I feel sorrow for the families of both victims, and shooters family. It is a hard thing to accept on both sides. That a friend or family member uselessly had their life terminated, or suffered injury. Some of which could prove to be a life altering thing. I am certain the memory will always be life changing. The shooter’s family, because it has to be hard to accept the fact that someone you knew,cared for, and LOVED, could possibly be involved in such a cowardly act. By the way ISIS has reportedly admitted they were behind the attack. CAN YOU SAY “TERRORIST”? Apparently Barack nor Hillary can’t. Hillary and her gun hating lemmings will have a field day with this one as they always do. It seems they look forward to unfortunate events, (I don’t particular like to use “event” here but, I think it adequately fits, the way Hillary/Barack look at this); It gives them a exvuse to strut their DIS-ARMING AMERICA agenda. I can’t help but wonder how they would feel if the people they have guarding them were to suddenly lose the guns. Then the agents would not be there. I can’t afford to hire people to be my personal guards. That would put them on equal ground with me. Walking around in a city or country side with no means to protect me from harm. Many times I read of people in perfectly NICE neighborhoods being injured or killed. Not just guns,…. But Knives, Arrows, Strangulation, Arson. Beaten to death, just to name a few. Many times when I go to major sporting events, or Conventions, I must make my way on dark streets, or by alleyways, or even recessed doorways. AND don’t give me that old “police presence” will protect me. I could be attacked and my assailant far away before the nearest police officer could come to my aid. BUT, if I get to my destination I most likely not be allowed to have any means of protection on me. Thus I am open to attack. Excuse me for straying a little, however I believe it is important in relating my feeling on these MASS KILLINGS. 1. Have these anti gun people realized. MOST ALL, of these mass killings have been in “gun free” zones. Schools, Churches, even Government buildings, or annexes. Cowards will take a path of least resistance. FIFTY people killed. I just can’t help but wonder why so many killed and injured before police arrived. After all according to the anti gun people this is why we have them to protect and prevent something like this from happening. Always in the right place at the right time. (Apparently even after they arrived). Perhaps if one or two of the patrons, or employees had a a legally permited GUN; MAYBE, JUST, one of them could have stopped the perpetrator, before all of the death and injury. HOW, many people might still be alive? Uninjured? If only HALF of them, heck even one would have been saved. Isn’t that worth something? Apparently not according to those who want to be like Hitler, and those others whose first steps were to disarm the citizenry). GEE! Just think if the British had of thought of this we COULD all still be British subjects, OR overrun by some other country. 2. While, as a CHRISTIAN, I can’t condone homosexuality. But neither do I wish to give up my rights to them either. I, in fact, still can’t stop wondering if a boy in a neighboring school, of mine, who everyone knew was a homosexual, but no one I know of treated him any differently, BUT the fact that when he “hit the beach” of Viet Nam, It was reported he was the first one killed. Enemy coincidence, or was he killed by “friendly fire” I have always wondered about that. I am affronted by their constant public displays (as a group), (“LGBT”). It would appear to me, this group of people were not hurting anyone, they were not blatantly displaying their sexuality in anyone’s face, The assassin may have been known to some of the club attendees, as it was stated he was a “REGULAR” at the club. BUT it is not my place to judge them. That is up to GOD. I am not qualified to say what his Judgement will be. I guess I am more offended by what appears to me a CALL to put my religious beliefs on the back burner while demanding I accept their lifestyle. I treat all people equally, unless they give me reason not to. Being Homosexual is not one of them. But I would surely like to be able to use the word “GAY” properly, and not have it confused with homosexual . As it is now used, apparently everyone in the 1890’s were homosexual. “GAY NINETIES” We even had a little eating place “very small, really good food. The name was GAY DAN’S. ( meaning a fun place to eat, apparently owned by someone named DAN). When homosexuals became associated with the word “GAY” the small eating chain had to close it’s doors. 3. Need for more extensive background checks? EXCUSE ME! I believe the FBI investigated Omar Marteen at least 3 times, before he purchased his weapons. Why this didn’t trigger a flag on the background check is beyond me. That seems pretty EXTENSIVE to me. In the state where I live we have the NICS background check, even when purchasing a squirrel rifle. I also know IF there is a flag of something unverified, or whatevere reason, the inquiry comes back with a hold, ( I think of 5 or 7 days), so a more extensive background check can be made. 4. A woman I recall being interviewed about gun laws, stated, “All anyone has to do is go online and buy a gun and have it shipped to his door.” Ignorance of the law is no excuse. In my state, YES! I… Continue reading ORLANDO PULSE CLUB SHOOTING, MY THOUGHTS.
Category: Schools
College Campus Basketball Games
Recently it was announced the Rivalry Between INDIANA UNIVERSITY, and their cross river Rival, the UNIVERSITY of KENTUCKY, will cease to be in the upcoming 2012-2013 Season. What? Say it isn’t so. ……But, alas it is. How did this happen? The way I understand it the University of Kentucky,( AKA, know as the minor league of the NBA), in it’s usual fashion of believing Basketball at UK is a business, only, situation. They see $$$$ ,(dollar signs), in this long enduring confrontation. Indiana University doesn’t. Yes folks, it all comes down to money, as so many things do. The University of Kentucky Wildcats, want to move the games from the home gyms, to an off Campus site which seats, more people, thus, more money to line the schools pockets. Indiana University, says, NO!!! The way the Hoosiers, of IU look at it is….This is a SCHOOL team. It should be played on the campuses, to allow all students the opportunity to watch and participate. By moving to an off Campus arena would require those students to drive or by some other means go arrive at the playing site, and thereby limiting overall school participation by those students who cannot travel. As for me I must take the Hurryin Hoosiers side on this. It is a school event and should therefore be played on campus. Yes the extra money would be nice…..but let us not lose sight of the fact. of which has been lost for some time in College, and some cases High School, SPORTS are intended merely to be an extension of the class room. There, believe it or not, are things that can only be learned in a sports setting. BUSINESS,or LEARNING experience? That Is How I See It What Do You Think? Take Our Poll [poll id=’1′] Views: 149
Parental Involvement After School
For millions of parents around the world, the day does not end with the school bell. There are still pictures to be painted, songs to be sung and games to be played. This all adds up to keeping children happy, safe and out of trouble. But, parents have to steer away from going overboard. After school is not baby-sitting: After school activities thrive only if it is backed by sufficient parental involvement. What would a baseball game be without parents cheering their little heroes from the sidelines?. Research and choose: Instead of convenience being the decisive factor, find out things that will interest your child. Once you select a program, get the fine print and find out what you have to contribute. Free time: Many children attend piano classes, followed by ballet and squeeze in some time for play dates in between just before they rush home in time for bed. This rigor is too much for a child. So, go slow. When to quit: Often, parents enroll their child in an activity to discover that he may not be the prodigy they thought he would be. This may be the time to let go. Your child may not become the next wonder-kid. But you must allow them to finish out their obligation to the team, etc. Today to many parents will tell their children to “just quit”. Or, perhaps, the family decides it is an inconvenience for them to let the child attend practice or games. Or maybe they plan a holiday and take the child away. This only enforces a “me” attitude. I can’t count the times I had to alter plans so the children could participate in their activities. I wanted them to learn about commitment. If they have committed to be a part of something. This is the time for them to learn to fulfill their obligations. But, let him cultivate an interest that he enjoys. Remember, happiness and fulfillment are all very important. Views: 234
Government Seeks More Of Your Money
It must be that time of year. Companies are talking of more layoffs. According to news reports the RICH widening their gap between them and the middle class, which must mean the poor are getting poorer. What we have doesn’t buy what it did a year ago. One area I read about is trying to kill itself. Earlier I wrote of a community in Indiana who charges parents for their children to ride to school. And to participate in sports. Now I see they are wanting to raise fees for just about everything, and put new fees on anything they can find. NO wonder people are looking to move away. Perhaps this is an attempt to weed out the poorer class (perhaps including the middle class), and establish a community of upper crust citizens. I just read that Illinois citizens have built the WHITE SOX owners a new BACARDI restaurant, at a cost of millions. By the way the taxpayers receive no share of the profits of this restaurant. It all goes to the owners of the White Sox baseball team. BUT we all know that movie theaters make most of their money from concessions. I just read that in Washington D.C. The mayor wants to tack on an extra tax for concession. They already pay 10% tax on concessions. As I understand, which is quite high. BUT to add another 5% and raise the tax to 15%…..well isn’t that a little greedy? Not to mention the less people will be able to attend, and may put the theaters out of business. Thus a loss of revenue from the property, and business tax, let’s not forget the current 10% tax on concessions. I think their reasoning is flawed. They intend to use the money to lure movie production companies thus creating jobs. Am I wrong if less people go to the movies because they can’t afford the concessions, there will be more demand for movies to be made. I know now in my town for 2 of us to go to the movies cost about $20 this is more than the average wage. But get this for one medium Coke and medium popcorn add another $20. That is why we have began driving 2o miles to another town that costs us about $12 on a Sunday afternoon, to get in and about $10 dollars for a medium Coke and medium popcorn Oh for the good old days when we had drive in theaters. One night I think it was Monday was carload night. you could take your whole family to the movies for about $2, You brought your own popcorn and Cokes. Yet the concession stand was always crowded with people buying hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. Well I guess it is getting close to Christmas. What better time to lay people off and raise taxes, fees, etc. That Is How I See It. more than between Views: 167
Election Mud
Welcome to the MUDSLIDE. Election time is here. At least local elections. It truly amazes me how these politicians, these public figures, these people with college degrees, who have other people with college degrees revert to a a kindergarten mentality. I apologize to you kindergartners, as you are probably more advanced than these so called leaders, and their think tanks behind them. If you listen to their ads you will learn that each one is a perfect fit to represent you. they have never made any mistakes, or miscalculations, if you will. But their opponents have done NOTHING right. The one I have been listening to in particular, (because one of the candidates apparently has more money than Bill Gates. Every ad is centered on what the incumbent has done wrong. The poor guy must have have been kidnapped by aliens as he has not fulfilled a single promise he made that got him elected. I assume he will be returned after this election is over. Meanwhile I can remember when the other candidate was in office as an assistant for the job she is running for. They didn’t accomplish anything, and did exactly all the wrong things she is accusing the now incumbent of doing. Probably those same aliens grabbed her during her reign and brought her back after her term. The way I see it these alien abductors erase all memory of them being gone, and the being that replaced them returns to outer space. What I would like to hear is WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO. NOW!!! If I vote for you. We have problems both economic, and political, as well as dozens of other smaller problems. What are your plans to ease unemployment, school budget cuts, etc. Perhaps I just miss these positive ads. But it could be that there are either none or very few. Maybe I am so far below your intelligence level that you don’t know how to communicate to me. Or perhaps I am just to poor to understand the ECONOMIC ramifications. Living at or below poverty level. What could I know about economics. Enough of the supposed history of the clients. It’s time to look to the future. The pass is passed. (Although the past performance should be considered), Since you millionaires running for office have nothing in common with me. TELL me what your answers are for the future. What the heck are you going to do to correct these past errors. Apparently you have no ideas on the FUTURE or you could promote them. Not bash your opponent. That Is How I See It have been they have Views: 291
Parents Must Pay For Bus Ride To School
Franklin Township in central Indiana sold school buses to an independent firm for $1. Now parents of the children in this district have a choice to make. Take them to school, and pick them up. (Which would have been impossible for me as a working single parent). Let them walk in the dark of the morning. Dark because Supreme Ruler Mitch Daniels, deemed Indiana, a state which lines up in the CENTRAL time zone, observe ATLANTIC time (AKA Eastern DAYLIGHT SAVINGS time). Which puts Indiana residents 2 hours ahead of the sun. Thus children walking in the dark to school. Or, PAY about $475.oo a year for the first student in the family, with a discount for other children of the family. From what I read a family of 2 students will pay $900.oo So, the way I figure it the rest of the families students ride for $425.oo each. That means a family who is either living on unemployment, or welfare, or working and earning the minimum wage will really have little choice, but to make them walk, and risk being kidnapped. Hit by a car or truck or/and harmed in some way. Heck it would be a drain on any family. By the time you clothe, and pay at least a couple of dollars for school lunches, extra curricular fees, and book rentals. Plus the BUS fee of approximately $50.oo, per sport, per student participant imposed on them. This all started when the Franklin Township school board decided they wanted more money than was available and wanted to raise taxes. The referendum was voted down. So, it seems to me their reaction, was an immature…We’ll make you pay one way or the other! Other schools, faced the same cost cutting measures, and most have met the cuts needed without any repercussions. The most penalties, school districts have made is a modest bus fee for sports, and extra curricular activities. But in some areas the business people have donated the money to cover those fees. A pride in their communities. Some schools/sports are putting on charity events to cover these costs. These are public schools using tax payer money. What effect will this have on the community? Will people move away? Will business close due to lack of customers, or workforce. With a drop in enrollment also comes a drop in state funds. The formula is so convoluted, I’m surprised a lawyer can figure it out. But the way it seems to me, a smaller school get less money from the state than a larger school. (Which seems a little unfair). Each day or part thereof missed by a student equals a deduction in the amount received by that school. I’ve rambled on too long. What it appears we have here is a very greedy school system which has little empathy with the well being of the community children and a lust for more money. It would serve them right if everyone moved out of their district, (which I know they either can’t or won’t). I believe it is time for the voters, community leaders, and parents, take back the school system. It seems apparent to me the school board has no concern about their students. Will the harm the children face walking to school in the dark. Or the hardship put on families affect the members. Probably not. The only thing that will affect them is a loss of MONIES. Could this happen to your children? Is your community next? That Is How I See It. have been Views: 145
I Hate Change
Have you ever noticed when you have a good computer program, the publisher will try to make it better, but it doesn’t work as well. I have had that experience many times. The first one that jumps to my mind is PRINT ARTIST. Print Artist was an affordable program which let you make greeting cards, business cards, stationary, letterhead, etc, etc. I used it a lot. I had flower shops, and small retail businesses who would call me when one of their customers wanted a personalized birthday card, or anniversary car, or get well card, in return they would put my little sign up which included other things like website building, etc. This was before all the cookie cutter sites went up. When companies thought a thousand dollars for a website was a bargain. Then one day the publisher decided to make it better (?). All they accomplished was making it more difficult to use. There was nothing more you could do with it than you could with the original. Oh, yes it cost a little more too. I had friends who upgraded a couple of times. The eventually migrated to another program too. When I was in high school our class had about 21 students, and then there was me, But we learned more than the kids at the big school in the county which had about 150 students in a class. Then they came up with school consolidation. What a big mistake. Oh yes you had a better offering of classes, and a couple of sports more to participate in. I visited one school when my sons were wrestling, I was told the freshman class that year had 1,000 students. That is just too ridiculous. With the small schools you knew everyone in your school. You generally played your sports together since you were small. At our county’s big school with 150 kids in the class they didn’t know all their classmates. I got around the classes not offered at my school by going to big school for summer classes. As an example let us look at basketball in our county. At one time we had 10 schools scattered throughout the count. We had an “A” team, and a “B’ team. Each team consisted of 12 players. (subs included). Usually 4 cheerleaders, and a couple of “student managers” who kept statistics, tended to injuries, kept the uniforms in shape, and swept the gym floor. That makes what 30 students involved with basketball, per school. Take that times the 10 schools, we had 300 kids playing basketball. Then came CONSOLIDATION. Our 10 schools became 3. With the same number (30) per school participating in basketball, we were left with 210 kids with nothing to do but get in trouble. (Then our leaders wanted to know why we had more kids in trouble). With the small schools we had age old rivalries, not only the county schools but other nearby schools. The bigger schools developed rivalries, but nothing like with the small schools. They were a sense of pride for the towns. Everyone attended a basketball, football, or baseball game. After consolidation. The pride was lost. As if this was not bad enough. Someone about 12 years ago came up with the idea of CLASS sports, (Aren’t we supposedly a classless country?) Which killed all rivalries, a decreased interest in sports, lower attendance, and now at our larger schools the coaches practically have to go around and ask students to participate. Parents have to insure the younger athletes have a way to travel the 20-25 or more miles to practice. And of course with the CLASS system travel to games is outlandish. One instance that come to mind is Football sectionals. The farthest we would travel for a sectional football game was about 2o miles. Now the first game you play may be a hundred miles away. I missed one because I got off work at 6 pm the game started at 8 pm. (not a problem if you only have to go 25 miles, but if you have a 2+ hour drive to the game. you have to eat while driving. The game gets over around 10 pm another 2+ hours to get home, and I had to be at work at 6 am. Oh yes I had to wait for the team bus to arrive at our school. The kids always stopped at at McDonald’s or somewhere to eat after the game. Of course this takes time for them to give all their orders, and preparation of the orders, eat, and rehash the game. then get back on the bus, to continue the trip home. The bus got home around 1:45 am. Remember I had to be at work at 6 am for another 12 hour day. I could go on and on (and I have made this too long already and only covered 3 subjects), so I’ll get off my soap box for now. Just so you know I really am not a fan of most change. That Is How I See It. high school became involved Views: 235
Baseball/Softball Umpire Strange Calls
Nothing against baseball umpires. They are Human (?) Well sometimes. Most of the time and as we all know to err is human. What we have here are a few of the calls I have seen umpires make. These are high school umpires, and lower. I guess the earliest incident I recall is a high school game when I was about 8 years old. My high school was playing a county foe. This is what happened. the visiting team had a runner stealing 2nd base. The catcher threw the ball. Our second baseman caught the ball. He placed his hand between the base and the runner. The runner slid (feet first, as that was how they slid then. I was an exception, I always slid head first. It seemed to make more sense to me to keep going forward than to lean backward and slide). Anyway the runner slid into 2nd, his spikes went through the 2nd baseman’s glove and caused the baseman to have to have stitches. During this the 2nd baseman still had the ball in his glove. The call Runner safe. HOW? Another call I saw years later, A runner stealing 2nd, again, he slid on top of the bag. the ball arrived while he was lying across the bag. Runner out. When I questioned the umpire about this call his reply was. “The runners stomach came up off the base 1/4 of an inch when the tag was made.” I guess he just had a better view than i did, The next two happened to me, while playing softball. I hit a grounder to shortstop. The shortstop bobbled the ball, saw he couldn’t make the play at 2nd, threw ball to first to get me. I was a step pass 1st when the ball reached the 1st baseman, I did not make a turn. He called me out. The fans sitting near the base let him know I was safe. I knew the umpire from many years of playing and him umpiring. After the game and we both left the field, he came up to me and apologized, saying ” I didn’t see the play, but I had to make a call”. The second was while I was running to home. There was aplay attempted on me. The rules state I either had to slide or give myself up. (No hard contact rule to protect the player). I chose to slide, when I did the catcher dropped the ball. SAFE! no I was called out for, (get this), SLIDING TOO HARD. These others are during the past 3 years. During a JV softball game, the home team had a girl on 1st and 2nd, The coach called for a double steal. The runner was called safe at 3rd. the runner going for 2nd, was called out. Now get this. The home coach said the runner could not be out, because he had time out. The home plate umpire said, “you did”? “Yes”, replied the coach. The umpire ruled the runner was safe at 3rd, and the runner that was called out would return to 1st. Got that one figured out? How do you have a timeout if the Umpire doesn’t know it? Isn’t he the one who has call TIME? Then at an 8th grade game the opposing batters stood at the plate with their toe just behind the point of home plate. Their objective was to get hit by the pitch and get on base. When the pitch they would turn into the plate, thus blocking at least half the plate, getting hit by the ball. After the game I asked the umpire about the legality of this stance. He said, “As long as the batter has any part of his foot in the batter’s box it is a legal stance”. How many of you have feet big enough to to have your toe lined up with the point of home plate and still have part of your foot in the batter’s box. Also questioned an attempt to get out of the way of the ball. He told me as long as they turned he considered it an attempt to get out of the way of the ball. Because I am running so long on this post. I will make this my last one. It was an 8th grade game in a big city. The home team attempted a steal of 2nd base. The runner was caught in a run down. Just before he was about to get tagged he raised his hand and asked for a timeout. Timeout was granted and he was told to return to 1st. Hope you enjoyed some of these strange calls. That Is How I See It. high school between Views: 254
Silly NCAA Rule
Why does the NCAA make silly rules? For now let us discuss just this one. For our reference let’s just call it the Indian rule. The NCAA says TRADITION has no say in the INDIAN rule. It is supposedly spurred by the Native American Indians who consider it an insult for a school to have an Indian name or mascot. The rule denies any school with any connection to an Indian name can not host an NCAA tournament. What about the IRISH (Notre Dame). Quakers, (University of Pennsylvania). Indian, Irish, or Quaker, they all have the same complaint. The Universities are using their names, and not all students attending are Indian, Irish, or for all I know Quakers. The names were picked out of RESPECT for the particular TRIBES native to that part of the country. Not disrespect. How many of these tribes would be known of , had it not been for the schools picking their name and spreading it all over the continent. I know there are a lot I would have never heard of; if not for the college connection. They spread the goodwill of these NATIVE Americans where ever they go. I can not recall any school doing anything to bring shame to the particular tribe. CAN YOU? Come on NCAA get into the real world. Unless a school has blemished the tribal name, let them host tournaments. We all know how the Native American helped our forefathers. We all know how our forefathers stole their land, and lifestyle. But the schools have chosen the name out of RESPECT. For all the things the Native American stood for. I hereby grant you, the NCAA permission to use my tribal name Lawrence, for a school nickname. That Is How I See It. Views: 125
NCAA FINAL FOUR
Today we will see who advances to the NCAA Championship Game for 2011. We have Kentucky. A pretty good team. They execute well and are well coached. BUT. I still have a mistrust issue with the Kentucky coach. After all he has more NCAA infractions in his history than all the other 3 coaches combined. To be fair I wish the them the best. Boys do it for yourselves ,the team, the school the conference the State of Kentucky. I just would find it hard to play for a coach with his record of infractions. VCU. What can I say? I really know less about them than any team in the FINAL FOUR. congratulations VCU you have performed admirably. I understand your coach is young (30 ish). But he seems to have set a good work example, for you to follow. He appears to be a good strategist. I have heard no bad things about him or from him. He will put the game in your hands. Listen to him. Connecticut. Great team. Great season. I don’t recall too many bad things about your coach, or any of the players. Teamwork will go a long way down this final stretch. I apologize I don’ t know much about your team other than what I have stated. I could give you an excuse. But, I feel there is no excuse if you don’t prepare. And that is where I failed you on this report. (My excuse would be didn’t have time to look at your program) This is true. But I should have taken the time. Please accept my apology. You however have had time to prepare. Good Luck. Butler. I have had friends and acquaintances, even relatives attend Butler going back to the 1950’s. I was lucky enough to attend one of your home games last year. Outstanding. You have been here before, in fact only one year ago. Many fans wrote you off after losing your “STAR” player. This year you have proven you are all STARS. Matt Howard, Mr. Clutch. Stay the course. Stays calm I would have to call him a great leader of his team. But I believe he is a believer in TEAM, he realizes the Bulldogs would not be there if not for the TEAMWORK they display. Brad Stevens. 30 + but strategy is his game. He knows whatever he asks the TEAM will knock themselves out to do. Sets a good example for his team. All that said here are my picks. Kentucky and Uconn. Close game. (Maybe) Kentucky will either run away and hide for the win. Or we will see Uconn put a clamp on them to keep the game close. If UCONN keeps it close I think they will have a chance to win. Kentucky just doesn’t perform as well in a tight game. I predict Kentucky the winner. Butler and VCU. Should prove to be the game to watch. Both young coaches, strategists. VCU (who would normally be a 16 seed and not an 11 seed.) Only an oversight by the NCAA cast you as an 11 seed. I think probably depriving the College fans of a 16 vs 1 upset. Which everyone would like to see. But seeding doesn’t matter. It is just a starting place. What you do from there is all that counts. Ask the number 1 seeds this year. A lot of heart is what you have. Butler EXPERIENCE the best teacher. You have that experience. Now you have to show what you learned. I believe experience will win out on this one. (I may be just a little prejudiced by my previous stated connections. They all say Butler will be NCAA champs for 2011). But my pick is Butler based solely on the experience side. The only thing that will stop them is if VCU can run off a huge run and hang onto a big lead. Close game Butler all the way. Championship game. Kentucky Vs Butler. The second year in a row for Butler to advance to the Championship game. Can they pull it off. One thing else you have here is the Indiana/Kentucky feud. There will be a little more tension in the air for this game. My pick,,,,,,,,,Drum Roll Please!!!! BUTLER. Again I am betting on EXPERIENCE. Good Luck to all teams. (it still takes some luck to win the championship) That Is How I See It, Views: 199
