It’s been a while

It’s been a while since I posted on this blog.  I have been working on a site that I have put together from scratch and although there is a long way to go and a lot of work that needs to be done, I must say that it is coming along nicely.  I have missed this blog though and hope to continue posting to it as often as I can.  There is a certain familiarity, comfort and nostalgia that I associate with this site as it is my very first cyber-endeavor.  Please feel free to stop in at my new site Cultural Extremes for a peek. If you like what you see, feel free to become a member of the community, which is both free and easy. Remember that it is a work in progress and will improve infinitely with the continued participation of registered members.

 

The Iranian Conspiracy

There is a lot of information I want to provide regarding this topic but I’m still trying to work through it.  In short, some followers of Islam may believe that August 22 of this year may be the “end of days.”  If this is in fact true, we need to be aware that Iran may try to annihilate Israel, and then the US.  The president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is a firm believer that the apocalypse is very near and may take this opportunity to wage war on Israel, who they call little satan and the US, who is referred to as big satan.  All you have to do is google Iran and apocalypse and August 22 and you can get all of the information.  I’m not and never have been a conspiracy theorist.  This is just something that seems to be a realistic threat.  If nothing else, do the research and be informed.  Draw your own conclusion. 

 

US/France and their Middle East resolution

This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of.  This a large waste of time and resources.  The US and France have spent over a week developing a resolution that they want to implement in Lebanon.  The resolution calls for an agreeement ot cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah, an agreement to respect a buffer zone between the two forces, and for the eventual disarming of Hezbollah.  What fantasy world are these politicians living in?  Hezbollah does not want to be disarmed.  They think that they are here, saviors of the Middle East.  They want to be a political and military power and that just won’t happen if they agree to be disarmed.  Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see power turned over to the Lebanese, Hezbollah destroyed and Israel’s kidnapped soldiers returned, but this resolution aint gonna cut it.

 

What are parents afraid of?

Have parents today become so afraid of losing their children that they totally ignore all rules pertaining to parenting?  Are mothers so fearful of the fact that their daughters won’t be their “friend” that they essentially support deviant behavior.  For example, for the last 30 minutes I have been listening to a conversation between a mother and daughter that is happening in the next room.  The daughter, who is approximately 19-20 has been talking about boys non-stop.  She has been talking about juggling boys, dumping boys, being dumped by boys and future boys.  This girl clearly has a problem being alone.  As soon as she breaks up with a guy, or a guy breaks up with her, she has someone else.  If I were her mother, which I am obviously not, I would be telling her to take it slow, not to worry about finding a guy, because it will happen when you least expect it.  I would tell her to focus on herself during these young years and establish yourself and do all of the things that you want to do.  Instead I am hearing the mother encourage this conversation.  I hear the mother thriving on the gossip just like as if her daughter were talking to her college roommate.  Now I know there comes a time when you need to let your children live their lives, make their decisions and suffer the consequences of their actions but as a parent it is also your responsibility to educate your children and protect them, no matter what age they are and I find it disturbing that you refuse to act as a parent because you are living vicariously through your children and because you would rather be their friend than their parent.

 

Last chance – Cares for Kids Radiothon

Please check out my previous  post as it gives all the details and provides a link if you have further questions.

 

Cares for Kids Radiothon – If nothing else, at least read this.

WBMX in boston is hosting a radiothon to raise funds for Boston Childrens Hospital.  For two days, they are taking donations to benefit children all over the world, who find themselves in the care of BCH staff.  Boston Children’s Hospital is known wordwide for providing exceptional care to children across the globe.  It is easy to say that you will never find yourself there, but the day may come when you have no other choice.  If your child becomes sick, BCH is where you want them to be.  If you are capable of giving any donation, I urge you to do so.  Every little bit helps and it benefits the well being and future of the world’s children.  If you can donate anything please call 1-800-457-KIDS (5437). 

You can read more here: http://www.mix985.com/

I have no affilitation with Boston Children’s Hospital or WBMX.  I just saw an opportunity to possibly help a worthy cause and decided to post it here.

 

Where have you been? part two

This one is pretty cool too. Unfortunately, I have not been that many places.  Hopefully that will change in the future.

create your own visited countries map or vertaling Duits Nederlands

 

Deep Impact vs. Armageddon

This weekend, the movie Deep Impact was on.  I’ve never seen it before, although I have heard about it.  Deep Impact came out around the same time as the other “Asteroid threateneing the earth” movie Armageddon.  I don’t know if someone from one of these movies’ cast and crew leaked the details about their latest project but there are too many similarities to be chalked up to coincidence.  Each movie has obvious differences but the lienesses are uncanny.  For example:

Large asteroid threatens the earth – Armageddon and Deep Impact

Shuttle mission launched to drill Nuclear explosives into the asteroid – Armageddon and Deep Impact

Device drilling into the asteroid jams, halting the process of placing the nuclear warheads – Armageddon and Deep Impact

So I’ve only listed three similarities here, but these similarities are HUGE elements within the story line for each movie.  Is it coincidence that the elements that make the movie suspenseful are the same?  If a large asteroid were to threaten the earth today, in real life, would we face the exact same problems, situations and solutions that were found in these two movies?

Similiarities aside, these movies did have some differences.  Armageddon was action packed, humorous and focused for the most part on the trials and tribualtions of the team sent to space to defeat the asteroid.  Deep Impact on the other hand focused on earth’s citizens, what they felt and how they dealt with impending doom.  Deep Impact did not have the humor and action found in Armegeddon and lacked much of its blockbuster quality.  On a scale of 1- 10 I would rate Armageddon a 6 for being a captivating somewhat enjoyable movie.  Deep Impact on the other hand would receive a rate of no more than 4.

 

A feel good moment

I was driving home last night listening to the radio as always and a story on the news caught my attention and brought a smile to my face.  Apparently, Palestinian insurgents tunneled under some border into Israel and kidnapped and Israelie soldier.  In response, the Israeli government sent a message to the insurgents, to give their soldier back and that if they failed to do so, they would come in and get him.  THe palestinian insrugents neglected to follow through with Israel’s request and guess what…..Israel went after them.  Now, don’t get me wrong, but to me, that is amazing.  A national government who looks out for each individual in this way has to be commended.  They sent an entire army in to save one man.  Some may say it is a poor allocation of resources, but I say it is an act of pure decency.  It is still making me smile now.