Breaking News...You're in the Situation Room

Television cable news networks' financial greed has driven the rise of Donald Trump on America's Presidential (candidacy) stage. From the moment Trump made his announcement to run for our Nation's highest office, the networks have clamored to report on his campaign because of the obvious unorthodox political approach, bizarre behavior and his offensive comments.

An angry segment of the American population began attending Trump rallies much as young people once flocked to the circus like concerts of rock stars, Alice Cooper and Ozzie Osbourne. The news media (cable) discovered the ratings possibilities covering this cult-like-party. The daily continuation of cable television to 'talk' about Trump has actually 'promoted' Trump in a manner unprecedented in American politics.

Speaking of cable news networks, have you noticed that CNN can offer the top story of the day at
7AM and that story becomes 'BREAKING NEWS' the entire day on CNN. Finally, it is unconfirmed if Wolf Blitzer sleeps in The Situation Room.

Sounding Presidential

Quotes: You decide, which quotes sound Presidential in tone, vision, character and delivered with a moral compass...

"War should never be entered upon until every agency of peace has failed." William McKinley
"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, it's stupidity."
                                                                                                                          Dwight D. Eisenhower
                       OR
"I'd bomb the shit out of 'em." Donald Trump
"Bomb them until the sand glows." Ted Cruz

"In recent years science has deepened our understanding of changes (global climate) and opened new possibilities of confronting it." George W. Bush
                       OR
"Is our country still spending money on the global warming hoax?"  Donald Trump
"The scientific evidence does not support global warming." Ted Cruz

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Franklin D Roosevelt
                       OR
"Megan Kelly (Fox News Anchor/Reporter) does like me and I don't like her." Donald Trump

"Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country." JFK
                       OR
"I'm going to build a wall to keep Mexicans from crossing the border illegally." Donald Trump

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on the continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." Abraham Lincoln
                       OR
"I Donald Trump pose a ban on all Muslims entering the United States."

Can't Have It Both Ways

Every time America experiences mass killings by a gunman, we can anticipate the liberals crying for more gun control while the NRA leads the fight against such controls. The NRA is very successful with its verbal shell game. First, they scare the hell out of people promoting the idea that their second amendment rights are in jeopardy because big government is poised to confiscate guns.

The other gobbledygook cry from the right wingers is that familiar phrase, 'Guns don't kill, people kill.' Of course, the debate then moves to the arguments about mentally ill folks who pose the problem not guns.

I then hear all the Republican presidential candidates hold Reagan up as some great leader. To those, I say, it was your beloved Ronnie Reagan's policies that caused the closing of State mental hospitals across this nation during the 1980's. The Federal Government stopped giving states matching Medicaid funds for Mental Hospitals, thus those facilities started closing and the mentally ill were released onto public streets.

Own it!

* I Did Not Speak to them, Yet They Prophesied

I know that I have stated or implied previously that my maternal grandmother, Mammy Bennett forged my religious education as she anchored the 'faith-moorings' of our family. I recall as a young boy sitting at the foot of her rocking-chair listening to Bible stories and just what Jesus should be in our lives.

As a teen boy she kept you tethered to those teachings as she controlled your behavior with subtle but constant reminders that Christ was returning a second time and no one knows the day or time. (Wow! You mean Jesus could show up at the French Village Drive-In Theater...TONIGHT?)

Mammy also did a good job explaining how one should be tolerant and judge not. She did not fail to explain and give cautionary notes about 'false prophets.' I don't know all those false prophets but I recognized a few in my life time. Sharing my opinions does in no way suggest that I judge them...I shall leave that to the Lord who shall judge us all. I'm simply telling you that my Mammy put me on the alert for folks who claim to be some 'special messenger' with a straight pipeline to Jesus and therefore speaks for Christ.

Gee, off the top of my head...the late Rev.Jerry Falwell who once said, "I don't believe God hears the prayers of the unredeemed." I don't know how others interpret that comment but...This would mean no one could ever find salvation, Jerry. Before Jerry, I was skeptical of Oral Roberts who told folks that God told him he was going to die if we didn't send him a bunch of money.

Of course, Rev. Pat Robertson would have folks believe that the feminist movement was born in hell. Rev. Pat said, "The Feminist agenda is not about women's rights. It is about socialist, anti-family political movement, which encourages women to leave husbands, kill children and destroy capitalism."

And then there is Pastor Mike Bickle who predicts Oprah Wingrey to be a forerunner to the Anti-Christ. He also predicts progressive Christians and humanitarians will work with Oprah to create a unified one world religion. Marriage will no longer be allowed due to the legalization of same sex marriage. This fella got the Kool aid recipes of Jim Jones. Bickle endorses Ted Cruz...there's two evil speaking people.

With sincere apologies to Pastor John Hagee, I just have enough space to tell the blog readers that I will now stop and offer Christ a prayer of gratitude for my Mammy. I will also pray for those 'outside' the body of Christ because of false prophets. * Jeremiah 23:21

Once Again, I'm not In Charge!

There's no hope! I am not speaking about our political system, I am talking about training my seven pound - seven year-old Toy Poodle, James Wilkerson Yoder, aka., 'Yodie.'

No matter how late I take him out before retiring for the night, Yodie gets me up for his morning walk and constitution at 6AM. Since he does not have opposable thumbs, I'll not complain about bagging his poop. However, when we take a walk and he finally runs out of 'pee-bullets,' he then becomes contentious regarding the direction we are walking. Invariably, the pup insist on having it his way with regards to 'which-way.'

The bedtime routine is all about Yodie. He first insists on sitting at the end of the master bed with his front paws grasping a small white stuff Bear and his mouth clamped to the Bear's nose. During the night, Yodie releases the bear and wanders up between my wife and I. He will wake one of us because he now desires to lay on his back with paws tucked under his chin, I.e., rabbit style. His rear legs are spread apart for an expected belly rub.

At 5:55AM, I feel the dog's nose rubbing against the back of my neck. This should not be taken as some sign of affection; poodle-boy, Yodie is cleaning the 'sleepers' from his weeping eyes. His jump from the bed is more than a subtle comment...'Get up old man if you don't want this place to become an outhouse.'

I'm reminded of something grandpa, E.V. Bennett once said, "If your fixin to train a dog, itta' help if your smarter than the dog."

Let's Talk Blame & Shame

Least we forget in October of 1983, 241 United States Marines were killed by terrorist as they sat in barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

Caspar Weinberger, President Reagan's Defense Secretary stated the following communication account with the Commander-in-Chief. "I implored the President to put the Marines, serving in Beirut, in a safer place before they were attacked. Our Marines had no mission, I begged the President to pull back and be in a more defensible position." The President did not heed the pleas and the rest is tragic history.

The most Marines ever killed in service was in the World War II battle of Iwo Jima...the second greatest number of Marines killed sat in Beirut barracks lightly armed that October day in 1983.

So much for that bit of Reagan legacy, what's the lastest on Hilary Clinton's emails regarding Benghazi?

Operative Phrase is 'Full Force and Fury.'

I am part of the American majority when I state that I am not a scholar on The Book of Revelations. I have studied those passages and understand that 'fire' seems to be very much a part of our future and ultimate end.

I am not an authority on GOP Presidential candidate, Ted Cruz, although the more I listen to his war-charged rhetoric the more I imagine his presidency tethered to Revelations. Any leader who would make the statement in this nuclear age that he would release the 'full force and fury' on any country who would make our servicemen kneel as hostages must be characterized as a potential mad man.

I would hope and pray that every nation on this planet would first embrace diplomacy when these crisis arise instead of releasing their 'full force and fury,' which means ultimate weapons; nuclear weapons and perhaps THAT world-wide fire.

Ted Cruz's temperament at best is problematic. That is unacceptable as leader of the free world.

A Rather 'Nutty' Story

I read in the newspaper where a Colorado man vacationing in the south caused a bit of excitement at a restaraunt when he exposed one of his testicles. Sitting on a bar stool, one of his testicles became visible when he turned.

A female patron asked the manager to address the matter. The manager did so but felt it necessary to identify the woman who complained. This caused the 'Nut Fella' to spread his legs and expose more of his genitalia. Perhaps shored by some Colorado marajuana, the man pointed to his privates with his middle finger and laughed at the complaining lady. The offended woman poured wine on the fella, which causes this reader to question the restaraunt's 'rating.'

The police arrived and thoroughly investigated the incident. They determined that the gent was wearing very short shorts. Don't you admire good police work?

It was reported at the restaurant's closing time that oyster sales for the evening were 'down' considerably.

(Note: This stuff is too bizarre to make up. When in doubt...google it).

Reagan was a good man not a Superman

I wish the current field of GOP Presidential candidates would be honest about their beloved Ronald Reagan when holding him up as some impeccable staunch leader.

For example: It is true that the Americans held hostages by Iran for several months into 1980, were indeed released the first day of Reagan's Presidency but the signing of the agreed release accord was done a day earlier...President Carter was still Commander in Chief. Therefore, Mister Carpet Bomber, Ted Cruz, who suggest Reagan had some thumb print on the release is wrong. Cruz needs to take a high school history refresher course.

And just for the record, the Iran-Contra Affair happened in 1985. The American Congress was unaware of Ronald Reagan's administration entering into an unauthorized weapons exchange deal with Iran in hopes they would persuade Hezbollah to release American hostages being held in Lebanon. Additionally, Reagan denied twice that he knew anything about the scandalous activities but later admitted that his administration was responsible. Therefore, this question: Was Ronnie such a giant of a leader or was he clueless as to what the hell his subordinates were doing?

 Reagan was a good and decent man but he sure the hell made his share of Presidential mistakes and he was not Superman, therefore Cruz and Rubio, Please stop with the campaign bull crap.

Can You Imagine Tomorrow?

This past fall while cutting my grass, the little sixth grade neighborhood boy approached me. I turned off the mower to listen to his inquiry. He said that his class was working on a project called "Changing Times." It seems each student was to interview an elderly person in their neighborhood and ask that person two things, which have been the most drastic changes in their lifetime. The boy added, "My teacher said I should pick the oldest person on my block to interview." There is one fella at the end of the street that I believe to be older but I accepted the mantle.

I told the youngster that I was born in 1939, and from my recollections, I would pick (1) electronics and (2) family unit dynamics as my two biggest changes to notice.

My goodness, I recall the telephone operator asking, "Number please," when you'd pick up the phone receiver. Today many folks carry on their person a pocket 'smart phone' that offers multiple communication opportunities plus Internet service and an unfathomable wealth of information.  My family once sat in a living room staring at a large radio called a console. We listened to a variety of programs, which certainly required one to use imagination since no visual aid was available. Today, I have hundreds of television channels that I can watch.

I remember as a small boy, my father would open the back at the supper hour and give out a loud whistle. My younger brother and I had better be at that back door in a flash because mom had the food on the table. We always shared family meal times. In recent years when visiting my childrens' home the supper hour is different. Active grandchildren have schedules...demanding schedules. That said, many families eat on the run while one parent serves as cab driver for the actively engaged kids.

When the young sixth grade boy left my front yard satisfied with his gathered information from the old neighborhood fart, I had that song verse go through my mind: "I hear babies cryin, I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know. And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

Sometimes Good Guys Screw Up

Webster defines 'propaganda' as biased or slanted information used to promote or publicize  political viewpoints or cause. Americans are inundated with propaganda as are most every country by its government. It's found in advertisement, every political party and the media.

Television pundits, with a specific political agenda pounce on every event and begin 'spinning' in such a manner that will best serve their objectives. Just recently, we learned that two American military vessels ventured into Iran waters. Those boats were intercepted by Iran's military and the ten sailors aboard were detained as captives for less than a day when they were released. Before the 'temporary prisioners' were released our two political parties and their media support groups Fox News ( Republican) and MSNBC (Democrat) began throwing propaganda turds at the wall hoping something would stick for their cause.

Apparently, one of the American boats had an operational issue and ended up in Iranian waters. Later, a spokesman for the captured Americans appeared in a video apologizing for their actions and thanking the Iranians for 'assisting' them The sailor speaking leaves most viewers believing that coercion was evident. I would agree.

I think we should all agree that we would serve our nation and the brotherhood of man by discarding national propaganda, which suggests we ( Americans) somehow are always RIGHT?

I Wish to Support Peacemakers...Help Me.

The young rather dynamic preacher fella at the Wednesday morning Grace Lutheran Church Bible Study told the group of eighty-plus Florida snowbirds that he wanted the group to write down something of which we are conflicted. I suppose he meant a perplexing matter in our life. Immediately, I penciled in my personal notebook, "I need the Lord to grant me tolerance for those who are intolerant."

The pastor then told us to open our Bibles to Matthew Chapter 5. For the next hour, we were to examine the possible interpretation of what Jesus meant when he delivered that message in the Sermon on the Mount. I always understood the Beatitudes to be a description of the perfect disciple and his rewards now and in the hereafter. However, I'm thinking with this 'homework' element of writing down that which conflicts me, perhaps I'm going to eliminate my 'conflict issue.'

I've been a fan of the Beatitudes, especially #9, 'Peacemakers.' We American Christians are always throwing around the word 'peace.' We give a 'peace sign' to our brothers/sister at church. We have a symbolic hand gesture 'peace sign.' At Christmas we are wishing one another 'Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men.' Seemingly, we talk the 'peace' but we fail to 'walk the peace.'

The pastor read each of the ten beatitudes and said he was going to focus on number nine, which reads: "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God."

Okay, if I wish to become more tolerant of the intolerant and I examine the Field of Presidential candidates, which ones do I think spew the most intolerant rhetoric that flies in the face of being a 'peacemaker' whom we would call sons/daughters of God?

You tell me! Who are not peacemakers? Why are they not peacemakers? I wish to believe a Bible study of the Beatitudes will be appliccable to current issues. I would sincerely appreciate your 'take.'

I Just Called to Say I Love You

Let me share a true personal story. I was born February 18, 1939. I recall vividly my growing up years in the mid-1940's through 1957, when I left East St. Louis for Illinois State.

I will not bore you with a lot of junk history but simply make a 'relationship' point; more specifically a 'family-relationship' point.

My father's family (Roustios, his parents and four uncles/aunts) all lived on 56th street in lower Washington Park, a suburb to East St. Louis. That house was located near the railroad tracks that separated Washington Park from Fairmount City. Just across those tracks was two chemical companies where most of the Roustio clan found employment.

My mother's people (Bennett) lived in upper Washington Park within a stone's throw of three sisters and one brother. One sister made her way to employment in our nation's capital.

Many American families of that era likely have a similar story. That all changed with the development of highway systems and distant employment opportunities. We became a very 'mobile' nation.

My brother Tom and wife Vivky spent a number of years in the Dallas/Farmers Branch (Texas) area. Younger brother Marty and wife Denise have made a permanent home in that Texas area. Of course, Gerry and I lived in six different Illinois communities.

Whereas, Gerry and I don't see our children and grandchildren everyday as the 1950 clans did, we nonetheless are most fortunate because hardly a day passes that our adult children don't telephone and now even some of the older grandkids are staying connected to Nana & Boompa.

The 'point:' Family love knows no distance.

'Fair Game' is in the Eye of the Beholder

It occurs to me that the political jargon-phrase, 'fair game' suggests that a topic or issue raised regarding a political opponent is 'worthy' as it relates to vote consideration. For example: We perhaps could agree that the Benghazi event IS 'fair game' as it would relate to Hilary Clinton's Presidential candidacy, however is the philandering behavior of her husband, former President Bill Clinton 'fair game?'

If Mr. Clinton's personal life history reflects anyway on the presidential worthiness of Hilary then I beg to ask the following:

Can voters assume Jeb Bush will lie since his father lied when he said "Watch my lips no new taxes." And when his brother said, "They have WMD.?" Is the Bush family lying issue 'fair game' regarding Jeb's candidacy?

Does Chris Christy's weight (fat) problem indicate a weakness in self-discipline, which would be undesirable in a President? Is the issue 'fair game' conversation?

Is a conversation about Carly Fiorina's breast cancer diagnosis years ago 'fair game?'
Carly also lost a son to drug overdose. Do we dare 'fair game' ask the possibility that this addictiveness could have resulted from Carly being an enabler or is it a DNA thing? 'Fair game' political talk?

OMG, where shall we start with the 'Trumpster?' Is it 'fair game' to talk divorce, multiple 'wives' and four bankruptcies?  Perhaps it would "Make America Great Again" if we all took bankruptcy tomorrow? Is it 'fair game' to question this man's WORD?

Once again, we Americans justify anything and everything that serves our self interests.

Teachers will be Teachers

I read in the newspaper yesterday that a fifty-two year old high school geography teacher in Florida crashed his automobile into a utility pole. When police officers arrived at the scene 'Geography George' decided he didn't want their help. He pushed both police officers before falling into a drainage ditch. Mr. Maphead tested three times over the limit for legal intoxication.

When the fella sobers up, he needs to begin cooperating by preparing geography classroom lesson plans for a substitute teacher for the remainder of the 2016 school year before his incarceration time or community service and probation.

In his defense...

I do understand 'why' today's public school teachers drink alcohol but they need to contain their 'drinking' to the closet...and not the one at school.

I'm Sorry and I Apologize

We hear politicians suggest that they do not wish to be part of 'leaving' negatives for the next generation. Those political folks use that line talking about the national debt, climate changes, military weakness, etc. The cry becomes " Our grandchildren are going to inherit bad and sad situations caused by the other apolitical party."

Personally, I feel compelled to apologize to my grandkids NOW!

Dear Grandchildren:
I am sorry that you must look over your shoulders when out in public because you have been told to stay alert for suspicious looking people who may be terrorists. (As a kid, I never gave it a thought). I am sorry that your schools must conduct 'active-shooter-raids.' When I was attending schools, we had fire drills. Speaking of our schools, much has been made of the fact that prayer is not allowed in public schools. The last time I looked Americans were 'free' to attend church weekly. During my junior year of high school fifty percent of Americans attended church weekly...today less than twenty percent attend church weekly. It seems it was not schools that took God from you but your adult family members.

I don't know how it happened that this country would become so disrespectful to authority. Police officers  while sitting in patrol cars are shot by haters. And on the flip side, you are conflicted by unimaginable police behavior when those officers apprehend some citizens.

Growing up, your grandfather never believed that our society would be free of racial and religious intolerance and prejudice, however I could not imagine the extent to which that hateful prejudice and intolerance has escalated. Innocent churchgoers are shot to death at mid-week prayer meetings and Bible studies. Pastors are shot to death delivering Sunday morning messages.
I am so very sorry that today's politicians engage in public language vulgarity, hate messages directed towards minorities / religions and I am sad to see sports stars today show such blatant greed. I had far better role models during my youth.
I cannot begin to recall the many sporting events, concerts and public events I attended over my lifetime and never being personally examined for a weapon. It saddens me to know that such a procedure is part of your daily life.

I feel guilty on two fronts. First, I enjoyed such a wonderful carefree youth with little worry about safety. Secondly, if there is blame for the sad conditions you encounter, my generation must shoulder that blame. I prayer that you will find it in your heart to forgive us and I also pray to God that with His Devine help your generation can clean up the mess for your grandchildren.

If You Ignore, You Will Enjoy!

Looking in the rear view mirror of a high school coaching journey, I can tell you with all certainty that with every opportunity presented to me (and there were many) came opposition. Interestingly, I often enjoyed the opposition because I was confident that I would conquer it if I applied my passion, abilities, had administrative support and gave ownership to others in a position to assist in the cause.

Let me tell you something about high school athletic coaches everywhere. These mentors, generally speaking, are in a no win situation. No matter what decisions the make, they will make someone unhappy. Unfortunately, the coach will find trust and friendships outside his or her inner circle 'problematic.'

One can only know success when one brings opportunity and opposition together and embraces the former while ignoring the latter. I can still 'taste' the outcome.

Let Your Yes Be Yes and Your No Be No!

American voters often point out with anger how many politicians flip-flop on issues. That posturing  is similar to the 'pot calling the kettle black.' Give me a break!

A quick examination of the gun control debate reveals a couple of factors. (1) There are too many guns in the hands of questionable people and (2) There are too many mentally ill people walking public streets.

Please consider two issues that Americans have considered and over time 'flip-flop their position.
Our nation once supported a very comprehensive mental health program, which incarcerated many of the mentally ill. Those tax payers jumped at the notion that modern 'med-pills' would allow many mental patients to be discharged and live 'among' us in half-way houses...hoping they'd NOT forget to take the pill.
The tax watch folks succeeded in closing most mental hospitals under Ron Reagan's administration.
Now every time there is a gun massacre, the NRA people pontificate guns don't kill people kill and most of those people have mental issues. Oh, REALLY?

Thirty-five years ago, the American landscape began sporting more & more prisons...we seemingly could not build enough prisons. Communities were lobbying lawmakers to get a State government nod to have a prison.
Recently, we began closing prisons...too costly.

The way our society handled  the two aforementioned issues saved those right wingers some tax bucks but at what cost to American lives??

Therefore the next time you hear finger pointing at so-called 'flip-flop' politicians ask yourself this question: What does the public want and are they willing to tax themselves to have it?

Wondering

Hollywood's 'casting couch' is well documented. One could only speculate if its use is more or less prolific in 2016 as compared to the 'Golden Age' of movies, which was between the late 1920's through the late 1950's. I suspect those sexual favor exchanges was best defined as consensual. The game was simple: A powerful movie producer received his pleasures from a young aspiring actress wishing to be cast in a movie role.

I raise this subject for one consideration. It is reported (allegedly) that legendary comic actor, Bill Cosby drugged and raped nearly fifty women many of who were aspiring actresses. Most of the victims' stories are similar. Cosby wanted to 'meet' the young lady and when they were alone, Cosby slipped drugs into drinks and the raped the vulnerable woman.

If these acusations are true it is sad Cosby was not prosecuted and brought to justice many years ago.
If these claims are unfounded on some front or lack of evidence then that also would be sad.

Here is one aspect of these fifty alleged rape cases, which has never been mentioned. Is it possible that one, two or three encounters was a 'casting couch' incident or are we to assume Cosby is guilty of all fifty charges and every women is pure as the driven snow.

Do The Right Thing

Some Parochial high school coaches and their supporters recruit athletes. These private schools are not restricted by geographical boundaries as it would relate to enrollment-residency. The logic is anchored in the right to pursue a religious education.

In the effort to 'balance' and equalize this unrestricted private school residence factor against public school restricted boundaries, State Athletic governing bodies keep designing enrollment classification rules. These measures can best be compared to tax rules, which tries to stop 'tax cheaters.'

Last boys basketball season, Beleville Althoff high school finished second in their IHSA state finals class. They return all but one non-starter this season. I saw Althoff play last week in the Collinsville holiday tournament. They are a juggernaut. They are well coached. Their players deport themselves in a fine manner. My money is on them to win it all this season. Althoff high school may not be guilty of recruiting athletes, I don't know. I have been told the following: One Althoff player should be playing at East St. Louis high school. Another Althoff player should be playing at Belleville East high school and a third youngster should be playing for Belleville West high school.

On another rail, we have private school people pushing for 'vouchers' to send their kids to parochial schools in cities where public schools are deemed failing to meet academic standards. Therefore it would appear that some in the parochial school community, if they could would like have the best inner-city Black basketball player and leave the non-basketball playing Black kid in decaying inner-city schools while local tax payers pick up the tab for some kids' religious education. That's simply wrong. Reference the United States Constitution.

It is in our best interest to 'fix' what is broken; not circumvent and run.

Brighten Your Corner

Last year's headlines of terrorism, gun violence and political ugliness linger in my mind like a bad nightmare. My precious America has lost so much pure innocence. We not only lock our doors these days, we sit uneasy in theaters, sports' arenas and restaraunts for fear of bombs and guns.

If you readers are like me you feel paralyzed with helplessness and yet you wish so badly to do something. Perhaps just perhaps there is something we can do. It is said that charity begins at home. Maybe our 'headlines' begin at home. Today, I am going to challenge myself. I am going to embrace an attitude that creates a brighter light. I may not be in a position that would lend itself to changing the worldwide events or even the events within my country. I am however able to cause different engaging  feelings withwho I come in contact this day.

Today, I can have a ready smile for people I meet. I can offer a kind word or brief conversation with folks. I can quicken my step to open a door for someone. I can yield to the other auto at the intersection or visit a neighbor down my street. This week, I can make a point to telephone a relative or old friend that I have not spoken to in some time. This month, I can spend time going through some closets and identifying some clothing that no longer fits this body and take the items to the Salvation Army.

My small changes attempting to brighten the nearby will not impact the world but if others would join the mission...well you understand.

*"Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;

To the many duties ever near you now be true
Brighten the corner where you are."


* verse from song, "Brighten the Corner."

Happy New Year

New Year's Eve, I watched the midnight fireworks display in Taipei, Taiwan and later the 'Countdown  celebration' from (Times Square), NY, NY. I came away from the two visual experiences with the following conclusions:
(1) Hope springs eternal with new beginnings around the world. (2) Lovers everywhere celebrate that midnight moment sharing a warm embrace and kiss. (3) Americans can out 'drink' most nations except Russia and Ireland. (4) Asian nations put on better fireworks displays and make most of the world's T-Shirts!

Happy New Year to ALL and may God Bless you.