Monthly Archives: June 2016

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Another mass shooting. This time, at the “Pulse” nightclub in Orlando, Florida. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since 9/11.

Some folks, again, blame guns and their availability. There is some logic to this.

Blaming gun violence on the availability guns is logical in the same way that blaming the nation’s obesity problem on the availability of food is logical. Simple thoughts from simple minds.

Simple fix: Why hold a person responsible for his/her own behaviors when you can simply deny folks the freedoms of self-defense or an extra scoop of ice cream? (Of course, this only applies to law abiding citizens. The others aren’t governed by laws and will continue to murder innocent, defenseless people and/or get fat.)

YOUR HOROSCOPES #4

See previous posts for earlier Zodiac signs.

 

SIGN: CANCER

Cancer is the emotional sign of “THE CRAB”. Cancerians are those who were born between June 21st and July 22nd. Their traits are the most difficult to pin down. They are loving, protective and sympathetic (perhaps even clinging and unable to let go) ,and emotional (maybe to the point of being overly emotional, touchy and moody.) They tend to be intuitive and imaginative, yet shrewd and cautious. But here’s the caveat: They are changeable. Cancerians tend to lean toward the politically Liberal side. They will jump at the chance to help you to safely cross a busy street (in a very careful and caring manner). But, once you reach the other side, don’t expect them to automatically let go of your hand.

SUB-SIGN: DRACO

Draco is the non-emotional sub-sign of Cancer. It’s symbol is ” THE DRAGON”. Actually, “Draco is Latin for dragon” and was one of 48 constellations named by Claudius Ptolemy (100-170 AD.). Those born on July 3rd might take the idea of simple caution to the warning stage (for example: Don’t celebrate with fireworks tomorrow or I’ll have you locked up!). Historically, Draco (the man), was the first legislator in 7th century Athens. The laws he drafted were harsh and unforgiving. From this came the term “Draconian”. Dracos may suffer from acid reflux and halitosis. And their feet are no field of daisies either.

PROBLEM SOLVED! except………….

Wouldn’t it be great to have a familiar face jump out of the woodwork to challenge Donald and Hillary? What if that face was very familiar? An Actor? What if that face belonged to a person who is neither Republican nor Democrat? What if he holds a lifetime membership in the N.R.A. while working closely and successfully with some of the most left leaning Liberal Progressives in the country? What if he holds an honorary doctorate from Pepperdine University awarded to him due to his outstanding character and ethic? What if he is a board member of the non-profit “Michael Josephson Institute of Ethics” and co-founder of the “Character Counts Coalition”? What if he is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity who’s founder wrote, “…the main aim and object of Sigma Chi has been, and is, to develop and train broad-minded men who can recognize the wholeness of things and who are not bound down to a contracted, eight-by-ten notion of exclusiveness. There is an absolute necessity for such men.”? What if he was in the 160th Infantry Division of the California National Guard and activated during the Watts riots? What if he attended the California Military Academy and was commissioned a Lieutenant? What if, as an actor,  he was given an extra $350,000.00 at the end of a project and turned around and bought gifts such as Rolex watches and Porches and gave $1,000.00 bonuses to the cast and crew? What if The Joint Leadership of the United States Congress and the Congressional Award Board of Directors presented him with the Congressional Horizon Award? (The Horizon Award is presented to individuals from the private sectors who have contributed to expanding opportunities for all Americans through their own personal contributions, and who have set exceptional examples for young people through their successes in life.) What if he is gracious enough, funny enough and humble enough to be one of the first stars to personally accept a $4.97  Golden Raspberry Award (Razzie) for worst film and ask the audience to give him the raspberry as he accepted it?  Would it bother you if he is a member of the conservative “Wednesday Morning Club” in Hollywood?

Sadly, he probably fits the profile of people in my earlier post “Ironic, Ain’t It?” Posted 4/25/16. Continue reading PROBLEM SOLVED! except………….

YOUR HOROSCOPES #3

See previous posts for Taurus.

 

SIGN: GEMINI

Gemini is the emotional sign of THE TWINS (Greek : Castor and Pollux /  Roman: Dollius Partonii). Anyone born between May 21st and June 20th are said to have the following qualities:  They are expressive, talkative and fun. Curiously, they can have two sides. One may be outgoing and extraverted. The other side may be serious and indecisive. Don’t ask them to choose sides unless they seem to be in a good mood. Donald Trump (born June 14th) is a Gemini (for whatever that’s worth).

Alexandros of Antioch (130-100 BC) is believed to have sculpted the statue know as “Venus de Milo” representing the Greek goddess Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans). Strangely, the planet Venus does not relate to the zodiacal sign, Gemini. Gemini’s planet and sub-sign is Mercury.  Alexandros seems to have been focused on “The Twins” while sculpting the statue  ( and did a spectacular job on them, I must say), rather than the rest of her.  Wow! He appears to have neglected her arms  almost entirely.

Continue reading YOUR HOROSCOPES #3

LET’S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT

There are lots of things you CAN’T do, even if you put your mind to it.

You are NOT only as old as you feel unless you feel your age.

You CAN’T be too smart for your own good.

A stitch in time may save 36 (or any multiple of 9).

A penny saved is simply that, a penny saved. (Even if you swiped it).

A bird in the hand can get messy (especially if it is a live duck). Also, it is only worth market value.

The larger they are, the harder YOU fall.

It CANNOT rain cats and dogs. It would be just as likely to rain post cards and feet. It can only rain “rain”. That’s why it’s called “rain”.

Absence makes the heart useless.

There are too many things that are better than a “poke in the eye with a sharp stick” to count.

Money can’t buy misery either.

A straight line is the shortest distance between two punch lines.

Moss be damned. A rolling stone gathers squat.

Pride cometh before “prie-dieu”. Ask Webster.

 

 

Pulse

In the wake of the mass shootings at the Pulse gay night club in Orlando last night, TV news, once again, is presenting all kinds of experts with all kinds of answers to all kinds of questions. It’s like a grab bag festival.

As always, facts are hard to come by this early in the game. There are suppositions, guesses and political agendas leading the pack. When the media should be focused squarely on gathering facts and developing questions, they instead are jumping the gun by presenting definite maybes that will likely change tomorrow.

What we did know, even prior to this event, is that something like this was going to happen. And when it did, Conservatives would blame the terrorists. Liberals would blame guns. The media would find some way to make Trump look bad. (Frankly, he doesn’t need any help. We all know Donald is the ass to which Hillary is the orifice.)

I am curious though. I wonder how many folks were legally carrying concealed weapons in that venue. I understand how contraindicated it sounds to allow guns into a drinking establishment, but there are such folks who abstain from alcohol consumption to be the “designated driver”. I wonder if that concept might apply to “designated defenders”. Waiting for cops to arrive after calling 911 may not be a viable option. But at least the bad guy made the call.

Perhaps some folks were armed inside the Purse. If so, how did Omar Mateen  succeed in killing and injuring so many innocent people? Very curious.

Of course, simply  carrying a legally concealed weapon doesn’t automatically endow a person with the stones to use it to defend others.

Just a thought.

YOUR HOROSCOPES #2

See previous post for ARIES.

 

SIGN: TAURUS

Our Next Zodiac sign is TAURUS…the sign of THE BULL. This is probably most significant, cosmologically, because it explains the concept of astrology to a tee. BULL. People born between April 20th and May 20th under this emotional sign tend to be “dependable” and “stable”. You’ve never heard of “bull tipping”. They lean (never fall) toward the conservative side and have an advanced level of sensuality. This mimics nature where bulls show themselves to be sensual critters wearing such come hither jewelry as “cowbells”. The word “cowbell” is a bit misleading. This is unisex jewelry and is worn by both sexes because their horns don’t work. Most people don’t wear cowbells, of course. Those who do aren’t Taurii, but simple imposters.

NOTE: Mel Blanc (the vocal genius who voiced a countless number of cartoon characters) was a Taurus, being born on May 30th. Mel was an interesting man having worked for Hanna-Barbera Studios, voicing the likes of Barney Rubble on “The Flintstones”, Mr. Spacey on “The Jetsons”, etc.. Universal Studios, voicing “Woody Woodpecker”. Blanc signed an exclusive contract with Warner Bros. and was forced to give up voicing Woody, but only he could do the laugh so, even though Ben Hardaway became Woody’s new voice, it was Mel’s laugh from a 1941 cartoon that was always added in. Mel voiced virtually all of Warner Bros. animated characters, but the first one he ever did was for a Porky Pig cartoon entitled “Picador Porky” in which he voiced a drunken BULL (as well as Porky). I expect he appreciated the “dependability” of “stable” employment. See, you thought I was off the TAURUS subject; didn’t you? Continue reading YOUR HOROSCOPES #2

YOUR HOROSCOPES #1

Horoscopes revolve around signs of the Zodiac relative to a persons birthday. It is believed by some that a person’s character and circumstances may be influenced under their sign by the positions held by certain stars and planets when they were born. There are also some sub-signs not often talked about which are specific to certain days of the year. All of this will be discussed in the coming days unless my horoscope advises me not to.

Let us begin.

ARIES:

Aries is the emotional sign of THE RAM. Folks born between March 21st and April 19th find themselves to be driven by the first of the Zodiac signs. They are the first to avail themselves of any opportunity. They are eager, energetic and boisterous. They are quick to lead and get things done. Premature ejaculation may be a problem. Nancy Pelosi (born March 26) IS a problem.

Note: Premature ejaculation  should not be confused with “premature articulation”, something from which “The Donald” suffers. One would assume he to be an Aries for this reason, but not so. He is a Gemini, born June 14th. So, he got that wrong too. Don’t tell Hillary or the media. We’ll never hear the end of it.

Sub-Sign PLUTO:

Pluto is the sign of THE PLANET WANNABE. It, not unlike Aries, is an emotional sign and a bit pissed off of late over the “planet” demotion. Those born on April 1st are first out the door each day. They tend to run in circles and drool a bit, but are eager to please and will follow Mickey and Minnie anywhere. Continue reading YOUR HOROSCOPES #1

EXAMINING ONE DIFFERENCE

Let’s examine one difference between The Donald and Hillary. The subject of Right vs. Wrong.

First let’s take a quick look at the concept of “Ethics”.

Ethos is subjective. Depending upon the group to which you refer, there are differences in ethical standards.. A great deal may depend upon religious beliefs. For example, those of the Jewish faith try to keep Kosher. Among other things, they feel it unethical to eat pork. Rabbis are required to oversee the slaughter of permissively consumable animals. Other things come under Kosher rules as well. Much of this derives from the historical need for cleanliness. Charity is important. And on and on.

Muslims also cannot eat pork. Non-Muslims are considered heretics and are to be punished. Even a cartoon drawing of their prophet, Mohammed ( a ruthless conqueror), is punishable by death. Charity is important.  And on and on.

Christians also have a history of killing those they consider to be heretics. The Crusades proved that. Strange when you think of the love Jesus was supposed to have shown to the sinful. Charity is important. And on and on.

Both Christians and Jews view The Ten Commandments in the same way. Apparently Muslim doctrine is a bit different.

Now let’s deal with the simple concept of right and wrong. While this should not be subjective, for some folks it seems to be. Continue reading EXAMINING ONE DIFFERENCE