Animal rights terrorist attacks rising in the USA

The occurrence of terrorist attacks upon scientists and their families are increasing at an alarming rate. The scientists being targeted are those conducting research on animals. The groups conducting the violent attacks are animal rights activist groups such as the Animal Liberation Front. Click here to read the article published on www.foxnews.com.

I am a supporter of animal rights and the need to further strengthen laws protecting animals from torture and abuse. However, I condemn groups the resort to violence to get their message across. Over the past year and six months, there have been 39 violent attacks. Luckily, no one has been killed but it is just a matter of time before someone's father, mother, son, or daughter dies. Groups that are committing these crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Though I support their message, no one has the right to resort to violence even if the message is worthy.

The P.U.M.A. Unvailed

General Motors unveiled its experimental prototype version of the segway offering city dwellers a fun and convenient method to travel about. At least that is the intent. Unlike the segway, the P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility) gives the rider a little more protection from the elements such as sun and rain. And according to the news report I was listening to, it will also provide room for a passenger. The P.U.M.A. will not be ready for quite a while. Until then, I have an idea that will be better for the environment, takes up no parking spaces, will hardly cost a dime in terms of fuel consumption, and will be good for our health. It's called walking...

More info on the puma can be found at this address: http://www.segway.com/puma

GPS devices are no good...

The other day I was reading an article about a man in Great Britain who nearly drove his car off a cliff. The man's defense to his reckless driving was his GPS device. He claims he was following the voice commands which lead him to the edge of the cliff.

I work in a customer service environment and everyday I have people calling from their cell phones asking me for our physical address. You can tell that they are plugging this information into their GPS. More times than I'd like to admit, the person would argue with me that the address was not accepted into their device. In less time than these conversations usually last, I could have given precise directions.

I am convinced that GPS devices are simply no good! Sure they are valuable in case of emergencies but not for everyday life. People are depending on a device which must be updated regularly to get to where they are going. They will get the same directional results simply by calling for directions and using some common sense. In addition, driving while following the GPS directions can be very dangerous just like talking on a cell phone or fixing your hair. It provides yet another distraction which can lead to fatal consequences. In a nutshell, we are allowing ourselves to be controlled by technology because we are looking for the easy way out.

Buy American Condoms

In a move to save three cents, the U.S. Agency for International Development has decided to cancel a long standing contract with an Alabama company for the production of American-Made condoms that are distrubed world wide to less developed countries. Instead, the condoms will now be contracted from companies in China and South Korea. 300 American workers will soon be joining the long unemployment lines thanks to our government's decision to buy cheap condoms.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510223,00.html

Friday 13th brings out stupid crooks

In Fox Point Wisconsin, a man attempted to break into a Tae Kwon Do studio. The not-so-bright thief was discovered by the Tae Kwon Do Master who quickly apprehended the man and called the police. Friday the 13th, along with being a good time for horror movies, also brings out the stupid in people...

Non - Stimulus Package

What is the definition of stimulus. According to Webster Online, it means "any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action." Based solely on this statement, the stimulus package recently passed by our government will do exactly what a stimulus is meant to do. However, the intentions of the package is to stimulate the economy. I believe it will not do so.

Fox News reported that the majority of the billions assigned to the stimulus package will go towards construction and infrastructure projects. But in appears that the government has forgotten that this country is based on capitalism and that the economy is consumer driven. Building roads and bridges will not entice consumers to go buy a new car or large screen plasma television. In addition, building roads and bridges will not stop companies from eliminating jobs let alone create new ones. For example, Best Buy announced that it will cut 250 positions at its corporate headquarters. This is not a good sign especially after Circuit City going under. Do you really believe that building roads and bridges will stop Best Buy from cutting jobs?

I work in a retail environment and the atmosphere in this market is scarier than Freddy, Jason, and Leather Face combined. Stores are either closing or severely downsizing its work force. Our government, under the leadership of the "Chosen One", has failed to recognize that the key ingredient to turning the direction of our failing economy is consumer confidence. The more people feel safe with their financial means, the more they will spend. I am an animal lover, not an economist. If I can see through all the partisan bull, why can't those who swear they act only in our country's best interest do the same?

Michael Phelps, An Olympic Dope...

A British tabloid newspaper published a photo of Michael Phelps smoking dope. Phelps acknowledged the authenticity of the photo and apologized for his behavior. He was quoted as saying "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

This just goes to show that no matter how successful and inspirational Phelps has been, deep down he is a stupid 23 year old pot head. The only saving grace is his maturity to admit it. However, I can't help but wonder if he would have been so apologetic for his actions if he was never caught!

Kentucky Coach Pleads Not Guilty!

David Stinson, coach of the Pleasure Ridge High School football team, was released without bond today after pleading not guilty to charges of reckless homicide. Last week a grand jury indicted him on the charge following the death of a sophomore student back in August. Max Gilpin collapsed and latter passed away due to complications of heat exhaustion resulting from a football practice played in extreme heat. Prosecutors contend that though no malice or intent was present, Stinson was guilty of reckless homicide because a "reasonable" person should have known better. To read more about this story follow this link:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,483027,00.html

By opinion on this story is that Stinson should not be charged and found guilty. This was a tragic accident. I admit that I do not have all the facts and my information is limited to the articles from which are printed. There is no indication that Gilpin was denied water or medical treatment. Yes, better standards and guideline should/could be utilized in the future to avoid deaths from heat exhaustion. But if found guilty, this precedent would open to flood gates for suites blaming others for tragic accidents. Anyone of us could therefore be charged and found guilty for being in the wrong place at the wrong time during events not foreseen or controllable.

FDA unable to protect us...

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a statement today indicating that the Food & Drug Administration is ill equipped to protect us from harmful food and drug products. They state that globalization and"more complex products and laws" have prohibited the FDA from successfully analyzing risks associated with food, medical, and Rx supplies. The complete article can be found using the following link: http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE50L64V20090122

This is not a surprise considering all the recent cases of Salmonella and E Coli poisoning. For example, peanut butter products have become the latest villain over the past few days, causing the deaths of six people. The GAO's job is to provide priority recommendations to the incoming congress. Hopefully this insight won't fall on deaf ears for all our sakes.

Bush Commutes Border Agents Sentence

In one of his last acts as President, Bush commuted former border agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos. The two were convicted about two years ago for shooting a drug smuggler in the ass. Instead of serving a combined sentence of around ten years, both will be out of prison in March. Though I personally feel both should never have been charged at all, at least our government did the right thing by getting them out of prison sooner than later. Hopefully this injustice to our border agents will bring to the surface the need to adjust the law to protect those serving our country instead of helping those that are trying to destroy it.

Joseph Petcka Trial: Injustice for Animals

Yet again, justice for animals has been blocked by a person unwilling to accept the seriousness of animal abuse as one would domestic violence. The trail of Joseph Petcka ended in a mistrial. Mr. Petcka was accused of intentional animal abuse in the death of his ex-girl friend's cat. The Prosecution believed the defendant intentionally killed the cat because he was upset his girl friend broke up with him. The Defense maintained that Mr. Petcka acted in self-defense and was in fear of his life. If the cat in question was a 200 pound tiger I would understand his fear. However, the cat in question was a 7 pound orange tabby. The basics behind self-defense is using an act of defense equal to the attacking action. In other words, if a person takes a swing at you, you can use an equal action to defend yourself. The cat's lethal injuries included broken bones and facial bones. It was concluded that this poor animal was stomped to death. It is appalling that one lone juror would not accept the truth of intentional abuse in this case. I wonder if he would think the same if the cat was replaced by the ex-girl friend. This is just another example of people not willing to treat all life as we do human life. What a shame!

Taekwondo Disgrace

I know the 2008 Summer Olympics have come and gone but there’s an issue that has been bothering me. When that Cuban Taekwondo competitor kicked the referee in the face after losing his chance for a bronze metal, I felt more than disgust. I really don’t want to waste time explaining the details of why he lost. You can look that up on the net later. What is at issue here is the lack of control, respect, and discipline this so called martial artist demonstrated.

I have the honor of being a black belt in Kempo Karate. During my training I participated in several point sparring tournaments. There is one match in particular that I’ve never forgotten. My opponent and I were evenly matched up both in body structure and skill level, though she was a good four or five inches taller than me. The rules I was bound by stated that a point would be awarded only when both referees called a clear point. This means both saw a solid, yet controlled, strike to the head or torso. Several times I felt one of my round-house kicks or punches hit it’s mark but both referees never called it together. Soon my frustration got the best of me resulting in the lose of concentration and eventually the match. I was awarded second place. But despite my disapproval of the referees performance I did not take any action against them. I accepted my trophy and learned from the experience. In other words, as a martial artist, I used the moral attributes learned from my training: Self Control, Self Respect, and Discipline. It is a shame and a dishonor toward all martial arts practitioners that the Cuban Taekwondo competitor failed to do the same.

Though I am happy with his punishment (he is no longer able to participate in any competition), this whole story has left an awful taste in my mouth. I hope some day this competitor will apologize to his teacher.

Paris Hilton: Celebrity Justice is Society's Injustice

This past Friday Paris Hilton was charged with violating the terms of her probation stemming from an alcohol related reckless driving incident. The judge barred her from buying her way out and sentenced her to 45 days in a county jail. She must surrender by June 5th to begin serving her time. Hilton has been recorded on the news as saying this sentence is not fair. She went on to explain that she did not know her license was suspended and blah blah blah. Fans are outraged and blogging their support. Analysts are saying there is a good probability she won't have to service her time and even if she did it wouldn't be in the normal jail environment. She would be given better food, accommodations, visitation rights, etc... Therefore, she will be serving celebrity justice which will be yet another example of our society's injustice.

If any of us "normal people" drove under the influence we would suffer the consequences as dictated by the law. If any of us "normal people" acted as irresponsible as Hilton we would be in jail before we can utter the words "it's not fair". Laws of this country are in place for a reason and as citizens we must do and or try our best to uphold these laws. What gives Hilton the right to evade responsibility. Born to money and privilege does not equal the right to ignore the laws and ignorance to the law is no excuse no matter who you are.

I'm glad Hilton is going to jail. Consequently, the judge in charge should also make sure Hilton doesn't make a dime off of this whole shameful ordeal. I can't help but think what would have happened if she killed someone. As for the fans, you all should get a clue. Stop worshipping those who think they are above our laws just because they have money. The ones we should be worshipping are those who live their lives helping and supporting others in their communities through both the good & bad times (i.e. Greensburg, Kansas).

In closing, only when celebrities stop making excuses for their stupidity and waving the all-mighty dollar around and start taking full responsibility for their actions will justice truly be served for society.

WORDS

Here we go again! Every time you tune in to the news there's more debates and rhetoric about those inappropriate comments Imus made about the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team. This is yet another example of how WORDS are becoming the new weapon of choice against this country's right of free speech.

Was the comments unnecessary and heartless? Yes. But did those same words cause blood to spill? Did it cause the untimely deaths to those the words were directed? Did the words spoken from Imus's lips inflict physical wounds?

Hello America: They were just WORDS! I agree they were wrong words but when the dust clears that is all they were and like it or not we do have a right to say what we want no matter how stupid it maybe to do so. When are we going to stop being so politically correct that every little comment is scrutinized. Imus said he was sorry. He has been suspended for two weeks and will more likely see the end of his career. But we all know that regarding this matter we have not heard the last WORD.

Extinction of Consumer Choice?

I was talking to a friend the other day who brought up an interesting thought. He told me that over the past decade or so our choices in technology has been dictated by the industry. One of the issues bothering him was how HD televisions are causing the limitation of choice in televisions mostly in the larger chain retailers. There are very few options currently available to those not wishing to purchase such an item. After I pondered this idea further I concluded he was right! Here is my example:

My brother and I love buying the pay-per-views for WWE. A few years ago we bought the program as usual but on the day of the event we were unable to view it on our t.v. My father called up the cable company and learned that we could no longer order pay-per-views because we did not have the cable box. Instead we had cable ready on our set. The company also tried telling us we would be better off investing in digital since analog was obsolete. Well my father was not happy to say it nicely. At the time he worked with in the cable industry and from his perspective and knowledge analog was not obsolete. According to him the only real difference would be quality of picture.

How many times do companies and stores tell us something isn't good anymore just to make us buy what is considered the "new" in-thing. Shouldn't we have the right as consumers to choose for ourselves what we want based on our individual needs and budget?

And what about the auto industry as yet another example. Everywhere you look - in advertisements, bill boards, car lots - there is a huge supply and choice of SUV's. You really do not see that sort of variety in other cars anymore. Even with the current outcry from environmentalists and consumers for more energy efficient technology the big auto industry is still cranking out these gas eaters.

There is no doubt in my mind our consumer choices are dwindling but if you think about it who is to blame. After all we do live in a capitalist society - supply and demand. If we all spoke out a bit more often maybe big brother will start giving us more to pick from. If we don't, consumer choice will in the all to near future become nonexistent.

Wii Catastrophe

Wee for Wii Contest Becomes Tradegy

It is always a tragedy when some one's life is cut short as is the case with the 28 year old mother of three from California; and I truly feel and pray for the family she left behind. In case you haven't heard, this person entered a contest held by radio station KDND-FM which involved drinking as much water as possible and holding it in with out going to the bathroom. The winner would win the new game console Wii. Hence the contest name Wee for Wii. This person came in second place and a short time later lost her life to Water Intoxication. Several people from the radio station lost their jobs and deservedly so. The family of this person is proceeding to sue the radio station and I don't blame them. But here is my problem.

When are people going to start taking responsibility for their actions? This woman bares responsibility for her own traffic death at least in part. She should have been listening to what her body was telling her. Reports indicate she was complaining of head aches. Why didn't she stop? The Wii is not that important and in the near future the price would be dropping because the novelty wore off.

Yes, the radio station and staff associated with the contest were negligent by failing to inform the contestants of all health risks and not hiring an on-site doctor to monitor the contestants health condition. But she also bares equal responsibility for failing to use common sense.

When this does go to court, I hope the judge and jury will hold all partys equally responsible thereby passing along this message: always use common sense and listen to your body's warnings when doing stupid stunts like this.

(Note: log into FoxNews.Com for more coverage about this tragic event)