I hope that this blog does not offend anyone, but something has to be said about the elderly people and their driving. I feel that once you reach a certain age it might not be a good idea to be out there on the road. Let’s face it, some things do not function well or work once you get older. One of them is eyesight or losing the ability to actually know where you are going and remembering the rules of the road.
Living in Arizona, there are many elderly people driving on the freeways and many of them should not be there. They drive way below the speed limit (although it is better than driving like a maniac) and cannot see very well to know where they are going.
Now I am not saying take their driver’s licenses away for good. After all, there are teenagers/young adults that are many times more of a danger on the road because of their aggressive driving. What I am saying, however, is to force senior citizens to re-take their driving test when they reach a certain age. Maybe ages 70-75, or even younger. This way their driving skills can be tested to see if it is safe for them to get behind the wheel.
The state of Arizona driver’s licenses lasts about 40 years. My license does not expire until the year 2045 where I will be in my sixties. Hopefully, the DMV will be smart enough to give me a new test and to check my eyesight.
The less danger on the road the better off we all are.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Celebrity Breakdowns
There is nothing better for a celebrity to make headlines than to have a breakdown in front of everyone.
There are a number of celebrities through the years who have had breakdowns or some people like to call meltdowns. Most recently: Britney Spears. When she drove her car with her baby boy in her lap, I just thought that she needed to take several parenting classes. I already mentioned her lack of undergarments in a previous blog. Now that Britney has decided that she wants to look like Sinead O’Connor minus the good singing voice, I know that there is seriously something wrong there. Luckily, Britney is in rehab receiving help. No word on if she will flee for the third time.
Other celebrity breakdowns include great singers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Who can forget Whitney’s interview with Diane Sawyer about four years ago? Before the interview Whitney had always denied drug abuse despite her odd behavior that said otherwise. She disgustingly looked like a skeleton at a Michael Jackson tribute concert in 2001. Then she delivered that famous line to Sawyer when asked if she ever used crack: “Crack is whack.” Yeah, so was Whitney. It was pretty obvious to me that she was even on something during that interview, but not crack of course.
Mariah Carey decided to do a striptease during her breakdown. She shocked audience members and host Carson Daly when she started stripping on the MTV show Total Request Live in 2001. It was not long after that when Mariah eventually was hospitalized claiming exhaustion. This came during a summer of disappointments for Mariah, including her movie “Glitter.”
We may not want to admit it, but we are glued to the television or newspapers when celebrities have these breakdowns. Why? Because it proves that celebrities do not have the charmed life despite the fame and the money. These stars in reality do not have a better life than us average folks. Celebrities actually have it more difficult because their life is not private. People dream of being a star for a day. However, I am sure famous people dream of being average for one day. It just proves that fame and fortune are not everything; they in fact a lot of times make things worse.
Now Mariah Carey was able to make a comeback. It is too soon to tell whether Britney or Whitney will make comebacks. I would not rush if I were them. They should stay away from the spotlight and live life normally for awhile. Well, at least as normal as possible.
There are a number of celebrities through the years who have had breakdowns or some people like to call meltdowns. Most recently: Britney Spears. When she drove her car with her baby boy in her lap, I just thought that she needed to take several parenting classes. I already mentioned her lack of undergarments in a previous blog. Now that Britney has decided that she wants to look like Sinead O’Connor minus the good singing voice, I know that there is seriously something wrong there. Luckily, Britney is in rehab receiving help. No word on if she will flee for the third time.
Other celebrity breakdowns include great singers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Who can forget Whitney’s interview with Diane Sawyer about four years ago? Before the interview Whitney had always denied drug abuse despite her odd behavior that said otherwise. She disgustingly looked like a skeleton at a Michael Jackson tribute concert in 2001. Then she delivered that famous line to Sawyer when asked if she ever used crack: “Crack is whack.” Yeah, so was Whitney. It was pretty obvious to me that she was even on something during that interview, but not crack of course.
Mariah Carey decided to do a striptease during her breakdown. She shocked audience members and host Carson Daly when she started stripping on the MTV show Total Request Live in 2001. It was not long after that when Mariah eventually was hospitalized claiming exhaustion. This came during a summer of disappointments for Mariah, including her movie “Glitter.”
We may not want to admit it, but we are glued to the television or newspapers when celebrities have these breakdowns. Why? Because it proves that celebrities do not have the charmed life despite the fame and the money. These stars in reality do not have a better life than us average folks. Celebrities actually have it more difficult because their life is not private. People dream of being a star for a day. However, I am sure famous people dream of being average for one day. It just proves that fame and fortune are not everything; they in fact a lot of times make things worse.
Now Mariah Carey was able to make a comeback. It is too soon to tell whether Britney or Whitney will make comebacks. I would not rush if I were them. They should stay away from the spotlight and live life normally for awhile. Well, at least as normal as possible.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sweet Revenge for the Chicks
The Grammy awards aired last night. They have been getting more boring as usual, but I was happy with some of the winners, most notably the Dixie Chicks.
I mentioned this country trio in my previous blog regarding President Bush and the war. Four years ago when the war in Iraq was about to start, the Dixie Chicks created controversy when they said they were ashamed that Bush was from the same place that they were from, Texas. After that comment their record sales dropped and they were not heard on country radio stations anymore.
I thought it was unfair the way they were treated. I am glad that the Dixie Chicks made that comment. Apparently, freedom of speech means squat to conservatives. As a writer, freedom of speech means everything to me. The Dixie Chicks only said what many people were probably thinking at the time. They just happened to be the only musicians who had the guts to say something about the embarrassment of our President. Of course, it was alright for country singer Toby Keith to bash the Dixie Chicks for their comment because he supported Bush and the war. He was probably smoking too many joints with Willie Nelson at the time because I think it is outrageous that anyone can support Bush and the war, especially now. Obviously, here are two musicians that take different sides when it comes to the war in Iraq, nothing wrong with that. But there is something wrong when one side of the argument is protested against, not the other. How is that fair?
Last night at the Grammys, the Dixie Chicks finally received their revenge. They swept the award show by winning all five of their Grammy nominations, including album of the year and record of the year for their post-Bush comment anthem “Not Ready to Make Nice.” After four years of this war dragging on, people seem to have gotten over their comment and realize they were right four years ago.
Although, I hear that most country radio stations still will not play the Dixie Chicks, and are even more upset because the group won five Grammy awards. The conservative country stations can do whatever they want, but the majority of the people know that the Dixie Chicks have always been treated unfairly the past four years. Country radio stations may not forgive or be “ready to make nice” with the Dixie Chicks, but they cannot do anything about those shiny new Grammys they will be taking back home to Texas.
I mentioned this country trio in my previous blog regarding President Bush and the war. Four years ago when the war in Iraq was about to start, the Dixie Chicks created controversy when they said they were ashamed that Bush was from the same place that they were from, Texas. After that comment their record sales dropped and they were not heard on country radio stations anymore.
I thought it was unfair the way they were treated. I am glad that the Dixie Chicks made that comment. Apparently, freedom of speech means squat to conservatives. As a writer, freedom of speech means everything to me. The Dixie Chicks only said what many people were probably thinking at the time. They just happened to be the only musicians who had the guts to say something about the embarrassment of our President. Of course, it was alright for country singer Toby Keith to bash the Dixie Chicks for their comment because he supported Bush and the war. He was probably smoking too many joints with Willie Nelson at the time because I think it is outrageous that anyone can support Bush and the war, especially now. Obviously, here are two musicians that take different sides when it comes to the war in Iraq, nothing wrong with that. But there is something wrong when one side of the argument is protested against, not the other. How is that fair?
Last night at the Grammys, the Dixie Chicks finally received their revenge. They swept the award show by winning all five of their Grammy nominations, including album of the year and record of the year for their post-Bush comment anthem “Not Ready to Make Nice.” After four years of this war dragging on, people seem to have gotten over their comment and realize they were right four years ago.
Although, I hear that most country radio stations still will not play the Dixie Chicks, and are even more upset because the group won five Grammy awards. The conservative country stations can do whatever they want, but the majority of the people know that the Dixie Chicks have always been treated unfairly the past four years. Country radio stations may not forgive or be “ready to make nice” with the Dixie Chicks, but they cannot do anything about those shiny new Grammys they will be taking back home to Texas.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Enough Is Enough
I do not know if anyone caught George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address the other night. I admit that I had better things to do. And honestly, after a couple of minutes of listening to Bush speak (or at least try to speak) I get bored. Unless, he is really making a fool of himself then I just laugh.
I do know that one of topics he spoke on was the war in Iraq. First of all, I never quite understood why we were over there in the first place or for so long. We captured/executed Saddam finally. I think that the biggest reason why this war needs to be over is that the people in Iraq are not the ones who knocked down the Twin Towers.
Bush says he will not end the war in Iraq. Instead, he will do the exact opposite. He is sending more troops to Iraq. Is our President stupid? Well, yes. Instead of focusing on the important issues like the economy, gas prices, unemployment...need I say more? Bush is obsessed with Iraq for some reason. The problem is that he got in too deep and he knows it. He cannot pull out now, what else will he do or talk about his remaining two years in office?
All I know is that the next two years better go by fast because Bush needs to be out of office for our country’s own good.
Despite causing a lot of controversy with their statement, the Dixie Chicks were very right a couple years ago when they said they were ashamed of the President. I am ashamed too. I think that enough is enough.
I do know that one of topics he spoke on was the war in Iraq. First of all, I never quite understood why we were over there in the first place or for so long. We captured/executed Saddam finally. I think that the biggest reason why this war needs to be over is that the people in Iraq are not the ones who knocked down the Twin Towers.
Bush says he will not end the war in Iraq. Instead, he will do the exact opposite. He is sending more troops to Iraq. Is our President stupid? Well, yes. Instead of focusing on the important issues like the economy, gas prices, unemployment...need I say more? Bush is obsessed with Iraq for some reason. The problem is that he got in too deep and he knows it. He cannot pull out now, what else will he do or talk about his remaining two years in office?
All I know is that the next two years better go by fast because Bush needs to be out of office for our country’s own good.
Despite causing a lot of controversy with their statement, the Dixie Chicks were very right a couple years ago when they said they were ashamed of the President. I am ashamed too. I think that enough is enough.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
It's About Time
Steroid use in Major League Baseball has been an ongoing issue for sometime now. It has always been known that several major league baseball players have used steroids to enhance their performance on the baseball field. Many players have also denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs. However, reports say something different. It never used to be illegal to take steroids until 2002, so players have gone unpunished. That is until recently.
The 2007 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees were announced last week. Mark McGwire was not voted in, and he was not even close to being voted in. McGwire is one of the players that reportedly took performance-enhancing drugs during his career. When he went in front of Congress a couple years ago to discuss steroid use in baseball, he avoided the question about his own use. His response was, “I am not here to talk about the past.” Well, voters made it loud and clear that McGwire does not deserve to be in the Hall of Fame despite his 583 career home runs.
I agree with the voters. McGwire and every other player who took/takes steroids deserve to be punished. And in my opinion, not getting into the Hall of Fame is the worst kind of punishment. Voters are basically telling McGwire that all of his accomplishments do not mean anything if he cheated by taking performance-enhancing drugs.
I believe taking steroids is considered cheating, although many people will probably disagree with me. Let’s say McGwire never took steroids. Would he still have been as successful as a home run hitter? I am not saying he would have been less successful, but we will never know. It is sad to think that many players might have had very different careers if they did not take steroids. Unfortunately, we will never know how talented these players really are.
I also believe that these players set a bad example. They are telling people that it is ok to take steroids in order to be stronger and more successful in a sport.
The voters last week sent out a very loud message. I think it is a great message. Their message also tells me that it is unlikely McGwire will ever be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Disgraced player Barry Bonds does not have much chance either after he retires.
I hope this also can be a lesson to some players that the fans do not and will not forget.
After all these years, it looks like steroid use/cheating has finally caught up to these professional athletes. These players have been getting away with steroid use way too long and now the punishment is coming. All I can say is: It’s about time.
The 2007 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees were announced last week. Mark McGwire was not voted in, and he was not even close to being voted in. McGwire is one of the players that reportedly took performance-enhancing drugs during his career. When he went in front of Congress a couple years ago to discuss steroid use in baseball, he avoided the question about his own use. His response was, “I am not here to talk about the past.” Well, voters made it loud and clear that McGwire does not deserve to be in the Hall of Fame despite his 583 career home runs.
I agree with the voters. McGwire and every other player who took/takes steroids deserve to be punished. And in my opinion, not getting into the Hall of Fame is the worst kind of punishment. Voters are basically telling McGwire that all of his accomplishments do not mean anything if he cheated by taking performance-enhancing drugs.
I believe taking steroids is considered cheating, although many people will probably disagree with me. Let’s say McGwire never took steroids. Would he still have been as successful as a home run hitter? I am not saying he would have been less successful, but we will never know. It is sad to think that many players might have had very different careers if they did not take steroids. Unfortunately, we will never know how talented these players really are.
I also believe that these players set a bad example. They are telling people that it is ok to take steroids in order to be stronger and more successful in a sport.
The voters last week sent out a very loud message. I think it is a great message. Their message also tells me that it is unlikely McGwire will ever be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Disgraced player Barry Bonds does not have much chance either after he retires.
I hope this also can be a lesson to some players that the fans do not and will not forget.
After all these years, it looks like steroid use/cheating has finally caught up to these professional athletes. These players have been getting away with steroid use way too long and now the punishment is coming. All I can say is: It’s about time.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Rosie and Donald Both Need To Shut Up
Yet we have another celebrity feud that everyone is talking about these days. In the past month, comedian and co-host of The View, Rosie O’Donnell, and Donald Trump have been going at it in a war of words. The feud all started when O’Donnell disagreed with Trump’s decision to not say “you’re fired” to Miss USA Tara Conner who apparently has a drug and alcohol problem.
Since then, they have repeatedly attacked one another to the point where it is laughable. Trump and O’Donnell remind me of recess time in elementary school. A couple of immature children who have nothing better to do than insult each other. I think they have a contest on who can hurt each other the most. Or who can act more immature than the other.
Honestly, I think they both need to shut up because I do not care for either one of them. Why don’t they just both get in a boxing ring and go a couple more rounds? That ought to be fun to watch. And let’s face it. They are both right about each other. O’Donnell is a bully who used to be the “Queen of Nice,” but for some reason has turned into the exact opposite. Trump does have a bad combover who has a thing for young women. However, it has gotten to the point where it is obvious that both of them are just doing it for the headlines.
Well, Trump and O’Donnell, you two received the headlines, now please shut up.
Since then, they have repeatedly attacked one another to the point where it is laughable. Trump and O’Donnell remind me of recess time in elementary school. A couple of immature children who have nothing better to do than insult each other. I think they have a contest on who can hurt each other the most. Or who can act more immature than the other.
Honestly, I think they both need to shut up because I do not care for either one of them. Why don’t they just both get in a boxing ring and go a couple more rounds? That ought to be fun to watch. And let’s face it. They are both right about each other. O’Donnell is a bully who used to be the “Queen of Nice,” but for some reason has turned into the exact opposite. Trump does have a bad combover who has a thing for young women. However, it has gotten to the point where it is obvious that both of them are just doing it for the headlines.
Well, Trump and O’Donnell, you two received the headlines, now please shut up.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
American Justice System vs. Iraq Justice System
I am sure everyone has heard by now, former Iraq leader, Saddam Hussein has been executed for the crimes he committed over several decades. Hussein was sentenced to death in November after his conviction, and was executed on December 30. This leads me to the question: Why does it take so long for the American justice system to send a convicted criminal to the death penalty?
When criminals in our system are sentenced to death, by the time their appeals run out, 20 years or more have passed since their conviction. If justice is not going to be served right away, then why give a jury the option of punishing someone by death? The convicted criminals are rotting away in prison like they were given a life sentence anyways.
Look at Scott Peterson. He was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering his pregnant wife Laci. However, Peterson will probably not be put to death in another 20 years after his appeals are exhausted. Another example, Richard Allen Davis, kidnapped and murdered 12-year-old Polly Klaas back in 1993. Davis was sentenced to death for the crime, but has yet to be executed. He sits alongside Peterson in San Quentin State Prison. Davis and Peterson both have no remorse for what they have done and deserve the ultimate punishment sooner rather than later.
Why is our justice system so slow? I understand that convicted criminals have the right to appeal their conviction, but justice finally being done several years after the crime is committed is ridiculous. Iraq did not waste time in executing Hussein, which is good. Hussein was a monster whose capture was actually long overdue in my opinion. He should have been captured back in 1991 during the Gulf War.
I think if we are going to take forever to execute someone who has been sentenced to die, then what is the point of the death penalty?
When criminals in our system are sentenced to death, by the time their appeals run out, 20 years or more have passed since their conviction. If justice is not going to be served right away, then why give a jury the option of punishing someone by death? The convicted criminals are rotting away in prison like they were given a life sentence anyways.
Look at Scott Peterson. He was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering his pregnant wife Laci. However, Peterson will probably not be put to death in another 20 years after his appeals are exhausted. Another example, Richard Allen Davis, kidnapped and murdered 12-year-old Polly Klaas back in 1993. Davis was sentenced to death for the crime, but has yet to be executed. He sits alongside Peterson in San Quentin State Prison. Davis and Peterson both have no remorse for what they have done and deserve the ultimate punishment sooner rather than later.
Why is our justice system so slow? I understand that convicted criminals have the right to appeal their conviction, but justice finally being done several years after the crime is committed is ridiculous. Iraq did not waste time in executing Hussein, which is good. Hussein was a monster whose capture was actually long overdue in my opinion. He should have been captured back in 1991 during the Gulf War.
I think if we are going to take forever to execute someone who has been sentenced to die, then what is the point of the death penalty?
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