Just had to weigh in on Phil Robertson's comments in GQ recently and the uproar. Really?
1st: What does anyone care how Phil Robertson (or any other celebrity) feels about any political or social issue? The world is not going to stop revolving or keep moving forward because of his feelings, right or wrong, about anything. Period! He's entitled to his opinion and the right to express it as well as others to contradict him.
2nd: He is "old south" plain and simple. I talked about it in a previous blog dealing with Paul Dean. I've lived here many years and studied the culture. This is how the older generation in the south was brought up to believe. Sure, it seems that Phil and others like him have dug a hole and buried themselves in archaic beliefs. But that's the way it is and we're probably not going to change it. I can tell the story of of an ex mother in law (God rest her soul) and my attempts to change her attitudes but I won't bore you. Quite simply, it didn't work and nothing I could say or do made a difference. All I could teach my child was to say, "that's nanny". Accept it and move on.
3rd: His comments are a reminder of the past. Let's not forget the old adage about those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it; Having grown up in the north and not exposed to many of the attitudes and wrong doings, we must learn that these attitudes are real to some people. Real to those who grew up in the early days of the 20th Century. Let's not make the same mistake with future generations.
4th: I have been a Duck Dynasty fan from the first show. It is entertaining to me, quaint and just plain fun. On the baddest of days, they find a way to make me laugh and realize that we can take life too seriously sometimes. Even though I don't agree with all of Phil's beliefs I accept the show for what it is and will continue to watch.
BTW: I just saw where the A&E suspension was pretty much a show. He will return quietly in January as scheduled.
Finally, prejudice is not something we are born with but taught. Martin Luther King's dream will probably not be a reality in my lifetime. I can only hope we teach the next generations learn the ways of tolerance and trust of each other. One's skin color doesn't make or break a person but what's inside.
Take care! Until next time,
Kurt
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Miley Cyrus has a Ball
It has been awhile! Sorry, been tied up and busy.
It has been a few weeks since Miley Cirus did the now infamous "twerk" dance with Robin Thicke on the VMAs and everyone is still talking about it! I can't believe it!
I hear folks that are just appalled. Come on. Give me a break!
First, Miley is still flexing her wings and breaking out of a shell called childhood. We all have done things we are not necessarily proud of and we all have had the desire to do some things that would raise eyebrows. It's just we get to see her do it in the public eye.
Second, Miley is an entertainer playing a character as she has all of her life. Is this the real Miley Cirus? I doubt it. Sure, it's a part of her but the real person is someone you and I are not privy to. She does have a life of her own and it's hers to be what she wants.
Third, what a publicity coup! My goodness! Not since Apple released that video back in the 80's has so much FREE advertising been bestowed on any person or product without paying a dime! Apple's commercial is still played on many sites as one of the best commercials debuted during a Super Bowl. It has been played and viewed by per a billion people and going strong. Apple payed for the commercial to play only once! It has been estimated that it translates to over a couple of billion dollars in free advertising. I think I can safely say that Miley has received much more than that in just a few weeks. Let's put it this way, if you don't know that she has a new album out or that she is breaking the Hannah Montana mold - You've been under a rock…
Fourth, would I want my daughter looking at Miley as a roll model. Certainly not the character. But I would make sure she understand that it's business, pretend. Pretend is Miley's world, not my daughters.
Kudos to Miley and her people for pulling off the advertising coup de grace!
Take care,
Kurt
It has been a few weeks since Miley Cirus did the now infamous "twerk" dance with Robin Thicke on the VMAs and everyone is still talking about it! I can't believe it!
I hear folks that are just appalled. Come on. Give me a break!
First, Miley is still flexing her wings and breaking out of a shell called childhood. We all have done things we are not necessarily proud of and we all have had the desire to do some things that would raise eyebrows. It's just we get to see her do it in the public eye.
Second, Miley is an entertainer playing a character as she has all of her life. Is this the real Miley Cirus? I doubt it. Sure, it's a part of her but the real person is someone you and I are not privy to. She does have a life of her own and it's hers to be what she wants.
Third, what a publicity coup! My goodness! Not since Apple released that video back in the 80's has so much FREE advertising been bestowed on any person or product without paying a dime! Apple's commercial is still played on many sites as one of the best commercials debuted during a Super Bowl. It has been played and viewed by per a billion people and going strong. Apple payed for the commercial to play only once! It has been estimated that it translates to over a couple of billion dollars in free advertising. I think I can safely say that Miley has received much more than that in just a few weeks. Let's put it this way, if you don't know that she has a new album out or that she is breaking the Hannah Montana mold - You've been under a rock…
Fourth, would I want my daughter looking at Miley as a roll model. Certainly not the character. But I would make sure she understand that it's business, pretend. Pretend is Miley's world, not my daughters.
Kudos to Miley and her people for pulling off the advertising coup de grace!
Take care,
Kurt
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Zimmerman Trial
I just wanted to weigh in. We have all heard the news coming out of the trial and it looks like, bar some unforeseen miracle, George Zimmerman is going to be acquitted of killing Trayvon Martin. It does not make it right.
Although his intentions may have been in the right place, Zimmerman violated every concept behind the neighborhood watch and even thumbed his nose at police operators he was talking to. Even if Trayvon Martin was a looter, robber, whatever, nothing is worth losing a life over unless he was breaking into a home where he might have put the occupants in danger. He wasn't threatening anyone. He was not menacing. Travon even went so far as to try to get away from Zimmerman.
Unfortunately, the Stand Your Ground law is being misused in the case, in my opinion. Here is the part of the law in question: (note, this is one of the subsections of a law with many parts)
A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
This is what George Zimmerman says he is using as a defense. Unfortunately, I have not heard anything about the fact it should apply to Trayvon not Zimmerman. Trayvon had a right to be where he was walking home from the store where he bought some tea and candy. Zimmerman followed him, at no time identified himself and was clearly armed. It was raining and dark. After many of Trayvon's maneuvers Zimmerman continued to follow eventually getting out of his vehicle to pursue further even though he knew the police were on the way and being clearly warned not to.
Having been in some similar situations, it would have scared the bejesus out me and honestly say I would have been in fear of great bodily harm while being at minimum, robbed. The old adage that the best offense is sometimes the best defense holds true. I have been known to stand my ground on more than one occasion but usually with a baseball bat in hand and lots of talk.
Had George Zimmerman not put on his wannabe policeman face, stayed in the car as advised and stayed where he was, not been carrying a pistol and followed the other rules and guidelines of a neighborhood watch a young man trying to find his way into adulthood would still be alive. Even though Trayvon was not perfect, he would still have the chance to straighten himself out, find his way and maybe, just maybe, be a fruitful, productive citizen with so much to offer.
Whether it was intentional or not, as I see it, George Zimmerman robbed Trayvon Martin of that right. His behavior at best was reckless unnecessarily putting his own life and those of the neighbors close by in danger.
Maybe justice will not be handed out in the court of law but like O.J., it will in the civil court.
Take Care!
Kurt
Although his intentions may have been in the right place, Zimmerman violated every concept behind the neighborhood watch and even thumbed his nose at police operators he was talking to. Even if Trayvon Martin was a looter, robber, whatever, nothing is worth losing a life over unless he was breaking into a home where he might have put the occupants in danger. He wasn't threatening anyone. He was not menacing. Travon even went so far as to try to get away from Zimmerman.
Unfortunately, the Stand Your Ground law is being misused in the case, in my opinion. Here is the part of the law in question: (note, this is one of the subsections of a law with many parts)
A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
This is what George Zimmerman says he is using as a defense. Unfortunately, I have not heard anything about the fact it should apply to Trayvon not Zimmerman. Trayvon had a right to be where he was walking home from the store where he bought some tea and candy. Zimmerman followed him, at no time identified himself and was clearly armed. It was raining and dark. After many of Trayvon's maneuvers Zimmerman continued to follow eventually getting out of his vehicle to pursue further even though he knew the police were on the way and being clearly warned not to.
Having been in some similar situations, it would have scared the bejesus out me and honestly say I would have been in fear of great bodily harm while being at minimum, robbed. The old adage that the best offense is sometimes the best defense holds true. I have been known to stand my ground on more than one occasion but usually with a baseball bat in hand and lots of talk.
Had George Zimmerman not put on his wannabe policeman face, stayed in the car as advised and stayed where he was, not been carrying a pistol and followed the other rules and guidelines of a neighborhood watch a young man trying to find his way into adulthood would still be alive. Even though Trayvon was not perfect, he would still have the chance to straighten himself out, find his way and maybe, just maybe, be a fruitful, productive citizen with so much to offer.
Whether it was intentional or not, as I see it, George Zimmerman robbed Trayvon Martin of that right. His behavior at best was reckless unnecessarily putting his own life and those of the neighbors close by in danger.
Maybe justice will not be handed out in the court of law but like O.J., it will in the civil court.
Take Care!
Kurt
Monday, June 24, 2013
Just wanted to congratulate Carly Mathis of Leesburg on winning the Miss Georgia title! She is an awesome lady and I want to wish her good luck in September!
I'll just say it, I'm pretty ticked about all this hoopla around Paula Deen. Quite frankly, it stinks.
I've known Paula for many years and think the world of her. I watched her scrape, scrounge and fight to climb out from a black hole, both financially and mentally. What a great American success story! You can look her up on Wikipedia for details as I won't go into them here. But I saw first hand and watched her battle and am so proud of her.
I first met Paula when she lived here in Albany through the radio station and would run into to her at social events. After her divorce, her sons used to deliver lunch with some of the best sandwiches you've ever had! I ran into her again in Savannah and visited her then new restaurant. What a change I saw from a demur housewife to a successful business woman!
I saw first hand her encouragement and support of friends and coworkers and her wonderful charity work.
Now we disparage her? All because of the use of the N- word years ago brought to light by a disgruntled money grubbing former employee's lawsuit? Give me a break!
I watched a new program the other day when a reporter was asked if he had ever used the N- word and he said he could honestly say no. Bully for him! That makes me feel a lot better about the state of racial discrimination, however, for those of us who grew up during the 60's and 70's that was not the case. It was a time of turmoil and unrest as the fight was to changes in attitudes and discrimination. The South in particular had a lot of changes to make, especially.
Have I ever used the N- work. I am embarrassed to say, yes. I can only remember once as it was in a classroom situation where the teacher then immediately took me to task over the use of the word. To her credit, she pulled me aside and I got a pretty good lecture about how degrading it was and was not nice. I still remember to this day how bad and embarrassed I felt and vowed never to say it again.
Even then, I was taught to be afraid. I grew up in a town that had no African-American families but was always told stories. Most of it rumor and innuendo. We did not have the resources we have today to dispel and of that. And watching the riots in Watts and other places in the 60's only reinforced any fears I had. It was only when I was a sophomore in h.s. that the first A/F family moved to town. The dad was a coach for the local school and the family included a girl my age. Getting to know them, surprise, they were just like us! A typical American family trying to find their piece of the American dream.
My point of all this is that us older folks have had to evolve over the years from so many archaic attitudes and "learning" that was shady at best and some that were downright wrong. We have all said and done things we are not proud of and, speaking for myself, embarrassed. Hopefully this new generation is one we have taught well but can be forgiving and tolerant for our failings in our youth.
The Food Network has decided not to renew her contract and QVC is now hedging on selling her great line of pots and pans. She has made both of these companies a lot of money with the Paula Deen brand and waiver over her personal reputation. I find it spineless and really a bad business decision. But that is their's to make. Good luck to them but for me, I won't watch their channels and take my business elsewhere.
I am proud of my teaching that being American is not white or black, asian or hispanic, Christian or Atheist, gay or straight or our heritage. We are bound together as one by ideal, a common belief of freedom. equality and acceptance.
Paula is a survivor and I have no doubt that she will come through this stronger and better than ever. I hope we all learn a lesson that being sanctimonious is not the answer nor a good quality for any of us to have.
Take care,
Kurt
I'll just say it, I'm pretty ticked about all this hoopla around Paula Deen. Quite frankly, it stinks.
I've known Paula for many years and think the world of her. I watched her scrape, scrounge and fight to climb out from a black hole, both financially and mentally. What a great American success story! You can look her up on Wikipedia for details as I won't go into them here. But I saw first hand and watched her battle and am so proud of her.
I first met Paula when she lived here in Albany through the radio station and would run into to her at social events. After her divorce, her sons used to deliver lunch with some of the best sandwiches you've ever had! I ran into her again in Savannah and visited her then new restaurant. What a change I saw from a demur housewife to a successful business woman!
I saw first hand her encouragement and support of friends and coworkers and her wonderful charity work.
Now we disparage her? All because of the use of the N- word years ago brought to light by a disgruntled money grubbing former employee's lawsuit? Give me a break!
I watched a new program the other day when a reporter was asked if he had ever used the N- word and he said he could honestly say no. Bully for him! That makes me feel a lot better about the state of racial discrimination, however, for those of us who grew up during the 60's and 70's that was not the case. It was a time of turmoil and unrest as the fight was to changes in attitudes and discrimination. The South in particular had a lot of changes to make, especially.
Have I ever used the N- work. I am embarrassed to say, yes. I can only remember once as it was in a classroom situation where the teacher then immediately took me to task over the use of the word. To her credit, she pulled me aside and I got a pretty good lecture about how degrading it was and was not nice. I still remember to this day how bad and embarrassed I felt and vowed never to say it again.
Even then, I was taught to be afraid. I grew up in a town that had no African-American families but was always told stories. Most of it rumor and innuendo. We did not have the resources we have today to dispel and of that. And watching the riots in Watts and other places in the 60's only reinforced any fears I had. It was only when I was a sophomore in h.s. that the first A/F family moved to town. The dad was a coach for the local school and the family included a girl my age. Getting to know them, surprise, they were just like us! A typical American family trying to find their piece of the American dream.
My point of all this is that us older folks have had to evolve over the years from so many archaic attitudes and "learning" that was shady at best and some that were downright wrong. We have all said and done things we are not proud of and, speaking for myself, embarrassed. Hopefully this new generation is one we have taught well but can be forgiving and tolerant for our failings in our youth.
The Food Network has decided not to renew her contract and QVC is now hedging on selling her great line of pots and pans. She has made both of these companies a lot of money with the Paula Deen brand and waiver over her personal reputation. I find it spineless and really a bad business decision. But that is their's to make. Good luck to them but for me, I won't watch their channels and take my business elsewhere.
I am proud of my teaching that being American is not white or black, asian or hispanic, Christian or Atheist, gay or straight or our heritage. We are bound together as one by ideal, a common belief of freedom. equality and acceptance.
Paula is a survivor and I have no doubt that she will come through this stronger and better than ever. I hope we all learn a lesson that being sanctimonious is not the answer nor a good quality for any of us to have.
Take care,
Kurt
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
I've been doing a lot of soul searching about this and have mixed emotions about the NSA monitoring everyone's phone calls and emails.
On the face, we do have to protect ourselves and in the process give up some of our freedom or have it imposed upon - like having to show id to write a check (for those of up old enough to remember writing checks) or taking your shoes off and subject yourself to a possible search when boarding a plane. But just how much freedom do we have to give up?
I don't mind having my metadata looked at (ip address, phone numbers I call or call me, etc.) but have qualms about someone listening in on an intimate phone conversation. Where do we draw the line.
My problem is not with the law as there are some in place to protect our privacy, it is with the oversight to insure laws are not broken. As seen with Edward Snowden, the recent leaker of NSA programs, and others one person can take it upon themselves to violate them. Or an administration(s) that have ulterior motive(s). We have seen it in just about every administration from the use of the IRS to the bugging offices to undermine ones opponents or those suspected of having adverse positions. I experienced that myself.
As a young Republican and a stanch supporter of Nixon, I became disillusioned after Watergate and after seeing many intolerant policies. I opted out of the party to become an independent. Within weeks, my high security clearance to become an FBI agent was revoked. I was followed for many weeks and although there is no proof, I heard many unexplained "clicks" on numerous phone calls. My short form tax return was audited two years in a row. You read it right, MY SHORT FORM! My name even, as I am told, ended up on the infamous "hit list". Now at the time I really didn't care as I had nothing to hide but it just ticked me off to no end. It was a little scary though. There is an old saying about absolute power corrupting absolutely.
In my mind, I was a nobody just starting out a career in radio and small potatoes. I mean, come on, what damage could I do? In many ways, I feel complimented to have been on someone's radar that they were worried enough to think I had the power or means to be a factor in anything...lol.
Now we are faced with the same dilemma. I don't mind anyone keeping tabs on me or our movements (via your cell phone, Facebook, 4 square, etc.) but I am concerned about who or what uses it and for what purpose. And to expect the government to monitor and control the programs is like the fox watching the henhouse isn't it?
Just a few thoughts.
Take care,
Kurt
On the face, we do have to protect ourselves and in the process give up some of our freedom or have it imposed upon - like having to show id to write a check (for those of up old enough to remember writing checks) or taking your shoes off and subject yourself to a possible search when boarding a plane. But just how much freedom do we have to give up?
I don't mind having my metadata looked at (ip address, phone numbers I call or call me, etc.) but have qualms about someone listening in on an intimate phone conversation. Where do we draw the line.
My problem is not with the law as there are some in place to protect our privacy, it is with the oversight to insure laws are not broken. As seen with Edward Snowden, the recent leaker of NSA programs, and others one person can take it upon themselves to violate them. Or an administration(s) that have ulterior motive(s). We have seen it in just about every administration from the use of the IRS to the bugging offices to undermine ones opponents or those suspected of having adverse positions. I experienced that myself.
As a young Republican and a stanch supporter of Nixon, I became disillusioned after Watergate and after seeing many intolerant policies. I opted out of the party to become an independent. Within weeks, my high security clearance to become an FBI agent was revoked. I was followed for many weeks and although there is no proof, I heard many unexplained "clicks" on numerous phone calls. My short form tax return was audited two years in a row. You read it right, MY SHORT FORM! My name even, as I am told, ended up on the infamous "hit list". Now at the time I really didn't care as I had nothing to hide but it just ticked me off to no end. It was a little scary though. There is an old saying about absolute power corrupting absolutely.
In my mind, I was a nobody just starting out a career in radio and small potatoes. I mean, come on, what damage could I do? In many ways, I feel complimented to have been on someone's radar that they were worried enough to think I had the power or means to be a factor in anything...lol.
Now we are faced with the same dilemma. I don't mind anyone keeping tabs on me or our movements (via your cell phone, Facebook, 4 square, etc.) but I am concerned about who or what uses it and for what purpose. And to expect the government to monitor and control the programs is like the fox watching the henhouse isn't it?
Just a few thoughts.
Take care,
Kurt
Monday, June 3, 2013
I felt compelled to write about this as it was a sobering event to say the least. It was an example to me that someone does watch over us. I thank the Good Lord.
Last week as I was driving to work I was surprised when I came up on a man walking along side the road. Not exactly along the side, but on the white line and about 3 blocks from the store. I did not see the guy until I was right up on him as he was wearing a dark grey shirt and black pants. I swerved and missed him. It was a scary moment and a close call. It took several minutes for my heart to stop racing as I pulled into the parking lot at the store.
It was a few minutes later that I heard sirens a block away and saw the blue lights of emergency vehicles blocking traffic. One of the customers informed me of a bad accident. It turns out the guy I almost hit was later struck down about 10 minutes later as he tried to cross the street. Wow! I'm torn between feeling lucky and sorrow at the loss of life.
As I write, the news is showing a Cheerios commercial of biracial couple that is causing so much controversy. For the life of me I can't understand why? I thought we were seen the last vestiges of racism and had moved beyond that. I guess we still have a way to go and I take my hat off to General Mills for taking a stand to let the ad remain.
Thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the tornadoes in Oklahoma hit not once but twice in the past couple of weeks. I met and interviewed Tim Samaras, a the tornado chaser who lost his life in one of the storms, many years ago. He was a true pioneer and we owe him a debt of gratitude as his research helped us understand the storms and how they form. Through his dedication, hard work and inventiveness weather forecasters were able to increase the warning time from mere minutes to at least a half hour. That doesn't sound like very much and on the face, it isn't. But every minute counts and has saved countless lives. Having grown up in an area where tornadoes were very common I remember the fear at feeling so helpless depending of friends and neighbors calling each other to get information. Thanks Mr. Samaras and R.I.P.
Until next time, take a moment and count your blessings!
Take care,
Kurt
Last week as I was driving to work I was surprised when I came up on a man walking along side the road. Not exactly along the side, but on the white line and about 3 blocks from the store. I did not see the guy until I was right up on him as he was wearing a dark grey shirt and black pants. I swerved and missed him. It was a scary moment and a close call. It took several minutes for my heart to stop racing as I pulled into the parking lot at the store.
It was a few minutes later that I heard sirens a block away and saw the blue lights of emergency vehicles blocking traffic. One of the customers informed me of a bad accident. It turns out the guy I almost hit was later struck down about 10 minutes later as he tried to cross the street. Wow! I'm torn between feeling lucky and sorrow at the loss of life.
As I write, the news is showing a Cheerios commercial of biracial couple that is causing so much controversy. For the life of me I can't understand why? I thought we were seen the last vestiges of racism and had moved beyond that. I guess we still have a way to go and I take my hat off to General Mills for taking a stand to let the ad remain.
Thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the tornadoes in Oklahoma hit not once but twice in the past couple of weeks. I met and interviewed Tim Samaras, a the tornado chaser who lost his life in one of the storms, many years ago. He was a true pioneer and we owe him a debt of gratitude as his research helped us understand the storms and how they form. Through his dedication, hard work and inventiveness weather forecasters were able to increase the warning time from mere minutes to at least a half hour. That doesn't sound like very much and on the face, it isn't. But every minute counts and has saved countless lives. Having grown up in an area where tornadoes were very common I remember the fear at feeling so helpless depending of friends and neighbors calling each other to get information. Thanks Mr. Samaras and R.I.P.
Until next time, take a moment and count your blessings!
Take care,
Kurt
Monday, April 22, 2013
What a day I had yesterday! It started out rough by getting up late then finding the SUV wouldn't start as I am rushing to get to work on time. I had left an inverter plugged in and ran down the battery. Drat (not exactly what I said but cleaned up here. LOL!) So I run to the pickup (an old Ford Ranger that I just can't seem to part with) to jump it off only to find that it's battery was dead as well. Seems someone left the inside light on. Sigh.... Thank goodness Cass' car was nearby and I did make it to work on time.
The real reason I bring this up is that in the process of jumping off the truck, I put my phone down on the front seat of Cass' car and left it there. It's the first time in many years that I was without it for ANY length of time. Now I have to ask, how did I ever live without it? I felt almost naked and so disconnected! I know I give the kids such a hard time about how addicted they are and need to get a life. Now I find myself in the same position.
Ok, the kids spend their time playing games, watching videos and chatting with friends where I use my time on the phone productively keeping up with the news, stock market, gas prices, race news and yes, I play a game or two. Seems I'm just as addicted! I just justify it in my own way. Seems all of us need to get a life, ya think? As I step back, I need to spend more time with real people interaction as I find I spend more and more time on this blasted thing!
Note: I did not drive the truck enough to charge the battery on the way to work and had to jump it off again before I came home. LOL! Way to cap off a great day!
Ok, I have to answer the phone (ok, my resolve to use the phone less starts tomorrow). Hope you have a great day!
Kurt
Friday, April 19, 2013
Just sitting here watching the wrap up after sitting here, glued to the tv and following updates on my phone all day of the events in Boston. WOW! What a week it's been!
In many ways I'm heartened and humbled at the American spirit. I'm also comforted at the great police work of all the departments involved at the quick resolution.
However, I can't help but sit here and think about what drove these guys to do this horrible act. Here are two men who had everything going for them. One spoke three languages (heck, I'm still trying to learn English!) and was a successful boxer with aspirations of making the US Olympic team. The other had his whole life ahead of him raised in America, a good wrestler, less than a year ago went through the rigorous steps of becoming an American citizen and enrolled in college to become an engineer. Both by all descriptions were good people and gregarious. All who knew them were shocked they could do such a heinous act. What changed and triggered such a murderous rampage? Was it religion (both were Muslim)? Hopefully answers are forthcoming.
My thoughts and prayers and with the victims and the families of those who were injured and lost their lives. It was so senseless and my heart goes out to them.
I am also thinking those in West, Texas where a fertilizer plant exploded causing deadly damage and injures more than 170. Thoughts and prayers are with them as well.
And I have to say that no matter where you live, first responders do not receive the recognition and honor they deserve! My definition of a hero is the one that knows the danger yet runs to the rescue without regard to their own safety. That is what they do for living for such a minimal wage. I remember a fire at my house. My daughter and I were running to get out and these guys pull up, put on masks and go into a house that reached temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees to put it out and be sure no one was left inside. They do these acts and much more every day! We owe them such a debt! Let me say here (I know I don't say it enough).....THANKS!
There's still a lot of healing to do for the victims and families. Once the cameras and media are all gone and our attention is directed elsewhere, let us resolve that we'll be there to help and encourage them every step of the way!
Kurt
In many ways I'm heartened and humbled at the American spirit. I'm also comforted at the great police work of all the departments involved at the quick resolution.
However, I can't help but sit here and think about what drove these guys to do this horrible act. Here are two men who had everything going for them. One spoke three languages (heck, I'm still trying to learn English!) and was a successful boxer with aspirations of making the US Olympic team. The other had his whole life ahead of him raised in America, a good wrestler, less than a year ago went through the rigorous steps of becoming an American citizen and enrolled in college to become an engineer. Both by all descriptions were good people and gregarious. All who knew them were shocked they could do such a heinous act. What changed and triggered such a murderous rampage? Was it religion (both were Muslim)? Hopefully answers are forthcoming.
My thoughts and prayers and with the victims and the families of those who were injured and lost their lives. It was so senseless and my heart goes out to them.
I am also thinking those in West, Texas where a fertilizer plant exploded causing deadly damage and injures more than 170. Thoughts and prayers are with them as well.
And I have to say that no matter where you live, first responders do not receive the recognition and honor they deserve! My definition of a hero is the one that knows the danger yet runs to the rescue without regard to their own safety. That is what they do for living for such a minimal wage. I remember a fire at my house. My daughter and I were running to get out and these guys pull up, put on masks and go into a house that reached temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees to put it out and be sure no one was left inside. They do these acts and much more every day! We owe them such a debt! Let me say here (I know I don't say it enough).....THANKS!
There's still a lot of healing to do for the victims and families. Once the cameras and media are all gone and our attention is directed elsewhere, let us resolve that we'll be there to help and encourage them every step of the way!
Kurt
Thursday, April 18, 2013
This was inspiring! I guess I'm just an old softie but this brought a teat to my eye in pride as the crowd took over singing the national anthem at the Boston Bruins game.
http://wixx.com/blogs/post/
http://wixx.com/blogs/post/
It has been a long week already and it's only Thursday. The bombings in Boston, ricin filled letters sent to the President and a senator and now the explosion of a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. It has been troubling to say the least. My, along with yours, heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
Just as troubling is the thought that our senators and congressmen don't have our best interests at heart. Depending on the poll, 85 to 95% of us feel that background checks are important yet the Senate failed to pass the bill to make it happen. No, it is not the magic bullet to solve the problem but it's a step in the right direction. It goes to show you just how out of touch Congress is with the American people.
Locally, our representatives are all retired or about to. Their kids are grown, most are established in business and have no interest in making the community grow. They are content and already have health insurance, no kids to get through school and well established. They have no clue that there are folks out here hurting, living paycheck to paycheck struggling to get by trying to keep the electricity on and food on the table.
What's the answer? It has to come from us at the poll come election time. Need I say more?
Just a few thoughts and some venting. Hope you have a great day and share a smile!
Kurt
Just as troubling is the thought that our senators and congressmen don't have our best interests at heart. Depending on the poll, 85 to 95% of us feel that background checks are important yet the Senate failed to pass the bill to make it happen. No, it is not the magic bullet to solve the problem but it's a step in the right direction. It goes to show you just how out of touch Congress is with the American people.
Locally, our representatives are all retired or about to. Their kids are grown, most are established in business and have no interest in making the community grow. They are content and already have health insurance, no kids to get through school and well established. They have no clue that there are folks out here hurting, living paycheck to paycheck struggling to get by trying to keep the electricity on and food on the table.
What's the answer? It has to come from us at the poll come election time. Need I say more?
Just a few thoughts and some venting. Hope you have a great day and share a smile!
Kurt
Monday, April 8, 2013
This is something kinda new for me. I haven't done a blog in several years as I used to do one every day when I was radio full time. Since then, things have been so squirrelly with some health problems and adjusting to managing a retail store full time (getting older is a bear!). It doesn't seem like that long ago but it's been 3 years since I'be done a show full time on the air. Gosh, where does the time go?
I'm asked a lot if I miss it. The answer is yes and no. I miss being creative and interacting with you the listener but don't miss the rat race that corporate radio has become. There's nothing local anymore as everything is prerecorded or piped in from elsewhere. A couple of stations try to provide as much as they can but the talent is overwhelmed trying to do so many stations. The control rooms are empty. If you need information (weather, emergencies, etc.) don't tune to a radio station! There's no one there! It's sad but all things change and there's still many growing pains radio has to go through to survive.
In the interim so much water has gone under the bridge. It's hard to believe! But life is good and I've adjusted to being out of the limelight pretty well. I say that knowing full well that I am probably more visible at the store than I ever was as far as meeting face to face. I am always humbled that a day does not go by that someone recognizes me or my voice. It just amazes me! I can't thank the Good Lord enough as I have been so blessed!
I watched the American Music Awards last night and was blown away at seeing Luke Bryan on stage as a co-host! It was an amazing show and enjoyed all of the entertainment. And to see Luke win was just the icing on the cake! But the best was to see both Garth Brooks and George Strait together on stage. What a magic moment!
I just spent my morning going over finances and doing taxes. I have put it off for quite a while as I have really been in a good mood and didn't want to mess it up. LOL! Usually at this point my nerves are pretty frazzled and I am ready for a long stiff drink. But today was different as all went pretty smooth and taxes are filed. Add on that I actually have a few bucks left in my account! YEA! Thank God for small blessings!
I have the day off and am ready for some relaxation. Going to go outside and enjoy this beautiful weather we have today.
Smile and make someone's day special! Have a good one!
Kurt
I'm asked a lot if I miss it. The answer is yes and no. I miss being creative and interacting with you the listener but don't miss the rat race that corporate radio has become. There's nothing local anymore as everything is prerecorded or piped in from elsewhere. A couple of stations try to provide as much as they can but the talent is overwhelmed trying to do so many stations. The control rooms are empty. If you need information (weather, emergencies, etc.) don't tune to a radio station! There's no one there! It's sad but all things change and there's still many growing pains radio has to go through to survive.
In the interim so much water has gone under the bridge. It's hard to believe! But life is good and I've adjusted to being out of the limelight pretty well. I say that knowing full well that I am probably more visible at the store than I ever was as far as meeting face to face. I am always humbled that a day does not go by that someone recognizes me or my voice. It just amazes me! I can't thank the Good Lord enough as I have been so blessed!
I watched the American Music Awards last night and was blown away at seeing Luke Bryan on stage as a co-host! It was an amazing show and enjoyed all of the entertainment. And to see Luke win was just the icing on the cake! But the best was to see both Garth Brooks and George Strait together on stage. What a magic moment!
I just spent my morning going over finances and doing taxes. I have put it off for quite a while as I have really been in a good mood and didn't want to mess it up. LOL! Usually at this point my nerves are pretty frazzled and I am ready for a long stiff drink. But today was different as all went pretty smooth and taxes are filed. Add on that I actually have a few bucks left in my account! YEA! Thank God for small blessings!
I have the day off and am ready for some relaxation. Going to go outside and enjoy this beautiful weather we have today.
Smile and make someone's day special! Have a good one!
Kurt
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