Children

     The death or near death of any person is tragic for their loved ones and those close to them. Recently my youngest child was in a near fatal auto accident, he ran up under a semi at 75 miles an hour, he had to be cut out of his truck while a large wrecker lifted the semi's trailer up. It was over an hour and a half before we knew if he would even live long enough to be extracted from the wreck. The interstate was closed down and he was helicoptered from the wreck site and then hours at the trauma unit before we knew the extent of his injuries.
     Multiple facial fractures and lacerations, two broken arms (open fractures) broken hand, broken leg (just one), lacerated spleen. The first people on the scene were not expecting any one to have survived and were shocked that he was talking to them throughout the rescue process. He is a Paramedic and was able to help them access his injuries and clearly follow their directions.
     As his Dad I felt it was my responsibility to remain calm and supportive of the rest of the family these past few weeks,I did a good job.....until.....he asked me "Well,Pop how does it feel to have your youngest kid almost die ?" after the chill bumps came the tears.
     Children are never to die before their parents, right or wrong, unconditionally we are to love and nurture them be they five or fifty. My heart and deepest sympathy to anyone who has ever lost a child or nearly lost one , to be otherwise would be hardhearted and cruel.
      All of us know we witnessed a miracle, they do still happen.
NEWS REPORT




   

R E S P E C T

Much is said today about TOLERANCE- We are told we should tolerate all kinds of behaviors we see and hear about. What does this really mean and it it as it should be.
  Tolerance-The act or capacity of enduring; endurance. This really seems to have a negative connotation, We dislike something but must endure it, traffic, weather, insects and other things. When we apply it to people perhaps what we should be looking to do is find RESPECT for others and a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.

A.A.A.D.D. – Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

I decide to wash my car. As I start toward to the garage, I notice
that there is mail on the hall table. I decide to go through the
mail before I wash the car.

 

I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the trash
can under the table, and notice that the trash can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the
trash first, but then I think that since I’m going to be near the
mailbox when I take out the trash anyway, I may as well pay the bills
first.

 

I take my checkbook off the table and see that there is only one check
left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, o I go to my
desk where I find the can of Coke that I had been drinking. I’m going
to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I
don’t accidentally knock it over.

I see that the Coke is getting warm, and I decide I should put it in the
refrigerator to keep it cold.

 

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the
counter catches my eye–they need to be watered.

 

I set the Coke down on the counter and I discover my reading
glasses that I’ve been searching for all morning.

 

I decide I’d better put them back on my desk, but first I’m going to
water the flowers.

 

I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water,
and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.

 

I realize that tonight, when we go to watch TV, we will be looking for
the remote, but nobody will remember that it’s on the kitchen table, so

I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I’ll
water the flowers.

 

I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor.

So, I set the remote back down on the table, get some towels and wipe up
the spill.

 

Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

 

At the end of the day; the car isn’t washed, the bills aren’t paid,
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers aren’t watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook,

I can’t find the remote, I can’t find my glasses, and I don’t remember
what I did with the car keys.

 

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I’m really
baffled because I know I was busy all day long and I’m really tired. I
realize this is a serious problem, and I’ll try to get some help for it,
but first I’ll check my e-mail.

 

 

Don’t laugh – if this isn’t you yet, your day is coming!

SPK English,IDK ?

       Do we still speak English here?, I don't know. With texting, Instant messaging, Twitting and Facebook our language has changed dramatically. I see postings on Facebook and receive an occasional Text message which I have trouble understanding.
       I don't/can't text. I call, That is what phones are for !. I do not have a good understanding of the current acceptable "short hand" for these types of communication. Having spent time in the military I should have no trouble with an acronym but some leave me  ROFCMEO. [rolling on floor,crying my eyes out].
       English has served the world well but it is being tortured to death. I see, mostly on FB, new "enhanced interrogation" methods used daily. We are forcing the English language to change, not gently as it has for a thousand years, but by choking and smashing it into smaller and almost uninterpretable pieces.   Emoticons (emotional icons) and acronym's are used to compensate for the inability to convey voice inflections, facial expressions, and bodily gestures in written language and because of laziness. 
       If you are having trouble with this here is a link which might help > A LIST

OUT OF WORK ACTOR

             If you know any production people I am ready to work.                                          


Herb Johnston
212 Murrell St
Minden, La 71055
herbnbb@gmail.com,
Facebook- facebook.com/herb.johnston1
Website- happyherbie.blogspot.com/
    I am a retired Nurse and Army Veteran. I took drama in high school and college and appeared in many student productions and two commercials. I have community theater experience as well.
    I have a deep baritone “Radio Voice” and an excellent ear for dialects and accents.
DOB- 04/07/1947   
Ht- 6’0”, Wt- 220 lbs. Hair- white ; medium to long and I am willing to cut or dye.
Beard- currently I am wearing a goatee, and will work clean shaven or full beard.
Coat-46/48. Neck- 17 1/2 , Sleeve- 32, Pants-40/32, Shoe- 8 ½. Hat- 7

Stage;
Harvey- Dr. William Chumley
Lil’ Abner- Marryin’ Sam
Around the World in 80 days- Passepartout
Music Man- Mayor Shinn
Dancing with the Stars- Kenny Dodgers- Sculpted Entertainment
Noughgood Family Reunion- Phil N. Noughgood-Sculpted Entertainment

Film;
Vampires Suck- Featured Extra- Edwards “Butt” Double (Old Man Butt)
Season of the Witch- Featured Extra- Priest
Butter- Background
Catch .44- Background- Bar Patron
Trespass- Background- Bar Patron
Southwest Airlines Promo- Actor/Crew
Mad Loris- - Witness- Actor- Credited-Crew-McAllister/Holland Productions
http://vimeo.com/20369412
Foxaholics Anonymous- Actor-Web cast - Philip Jordan Brooks
https://foxaholicsanonymous.com/ Prev 5
Pawn$tars-  Television-History Channel-Leftfield Productions- Two episodes. Actor
The Gates- Television- Background-Seven episodes.
Woman at War/Love Battlefield - Two part short, McAllister/Holland, Crew
Playing the Field- Background

Bonsai Kids

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai         I have always been interested in Bonsai Trees (see link above) , small trees or plants which one cares for and shapes into a pleasing creation.They require care such as picking the correct soil, watering correctly, feeding and pruning. Branches can be gently bent in different directions to create the most healthy and attractive end result.One ends up with a small version of a larger plant or tree.
         I currently find myself in a situation where I perceive child rearing to be somewhat comparable to caring for a Bonsai . We have a guest in our house, she is our Grand Daughter with whom we have had little contact due to some family dynamics of the type which seem so prevalent in today's society. We will most likely have her with us just a few days.
         We have noticed what we think are some needed corrections to the "watering, feeding and pruning" schedule for this beautiful "Tree". We want to see her become a loving, honest, unselfish, kind and intelligent adult. We are being careful not to over water, and prune gently. Wish us luck.

G O O D !

         It has been a while since I have written anything new but today I began to think about GOOD things; GOOD People, Places, and Good Stuff. Some of the GOOD people, both old and new friends, even some whom had only read my past writings encouraged me during my doldrums. I am fortunate to say I know many good people (I try to avoid the Bad ones). I have friends across the political, cultural and social spectrum and they are GOOD people.
         There are many GOOD places- Disneyland, Knotts Berryfarm, Pikeplace Market, Space Needle, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Alamo, RiverWalk, Canton TX, Hot Springs, Branson, Navy Pier, French Quarter, Under Ground Atlanta (especially the book stores), JFK Special Warfare School, Pigeon Forge TN, National Mall DC. I am sure there are many others. These just stood out in my mind, today, I have been many places these are just some I enjoyed.
           GOOD food, this could be an endless list as I do enjoy eating, some special ones are....home made Taco's, my wife's Spaghetti, Cheeseburger from Nadios in Minden, LA, Crawfish, Keylime Pie, Chicken Wings, Rib-Eye's.....................
           GOOD things...Post-It Notes, Long Life light bulbs,Bonsai plants,Microwave Ovens, Cruise Control, Movies made in Louisiana.

WAIT................IT'S ALL GOOD ! 

         

Can we continue to Tolerate Tolerance ?

As a kid the grownup's around me and those with authority over me often said when observing some behavior of mine would say "That's just something I wont tolerate". What does it mean ?

TOLERATE: to allow to be or to be done without prohibition, hindrance.
      We are told everyday by our leaders, even our spiritual ones, by the media, by friends that in today's society we must tolerate certain behaviors and positions, this is defined as being 'Poetically Correct'.[is that possible considering politics in general]. I feel a lot of 'Political Correctness' which occurs does so because of apathy.

APATHY:Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference.
      When we become apathetic about the things we tolerate and become complacent about what goes on around us we find ourselves in our current situation.

COMPLACENT:self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.
     To be tolerant does not mean that you do not disagree or have another view point nor does it preclude you from voicing that disagreement It is primarily the MEDIA and to some extent social pressure which would brand us as INTOLERANT. Many of us are angry and frustrated at the amount of vitriol spewed towards those of us who are vocal about ideas and behaviors which we find either unfair or abhorrent or both.
We are 'forced' to be tolerant of many who are intolerant of us.
    There has been another incident of a "work of art" partially funded by the  National Endowment for the Arts which is vulgar and blasphemes CHRIST, it portrays him as a buffoon and shows him engaged in various sex act's with both males and females.The objections of Christians groups have gone unheeded and labeled as intolerant and not politically correct. 
     Placing to 'shoe' on another foot, people have been murdered for even drawing a picture of Mohamed and if such "ART" protrayed Buddha on a carnival ride the media would be ablaze with fiery headlines demonizing the Artist and Gallery and the NEA. Government sources would disavow it's director and demand their dismissal.
     Our Tolerance for things is demonstrated by our apathy, I live in a small town which has less than 15,000 population. We recently had an election for Mayor, Police Chief and City Council positions, there had been discussion regarding the use of what was a city surplus of funds as well as the trend to replace long term incumbents with new faces. I was shocked to see the results, less than 40 % of the registered voters [around 3,500] voted. Which means that around 2,000 people out of 15,000 people decided who would govern our city. Apathetic and pathetic.  
     Complacency was defined as "self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies."  The actual dangers are as follows; you and everyone who thinks like you will become real victums, you will be accused and convicted in real courts for "hate crimes" for simply voicing and standing up for your convictions, you will find yourselves physically and verbally attacked because of who and what you are. Some of the deficiencies  are; a court system which seeks to and successfully legislates from the bench, the progressives who have been appointed to federal and district courts represent the "BEST AND BRIGHTEST"  from the nations liberal law schools. They have become the hands of the social architects who teach at those schools who believe their duty is to reshape American values and right percieved wrongs.

"Knowledge is Power"

My get up go got up and went !

     During the last year and a half I have "bloged" several times a month, often on a weekly basis. During the past several months I have drawn a blank as to what to blog about. I am not writing many notes or comments on Facebook either. I don't know if it is depression or that every interesting or provocative thought I have had has been exhausted.
     I have felt that I have had good things to contribute in the past and look forward to the spark reigniting. My physical health is fine and I am truly thankful for that as I have many friends who are not as fortunate.I have been busy with new work in Film and Theater which I love and am slowly working on a house remodel.
     Check out some of my past writing and be on the look out for more. Ill be back.


     

We have a Guest

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that plastic bags weren't good for the environment. The woman apologized to her and explained, We didn't have the green thing back in my day

 That's right, they didn't have the green thing in her day. Back then, they returned their milk bottles, Coke bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, using the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But they didn't have the green thing back her day.

In her day, they walked up stairs, because they didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.
But she's right. They didn't have the green thing in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby's diapers because they didn't have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts, wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.
But that old lady is right, they didn't have the green thing back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house, not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a pizza dish, not a screen the size of the state of Montana . In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didn't have electric machines to do everything for you. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used wadded up newspaper to cushion it, not
Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, they didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
But she's right, they didn't have the green thing back then.

They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty, instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water. They refilled pens with ink, instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But they didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar and kids rode their bikes to school or rode the school bus, instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. They had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And they didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
But they didn't have the green thing back then!

$5.37

That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the harshest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount."
I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully. I stood there stupefied. I am , a mere child! Senior citizen?
I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me?
I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile.  Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted!  What am I now? A toddler?
"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?" I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind. "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!"
I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing. That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rearview mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear-view mirror.
Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat..  Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard.
Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.. Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found.
I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here?"  At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.
Emo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention.  He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake." I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized. He offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."
All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40. Yes, I was racing some punk kid in a  Toyota  Prius.. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.
As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blanky.
The good news was I had successfully found my way home.
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Just in case you weren't feeling too old today:
The people who are starting college this fall were born in 1991.
They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.
Their lifetime has always included AIDS.
The CD was introduced two years before they were born.
They have always had an answering machine.
They have always had cable.
Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.
Popcorn has always been micro waved.
They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.
They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.
They never heard:
      'Where's the Beef?',
      'I'd walk a mile for a Camel', or
      'de plane, Boss, de plane'.    

McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.
They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

PawPaw Was Wrong(about some things)

      My Grandfather was already an old man when I was born, I was the next to the youngest of 21 Grandchildren. I thought he was the wisest and most knowledgeable man alive, an ancient sage and seer who held a worlds worth of wisdom in his words. He, like so many of his generation was full of wise sayings and clever euphemisms, a "country" way of speaking we miss a lot to day. Our manner of speaking has become "Homogenized" which is actually only good for milk.
       He was patient enough with us "Whipper snappers" to explain what these sayings meant. Some of them hold true today but many are no longer correct in this "PC" and "Ultra-tolerant" world. I want to share some of them;

"That fella ain't worth his salt"- Good for nothing (however now days salt is on the BAD list)

"Every dog has his day"- People good or bad get what is coming to them (not so much anymore)

"He don't know S### from Shinola" [shoe polish]- He doesn't know anything worth while (seems everything is well polished nowadays)

"As old as the hills"- Very old.

"Don't give your pearls to the pigs"- Don't give things to people who don't appreciate them.

"As honest as the day is long"- Very honest person.(seems the days are getting shorter)
"Another day another dollar"-another days pay earned(factoring in inflation from the 60's till now it is actually 17 cents) 
"S@@@@in' in tall cotton"- Having things good. 
"If I had my druthers"- If I had things my way.
"To much Sugar for a dime"- Making too big a fuss.

Often he would tell me to get off my high horse,not be too feisty, stop playin with them do-hicky's ,stop piddlein' around, stop carrin' on and stop playin possum , that he aimed-too get some work out of me to earn my keep. He said he would be much obliged if I would just get after it cause we were fixing to go feed the critters.

  In this day of E-Mail, Face book, texting, instant messaging and voice mail we have lost much of the beauty and pleasure of just jawin' at one another.

JUST JABBERIN'

I got it all figured out !

Last night/early AM, I posted what was intended to be a lighthearted comment on what I sense has become a pervasive attitude,perhaps world wide.My feeble and shallow attempt at humor was meant to address the CONSPIRACY PARADIGM; "The sky is falling", a boggy man behind every bush (no pun intended this time),the vast right wing/left wing cabal, visitors from outer/inner space and a dozen other "theories".
Folks, things wax and wane,the pendulum swings, seasonal shifts, Father G-d,Mother Nature,the cycle of life,ebb and flow, good vs evil. The internet, mass media and mans desire to "figure it all out" has caused many to become "Chicken Little's".
For those of the Judeo-Christian ethic-The Great Flood,Tower of Babel. For you Humanist's I give you-The Ice Age and Global Warming.. No mater your world view or political prerogative .YOU AIN'T GITTIN' OUT ALIVE."Que,Sera,Sera"

When I'am 64

Having received notice of my 45th High School Reunion, ( yea, I know it is a long time) I began again to ruminate about what has taken place during that time and to look at where we all are now.
Personally as with everyone I have had my ups and downs, twists and turns and stops and starts. I have been “Dealt a bad hand” a few times but most often I have drawn the wrong cards my self, throwing away good ones and or just playing it wrong.( I have no idea where the card playing analogy comes from I really don’t play cards).
What has interested me most is the realization that 40-45 years ago a real change came about in America and therefore by association the world in general. What triggered it ? I for one do not have the answer, however I can point to some things which might have been factors;
1- Supreme Court ruling on Prayer in school. 2- Vietnam War and associated Peace movement. 3- Rapid expansion of drug culture and the associated Hippie movement. 4- “Rights” movements, woman’s, civil, gay etc-we became a nation no longer joined by the inalienable rights already established, but by special interest groups trying to cut out a specific piece of the pie.5- Subtitle economic changes and the “Feminist” Movement which made double income families necessary and “desirable” oft times removing from the home the nurturing parent. I have no idea which of these is most likely the culprit , I believe it is a combination of some or all.
During this period the divorce rate climbed, as did crime and the number of people living below the poverty level. The government at attempted to control some of this by instituting new entitlement programs, ie The Great Society. We have had seven declared recessions, four oil shortages (we are the largest consumer of petroleum products in the world), at least ten Military Missions (Wars, conflicts, etc) and have US forces deployed in over one hundred and fifty countries today, with an all volunteer military.
Despite all the negative things said about our country. Request to immigrate are at an all time high and illegal emigration is a joke. Per capatia more forgiven nationals reside in the US than ever before.
Natural and man made disasters, some previously unmatched are occurring in more diverse places than ever before and without the resources to help in many cases. We are spending personally and governmental at an all time high with NO end in sight. Home foreclosures, the stock market debacle and corporate and individual greed is uncontrollable.
THE PARTY IS OVER, ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING we can no longer say, “Laissez le Bontemps rouler”( let the good times roll) (Cajun)
Indigenous peoples all over the world are conducting “cleansing” rituals and I know personally of many Native American groups who are singing their death songs.
Perhaps the Biblical predictions and admonitions should be recognized for their literal value if nothing else, we have become pervasive and permissive. The was a time when people could and did have the Guts to say what they felt and the gumption to defend it. Political leaders were admired and respected and honored, yes they are just people too, but to whom much is given much is required.
Do I have an answer? no, I am still looking, I just thought you might.

What in the World ?

      Where are we at and where are we going ? Usually we know the answer to at least one of those questions. However at this point in time I, for one, can not clearly answer either one. The world seems to be literally crumbling around us, some see this and other events as a sign of Biblical symbolism being fulfilled. Others see Earths physical changes as just part of the natural ebb and flow which has occurred over eons of time.
      Should we be concerned ? I don't know, but something killed the Dinosaurs ! The recent events in Japan are horrible and demonstrate several things. You cannot foresee such "Earth Shaking" (pardon the pun) events, you cannot prepare for them and you cannot prevent them.
      Japan was/is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world, brilliant scientist, well educated and industrious populace. However their inability to control events at their Nuclear sites, despite their expertise has the entire world rethinking its energy plans.
      The environmentalist demand we stop oil exploration as it is harming our planet , and indeed better planing and control needs to be developed in that industry as well. The Gulf Oil spill was tragic as well.  I would however prefer Gulf Shrimp than florescent Sushi.
 

What is a 'LIKE' Like ?

      People have been very critical of Social Networking Sites, often with good reason. I, however think they have given many people the opportunity to express them selves in ways that social convention may not. We need to encourage each other when we can, but often, FACE TO FACE it seems silly and perhaps condescending to say to someone. " I agree with you"  " That was a nice to say or do".or even
"I like you."'
    I may be a simpleton, but I get a certain sanctification when something I have posted gets a "Like" and especially a "comment", I am an 'Old Dog' but I have even learned a few things. I have been in some vibrant exchanges with "Friends" and "Friends" of "Friends" who don't always agree with me 100 % [can you imagine that] . I may even have been able to share some information with someone and given them the opportunity to learn something new and learn something new myself.
      Some times a "LIKE" simply conveys an acknowledgment of the post and is a sign of agreement with the poster when the post is about something serious or sad, when a post is regarding an illness or such a "LIKE" is a simple 'I am thinking of you'.
    My life has been enriched by being able to "meet" new people and reconnect with old friends, [ some of them turned out pretty good]. I now have the ability to ask questions and obtain the opinions and advice of cultured and educated people from many walks of life. I do agree with many that there should be an "unlike" "BUTTON", when someone puts up a post which is negative or hurtful to some group or person or share about a negative event in their life, this would be a place to perhaps make a comment.
    In regards to 'FRIENDING' and 'UNFRIENDING', I most always accept a 'Friend' request although some are questionable [I feel I have to many at around 200, but I see others with several hundred to thousands of  'Friends'] I try to be selective without being judgmental but have rejected a few. 'UNFRIENDING' is a problem and I have read articles and 'BLOGS' about the issue. I have not dome it often and have reserved it for chronic cursing and a few others who have continued with vitriolic hate speech. I do have several young people who are friends and do not want them to see these things on my page, as we are known "by the company we keep".
    I believe most of us tend to be friends with 'kindred spirits' and it is good to know that there are others out there who are like minded. I also am glad I am friends with people of divergent philosophies as well, it keeps my mind sharp and at the same time takes off some of my rough edges.
    I have found Facebook a good tool for 'Networking' for career and business.,I admit to being somewhat mercenary in 'FRIENDING' a few people involved in the Movie and Music business but I try to 'pay it forward' as often as I can.
     My 'COMMENT' is that I 'LIKE' 'POST' ing on FACEBOOK.
'

The President's Candle

     While I beleive I have written some pretty good essays on this blog, I have been without inspiration in recent weeks, some of my closest "advisers" have suggested I was trying to "burn the candle at both ends" or had "too many Irons in the fire". Those who know me, know of my many projects and interests. While all my projects are important to a few people besides my self they are trivial compared to "our" Presidents.
      Domestically he is faced with the following "ends" which are still burning, some rapidly-HEALTH CARE-HOT, IMMIGRATION-HOT, ENERGY-HOT,TERRORISM-HOT, there are also many "smaller" ends either burning slowly or not yet ignited.
     Internationally he did inherit some problems he was forced to deal with- Iraq and Afghanistan to name two. He has failed to keep his promise's regarding those two 'wars', right or wrong. Now he has started another in which we have no vested interest. America has long been criticized for being too involved in the affairs of other countries, being expansionist and some liberals have called their own country international terrorist. We have been criticized as trying to be 'the policeman to the world'. Japan needs us, we need Japan.
     Our last election was won on the idea of CHANGE we could beleive in, I beleive none has occurred. Those who supported this young man because of his fine rhetoric, liberal ideas and because he was bi-racial must be disappointed, he has let all of us down and deeper in debt. Regardless of the "collation" involved in this Libyan affair it is OUR war. He makes himself seem foolish by leaving the country or vacationing when he should be at the helm of the ship of state.He had no real world experience, executive or otherwise.
    Next time let us select a man for the job and not just a job for a man.
       

Human Tragedy

What is the real human tragedy considering recent national and world events? World shaking tragedy unfolding in Japan, civil wars across the middle east, flooding on the east coast , police being shot, bar shootings, buss wrecks, missing children all within the last three days.

Already some of these stories either have not made the front pages or are disappearing, most of us can do little to correct these events. We can lend or sympathies, Give money, pray and little else. Yet we are all effected in ways we cannot see and do not understand, weeks like these leave us De-synthesized to what goes on around us.

Stating the Obvious.

Why is it that people are so prone to stating the obvious and asking questions we already know the answer too, or to which the answer is apparent? Is it because we want to seem intelligent, or are so in love with the sound of our own voice? (alright, no nasty comments here !). We even do things which don't need doing, for example; I have walked up to an elevator where there are already a half dozen people standing, the UP button is shinning brightly and I find I must punch it myself not once but several times and then affect a look of superiority when it arrives as if I made it happen. My wife just offered me a cup of coffee and when she brought it to me, hot and steaming, I asked "Oh, is it done yet." We moved last year and had a U-Haul truck parked in front of our house,a furniture dolly, and boxes stacked all over the yard-A neighbor asked "Are you moving?" My response "No, my wife just wanted this stuff out of her way while she cleaned."
In town recently I ran into a friend who was with a young couple, he stopped to introduce them and said, "I'd like you to meet my Son and Daughter-In-Law." My response "Is this really your Son ?"(I saw my sign). Bill Engvall, the comedian probably has the best grasp on this annoying part of human nature, his "Here's ur sign" routines are an education in themselves. I have a sign in my yard, a campaign sign for a friend who is running for mayor in our up coming election, at least a dozen people have come by and asked me, "Is Larry running for Mayor."
"NO, I tell them, but there's his sign."

The Earth is bi-polar [as the stomach turns 2]

FAR EAST- Rich and getting richer, the two major countries, China and Japan hold a larger portion of the worlds wealth. China even with it's record of human rights abuses is very stable, Japan is the most productive nation in the world per ca-pita. India has absorbed a larger number of the technocrats who were displaced from the "World Trade Center" after 9/11. {where did the 47,000 people who worked there go after 9/11?} Either check for yourself or post a comment and I will tell you. The remainder of the area is under Islamic or Communist control. Australia and New Zealand get by with Fosters in a can, and shrimp on the barbie.

SOUTH and CENTRAL AMERICA- Most of it under minor totalitarian control, while claiming to be free and elected governments. Several countries are poverty stricken. Several are socialist states with aggressive anti American leaders. Oil and gold are the primary reasons we do not work to clean up our own back yard which leads us to........

MEXICO-  America's WORST problem, with which we refuse to deal. This is the trash in our back yard, not the PEOPLE but the policies. The big exports are DRUGS and Cheep Labor, neither taxed nor controlled. Why?, we have no desire to, if we don't acknowledge the problem one does not exist. "BLINDERS made in America". Mexico is a time bomb.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA- This has almost become an oxymoron, we are more regionally and culturally divided that any other time in our history. The south eastern part of the country is healthier economically and growing faster that other areas, areas once stereotyped as poor and ignorant are now experiencing a multifaceted Renaissance.
     However we do have our problems and many of them mirror the final days of historically great societies.
Due to a recent rash of law enforcement officers being shot, officers are now being instructed to make an immediate show of force even in routine traffic stops I have personally observed drawn guns and hands on revolvers several times, who can blame them, underpaid and under appreciated , I am going to protect my life.
    There is a push by some groups and the drugs manufacturer to have the "morning after pill" available to girls as young as 11 with out parental permission. Abortion  is still on the rise and although violent crime as a whole is down the number of children murdered by parents and caretakers is higher than ever, infanticide was rampant at the end of the Roman Empire.
     In regards to elder care [another group murdered by the Romans, the purpose was to eliminate those who provided the greatest burden with the smallest contribution]. Someone suggested that convicts and those in nursing homes trade places, the latter would at least get daily showers, 3 good meals, color TV, internet access, exercise programs and new facilities and the former would get minimal care at best.

CANADA- Ah, yes Canada.

It can't happen here!

I remember asking dad about Castro when I was about 9 years old.  I asked, "Is Castro a good guy or bad?"

Dad said he couldn't tell!!  This was about 1955.  We were living in Louisiana  at the time.  Dad was in the army there.

Cuba was fairly close and in the news a lot.  The Cubans were asking the same question!  Ike was president.

This past July, we had the pleasure of sharing a summer barbecue with a refugee from Cuba ..  Our dinner conversation was starkly different than most.

This refugee came to the United States as a young boy in the early 1960s.  His family was more fortunate than most as they were able to bring a suitcase and $100 when they fled Castro's newly formed revolutionary paradise.

Our dinner consisted of all-American fare: hamburgers, potato salad, watermelon and fresh ears of sweet corn.  This is a menu shared with family and friends nationwide, while celebrating the birth of our beloved  America on the Fourth of July.

We began with a simple discussion about our country and the direction it has taken since Barack Obama came to power.  We shared the usual complaints about the sour economy and liberal social engineering emanating from the rulers in Washington .

But then he said it.  The sentence came naturally.  I assume it was unplanned.  But it carried the weight of a freight train.  "You know when Castro took power, none of us knew he was a Communist"

We sat stunned.  He continued, "Yes, we all thought he was a patriot, a nationalist.  Before the revolution he didn't sound like a radical."

The comparison at this point was easy, and I interjected, "You mean just like Barack Obama?"

He responded; "Yes, just like Barack Obama."

He continued, "We were all shocked as the government just continued to grab more power.  First they said the revolution is over, so please turn in your guns.  We all complied."

"I remember my uncle saying after it started; 'Castro will only nationalize some of the big industries, he will never come and take our family hardware store.' But that is exactly what happened; Castro started with the sugar mills and the large industries,  but they eventually came and knocked on the door of our family hardware store.  My family had run this store for generations.  They said we now own the hardware store, you work for us.  And that nice, large four-bedroom home you own, it is now our property also, and you can move yourself and five children into two rooms of the house because others are moving in with you."

The lesson learned from this discussion is a lesson most Americans refuse to hear.  Political leaders can lie about their agenda and once in office they can take totally unexpected turns.

If you had asked us three years ago if we thought General Motors would be nationalized, we would have never believed it.  We could never contemplate a country where the rule of law, the most fundamental building block of a justice society would be evaporating just like it did in Castro's Cuba in the early 1960s.

But the news of injustice keeps increasing.  Black Panthers are not charged with wrongdoing by the U.S. Department of Justice because their crimes are against whites.  The bondholders of GM are stripped of their assets without due process by the government.  Governmental leaders are bribed in full daylight only to have all investigation of the crimes stifled by the Attorney General.  The U.S. borders are overrun with crime and illegal activity and the leaders in D.C. act as if it is important to protect the lawbreakers while the innocent are killed and overrun.  When local communities attempt to enforce the law, they are ridiculed and threatened as racists and bigots.  They are sued by the very administration entrusted with enforcing the law.

Without the rule of law the U.S. Constitution is a sham.  Without the rule of law our beloved America is swiftly becoming a country where only the well connected and politically powerful will be safe. As Michelle Malkin has so eloquently explained in her recent book, a culture of corruption has replaced honest government.

The only way this problem will be fixed is by massive citizen action.  All honest citizens that want to be treated equally must come together and demand that the favoritism, the bribes, the uneven enforcement of law end now.  And yes, it can happen here.

"As the World (Stomach) Turns"

     My Muse has returned, and boy is she MAD; I have several things on my heart and mind today, I will open several cans of worms (and maybe some whip-ass as well). No comments or remarks made today are intended to favor or blame any political, religious or social group over another, Regardless of political persuasion , religious belief or social or cultural group we share equal blame.
   
            These observations have been festering for sometime and cover a number of issues.

MIDDLE EAST- This "revolution" is not necessarily good, we must be mindful of who wins control of these countries, "power to the people" is not always good if it is the wrong people with the power. We cannot choose for them but we can and must respond to what ever choice they make a make it abundantly clear what our response will be if they choose leaders who will further destabilize the area.
     Much is being said about the influence of the "Muslim Brotherhood" before one becomes too excited about the "reemergence" of this group I suggest you Google it.Many of you may be tired of my consistent references to Nicoli Machiavelli but you may want to check him out also.

AFRICA- North Africa is in chaos,Egypt, Libya,The Sudan, Ivory Coast we (America) have ignored problems there for the far too long. We are preoccupied with our own myriad of problems. My pet peeve and heartbreak in this region is Somalia which as not functioned as a country since the very early 90's.
     It is a collection of 'fiefdoms' and 'sheikdoms' run by beggars, thieves and murderers. [note; the first three countries mentioned and Somalia, are all Muslim states]. In 1993 the US Military attempted to assist in feeding starving people in that region who showed their gratitude by first, burning the rations they were given, because they did not like them and then murdering 19 of your countrymen and hacking them up and dragging their bodies through the streets [remember "Black Hawk Down"] . The deaths of these brother Rangers and others was not avenged because we did not "know" who to punish. I would suggest that several B-52 strikes would exact punishment and cure the pirate problem as well.["grab'em by the B###s their hearts and minds will follow"] Four Americans were just slaughtered on board their own boat.
EUROPE- The link is to a game and that is what Europe has become , the EU is a joke. It's leaders hapless and a violent up surge in fascist philosophy is everywhere.  Every time a crisis exists our allies, except a few, give only lip service to our efforts and commit no material assets or man power. They have forgotten the investment made by Americas and the thousands of our dead who rest in their soil. We have fought their wars, paid their bills and forgiven their debts, as have they.

I AM NOT DONE, EXCEPT FOR TODAY- WESTERN HEMISPHERE AND THE FAR EAST, HERE I COME- SOON

Writers Constipation

     For the past ten months I have written a twice weekly blog, "weakly" at times perhaps. Some interest on Facebook, and Twitter has been generated and I have received some comments on this site as well. My blog has given me the opportunity to vent and rant about a number of subjects I am passionate about, Politicos, Social Ills and aging among a few.
     I now find my self with a serious case of "writers cramps", my muse has moved, my inspiration expired, my drive detoured, Help, give me some ideas.
    

AIN'T SKERET ! ( or are we?)

     America and Americans have long had a reputation for bravery, taking on the tough task, jumping in to help, standing up for the weak at home and abroad. American Military might, even the threat of our intervention has helped quell violence and unrest in many parts of the world.
     Is this still the case ? sending in the Marines, Rangers, Battleships and Fighter Groups once put the world on notice that the BS had to cease ! Phrases like, "Cowboy Up", "One Riot, One Ranger", "Make my Day" and "I got your Back" still have creditability in some elements of society and in some areas of the country.
    Appeasement , apathy, tolerance and political correctness have replaced responsibility, courage, and even honesty in our society. Traitors, cowards and turn coats are given honor and even celebrated as examples to follow. I am NOT suggesting that force is necessary in all situations but a willingness to do what must be done is vital to our personal and corporate well being.
     America has become a nation afraid, and not with out good reason in some cases.
     A shooter on a rampage in a school, a Hijacked plane toppling a high-rise, a bomb in a rental van or an attack on a train station, we fear the Postman may deliver a deadly germ. The power to kill in there for anyone and has always been there, this week a major city was terrorized for over 24 hours by a man with a knife from his kitchen, will we now be forced to have the Government certify us to prepare our own food or buy it already cut into bite sized pieces.
      We fear terrorist, snipers,hurricanes, epidemics, and the worst part is we have lost faith in almost any institution, Government or otherwise to help us. we feel powerless, which causes constant anxiety and makes us fearful of anything we don't understand. People have lost faith in the system in which it seems the guilty often go unpunished , the "OJ Syndrome"
      What is the solution, it is not a simple one, reteach and reiterate solid values- courage, personal responsibility, helping the truly helpless, encouraging the efforts of others and camaraderie.
      Some people are from families which have instilled these virtues for generations, some people are just inherently capable of rising above and doing the RIGHT thing regardless of the consequence, I am still encouraged when we see reports of such courage. It can be demonstrated in many ways, saying your sorry, righting a wrong, speaking up when you see an injustice being done.

I GOT YER BACK. 

"Is the Circle still unbroken" ?

       "Is the Circle still unbroken" ?  This is a play on the title of a fine old song an and album which you might enjoy- Will the Circle Be Unbroken (30th Anniversary Edition) the song talks about the bond between family and friends and asks if, after death in "Heaven" will that bond still exist. Among theologians there is debate regarding whether relationships established in this dimension will be maintained in the next. For those with no belief  in an afterlife the answer is simple-NO. Those who believe in reincarnation think that their will be some connection though all parties may not be aware of it.[the puppy you picked because it licked your face when you first picked it up may be your best friend from a previous life].I think that there will be an awareness of a connection, a "Kindred Spirit" but not of a relationship in the earthly sense.
        But I digress, the point of this Blog is, Do relationships exist TODAY which are mutually beneficial and serendipitous [look that one up, it can be your word of the day] ? Does the busy, self gratifying, computer controlled and impersonal society we live in prevent us from really connecting with others ?
        My Space, Facebook, Twitter and a myriad of other social networking sites, have connected people in ways never before imagined, thousands of articles, numerous books and now a movie devoted to this "phenomenon". I have "friends" on Facebook who literally have thousands of FB Friends, I now have around 200 and when the number gets that high I get uncomfortable for reasons I cannot define. People I know and currently interact with on a personal level are on the list, associates in the motion picture business, contacts in the music industry, a few relatives and friends from the past.
       From time to time I remove people whom I do not really "know",sometimes I remove them for using rude, profane or racially discriminatory language. Post and comments with opposing view points on religion or politics are NOT removed unless they are otherwise "qualified" for removal. I have been pleased to find that I seldom FRIEND people who I later remove for what I consider offensive behavior. I may be a decent judge of character.
         There is a recently published book which may help explain the "feeling" I get when my friend numbers reach the 150 plus "threshold". The book is entitled The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell. It is a work describing how different groups of people interact in society, it is a good read. In it there is a chapter called "The Rule of 150" which discusses how we can best interact [learn, teach, emote] with no more than 150 persons at a time. When the number of individuals approximates this level it is time to began to form another group, this often takes place naturally with out any deliberate action by anyone.People discover other common connections with other members of the group and "splinter" while still maintaining  the original connections but forming a new group.
          This process is NOT a new one, Anthropologist and Sociologist have discovered that, so called "primitive" peoples banded together in tribes or "family groups" which seldom exceeded more than 100-150 individuals. The reasons varied based on logistical and social dynamics.In the Roman Era a Company of men in the Roman Legions was 150 as it is on average today. During the industrial revolution large factories put no more than 150 people on one task.

           Think about the rule of 150 , check your Facebook friends list, your Christmas card list, Twitter and MySpace . Can you have a real connection with more people than that and what can they add to your life ?

Chaos and Turmoil

Chaos and Turmoil :
CHAOS-

a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order.

TURMOIL-  
 a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion 

     The current state of affairs in the Middle East is well described in these terms.Many people are convinced that this will bring positive change in the region, I beleive that is wishful thinking. Never in world history has a positive change come from a chaotic or tumultuous source. Change has and does occur, but so many despots and dictators have risen to power under such circumstances that this does not bode well for the region or the world.
     Islamic radicals are poised in each place prepared to gain power, they may not gain full control but will improve and solidify there influence and position. Any time events occur as the are the door for any group offering any kind of "plan" to be thrust into power. These groups cannot be faulted in taking advantage of the
 situation as they have waited for years, in some cases for the opportunity.
     The fearful part is that these groups will emerge with increased power which crosses national boundaries and further emboldens fanatical groups world wide.
     What must be done > America, and the remainder of the "FREE" world must catch or revisit and embrace some old and perhaps trite ideals; Individual responsibility, Hard work, Civility and a number of others.
     Many of my friends of my friends say we need to  'clean up our own act first' but we cannot afford to ignore the external dangers which are present. While I agree that we (America) have many faults and we seem to have embraced a world wide trend toward apathy and conciliatory philosophy. I do believe in not casting the first stone [but you better have some rocks picked out], the admonition regarding 'glass houses' [use mini blinds], removing the log from one's own eye [there is a difference between being judgmental and having discernment]. While we attempt to 'clean our own back yard' we must not forget that others are throwing their trash over the fence. Put down the rocks, pick up a broom, cover the windows and get to work and be ready to clean up the neighborhood.

In Times like these.

 I have written about and referenced Niccolo Machiavelli often, in light of the current Social-political world situation I offer these quotes, Read a little about him and then Know most world leaders study him then read these quotes.  

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.
Niccolo Machiavelli
A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.
Niccolo Machiavelli
A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Before all else, be armed.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.
Niccolo Machiavelli
For among other evils caused by being disarmed, it renders you contemptible; which is one of those disgraceful things which a prince must guard against.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.
Niccolo Machiavelli
He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.
Niccolo Machiavelli
I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.
Niccolo Machiavelli
If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
Niccolo Machiavelli
It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.
Niccolo Machiavelli
It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.
Niccolo Machiavelli
It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.
Niccolo Machiavelli
It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it to presuppose that all men are evil and that they are always going to act according to the wickedness of their spirits whenever they have free scope.
Niccolo Machiavelli
It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed, for if you merely offend them they take vengeance, but if you injure them greatly they are unable to retaliate, so that the injury done to a man ought to be such that vengeance cannot be feared.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries - for heavy ones they cannot.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.
Niccolo Machiavelli
No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.
Niccolo Machiavelli
One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.
Niccolo Machiavelli
One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Politics have no relation to morals.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Princes and governments are far more dangerous than other elements within society.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Since it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking.
Niccolo Machiavelli
The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
Niccolo Machiavelli
The main foundations of every state, new states as well as ancient or composite ones, are good laws and good arms you cannot have good laws without good arms, and where there are good arms, good laws inevitably follow.
Niccolo Machiavelli
The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.
Niccolo Machiavelli
The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.
Niccolo Machiavelli
The one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise that the one whose policy clashes with the demands of the times does not.
Niccolo Machiavelli
The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.
Niccolo Machiavelli
The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.
Niccolo Machiavelli
There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless.
Niccolo Machiavelli
There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.
Niccolo Machiavelli
There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.
Niccolo Machiavelli
There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.
Niccolo Machiavelli
War should be the only study of a prince. He should consider peace only as a breathing-time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans.
Niccolo Machiavelli
When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Whoever conquers a free town and does not demolish it commits a great error and may expect to be ruined himself.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.
Niccolo Machiavelli