Saturday, January 20, 2007
WAR CHEST
January 20th 2007
Jerusalem- Israeli officials said Friday that they had transferred $100 million in withheld revenues to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Even though it’s only a third of what they have been withholding…it’s a step in the right direction, and any steps toward something resembling correct behavior, between these two factions, is something that should not be ignored….
Especially when it comes to money.
It never gets discussed but generally when there is a compromise between two countries over an issue….whether it be Nuclear development or pesticide control…..there is always a LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY involved in the compromise.
If we offered IRAN $100 billion to stop their Nuclear program…they might listen. And being old school rug traders they would probably ask for $200 billion, and complete control of the Persian Gulf….to which we would say…bite me.
And since we are talking about money…the announcement came this morning that Clinton wants to be President.
CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT...has a familiar ring...don't you think?
Jerusalem- Israeli officials said Friday that they had transferred $100 million in withheld revenues to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Even though it’s only a third of what they have been withholding…it’s a step in the right direction, and any steps toward something resembling correct behavior, between these two factions, is something that should not be ignored….
Especially when it comes to money.
It never gets discussed but generally when there is a compromise between two countries over an issue….whether it be Nuclear development or pesticide control…..there is always a LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY involved in the compromise.
If we offered IRAN $100 billion to stop their Nuclear program…they might listen. And being old school rug traders they would probably ask for $200 billion, and complete control of the Persian Gulf….to which we would say…bite me.
And since we are talking about money…the announcement came this morning that Clinton wants to be President.
CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT...has a familiar ring...don't you think?
Republicans can be heard gagging in bathrooms everywhere this morning.
On the same day that Israel is giving money to the Palestinians….Hillary Rodham Clinton formally begins her bid to become President of The United States.
Do you think she had anything to do with generosity displayed by the Israeli government?
HOW ABOUT THIS LINK
ISRAEL GIVES $100 MILLION TO PALESTINIANS, WHO IN TURN DONATE
$5 MILLION TO THE CAMPAIGN OF HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON….because Hillary promises to push the envelope for a Palestinian state.
I know about all the campaign reform issues being promoted by Congress but politicians are invincible to the self created restrictions….until they get extremely greedy or extremely stupid.
Hilary Rodman Clinton is not stupid….whether or not she is greedy can only be determined by her desire for power…which appears to be rather strong at this moment.
I have said it before and I’ll say it again….
THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST ENTERTAINING ELECTIONS IN THE HISTORY OF OUR YOUNG COUNTRY.
Keep in mind that there have only been 43 Presidents elected…and now comes number 44.
THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
IS…..????????
See what I mean……how many names popped into your head?
The TWO MAIN obvious things that will make this election entertaining are:
1)A WOMAN HAS A REAL CHANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME
2)AN AFRICAN AMERICAN HAS A REAL CHANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME
THESE ARE NOT SMALL ISSUES, NOR OR THEY ISSUES THAT CAN BE IGNORED WHEN 150 MILLION PEOPLE PLACE THEIR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH 2008.
150 million!….I predict the largest single Presidential Election in our history…if the election has one of the two elements listed above….still involved.
AND THE DETERMINING FACTOR TO WHETHER OR NOT ONE OF THE TWO ELEMENTS LISTED ABOVE...WILL STILL BE INVOLVED…IS
MONEY
It won’t be a problem for the Republican candidates to raise the funds needed for the election….Republicans usually have a narrower list…and I don’t see any women or African Americans on their short list….so division of funds will not be an issue.
People with large bankrolls who belong to the Democratic Party…are going to be faced with choices that they never imagined….except of course in their drug induced dreams of the 60’s. The very liberal members of the large bankroll Democratic club are really going to pop a gasket trying to decide where they throw their investments. The liberal gay members of that club will be highly ferclumped. Again it’s one of those words that does not appear in spell check….but I’m sure you get the point.
And one must realize that when it comes to money there is a very strong contingency of liberal gay members that would love to see national policy changes.
Love is love my friend, and between consenting adults…as much as you might hate to hear it….and especially not want to visualize it…..ANYTHING GOES. ANYTHING.
And equal rights are equal rights….not rights determined to be unequal for some, who others don’t happen to accept.
GROW UP AMERICA….IT’S TIME.
And as a card carrying heterosexual who has had some visual issues with gays in the past….I’m sorry I just can’t watch two guys kiss, or anything else…but denying them the right to marry or hold a job or anything else that reeks of prejudice….is wrong.
Imagine if the Presidential Race included a gay….how about an African American cross dresser?
Now we are talking entertainment.
But let’s get back to reality for a second…..see what happens when I bring up David Geffen? Off on some wild Wizard of Oz tangent…..and where it will stop nobody knows….unless it just stops.
HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON
BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA
There’s no way that these two could combine their talents…..is there? Now that would be an interesting ticket.
And if you think all this talk is much too early….please note the IOWA caucuses is
JANUARY 14TH 2008…..LESS THAN ONE YEAR FROM TODAY. And there was a new bill introduced yesterday in California trying to change the Primary from June 3rd to FEBRUARY 5TH. If that happens the California MONEY ISSUE becomes a huge issue in the election.
Today Hillary and Barak have the attention of well healed Democrats. The fact that the safety value, John Edwards, is also attracting some attention makes this a very interesting quagmire.
I wonder if any of the candidates will make a statement regarding the $100 million dollars being transferred from Israel to Palestine. It is probably an issue that will be avoided unless of course Jimmy Carter brings it up. But I would like to hear a prominent politician say something positive about the gesture.
All we ever hear from the Middle East is……UGLY….UGLY….UGLY. Maybe we should appoint UGLY BETTY to be our ambassador to the whole region. She’d have to wear a scarf over her face which would defeat the entire purpose of the exercise.
So many possibilities for the campaign trail…..so many beautiful possibilities.
So much money at stake.
And the fact that the political money raised to finance a Presidential bid is referred to as
A WAR CHEST….
Current and pertinent terminology ….don’t you think?
Michael Timothy McAlevey
On the same day that Israel is giving money to the Palestinians….Hillary Rodham Clinton formally begins her bid to become President of The United States.
Do you think she had anything to do with generosity displayed by the Israeli government?
HOW ABOUT THIS LINK
ISRAEL GIVES $100 MILLION TO PALESTINIANS, WHO IN TURN DONATE
$5 MILLION TO THE CAMPAIGN OF HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON….because Hillary promises to push the envelope for a Palestinian state.
I know about all the campaign reform issues being promoted by Congress but politicians are invincible to the self created restrictions….until they get extremely greedy or extremely stupid.
Hilary Rodman Clinton is not stupid….whether or not she is greedy can only be determined by her desire for power…which appears to be rather strong at this moment.
I have said it before and I’ll say it again….
THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST ENTERTAINING ELECTIONS IN THE HISTORY OF OUR YOUNG COUNTRY.
Keep in mind that there have only been 43 Presidents elected…and now comes number 44.
THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
IS…..????????
See what I mean……how many names popped into your head?
The TWO MAIN obvious things that will make this election entertaining are:
1)A WOMAN HAS A REAL CHANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME
2)AN AFRICAN AMERICAN HAS A REAL CHANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME
THESE ARE NOT SMALL ISSUES, NOR OR THEY ISSUES THAT CAN BE IGNORED WHEN 150 MILLION PEOPLE PLACE THEIR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH 2008.
150 million!….I predict the largest single Presidential Election in our history…if the election has one of the two elements listed above….still involved.
AND THE DETERMINING FACTOR TO WHETHER OR NOT ONE OF THE TWO ELEMENTS LISTED ABOVE...WILL STILL BE INVOLVED…IS
MONEY
It won’t be a problem for the Republican candidates to raise the funds needed for the election….Republicans usually have a narrower list…and I don’t see any women or African Americans on their short list….so division of funds will not be an issue.
People with large bankrolls who belong to the Democratic Party…are going to be faced with choices that they never imagined….except of course in their drug induced dreams of the 60’s. The very liberal members of the large bankroll Democratic club are really going to pop a gasket trying to decide where they throw their investments. The liberal gay members of that club will be highly ferclumped. Again it’s one of those words that does not appear in spell check….but I’m sure you get the point.
And one must realize that when it comes to money there is a very strong contingency of liberal gay members that would love to see national policy changes.
Love is love my friend, and between consenting adults…as much as you might hate to hear it….and especially not want to visualize it…..ANYTHING GOES. ANYTHING.
And equal rights are equal rights….not rights determined to be unequal for some, who others don’t happen to accept.
GROW UP AMERICA….IT’S TIME.
And as a card carrying heterosexual who has had some visual issues with gays in the past….I’m sorry I just can’t watch two guys kiss, or anything else…but denying them the right to marry or hold a job or anything else that reeks of prejudice….is wrong.
Imagine if the Presidential Race included a gay….how about an African American cross dresser?
Now we are talking entertainment.
But let’s get back to reality for a second…..see what happens when I bring up David Geffen? Off on some wild Wizard of Oz tangent…..and where it will stop nobody knows….unless it just stops.
HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON
BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA
There’s no way that these two could combine their talents…..is there? Now that would be an interesting ticket.
And if you think all this talk is much too early….please note the IOWA caucuses is
JANUARY 14TH 2008…..LESS THAN ONE YEAR FROM TODAY. And there was a new bill introduced yesterday in California trying to change the Primary from June 3rd to FEBRUARY 5TH. If that happens the California MONEY ISSUE becomes a huge issue in the election.
Today Hillary and Barak have the attention of well healed Democrats. The fact that the safety value, John Edwards, is also attracting some attention makes this a very interesting quagmire.
I wonder if any of the candidates will make a statement regarding the $100 million dollars being transferred from Israel to Palestine. It is probably an issue that will be avoided unless of course Jimmy Carter brings it up. But I would like to hear a prominent politician say something positive about the gesture.
All we ever hear from the Middle East is……UGLY….UGLY….UGLY. Maybe we should appoint UGLY BETTY to be our ambassador to the whole region. She’d have to wear a scarf over her face which would defeat the entire purpose of the exercise.
So many possibilities for the campaign trail…..so many beautiful possibilities.
So much money at stake.
And the fact that the political money raised to finance a Presidential bid is referred to as
A WAR CHEST….
Current and pertinent terminology ….don’t you think?
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Friday, January 19, 2007
Weekend for two
This is the most important professional football weekend of the year.
Forget the Super Bowl....that's just a bonus experience. Every year,
Forget the Super Bowl....that's just a bonus experience. Every year,
every team starts off with one goal....GET TO THE SUPER BOWL.
This weekend there are four teams left and all of us who are fans of
teams NOT involved in these two championship games...will watch...
maybe.
Sunday is the final round of the Bob Hope so I'll be flipping back and forth.
Obviously the sentimental favorite has to be New Orleans.
This is a huge AK event (after Katrina) and if they can leave Chicago with a victory the
country will go nuts....except for the nuts in Chicago.
Personally I think New England being an underdog, is a slap in the face.
SUPER BOWL CHAMPS 3 of the last 5 years. The Colts have a history
of NOT getting to the Super Bowl. I find it hard to believe that a man
with a first name Peyton...would be a Super Bowl hero....yoo hoo Peyton
will you cut my hair?
New England and New Orleans would be a NEW Super Bowl event.
But Chicago has an amazing defense...so I can't get too excited....actually
being a Ram fan I don't really even care.
But the city of New Orleans deserves a big treat....from my mouth to
God's ears.....and besides all those sad, sad Dallas fans should be rooting
for their waterlogged neighbors.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Thursday, January 18, 2007
And then the middle name
Over the last few weeks I have been suggesting that Barack Obama change his last name.
It's still early in the process and eliminating a name that rhymes with Osama will help his cause.
Forget the fact that he's African American because that fact can never be altered and people will just need to accept it.....but the name thing is a real problem.
Yesterday I learned that his middle name is Hussein......are you kidding me?
SERIOUSLY
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA
it's too much to digest....and asking the American public to rise above the issues of one's race is a large task...by itself. Asking the American public to NOT think of OSAMA Bin Laden EVERY TIME they hear the name of Barack Obama is simply asking the impossible. Now I discover that every time people hear Barack Hussein Obama they will not only think of OSAMA but also SADDAM.
Just imagine someone running for President with the name of ADOLPH FITLER.
come on....it's just too much to deal with....and it's so simple to change a name.
And people would understand...but it might be too late. Probably should have made the change when he was the first black President of the Harvard Law Review. I bet he didn't name his daughters Lizzy Borden Obama and Imelda Marcos Obama.
I think the most interesting poll I've read lately was from the LA/BLOOMBERG
POLL that stated 4% of the people asked would not vote for a women and 3% would not for for an African American.
WHO IS KIDDING WHO?
SERIOUSLY....DO POLLING PEOPLE REALLY THINK THAT PEOPLE WILL ADMIT TO BEING SEXISTS, RACISTS OR JUST PLAIN...IDIOTS?
SERIOUSLY....even exit polls have no reality. A large portion of the population will not reveal their voting record....because it's their voting record and the act of voting, without being reprimanded, is perhaps one of our systems greatest assets.
The fact that only 50% of the population vote...is another entire issue....but one that might be addressed if a Woman or a African American was in the final running for President. At this point we aren't even in the quarter finals. Just a lot of talk and speculation.
Issues have not even begun to be discussed...except of course for Iraq...and at this point we are only receiving FEELERS.
"Feelers".....translate to....can financial backing be obtained?
I don't think money will be a problem for Barak or Hilary. It might be a problem for Dennis Kucinich, even though he's the only true Anti-War candidate....but being Anti-War is really not a term that American people want to hear at this time.
The 9/11 MENTALTERRIOSTSBIRDFLU is still very much apart of the nation's psyche....and the reason that GW is able to keep moving on his straight and narrow position...is because that FLU is not being cured by actions in Iraq and Afghanistan....
.....but it is the treatment being used, and the American public doesn't seem to have any alternative treatment...so let's just continue with some treatment, even though it might be the worst treatment.
Curing a national MENTALTERRIOSTSBIRDFLU will not be easy. And it will take awhile before the term Anti-War becomes something that is regarded as a higher goal to be achieved.
ANTI-WAR should be every one's goal....everywhere....all the time.
But what should be and what is....are definitely quite far apart.
When one starts using the term Anti-War, at this point in our history, one becomes Anti-American and that's a reality....and anyone who really is Anti-War...knows exactly what I'm talking about.
And it's not just unfashionable.
It's a Mentalterriostbirdflu and it is serious.
Forget intellectual capabilities for just a moment....forget treating it with normal anti- anything....
A MENTALTERRIOSTBIRDFLU can only be treated by.....time. And the problem is that when time has almost healed the dreaded flu....another incident will take place and the strain will be stronger than it is now. Once that happens...watch out IRAN, SYRIA and maybe even SAUDI ARABIA.
AMERICA DOES NOT LIKE HAVING THE FLU...BUT IT WILL USE WHATEVER MEANS POSSIBLE TO FIND A CURE....AND THE CURE SEEMS TO BE DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED TO ANYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH THE TERM...
ANTI-WAR
So that eliminates Kucinich...and anyone else who attempts to stop the present treatment of the horrible....MENTALTERRIOSTBIRDFLU.
I'm not even sure that I'm allowed to use the term Anti-War in a blog. I have a feeling that Homeland Security will soon be knocking at my door.
Maybe when they arrive I can give them my notes on Barack Hussein Obama changing his name. Perhaps receiving information from Homeland Security will impress upon him how important this name change will be...to his higher aspirations.
By the way, as I stated in my earlier columns, the name I suggest is
BARACK CASSIUS RUSSELL.
Nice strong name with no terrorists edges....unless of course you have issues with Barack.
Come on...let the guy
keep something.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Way beyond fighting
1-17-07
Throughout the world there are people who don't know who Muhammad Ali is...to those people I simply say.....someday you will.
Throughout the world there are people who don't like Muhammad Ali...to those people I simply say...I imagine there are lots of people that you don't like.
Throughout the world there are people who don't think Muhammad Ali was the greatest fighter who ever lived...to those people I simply say...If you ignore speed, size and power then of course you can make a case for someone else.
PUTTING THOSE THREE NEGATIVE ISSUES ASIDE I can state without question or qualm that..
MUHAMMAD ALI...formerly known as Cassius Marcellus Clay...is the single most recognizable person on the planet...and perhaps the most revered person still living.
His life transcends the sports world in ways that could fill volumes in the library. When one speaks of a sports icon it usually is used in reference to high level athletic ability directed towards a sport.
Muhammad Ali is a ICON....period.
Sports just happened to be part of the package...and of course his sport was boxing....which by the way...is boxing still around? I've been reading about some Ultimate "stuff" taking place but it doesn't seem to resemble the sport of boxing.
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to grow up with Muhammad Ali fully realize that his responsibility to mankind goes way beyond fighting.
On February 25,1964 Cassius Clay knocked out Lee Harvey Oswald, who was hiding in the body of Sonny Liston. I was 18 years old and probably smiled for the first time since November 22, of the previous year.
If one adheres to the String Theory on ANY shape or form...then one can easily connect dots that might not have been visible with normal observation. When one creates analysis of historical facts then often times the connecting dots turn into EXTREMELY THICK LINES.
Muhammad Ali, starting on 2-25-1964, would create a worldwide connection that do this day is amazingly thick and strong...even if he is not. Muhammad Ali introduced Africa to the world when he fought George Foreman. At the same time he introduced Africa to America. I remember looking at a map just to see where Zaire was...I really think it was the first time I had looked at Africa outside of a school assignment.
I don't know if there are African leaders who would admit to be motivated by Ali because everything I read about Africa is negative...but I am sure there must be.
The test of any one celebrities metal comes down to the reaction when they die. I can promise you that when Muhammad Ali dies the worldwide reaction will be unparallelled.
I'm sorry for bringing up death on one's birthday but February is approaching and those of you who know me realize that I have no choice in the matter. Those of you who don't know me will learn about February as we get closer to 2/04.
Back to yesterday and a nice memory.
Having been born and raised in Los Angeles I've had a few Ali sightings and one personal contact that I will treasure forever.
The first time I saw him was in May of 1977 at a Star Wars viewing. He sat two rows in front of me and all I remember thinking was how beautiful the color of his skin was. I had never seen a shade like that and he seemed to glow. I'm sure his celebrity status had something to do with the glowing part but as the lights went down and those words appeared on the screen....LONG AGO....FAR FAR AWAY....IN ANOTHER GALAXY....I proceeded to watch the movie with the shape of Muhammad Ali's head covering a tiny bit of the screen....right in the middle...at the very bottom.
Two years later in 1979 I was working in Hollywood at 960 N. La Brea which was the corporate office of the Aaron Brothers company. My father was in charge of the wholesale division and our offices were adjacent to the retail store on the ground floor. For those of you who don't know, Aaron Brothers is a chain of Art and Custom Framing stores throughout California. The wholesale division had nothing to do with the retail stores but our offices and the store was only separated by a wall.
One day, shortly before lunch, a retail employees rushed into my office and said, "Muhammad Ali is in the store getting something framed." I looked up and said, "Isn't his skin beautiful." The guy looked at me strangely and hurried away to tell someone else. I was very busy at the time and almost didn't go out to take a look, but it was close to lunch and my father wasn't in his office, so I decided to check him out.
As I walked into the showroom I noticed a circle of about 8 to 10 people standing around one person. As I got closer I realized that each person was handing Ali a dollar bill to be signed. He signing each bill as it got put in front of him, and he never raised his head once.
As I was watching this process I suddenly stepped up to the circle and stuck out my hand, without a bill in it, and simply said, "Mr. Ali...I would just like to shake your hand and thank you for the wonderful and exciting moments." The space/time continuum moment thing happened and he stuck out his shaking hand and raised his head and looked me straight in the eye and said, "Thank you." Although he was physically having a problem...his eyes were clear and penetrating....and yes his skin was a beautiful shade.
I swear it felt like it lasted for five minutes but in retrospect I'm sure the moment was not longer than 3 to 5 seconds.
All I know is that after I pulled my hand away he looked down and signed the rest of the bills that were being thrust in his face...and never looked up again. I stood there for a few minutes, checked him out and then went back to my office.
I wonder if those people still have those bills? I wonder if that was a standard method of autographing for him? I wonder what the largest denomination was that he ever signed?
I know I wouldn't trade that moment for any signed bill.....well, maybe a signed $10,000.00 bill... or a $10,000.00 bill not signed would be OK to trade for that memory.....is there such a bill still in circulation? I don't think so.
The bigger question is.....is Muhammad Ali still in circulation? Over the next few years, after that 1979 moment in time, I used to see him driving around town in his Maroon Bentley. Does his physical aliment still allow him to go out and get pictures framed...or see a movie? I hope so.
Today he celebrates his 65th birthday and that fact that I have had one of my all time favorite historical figures live at the same time....in the same country...in the same city....makes everything just seem....nicer. And from Louisville to Michigan to California, I am sure there are quite a few people who feel the same way.
Happy Birthday and hopefully and the Universe will allow our Strings to cross again.
Muhammad Ali's importance as a human being
Throughout the world there are people who don't know who Muhammad Ali is...to those people I simply say.....someday you will.
Throughout the world there are people who don't like Muhammad Ali...to those people I simply say...I imagine there are lots of people that you don't like.
Throughout the world there are people who don't think Muhammad Ali was the greatest fighter who ever lived...to those people I simply say...If you ignore speed, size and power then of course you can make a case for someone else.
PUTTING THOSE THREE NEGATIVE ISSUES ASIDE I can state without question or qualm that..
MUHAMMAD ALI...formerly known as Cassius Marcellus Clay...is the single most recognizable person on the planet...and perhaps the most revered person still living.
His life transcends the sports world in ways that could fill volumes in the library. When one speaks of a sports icon it usually is used in reference to high level athletic ability directed towards a sport.
Muhammad Ali is a ICON....period.
Sports just happened to be part of the package...and of course his sport was boxing....which by the way...is boxing still around? I've been reading about some Ultimate "stuff" taking place but it doesn't seem to resemble the sport of boxing.
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to grow up with Muhammad Ali fully realize that his responsibility to mankind goes way beyond fighting.
On February 25,1964 Cassius Clay knocked out Lee Harvey Oswald, who was hiding in the body of Sonny Liston. I was 18 years old and probably smiled for the first time since November 22, of the previous year.
If one adheres to the String Theory on ANY shape or form...then one can easily connect dots that might not have been visible with normal observation. When one creates analysis of historical facts then often times the connecting dots turn into EXTREMELY THICK LINES.
Muhammad Ali, starting on 2-25-1964, would create a worldwide connection that do this day is amazingly thick and strong...even if he is not. Muhammad Ali introduced Africa to the world when he fought George Foreman. At the same time he introduced Africa to America. I remember looking at a map just to see where Zaire was...I really think it was the first time I had looked at Africa outside of a school assignment.
I don't know if there are African leaders who would admit to be motivated by Ali because everything I read about Africa is negative...but I am sure there must be.
The test of any one celebrities metal comes down to the reaction when they die. I can promise you that when Muhammad Ali dies the worldwide reaction will be unparallelled.
I'm sorry for bringing up death on one's birthday but February is approaching and those of you who know me realize that I have no choice in the matter. Those of you who don't know me will learn about February as we get closer to 2/04.
Back to yesterday and a nice memory.
Having been born and raised in Los Angeles I've had a few Ali sightings and one personal contact that I will treasure forever.
The first time I saw him was in May of 1977 at a Star Wars viewing. He sat two rows in front of me and all I remember thinking was how beautiful the color of his skin was. I had never seen a shade like that and he seemed to glow. I'm sure his celebrity status had something to do with the glowing part but as the lights went down and those words appeared on the screen....LONG AGO....FAR FAR AWAY....IN ANOTHER GALAXY....I proceeded to watch the movie with the shape of Muhammad Ali's head covering a tiny bit of the screen....right in the middle...at the very bottom.
Two years later in 1979 I was working in Hollywood at 960 N. La Brea which was the corporate office of the Aaron Brothers company. My father was in charge of the wholesale division and our offices were adjacent to the retail store on the ground floor. For those of you who don't know, Aaron Brothers is a chain of Art and Custom Framing stores throughout California. The wholesale division had nothing to do with the retail stores but our offices and the store was only separated by a wall.
One day, shortly before lunch, a retail employees rushed into my office and said, "Muhammad Ali is in the store getting something framed." I looked up and said, "Isn't his skin beautiful." The guy looked at me strangely and hurried away to tell someone else. I was very busy at the time and almost didn't go out to take a look, but it was close to lunch and my father wasn't in his office, so I decided to check him out.
As I walked into the showroom I noticed a circle of about 8 to 10 people standing around one person. As I got closer I realized that each person was handing Ali a dollar bill to be signed. He signing each bill as it got put in front of him, and he never raised his head once.
As I was watching this process I suddenly stepped up to the circle and stuck out my hand, without a bill in it, and simply said, "Mr. Ali...I would just like to shake your hand and thank you for the wonderful and exciting moments." The space/time continuum moment thing happened and he stuck out his shaking hand and raised his head and looked me straight in the eye and said, "Thank you." Although he was physically having a problem...his eyes were clear and penetrating....and yes his skin was a beautiful shade.
I swear it felt like it lasted for five minutes but in retrospect I'm sure the moment was not longer than 3 to 5 seconds.
All I know is that after I pulled my hand away he looked down and signed the rest of the bills that were being thrust in his face...and never looked up again. I stood there for a few minutes, checked him out and then went back to my office.
I wonder if those people still have those bills? I wonder if that was a standard method of autographing for him? I wonder what the largest denomination was that he ever signed?
I know I wouldn't trade that moment for any signed bill.....well, maybe a signed $10,000.00 bill... or a $10,000.00 bill not signed would be OK to trade for that memory.....is there such a bill still in circulation? I don't think so.
The bigger question is.....is Muhammad Ali still in circulation? Over the next few years, after that 1979 moment in time, I used to see him driving around town in his Maroon Bentley. Does his physical aliment still allow him to go out and get pictures framed...or see a movie? I hope so.
Today he celebrates his 65th birthday and that fact that I have had one of my all time favorite historical figures live at the same time....in the same country...in the same city....makes everything just seem....nicer. And from Louisville to Michigan to California, I am sure there are quite a few people who feel the same way.
Happy Birthday and hopefully and the Universe will allow our Strings to cross again.
Muhammad Ali's importance as a human being
is leaps and bounds....
WAY
BEYOND
FIGHTING
Michael Timothy McAlevey
WAY
BEYOND
FIGHTING
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Now that I've read it
A few weeks ago in one of my columns I made fun of the people who were members of the Iraq Study Group. My teasing was aimed at the age of the participants and was done on the day they released their report.
I have now read their report and before I go on, I'd like to ask a couple of small questions.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE UNITED STATES POPULATION WILL ACTUALLY READ THIS REPORT?
I have now read their report and before I go on, I'd like to ask a couple of small questions.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE UNITED STATES POPULATION WILL ACTUALLY READ THIS REPORT?
I love asking these type of questions because the answers vary so much that one begins to question whether anybody has a clue.....to anything!
What's your quess?
My other question is.....do you think George W. Bush has read this report?
After reading the report I'm not totally convinced that anyone connected with the White House...has read the report. Maybe it's on their spring reading list.
A FEW CHOICE EXCERPTS FROM
Iraq Study Group report.
In this report, we make a number of recommendations for actions to be taken in Iraq, the
United States, and the region. Our most important recommendations call for new and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the region, and a change in the primary mission of U.S. forces in Iraq that will enable the United States to begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq responsibly.
The challenges in Iraq are complex. Violence is increasing in scope and lethality. It is fed
by a Sunni Arab insurgency, Shiite militias and death squads, al Qaeda, and widespread
criminality. Sectarian conflict is the principal challenge to stability. The Iraqi people have a
democratically elected government, yet it is not adequately advancing national reconciliation, providing basic security, or delivering essential services. Pessimism is pervasive.
The United States cannot achieve its goals in the Middle East unless it deals directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict and regional instability. There must be a renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on all fronts: Lebanon, Syria, and President Bush’s June 2002 commitment to a o-state solution for Israel and Palestine. This commitment must include direct talks with, by, and between Israel, Lebanon, Palestinians (those who accept Israel’s right to exist), and Syria.
The United States must not make an open-ended commitment to keep large numbers of American troops deployed in Iraq.
The report can be downloaded for free and techically speaking, it is not a hard read. There are no math problems and no science references....just as there is no poetry nor songs to accompany the extensive script that has been formulated.
WHAT THERE DOES SEEM TO BE.....IS.....
AN EXACT OPPOSITE OPINION TO POLICY BEING ESTABLISHED BY THE CURRENT ADMINSTRATION.
Sunday night 60 minutes presented GW for 20 minutes of one on one. During the story there was a reference to a book that George was reading. A book that was given to him by HENRY KISSINGER.
THIS IS NOT FUNNY
What was the point of having a bi-partisan STUDY GROUP if nothing was going to be heard?
One of those perfect Presidential examples of.....
"Find out everything that proves me right! If you disagree with me...we'll just ignore your Study Group and pretend it didn't even happen. My Dad had some experience in the CIA and he taught me how to orchestrate mass ignorance."
THIS ISN'T FUNNY!
BUT IT IS IRONIC AND I suppose IRONIC CAN BE FUNNY IF THE PERSON DELIVERING THE BIT....IS A FUNNY GUY.
The problem seems to be that our President might be a funny guy who just can't figure out how to deliever the bit.
I sure realize one important thing.....
HE'S NOT USING THE WRITERS THAT WERE HIRED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HELP HIM.....DELIEVER THE BIT.
THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP IS BEING DISMISSED AS
WRONG IN THEIR EVALUATION....
Read the report and discover for yourself what it says.
Maybe you are one of those special people who don't want to learn something that disagrees with your opinion?
WELCOME TO THE GEORGE W. BUSH WORLD OF POLICY MAKING
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Monday, January 15, 2007
MLK and unanswered calls
I decided to go to the source so I called Pat Robertson and asked him if he had God's phone number. He was congenial and gave me the number while mumbling something about a tsunami hitting California.
I sat down with my coffee and dialed the number and lo and behold I encountered...CAll WAITING.
Now I'm not surprised about the call waiting but usually if one has call waiting they also have caller ID and if that's true then I really get concerned that HE didn't want to take my call.
The feeling of insecurity when dealing with THE SUPREME BEING is a unique feeling of insecurity. It's not your normal type of insecurity....it's an insecurity that has HEAVENLY ELEMENTS attached to the edges....so it's kind of beautiful in a very abstract way.
I think Martin Luther King was never faced with CALL WAITING while trying to call the ULTIMATE SOURCE. I imagine his call went through immediately...each and every time.
And if he did get connected to anyone OTHER than THE MAIN FACILITATOR...it was probably Gandhi.....or maybe Ben Franklin. I assume that GOD has quite a staff working in the BIG OFFICE...and that their annual Christmas/Hanukkah/ Office Party is a real hoot. Of course that's obviously my Judea/Christian upbringing that limits the name of the Party but one can only relate to experiences that one has had..and although I'm quite curious what Buddhists call their Office Parties....I don't really think it's relevant to this piece.
I'm going to dial the number again.
And again it's Call Waiting.....the message simply says.....WAIT.
I think I'll hang up and call back later in the day. It's probably pretty busy, being a holiday and everything. I imagine the birthday party for Martin is well organized and the guest list is undoubtedly impressive. Maybe when I call back later one of the party guest will answer the phone and I will actually be able to speak with someone....even if it's not the BIG QUARK.
The simple fact that Martin Luther King has a holiday in America is a very good thing....but still a thing that is not acknowledged by a certain portion of the population.
THE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION THAT DOESN'T WANT A MLK HOLDIAY IS....
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
I truly have no idea and before I make a guess....I'd love to hear your guess.
THE FACT THAT A PERCENTAGE EVEN EXISTS....IS A SAD STATEMENT.
Hopefully the percentage will get smaller and smaller as the human spieces continues to evolve and expand into the next evolutionary stage of existence.
Martin Luther King was a card carrying member of the next higher stage.
Pat Robertson on the other hand....has no idea what the hell I'm talking about.
Happy Birthday Martin
Michael Timothy McAlevey
I sat down with my coffee and dialed the number and lo and behold I encountered...CAll WAITING.
Now I'm not surprised about the call waiting but usually if one has call waiting they also have caller ID and if that's true then I really get concerned that HE didn't want to take my call.
The feeling of insecurity when dealing with THE SUPREME BEING is a unique feeling of insecurity. It's not your normal type of insecurity....it's an insecurity that has HEAVENLY ELEMENTS attached to the edges....so it's kind of beautiful in a very abstract way.
I think Martin Luther King was never faced with CALL WAITING while trying to call the ULTIMATE SOURCE. I imagine his call went through immediately...each and every time.
And if he did get connected to anyone OTHER than THE MAIN FACILITATOR...it was probably Gandhi.....or maybe Ben Franklin. I assume that GOD has quite a staff working in the BIG OFFICE...and that their annual Christmas/Hanukkah/ Office Party is a real hoot. Of course that's obviously my Judea/Christian upbringing that limits the name of the Party but one can only relate to experiences that one has had..and although I'm quite curious what Buddhists call their Office Parties....I don't really think it's relevant to this piece.
I'm going to dial the number again.
And again it's Call Waiting.....the message simply says.....WAIT.
I think I'll hang up and call back later in the day. It's probably pretty busy, being a holiday and everything. I imagine the birthday party for Martin is well organized and the guest list is undoubtedly impressive. Maybe when I call back later one of the party guest will answer the phone and I will actually be able to speak with someone....even if it's not the BIG QUARK.
The simple fact that Martin Luther King has a holiday in America is a very good thing....but still a thing that is not acknowledged by a certain portion of the population.
THE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION THAT DOESN'T WANT A MLK HOLDIAY IS....
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
I truly have no idea and before I make a guess....I'd love to hear your guess.
THE FACT THAT A PERCENTAGE EVEN EXISTS....IS A SAD STATEMENT.
Hopefully the percentage will get smaller and smaller as the human spieces continues to evolve and expand into the next evolutionary stage of existence.
Martin Luther King was a card carrying member of the next higher stage.
Pat Robertson on the other hand....has no idea what the hell I'm talking about.
Happy Birthday Martin
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Strange
SACRAMENTO, California (AP) -- A woman who competed in a radio station's contest to see how much water she could drink without going to the bathroom died of water intoxication, the coroner's office said Saturday.
Jennifer Strange, 28, was found dead Friday in her suburban Rancho Cordova home hours after taking part in the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest in which KDND 107.9 promised a Nintendo Wii video game system for the winner. She told the station that she was doing it for her three children.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN)
The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) -- the annual Las Vegas-based trade show in its 40th year -- serves as a peek into the future of high-tech gadgets and gizmos.
No matter what new products are presented I’m sure none of them can rival Nintendo for the strange extent that someone will go to…in order to own one of their “toys.”
Let’s talk lawsuit for a second.
The radio station, the disk jockeys who thought up the stunt and Nintendo will all be named.
I have a strange feeling that her three children will be able to buy a few video games after the dust settles on this strange story.
The fact that somebody named Strange should die in this manner just reinforces what is going to take place this coming Wednesday in Washington. D.C.
From Times Wire Reports
The keepers of the “Doomsday Clock” plan to move its hands forward Wednesday to reflect what they call worsening nuclear and climate threats to the world.
The symbolic clock, created in 1947 and maintained by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, currently is set at seven minutes to midnight, with midnight marking global catastrophe.
I assume 53 minutes have ticked off the clock in the last 60 years.
I do know that Jennifer Strange does not have to worry about the “Doomsday Clock” anymore.
I wonder if any of the new “contraptions” introduced this week in Las Vegas, come with a “Doomsday Clock indicator. “ Imagine having to pay for that service.
Imagine wanting to pay for that service…..now that would be STRANGE.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Saturday, January 13, 2007
CARTER
1-13-07
Trying to create a national debate by writing a book, Jimmy Carter has virtually been ignored....except of course by the people who keep resigning from the Carter Center.
It seems most of the people who have resigned are members of the Jewish community.
The debate is not welcomed by the Jewish community.
In their minds there is no debate regarding the Palestinian/Israeli problem because it's not a Palestinian/Israeli problem.
It's only a Israeli problem. The other side of the issue has no value or substance within the framework of the Middle East.
When one looks beyond the obvious clothing of general Middle East tension....one can simply keep discovering that the Israeli/Palestinian problem is THE MAJOR ISSUE IN THE REGION....AND THE ISSUE WHICH FUELS THE FIRES OF EVERY OTHER CONFLICT IN THE REGION.
In his administration Jimmy Carter brought Egypt and Israel together and from that experience he has decided to write a book....placing blame on both sides regarding the lack of resolve regarding the pursuit of peace.
One of the sides in the issue will not DISCUSS the possibilities that mistakes have been made on their part.
WILL NOT DISCUSS or debate the question of who has been irresponsible...unless of course the conversation is directed solely towards the mistakes made by the other side.
NO DEBATE MEANS NO MISTAKES CAN BE ADMITTED
NO MISTAKES ADMITTED MEANS NO RESOLVE
A book is written by a former President of the United States, who has been involved in the peace process since 1976, and the book is rejected COMPLETELY by the Jewish community because it places some blame on the Jewish state of Israel.
SOME BLAME....not total blame....some blame. In attempting to get people looking into the problem...Mr. Carter has somehow been labeled as uninformed. And the press seems to be accepting the label.
The press has never treated Jimmy Carter with respect. The press made fun of him from the beginning and while he made some economic mistakes...he has no peers, among past Presidents, in humanitarian accomplishments since leaving the White House. He has shown his metal in ways that will never be appreciated. His work by the Carter Foundation is historically important work.
The man deserves to be heard. The debate needs to be aired and the people who are jumping off the Carter ship...need to realize that life rafts are designed to help anyone who might be drowning.
The situation in IRAQ has direct connections to the situation in Israel...and depending on who one might be listening to....THE CONFLICT IN ISRAEL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ.
I personally think that is questionable because of the Shiite/Sunni conflict.
BUT
let's break the teams down.
SUNNI TEAM....
Followers of Saddam
EGYPT
TURKEY
SYRIA
SUDAN
SAUDI ARABIA
TURKMENISTAN
AFGHANISTAN
PAKISTAN
UZBEKISTAN
SHIITE...or SHI'A TEAM
IRAQ
IRAN
So looking at the teams I can assume that the Sunni's would kick the crap out of the Shiite's....just on numbers alone...and it also shows that Saddam's behavior was encouraged by a rather large contingency...or if not encouraged, then for sure...ignored.
Jimmy Carter wrote a book so that issues could be debated. But obviously, some people only want a debate to take place..... if there is only one side.
He's having the same problems today that he had when he was President....except this time Billy isn't around to take some of the pressure off.
Let's keep one thing in mind....Jimmy Carter might have the highest IQ of any President in history.
Look into it....read the book....start a debate.
EVERYBODY IS TO BLAME
EVERYBODY
AND SINCE THE PROBLEM IN ISRAEL MIGHT BE PARTIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM IN IRAQ....
THE DEBATE NEEDS TO BE FRONT AND CENTER
NOW
TODAY
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Friday, January 12, 2007
We can't even spell it right
1-12-07
I keep asking why the situation in Sudan seems to be ignored, except for movie stars, and today I discovered the problem.
We(....the collective we consists of ALL reporting entities such as Yahoo, LA Times etc, etc and of course little old me.....)can't even agree on how to spell DARFUR.....DUFAR.
Type in both words and watch the results. If you look at a map of Sudan you will note that the western region of the country is called DARFUR. Why on earth would Dufar ever be the spelling?
Looking at it closely I now realize that when you say....DARFUR....IT SOUNDS TOO MUCH LIKE DA FUHRER....and all references, whether they be visual or audio, that remind people of Adolf Hitler....will simply be ignored.
This is the same problem that Barack Obama is faced with and why it's imperative that he change his last name.
DARFUR simply will not work when attempting to generate sympathy....and when one says the name with a slight accent...it really sounds like a salute.
At first I thought these were two different places and two different situations and then I realized that it parallels the last Winter Olympic games in TORINO or TURIN...depending on who you were. When one looks at a map of Italy....there is a place called TORINO.....nothing called TURIN....except of course one quite infamous SHROUD.
Of course Mr. Clooney...I realize the extreme differences between the two situations and that's it's not in good taste to compare a sporting event to a mass genocide but what I'm trying to do is establish WHY something gets ignored by the average dick and jane.
When people can't even agree on how something is spelled or pronounced then God only knows they aren't going to care about the problem.
There are some people who think Barack's last name is OSAMA....and there are some people who think that DARFUR is a dead psycho dude from the 40's. Of course it's important to also keep in mind that some of those same people actually think that the extermination of European Jews didn't really happen. I wonder how those idiots deal with the information released from the German achieves which actually shows the names of each and every person murdered. The rows and rows of files and books that Germany has stored underground since the War.....each and every person and their NUMBER listed with exact precision and diligence....neat and legible so that future generations could marvel at their amazing record keeping.
What the f..k were they thinking?
So back to today's problem.....now we have to change Barack's last name and we have to change the name of Darfur.....we've already settled on Russell being a good last name for the kid senator from Illinios.....so let's change Darfur to BUSHVILLE.....that will get a nice response from the people who matter.
I promise that if a genocide were taking place in BUSHVILLE....there would be a huge outcry and the troops would be landing tomorrow.
If Barack Cassius Russell were to lead the action against the bad guys in BUSHVILLE....watch out White House!
Barack Obama talking about Darfur....really is just not going to make any inroads....neither for himself or the horrible situation in Sudan.
BARACK RUSSELL TALKING ABOUT HORRIBLE THINGS TAKING PLACE IN BUSHVILLE GETS ATTENTION!!!!!!!!!
Imagine how bad it would be if Barack Obama were living in Turin trying to help with the problem in Darfur. The confusion just keeps spinning and spinning and the focus never goes to the problem....kind of like the Sunni/Shi'a mess.....which by the way reminds me.....
IS IT SHI'A or is SHIITE?
I can pretty much rest assured that when looking at the second spelling one just simply thinks of one thing and one thing only.
So now we have another name change, but keep in mind that after we change the SHIITE name to something more user friendly.....the SHIITE will still be a SHIITE.
So many things to do....so many names to change....so many people to save..
TGIF
Michael Timothy McAlevey
I keep asking why the situation in Sudan seems to be ignored, except for movie stars, and today I discovered the problem.
We(....the collective we consists of ALL reporting entities such as Yahoo, LA Times etc, etc and of course little old me.....)can't even agree on how to spell DARFUR.....DUFAR.
Type in both words and watch the results. If you look at a map of Sudan you will note that the western region of the country is called DARFUR. Why on earth would Dufar ever be the spelling?
Looking at it closely I now realize that when you say....DARFUR....IT SOUNDS TOO MUCH LIKE DA FUHRER....and all references, whether they be visual or audio, that remind people of Adolf Hitler....will simply be ignored.
This is the same problem that Barack Obama is faced with and why it's imperative that he change his last name.
DARFUR simply will not work when attempting to generate sympathy....and when one says the name with a slight accent...it really sounds like a salute.
At first I thought these were two different places and two different situations and then I realized that it parallels the last Winter Olympic games in TORINO or TURIN...depending on who you were. When one looks at a map of Italy....there is a place called TORINO.....nothing called TURIN....except of course one quite infamous SHROUD.
Of course Mr. Clooney...I realize the extreme differences between the two situations and that's it's not in good taste to compare a sporting event to a mass genocide but what I'm trying to do is establish WHY something gets ignored by the average dick and jane.
When people can't even agree on how something is spelled or pronounced then God only knows they aren't going to care about the problem.
There are some people who think Barack's last name is OSAMA....and there are some people who think that DARFUR is a dead psycho dude from the 40's. Of course it's important to also keep in mind that some of those same people actually think that the extermination of European Jews didn't really happen. I wonder how those idiots deal with the information released from the German achieves which actually shows the names of each and every person murdered. The rows and rows of files and books that Germany has stored underground since the War.....each and every person and their NUMBER listed with exact precision and diligence....neat and legible so that future generations could marvel at their amazing record keeping.
What the f..k were they thinking?
So back to today's problem.....now we have to change Barack's last name and we have to change the name of Darfur.....we've already settled on Russell being a good last name for the kid senator from Illinios.....so let's change Darfur to BUSHVILLE.....that will get a nice response from the people who matter.
I promise that if a genocide were taking place in BUSHVILLE....there would be a huge outcry and the troops would be landing tomorrow.
If Barack Cassius Russell were to lead the action against the bad guys in BUSHVILLE....watch out White House!
Barack Obama talking about Darfur....really is just not going to make any inroads....neither for himself or the horrible situation in Sudan.
BARACK RUSSELL TALKING ABOUT HORRIBLE THINGS TAKING PLACE IN BUSHVILLE GETS ATTENTION!!!!!!!!!
Imagine how bad it would be if Barack Obama were living in Turin trying to help with the problem in Darfur. The confusion just keeps spinning and spinning and the focus never goes to the problem....kind of like the Sunni/Shi'a mess.....which by the way reminds me.....
IS IT SHI'A or is SHIITE?
I can pretty much rest assured that when looking at the second spelling one just simply thinks of one thing and one thing only.
So now we have another name change, but keep in mind that after we change the SHIITE name to something more user friendly.....the SHIITE will still be a SHIITE.
So many things to do....so many names to change....so many people to save..
TGIF
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Washington, Baghdad and Japan
1-11-07
President Bush acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he erred by not ordering a military buildup in Iraq last year and said he was increasing U.S. troops by 21,500 to quell the country's near-anarchy. "Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me," Bush said.
Japan is one of the world's most quake-prone nations, and Tokyo has a 90 percent chance of being hit by a major quake over the next 50 years, officials say.
Resource-poor Japan depends on its 52 active nuclear reactors for about a third of its electricity. The government has said it wants to increase that figure to nearly 40 percent by 2010.
I really can’t figure out who is more insane…or should I say common sense challenged…the entire Japanese population, or one Texan with huge kuaonies….and I realize I don’t have the slightest idea how to spell kuaonies but I’m sure you get the point. And the Hawaiian word for big balls is neither in Webster’s nor in spell check.
A country built on a Volcanic mountain range decides to built 52 Nuclear power plants and then just wait for major earthquakes to push the envelope of radiation hell. Of course after what happened in 1945 they could actually have a radiation Jones.
The leader of the free world admits to making mistakes and then decides to increase the mistakes.
Seriously…what the f...k are they thinking?
I keep having visions of Henry Kissinger meeting with GW every week and every week the situation seems to get worse. Now we have a Democratic House and Senate so the debate will heat up….but it’s important to realize that neither party really understands the Sunni/Shi’a problem…in fact I would go so far as to say that 95% of Americans don’t understand the Sunni/Shi’a problem….and calling it a problem is an understatement of huge proportions. It’s a HOLY WAR between two
interpretations of one religious book.
And that HOLY WAR is being fought in Baghdad….and it’s being fought in Baghdad because that’s were the action is. Move the action to An Najaf and low and behold that would be the trouble spot.
As a Shi’a…in order to kill my hated enemy MR. SUNNI, first I’ve got to blow up some US HUMV’s because they are trying to prevent me from killing MR. SUNNI. As a Sunni…in order to kill my hated enemy MR. SHI’A, first I’ve got to blow up some US HUMV’s because they are trying to prevent me from killing MR. SHI’A.
I honestly believe that if Muslims want us to take them seriously they first have to respect Muslim brothers and sisters...and acknowledge that sisters are people too.
The country has a population that consists of 50% percent under the age of 21…and unemployment is extremely high among that segment of the population.
The figure I’ve heard is as high as 40 percent….so that means that a huge number of male Muslim pissed off teenage boys...are roaming the streets…with nothing to do…except wait for their Muslim pissed off adult leader to recruit them to the CAUSE.
Our soldiers are sitting in the middle of a HOLY GANG WAR. It’s the ultimate gang bang dealio and pissed off Muslim teenagers are probably flocking to the party….coming from Syrian, Turkey, Iran and any other surrounding Muslim/Arab countries that don’t currently have the action.
The ACTION is in Baghdad…..and if we wanted to end the action in Baghdad we should just end the action in Baghdad. Ending the action in Baghdad is not going to happen by adding 21,000 more American soldiers. Ending the action in Baghdad is only going to stop when there is no place for an insurgent to hide or sleep….and as long as there are buildings to hide in….it will continue.
If we can ignore the genocide taking place in Darfur/Sudan and somehow over look millions of people being displaced and hundreds of thousands of people being killed…why can’t we ignore the people in BAGHDAD?
Why do we care about the IRAQI people and not care about the people in Africa?
THREE
LETTERS
O I L
Doesn’t Africa have oil?
So let’s travel north and get back to Baghdad for a minute. If we want to end the action in Baghdad we should simply announce for all peaceful civilians to leave the city… and take up residence at the large camps that have been built 50 miles away. The population of Baghdad is between 6 and 8 million. 3 to 4 million of those people are under 21 years of age. We round up all the teenagers and….and…and…and....the problem is worldwide.....
What the hell do you do with a teenager?
So anyway…we round up everybody who doesn’t want to be turned to dust…we promise not to destroy any Mosque…and we simply create a new atmosphere for rebuilding. I’m not talking nuclear…just large bombs to help facilitate a new direction for the city of Baghdad.
Seriously….take a look at Japan. The only way to start an industrialized nation is to eliminate the older structures. Of course Japan was a war machine at the time of its destruction, so maybe the mentality of the people had something to do with their quick recovery and financial windfall. But what’s so strange about building cars in IRAQ with brand new automated plants build in Baghdad? What’s so strange about automated rug factories to replace the hand made cottage industry?
I realize that leveling Baghdad is not going to be a popular remedy…but if we really want to end the insurgent problem and get the country on track to a new beginning…we’ve got to learn from situations of the past.
Cities and countries that have been totally defeated and leveled seem to recover quite nicely.
Or we’ve got to figure out how to control millions of bored Muslim teenagers. Maybe we could have Bill Gates donate 5 million X-Boxes to Iraq. Of course electricity might be a problem…
I’m simply against the continuation of using our foot soldiers to solve a problem that has been part of historic situation in IRAQ for 600 years. The SUNNI/SHI’A CONFLICT is not going to be solved by outsiders.
If Baghdad was at square one. Imagine Japan….now imagine Baghdad and IRAQ in 30 years…
Nuclear power plants all over the freakin place…..Huge factories turning out Hybrid & Electric Cars by the thousands….large facilities building solar panels…
Massive industrialized modern plants where millions of teenagers could be employed.
So after careful consideration I now realize that the problem is simply...
UNEMPLOYED TEENAGERS….WHO DON’T LIKE SCHOOL.
Isn’t this where the guys come in from Pinocchio and lead the kids to the island of fun….and they get turned into donkeys….
SOMETIMES EXTREME MEASURES ARE NEEDED IN ORDER TO MAKE A POINT.
I don’t think adding more foot soldiers from the United States of America…is going to help make a point or solve a problem.
Just like building 52 Nuclear power plants on top of a Volcanic mountain range is really not going to solve Japan’s energy problem. Using their modernized facilities to build alternative energy devices would solve their problem. Being dependant on OIL is their problem…just like other industrialized nations. Why haven’t they utilized solar and wind energy devices? Why would a country that was destroyed by Nuclear means….think that Nuclear would be its salvation? And why would a country, that is EARTHQUAKE prone, build facilities that could lead to radiation problems beyond our wildest dreams….and radiation problems that will not be restricted to just the Island of Japan.
IF A 9.1 QUAKE HIT A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN JAPAN….THERE’S A REAL GOOD CHANCE THAT RESIDUAL RADIATION COULD ENTER THE JET STREAM AND LAND ON…..
YOU…
So looking at these two vastly different situations….one taking place in the rumored land where the Garden of Eden might have been…and the other taking place in a country that from 1600 to 1860 had NO CONNECTION with the world….and had no connection with the world because they hated everybody.....
It seems like there’s a lot of hate happening in Baghdad. I wonder if Japan had a problem with unemployed teenagers before they went crazy in the first half of the 1900’s. Maybe that’s who built all of their Nuclear plants.
The next fun thing will be to focus on Germany and how well things have gone for them since 1945. At this point I have no idea how many Nuclear reactors there are in Germany….but I will let you know. I’m pretty sure they don’t have massive earthquakes, but there is a history of rather strange behavior emanating from the Rhineland and earthquakes of the human psyche seem to arise every so often throughout their history.
Thank God...the Von Trapp family got away from all that nonsense.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
President Bush acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he erred by not ordering a military buildup in Iraq last year and said he was increasing U.S. troops by 21,500 to quell the country's near-anarchy. "Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me," Bush said.
Japan is one of the world's most quake-prone nations, and Tokyo has a 90 percent chance of being hit by a major quake over the next 50 years, officials say.
Resource-poor Japan depends on its 52 active nuclear reactors for about a third of its electricity. The government has said it wants to increase that figure to nearly 40 percent by 2010.
I really can’t figure out who is more insane…or should I say common sense challenged…the entire Japanese population, or one Texan with huge kuaonies….and I realize I don’t have the slightest idea how to spell kuaonies but I’m sure you get the point. And the Hawaiian word for big balls is neither in Webster’s nor in spell check.
A country built on a Volcanic mountain range decides to built 52 Nuclear power plants and then just wait for major earthquakes to push the envelope of radiation hell. Of course after what happened in 1945 they could actually have a radiation Jones.
The leader of the free world admits to making mistakes and then decides to increase the mistakes.
Seriously…what the f...k are they thinking?
I keep having visions of Henry Kissinger meeting with GW every week and every week the situation seems to get worse. Now we have a Democratic House and Senate so the debate will heat up….but it’s important to realize that neither party really understands the Sunni/Shi’a problem…in fact I would go so far as to say that 95% of Americans don’t understand the Sunni/Shi’a problem….and calling it a problem is an understatement of huge proportions. It’s a HOLY WAR between two
interpretations of one religious book.
And that HOLY WAR is being fought in Baghdad….and it’s being fought in Baghdad because that’s were the action is. Move the action to An Najaf and low and behold that would be the trouble spot.
As a Shi’a…in order to kill my hated enemy MR. SUNNI, first I’ve got to blow up some US HUMV’s because they are trying to prevent me from killing MR. SUNNI. As a Sunni…in order to kill my hated enemy MR. SHI’A, first I’ve got to blow up some US HUMV’s because they are trying to prevent me from killing MR. SHI’A.
I honestly believe that if Muslims want us to take them seriously they first have to respect Muslim brothers and sisters...and acknowledge that sisters are people too.
The country has a population that consists of 50% percent under the age of 21…and unemployment is extremely high among that segment of the population.
The figure I’ve heard is as high as 40 percent….so that means that a huge number of male Muslim pissed off teenage boys...are roaming the streets…with nothing to do…except wait for their Muslim pissed off adult leader to recruit them to the CAUSE.
Our soldiers are sitting in the middle of a HOLY GANG WAR. It’s the ultimate gang bang dealio and pissed off Muslim teenagers are probably flocking to the party….coming from Syrian, Turkey, Iran and any other surrounding Muslim/Arab countries that don’t currently have the action.
The ACTION is in Baghdad…..and if we wanted to end the action in Baghdad we should just end the action in Baghdad. Ending the action in Baghdad is not going to happen by adding 21,000 more American soldiers. Ending the action in Baghdad is only going to stop when there is no place for an insurgent to hide or sleep….and as long as there are buildings to hide in….it will continue.
If we can ignore the genocide taking place in Darfur/Sudan and somehow over look millions of people being displaced and hundreds of thousands of people being killed…why can’t we ignore the people in BAGHDAD?
Why do we care about the IRAQI people and not care about the people in Africa?
THREE
LETTERS
O I L
Doesn’t Africa have oil?
So let’s travel north and get back to Baghdad for a minute. If we want to end the action in Baghdad we should simply announce for all peaceful civilians to leave the city… and take up residence at the large camps that have been built 50 miles away. The population of Baghdad is between 6 and 8 million. 3 to 4 million of those people are under 21 years of age. We round up all the teenagers and….and…and…and....the problem is worldwide.....
What the hell do you do with a teenager?
So anyway…we round up everybody who doesn’t want to be turned to dust…we promise not to destroy any Mosque…and we simply create a new atmosphere for rebuilding. I’m not talking nuclear…just large bombs to help facilitate a new direction for the city of Baghdad.
Seriously….take a look at Japan. The only way to start an industrialized nation is to eliminate the older structures. Of course Japan was a war machine at the time of its destruction, so maybe the mentality of the people had something to do with their quick recovery and financial windfall. But what’s so strange about building cars in IRAQ with brand new automated plants build in Baghdad? What’s so strange about automated rug factories to replace the hand made cottage industry?
I realize that leveling Baghdad is not going to be a popular remedy…but if we really want to end the insurgent problem and get the country on track to a new beginning…we’ve got to learn from situations of the past.
Cities and countries that have been totally defeated and leveled seem to recover quite nicely.
Or we’ve got to figure out how to control millions of bored Muslim teenagers. Maybe we could have Bill Gates donate 5 million X-Boxes to Iraq. Of course electricity might be a problem…
I’m simply against the continuation of using our foot soldiers to solve a problem that has been part of historic situation in IRAQ for 600 years. The SUNNI/SHI’A CONFLICT is not going to be solved by outsiders.
If Baghdad was at square one. Imagine Japan….now imagine Baghdad and IRAQ in 30 years…
Nuclear power plants all over the freakin place…..Huge factories turning out Hybrid & Electric Cars by the thousands….large facilities building solar panels…
Massive industrialized modern plants where millions of teenagers could be employed.
So after careful consideration I now realize that the problem is simply...
UNEMPLOYED TEENAGERS….WHO DON’T LIKE SCHOOL.
Isn’t this where the guys come in from Pinocchio and lead the kids to the island of fun….and they get turned into donkeys….
SOMETIMES EXTREME MEASURES ARE NEEDED IN ORDER TO MAKE A POINT.
I don’t think adding more foot soldiers from the United States of America…is going to help make a point or solve a problem.
Just like building 52 Nuclear power plants on top of a Volcanic mountain range is really not going to solve Japan’s energy problem. Using their modernized facilities to build alternative energy devices would solve their problem. Being dependant on OIL is their problem…just like other industrialized nations. Why haven’t they utilized solar and wind energy devices? Why would a country that was destroyed by Nuclear means….think that Nuclear would be its salvation? And why would a country, that is EARTHQUAKE prone, build facilities that could lead to radiation problems beyond our wildest dreams….and radiation problems that will not be restricted to just the Island of Japan.
IF A 9.1 QUAKE HIT A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN JAPAN….THERE’S A REAL GOOD CHANCE THAT RESIDUAL RADIATION COULD ENTER THE JET STREAM AND LAND ON…..
YOU…
So looking at these two vastly different situations….one taking place in the rumored land where the Garden of Eden might have been…and the other taking place in a country that from 1600 to 1860 had NO CONNECTION with the world….and had no connection with the world because they hated everybody.....
It seems like there’s a lot of hate happening in Baghdad. I wonder if Japan had a problem with unemployed teenagers before they went crazy in the first half of the 1900’s. Maybe that’s who built all of their Nuclear plants.
The next fun thing will be to focus on Germany and how well things have gone for them since 1945. At this point I have no idea how many Nuclear reactors there are in Germany….but I will let you know. I’m pretty sure they don’t have massive earthquakes, but there is a history of rather strange behavior emanating from the Rhineland and earthquakes of the human psyche seem to arise every so often throughout their history.
Thank God...the Von Trapp family got away from all that nonsense.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Swing Thoughts
1-10-07
And the whooping continues....
As I've previously reported... my father, who is 87, and I occassionally play golf. He has a regular group of friends that he plays with and every so often I'm able to create one of the biggest nightmares on a golf course....a Fivesome.
It's really a nightmare if you are a twosome following a fivesome....in fact, if unable to play through...a twosome can actually be seen leaving the course. Imagine two men playing behind five women....slow women....bad playing women...bad playing women who smoke on every hole....five bad playing women who smoke while wearing very bright colors....with shoes and hats that match....and they are drinking beers and one last thing....they are walking...and they are walking very very very slow.
Those two guys following that fivesome might be found the next day in a newspaper article which covered the horrible road rage incident which happened near a golf course.
Last week my father shot a 78...but I wasn't there, so I really didn't believe him...which is just one of the aspects of the golf and fishing program. Realistically I figured he took two or three mulligans...picked up four or five three foot putts and truthfully shot a 85.
An 87 year old man shooting an 85 is a good round....shooting a 78 starts making the story seem Sci-Fi.
I'm here to announce that Sci-Fi is alive and well. Yesterday he missed a six foot putt on the 18th hole which would have given him back to back weeks of 78...instead he had to settle for an 79.
He only beat me by 16 strokes.
I shot a 53 on the front nine and he shot a 40.....I improved by 11 shots on the back nine and he shot a 39. Those are the facts and figures and they are offically recorded on a scorecard that will get filed in the famous filing compartment known as....a golf bag.
There are so many compartments in a golf bag that one could probably hold a mini garage sale just from the stuff stuffed into those compartments. I realize there are organized players who make sure everything is neat and tiddy inside their golf bags...but most of us see those zippers and think pockets and things go in pockets and the only real problem arises when one forgets that some form of food was placed in one of those pockets and....egh!
Chocolate is a bad thing to forget in one of your golf compartments...but no where near as bad as half of an egg salad sandwich.
The idea of getting trounched by my father on the golf course is a beautiful double edged conundrum because I regard myself as a better golfer than my father. Of course when one loses by 16 strokes it's a tad bit hard to justify that reasoning.
The other side of the edge is based on the fact that the dude is 87 and God bless him!
He actually seems to be getting better. He is hitting the ball further than he was five years ago and if he keeps this up he'll be a scratch golfer by the time he turns 100.
But it's very important that something is understood as this point...
I don't like losing to him...I don't mind losing to him...I just don't like it...especially by 16 strokes.
When I'm playing bad he likes to say things like....
" why don't you hit it in the fairway?"
" you know your stance is a little wide."
" how about using irons off the tee."
" are you practicing shots from the trees...on purpose?"
When an 87 year old becomes a smart ass...it's really hard to answer back...unless you are also in your 80's...and his friends aren't quite as old as he is, so they treat him kindly....most of the time. His best friend knows when and how to respond but he is an extremely gentle man with impeccable manners and he generally doesn't stoop to smart ass tactics.
My father has never been accused of being a gentle man...but he does have the proverbial heart of gold...and his manners are quite good....except for the fact that he likes to tee up first no matter who got what... on the previous hole.
Just that one small lack of golf etiquette should result in me whooping his ass...at least once in awhile.
I know that if and when I do beat him, I'll just feel bad and it will be a bitter sweet victory...and he'll start talking about his arthritis and I'll feel guilty.
But I'd like to be faced with that feeling...soon. Imagine me not beating him until he's in his 90's. I already sound like a whinner but imagine how pathetic I'd sound if he was 95 and I finally whopped his ass.
I'll tell you one thing....if I do whip him...it won't be by 16 strokes....
His universe will never experience the feeling of having lost a golf match to his son by 16 strokes. He would have no idea how to deal with such an event.
I calmly deal with the experience by letting you know that 87 is yesterdays 57 and getting older might have aches and pains,but getting older can really mean...getting better.
And I paid him the ultimate compliment as we walked through the clubhouse....I brought up the word Tournament....for his age bracket. I'm sure he's thinking about it as he relaxes today after two weeks in a row of breaking 80.
He plays every Tuesday and next week I'm going to play a round with my Swing Thoughts intact, and I'm going to use my irons off the tee... and I'm going to beat him...
Of course there's a strong possibility that I won't beat him and life goes on and on and on and on and on....
Thank God for small favors...and good Swing Thoughts....and of course....old smart asses.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Larry Sherry
A PREVIOUS POST
12-19-06
Larry Sherry passed away yesterday at the age of 71. He had been battling cancer for the last 12 years and yesterday nothing could save….”the saver.”
The name Larry Sherry will mean nothing to the non-sports fan, or to the sports fan born after 1959….unless of course the love of baseball history is a tangent of that person’s character.
On February 11th 1959 I turned 13 years old. In October of 1959 the Dodgers won their second World Series and the first one in Los Angeles since the move from Brooklyn the year before, when they finished last in the division.
During the 1959 season I played my first year of Babe Ruth baseball and probably listened to every Dodger game on the radio…which means I spent the entire season paying strict attention to the words and the melodic vocal ranges of the legendary Vin Scully.
Most of the time I was listening to the radio in our back yard, and most of the time I had a bat in my hand, when the Dodgers were on offense, or a glove on my hand, when they were playing defense. In 1959 the only games televised were the away games in San Francisco, with the Giants…I think.
Keep in mind that people did not have multiple televisions in those days…and a 13 year olds choice for what television show would be viewed….was way down the list. I suspect that I got to watch some games, but generally Mr. Scully was my connection to the Los Angeles Dodger experience…and thank God I can say this….AND STILL IS, TO THIS VERY DAY.
The importance of Vin Scully to my childhood is a separate story and one which would require an editor and a publisher.
Today I’m only going to discuss the passing of a sports hero…a hero to a young boy who will never forget the emergence of a player who had nothing to do with the team until August. The Dodgers had been playing baseball since April and when a rookie gets called up in August and ends up being the World Series MVP…it’s a huge deal. “The Closer” was not a term in baseball in 1959 and it was rather hard to remove a starting pitcher, if he had any kind of lead. In those days salaries for starting pitchers were very much determined by how many complete games were pitched. Relief pitchers were not highly regarded.
Larry Sherry might be the beginning of what “The Closer” has become. He was a starting pitcher, who actually threw a shutout for the Dodgers when he first came up in August. They decided that he could be more important in the bullpen and basically the game of baseball has never been the same. It’s not a bad change…it’s just a different game than it was when starters always wanted to finish something “they started.”
Larry Sherry, from August to the end of the World Series, was the single most important reason the Dodgers have a World Championship banner from 1959.
Of course there were other important contributors to that team, but Larry Sherry was the fresh rookie who never seemed to fail at his job. The act of failing is a major part of playing baseball and the art of over-coming failure is one of the main attributes to being a good ballplayer. Larry Sherry, in my mind, never failed that year…and he came from no where after the season was half over…and led them to a World Series victory.
Larry Sherry was also a name that was never shortened to Larry, or Sherry….it was always Larry Sherry…which is the way a poetic name should be said…Larry Sherry.
Now I have no idea what his mom and dad’s names were….but he did have an older brother named Norm, which probably is the reason they decided to give Larry a poetic name. You name your first boy Norm and when having a second opportunity to create a special name that rhymes…you simply do not pass up the chance to create Larry Sherry.
Larry Sherry won 53 games in his 11 year major league career. In 1959 Larry Sherry was the “King of the world.” And to every young baseball fan between the ages of 8 and 18, who lived in Los Angeles in 1959…who are now 55 to 65…Larry Sherry will forever be one of our first heroes. And when first heroes pass away…a small part of us passes away. It’s not a part that we need; it’s just a part we loved. A part of our childhood that helped saved the day, the month, the season and the year.
Thank you Larry Sherry, for the life long memory, and for being a trail blazer in the world of baseball. Eric Gagne will always be remembered for what he did in 3 amazing seasons for the Dodgers…while Larry Sherry will always be remembered for what he did in three amazing months.
Three months in 1959….just seems like yesterday.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
12-19-06
Larry Sherry passed away yesterday at the age of 71. He had been battling cancer for the last 12 years and yesterday nothing could save….”the saver.”
The name Larry Sherry will mean nothing to the non-sports fan, or to the sports fan born after 1959….unless of course the love of baseball history is a tangent of that person’s character.
On February 11th 1959 I turned 13 years old. In October of 1959 the Dodgers won their second World Series and the first one in Los Angeles since the move from Brooklyn the year before, when they finished last in the division.
During the 1959 season I played my first year of Babe Ruth baseball and probably listened to every Dodger game on the radio…which means I spent the entire season paying strict attention to the words and the melodic vocal ranges of the legendary Vin Scully.
Most of the time I was listening to the radio in our back yard, and most of the time I had a bat in my hand, when the Dodgers were on offense, or a glove on my hand, when they were playing defense. In 1959 the only games televised were the away games in San Francisco, with the Giants…I think.
Keep in mind that people did not have multiple televisions in those days…and a 13 year olds choice for what television show would be viewed….was way down the list. I suspect that I got to watch some games, but generally Mr. Scully was my connection to the Los Angeles Dodger experience…and thank God I can say this….AND STILL IS, TO THIS VERY DAY.
The importance of Vin Scully to my childhood is a separate story and one which would require an editor and a publisher.
Today I’m only going to discuss the passing of a sports hero…a hero to a young boy who will never forget the emergence of a player who had nothing to do with the team until August. The Dodgers had been playing baseball since April and when a rookie gets called up in August and ends up being the World Series MVP…it’s a huge deal. “The Closer” was not a term in baseball in 1959 and it was rather hard to remove a starting pitcher, if he had any kind of lead. In those days salaries for starting pitchers were very much determined by how many complete games were pitched. Relief pitchers were not highly regarded.
Larry Sherry might be the beginning of what “The Closer” has become. He was a starting pitcher, who actually threw a shutout for the Dodgers when he first came up in August. They decided that he could be more important in the bullpen and basically the game of baseball has never been the same. It’s not a bad change…it’s just a different game than it was when starters always wanted to finish something “they started.”
Larry Sherry, from August to the end of the World Series, was the single most important reason the Dodgers have a World Championship banner from 1959.
Of course there were other important contributors to that team, but Larry Sherry was the fresh rookie who never seemed to fail at his job. The act of failing is a major part of playing baseball and the art of over-coming failure is one of the main attributes to being a good ballplayer. Larry Sherry, in my mind, never failed that year…and he came from no where after the season was half over…and led them to a World Series victory.
Larry Sherry was also a name that was never shortened to Larry, or Sherry….it was always Larry Sherry…which is the way a poetic name should be said…Larry Sherry.
Now I have no idea what his mom and dad’s names were….but he did have an older brother named Norm, which probably is the reason they decided to give Larry a poetic name. You name your first boy Norm and when having a second opportunity to create a special name that rhymes…you simply do not pass up the chance to create Larry Sherry.
Larry Sherry won 53 games in his 11 year major league career. In 1959 Larry Sherry was the “King of the world.” And to every young baseball fan between the ages of 8 and 18, who lived in Los Angeles in 1959…who are now 55 to 65…Larry Sherry will forever be one of our first heroes. And when first heroes pass away…a small part of us passes away. It’s not a part that we need; it’s just a part we loved. A part of our childhood that helped saved the day, the month, the season and the year.
Thank you Larry Sherry, for the life long memory, and for being a trail blazer in the world of baseball. Eric Gagne will always be remembered for what he did in 3 amazing seasons for the Dodgers…while Larry Sherry will always be remembered for what he did in three amazing months.
Three months in 1959….just seems like yesterday.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Juice
Back from a quick vacation in the desert….
1-9-07
“Don't know how this could be made though.”
This is the answer from a producer/director/editor friend,
after reading my short film
“Blue”….
But before he used the above words he also said….
“I read it….I like it.”
It would seem that we could reach a middle ground. I have some ideas
how it could be made….with the amount that would be
physically shot vs. computer generated.
That’s a good starting point.
My God…..it’s hard to get things made in
this small town…I’ll probably have to move to New York or Paris if I really want my projects…started or finished….
LA really does ask for credentials…and being an Outsider is not always rewarding or fun…but it does allow me to create exactly what I want to….and say exactly what I want to say…and think exactly how I need to think…and Outsiders can do that without any effort.
Learning to have your work developed for larger viewing is a product of hope…and the residue of physical dreams.
I really feel like I’m trying to be patient and I realize that being patient isn’t something to practice….because if you practice being patient…then you will be satisfied with the waiting.
It’s a conundrum and an anomaly all wrapped in one package.
It’s time to get back to work…
College Football finally ended and Florida once again made a chump out of Ohio. The American Indians in Ohio did have casinos before those in Florida…but then again I think the Seminoles just bought the Hard Rock empire…so it all evens out.
I still think the Trojans could beat anybody at anytime….but that’s just the opinion of a Trojan fan....a valid opinion...but still just an opinion.
Pro Football moves into second gear this weekend…Keep in mind that I’m a Ram fan so any team that gets eliminated is another team…
….just like my team…
eliminated…
and then add the Cowboys to the list and it really makes me feel good…but presently I’m not gambling on football so the interest is small….but Cowboys? All the talk about Romophobia in Texas? They put this kid in the ProBowl after eight games!!!!!
Since that “reward” he’s lost three of the last four games.
But being a Ram fan I really don’t give a flying freakin thing about Pro Football right now…I might get exicted at the two games that determine who goes to the Super Bowl…and then I’ll probably tune into the Super Bowl for the halftime show.
Did the story about CNN putting Barack Obama’s name under a picture of Osama Bin Laden…just go away without any fanfare. The apology had legs…..Had it been Fox News we could all be saying…”told you so!”…but CNN…??????
BUT WHERE DID THE STORY GO?
CNN????
But if you’ve read my previous work then you’ll understand that I’m not surprised….Obama is cooked because his name rhymes with Osama…..maybe he should change his name…..Barack Russell sounds good…and it’s really not too late in the game. In fact NOW is the absolute perfect itme. Barack Russell.
You could give him a middle name if you think it’s important…
BARACK CASSIUS RUSSELL OR
BARACK LINCOLN RUSSELL
OR
??????????????????????????????????????it really doesn’t matter….anything is better than Obama….
and if he thinks the American mind can wrap themselves around this slight little coincidence, he’s really delusional,
but from what I’ve heard about most politicians….being delusional is a prerequisite to achieving political power.
But I’m giving him credit for how fast that CNN story was buried.
A sampling of power….from a young sampler.
Today, the powers to be, in the world of Baseball Hall of Fame selections, made a statement regarding Steroids. And they selected a name and face to headline that statement.
A player needs 75% of the vote to be selected. Mark McGuire got 23.5%. And a man who was very prominent in repairing the damage caused by the last strike/ walk out…is left off the biggest team.
23.5% is a number that would indicate he will never be elected
OR
Was it just a one year statement, and next year he will be elected by 80%?????
I hope steroids becomes a major issue for discussion so that once and for all we can learn what steroids can do to help repair damage to the human body. If Lance Armstrong really did use steroids and it helped cure four areas of cancer in his body….we need to know the truth so that we can get our hands on the stuff….and I’ve been saying this for a long time….
AREN’T YOU INTERESTED IN HOW FAST SOMEONE CAN RUN THE 100 METER DASH? MAKE A SEPARATE RACE FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO HIT THE JUICE. LET’S REALLY SEE HOW FAST A HUMAN CAN RUN.
So, if the winner explodes at the finish line, after running a 6.9 100 meter, then he explodes. He knew what he was doing and the sponsors of the race, which would be 100 manufactures of protein human magic powder…PHMP, knew what to expect…so with very large Lloyds of London insurance policies….everybody wins. We get to see a human cheetah race and the family of the exploding runner gets 5 mill…..
Taking it a step further….why not have a major league BASEBALL league just for Juicers.
THE JUICER LEAGUE
The crowds would be small at first but once some palooka hit a 700 foot homerun…the kids would be saying…”Daddy…I want to go see that man with the big arms hit the ball out of the stadium.” And then pitchers would be able to throw 110 miles per hour…..I guarantee within a few years they will be drawing equal crowds to regular league and then there will be a challenge….Normals can’t beat the Juicers….and the jibbering and jabbering starts….and finally the challenge is accepted.
JUICER WORLD SERIES
Eventually the two leagues will merge and nobody will ever remember that poor Mark McGuire started the entire healing by simply saying….”I’m not here to talk about the past.” when he was being questioned by the Senate Investigative committee
…which resulted in his receiving 27% of the vote…..and now he can say it once again…….”What vote..?I’m not here to talk about the past.” I feel sorry for him but somebody had to be the poster child for rules and regulations pertaining to the individuals desire to enhance performance.
Mark McGuire and Pete Rose should be the commissioners of the new league.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Deja Vu
1-4-07
Over the last weekend I was introduced to the New American Century. Today I learned that it is connected, by principles involved, with a think tank called the American Enterprise Institute. I suggest that you click on http://www.newamericancentury.org/ and read the Statement of Principles and then scroll down and check out the names that signed this declaration.
This declaration was written in 1997….not 1797. I would like to announce that COLONIALISM is alive and well. As I read their statement I simply became aware of two realities. The people who have power really think they can do ANYTHING….and Paul Wolfowitz is really a scary guy.
If you haven’t seen “Fogs of War.”, starring Robert McNamara, then you won’t understand the complete Déjà vu that I experienced, while looking into Mr. Wolfowitz.
The parallels are freaky and the arrogance appears to be extreme. And then on top of all this information I keep remembering that Henry Kissinger meets with GW every week and I now fully realize that someone in Washington has truly discovered how to control the time /space continuum. I wouldn’t be surprised if that person wasn’t a member of the New American Century.
Back to our scary guy….Paul Wolfowitz was a primary architect of the Iraq invasion and then in 2003 left the White House to become head of the World Bank.
The other day I was reading a story that quoted Mr.Wolfowitz as saying, “he couldn’t discuss IRAQ because he was in the middle of saving AFRICA.”
Wow….talk about passing the buck…and please keep in mind that the World Bank is hugely involved in financial responsibilities regarding the rebuilding and construction of IRAQ…..and he doesn’t want to talk about IRAQ because his World Bank partners would think he was ignoring his main priority….saving AFRICA!
He doesn’t want to talk about the strategy of a war that he was largely involved in designing. Hello!...is anyone home?
Please rent and watch the “FOGS of WAR”…..please….please…..please.
Then try to tell me that you aren’t also experiencing the most incredible political Déjà Vu’s of our lifetime.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Over the last weekend I was introduced to the New American Century. Today I learned that it is connected, by principles involved, with a think tank called the American Enterprise Institute. I suggest that you click on http://www.newamericancentury.org/ and read the Statement of Principles and then scroll down and check out the names that signed this declaration.
This declaration was written in 1997….not 1797. I would like to announce that COLONIALISM is alive and well. As I read their statement I simply became aware of two realities. The people who have power really think they can do ANYTHING….and Paul Wolfowitz is really a scary guy.
If you haven’t seen “Fogs of War.”, starring Robert McNamara, then you won’t understand the complete Déjà vu that I experienced, while looking into Mr. Wolfowitz.
The parallels are freaky and the arrogance appears to be extreme. And then on top of all this information I keep remembering that Henry Kissinger meets with GW every week and I now fully realize that someone in Washington has truly discovered how to control the time /space continuum. I wouldn’t be surprised if that person wasn’t a member of the New American Century.
Back to our scary guy….Paul Wolfowitz was a primary architect of the Iraq invasion and then in 2003 left the White House to become head of the World Bank.
The other day I was reading a story that quoted Mr.Wolfowitz as saying, “he couldn’t discuss IRAQ because he was in the middle of saving AFRICA.”
Wow….talk about passing the buck…and please keep in mind that the World Bank is hugely involved in financial responsibilities regarding the rebuilding and construction of IRAQ…..and he doesn’t want to talk about IRAQ because his World Bank partners would think he was ignoring his main priority….saving AFRICA!
He doesn’t want to talk about the strategy of a war that he was largely involved in designing. Hello!...is anyone home?
Please rent and watch the “FOGS of WAR”…..please….please…..please.
Then try to tell me that you aren’t also experiencing the most incredible political Déjà Vu’s of our lifetime.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Solar ups & downs
1-03-7
Afternoon….if you will refer to my “SO MUCH TO DO” article from this morning, you will then understand why this story not only caught my eye, but made my blood boil just enough to cook an internal egg of contempt.
(The second item on my list…..STRESS WIDER USE OF SOLAR PANELS.)
I read the LA TIMES and the left side story, on the front page, has this headline.
He’s still following the sun.
Gary Gerber has pushed solar power for 30 years.
Now that it’s no longer the domain of hippies, he’s
really plugging in.
Story by LEE ROMNEY
Times Staff Writer
My first thought is….that’s a nice coincidence. As I was reading the story, about this man’s struggle to develop a solar power company named Sun Light & Power, I came across the following short paragraph.
Federal and state tax credits eventually boosted business—and in 1979, President Carter mounted 34 solar collectors on the White House roof to power the West Wing’s water heater. In 1980 Gerber sold his cheese business to go full time on solar.
But then President Reagan moved in and the White House solar collectors…came down. The tax credits disappeared in the mid 80’s and the industry “plunged” over a cliff,” Gerber recalled.
In 1979 the White House had 34 solar panels! And then they were removed by the next tenant…THE GREAT RONALD REAGAN.
Excuse me…but is this the same Reagan that made so many fiscal cuts in Health care, during the 1980’s, that facilities had to close…resulting in a homeless problem that continues to escalate out of control….to this very day.
I realize that general sentiment does not allow one to denigrate the great emancipator but seriously…..34 SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED AT THE WHITE HOUSE and he takes them down! I wonder if his Vice-President Bush, and buddy Dick Cheney toasted with champagne as those nasty non-oil driven energy devices were ripped out and thrown to the dogs of solar hell. I bet it was a great party! All that oil, nuclear and coal laughter… taking place as those beautiful panels where tossed overboard….and a little extra hooting about that flaky Jimmy Carter and his strange ideas for the future of America, and the future of the planet. I can hear Cheney as he’s starting his new job at Halliburton, “The nerve of that peanut farmer trying to show the country that alternative energy sources have a future.”
27 years ago there were 34 SOLAR PANELS ON THE WHITE HOUSE! That fact just blows my mind and I’m sure it’s a fact that 99% of the American people don’t know about….but the sad number is…..70% of the American people probably don’t care.
I wonder what the percentage is for people who don’t know what a solar panel is…???? The number might scare the crap out of me….
Thanks Jimmy for at least trying….and since Ronnie’s gone I can’t really thank him, and if I think about it, honestly….I can’t think of anything that I would thank him for….except that one thing that he brought to the game….a good personality. He should have been an actor….or a spokesperson for some type of cleaning product.
34 SOLAR PANELS ON THE WHITE HOUSE IN 1979!!!!!!!
THINK
ABOUT
THAT!!!!!!!!!!
0 SOLAR PANELS ON THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY!!!!
THINK ABOUT
THAT.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Afternoon….if you will refer to my “SO MUCH TO DO” article from this morning, you will then understand why this story not only caught my eye, but made my blood boil just enough to cook an internal egg of contempt.
(The second item on my list…..STRESS WIDER USE OF SOLAR PANELS.)
I read the LA TIMES and the left side story, on the front page, has this headline.
He’s still following the sun.
Gary Gerber has pushed solar power for 30 years.
Now that it’s no longer the domain of hippies, he’s
really plugging in.
Story by LEE ROMNEY
Times Staff Writer
My first thought is….that’s a nice coincidence. As I was reading the story, about this man’s struggle to develop a solar power company named Sun Light & Power, I came across the following short paragraph.
Federal and state tax credits eventually boosted business—and in 1979, President Carter mounted 34 solar collectors on the White House roof to power the West Wing’s water heater. In 1980 Gerber sold his cheese business to go full time on solar.
But then President Reagan moved in and the White House solar collectors…came down. The tax credits disappeared in the mid 80’s and the industry “plunged” over a cliff,” Gerber recalled.
In 1979 the White House had 34 solar panels! And then they were removed by the next tenant…THE GREAT RONALD REAGAN.
Excuse me…but is this the same Reagan that made so many fiscal cuts in Health care, during the 1980’s, that facilities had to close…resulting in a homeless problem that continues to escalate out of control….to this very day.
I realize that general sentiment does not allow one to denigrate the great emancipator but seriously…..34 SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED AT THE WHITE HOUSE and he takes them down! I wonder if his Vice-President Bush, and buddy Dick Cheney toasted with champagne as those nasty non-oil driven energy devices were ripped out and thrown to the dogs of solar hell. I bet it was a great party! All that oil, nuclear and coal laughter… taking place as those beautiful panels where tossed overboard….and a little extra hooting about that flaky Jimmy Carter and his strange ideas for the future of America, and the future of the planet. I can hear Cheney as he’s starting his new job at Halliburton, “The nerve of that peanut farmer trying to show the country that alternative energy sources have a future.”
27 years ago there were 34 SOLAR PANELS ON THE WHITE HOUSE! That fact just blows my mind and I’m sure it’s a fact that 99% of the American people don’t know about….but the sad number is…..70% of the American people probably don’t care.
I wonder what the percentage is for people who don’t know what a solar panel is…???? The number might scare the crap out of me….
Thanks Jimmy for at least trying….and since Ronnie’s gone I can’t really thank him, and if I think about it, honestly….I can’t think of anything that I would thank him for….except that one thing that he brought to the game….a good personality. He should have been an actor….or a spokesperson for some type of cleaning product.
34 SOLAR PANELS ON THE WHITE HOUSE IN 1979!!!!!!!
THINK
ABOUT
THAT!!!!!!!!!!
0 SOLAR PANELS ON THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY!!!!
THINK ABOUT
THAT.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
So much to do
1-3-07
Three days and we are deep into the new year. Only 362 days until 2008….only 362 days to make something happen in 2007…only 362 days left…oh my God, I’ve got to get busy.
So little time….so many projects. I’ve got to prioritize to realize. Let’s see….maybe I should make a list.
The list doesn’t have to be based on actual priorities because priorities can change according to need of response….and alphabetically doesn’t make any sense…so my list will simply be complied by how they pop into my mind….or out of my fingers…or onto this computer screen….or ?
End world hunger
Stress wider use of Solar Panels
Encourage universal desire to protect the environment of the earth
especially the water, the air and the trees that we use
Stop the War in Iraq
Declare war on the HIV/AIDS situation in Africa and India
Create a solution to the Israeli/Palestinian situation
Create a social conscience for every WARLORD on the planet
Devise a plan to help every city in US substantially reduce homeless population
Generate personal income stream
Make sure Pete Carroll doesn’t leave USC
Be helpful to my daughter when she needs help
Encourage Terrorists to discover their own physical worth and the worth of each
soldier they recruit.
Make religions more responsible for planetary situations. Encourage the use of
apologies from the leaders of all organized religions. Monetary apologies would be
standard practice for all endeavors not based on the concept of love….after all, we are talking religion and the standards should be much higher.
Help reduce some of social mores that would prevent Barack or Hiliary from becoming President of the United States.
Generate personal income stream…..
Obviously that last one seems to be important because it popped into my head twice…so I’ll stop my list now because I need to go sell something. Let’s see….what should I sell today?
Art…..rugs….clothes….movie scripts……lyrics…..????????
But first I better do my laundry because I watched so much college football over the holiday weekend that it just slipped my mind.
And when doing your laundry slips your mind….it indicates two important aspects of one’s life…..college bowl games are really important and fun to watch, and I don’t have a house keeper. I think I’ll add that to my list.
Get a house keeper or create more bowl games
So much do to….so little time….only 362 days….
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Three days and we are deep into the new year. Only 362 days until 2008….only 362 days to make something happen in 2007…only 362 days left…oh my God, I’ve got to get busy.
So little time….so many projects. I’ve got to prioritize to realize. Let’s see….maybe I should make a list.
The list doesn’t have to be based on actual priorities because priorities can change according to need of response….and alphabetically doesn’t make any sense…so my list will simply be complied by how they pop into my mind….or out of my fingers…or onto this computer screen….or ?
End world hunger
Stress wider use of Solar Panels
Encourage universal desire to protect the environment of the earth
especially the water, the air and the trees that we use
Stop the War in Iraq
Declare war on the HIV/AIDS situation in Africa and India
Create a solution to the Israeli/Palestinian situation
Create a social conscience for every WARLORD on the planet
Devise a plan to help every city in US substantially reduce homeless population
Generate personal income stream
Make sure Pete Carroll doesn’t leave USC
Be helpful to my daughter when she needs help
Encourage Terrorists to discover their own physical worth and the worth of each
soldier they recruit.
Make religions more responsible for planetary situations. Encourage the use of
apologies from the leaders of all organized religions. Monetary apologies would be
standard practice for all endeavors not based on the concept of love….after all, we are talking religion and the standards should be much higher.
Help reduce some of social mores that would prevent Barack or Hiliary from becoming President of the United States.
Generate personal income stream…..
Obviously that last one seems to be important because it popped into my head twice…so I’ll stop my list now because I need to go sell something. Let’s see….what should I sell today?
Art…..rugs….clothes….movie scripts……lyrics…..????????
But first I better do my laundry because I watched so much college football over the holiday weekend that it just slipped my mind.
And when doing your laundry slips your mind….it indicates two important aspects of one’s life…..college bowl games are really important and fun to watch, and I don’t have a house keeper. I think I’ll add that to my list.
Get a house keeper or create more bowl games
So much do to….so little time….only 362 days….
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Movies and reviews
January 2, 2007
I decided to go see a film today, and when I left home, to walk there....about nine blocks.....I had no idea what I was going to see. It was a timing thing. I haven't been to a movie in about a month....and was looking forward to the big screen. As I was walking towards the Promenade I started to visualize what mood film I wanted to see. I was looking for upbeat, so of course Rocky crossed my mind as did Pursuit of Happiness. I then started to wonder why the Award people don't break films down into the categories that "real people" use.
" Feel good movie"
" Chick flick" (GENERALLY SUB HEADING/ LOVE STORY)
" Family film"
" Really bloody"
" Depressing"
" Tear jerker"
" Epic"
" Don't waste your time"
" We walked out"
ANIMATED FEATURES CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE ABOVE CATEGORIES....DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE FREAKIN CARTOONS.
I love that debate between cartoon and animated film...it can be rousing.
But no matter how you freakin cut it.....SHREK IS A CARTOON.
Now you might think that Feel Good Movie and Chick Flick should be in same category, but they simply are not.
Feel Good Movies are definitely not gender sensitive.
I would love to watch an award show that gave out statues for these categories
and then to top it off....you have the type of celebrities reading the winning names....that are like those kind of movies.
"THE REAL AWARDS" (or reel awards)
Reese Witherspoon: Presenter
"and now the award for FEEL GOOD MOVIE of 2006"
"The Illusionist"
So before I unveil the entire list of winners....I would appreciate more categories. What do your friends say when you ask them about a film? You might have some unusual categories that are generic to your group of friends and family.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Presenter
"And now the award for "REALLY BLOODY" goes to
"APOCOLYPTO"
"and Mel can't be here tonight because we just didn't want to invite him."
You get my point....now give me more categories., while I go back to today's movie experience. It actually turned into a two movie experience. By the time I reached the theaters I was caught in between.....in between going in a tad bit late or seeing something that was just starting. I choose something that was just starting, which turned out to be...."A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM". I had some smart aleck teenagers sitting a few seats away and they somewhat ruined it for me. I mean for some reason I wasn't laughing and I'm fairly certain it was intended to be a comedy so I have to blame it on the mouths to my left. There were some interesting visual affects and this movie is very easy to categorize. "A FAMILY FILM"
We'll see if it wins any awards at the .....
'The Real Awards"
Personally I don't see any awards for this film. It's a cute FAMILY FILM that might get best FAMILY FILM of the year...but we'll just have to wait and see...It does also fall into the FEEL GOOD MOVIE category. ...but there was no applauding at the end.
After leaving the auditorium I glanced over and noticed "THE HOLIDAY" was just starting.
The writing was interesting and the movie can fall into three categories. "CHICK FLICK, TEAR JERKER and FEEL GOOD MOVIE."
I actually shed a few tears and felt good at the end and totally realized that it was a good CHICK FLICK . The interesting thing about the movie is the continual attempt to make Jack Black a romantic lead. It started with King Kong and then that soft romantic film where he played the wrestler from Mexico....ok....forget that.
Anyway "The Holiday" faced some lost love issues and I enjoyed it because it made me feel good.
I realize that there are some important films that have opened in the last four weeks and the fact that I didn't see one of them indicates that I truly wanted to see a FEEL GOOD MOVIE and....I ended up seeing two that could fit in that category.
Michael Timothy McAlevey
Monday, January 1, 2007
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