem? And lastly, how crowded Indiana Jones can get. Come on, the ride isn't that good.
Now, onto what I love.
1. The Haunted Mansion. I tell you no matter how many times I have been on it, and I have been on it many times in my lifetime, it never gets old or loses it's appeal. I love standing in line for that ride, especially at night. The lights, the music, all of it make the ride worth waiting for. I am not a fan of the Nightmare before Christmas, in fact, it is the only movie that I have ever walked out of, but when it is the theme for the ride, I enjoy it. I like it. The ride as a whole, may be my favorite and I enjoy every second that I am there.
2. Space Mountain. Who doesn't love the thrill of this ride? In the dark, fast speeds, hard turns, unsuspecting drops, this may be the best roller coaster I have ever been on. Thank the Good Lord for fast pass because it allows you go and do other things and then come back so that you only have to endure about fifteen minutes worth of waiting. Life is pretty good when you come off this ride and you truly do wish that you could do it all over again.
3. The natural ambiance. This is just a pleasant place to be. It's clean, the people there are usually friendly and the workers there make the day fun and worth it. Every ride has something unique to offer whether you're in line at Star Tours, The Tower of Terror, or Soaring over California learning about the history of aviation, you always have a good time while you are waiting to go on a ride. Even if you're not in line and you're walking between lands or going up main street, there's a good chance you will see a character posing for pictures or you will see something else that simply dazzles you.
4. Toy Story Mania. Any ride where you get to be involved is a good one. I love Buzz Lightyear and look forward to that every time, but Toy Story Mania is something different. I don't know how to describe it, but even though you know you're shooting at a screen, you feel as though you're really in the setting for which the game is taking place. The wind effects or sprays give the ride that something special so that when you're off it, you feel like that was a time well spent, and like so many others, you can't wait to do it again.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean. This ride or attraction has some of the best animatronics or robotic effects that I have ever seen, and it's an old ride, so this technology has really lived up to its hype and has delivered. The ride is smooth, fun, and even though you get annoyed with the song after the fifth loop, you still enjoy the experience. You feel part of the new movie experience they have done to the ride adding Jack Sparrow, Barbosa, and Davey Jones. Going through the town after the battle at sea, you really see the attention to detail the ride creators were going for.
That happiest place indeed. There are so many wonderful things about this place, that for those out there who have yet to feel what I have described, your time is coming. Savor it. Live it up. Make a memory.
I did. I proposed to my wife there. Right in front of the castle. It's a magical place and no matter what your age is, when you walk through that turn style and you enter the magic kingdom, you will feel like you've entered the place you were always meant to live in... once you're there, happiness will feel like an eternity. Don't believe me? See for yourself.
Until next time
P
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Enough Already
When will someone make the perfect phone already? I am getting just a little tired of all the adds from the different companies talking about how they are the ones with the best coverage, least dropped calls, 3G, 4G, enough already.
I miss the days when you just made a phone call on your phone and that was it. You didn't need anything else. Then someone came up with text messaging, which I admit is a rather cool feature, no complaints here, however I do have an issue that I will come back to later; but when your phone is capable to repositioning a global satellite, (which none can, it's a tirade about technology) it's time to just come up with one phone and let that be the end of it.
Every year, there is this huge ad campaign to inform the consumers that the newest and most powerful Iphone is now out and people line up for days to be the first to get it. Why? I don't understand it. It's a phone. Now, my wife has an Iphone. Did she wait a long long long long time for it in line? No. She went in one day, and it took about 10 minutes.
I still don't understand the allure to it. I don't get why these things are so amazingly powerful to the consumer that they must go out and have it. Bare in mind, there is nothing currently wrong with their phone, they just must have the newest version of the phone they already own. Be happy with the things you own, not unhappy with what you don't.
I said I would come back to text messaging and my one complaint about it.... while you can state you cannot illustrate. I don't mean drawing a picture literally, I mean that you cannot paint a picture of your meaning. All you see are the words and people are using the least amount possible, so you lose the intention and the meaning. You can't hear inflection so one might think you're either being rude, or being mean, or some other thing that hurts you. If you have something to say to someone, and it needs more than what your text capabilities can do, make the call. Have the conversation. I have been both a victim and an accomplice in this area. It sucks. I don't like it, and so if I have something to say, I say verbally. That way you know what I mean, and how I mean it. I say this laughing because here I am basically texting my feelings via the world wide web.
Make one phone that the world can use so that we stop spending money we don't have on things we don't need. Also, you have something important to say, say it, don't text it. Enough already with the vast new things we don't need and the quickness with which we try to say things but lose out on intention.
That will about do it for todays, tirade.
Thanks for listening
Until next time
P
I miss the days when you just made a phone call on your phone and that was it. You didn't need anything else. Then someone came up with text messaging, which I admit is a rather cool feature, no complaints here, however I do have an issue that I will come back to later; but when your phone is capable to repositioning a global satellite, (which none can, it's a tirade about technology) it's time to just come up with one phone and let that be the end of it.
Every year, there is this huge ad campaign to inform the consumers that the newest and most powerful Iphone is now out and people line up for days to be the first to get it. Why? I don't understand it. It's a phone. Now, my wife has an Iphone. Did she wait a long long long long time for it in line? No. She went in one day, and it took about 10 minutes.
I still don't understand the allure to it. I don't get why these things are so amazingly powerful to the consumer that they must go out and have it. Bare in mind, there is nothing currently wrong with their phone, they just must have the newest version of the phone they already own. Be happy with the things you own, not unhappy with what you don't.
I said I would come back to text messaging and my one complaint about it.... while you can state you cannot illustrate. I don't mean drawing a picture literally, I mean that you cannot paint a picture of your meaning. All you see are the words and people are using the least amount possible, so you lose the intention and the meaning. You can't hear inflection so one might think you're either being rude, or being mean, or some other thing that hurts you. If you have something to say to someone, and it needs more than what your text capabilities can do, make the call. Have the conversation. I have been both a victim and an accomplice in this area. It sucks. I don't like it, and so if I have something to say, I say verbally. That way you know what I mean, and how I mean it. I say this laughing because here I am basically texting my feelings via the world wide web.
Make one phone that the world can use so that we stop spending money we don't have on things we don't need. Also, you have something important to say, say it, don't text it. Enough already with the vast new things we don't need and the quickness with which we try to say things but lose out on intention.
That will about do it for todays, tirade.
Thanks for listening
Until next time
P
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A Good Guy
Like I said before, I do not like nor approve of most reality tv shows. I don't think some of them are necessary. Especially ones where celebrities try to make themselves look better or they are doing this to cover up or make amends for some wrong trangressions in their lives they want to make right.
That being said, I have to make a confession and an apology. A couple of blogs ago, I trashed reality tv and said that it was really illiterate programming. I do have guilty pleasure show that I have to watch. It's a reality show. It's about a celebrity. It's everything I hate, but, it's hard not to watch. I think what redeems it for me is that it's about a good guy.
The show... Gene Simmons Family Jewels. I really like this show and really respect this man. Some years ago the world was introduced to the rock star family show with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. I hated it. Nothing but swearing and rude kids and more swearing.
This show, not so much. He works hard, he cares about his family. He doesn't swear every other word, doesn't get drunk, doesn't do drugs, and makes you believe that not all rock stars are idiots.
Gene makes his kids be responsible for themselves and their actions. As successful as he is, his kids don't get handed everything. He is protective of his daughter, and very proud of his son. Now, sure, when you think of Gene Simmons, you think of KISS, and "The Demon" persona he has on stage. You think of his womanizing ways and the fact that he is not married to the mother of his kids, but yet lives with her.
Forget all that. Who among us is totally perfect? NONE! I am not here to judge the man for his life choices; I am in no position to do it. However, I do respect him, and find his show to be a true delight. It's funny, emotional, and shows us a man that doesn't just use his rock star status to make a living but is trying to better himself and makes others lives a little bit better in the process.
This show makes me laugh, and every now and then, Karen will watch it with me, and she will laugh too. Though not as much as me.
Those of you who don't know movie history, may not remember a little movie called, Runaway, it starred Tom Selleck as a police officer who dealt with robotics and the villain in this movie was Gene Simmons. The movie was made in the early 1980s, and my mom and I loved this movie. It was what made me like Gene Simmons more so than the fact that he was a rock star.
Last July. Karen and I were at a movie in Los Angeles, and sitting directly in front of us, was in fact, Mr. Gene Simmons. I was kiddy, I was so excited. I didn't want to run up to him and talk to him, I mean I did, but I also didn't want to be one of those people who see a celebrity and ruin their night. Karen however had no problem with it and walked up to him and asked him if he could meet me. I love her.
He was so nice. Friendly, wished Karen and I well on our wedding and marriage, apologized if he ruined the movie experience for us, (he did not) and was simply a nice man to talk to.
I wish there were more shows that were like his. I wish there were more celebrities that were like him. Pleasant, nice, and genuinely a good guy. If you have some time on your hands, I recommend that you watch the Gene Simmons Family Jewels show. It is on A&E and will really make you laugh at his ridicularity and you will appreciate the love for family that he has.
Until next time
P
That being said, I have to make a confession and an apology. A couple of blogs ago, I trashed reality tv and said that it was really illiterate programming. I do have guilty pleasure show that I have to watch. It's a reality show. It's about a celebrity. It's everything I hate, but, it's hard not to watch. I think what redeems it for me is that it's about a good guy.
The show... Gene Simmons Family Jewels. I really like this show and really respect this man. Some years ago the world was introduced to the rock star family show with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. I hated it. Nothing but swearing and rude kids and more swearing.
This show, not so much. He works hard, he cares about his family. He doesn't swear every other word, doesn't get drunk, doesn't do drugs, and makes you believe that not all rock stars are idiots.
Gene makes his kids be responsible for themselves and their actions. As successful as he is, his kids don't get handed everything. He is protective of his daughter, and very proud of his son. Now, sure, when you think of Gene Simmons, you think of KISS, and "The Demon" persona he has on stage. You think of his womanizing ways and the fact that he is not married to the mother of his kids, but yet lives with her.
Forget all that. Who among us is totally perfect? NONE! I am not here to judge the man for his life choices; I am in no position to do it. However, I do respect him, and find his show to be a true delight. It's funny, emotional, and shows us a man that doesn't just use his rock star status to make a living but is trying to better himself and makes others lives a little bit better in the process.
This show makes me laugh, and every now and then, Karen will watch it with me, and she will laugh too. Though not as much as me.
Those of you who don't know movie history, may not remember a little movie called, Runaway, it starred Tom Selleck as a police officer who dealt with robotics and the villain in this movie was Gene Simmons. The movie was made in the early 1980s, and my mom and I loved this movie. It was what made me like Gene Simmons more so than the fact that he was a rock star.
Last July. Karen and I were at a movie in Los Angeles, and sitting directly in front of us, was in fact, Mr. Gene Simmons. I was kiddy, I was so excited. I didn't want to run up to him and talk to him, I mean I did, but I also didn't want to be one of those people who see a celebrity and ruin their night. Karen however had no problem with it and walked up to him and asked him if he could meet me. I love her.
He was so nice. Friendly, wished Karen and I well on our wedding and marriage, apologized if he ruined the movie experience for us, (he did not) and was simply a nice man to talk to.
I wish there were more shows that were like his. I wish there were more celebrities that were like him. Pleasant, nice, and genuinely a good guy. If you have some time on your hands, I recommend that you watch the Gene Simmons Family Jewels show. It is on A&E and will really make you laugh at his ridicularity and you will appreciate the love for family that he has.
Until next time
P
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wonder and Amazement
I am tired.... I am beat up.
Sorry I haven't been around for the last few days to share with you all, but I have been in nature. I have been in the world. I have been camping in the wonder and amazement that is Yosemite.
Karen and I joined several friends for a four day odyssey where we were able to catch up with old friends, meet some new ones and rekindle current relationships. It was my fifth time to Yosemite and I loved every second of it.
For Karen, this was her first time there and I loved watching her just marvel at the scenery and getting to know some of my friends that she really hadn't had an opportunity to meet before. Though the conditions weren't perfect, such as weather and bugs, the laughter, memories, and the food, more than made up for it.
This was such a well thought out and arranged trip, where different couples or people were in charge of a different meal for the day. Our dinners were very good ranging from pasta, to tacos, to burgers and the perhaps the most amazing three bean salad I've ever had.
Karen and I had never been camping before and it was very much a question mark going in. Would we get on each others nerves? Would it be too cold for her? These are just some of the questions that we asked each other. However, with those being asked, I can say with 100% certainty that there wasn't one bad moment between us. Life was so good, that I do wish we were still there.
I loved this place for the beauty and wonder that it is. I love this place for the peace that comes with it. I love this place for all the reasons that so many people travel there during the summer. It's a perfect getaway. It's a place where you really don't have the comforts of home unless you drive a motor home. I love this place because every time I go, I never want to leave. There is a lot of fun that comes from getting away and living it up differently for a few days.
If you have never been, or even if you were there last week, Go back. Go back again. Go as many times as possible. This place will change your heart. It will show you the wonder and amazement of the world. Life moves at a different pace there. It makes you feel differently about yourself.
That is for you to experience for yourself. Go do it.
Until next time
P
Sorry I haven't been around for the last few days to share with you all, but I have been in nature. I have been in the world. I have been camping in the wonder and amazement that is Yosemite.
Karen and I joined several friends for a four day odyssey where we were able to catch up with old friends, meet some new ones and rekindle current relationships. It was my fifth time to Yosemite and I loved every second of it.
For Karen, this was her first time there and I loved watching her just marvel at the scenery and getting to know some of my friends that she really hadn't had an opportunity to meet before. Though the conditions weren't perfect, such as weather and bugs, the laughter, memories, and the food, more than made up for it.
This was such a well thought out and arranged trip, where different couples or people were in charge of a different meal for the day. Our dinners were very good ranging from pasta, to tacos, to burgers and the perhaps the most amazing three bean salad I've ever had.
Karen and I had never been camping before and it was very much a question mark going in. Would we get on each others nerves? Would it be too cold for her? These are just some of the questions that we asked each other. However, with those being asked, I can say with 100% certainty that there wasn't one bad moment between us. Life was so good, that I do wish we were still there.
I loved this place for the beauty and wonder that it is. I love this place for the peace that comes with it. I love this place for all the reasons that so many people travel there during the summer. It's a perfect getaway. It's a place where you really don't have the comforts of home unless you drive a motor home. I love this place because every time I go, I never want to leave. There is a lot of fun that comes from getting away and living it up differently for a few days.
If you have never been, or even if you were there last week, Go back. Go back again. Go as many times as possible. This place will change your heart. It will show you the wonder and amazement of the world. Life moves at a different pace there. It makes you feel differently about yourself.
That is for you to experience for yourself. Go do it.
Until next time
P
Monday, July 19, 2010
Not a big fan
If you know me, it's fair to say that I watch a lot of TV. I like it. I enjoy a good show that draws me in and keeps me coming back for more. However, I don't love all TV... I am not a big fan of reality shows. There are some exceptions, Top Chef... love it. Amazing Race... Big fan. Deadliest Catch... Addicting.
There are those others that I know are there, but will not watch. Real Housewives, Survivor, or any other beauty type show that really doesn't make me want to tune in week after week.
The ones that are life changing, like Biggest Loser, are worth watching.... these lame shows that are all about drama and fake people pretending to be real; shows where you have to bleep out every other word because people don't know how to talk without using profanity; shows where drunkeness and debauchery are running rampant; shows where people are having sex with random strangers because it feels good; these are the shows that give Television a bad name.
I fully understand that I am not going to change things with this and that I have the power to watch or not watch any show; but it doesn't change the fact that there are people out there that do watch this and I don't understand it. What is missing in your lives that you feel incomplete unless you're invested in a show that has drunk people swearing and getting into fights all the time? Surely there are many other things in your life you can turn to where you will find relaxation than mind-numbing programs like I've talked about where true life lessons or real skills are not being promoted. I am not judging the people that watch these shows, my wife loves these shows and I love her. No, I simply want to understand the desire to watch this when there are other great programs on. I am however judging the people that are putting this stuff on the air and calling it alternative programming.
MTV has become the biggest exploiters of this label. Do they even show music videos anymore? Why does every celebrity who breaks the law or goes through a divorce, or has their heart broken get their show where we see them not make changes to their lives, or try to find happiness in the arms of strangers. I just am not a big fan of illiterate programming. I need a story, music, twists and turns, a heart wrenching season finale, a teary series Finale (LOST). I need to feel that my time is somewhat being well spent. Though let's be honest, time spent watching TV is not really time well spent. I get it, but, if I'm going to watch it, give something to watch.
Please understand that I am not judging the viewers. It's your life, live it how you want. Enjoy what you want. I do. Give me a great scripted show, like Castle, LOST, Smallville, Rookie Blue, or just about any of the original USA shows (Psyche, Burn Notice, White Collar, Royal Pains), these are the shows that capture my heart and my attention. The rest of them, we don't need them. Don't need to waste our time watching stupid people be stupid.
Until next time
P
There are those others that I know are there, but will not watch. Real Housewives, Survivor, or any other beauty type show that really doesn't make me want to tune in week after week.
The ones that are life changing, like Biggest Loser, are worth watching.... these lame shows that are all about drama and fake people pretending to be real; shows where you have to bleep out every other word because people don't know how to talk without using profanity; shows where drunkeness and debauchery are running rampant; shows where people are having sex with random strangers because it feels good; these are the shows that give Television a bad name.
I fully understand that I am not going to change things with this and that I have the power to watch or not watch any show; but it doesn't change the fact that there are people out there that do watch this and I don't understand it. What is missing in your lives that you feel incomplete unless you're invested in a show that has drunk people swearing and getting into fights all the time? Surely there are many other things in your life you can turn to where you will find relaxation than mind-numbing programs like I've talked about where true life lessons or real skills are not being promoted. I am not judging the people that watch these shows, my wife loves these shows and I love her. No, I simply want to understand the desire to watch this when there are other great programs on. I am however judging the people that are putting this stuff on the air and calling it alternative programming.
MTV has become the biggest exploiters of this label. Do they even show music videos anymore? Why does every celebrity who breaks the law or goes through a divorce, or has their heart broken get their show where we see them not make changes to their lives, or try to find happiness in the arms of strangers. I just am not a big fan of illiterate programming. I need a story, music, twists and turns, a heart wrenching season finale, a teary series Finale (LOST). I need to feel that my time is somewhat being well spent. Though let's be honest, time spent watching TV is not really time well spent. I get it, but, if I'm going to watch it, give something to watch.
Please understand that I am not judging the viewers. It's your life, live it how you want. Enjoy what you want. I do. Give me a great scripted show, like Castle, LOST, Smallville, Rookie Blue, or just about any of the original USA shows (Psyche, Burn Notice, White Collar, Royal Pains), these are the shows that capture my heart and my attention. The rest of them, we don't need them. Don't need to waste our time watching stupid people be stupid.
Until next time
P
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Why does it matter?
You know what I am getting sick and tired of hearing about? When am I going to start a family? When are you and your wife going to have a baby? You know when? WHEN WE ARE READY!
What is it with this constant feeling that the world isn't crowded enough and if you're married it automatically means that you and your spouse should conceive a child on the honeymoon? My wife and I have been married less than a year and we still get the attack that we don't have a child yet or aren't pregnant yet. We will get there people, we just like the relax and enjoy being married right now. It's no ones business anyways.
Why does it matter? It makes no sense to me why there are so many outsiders who think that they have the right to tell others how they should live their own lives. Like I don't know how to live my own life?! It doesn't matter when we start our family.
I have a friend, single, won't give away their identity or gender who made some remarks recently to my wife about the fact that we are not pregnant yet after being married for nine months. It really took all the patience I could muster not to tell this person off. This person has a hard enough time balancing their own relationships and it really ticks me off that they think they know our lives better than their own. I am tired of this sort of thing happening to us and to others.
People, work on yourselves before you try to fix someone else... Also check to see if there is something that needs fixing. I am excited for the day my wife and I have our two children. Already got the names picked out. It will be a rewarding time in my life. Until then, leave me alone. We will get there when all the things in our life are where they are supposed to be.
The next time someone comes up to you and tells you how to live your life better than you can do it yourself, simply smile politely and walk away, saying nothing. It's not any one's business but your own.
If they keep it up... simply put your finger up and say.... shhhhhhhhhhhhh
People... live your own lives and stop living through someone else's. It really doesn't matter that much to you, does it?
Until next time
P
What is it with this constant feeling that the world isn't crowded enough and if you're married it automatically means that you and your spouse should conceive a child on the honeymoon? My wife and I have been married less than a year and we still get the attack that we don't have a child yet or aren't pregnant yet. We will get there people, we just like the relax and enjoy being married right now. It's no ones business anyways.
Why does it matter? It makes no sense to me why there are so many outsiders who think that they have the right to tell others how they should live their own lives. Like I don't know how to live my own life?! It doesn't matter when we start our family.
I have a friend, single, won't give away their identity or gender who made some remarks recently to my wife about the fact that we are not pregnant yet after being married for nine months. It really took all the patience I could muster not to tell this person off. This person has a hard enough time balancing their own relationships and it really ticks me off that they think they know our lives better than their own. I am tired of this sort of thing happening to us and to others.
People, work on yourselves before you try to fix someone else... Also check to see if there is something that needs fixing. I am excited for the day my wife and I have our two children. Already got the names picked out. It will be a rewarding time in my life. Until then, leave me alone. We will get there when all the things in our life are where they are supposed to be.
The next time someone comes up to you and tells you how to live your life better than you can do it yourself, simply smile politely and walk away, saying nothing. It's not any one's business but your own.
If they keep it up... simply put your finger up and say.... shhhhhhhhhhhhh
People... live your own lives and stop living through someone else's. It really doesn't matter that much to you, does it?
Until next time
P
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Best of the Best
Now, I know that a few posts ago, I was writing about the great shows of the 80s. Yes, they were great, they mean a lot to me to be able to look back and watch them. However, I would be remissed if I didn't acknowledge the best of the best, and that was Aaron Sorkin era of Television.
One of my favorite movies is A Few Good Men, which was written by Mr. Sorkin. Later he went on to write and produce three of the best shows to ever air on television.
First in 1998 came the show Sports Night, which was a look at a Sports Center type show. This show was amazing and lasted two seasons due to ratings and a network that didn't know how to help promote it and make it last. The stories were real, the cast was excellent, and the characters appealing. I loved that the show made you care about people even if you didn't care about sports, you cared about what happened to these people. The tag line for the show was that it was a sports show that wasn't about sports at all. You became invested in them and wanted to see them succeed. For me, the show was highlighted around the great actor, Robert Guillaume. He was the managing editor for the show, and when there was an episode centered around him, you remembered it. You felt it. You cherished it. I also loved watching Casey McCall and Dan Rydell, portrayed by the amazing Peter Krause and Josh Charles who you might remember as Knox Overstreet from Dead Poets Society. These two guys may have had the best dialogue and stories that ever aired on TV... This is my opinion. I loved the chemistry of these two and loved watching their scenes play out. Every episode had something special to remember. Every character left an impression and every story left you wanting more. I felt so badly that these actors lost a job on a great show, and feel so good when I pop in the DVD and watch every episode again, hoping to see my friends again.
From there, Mr. Sorkin introduced us to the West Wing. Oh my gosh, where do I begin with this show? I am a republican, have been all my life. Will die a republican. The show centered around the the inner working of the white house of a democratic president. I will always vote republican, but, if Josiah Bartlet played wonderfully by Martin Sheen ever was a real candidate for President, I would vote for him. For 7 seasons, we saw pain, love, joy, and heartache as the best of the brightest gave of themselves for the good of the country. This is who you would want leading America. Definitely not what we have now. Bartlett made you believe in the impossible. He made you see the stars. In the shows' final season, the story centered around the election of a new president and that was Matt Santos played by Jimmy Smits. Smits picked up right were Bartlet left off; making you see the best in our leaders. He was the democratic candidate running against Arnold Vinick played beautifully by Alan Alda. Either of these characters as President would have made me smile. My mom and I would watch every episode and miss it dearly. Dule Hill from Psyche was introduced to us on this show, as the President's aide... if you want to see what a father-son type relationship is like, you need to see Bartlet and Hill's character, Charlie Young. Not many political shows can make you care like this one did. It was a real show, where did shows like this go?
After this show, came Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. I am still mad at NBC for not supporting this show enough. I am furious that this great show lasted only 1 season. It deserved so much more than that. It was dramatic, real, funny, loving, everything you wanted from a nighttime drama. It centered around the inner workings of a late night sketch show. Sort of like SNL, but took place in L.A. Matthew Perry, coming off Friends, was the heart and soul of the show, and showed that he was a lot more, than Chandler Bing. He was serious, hurting, in love, funny. He made you care about being the best at whatever it is you want to do with your life. I miss his character and that of his production partner, Daniel Tripp, played masterfully by Bradley Whitford who made his name known playing Josh Lyman on the West Wing. This show also featured a female character played by Sarah Paulson, who was a devout Christian and was criticized for working in an industry where Christianity is made fun of. I admired the fact that God was focused on the show and the character never compromised her beliefs to become more famous. She believed in Jesus and that was enough for her. These were other stories where it was more about people than what it was they did. Working on a late night t.v. show is fun, but what about the people? This show told you about them, and made you want to be one of them, if only for a day.
These are the shows that are missing from Today. These are the shows kids and would be writers need to grow up on. Great writing, greater characters. I need this. I miss this. I want this. Thankfully these are all on dvd which I own, so I can watch them whenever I want to. If you haven't seen these. You really should. This is how television should be.
Thank you, Mr. Sorkin.... you made the 90s and early 2000s fun to watch. I appreciate your work.
Until next time
P
One of my favorite movies is A Few Good Men, which was written by Mr. Sorkin. Later he went on to write and produce three of the best shows to ever air on television.
First in 1998 came the show Sports Night, which was a look at a Sports Center type show. This show was amazing and lasted two seasons due to ratings and a network that didn't know how to help promote it and make it last. The stories were real, the cast was excellent, and the characters appealing. I loved that the show made you care about people even if you didn't care about sports, you cared about what happened to these people. The tag line for the show was that it was a sports show that wasn't about sports at all. You became invested in them and wanted to see them succeed. For me, the show was highlighted around the great actor, Robert Guillaume. He was the managing editor for the show, and when there was an episode centered around him, you remembered it. You felt it. You cherished it. I also loved watching Casey McCall and Dan Rydell, portrayed by the amazing Peter Krause and Josh Charles who you might remember as Knox Overstreet from Dead Poets Society. These two guys may have had the best dialogue and stories that ever aired on TV... This is my opinion. I loved the chemistry of these two and loved watching their scenes play out. Every episode had something special to remember. Every character left an impression and every story left you wanting more. I felt so badly that these actors lost a job on a great show, and feel so good when I pop in the DVD and watch every episode again, hoping to see my friends again.
From there, Mr. Sorkin introduced us to the West Wing. Oh my gosh, where do I begin with this show? I am a republican, have been all my life. Will die a republican. The show centered around the the inner working of the white house of a democratic president. I will always vote republican, but, if Josiah Bartlet played wonderfully by Martin Sheen ever was a real candidate for President, I would vote for him. For 7 seasons, we saw pain, love, joy, and heartache as the best of the brightest gave of themselves for the good of the country. This is who you would want leading America. Definitely not what we have now. Bartlett made you believe in the impossible. He made you see the stars. In the shows' final season, the story centered around the election of a new president and that was Matt Santos played by Jimmy Smits. Smits picked up right were Bartlet left off; making you see the best in our leaders. He was the democratic candidate running against Arnold Vinick played beautifully by Alan Alda. Either of these characters as President would have made me smile. My mom and I would watch every episode and miss it dearly. Dule Hill from Psyche was introduced to us on this show, as the President's aide... if you want to see what a father-son type relationship is like, you need to see Bartlet and Hill's character, Charlie Young. Not many political shows can make you care like this one did. It was a real show, where did shows like this go?
After this show, came Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. I am still mad at NBC for not supporting this show enough. I am furious that this great show lasted only 1 season. It deserved so much more than that. It was dramatic, real, funny, loving, everything you wanted from a nighttime drama. It centered around the inner workings of a late night sketch show. Sort of like SNL, but took place in L.A. Matthew Perry, coming off Friends, was the heart and soul of the show, and showed that he was a lot more, than Chandler Bing. He was serious, hurting, in love, funny. He made you care about being the best at whatever it is you want to do with your life. I miss his character and that of his production partner, Daniel Tripp, played masterfully by Bradley Whitford who made his name known playing Josh Lyman on the West Wing. This show also featured a female character played by Sarah Paulson, who was a devout Christian and was criticized for working in an industry where Christianity is made fun of. I admired the fact that God was focused on the show and the character never compromised her beliefs to become more famous. She believed in Jesus and that was enough for her. These were other stories where it was more about people than what it was they did. Working on a late night t.v. show is fun, but what about the people? This show told you about them, and made you want to be one of them, if only for a day.
These are the shows that are missing from Today. These are the shows kids and would be writers need to grow up on. Great writing, greater characters. I need this. I miss this. I want this. Thankfully these are all on dvd which I own, so I can watch them whenever I want to. If you haven't seen these. You really should. This is how television should be.
Thank you, Mr. Sorkin.... you made the 90s and early 2000s fun to watch. I appreciate your work.
Until next time
P
Monday, July 12, 2010
Equal and Fair
Answer me this... If you are arrested for using drugs, shoplifting, theft, murder, or any other crime, what would you expect the punishment to be if you are in fact guilty? Jail. That about sums up what you would expect punishment to be for someone who breaks the law. So, why is it, that when a celebrity breaks the law, they don't expect to be given the same equal and fair punishment that every other law abiding citizen in this country gets?
Take the recent 90 day sentence handed down to Lindsay Lohan. Why does she think that it was unfair that she was given this sentence after violating a court order some years ago. She drove drunk and high, crashed the car and fled the scene. Why was she not in prison before?
Why do celebrities and or sports figures get away with things that you or I might not get away with? They commit a crime they should do the time! I am tired of hearing these sob stories about how unfair it is that they have to go to jail or do rehab or do things other than get drunk and appear at parties in Hollywood.
It's like those sports figures who complain that their 30 million dollar salary isn't enough, or that they need a bigger house than the one they currently live in that costs about the same as the federal budget for highway reconstruction. When did these people become more important than the law?
I don't care how much money they made for a movie studio or television studio. I don't care if they are the biggest name in the world right now. You get caught with coccaine or other illegal substances, or if you are ordered by the court to stay sober and out of trouble, Ms. Lohan, you break the law, you do the time. That is the equal and fair thing to do.
Until next time
P
Take the recent 90 day sentence handed down to Lindsay Lohan. Why does she think that it was unfair that she was given this sentence after violating a court order some years ago. She drove drunk and high, crashed the car and fled the scene. Why was she not in prison before?
Why do celebrities and or sports figures get away with things that you or I might not get away with? They commit a crime they should do the time! I am tired of hearing these sob stories about how unfair it is that they have to go to jail or do rehab or do things other than get drunk and appear at parties in Hollywood.
It's like those sports figures who complain that their 30 million dollar salary isn't enough, or that they need a bigger house than the one they currently live in that costs about the same as the federal budget for highway reconstruction. When did these people become more important than the law?
I don't care how much money they made for a movie studio or television studio. I don't care if they are the biggest name in the world right now. You get caught with coccaine or other illegal substances, or if you are ordered by the court to stay sober and out of trouble, Ms. Lohan, you break the law, you do the time. That is the equal and fair thing to do.
Until next time
P
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Good Ole' Days
Does anyone remember the 1980s? Does anyone remember the great tv shows of the 80s? My goodness I miss them. I really miss the quality programming that so many of todays youth are missing out on. Recently. My wife and I got netflix. The amazing news, we get it through our wii which has its own built in library that we can add to from the website. I have been revisiting some great classic 80s shows like Knight Rider, The Greatest American Hero, The A-Team, and Airwolf.
Who remembers Airwolf? If not, let me explain it. Airwolf was a show about a top secret military helicopter that would fly like a jet. It could travel at Mach 1 and had amazing weaponry. The best part of this show was the pilot of the chopper. His name, and i kid you not, String Fellow Hawke. That might be the coolest name of all time.
The music was good and the supporting cast was pretty stellar as well. What amazed me was that people, the villains, thought they could defeat the unstoppable Airwolf and would shoot it with bullets that bounced off it like a tennis ball on the ground. Hawke would just you with these fools and then fire one missile at them and blow them out of the sky.
What were your favorite 80s shows? Other than the ones mentioned above, I loved Silver Spoons, Growing Pains, and Perfect Strangers.
Todays shows just don't have the emotional impact and cool factor that 80s shows blessed the world with.
This was back when theme songs made the show. Just go to youtube and listen to the theme songs of Airwolf, Knight Rider, and the Greatest American Hero. I think you will agree with me, that the 1980s were the good ole days of television.
Until next time.
P
Who remembers Airwolf? If not, let me explain it. Airwolf was a show about a top secret military helicopter that would fly like a jet. It could travel at Mach 1 and had amazing weaponry. The best part of this show was the pilot of the chopper. His name, and i kid you not, String Fellow Hawke. That might be the coolest name of all time.
The music was good and the supporting cast was pretty stellar as well. What amazed me was that people, the villains, thought they could defeat the unstoppable Airwolf and would shoot it with bullets that bounced off it like a tennis ball on the ground. Hawke would just you with these fools and then fire one missile at them and blow them out of the sky.
What were your favorite 80s shows? Other than the ones mentioned above, I loved Silver Spoons, Growing Pains, and Perfect Strangers.
Todays shows just don't have the emotional impact and cool factor that 80s shows blessed the world with.
This was back when theme songs made the show. Just go to youtube and listen to the theme songs of Airwolf, Knight Rider, and the Greatest American Hero. I think you will agree with me, that the 1980s were the good ole days of television.
Until next time.
P
Unimportant
It's not just because it's the profession I've chosen. It's not just because I am having a hard time finding a job in it. And it's not just because. But I am wondering why here in California, the largest state in the union, the most populated, the one with the most schools and students and teachers, why is education unimportant to the policy makers here?
It seems that over the last few years education in Sacramento has been the one thing that it seems ok to cut back on and not really give much attention to. From there, the school districts make their cuts and set their agendas to meet the actions of those in Sacramento who are saying, education isn't that important to us.
When I finished my credential program in 2003, there was a booming need for teachers. It was the best time to be a teacher and the best time to get a teaching credential. Now, it's not the case.
I understand that there is an economic crisis, I understand that. However, why do young people who don't pay taxes have to be the ones who take the hit? Teachers are being let go, class sizes are being increased and the work load for teachers are being increased to match the needs of the school where they have let go of people who were doing those jobs.
It is hard enough to be a teacher in California where there are on average 30-35 students per class. Now you want to make that number closer to 40. What teacher has the time to get to know 40 students? More if you take into account middle and high school teachers who may have 4-5 classes of that many students. Imagine the grading that takes place.
Several teachers I know are having to amend their lesson styles to accommodate such a change. Tests are now more multiple choice rather than ones that reflect thinking and analytical thought because who wants to take the time reading 200 essays when you can run a scantron through a machine and have it over in about 10 minutes?
It's not just the quantity of education that is changing, it's also the quality. Good teachers are being let go, so that districts and schools can hire teachers for the lowest price possible. They no longer want the best, they want the one that they feel can get by.
Education in the fourth largest economy in the world, California, doesn't seem to be important enough to law makers anymore. Education seems to be the thing that people up in Sacramento think, "that's where we can make our cuts."
This should be the most important issue facing California. Especially when you take into consideration the fact that we are the largest state in terms of population so it might also be considered that we need teachers, we need classrooms to be a fair size, and we need to think of the students first.
Think of those students who have a hard time comprehending and need to be able to raise their hand and say to their teacher, "I don't get it." If you increase his or her class size, how does the teacher take the time to meet with that student and help them out? They are too busy making copies of assignments and tests and meeting with other students who asked that question to find the time. The ones who are being hurt the most aren't necessarily the teachers who are losing their jobs, it's the students who aren't getting the education they deserve.
Reward your hard working teachers who have earned the salary. Don't pink slip them just so that you can hire someone else for less money who isn't quite as qualified. And this is coming from an out of work teacher who desperately wants to do what he was trained to do.
It's time to make education important in California. Way more important than it is right now.
Until next time
P
It seems that over the last few years education in Sacramento has been the one thing that it seems ok to cut back on and not really give much attention to. From there, the school districts make their cuts and set their agendas to meet the actions of those in Sacramento who are saying, education isn't that important to us.
When I finished my credential program in 2003, there was a booming need for teachers. It was the best time to be a teacher and the best time to get a teaching credential. Now, it's not the case.
I understand that there is an economic crisis, I understand that. However, why do young people who don't pay taxes have to be the ones who take the hit? Teachers are being let go, class sizes are being increased and the work load for teachers are being increased to match the needs of the school where they have let go of people who were doing those jobs.
It is hard enough to be a teacher in California where there are on average 30-35 students per class. Now you want to make that number closer to 40. What teacher has the time to get to know 40 students? More if you take into account middle and high school teachers who may have 4-5 classes of that many students. Imagine the grading that takes place.
Several teachers I know are having to amend their lesson styles to accommodate such a change. Tests are now more multiple choice rather than ones that reflect thinking and analytical thought because who wants to take the time reading 200 essays when you can run a scantron through a machine and have it over in about 10 minutes?
It's not just the quantity of education that is changing, it's also the quality. Good teachers are being let go, so that districts and schools can hire teachers for the lowest price possible. They no longer want the best, they want the one that they feel can get by.
Education in the fourth largest economy in the world, California, doesn't seem to be important enough to law makers anymore. Education seems to be the thing that people up in Sacramento think, "that's where we can make our cuts."
This should be the most important issue facing California. Especially when you take into consideration the fact that we are the largest state in terms of population so it might also be considered that we need teachers, we need classrooms to be a fair size, and we need to think of the students first.
Think of those students who have a hard time comprehending and need to be able to raise their hand and say to their teacher, "I don't get it." If you increase his or her class size, how does the teacher take the time to meet with that student and help them out? They are too busy making copies of assignments and tests and meeting with other students who asked that question to find the time. The ones who are being hurt the most aren't necessarily the teachers who are losing their jobs, it's the students who aren't getting the education they deserve.
Reward your hard working teachers who have earned the salary. Don't pink slip them just so that you can hire someone else for less money who isn't quite as qualified. And this is coming from an out of work teacher who desperately wants to do what he was trained to do.
It's time to make education important in California. Way more important than it is right now.
Until next time
P
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Losing It
How many out there watch or have ever watched The Biggest Loser on NBC? It is a truly great show and offers people a great chance to make changes in their lives.
This summer one of the trainers on that Show, Jillian, has her own show called Losing it with Jillian. On this show, she goes and spends a week with a family who have asked for her to come, and she completely turns their lives upside down. The families that she goes to are in ones that have suffered some great loss in their lives whether they're jobs, homes, loved ones, or a combination of the above. They are out of shape, approaching serious heart diseases or other ailments.
Jillian comes and lives with them for a week, works them out, throws out all their horrible food, and teaches them how to live.
What I love most about this show, is that working out and changing the way they eat is only part of what Jillian Michaels does. She gets at the root of the problem. She makes the families admit their fears, their insecurities, and empowers them to make changes that will keep them from losing themselves to obesity or diabetes.
Sure, at first people regret bringing her into the house, but by weeks end, they all admit that she has changed their lives and made them into the family they always knew they could be.
Then the family is on their own for 6-8 weeks and Jillian comes back and sees the progress made. It is amazing, and brings me to tears every time how much weight these families have lost and how happy they all look.
Jillian to me represents the good that the world needs right now. I love her get in your face attitude where she will never let you quit on yourself or your family. She wants you to succeed, and is determined to get you to see the problem she has already figured out five minutes after meeting you.
She is a great motivator and empowers you to believe that change is real and lasting. To me, she a lot like Moses, Daniel, David, Elijah and many other people from the Bible. Those men empowered you to believe in God and trust in His way with all your heart. Jillian does the same thing. She makes you see that even when life doesn't go the way you planned, you still have yourself, you still have your ability to choose and live the life you've been given.
It is a great summer show and worth the watch.
Until next time
P
This summer one of the trainers on that Show, Jillian, has her own show called Losing it with Jillian. On this show, she goes and spends a week with a family who have asked for her to come, and she completely turns their lives upside down. The families that she goes to are in ones that have suffered some great loss in their lives whether they're jobs, homes, loved ones, or a combination of the above. They are out of shape, approaching serious heart diseases or other ailments.
Jillian comes and lives with them for a week, works them out, throws out all their horrible food, and teaches them how to live.
What I love most about this show, is that working out and changing the way they eat is only part of what Jillian Michaels does. She gets at the root of the problem. She makes the families admit their fears, their insecurities, and empowers them to make changes that will keep them from losing themselves to obesity or diabetes.
Sure, at first people regret bringing her into the house, but by weeks end, they all admit that she has changed their lives and made them into the family they always knew they could be.
Then the family is on their own for 6-8 weeks and Jillian comes back and sees the progress made. It is amazing, and brings me to tears every time how much weight these families have lost and how happy they all look.
Jillian to me represents the good that the world needs right now. I love her get in your face attitude where she will never let you quit on yourself or your family. She wants you to succeed, and is determined to get you to see the problem she has already figured out five minutes after meeting you.
She is a great motivator and empowers you to believe that change is real and lasting. To me, she a lot like Moses, Daniel, David, Elijah and many other people from the Bible. Those men empowered you to believe in God and trust in His way with all your heart. Jillian does the same thing. She makes you see that even when life doesn't go the way you planned, you still have yourself, you still have your ability to choose and live the life you've been given.
It is a great summer show and worth the watch.
Until next time
P
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Supreme
Is anyone else getting sick and tired of this back and forth between the federal government and Arizona over the immigration law? I am!
Why wasn't this dealt with before by our President? Why is the federal government jumping on Arizona for simply doing what the federal government would not do but should do?
The latest round of arguments states that Arizona is in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. Article VI sec 2 to be exact.
"This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding."
Now, the things to keep in mind there are that this protects the federal government from states making their own treaties with other nations or contradicts foreign relations that is otherwise determined by the federal government. Basically it is establishing law that it is illegal for a state to enter into alliances with other nations that have already been established by the federal government.
Here's my question, isn't immigration already a federal law? Don't we have a thing called border patrol? What is their function? To keep out illegal aliens.
So what's the problem? Arizona is simply doing what the federal government is not doing and should be doing and the federal government is crying about it.
Watch this video link from CNN where an Arizona sheriff is interviewed and his defense of this law, as well as constitution historian who is explaining this supremacy clause.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/06/arizona.immigration.lawsuit/index.html?video=true&hpt=T2
Bottom line, this is a serious issue, but the way it is being handled is like a couple of kids on the playground arguing over who is going to be captain for the flag football game.
someone needs to be the bigger person and admit that this issue isn't about racial profiling, it isn't about discrimination, it's about the fact that the government of the United States, one that I love so very dearly and am proud of, has failed in this issue and doesn't want to be embarrassed. Well you know what, you have. It's too late.
Rather than complaining that you didn't think of it first, support your law enforcement officers that are now on the front lines having to uphold this law. Furthermore, this law wouldn't be necessary in the first place if we did what we always do when we see injustice, eliminate it.
Think about this, the reason these people are leaving in the first place is that Mexico has political, social, medical, educational, sanitary, and many other problems that effect it citizens, why would they not want to come here and seek a better life. We have gone to Afghanistan, we have gone to Iraq, we went to Korea, we went to Vietnam, we went to Somalia. All to make life better for its citizens. Now I am not suggesting we go to war with Mexico, but definitely it is time for some sort of intervention on our part.
Let's solve the problem, not attack the solution.
Until next time.
P
Why wasn't this dealt with before by our President? Why is the federal government jumping on Arizona for simply doing what the federal government would not do but should do?
The latest round of arguments states that Arizona is in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. Article VI sec 2 to be exact.
"This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding."
Now, the things to keep in mind there are that this protects the federal government from states making their own treaties with other nations or contradicts foreign relations that is otherwise determined by the federal government. Basically it is establishing law that it is illegal for a state to enter into alliances with other nations that have already been established by the federal government.
Here's my question, isn't immigration already a federal law? Don't we have a thing called border patrol? What is their function? To keep out illegal aliens.
So what's the problem? Arizona is simply doing what the federal government is not doing and should be doing and the federal government is crying about it.
Watch this video link from CNN where an Arizona sheriff is interviewed and his defense of this law, as well as constitution historian who is explaining this supremacy clause.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/06/arizona.immigration.lawsuit/index.html?video=true&hpt=T2
Bottom line, this is a serious issue, but the way it is being handled is like a couple of kids on the playground arguing over who is going to be captain for the flag football game.
someone needs to be the bigger person and admit that this issue isn't about racial profiling, it isn't about discrimination, it's about the fact that the government of the United States, one that I love so very dearly and am proud of, has failed in this issue and doesn't want to be embarrassed. Well you know what, you have. It's too late.
Rather than complaining that you didn't think of it first, support your law enforcement officers that are now on the front lines having to uphold this law. Furthermore, this law wouldn't be necessary in the first place if we did what we always do when we see injustice, eliminate it.
Think about this, the reason these people are leaving in the first place is that Mexico has political, social, medical, educational, sanitary, and many other problems that effect it citizens, why would they not want to come here and seek a better life. We have gone to Afghanistan, we have gone to Iraq, we went to Korea, we went to Vietnam, we went to Somalia. All to make life better for its citizens. Now I am not suggesting we go to war with Mexico, but definitely it is time for some sort of intervention on our part.
Let's solve the problem, not attack the solution.
Until next time.
P
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The NBA Free Agency
Where will Lebron James play next year? Where will Dwayne Wade play? How much money will these two make playing basketball for the next few years?
These are the questions that seem to be running rampant in the sports world these days. I am a basketball coach, and a fan of basketball, but this to me seems a little ridiculous. Here we are in one of the worst economic downfalls in history and these two guys are seeing which team can pay them a max salary.
A max salary if you may know, is the most that a team can offer under the current bargaining agreement and the salary cap associated with each team. So there are teams right now that are cutting guys, trading players, and making all sorts of deals that will enable them to pay one of these guy in excess of $100 million dollars.
$100 million dollars! That is outrageous. These guys don't solve world hunger, they don't cure diseases, they aren't teachers in a classroom helping to shape young minds for the future, they are guys who are good at putting a round ball through an iron rim.
I am just finding it hard to wrap my head around. $100 million dollars. Now, this is spread out over a few years, but still. That number is just ridiculous.
I'm not saying these guys aren't good, they are. They are phenomenal players and deserve compensation for the skills they possess, but I don't think they are worth that much.
Think about what owners are going to have to do to help offset these costs. Raise ticket prices, raise concession prices (As if they weren't high enough), turn their arenas into gigantic billboards.
I hope it's worth it. I really do. If these two don't end up on the same team, and they don't win the NBA Championship every year of their new max contracts, this will be the biggest waste of money since Waterworld, or buying Baltic Ave in Monopoly.
That's just my opinion. Until next time
P
These are the questions that seem to be running rampant in the sports world these days. I am a basketball coach, and a fan of basketball, but this to me seems a little ridiculous. Here we are in one of the worst economic downfalls in history and these two guys are seeing which team can pay them a max salary.
A max salary if you may know, is the most that a team can offer under the current bargaining agreement and the salary cap associated with each team. So there are teams right now that are cutting guys, trading players, and making all sorts of deals that will enable them to pay one of these guy in excess of $100 million dollars.
$100 million dollars! That is outrageous. These guys don't solve world hunger, they don't cure diseases, they aren't teachers in a classroom helping to shape young minds for the future, they are guys who are good at putting a round ball through an iron rim.
I am just finding it hard to wrap my head around. $100 million dollars. Now, this is spread out over a few years, but still. That number is just ridiculous.
I'm not saying these guys aren't good, they are. They are phenomenal players and deserve compensation for the skills they possess, but I don't think they are worth that much.
Think about what owners are going to have to do to help offset these costs. Raise ticket prices, raise concession prices (As if they weren't high enough), turn their arenas into gigantic billboards.
I hope it's worth it. I really do. If these two don't end up on the same team, and they don't win the NBA Championship every year of their new max contracts, this will be the biggest waste of money since Waterworld, or buying Baltic Ave in Monopoly.
That's just my opinion. Until next time
P
Monday, July 5, 2010
Married Life
So, I've been married almost a year now, and I am simply exited for what the future is going to hold for my wife and I.
Yeah, we have our struggles, money, food, likes and dislikes, you name it. I know that every single day is a gift but at the same time there are struggles that we both knew would be there when we were dating and talking about being married, but at the same time didn't seem to matter as much as the big picture.
The Big Picture I speak of is that no matter what the struggles are, no matter how many times we argue over the tiniest of things like dishes and laundry, no matter how little money we have to pay our bills or enjoy a night out, or stuff like that; the big picture is that I love my wife more every single day I spend with her. She is the best decision of my life I've ever made other than becoming a Christian.
My wife is the best. She is friendly, outgoing, responsible almost anal, but in a good way. She is imaginable and thoughtful, energetic and loving.
You know, it's not just the women who grow up wondering what married life will look like when they get married, men do it too. At least I did. I must say, this is exactly how I imagined my married life looking. I could do with a little less of the struggles, but at the same time, I definitely picked a winner in her.
I was asked in our premarital counseling if there was anyone else that I could be happily married to, and almost a year later I can say with the same certainty as I did on that day. Absolutely not. My wife is my wife for a reason, she is the only one that I can see being married to and loving every day of my married life.
For those of you either in your first year, getting ready for your first year, or even have been married for 50 years or more, my advice: love your wife. Just love her. Everything else is simply for decoration. Love is how you sustain not only your life, but your married life as well.
Until next time.
P
Yeah, we have our struggles, money, food, likes and dislikes, you name it. I know that every single day is a gift but at the same time there are struggles that we both knew would be there when we were dating and talking about being married, but at the same time didn't seem to matter as much as the big picture.
The Big Picture I speak of is that no matter what the struggles are, no matter how many times we argue over the tiniest of things like dishes and laundry, no matter how little money we have to pay our bills or enjoy a night out, or stuff like that; the big picture is that I love my wife more every single day I spend with her. She is the best decision of my life I've ever made other than becoming a Christian.
My wife is the best. She is friendly, outgoing, responsible almost anal, but in a good way. She is imaginable and thoughtful, energetic and loving.
You know, it's not just the women who grow up wondering what married life will look like when they get married, men do it too. At least I did. I must say, this is exactly how I imagined my married life looking. I could do with a little less of the struggles, but at the same time, I definitely picked a winner in her.
I was asked in our premarital counseling if there was anyone else that I could be happily married to, and almost a year later I can say with the same certainty as I did on that day. Absolutely not. My wife is my wife for a reason, she is the only one that I can see being married to and loving every day of my married life.
For those of you either in your first year, getting ready for your first year, or even have been married for 50 years or more, my advice: love your wife. Just love her. Everything else is simply for decoration. Love is how you sustain not only your life, but your married life as well.
Until next time.
P
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