Here's to 2007!

I’d like to end the year on a positive and more personal note- and I can do that seeing how it’s my blog. 2006 for me was the Year of the Movies. And I’m not talking about going to movies but about making movies. This year due to a lack of creative thought and time it became the Year of the Blog. But hopefully next year will be even more creative as I figure a way of combing both, while I pull out the inner journalist/ film maker/ animator in me. So let me share with you some of the highlights for me in 2007.

Media
Top 3 Movies of 2007:

1. The Bourne Ultimatum
2. Transformers
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

Top 3 Albums of 2007:

1. Brad Paisley- 5th Gear
2. Chris Rice- What a Heart is Beating For
3. Casting Crowns- The Alter and the Door

Favorite New Shows of 2007:

• Chuck
• Life
• Burn Notice
• The Big Bang Theory

Alright so now you have a better taste of what I like in entertainment. Just for the record I want to state that I do read books, but with school and being forced to read, I haven’t set aside time for what I want to read. But for Christmas I did get a couple of books I will be starting in the New Year.

Highpoints of 2007: Brad Paisley Concert & Junior Class- Boston Trip
Shock of 2007: Taking in a now 70 lbs. Sharpei named Ginger
Low-points of 2007: Final Episodes of Stargate: SG-1

And with today marking the close of 2007 I could tell you what I hope to achieve next year, but I don’t want to look back on un-kept resolutions. So for now I look back on an ok year and hope for even better new one….and hoping to rid myself of my Algebra book. So here’s to 2007!

Wake Up. Get Real. Move On.

It’s New Year’s Eve and that means it’s time to get ready for a whole new year! But of course you can’t think about the future without thinking a little about the past. 2007 was certainly an eventful year but that doesn’t mean it was a good one when it comes to what was reported.

You probably recall Don Imus getting in trouble for a racial remark he made. But here’s the thing, he was known for making rude comments- it’s who he is. So why did he get in trouble? Because some folks just have to go and pull out the Race Card. Yes I believe he did go a little to far in his personal comment but it’s not like he’s the only person to make such a rude comment about someone. As for Miss South Carolina, while we all got a chuckle out of her answer, we all have at some point done something to embarrass ourselves.

One reason for making this blog is to express my opinions on events in the world, while also killing time. Currently I want to go into Broadcast Journalism, but now at the end of 2007 part of me feels ehhh because of all the stupid reports made by the media. So let me introduce you to what I call The Moron Report.

The Moron Report of 2007:

1. Paris Hilton was in jail and out of jail. People cheered and people cried. She read the Bible in prison and said she’d change. Now whether she meant that in this lifetime nobody knows?
2. Anna Nichole Smith- why anyone would care about her remains a mystery to me.
3. Rosie vs. Trump- who cares.
4. Michael Vick
5. Barry Bonds
6. Vanessa Hudgens likes her privacy but has apparently no protection against online theft.
7. Marie Osmond fell on live television. Is something wrong with her? No. But there is with us? Yes, because for some reason people actually care.
8. Lindsay and Britney have no talent and their lives are going down the drain. So why is that we hear so much about them?
9. Jamie Lynn Spears- 16 and pregnant. Jamie hopes that what has happened to her will be a message to all teens- as if she’s the first girl to wind up in this situation.
   

Yes it was reports like these that made up the headlines of 2007. And sadly it took the loss of lives to draw our attention away from that of troubled lives. America certainly saw its fair share of tragedy. From Virginia Tech, the fires in California, the Omaha Mall Shootings, to the fall of the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis. And in case you ever forgot we're still in a war. But were not alone in the suffering, earthquakes, hurricanes, riots, and assassinations haunt others in the world around us.

2007 has hopefully shown us the world we live, and how it’s about time that we do something about it. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about sending their kids to school. People shouldn’t have to be scared of someone hurting them in a mall. And we shouldn’t have to question the stability of the bridge beneath us. And we certainly don’t have to hear about other people messing up their own lives. We’ve been given life to make something of it, it may not be a perfect world and it may never be one, but we can try. So in 2008 let’s wake up, get real, and move on.

The Loss of Benazir Bhutto

It’s been the number one story across the world and one that many had hoped would never be reported. Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan, was killed by a suicide bomber. Bhutto had just finished speaking at a rally and had made it into her vehicle when the assassin struck, killing at least twenty other people.

Bhutto’s death comes two weeks before scheduled elections where she was a leading opposition candidate. Al-Qaida, along with the Taliban, has declared responsibility for the murder of Benazir Bhutto, and Pakistan officials have stated that they hold evidence to back this claim. However, many of Bhutto’s supporters have blamed President Pervez Musharraf’s government for the attack, what with Bhutto being Musharraf’s most powerful opponent. Back in September Bhutto accused Musharraf’s allies of pushing Pakistan to crisis by refusal to restore democracy and share power- this making her a key ally to the U.S.

In his response to the news of her death President Bush condemned the assassination as a cowardly act and urged the killers to be brought to justice. Bhutto survived the attack on her life back in October when she returned from exile. Knowing what she faced continued to put her life on the line. Offering words of encouragement President Bush said to honor Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life. "She knew that her return to Pakistan earlier this year put her life at risk. Yet she refused to let assassins to dictate the course of her country."

Today the interior ministry released a transcript of a supposed conversation between militant leader Baitullah Mehsud and another militant talking about Bhutto’s assassination. “It was a spectacular job. They were very brave boys who killed her," said Mehsud. Never have I found the word “brave” to have been so misused. Brave is how you would describe Benazir Bhutto.

Her memory and the love for her can definitely be seen in the faces of the people who supported her, but their response is probably not in the best fashion. Ransacking banks, waging shootouts with police, burning trains and destroying buses, are most likely not considered to be the must civilized of ways in dealing with death. But who do these people have to turn to? What is their future? Its painful thoughts like these that haunt the people of Pakistan who mourn the loss of Benazir Bhutto.

Earlier post on Benazir Bhutto after the Karachi Bombings

Crown a Basket-Case?

Add a little pepper and you have a recipe for- confusion? That’s the case with Ingrid Marie Rivera, Miss Universe Puerto Rico, who claims she’s a victim of sabotage. Before winning the crown on Nov. 23, Rivera revealed that after refreshing her makeup during the contest preliminary on Nov. 18, she experienced redness, itching and swelling of her face and broke out in hives. She also said she experienced severe itching around the edges of her evening gown towards the end of the event. The substance- pepper spray.

At first you might ask yourself how someone could do such a thing, and then you might ask why Rivera was targeted. The answer…there isn’t one. Upon viewing video of the pageant, you, like me, might realize that there are no signs of redness or swelling on Rivera. Signs of severe itching or hives would surely be a dead give away when it’s custom in a beauty pageant to wear swimsuits and gowns. So this leaves us with three questions:

1. Why was Rivera targeted?
   
2. Who targeted her?


3. Where are these symptoms she speaks about?

These three questions come together to make one big question- is Rivera making the whole thing up? This whole thing would be a little more believable if she was one of the top few girls chosen days ahead of the finals. And to top this whole tale off, forensic investigators have found no shred of evidence to prove Rivera’s story. Plus she continued to wear the “uncomfortable” dress long after she was required to.

And as of recent news, Miss Puerto Rico has stated she is willing to take a polygraph. If she does take the lie detector test we will learn only two things:

1. She stands by her story.


2. She’s an idiot.

I want to know why she even cares since she’s already won. Whatever the case may be, Ingrid Marie Rivera has faith in God that the truth will come out. So in closing I would like to leave you readers with this final question- did Puerto Rico crown a basket-case?

Clinton Campaign Hostage Taker

Earlier today in Rochester, New Hampshire a man identified as Leeland Eisenberg walked into a campaign office for Hillary Clinton and took hostages around 1 p.m.; his motive- to talk to the democratic candidate for president. Eisenberg, 46, released a woman with an infant about two hours later. The woman then ran to a nearby business where she asked for help and called 911, reporting that the man walking into the office opened his jacket showing off a bomb strapped to his chest.

Police evacuated and sealed off the block, setting up communication lines within the area. Barack Obama and John Edwards’ nearby campaign offices also evacuated their workers for safety. It was later reported that the bomb was believed to instead be made up of road flares.

During the course of the event, hostages were released one-by-one. It was after 6 p.m. when the last hostage of a possible four person group, ran from the campaign office to behind the police roadblock. Seconds later Eisenberg surrendered outside where he pulled off the device duct taped to his chest. Officers arrested Eisenberg who was wearing gray dress-pants a white dress shirt and a red tie.

It’s said the suspect has a history of mental illness and according to his son had been drinking earlier in the day. Back in March of this year, Eisenberg made headlines when he complained about a police policy of placing fliers in unlocked cars warning motorists to lock their car doors to prevent theft. Eisenberg believed it was merely an excuse to search citizens’ cars.

Eisenberg never received his demand to speak to Clinton, for it was for the safety of others that Hillary not give in to the possible terrorist’s requests. A wrong response from her could have led to disastrous results for her campaign volunteers. It isn’t known or has it been released just what hostage taker wanted of the presidential candidate, if anything it would give indication that he questioned something in her campaign.

With no reports of the hostages being injured, the last day of November ends on a positive note, of an event that could have gone wrong. This leaves the question as to what was going through the mind of the Clinton campaign hostage taker (sounds like an episode for Criminal Minds).

Dec. 1 - Update: Eisenberg wanted to speak to Clinton about helping him get mental health care.

Remembering Evel Knievel

Truth or dare? Well if your name was Robert Craig Knievel, Jr. you would probably accept the dare. Today, the world’s most famous American motorcycle daredevil passed away at the age of 69. In case you were wondering how the risk-taking cyclist died, I can assure you it was not due to some stunt gone wrong. For many years now Evel Knievel had been a victim to diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs. “It's been coming for years, but you just don't expect it. Superman just doesn't die, right?" said longtime friend Billy Rundel.

If anything it’s a shock Knievel didn’t die a long time ago having suffered a number of bone breaking injuries. It was failures at Snake River Canyon and Caesar’s Palace that made him big. Incidents like crashing after jumping 13 buses, and falling with a rocket engine over a canyon after his parachute failed.

Most recently the daredevil made headlines for filing a lawsuit against Kanye West. Knievel took action against West who made a music video where he mimics the famous daredevil. A video that contains Pamela Anderson and well...goes in a direction that differs that of risking one's life for sport.

They say a little scare is good for the body and if this is true than Knievel was one healthy man. Having been able to walk, limp, ride, etc. from every stunt, this one man shows…that it’s possible to survive doing the most stupid things. And with this in mind, daredevils and fans everywhere are remembering Evel Knievel.

Cyclone Sidr

In this post I write for all of Americans who offer their prayers and condolences to the people of Bangladesh. Yesterday the country that lies in the southern part of Asia was struck by a vicious tropical cyclone. Cyclone Sidr tore through with winds rising as high as 130 mph. Destroying towns, leaving millions without power, and claiming at least 1,100 lives.

But of course there is still devastation following the aftermath. People flee in search of shelter, many without homes. Others search for missing loved ones, with numbers in the thousands of those who have not been found. And so, we can only pray that from this tragedy, God brings his hands of comfort to all the victims of Cyclone Sidr.

Update Nov. 18: Death toll about 10,000

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Innocent until proven guilty…it’s a pretty interesting phrase, mostly because we don’t really believe in it. You could call it more of a suggestion than a legal right permitted to someone who has been accused of wrong. These days we’re quick to point fingers and appoint blame to the suspicious. We’re so sure that they’re guilty, that we believe any evidence would prove our assumptions.

Drew Peterson has been making headlines this week due to the fact that he is the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife Stacy. Stacy, Peterson’s fourth wife, went missing in late October. Peterson, a police sergeant in Bolingbrook, Illinois, also lost his third wife when she was mysteriously found dead in their bathtub. Her death is believed to be, by some, a homicide made to look like an accident. His second wife is reported to have said that Peterson used to hit her and said he could kill her and make it look like an accident. All cases point blame at Peterson.

Wednesday, on NBC’s Today show, Matt Lauer interviewed Drew Peterson about his current wife’s disappearance, and the accusations made against him. Peterson stated how he believes his wife has run off with another man and is in hiding. He also mentioned that FOX News’s Geraldo Rivera told him how to phrase certain things- all leading to the belief that he was indeed guilty. Believing in the possibility that Stacy is alive, Lauer asked Peterson if there was anything he wanted to say to his wife. Turning to face the camera and with a chuckle, Peterson asked for his wife to come home.

The following morning on Today, there was a segment on the study of Peterson’s body language during the previous day’s interview. Peterson remained quite calm throughout the entire interview, even slouching back in his chair. It was pointed out however, how Peterson’s foot becomes quite active when asked about his third wife’s death- hinting that he was uncomfortable. There has been mention that Drew Peterson was very watchful of what Stacy did or who she met with. This raised the question that if Stacy did meet another man, Peterson is likely to have known about it.

This story seems to mimic in some ways that of Scott Peterson’s, the man found guilty for the death of his wife Laci and their unborn son. But it also carries out that same traits all cases do when a husband’s wife goes missing.

Not all accusations made against a person(s) are true. A few examples would be that of the Dukes Lacrosse team or the man whose wife went missing for several days. Turns out she was trapped in her car after having driven into a ravine.

I want to make it clear that I’m not defending Peterson or anyone believed to be guilty of some crime. The purpose of this post is to get everyone to think before they lay blame on a person, while reporting on the story at the same time. Another example of laying blacme would be of the parent’s of the still missing Madeleine McCann. Parents accused of doing away with their own child. It would certainly seem that in today’s world a person is never innocent until proven guilty but rather guilty until proven innocent.

Go Green

This week NBC Universal went green, and by this I don’t mean they gave in to the writers strike. Using the slogan “Green is Universal”, NBC promoted the concept of helping to make the environment cleaner. To advertise their promotion, NBC, MSNBC, SciFi, USA, etc. all donned a green look, along with providing eco-friendly tips in their programming. The promotions included tips on recycling, saving electricity, not keeping your car engine running, buying organic foods, etc.

The Today show kicked off the week with broadcasts from different parts of the earth, sending Matt Lauer to the Artic Circle, Al Roker to Ecuador (the Equator), and Ann Curry to Antarctica. “Today Goes to the Ends of the Earth” was designed to highlight the causes and effects of global warming.

So will this campaign have an affect on the people of the world? Well if we all worked together we could help to make our world a cleaner place to live. Wouldn’t it be nice? It’s certainly a great idea, and who knows, maybe there would be some sort of Nobel Prize dedicated to the people who made an effort to improving the environment. I mean if Al Gore can get a prize for having a bright idea anything is possible- not that he was the first to think of protecting our environment.

We only have one planet to call home, so perhaps it’s time that we all try our best to go green.

The Right Thing to Do?

You may not be familiar with who Paul Tibbets is but you may familiar with his work. The then Col. Tibbets piloted the first aircraft to drop the atomic bomb. On August 6, 1945, Tibbets flew the Enola Gay from Tinian Island in the Marianas at 2:45 a.m. for Hiroshima, Japan. Codenamed Little Boy, the atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m., killing about 140,000 Japanese, with many more dying later.

Tibbets died earlier today at the age of 92. For the past few years he had been suffering from small strokes and heart failure. In his will, Tibbets stated that he did not want a funeral nor did he want a headstone- for he feared that his grave would attract protesters against the dropping of the atomic bomb.

In 1976, Tibbets re-enacted the bombing at an air show in Texas. After criticism from the Japanese, Tibbets stated how it was not meant to be an insult, but the U.S. government went on to formally apologize to Japan. On the 50th anniversary of the bombing in 1995, Tibbets called an anniversary exhibition of the Enola Gay at the Smithsonian Institution a "damn big insult", due to the suffering the bombing caused.

Tibbets never regretted his actions on the decision to drop the bomb. He stated that it was his patriotic duty and that he never lost sleep over it. Tibbets retired from the Air Force a Brigadier General in 1966. In March 2005, he stated “If you give me the same circumstances, hell yeah, I'd do it again.” Paul Tibbets went on to claim that he was never proud about taking so many lives, but he stated that the country was at war and it was the right thing to do.

War is such a complicated thing. So many are for it and so many are against it. We can ask ourselves what we would do and analyze our thoughts for hours. But in the sinful world we live in, it’s sometimes hard to figure out the right thing to do.

Remembering Robert Goulet

Robert Goulet died last night (Oct. 30) while awaiting a lung transplant. He was 73. Too many Robert Goulet was known as a big-voiced baritone entertainer. His deep singing voice entranced listeners from all around. With his voice being the reason for his stardom, he made sure to tell doctors to watch out for his vocal cords when they were inserting a breathing tube.

For adults he was a Broadway star along with being a Grammy and Tony Award-winner. Goulet gained stardom for his role in “Camelot”, the Arthurian play in which he starred as Sir Lancelot. But for a young person, like me, he was more famous for his guest appearances in Boy Meets World or The King of Queens. Though never visually seen, Goulet contributed his deep toned vocals to the singing voice of Mikey Blumberg on the Disney cartoon Recess.

I may not have been a huge fan of Mr. Goulet, but I did have many enjoyable moments of singing along with his style of Green Tambourine. And now it would seem that the music is more treasuring as fans everywhere are remembering Robert Goulet.

The Actions of F.E.M.A.

With close to a million people being evacuated from their homes due to the raging wildfires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.) scheduled a press conference. When the time came, Vice Adm. Harvey E. Johnson, the agency’s deputy director began the debriefing.

Now when watching you would think that you were viewing a regular press conference. One problem- there weren’t any reporters. Instead F.E.M.A had agency staffers pose as journalists. The staged briefing became noticeable when F.E.M.A. began praising itself.

Now just how big of an issue is this for the average concerned American? Well F.E.M.A. apologizes and states its intentions were just to relay information to the public. So this really shouldn’t be a problem right? But one would call this move inexcusable and unacceptable. What would happen if the White House placed its own people in press conferences? They would have a stronger hand (then they already do) on the type of information released to the public. But I’m not suggesting that everyone start turning their eyes over to the White House. In their defense they weren’t exactly pleased with the actions of F.E.M.A.

A Taste of Armageddon

I woke up this morning to dark skies and a misty atmosphere. The feel of long awaited rain was in the air- a feeling many people in the Southeast have been waiting for. But in an instant the world outside my house was painted red-casting a look of the end of the world. Armageddon is best described as the final battle between good and evil. But lately the West and Southeast coasts of America have found themselves losing a battle to Mother Nature.

While the south prays for rain to save them from a drought, the west prays for an end to the intense wildfires. But when it comes to comparing the two regions, the west unfortunately takes the cake. Georgia has gone as far as alerting the President of its dire situation; wanting him to pullback on the release of water emptied into the Chattahoochee River. Georgia officials urge residents to decrease their water usage and have placed bans on outdoor water use.

Picture this. You wake up in the morning and head to work where you have to enter a fiery furnace. Now imagine being told to evacuate your house. You heed these words and make your way out, but you stop and look back and wonder if you will ever return home. While firefighters battle walls of fire; the people of California seek shelter from the inferno.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in seven California counties where fires burned. This declaration has resulted in over a million people abandoning their homes. While the fight continues, firefighters doubt whether or not they can stop the spread. They say that unless the winds of Santa Ana subside- all that can be done has been done.

The pictures from the California wildfires paint the image of the end of the world. And with a portrait like that, we can’t help but pray to be saved from what seems to be a taste of Armageddon.

Eat Fresh

Suicide has a new name and it’s Country Breakfast Burrito, the new item on the Hardee’s menu. This deadly burrito comes packed with two egg omelets filled with bacon, sausage, diced ham, cheddar cheese, hash browns and sausage gravy, all wrapped inside a flour tortilla. And it’s loaded with 920 calories and over 60 grams of fat. If you’re licking your lips right now, who could blame you? To be honest the answer would be you.

Hardee’s sees its core customers as young men ages 18 to 34. Probably a good idea, the last thing Hardee’s needs are crowds of angry women yelling how their husbands think they're fat. And if you think about it Hardee’s and other fast food establishments are not only helping themselves but other businesses as well. How? Hardee’s makes a profit off their food items and clothing retail stores have an increase in sales for XXL clothing.

It’s sort of funny how a new study shows schools cafeterias getting healthier, comes out after this story. I know for a fact the school I attend isn’t on the list of positive results. Lunches at my private “Christian” high school, are made up of Pizza, Taco Bell, candy bars, chips, and soda. I don't blame the school or anyone (story just goes with this post), people are responsible for what they harden their arteries with. I know it’s a fundraiser and the kids enjoy the food- but you'd think you see some fruit somewhere. But don’t worry, they took our health into consideration and serve Subway twice a week- eat fresh.

Karachi Bombings

It was supposed to be a day of welcoming for Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister of Pakistan. But what started as a celebration turned into a tragedy.

The streets of Karachi, Pakistan were filled with fans cheering with welcome arms for Bhutto. She was returning after an eight-year self-imposed exile for the Pakistan national elections. While her convoy made its way to the tomb of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, two explosions occurred halfway from Bhutto’s depart from the airport. The explosions took place in front of the rallying truck from which she greeted her supporters.

Benazir was unharmed and was escorted safely away from the scene. But while she left uninjured, the same could not be said for mass of people who had been following her. The blasts hit the crowds and two police cars shielding her rallying bus, killing 136 and injuring hundreds more.

There was a great ripple effect sent throughout the crowd. People running for safety, fearing another attack; others calling out for those lost in the crowds. But amongst all the panic, many in the crowd became Good Samaritans, doing what they could to get the injured to hospitals.

With such a powerful attack, there has so far been no claiming for the responsibility of the bombings. However suspects captured are believed to have ties to either Al-Qaida or be supporters of the late military ruler Mohammed Zia ul-Haq. Zia overthrew Bhutto's father President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1977 and 2 years later hanged her father. Bhutto was quoted saying, “I know exactly who wants to kill me. It is the dignitaries of the former regime of General Zia who are today behind the extremism.” Along with her suspicions, Bhutto questions why the streetlights failed after sunset when her convoy was making its way through the streets. She said attempts to reach the national security adviser to have the lights restored were unsuccessful due to phone lines being supposedly down.

The attack is said to be the deadliest the country has ever experienced. Bhutto said she wants to strengthen ties with American forces, and would help in the search for Osama bin Laden- a reminder that America is not alone in the war on terror. Said U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tom Casey: "There is no political cause that can justify the murder of innocent people. Those responsible seek only to foster fear and limit freedom. The United States stands with the people of Pakistan to eliminate terrorist threats, and to build a more open, democratic, and peaceful society.”

While Karachi recovers from its tragedy, the nations of the world offer their condolences to the people who were in the Karachi bombings.

An Inconvenient Truth

This Friday in Oslo, Norway, the winner of the Noble Peace Prize will be announced. It is heavily believed that the award will be presented to Al Gore. The former vice-president has spent much of the past year speaking about global warming. He travels around the globe educating the public about the severity of the climate crisis.

With the rumors at hand it raises the question as to whether or not he will toss his hat in the presidential elections. Many Gore supporters have started a draft calling for Gore to run for the position of America’s next Commander-in-Chief. While Gore hasn’t said that he plans to run, he also hasn’t said that he won’t. When asked about Gore on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Hilary Clinton said she felt that the Democratic Party was already full of great candidates- but she hopes he wins the award.

So will Al Gore run? If he was to enter the race, certainly has time, he would change the current course the Democrats are on. But if he did run and was elected, how would he lead America? In his Academy Award-winning documentary film he warned us how it’s time we do something about the problems in the environment, while at the same time did quite a bit of rambling on his own life. Gore certainly has the right attitude in mind when it comes to protecting the environment. But it seems to me to be all talk and no action. Talk about an inconvenient truth.

October 12 Update: Gore Wins Award

This Long Haul

With every passing moment we draw a “little” closer to the 2008 Presidential elections. Though the election is a year away, the race to see who will win the Republican and Democratic nominations has already begun.

It would seem that the little voice speaking of the supposed failure of the Bush administration, is telling the media to promote the Democrats. Turn on your televisions, radios, or flip through a magazine and you will most likely see more coverage on the Democratic candidates. Perhaps if there had never been a war, the Republicans wouldn’t be looked at as the least capable party of cleaning up this “supposed” mess. And maybe if we hadn’t gone to war there would be peace in the world. And we wouldn’t have the problems we have now. Wait sorry this isn’t Hollywood.

America is split into four sections. You have 1) Against the war; 2) For the war; 3) Neutral; and 4) Only cares about what Entertainment Tonight and TMZ have to say. So with this in mind, it would seem this election is more popular. Why? Because everyone is trying to find the person who they believe will lead them to the Promise Land.

So who will it be for both parties? Well the choice of course lies in the hands of America. But look where that gets us. Pro-Bush voters outnumbered Pro-Gore 2000/Kerry 2004 voters. Americans are always going to disagree when it comes to who is sitting in the Oval Office. But when it comes to electing someone to such a high position we have to do two things- 1) Pray that they have the strength to lead; and 2) Remember they're just like us, they just have a bigger job. So keep that in mind on this long haul.

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Missing a Brain?

Usually when taking a walk the only real thing you have to look out for is little surprises left by dogs. Well if you were in Richmond, Virginia this morning you may have had the unfortunate pleasure of stumbling across a brain. Yes that's right a brain- it's that thing so many people forget to use these days.

Apparently the brain was left in a bag near an apartment complex and medical examiners aren't sure if it belongs to a human or an animal. Richmond police spokeswoman Karla Peters said, "We're waiting for the medical examiner to determine how we should proceed," she said.

Here's an idea Karla- how about finding the body. If it helps just narrow it down to a body that has a head missing a brain.

Boston

So the Neutral Zone has been a little quiet lately, and the reason for that is due to my being in Boston this past week. So since I’m back at the keyboard I thought that I would share with some of the things that happened on my trip. If you’re unfamiliar with me, then I should let you know that being in Boston was because it is an annual trip for the U.S. History class.

So we left Sunday (Sept. 30) and returned Friday (Oct. 5). On our first day we were greeted with the train from the airport being shut down for the weekend. While we didn’t get our preferable means of transportation at first we did get to see the lovely smoke stack areas of Revere, Massachusetts. We took shuttle, bus, train, bus, and ended up doing the reverse of that routine later that day. We took in a more pleasant view thanks to the Boston Duck Tours- we even got to take our hand at the wheel.

A few of our meals we received from Quincy Market- that’s a place to check out. Just about whatever you feel like eating is there- though I don’t recall seeing Mexican. But one of the big surprises myself and a couple my friends got is when we saw John Kerry. We saw his supporters who were so excited to see him and yet they left their well made signs behind after he was gone- hmmm?

We walked the Freedom Trail on Wednesday, hitting all the historical spots in Boston. You get an idea of how long the journey to independence was by the long walk- though the Bunker Hill Memorial was probably the real challenge. Another challenge for me at least is when we stopped at a college for two nights. The rooms we were placed in may have not met up to some of our hopes, but later it didn’t really matter after I saw the wonderful hospitality of our hosts.

The Boston area has so much to offer when it comes to learning about our history and not just about the Revolutionary War. When you go on a tour of a house that someone was lived in you try to picture their life. You walk through their rooms and try to imagine what these people were like. Like the word “history”, you try to learn his-story (or hers). It’s especially helpful to have an understanding or background of the places you visit because you can walk away appreciating them more.

But besides the great educational experience, it’s always fun to get the chance to know the people you sit with for hours everyday. You get the chance to learn things you probably never would’ve known about their character in school. So with the trip over with I’m sad to see it end- but mostly because it means going back to school. But at least I got the chance to walk away with many great memories. Things such as finding our way around the town; Red Sox Rally; Van rides; singing; dangerous showers; snoring; the laughs; all just a few of things I will remember from my time in Boston.

No Happy Meal

On Thursday federal agents raided 11 McDonald's restaurants in northern Nevada. Why? Well despite what you may think it was not to arrest the Hamburglar. Agents for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made at least 56 arrests on McDonald's employees who are believed to be illegal immigrants.

Luther Mack, owner of at least some of the restaurants that were raided, insisted that his businesses require employees to provide documentation. So explain the 56 employees who are being accused of being in this country illegally. It's not like this situation is unbelievable.

Supporters of the 56 would say that this whole situation was handled in the wrong fashion. But who really knows how the everything took place? Is the media just building the story up by using the word "raid"? Others say it's wrong to keep men and women from returning home to their children who have no idea where the parents are. I doubt both parents of a child(ren) are being held.

Though America is very serious about who it allows to enter the country, we must also be careful how we handle such a task. I would hope agents of the U.S. Immigration service treat someone who may be here illegally respectively. We don't want these "raids" to become a routine- that would be no happy meal.

Only a Dream?

Two thousand years ago a murderer named Barabbas was sentenced to death by means of crucifixion. It was during the Jewish holiday, Passover, that one prisoner was released by the choosing of the people. The Roman governor Pontius Pilate gave the crowd two men to be chosen for the special release. Barabbas was one, the other was Jesus. The crowd chanted, “Barabbas! Give us Barabbas!” Pilate was shocked to hear that they would choose a murderer over a man who he had found no fault with. But rather deal with the crowd, Pilate freed Barabbas and turned Jesus over to the people to be crucified.

Yesterday, hundreds of protesters joined together in support for six African- American men who have been charged with beating a white peer. However the story goes back to almost a year ago at Jena High School where hangman’s nooses were placed on a tree that was mostly used by Caucasian students. The three white student perpetrators received in-school suspension.

In December 2006 a school fight broke out involving six black students beating white student. According to reports, the young man beaten had been bragging about how one of his attackers had been beaten by a white man the weeks before. The six claim there had been a weeks worth of intimidation led by white students. The six black students were arrested and charged with attempting second-degree murder.

The six young men have been dubbed the “Jena Six” and are currently still being held for the charges against them. So because of the recent news about the six, hundreds of African-Americans protested the young men being held. Protested? A man nearly died and you run out to support the one who gave the beating. Now I’m not defending the white students whose actions are inexcusable, I’m just guessing that since one man came close to death is the reason why six young men are being held.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

So in a situation like this what can you expect to get? Yep, someone goes and pulls out their race card. That’s starting to get really old. People out there are saying this is an attack on black people. Stop looking at it that way! I see it as six men beating another man to death. It shouldn’t matter if their red and yellow, black or white. Sure the guy who beat up one of the six should’ve been punished- I don’t know that he wasn’t or why there hasn’t been any report of his actions- but I’m going to say I find that man’s action equally as offensive as that of the six. It's issues or incidents like this that unfortunately keep people like Al Sharpton in business.

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

The events of 9/11 led to mass racial profiling for people from the Middle East. The Virginia Tech assassin led to few eyes turning on people of Oriental heritage. Hitler murdered Jews. When is this world going to wake up and get through a day without one person accusing another of being racial? If you know your history you know that we all go back to Adam and Eve- though you may not be a believer of Christianity. My point is that we are all one, and if we have to judge someone is needs to be on character or actions, not by skin color. The question is, will we ever make the following hopes come true, or are they only a dream?

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

* Quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Fight They Can Win

Tonight President Bush addressed the country on the subject of America's current role in the War on Terror. But perhaps the main reason for tuning in was to hear the president speak on reducing the numbers of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. 5,700 troops will return home by Christmas time followed by four brigades of at least 21,500 returning in July 2008. Currently there are at least 169,000 soldiers stationed in the Middle East.

"We need a spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together. If we have no sense of community, the American dream will wither."
- President Bill Clinton

The news of withdrawing troops comes as an answered prayer for many families who have have been waiting for the return of their sons and daughters. Though while this country set out to weaken those who would do us harm, this war has not come without striking up problems in our own backyard. Many people have raised their voices protesting the war, but for reasons of safety for their loved ones who are fighting. While they might blame the government, they need to remember that this war is made up of volunteers. Some of us cannot even begin to imagine what the soldiers are having to endure for us. And that brings us to the question of whether we want to fight the problem there or fight it here.

"A president's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right."
- President Lyndon B. Johnson

President Bush stated that we must help Iraq to defeat those who threaten their future and threaten ours. He added how we must work to help Iraq maintain its security- for America does not abandon their friends. The president talked about how Iraqi forces are becoming more capable but there is still a great deal to be done.

"All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first thousand days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."
- President John F. Kennedy

We know that this war is far from over and that it will continue into the following presidency, but we hope that there will be a sense of accomplishment. President Bush, "For the safety of future generations we must succeed." Since 9/11 we have hoped to put an end to terrorism and while we can try our best to protect ourselves we can never be fully safe.

"In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest."
- President William McKinely

America has certainly had its share of wars, and none were over in a short period of time. We can't look at this war as bad intentions from the Bush administration, for their goal has been nothing but the preservation and safety of human lives. You may not agree with what is said or decided by the government, its leaders, or even those who might blog their opinions. Leading a country is a great responsibility- so who are we to say that we could do a better job?

"My failures have been errors of judgment, not of intent."
- President Ulysses S. Grant

“…let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
- President Abraham Lincoln

War of course is nothing grand, and we cry for an end to the blood that is spilled everyday. But we can't abandon those who had our best intentions in mind. So we pray for an end and the safe return of our soldiers. We can not turn against them. They're fighting so that we may never have to see another tragedy like 9/11. It may not be the withdrawal some would have wanted, but a few troops home is better than none at all. As President Bush said in his speech, "It is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win."