J_Darrowin's Newsroom

I found a lot of family photos that were scattered along the sidewalk on S. Volusia Ave, Orange City, yesterday on the way home from work. I collected as many as I could, as well as the envelope they came in. There was no name or address on the envelope. I'm posting a few of the photos in the hopes that someone reading this blog may recognize the people or surroundings in the pictures, maybe even the handwriting on the envelope. If you know who these folks are, please let me know so that I may make arrangements to return the photos to them. I'm not sure what else to do. Let me know if you have any suggestions on any further actions I could take..

In case the photos can't be displayed properly in the blog, I've also posted them in my photo album under "Lost Family Photos", though they may take a bit to show up while they're being "approved" by Fox.

Its that time of the year again... It's back to school time for the kiddies!  So, in celebration of this event, I thought I'd show this old Staples commercial.   It may be over 10 years old, but its still a popular favorite.  Most of you should remember this.  Enjoy!

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mPIIMbG9R4w&hl=en&fs=1
"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mPIIMbG9R4w&hl=en&fs=1a>" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> 

You may remember the incident back in late June when several Orlando city vehicles had been vandalized by someone spraying anti-Obama messages with spraypaint on them.  The vandal, or vandals, left behind some "business cards" with political ramblings printed on them.   As a reminder, here are pictures of both sides of the cards below:

Side 1:

Side 2:

Keep in mind, this was in Orlando. 

Well, imagine my surprise, while biking home from work from DeBary to Orange City, via Volusia Ave, when I found several more of these cards scattered along the side of the road.   It makes one wonder.   Could whomever had vandalized the vehicles in Orlando have been passing through my area?  Maybe he lives there?  Or, could it be possible that he may be planning to vandalize more vehiceles in my area?   Maybe he was just trying to get rid of them.  Who knows? 

Still, I think its something I thought I should make you aware of.   Maybe we'll get lucky and the guy will get caught this time.

With all the news going on about how city after city is cancelling their fireworks displays, I thought I'd pass on some good news for once. 

Orange City is holding a "fireworks extravaganza" on July 5th.  No, that's not a typo... July 5th.  Don't ask me why its not on the 4th, I don't make the rules.   Just be glad they're doing this on a Saturday.

The event will take place in Valentine Park, which is located at 1595 West French Ave.   This is West of of S. Volusia Ave in Orange City.  Basically, you just travel North past Ohio Ave. until you see French Ave, then take a left.  Then travel straight until you reach Valentine Park.  That is, if I'm reading MapQuest right.   Well, I'm terrible at directions, so you may want to MapQuest it for yourself...

Anyway, the advertisment claims there will be "FREE Childrens Games, Inflatable's and Entertainment as well as a DJ with Contests and Prizes", as well as food vendors.  The event will be from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. 

Who knows?  Maybe we'll run into each other! 

Back in late May, I provided a link to a petition that stated to "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less".  For those of you who haven't seen this petition yet, and would like to take a look at it, click on the link provided.  So far, there have been over 1,100,000 signatures and counting. 

Now I'd like to bring a new petition to your attention.  Actually, its been around for a bit, but I just heard about this yesterday, and thought I'd share it with you for those who are interested.  This petition deals with the so called "Fairness Doctrine".  This act, that was introduced in 1949 and eventually repealed by Reagan back in 1987, required talk show radio programs to air both conservative and liberal views on each show.  For example, for every conservative viewpoint that, say, Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity aired, they were required to allow a liberal caller or commentator to express opposition to that point of view.  As talk radio is pretty much dominated by conservative hosts, something the liberal mainstream media has been having difficulty controlling, this is believed to be an effort to stifle free speech without government interference.  I won't bore you by going into full detail, but if you want to read more into it, here is a link to a PDF file explaining how the Fairness Doctrine would have a negative impact on conservative talk radio.

An effort has been made to permanently ban the Fairness Doctrine for good, called the "Broadcaster Freedom Act".  However, members of Congress have managed to place this act in limbo, and it is currently "stuck in committee".  This means that Congress will never have to bring this act to the floor, effectively muting it.  Likely, they know that this bill would likely pass, something they don't want to see happen.   The purpose of this petition is to urge Congress to get it "unstuck" and bring this act to a vote by July 4th. 

Here is the link to the petition:  Help Declare Radio Independence Day!

Note:  Once you fill out the information and hit "submit", you'll see a page asking for a donation to the organization.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DONATE ANY MONEY.  Your petition is counted the moment you hit submit.  I deliberately did not donate to see what would happen.  I still got the "thanks for signing" email.  Now, if you WANT to donate, that's your choice. 

Just doing my part to help spread the word around. 

Alright, you've seen it... the "big story" this morning about how Lashunda Jones (and her boyfriend) paid a visit to Houston's Resturaunt in Winter Park and claim that they've been a target of "racism".  The hostess had jotted a brief description of the two guests on her ticket pad, something we've all seen them do.  Here it is below:

The ticket says "Lashanda 2 - black couple".  Lashunda claims that adding the race description is an act of "racism". 

Full link to the story, in case you haven't seen it, is here: Angry Customer Has A Big Problem at Houston's Restaurant

Have we really sunk this low?  Yes, I'm fully aware that it was against the company's policies to add race, gender or weight descriptions to the customers, but this isn't what I'm talking about, so no arguments about that, please.  Besides, how many of you have always followed company policy by the letter, at all times?  This isn't even about the disciplinary action that was taken against the hostess, or the spineless manager who suspended her and cleary tried to cover his own behind when confronted by Ms. Jones.  Have we really gotten to the point that even the mentioning of someone's race is considered a racist attack?  Should we no longer allow the police, EMT's, firefighters and yes, even reporters, to do this as well?  It is a common practice, after all. 

From what I can tell, the description was merely to help identify/remember who the customer was.  I don't see any racism implied here.   The problem is, the word "racism" has been used too loosely nowadays, and its use has become so broad, that it has lost its true meaning.  Someone, explain to me, how exactly identifiying a couple as black can be called "racist".   I'd be interested to hear it.

At least theres one silver lining in this story.  The resturaunt will never need to worry about dealing with Ms. Jones again, as she claimed that she'll never return.  Thats fine.  Customers like this, you don't need anyway.

Good news for you guys... this blog is short!

Anyway, it came to my attention earlier that there is a website that has a petition to start drilling for oil in the United States.   Here is the link for complete details:

Drill Here.  Drill Now.  Pay Less.

According to the website, so far, there have been 75,150 signatures as of this posting. 

Will it actually accomplish anything?  Your guess is as good as mine.  I just thought I'd get the word out to you.   Have a look at it, if your so inclined.

A new player has jumped into the presidential race... former conservative Republican, now Libertarian, congressman Bob Barr has announced his cadidacy to run for President of the United States.  However, with the primaries already well under way, is it too little, too late?  Will he act more as a "spoiler" for John McCain, much the same way as Ralph Nader was viewed as a spoiler for Al Gore?  Also, is he really a better choice than McCain?

Below is the article as reported by Embarq News:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Republican Rep. Bob Barr launched a Libertarian Party presidential bid Monday, saying voters are hungry for an alternative to the status quo who would dramatically cut the federal government.

His candidacy throws a wild card into the White House race that many believe could peel away votes from Republican Sen. John McCain given the candidates' similar positions on fiscal policy.

Barr, who has hired Ross Perot's former campaign manager, acknowledged that some Republicans have tried to discourage him from running. But he said he's getting in the race to win, not to play spoiler or to make a point.

"I've heard from Americans from all walks of life ... they want a choice," he said at a news conference in Washington. "They believe that America has more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up to us."

Barr first must win the Libertarian nomination at the party's national convention that begins May 22. Party officials consider him a front-runner thanks to the national profile he developed as a Georgia congressman from 1995 to 2003.

If he wins the White House, he said he would immediately freeze discretionary spending in Washington. He also would begin withdrawing troops from Iraq and consider slashing spending at federal agencies such as the departments of education and commerce — as well as at overseas military bases.

The former U.S. attorney also said he would strictly enforce immigration laws.

"This notion that government owes something to people just because they're here does not resonate with me," he said. "This is not a charity."

Barr, 59, quit the Republican Party two years ago, saying he had grown disillusioned with its failure to shrink government and its willingness to scale back civil liberties in fighting terrorism. He has been particularly critical of President Bush over the war in Iraq and says the administration is ignoring constitutional protections on due process and privacy.

While in Congress, he was a persistent critic of President Clinton and was among the first to press for impeaching the former president. He helped manage House Republicans' impeachment case before the Senate.

He lost his seat to fellow Republican Rep. John Linder in 2002 after a redistricting. He then opened a lobbying and public affairs firm with offices in Atlanta and outside Washington.

The 2004 Libertarian presidential candidate, Michael Badnarik, took less than 1 percent of the vote, placing fourth behind President Bush, Democrat John Kerry and Independent Ralph Nader.

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More information on Bob Barr's background and political views can be found at this site:  (click on one of the 3 boxes).

An earlier interview regarding his candidacy consideration can be found at this link: "Is This Man John McCain's Worst Nightmare?"

As of yet, I'm not certain if I could support this man or not.   My first impression is that he reminds me just a little bit too much of Ron Paul.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see until we learn more about this man.

A couple of days ago, while listening to the morning news on the radio, I heard a story about a school in Fulton County, Ga., that was part of a pilot program that offered paychecks to some low-income students for attending an after school program two days a week.  The students received up to $8.00 an hour for doing their schoolwork. 

The program, called "Learn to Earn", is being tested at  Creekside High School, using cash as an incentive to get students to come in and learn.   It is being headed by Jackie Cushman, the daughter of Newt Gingrich. 

Wanting to do a poll, but unable to form a proper one at these boards, I've set one up at the following link here.  I've also posted more of the story at the link as well.

Have a look, if you're so inclined, and tell me what you think of this program!

Well, looks like Obama has managed to offend quite a few folks out there again.  I've posted the entire article below.  I don't like to do that, but as this website's links to their stories disappear quickly, I didn't have much of an option.  However, I've boldened the highlights to make it easier for those who like to skim, with the entire comment itself underlined.

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Pa. Voters Divided Over Obama Remarks

2008-04-14 21:40:51
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press Writer

SHENANDOAH, Pa. (AP) — Yes, some Democrats in Pennsylvania's Rust Belt communities were upset by Barack Obama's suggestion that voters there "cling to guns or religion" because of bitterness about their economic lot. But many more seem to think it was no big deal — and if there's a problem it's with the political slapfest that has followed.

Obama's comment, which the Illinois senator made during a San Francisco fundraiser last week, set off an exchange of insults between the final contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination as they vie for blue-collar support in the state's April 22 primary. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has criticized the comment as "elitist," while Obama has mocked the New York senator's own recent emphasis on support for gun owners' rights.

In interviews Monday in Pennsylvania communities like the ones to which Obama referred, Democrats on both sides of the race were divided over the controversy.

"It's so difficult to watch every word," said Mary Ellen Matunis, a Clinton backer from Shenandoah.

"I was not offended," she said. "Poor choice of words, but I think it was just misspoken."

Matunis, 56, is a retired teacher in this central Pennsylvania borough of barely 5,000 residents that was once a boom town of the anthracite coal industry. But that industry has been on the decline for longer than most residents have been alive, and the textile factories that followed are gone too.

Dennis Yezulinas, another Clinton supporter in Shenandoah, said he is more offended by the rhetorical fight that followed Obama's comment than by the remark itself.

"Not just for the good of the Democratic Party, but for the good of the country, they need to make it less contentious," said Yezulinas, a former state prison guard who has been laid off from a plant that manufactures doors in a neighboring town.

In the southeastern Pennsylvania community of Coatesville — a once booming steel city outside of Philadelphia that now has empty storefronts downtown — two Clinton supporters sharing a meal at a Coatesville restaurant said they felt Obama was wrong to stereotype small-town voters.

"It's like we're not smart enough to understand what the politicians are saying. It's an insult to our intelligence," said Susan Kamerdze, 50.

Mike Zemacke, 57, said that, while Coatesville has seen better days, he's not bitter. He said he used to work as a press operator before a disability led him to retirement.

"I'm just frustrated," he said. "I used to live a lot better than this."

At another Coatesville eatery, lifelong resident Armon Richardson said he remains firmly committed to Obama.

"We're getting in the silly season," said Richardson, 33, a computer analyst. "It's being overanalyzed."

In Pottsville, a city south of Shenandoah that also thrived during the coal boom and is now known as the home of Yuengling beer, coffeehouse owner Mary Ann Price, 56, said she is undecided about which candidate will get her vote in the primary, but that Obama's remarks won't affect her decision. She said she is more concerned about U.S. standing in the international community.

"The whole world hates us, and with good reason," she said.

Mike McGeever, 47, a Clinton backer who works for a neighborhood revitalization agency in Pottsville, called Obama's comment "uninformed, rather than elitist."

"To throw a blanket indictment out there against the people in this area, it is definitely patronizing," he said.

Truck salesman Bob Bildheiser, 49, said he is tentatively supporting Obama and that he agreed with the point that Obama was trying to make about the nation's economic problems.

"The people are bitter about the economy, about jobs, about the gas prices. It's terrible," he said.

At the California event, Obama said some small-town voters bitter about their economic circumstances "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

Clinton, who polls show still leading in the Pennsylvania primary, criticized the comment as "elitist and divisive," and suggested that it could cost Democrats the presidency if Obama were the nominee. Obama said he was disappointed by Clinton's criticism and questioned her opposition to the NAFTA free-trade agreement that some voters believe eliminated thousands of U.S. jobs.

http://myembarq.com/news/news_reader.php?storyid=15
975526&feedid=14

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Obama...  its politicians, particuraly Marxists like yourself, that are the reason people "cling to guns and religion".    I don't think people are "misinterpreting" your comments at all.

Hillary... well, you get a pass on this one... this time. 

Ms. Mary Ann Price... Your comment is typical Liberal self-hatred.   Maybe "the whole world" is envious because the United States does not bow and scrape before the United Nations like most countries do.  Probably because we actually try to stand for what we believe is right, rather than just having the "follow the herd" mentality like most other nations.   Maybe we also like to look after our own interests as well, rather than looking after other nations' interests. 

Sadly, this will no longer be the case after the elections. 

The "My Fox Orlando" website received "kudos" from radio talk show host Bud Hedinger, host of "Bud Hedinger, Live" this afternoon. 

The praise came during a segment near the beginning of his program, a little after 3:00 pm., while he was discussing the recent mob beating of Lake County Deputy Cliff McMikeenamy, who had responded to a noise complaint caused by a loud party.  

McMikeenamy, after having to chase down and attempt to tase a suspect who had thrown a beer bottle at his cruiser, was quickly set upon and beaten by no less than 12 men, who not only smashed a beer bottle over his head, but also tried to grab his gun and radio.   However,  Deputy McMikeenamy maintained his hold on his weapon.    Two men were arrested.  

Bud Hedinger noted that all of the websites he had checked, ABC and NBC among others, all of them mentioned that the Border Patrol became involved and took the men into custody.  Bud concluded that the men captured were illegal immigrants, something that was not mentioned on the sites.   Annoyed that none of the sites, up to that moment, included the phrases "illegal aliens" or "illegal immigrants", he asked his listeners to update him if a site did so, if possible. 

A caller informed him a few minutes later that the website "My Fox Orlando", on the last sentence, mentioned that the suspects were "illegal immigrants", and that the article was last edited a little after  7:00 am.   

"Kudos, to My Fox Orlando!", Bud praised, for having the guts "to tell it like it is!"

And there you have it, My Fox Orlando.  Just thought you'd want to know.  From the way I heard him praise you, you may have gained another fan!

Most of us have seen and heard it by now.  The images of Reverend Jeremiah Wright,  who presidental hopeful Barak Obama's claims is his friend, mentor and inspiration,  yelling, hissing and spitting enough venom to make a cobra envious in front of his clearly enthusiastic congregation.   Though claiming to be Christian, his sermons are erryly similar to any number of Anti-American radical Islamic clerics.  Take your pick which one. 

I'm not going to talk about those sermons though.  That's being taken care of already by a number of bloggers, columnists and talk show hosts that are alot more skilled at that than I am.   What I'm focusing on is an observation I had while listening to callers and reading statements critisizing both Reverend Wright, and Obama for associating with him.  The observation was that most of the critics had one thing in common; they were all Christians. 

Now, I've stated before that I'm not religous.  It's not so much that I'm anti-religion, it's just that I have no real place for it in my life.  However, I have noticed one major difference between followers of Islam, and followers of Christianity...  When a radical Islamic cleric preaches anti-American or anti-Semitic statements, the followers of Islam, including those living right here in the U.S. and claim to be moderate, rarely say anything to dispute the cleric's words.   To be sure, there may be a few, but one would be hard pressed to find them.   Maybe they agree with the context, though they wouldn't do violence themselves.  Maybe they're afraid of repercussions.  At any rate, they either say nothing, or give a weak defense along the lines of "he shouldn't have said that, but....", usually followed by some crime America or Bush has done in the past.

I, along with many others, always believed that if a radical Christian were to give a similar sermon, he would be immediately rebuked by other Christians.  Judging from their angry reactions, it looks like we were right.  Both he, and Obama, have been assailed on all sides by angry Christians from all races and walks of life, who most definately do *not* agree with his bigotry against whites, Jews and America in general (not including, of course, the enthusiastic followers of his church).   Yes, he does have the occasional supporter who agrees with his views and supports his right to free speech, but they're in the minority. 

I guess I can just say I'm glad to see I was right, and I'd like to give the Christians my thanks for proving it. 

One final thought.  It should be noted that most people don't select a church because they want to be converted to that church's ideals.  They select that church because it already falls in line with their way of thinking.   Both Barak and Michelle Obama have attended that church for many years.   That should tell you something about them, and the rest of the congregation of Trinity United.

Reverend Wrights "Sermon" (youtube video)

The only thing more disturbing than the sermon, is the reaction of the congregation.  Remember, these folks will be voting soon.

I looked at this photo, and thought to myself "There's a funny caption for this here".   Problem is, I just can't think of a good one, so I'm leaving this up to you!   Anyone have any ideas?

Fox 35 posted a blog earlier concerning Michelle Obama's statement "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country".   Actually, this was the second time she's made this statement, only slightly revised.  The link to both versions can be found here:

I had replied in that blog that I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, that she may not have really meant that statement the way it came out.   I thought she may have meant to say, something along the lines of "In all my adult life, I have never felt more pride for my country then I do now".  I would've accepted that. 

However, after listening to her try to explain herself, I retract my statement.  I now believe that she really *did* mean it the way she said it, and is now doing, possibly at the request of advisors and/or Barak himself, damage control.   The link to the interview can be found here:

There is no way she could possibly have had all that in mind when she made her previous speeches.   It sounds like it was coached to me.   What do you think?

On a sidenote, listen carefully to what the interviewer says right at the 1:17 mark....  I guess he just HAD to get his comments in at "America's faults".  I think that ticked me off more than Ms. Obama's comments did.  In a way, I think he was taking shots at Cindy McCain.

Just a reminder for all you stargazers out there, in case you missed the Fox report...

There's going to be a full lunar eclipse tomorrow (Wednesday the 20th), beginning at 10:00 pm (east coast time).  This will be the last lunar eclipse until 2010, so have your cameras and telescopes ready! 

You'll especially want to catch the very beginning of the eclipse, when the moon turns copper, then a darker red (so if you happen to look up and see a red moon, no, the Apocalypse isn't starting).  I always miss this stage.  Not this time, though!

I'm currently looking through the instruction manuel for my new digital camera, which my brother and his girlfriend kindly gave me for my birthday earlier this month.  I swear the thing is an inch thick, and its all in English.  Who knew that such a little device could do so much?

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.  Here's to hoping for clear skies!