The Way I Heard It 12.27.06

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek

.........12.27.06............
John Edwards has officially joined the presidential candidacy race. All the other stuff he did was not official. His campaign slogan is "Tomorrow Never Comes." He said it was "Tomorrow Begins Today" which means that there will never be a tomorrow because it is today and tomorrow will always be today, so tomorrow will never come. He helped work at a home that was being rebuilt because of Hurricane Katrina, then, as a true trial lawyer, looked for people to sue for building violations..................A piece of bent wood sold for $1.9 million at an auction and will remain in Canada. It was called "the worlds oldest hockey stick." I am announcing the sale of several worlds oldest baseball bats as soon as I can find a good old tree limb................Chevy Chase has also died at the age of 93. The famed comedian from Saturday Night Live was known for playing a very humorous portrayal of then President Gerald Ford. After his very short lived TV talk show, Chase would wander aimlessly calling his wife, Betty, and looking for people to pardon.................A Miami airport invites British Prime Minister Tony Blair to land, then turned out some ruwnay lights. An airway spokesman, and Monty Python fan, said he thought they would have a better sense of humor about it. At least that's the way I heard it.........

The Way I Heard It 12.23.06

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek

.........12.23.06............
Dennis Linde, the writer of the 1972 hit for Elvis Presley, "Burning Love" has died. Or has he? Word has it that Elvis has been in hiding since 1977 and is ready to make his comeback appearance. He needs some songs written..................Bono will receive Knighthood from the British ambassador to Ireland. Apparently they liked U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" album also. It is not known if Cher will attend the ceremony.................Zuzu Bailey is 66 and lives in Seattle. She has apparently been in hiding all these years because of informing mortals about "the angels" and the "bell ringing" thing in 1946........................................A Bakersfield man set himself on fire to protest a San Joaquin Valley school district from celebrating Christmas instead of winter break. His last words before the incident were "this ought to prove how sane my argument is!!!" The school district has considered celebrating Festivus but they couldn't get a Festivus Pole. At least that's the way I heard it...............

Offend No One? Yeah Right...it's Christmas

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek

.........12.21.06............Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas isn't puttting up a Christmas Tree this year. Instead it is called a "winter tree." (Even if it does look suspiciously like a Christmas tree). The kids want to sing gospel Christmas music, but Principal Walter Thompson said "they have too much religion. We wouldnt use that music even if it was allowed, because we dont want to offend anyone." "Too much religion?"....sounds like Thompson just offended a whole lot of people. "We don't want to offend anyone.." except the Christian and religious community which lives in the school district and has kids that go to the school. Get a clue, Thompson.

The Way I Heard It 12.1706

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek

.........12.17.06............

John Edwards plans to announce his candidacy for president in a part of New Orleans hit by Hurricane Katrina. Apparently the area has been refortified and can stand some more hot air blowing through the area...........The US Mint will be putting images of first ladies on the new one dollar coins starting next year. The idea is to boost the image of the coin because of the flop of the Susan B Anthony Coin and the Sacajewea dollar. The problem with those, however, was that no one could remember who President Anthony or President Sacajewea was...... Defense lawyers want the judge to throw out a confession that Harrel Johnson made to Oklahoma police about the killing of "Precious doe" because it the confession makes Johnson looks guilty. At least that's the way I heard it.

The Way I Heard It 12.11.06

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........12.11.06............ The anniversary of the death of John Lennon came and went. He a was killed in New York City on December 8, 1980. Apparently, John is still dead. John was reported as once saying that the Beatles were bigger than Jesus and he was expected to make his return on December 11, 1980. Then, it was thought it might be three years later on December 8, 1983. Now it is kind of looking like John is not coming back and there were no efforts to revive him for this anniversary. When Yoko was asked for comment, she let out a two minute banshee type ear piercing yelp and no one bothered to offer a follow up question. On a related note, George Harrison is still dead. And for the record, Ringo Starr is not dead...it just seems that way. And Paul McCartney was rumored to be dead but sources suggest that was started by Heather Mills.

The Way I Hear It 12.03.06

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........12.03.06............
Kansas City Cheifs lose to a team with a quarterback (Cleveland Browns Charlie Frye) who had a broken wrist. News at 11, or on second thought, let's try and forget it........Hilary Clinton is moving closer to a run for the White House in 2008. When she ran for Senate the first time, she switched her residency from Arkansas to New York. She is now shopping for another home state for this run. Rumor has it that Iowa is up for sale but Florida has a great ocean view................Biden, Dowd, Bayh, Clinton, Kerry and Obama vs Brownback, Hagel, McCain, Giuliani, Tacredo and Hunter: truly, the war has barely begun..........President Bush is considering lifting a ban on drilling in Alaska's Bristol Bay. Black and Decker is putting the squeeze on him.................Former President Carter says he hopes to be buried in Georgia instead of Arlington. His wife Rosalynn, says she hopes that doesnt happen until after he is dead. .........The Justice Department and Department of Education agree that statistics are indicating school violence is on the upswing. They did not say whether their statistics are Fox News or CNN......At least that's the way I heard it.....

The Way I Heard It 12.02.06

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........12.02.06............The Ford Motor Company slipped to the number four automaker in sales this month. That explains why my Ford Tempo has been acting a bit sluggish and insecure.............Barbra Walters and the other members of "The View," are making light of Danny DeVito's appearance on their show while drunk. If anyone else showed up at work drunk they would be fired. In Hollywood it is humorous I guess..............The Michael Richards Show (starting at the night club...and then starring Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson) now has another guest, Gloria Allred. Now it is truly becoming a show about nothing............. The Supreme Court will look at a case involving Global Warming. Looks like the issue will be fixed once and for all now that it is in their hand. We always knew thay had a lot of authority, we just didn't know how far reaching it was....................A Scientific Study Group out of DC says that E-voting machines need to have a paper back up for reliability. But, we already knew that. Washington never figures that out until it is too late and costs a lot of money to reasearch. Common sense is too cheap of a commocdity and is rarely comnsidered. At least that's the way I heard it.

The Way I Heard It 11.29.06

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........11.29.06............Greg Page, one of the Wiggles, has announced that he will be leaving the group due to illness. Greg was the one with the yellow t-shirt. Tom Cruise, who was recently dropped by his movie company, has been seen purchasing a lot of yellow t-shirts and humming happy silly tunes............Anne Sweeney, an official with Walt Disney Co, says she doesn't know how long they will be able to tolerate all the copyright infringement going on at Youtube. This comes after the video of Mickey Mouse at a night club act where he started yelling racist names at all the white ducks. Since the incident, Mickey has been out of site, but Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck from Warner Brothers have demanded he apologize to them and slip them a few bucks to make it seem sincere.............Senator-elect majority leader Harry Reid says he plans to get right to work and get the Senate started on things like ethics and ethics and ethics and ethics. Actually, there were other things after "ethics," but just that one thing will take the whole session. But of the list he proposed I did note that health care was not on it...

The Way I Heard It 11.28.06

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........11.28.06............Nancy Pelosi bypassed Alcee Hastings for chairman of the Intelligence Committee. No big deal for Hastings. If there is "intelligence" in the House and a committee to oversee it, it's got to be a very small committee anyway.......Comic actor Tracy Morgan ("30 Rock" and "SNL") was charged with drunk driving in New York City. So What's the big deal? He didnt slam the Jews or use the "N" word...............Matt Lauer has a new son and he doesn't look anything like Meridith Viera............Mamma Mia! Remember Abba? That super trouper grouper??? An Abba museum is being opened in Sweden and will be sure to make lots of money money money. But, thats the name of the game. I would like to go see it, yes I do, I do, I do, I do! Dancing queens from around the world will probably attend. Fernando may not make it as he may be visiting Waterloo. Oh well, thank you for the music and so long!..........The attorney in an Ohio case is claiming that the parents put their kids in cages because they just "love them too much." The state of Caifornia clearly has much affection for Charles Manson............Wesley Clark has announced that he doesnt want to wait until the last minute to get into the presidential campaign like he did last time. That statement conjours up a lot of questions beginning with "who is Wesley Clark?" and "when did he say he ran?"....At least that's the way i heard it.

A Light Rail with an Even Lighter Plan

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........11.27.06............Does everybody know that Clay Chastain's plan for building a light rail in Kansas City (yes, the one that voters approved an extension of a sales tax to help build) isn't even going to be possible without raising more money for it? The tax deal might pay for half of it. Chastain, who, by the way, now resides in Virginia, came back temporarily to help make the light rail a "resounding succces." He didnt bring the rest of the money with him, though. This whole idea is looking as bad as the idea of putting Rosie O'Donnel on "The View."......

Did i Hear That Right? 11.25.06

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.25.06......John Edwards, Steven Sukup, George Pataki, Joe Biden, Sam Brownback, to name just a few, are out hitchiking acrosss the midwest carrying signs that say "Will work for Votes." Do not under any circumstances give them any handouts.................. Rudy Guiliani has been working out a lot lately. He is considering a run to the white house. It is about 230 miles from New York to DC, so for anyone that is quite a run.............Michael Richards has apologized to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for his outburst in the nightclub. I didn't even know they were in the nightclub...........

Did I hear That Right?

.....[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.24.06......Today a cartoon man with a toy gun went into the Miami World Herald and tried to hijack the company to Cuba..............Michael Richards was heard on stage yelling racist commenst at Mel Gibson............Barack Obama and John Edwards are dating and considering a world tour for an upcoming album of patriotic songs..................... President Bush pardoned a turkey at the white house this year, which is an annual event. It is not known what Cheney will do with his freedom...........Congress is making a push toward importing drugs. They are particularly enjoying the stuff they get from Tijuana.............Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie spent the holidays in Vietnam. Pitt was overheard saying "What war? There was a war here?" .......OJ Simpson's book deal got cancelled. So did his TV interview. There were a lot of people involved in making that decisison. Simpson was last seen buying lots of gloves that didn't fit............

Union Station Saved! (again)

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.22.06.......The Kansas City Chamber of Commerce named Drue Jennings as its Kansas Citian of the year. Jennings led the capital campaign to save Union Station. What that means is that when Union Station flounders again, he could win it again. Then when it flounders again, he could win it again, and again and again and again.............

Smile: You May be on Camera:-)

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.20.06.......If you plan on comitting a crime in a high crime area of Kansas City, you might be advised to at least take a shower and clean up a bit, because you might be on camera. If the startup money can be raised, police in Kansas City and Kansas City, Kan., plan to test the use of surveillance cameras in high-crime areas. The one-year pilot program is designed to test if the cameras help reduce crime and can function in the area's changing weather conditions. If it proves successful......crime in those areas may go down. Then, it will go up in other areas? Where do criminals go when they can't get away with committing a crime?

A Modest Health Care Propsal

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.19.06....... As with any new legislation, the cost of it is always the first....or at least should be....the first to be considered. Granted, health care for everyone could get expensive. But, it is a necessary thing. There are too many people who have "fallen through the cracks" and are sick and or even dying because of lack of health care. So, America needs to set it priorities straight. A new budget needs to be made. With a few cuts and changes we can easily come up with the health care budget.

First, cut the number of Senators from 100 to 25 or 30. Every state can share one. North and South Dakota, and North and South Carolina, for example. And those little states in the Northeast may even be able to do with one for three states. That will get a lot of needless weight off the government payroll. Drop the number of representatives down to 50: one for each state. It's not like very many of them actually listen to their districts, anyway. This will give them a whole state not to listen to. That will cut out a whole lot of payroll. Get rid of the Vice President position. It's an honorary position and we really dont need a paid "yes-man" for the president. Cut the Supreme Court down to two: One very liberal and the other very conservative. The president can make a coin toss on the split decision. Congress will have to hire out of themselves to have a budget created. It has to be made by some company who doesnt have a vested interest. This, in itself, could save billions and billions of dollars and needless pork barrel projects. The savings on just these few suggestions will be astronomical. The extra money can be put into the new health care system. This to be done after an investigation is done to discover by what authority the medical community and pharmaceutical companies have decided to overcharge people for their "costs." Price gougers in that field will be punished severely.....and yes, I mean they will not be allowed to have access to any health care.

Blame Playstation 3? Or the Gamers?

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.19.06.......
Is it the video game that is violent? Or just the crowds it atracts? In Connecticut, two armed thugs tried to rob of line of people waiting to buy the new Playstation 3 gaming console early Friday and shot one who refused to give up the money, authorities said. No word on the victim's condition. In Palmdale, Calif., authorities shut down a Super Wal-Mart after some shoppers got rowdy late Wednesday. In West Bend, Wis., a 19-year-old man was injured when he ran into a pole racing with 50 others for one of 10 spots outside a Wal-Mart. In Lexington, Ky., police were investigating a drive-by shooting that hit four people with BB pellets outside a Best Buy store, causing minor injuries, according to WKYT, whose own reporter was hit as she interviewed buyers in line.This was not for food or shelter, this was for Playstation.

Dixie Chick Martyr Syndrome

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.17.06.......
Remember the good old days? I mean back in the day when the Dixie Chicks were just talented performers. I think "Wide Open Spaces" and "Fly" were a couple of my favorite country CDs. Then Natalie Maines spoke her mind about the President Bush in England. Lots of controversy...yadda yadda yadda. Now they aided in the release of a movie about themselves called "Shut Up and Sing." It draws heavily on their personal martyr syndrome, which clearly doesnt need to be fed any more than it has been. If you like music, like I do, they aren't fun anymore. Just a group who will carry their martyrdom for as long as they can and they will drive it through their music. Had Natalie wanted to become a political speaker, she should have done that first. Then, after that failed, become a country singer. Then maybe there would be some enjoyable music. Now it is clear what they will be propagating and they are going to have to go after the wider demographic, so don't be surprised if some of the "country" gives way to "pop." Now I dont care if they shut up or not or sing.......there are better artists out there who arent trying to make a buck by selling a CD and a self absorbed philosophy.

Committee Of The Apes

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.17.06.......
A report from a Missouri House committee suggests that illegal immigration is partly the results of abortion and a "welfare culture." This was written by a Republican led committee. The Democrats on the committee find that ridiculous and won't sign it. They want another report to show that it it is not a result of abortion and "welfare culture." The committee could have done a real investigation on it, but they did not do that for fear it might come up with some answer that one party might not like. The truth of the issue is irrelevant on this, or any point in committee for that matter, it is just how the answer can be swung to support your party. Now, let me think. What was the name of that ape that had the caves destroyed at the end of "The Planet of the Apes" movie because the truth did not support his theories?

Beware The Blight!

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.16.06.......Independence City leaders have announced a new plan to combat blight in the northwest part of Independence where they say property values continue to decline. It's called the Great Northwest Independence Neighborhood Initiative. Better watch out if you live in that area. The last time the city council called something "blight," they built a hospital on it.

Independence City Motto: "It will be ours soon!"

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.15.06.......
Independence Missouri City Council is at it again. They need more land. They already did the "hospital/MCI thing," and then that big empty spot out on Noland Road near 23rd street, so they need something new. So, aside from the easement, they are taking an extra 6 and a half feet from yards out on RD Mize Road so they can widen the road. This will decrease the value of some of the homes that have been there long before some of the current city council members ever learned what the phrase "eminent domain" and "power hungry authoritarian" even meant. Independence resident, Patricia Sullivan, an Independence resident and homeowner near RD Mize, wrote in an editorial to the Kansas City Star "I think it is criminal." She may be right, but that statement is like a pat on the back to that city council.

Democrats to Walk on water!!

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.15.06......."The Democrats intend to lead the most open and most ethical Congress in history" said Rep. Nancy Pelosi. The House then elected God as the House Speaker. "We had to," said an un-named source, "or else Pelosi will be proven a liar." "The most ethical Congress" will rank up there with Jesus walking on water if it can be pulled off. The devil had no comment as he had not returned from congressional recess yet.

Shrek: You're Fired!

Shrek: You're Fired!.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.14.06.......McDonald's, The Coca-Cola Co., Campbell Soup Co., Cadbury Schweppes USA, General Mills Inc.; The Hershey Co.; Kellogg Co.; Kraft Foods Inc., PepsiCo Inc. and Unilever have all seen the light: No more Shrek! He will no longer promote their foods. Why? Because their foods are not nutritional enough for kids. All I can say is "Bad, bad, Shrek!" After all, Shrek is a lovable charcter....even if his name in Yiddish means "terror" or "fear." Not to mention the fact that he was an Ogre. However, that kind of image is much to lovable for kids and hence he can no longer promote all that "sugary" "sweet" food.

We Will Audit When You Are Ready!

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.14.06.......Incoming Missouri State Auditor Susan Montee said that one of her first acts next year will be an audit of the state's student loan authority. Now that the new auditor has blown the whistle and let the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority know in advance they are going to be audited, they have a few months to get some records together that will look good to an auditor. "If we surprise them," said an un-named source, "it might look bad for them."

Election 2006: How Did That Happen?

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.10.06.......
From the "How did that happen" file, comes this: With overwhelming voter approval of an amendment that makes it easier to raise Missouri elected officials' salaries, the commission that recommends pay levels plans to offer its ideas by the Dec. 1 deadline, a state official said. My question is what amendment was that hidden in? Voters passed an amendment with 84 percent approval that made it easier to increase pay for elected officials and judges. Now, based on the high number of Democrat voters....is this a Democrat thing?

Election 2006: Voting for "Whatever."

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.08.06.......

In the end, I dont know what we have. The Democrats did well in the election. As President Bush put it "we (the Republicans) got a thumpin." Candidates who had held office for a long time were not re-elected. And though this was not all Democrat voters casting these ballots, it really isnt anything new with the Democratic Party and an idea that have been putting in the forefront of their philosophy for a long time now: "we dont stand for anything...just against." Exit polling indicates that most people voted the way they did as a vote against the situation in Iraq and President Bush. So, who did they vote for? I dont think most of them really know. And they won't know til they find out what these newly elected officials will or will not do in the upcoming year. I think many will be surprised. And, if "corruption" was an issue, like the media suggests, then I think they may be surprised to find that corruption does not favor any one party. Supposedly the younger voters turned out stronger in this election. Is that sign of our future? "Let's not stand for anything...just against." I shudder to think where that will lead.

Over 1.4 Million served Saved

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.06.06.......

I saw part of a Richard Roberts telethon today from Oral Roberts University. They are believing God for 1.4 million within the next year. Not 1.4 million dollars, but 1.4 millions souls. Hmmm, I guess if you want a soul saved you should mail it to them to Oral Roberts University. I think the sentiment is fine (I mean, 1.4 millions souls saved is great), but I have to wonder how the numbers are calculated. When the year is up...will there be a great big board showing "1.4 million saved!". ???????

The Guardian

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.03.06.......

If you saw "Officer and a Gentleman" this storyline will seem kind of familiar. Maybe it's the age difference, but the "chemistry" between Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner is lacking. Costner has a history of long epic type movies and though the dedication to the Coast Guard is heartwarming, this is not one of his better efforts. Just what was the purpose in going to the Navy bar? I thought there might be some kind of purpose for it, but it seemed just added time and the lesson didn't happen til after it was over and could have been taught without it. Might make for an interesting rental, anyway.

Another Election....Another Accusation.

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.29.06.......
Chrissy Mazzeo, 32, a Las Vegas Strip hotel-casino cocktail waitress, said she was assaulted and propositioned by a Republican congressman running for Nevada governor, Rep. Jim Gibbons. I am not a judge or jury and I dont know all the facts, so I cannot say whether it happened or not. But, I do find it intereesting that this stuff never comes out til the person ir runnning for office. It's kind of like "Oh, I just remembered...I was assaulted by this guy." It takes away from the credibility, if there is any in the first place.

Missouri's Amendment Two

Kudos to Wal-Mart!

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.27.06.......
Wal-Mart has announced that consumers in Kansas and Missouri will be able to take part in its discount-drug program. "We believe this program is one to make medication more affordable and accessible to the people who need it most," Wal-Mart's Kelly Barnes said. And if I have ever criticized a Wal-Mart store for anything, I may just take it all back for this move. Starting Thursday (10/27/06), 30-day supplies of 143 drugs will be sold for $4 at all Wal-Marts and Sam's Clubs stores in the metro. "We estimate that this list of $4 prescription medications represents nearly 25 percent of all prescriptions we currently dispense in our pharmacies across the nation," Barnes said. When I first heard about this plan, I had hoped it would spark some competition between pharmacists and help to bring the cost of medications down. Apparently it has. Target has said it will also offer cheaper generic drugs soon, and a group of independent pharmacies has developed a plan to offer their customers cheaper generics as well.

Please Remove the $140 Million Building..

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.24.06........Circuit Judge Joseph P. Dandurand, on Tuesday said state regulators overstepped their authority in May when they approved an Aquila Inc. power plant near Peculiar and reinstated his order to tear it down. Aquila will appeal. If Aquila is allowed to keep the $140 million facility it will set a very bad precedent. Companies could come in without proper authority and build, knowing they will eventually win the right in court. It's kind of like eminent domain with a twist.

How Many More Will Die?

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.22.06.........44 more people killed in Iraq, or so the report is today. The numbers are staggering. Without arguing the merits or non-merits of the war, I do have to wonder how other civilized countries of the world can sit around and listen to the reports of the bloodshed and yet offer to do nothing about it.

Paypal: Protector of Sellers and Thieves...

Paypal: Protector of Sellers and Thieves...
.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.21.06.........


Paypal is an online banking system which is largely used by Ebay members, but it is a "payment" method that can be used in a host of other places on the internet. They seem convenient to get instant payment from sales and to be able to make an instant purchase. However...as with many things that "look" too good....there are problems. There's a growing number of ebay sellers who are losing money and merchandise to paypal because they are policing actions with ebay sales. Paypal calls it "seller protection," but it really isnt that at all. It is a way that people, especially those from other countries can get merchandise for free. All they have to do is claim they didnt get it (even if they did, (even if its the postal services fault) and they will be refunded from your account (with very little warning, if any at all). And they claim they investigate each issue, which they do not. They just wait until their "time" runs out and then they issues the refund. I will be writing more about this as their are many people who are having issues with this right now. Paypal claims to not be an agent of ebay....but yet they are policing them? That, in itself, is something to be curious about. When I responded to them about an issue, an agent of their "Protection services department" wrote back and said "When you signed up"...for Paypal, that I agreed to their "disputes resolution process." I responded that "no one allowed liars from other countries to get merchandise for free." Even a small claim procedure has to provide proper evidence, and then the court itself does not just take the money. It still has to go through a protocol. Paypal, apparently has none. Their seller protection program is not a seller protection program as much as it is a license for fraud. Paypal was purchased by Ebay in 2002 and has since acted as Ebays judge, jury, and executioner on many financial issues.

Election Year Blues

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.19.06.........If "turning the other cheek" is applicable to elections, then the Republicans are doing the right thing. If it isn't, then they had better wake up. The Democrats (or, at least, those who support the Democrats) are doing a whirlwind effort to win the midterm elections by digging deep into the past of Republican candidates and throwing out accusations....even if they are unfounded....in a last ditch effort to win. Not untypical for a party that can't stand on anything, but has usually just stands against things .......but, come on...everyone should see the game that is being played.

SIGN WARS! The Saga Continues....

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.19.06.........

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction which would allow Kansas City residents to put up any size politcal sign they want. Kansas City fined a resident, Anthony Ishamael, for putting up a 32 square foot sign for Jim Talent. (He did that after several smallers had been stolen from his front yard). We are now waiting for the front yard billboards to arrive......

Need Money? Do a Study in Shawnee

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.11.06.........

The Shawnee City Council is going to spend $35 to $50,000 to study how quiet train horns might be in the city. That's how much their "study" of the issue is going to cost. And they call it a "high priority" for the 2008 budget. Let me get this straight.....there's a train track, you build house around it knowing that trains use it.....they make noise (honking their horns as a warning they are coming)...something they have always done...and now the city is going to "study" it an budget $50,000? Can I be on that study committee??? Councilman Neal Sawyer had the audacity to ask "..where are we going to get the money?" Who cares? Shawnee City Council isn't spending their money, anyway, it is the people of Shawnee's money. As Council member Dawn Kuhn said," unless we educate ourselves on what we can and can't do, I dont think we're giving ourselves a fair shake." Nor, a fair share of that $35 to $50, 000.

The $50 Million Dollar Exit

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.09.06.........

I just read that the 87th street exit is open now off I-35. This has been "under contruction" for almost two years. In fact, it has been so long since it has been open, I find it hard to believe and will have to drive up and look at it myself before I can believe it. All those months of construction cones and backed up traffic.......$50 million dollars for that intersection? Everyone in Kansas City better go and enjoy a few drives through the exit that for that price.

Health: To Be Under the Senates Thumb or Not to be

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.02.06.........
Missouri Senator Jim Talent and challenger Claire McCaskill have similar views on importing prescription drugs, but Talent seems to favor government scrutiny also (which is, in other words, more government intervention on it..which is clearly the problem we have already). He says, "I’ve always supported permitting reimportation through a process that guaranteed safety. Many of these drugs are manufactured in third world countries, and I want to make sure our consumers are protected. I support a provision in the Homeland Security funding bill that would allow U.S. citizens to bring a 90-day supply of prescription drugs for personal use back from Canada." So, every 90 days people have to run back to Canada? McCaskill, on the other hand, gets right to the point: "If Congress is going to remain under the thumb of the pharmaceutical industry, Americans ought to have the choice to import prescription drugs from other countries that haven’t been put under its spell." Apparently, the number of sick people in America without insurance and affordable prescriptions wouldn't be a big deal to Talent as long as Congress, or Homeland security can scrutinize it (which is a nice way of saying "dissecting" or even "destroying" the ideas.

Watching Where Not to Go

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.27.06.........The Weather Channel is now showing a traffic report. It will show the location and status of traffic accidents around the Kansas City area. I am waiting for it to show one saying there was an accident involving two vehicles at 69 Highway and 435 because someone was watching the weather channel on TV.

Lenexa's Fear of Storage

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.26.06.........

Lenexa City Council proves, once again, that fear makes for new policy. The council approved a resolution that would require managers of rental storage units to keep lists of all information (drivers licenses, social security, etc) of all renters and the police can have access to upon request. The associated press reported that David Daniel Lewis(a Lenexa police officer) said "We're looking at the people who have been arrested several times in the recent past and obviously have ongoing criminal enterprises....If you're talking about a 40-year-old who made a mistake when he was 18 and has been a good guy ever since -- we're not interested, and the last thing we intend to do is bother law-abiding citizens." Instead, it appears, they plan on running backgrounds on people and deciding who might be a potential criminal enterprise. Why don't they just get out a phone book, or go door to door, and just run a background check on everyone in the city? That is, after all, where this appears to be heading.

Popeye? Where Are You?

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.21.06.........

I guess it's no secret now why we havent heard from Popeye lately. I am not making light of the dangers of E. Coli, which apparently can be deadly, as one death has come from the latest out break. It has now been traced back to California and narrowed down to a few counties. (According to the Food and Drug Administration). Ironically, though, the FDA warning came five days after the Lenexa Spinach Festival. I, personally, have never cared for spinach, so it has never affected me.
Some restauraunts are substituting variuous kinds of lettuce or cabbage. I'd rather have one of Wimpie's hamburgers.

Something to Not Think About

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.20.06.........
The Kansas City Star has overhauled itself because of its new printing presses. It looks different, and a bit smaller than before (maybe ontin content, but in actual size). One thing I noted was on the editorial page they have placed a "Thought for the Day" and a "Religious verse." I guess it can be interpreted different ways, but it it suggesting that the scripture verse is not something one thinks about? Some of the deepest thinkers I know would be labeled "religious".....or even that other word......oh yeah, "Christian."

The Pope Gives Himself Some Rope

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.19.06.........

If they aren't stirred by a cartoon, then they are motivated by words from the Pope. "We aren't violent," scream some Muslims as they violently react to the comments and then suggest the Pope should die. (Pope Benedict didn't actually say "violent," just "evil and inhuman.") That is not an indictment on all Muslims, but isn't it interesting that the only way they know how to say they are offended by being considered violent terrorists is to act as violent terrorists?

Heeeey, Cab Driver!!!

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.19.06.........
Kudos to the city of Olathe for it's "Taxi voucher program." The program, which was started in 2004, offers vouchers to low-income Olathe residents for free taxi rides to and from work on weekdays. And if you have ever ridden in a cab recently, you know that if someone is low income, that one taxi ride costs about a weeks wages.

Beware of the American Terrorists!

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.19.06.........

"Terrorism" is a much used word today. Moreso after 911 then ever. Terrorism takes many forms, however. The poor, the hard pressed, those in financial binds, etc, need to stand up to the terrorists which run American financial institutions, control credit bureaus, hospitals, insurance companies and a host of others things. They threaten and destroy peoples lives on a daily basis through acts which detroy credit....which, as of late, can affect people ability to even work. This is America!!! We no longer ask for the downtrodden to come to our shores.....we have institutions that will destroy those who are already here........unless you have a lot of money and a good lawyer....and you dont get a good lawyer without a lot of money. There's little justice for the poor anymore. We...and I mean everyone who is in this category: being run down by the system....needs to just quit worrying about the threats and actions that might or maye will be taken..................it's not giving up: it's just saying "NO!!!". Let's not take it anymore.

NCO Financial Systems

[C]2006 by Richard L Zorek...(09.18.06)........There is a collection agency based out of Wilmington, Delaware called "NCO Financial Systems." (PO Box 15609, Wilington, Delaware 19850. It is a collection agency that sends letters (without announcing who or what they are, of course, on the envelope. And then they send bills without identifying who gave them the bill. Seems to be their typical agenda. What they want you to do is call them or write them, so they know they aren't making a mistake. And they only give you thirty days to protest, although a protest won't do any good at that point anyway. If they have already turned you into a credit bureau, then take your time responding. The damage is already done. This is just one of the many companies that basically exploit the poor on behalf of medical facilities and hospitals.

Let's Just be Blunt About It

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.14.06.........

Governor Matt Blunt's attempt to require voters to have a picture ID (like a license) was struck down by a Missouri State judge (Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan). Callahan ruled that the requirement is a particular burden to women and the poor. That's because a separate Missouri law requires those getting or renewing a driver's license to show they are lawfully in the country, generally with a birth certificate or passport. Blunt wrote after the ruling, "This is a constitutionally sound law that will help improve Missourians' confidence in the elections process and help combat those who attempt to manipulate the system." Blunt might get more faith in the system, but he clearly doesnt speak for the poor. Maybe if he did, he might see more voter confidence by that demographic, which he probably lacks.

One of Many Reasons I am No Longer a Republican

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.13.06.........

The Republicans just playing politics? Of course they are. And the Rhode Island primary makes it clear. Lincoln Chafee's win over Steve Laffey seals the evidence. Though, it would still be evidence even if Chafee would have lost. The Republican Party gave their support to Chafee because he is more moderate and they think that will make him a more viable win in the November elections. What about the "good of the nation" or even the "good of Rhode Island?" Laffey is too conservative for them. "Too conservative" for a Republican just means that they have more heartfelt convictions.

Couric Goes to Prime Time

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.09.06.........
Katie Couric? A lot of noise about nothing. She isn't even creative enough to think up her own way to sign off from her new job as CBS Evening News anchor.
Instead, she is seeking the help of the "viewers." Interesting move if she was running for public office. When it comes to TV ratings, though, maybe that is what she is doing. Whatever it is, it won't be her legacy, because it won't really be her idea. Deliver the news, Couric, and then say good night.

Steve Irwin: 1962-2006

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.06.06.........

On labor day morning, as I watched the news, a breaking headline came in "Steve Irwin (aka Crocodile Hunter) killed." I admit I was not a devout fan of his, but was impressed with his energy on the few times I saw him on various talk shows. As the day went on I saw more clips about him and didn't even realize he was so compassionate about conservation. To be honest, I didn't even know he did much with nay other animals except crocodiles. But, I make no apologies for not watching too much TV. Of course, the press always overkills a story.....even a mans tragic death. They go at it from any angle they think will get interest. I suspect we will be hearing a whole lot about stingrays in the future. Hopefully, I will not hear anyone else say "this is the way Steve would have wwnated to go..." because he was only 44, had a wife and two daughters and I doubt he went out at anytime and said "I would sure like to be killed by a wild animal today." Many deaths make no sense. This is one of them.

Tom Cruise Probably Isn't Jerry Maguire

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.04.06.........

Joal Ryan, on a Yahoo news feed wrote "More than one year after engaging in a war of words over postpartum depression, Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields have made peace. The accord was announced by Shields on Friday's Tonight Show. A piece of news that I certainly could have cared less about in the first place, but then he added this barb: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presumably was too busy with other stuff to comment. Well said. The comment by Cruise was made over a year ago and had something to do with dissing Brookes for some errant comment she made that didn't agree with his Scientology beliefs. The "barb" ended with him suggesting "where is her career now?" Hmmm, shoe is on the other foot now isn't it??? Or else he just needs all the Hollywood support he can muster now.

Sign Sign, Everywhere a Sign!

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.04.06.........

According to the Prairie Village city attorney, the city will consider a new sign ordinance. A federal judge found the current one appeared to violate First Amendment rights. Prairie Village resident David Quinly, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, challenged the ordinance after the city cited him for his front-yard signs opposing the war in Iraq. If the opposition to the signs is politically motivated, then the way to fight the issue is clear: put up signs of your own. Currently an injunction is in place to keep Prairie Village from enforcing their laws until it is deemed "fair" by a judge and, of course, by the ACLU, who is always there to defend the liberals freedom of speech. I have seen Quinly's signs, and they have been there for awhile. It makes his yard look pretty trashy but that is the way he wishes to express his speech. So, as I said, fight fire with fire: put up your own trashy signs. The ACLU will inadvertently be there to protect you even if you hold a position in favor of the war. U.S. District Judge John Lungstrum issued an injunction blocking Prairie Village from enforcing its ordinance........so it is now a free for all!!!

Stacked Audiences

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....9.01.06.........
Kudos to journalist Christopher Hitchens, who not only told Bill Maher's audience on his TV show that they were "frivelous" and would "clap at anything", he then flipped them off (with a few added words). It's about time someone took aim at theses stacked audiences and "yes men-mobs" for the hosts with soapboxes.

JonBenet Ramsey: Case Solved?

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.16.06...........Today we hear of an arrest in the ten year old murder of JonBenet Ramsey, a little girl from Boulder, Colorado. According to sources, there is DNA evidence and the man who was arrested made some admissions. What do all the people in the media who have pronounced judgement against her parents for the past ten years say today? Patsy Ramsey, of course, died last June of cancer.

Which side of the War on Terrorism is the News Media on?

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.11.06...........


Ever since it was first revealed that there was a conpiracy thwarted in the UK, the media has begun its dissection of the issue. I would like to blame Katie Couric for asking the dumb questions, but, she isn't on the air right now. So it is people like Chris Matthews and the like who are asking questions on the air and reporting what the terrorists did wrong to get them captured. Do we need to know this? Not really. And the reason I say that is because as we find out, so do the terrorist regimes. They don't have to do any spying anymore. They can just watch CNN for the information. Now, they know what they did wrong. It will make them stronger and better terrorists for future projects.

Is Ebay Biting the Dust???

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.11.06...........
Ebay CEO Bill Cobb, in a move he calls "Resetting the Balance of the eBay Marketplace," isn't helping the sellers any. But surely helping himself to a bigger peice of the pie. Of course, there are veteran ebayers who will be leaving because of the increases, so if Cobb keeps going the direction he is going, he will make ebay an unprofitable place for anyone to want to sell at.
Effective Aug 22, ebay store listing ing fees will more than double per item. And he has increased the percentage he will take on the final amount due (with accounting the percentage the Paypal takes). It may be time for another company to get competitibe with ebay. Now is the time to strike.

Terrorism Strikes Terror

......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.10.06...........Today we hear of a plot discovered by British police in which terrorists were to load on planes in British Airways which were headed for the US. They would be carrying chemicals and the plan would be to blow up about ten planes. Today most airports have extra security and all passengers are surrendering there bottle of liquid (perfumes, water, etc) from their carry on bags. Is that a temporary solution or permanent one? Probably permanent. Terrorists have done what terrorists do: strike fear. People don't mind the incovenience if it means safety or security. Political agendas are won often based on fear. I am not saying it is not the right response to keep passengers from boarding with liquids, but I want to make it clear how fear rearranges the world. Terrorists know that. They enjoy the power.

Sex Offender Pit Bull Registry in Overland Park

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.09.06...........

A new ordinance banning Pit Bulls in Overland Park went into effect July 27. Those who failed to register their pit bull dog by that date face a fine, ranging from $200 to $1,000, and/or 30 days in jail. Registered pit bull dogs living in the city will not be affected by the ban, which was passed by the City Council Monday. However, any puppies born to registered pit bulls must be removed from the city within six weeks.

Huffington's Fear Factor

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.09.06...........
Arianna Huffington, in her column the day after Joe Lieberman's defeat in Connecticut, said "This is a spoiler alert!.........
I'm talking about Joe Lieberman's selfish, self-serving, spoiled-rotten attempt to undercut Ned Lamont's historic victory -- and, ultimately, Democrats' chances of retaking control of Congress in November." I think the truth of her emotionally charged rambling is in her concern about the Democrats retaking control of Congress. I do not see Liebermans loss as any indication of a dissatisfaction about the war in Iraq. Connecticut, after all, has closed primaries. So it could be an indication that Democrats don't like the war in Iraq. But we already knew that. And Lieberman's stand has been an indication of his dissatisfaction with the Democrats. And I think we already knew that. But Huffington goes on to say that a Lieberman run as an Indepedent would kick the "will of the Democratic voters to the curb." I think that make Lieberman viable. If the Democrats are so right, then what do they have to worry about. Hufffington's alarm suggest some fear and uncertainty.

President Joe Lieberman?

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.08.06...........I do not think it is impossible. A long shot maybe. But not impossible. If Leiberman loses his Senate race today, which it appears he will, he has said he will run for president as an Independent. His campaign website says it will be up shortly Joe 2006. I actually hope he does run and depending on how the issues pan out...he may have my support. Clearly, the Democratic Party with its lack of direction cannot stand the likes of a candidate who appears to be honest, straightforward, and doesn't play the typical "politic" games that Democrats play so well. Now, if you are reading this and you are a Republican, do not pat yourself on the back because Republicans play the games also.

MEL GIBSON

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.01.06...........The main crime that was commited with the recent issue with Mel Gibson is that he was apparently driving while intoxicated. That is the truly criminal thing that happened. The comments he made, and which Gibson admitted to making, should not have been made. But the second crime that took place is that the police department is leaking information to the press. If you are arrested, do you want any information that goes on given directly to the news media? Some department officer who wanted fifteen minutes of fame, evidently decided to let the information out. I would like to see someone charged with that. Along with pursuing Gibson's DUI. I don't believe it will hurt his career. Those who hate the message of "The Passion of the Christ" will take shots at him I suspect. But in the end it will all be publicity for him. I have seen his name as much on the news lately as I have seen information about the Israeli-Lebanon conflict.

Ann Coulter

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....7.28.06...........I caught a couple interviews with Ann Coulter by Donny Deutch recently. Very entertaining. The concervatives need more spokepeople like Coulter. She doesn't mince words or waffle on her opinions. A sampling of her articles can be found at Frontpagemag. I have only read one of her books so far: "How to Talk to a Liberal." Her latest book will probably be one of next endeavors.

The Mating Game

.......[c]2006 by DOMINO....7.24.06...........Last night I saw an vintage movie from 1959 called "The Mating Game," It starred, among others, Tony Randall and Debbie Reynolds. In the movie the IRS sent an ivestigator to a farm and through their own figures, decided that the people owed $50,000 in back taxes. The man was going to lose his farm that had been in the family for generations. One person remarked "once the IRS decides that is what is owed, then it is the end." In the movie, of course, the family does not lose the farm because it turns out the US owes them 14 million because of some horses that were taken from the ranch back in the Civil War (interest added up nicely). What I found interesting, anyway, was that even back in 1959 it was clear of how cruel the IRS is. They create figures and then just steal, plunder and destroy in ordere toi get what they believe is theres. And they are agents of the US government!!! IRS bothering you? Consider yourself lucky. They are not out to bother...they are out to destroy!!

The Following Kansas Senators are Not Getting Paid Enough to Take Email Concerns When they are "on break":

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......7.18.06........... David Wysong, Dennis Wilson, Susan Wagle, Dwayne Unbarger, Roger Reitz, Kay O Connor, Barbara Allen, James Barnett, and Carolyn McGinn. I sent off 40 emails tonight to all the Kansas Senators. These aforementioned Senators have a autoresponder which says their email is shut off. Only four had an autoresponder that actually indicated it was receievd. That leaves 27 in question. The issue I was writing about had to do with health care issues and all the dead ends I am finding in the medical system, only to find more deadends in the political end.

All I See Are Ideas

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek.....7.18.06...........Ideas are fine. They are most often the root and foundation of great inventions and plans. But in Kansas, Missouri, and throughout most of the country, when it comes to health care...all I see are ideas. And I am pulling them up off the internet with dates that go several years back. The ideas produced no fruit. People are still getting sick and dying for lack of health care. I see whole organizations formed with what might even be paid committe memebers getting together task forces to look into the subject....but then see no end result or answer to the problem. The committees seem to be started to find out how big of a problem it is. Then the information disappears and so, it seems, does the organization. But the organization will get note if a member runs for office. Congresssmen and comittee members: we don't want your big ideas! Your big ideas aren't helping people get healthy and they aren't helping people to not die!!!

If I Were an Apple, I would Have Arlen Spectors Attention.

.......[c]2006 byRichard L Zorek......7.09.06...........
On April 15th, 2003, Sen Arlen Specter (R-PA), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Joined 24 of his fellow senators in a bipartisan letter to the Dept of Agriculture, urging the department to improve the crop insurance policy for apples throuhgout the country. These improvements include options to upgrade coverage from the cider grade and would provide adequate coverage against unpredictable weather and volatile markets
What Sen Arlen Spector did not do that year was ask for any insurance polcies, coverages or issues realting to insuring the people of the United States. They signed off the letter by saying "We thank you for your timely attention to the concerns of apple farmers across the country regarding their crop insurance needs." If I were an apple, or an apple farmer, I guess I might get his attention.

Tax Burden? I will Send you My Bill

......7.07.06...........I lost my insurance coverage over a year ago after pretty much having it most of my life. I can see now that i took it for granted. Recent experiences have opened my eyes to the "other" side of the American medical system. And it is a mess. The insurance companies aid in deciding what medicines and doctors should charge (and even, in some cases, what they can prescribe). . When the insurance companies say they can raise the price, most do. So, it has nothing to do with "real" cost. Hospitals are businesses for the most part. There are people who work for them who have a sincere desire to help people, but the entity is a business. And they will not hesitate suing anyone for money they didn't get because they overcharged or you did not have insurance. And they do not care. It is now becoming more and more common place for people to have very large medical debts on their credit report. I worked very hard to keep my credit report clean. It is destroyed now. I have to wonder how many people die, or how many people are suffering from inadequate or no health care. I was given a list of "free" clinics (or ones that will work with those who don't have insurance) from two local hospitals (one in Independence and one in Shawnee Mission), but after calling them could not get in unless I had AIDS or was pregnant (which neither is a problem for me). And that was a general response from those that actually answered the phone. Then I was referred to doctors that i could not afford......and that list is very long. American politicians want to spend time debating issues like a war across the ocean, the price of gas, and their own salary increase while there are many Americans across the country that just want to be healthy. And, anyone who says that health care for everyone is just to much of a tax burden is more than welcome to pay my medical bill.

Medicaid? For Who?

medicaid protest

.....07.06.06.....In order to make it even more difficult for the people who need help from Medicaid to get the help they need, Federal legislators have passsed a law requiring more ID: A birth certificate. When you are poor, do you carry one around with you? Do you have one handy? But even more important....can you afford to get one? You came to get help through Medicaid because you don't have the money to afford medical help. Now you have to come up withmore money you don't have. Just more indication of how far out of touch most legislators are with the subject of health care.

American Health Care: A good Way to Die

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek......7.05.06...........
That's just the way it is. There may be people on the staff that have true compassion for people and their health, but the hosptal as a whole it nothing more than a business out to make money. And not just a little money. A lot of money. An overnight visit at Shawnee Mission Hospital here in Kansas City cost $15,000. That didn't include the tests or doctors....that was just the stay. Shouldn't I have gotten room with a fridge and a pool and suana for that? Ot steak dinner with wine? I could have gotten the same care at the Motel 6 and just walked over for my tests. That would have only cost me about $60.

Too Big; Too Busy: Goodbye!

....[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......6.30.06.....I have a lot of complaints about the medical community. I am uninsured and cannot get proper medical help even if my life depended on it, it seems. But, that's a whole other article (which will be forthcoming). There are organizations that should be easier to access: churches. I just quit going to the church I was going to: First Family Church in Overland Park. Though I usually enjoy the message of Pastor Johnson, in my time of need I could not get anyone to respond. Couldn't get an "appointment." And it's a rarity that anyone returns an email, in fact I have never had anyone return one except for once when I begged them to respond. So, I went to another church that's closer, thinking I might get someone to talk with me there. I was dissapointed to find it was the same thing. No one in the office today. Call and get an appointment. That was Antioch Church of Overland Park. I remember attending a mega-church in Aurora, Colorado back in the early 90s and in my time of real need I went to the church to find someone to talk to. I remember over hearing someone say "does he have an appointment?" How disheartening it must be for people in need to come to a church looking for help, spritual guidance, anything....only to hear that. Apparently, the churches are becoming too slick and too business like to be of much good to a hurting world. They seem too busy doing their church thing to be helpful. That's a strong accusation. But it is what I am feeling today.

Kansas City Fat Cats

Kansas City Fat Cats: Lamar Hunt, Mayor Kay Barnes, and David Glass are pictured on the front of the Kansas City Star after as they bask in the glory of having made poor people of Jackson County fund their entertainment at the Cheifs and Royals Stadium through a sales tax increase. The rolling roof was defeated, but they, of course plan on bringing it back again and again until it pases. After all they know they have the money to fund such a campaign and the opposition doesn't. That should be indication to them of the wealth of the people they are overtaxing, but they are so lost in their own world of selfishness and entertainment, they don't get it.

I Read the News Today! Oh Boy...2.12.06

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......2.12.06.....
Notes I made as I read the Kansas City Star:....Editorial by KC Star editor says the cots to renovate the stadium are reasonable. Of course the Star supports it. They are a business and it will benefit other businesses. So much for the taxpayer.....Chad Hedrick skated to victory and gave the US their first gold medal in the winter Olympics in Italy. "Did someone say gold," an IRS agent was heard to say as he started pressing keys and trying to figure out a way to get a piece of it..........Garth Brooks says he has probably been in love with Trisha Yearwood for 18 years. Even while married to his now ex-wife Sandy. Brooks brought cutting edge country music to the airwaves in the 90s.. Guess he can bring tabloid marriages to the world of country music in this decade. That puts him in ranks with Amy Grant and Lorrie Morgan. They can sing but know nothing about people and marriages.....Bordner has an ad for new windows and siding which is guaranteed to save 49% on fuel costs. I will be calling to see if I can get it put on my car.....

As High as the Crow Flies

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......2.08.06.....Sheryl Crow, who performed at a concert honoring James Taylor, said the first time she saw him in concert she was 12 years old. "It was the first time I ever smelled pot, and I knew I wanted to be a musician," she said. Is that what they mean by the "sweet smell of success?"

I Read the News Today! Oh Boy...2.5.06

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......2.5.06.....
Notes I made as I read the Kansas City Star:....Grandpa Munster died (aka Al Lewis). He was 95. Carolyn Jones and Ed Gwynne have already gone on before him. I wonder if they have that same mansion now???.......Super Bowl Game today. For a few hours this evening, the United States will stop. I will watch the commercials which will be interrupted by the game. The Rolling Stones will perform at the half time show. At their age, if there is going to be a clothing malfunction, we will not think it distasteful as much as just really sick.......The plan to move some schools out of the Kansas City School District in Independence School District is coming closer to happening if Sen Victor Callahan gets his way. Independence doesn't seem to want the new schools or responsibility. The problem they have is that Mr Westbrook and Jim Hinson are the spokesmen and negotiators for Independence School District. I saw them work together on the MCI issue and, clearly, they have no concern for what people want: just how it benefits the district financially..........Walgreen's, along with a bunch of others, has their Valentines promotions. They have "his and her" boxers" on sale. Does giving someone underwear mean "I love you?"....

Johnson County Wants You....errr, I Mean, Your Money

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......2.04.06.....Kudos to Johnson County Commissioners Dave Lindstrom and John Toplikar for voting "no" to seek a public vote to increase taxes (again!). Chairwoman Annabeth Surbaugh seems to think they need more money, but doesn't know exactly what for. The current rate is 7.4%. The proposed increase would put it to to about 8%. Surbaugh says that she has a "clear message from voters that a sales tax increase is preferable to a property tax increase." That almost makes it sounds like she's doing something noble, doesn't it? The right thing would be to fox tour budget and don't raise taxes at all.

He Could Have Been President

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......2.01.06.....

John Kerry, failed presidential candidate, has offered to donate his entire library of books to the Smithsonian. He had hopes of someday having a Presidential library, and it would have worked out great, except he lost. Kerry led the failed filibuster against Alito this week. Failure or not, though, Kerry believes he has played an important part in American history (you know, Vietnam, or somehwer near there). The Smithsonian has not commented on whether they will accept either of the two books.

Deathmatch: Tarwater vs Stringfield!

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.31.06.....
Tonights Fight: Tarwater vs Stringfield! A match of wits and fisticuffs. Well, maybe not wits. But fists, anyway. A boxing match at Kemper Arena? Nope, just the Jackson County Legislature. Robert Stringfield and Dan Tarwater decided to take care of unfinished legislative business by fighting each other. The Jackson County Sherrifs Offiice gave to the Jackson County Prosecuter Office the information and they will decide whether charges will be pressed against either of the two. It's nice the Legislature keeps these departments busy and productive.

I Read the News Today! Oh Boy...1.29.06

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.29.06.....
Notes I made as I read the Kansas City Star:....Republicans in Kansas met to retool their platform. After laying out some issues, they added a "diversity clause" which means they accept people which carry different points of view. This is fine if they are a social group who meets for tea in Topeka. Apparently, though, the Republicans will not stay the course on any issue. Same old same old................The upcoming vote over the improvements for the stadium is no longer just that. According to Mike White, attorney for the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority the upcoming vote will be "Either I want to keep the teams in Kansas City or I don't." These kinds of tactics are all the more reason to vote against it. I predict a lot more desparate and paniced pleas from those involved in pushing stadium improvements.......JC Penney is having a "Baby Sale." This either means they have an overstock on babies they need to get rid of, or the sale is very small......Ebay is being sued for allowing "knock-off" or fake items to be sold on their site. It's about time. This suit is over jewelry, but there is a host of other bootlegged and copied items being sold on ebay. I have even reported some. Ebay, of course, doesn't do anything about it. There are reputable vendors on Ebay, so it is still a good place to buy and sell, but buyer beware sometimes. And if you get ripped offf ask for an immediate refund from the seller.........No one knows for sure what is going to happen after the victory Hamas had in the election this week. I have said for many years, though, that taking the American brand of democrarcy overseas is not a great idea. The people and cultures are too different, diverse, and sometimes deadly......

Olathe City Council Might Want You! (or Your Property, Anyway)

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.27.06.....The Olathe City Council has started eminent domain procedures to acquire the Butternut Bread building and land at 216 E Santa Fe. They have no plans for it, but think they might use it in the future. Or just resell. it. Now, tell me that isn't abusing the eminent domain law!!!! One interesting twist to this is that the land belongs to one of the council members, Bob Montgomery. The City Council also approved issuing a letter of support for Overland ventures to develop a 55 and up project for low-income individuals. They have not decided on a site yet and city staff are aiding in looking for a location. Watch out Olathe residents! It could be you neighborhood and where you house stands now.

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.26.06.....I like Cashews. And salted peanuts. And there's a lot of other nuts I enjoy. Some nuts bother me. Like, for example, Reverend Fred Phelps from Topeka, Kansas. The "Reverend" from the Westboro Baptist Church has been picketing funerals of gay and lesbians for years. Now they are picketing funerals of soldiers who die in Iraq. Funerals, of course, are for the living....and help the bereaved in getting closure in their time of grief. So, Phelps, who is shaped like a Walnut, and his group are adding to the pain. Even though their picket signs say things like "Thank God for Dead Soldiers" or "God Hates Fags," most people just become angry because of the nuts carrying signs. Phelps says it is because God hates America because it has embraced homosexuality and because of the military's "don't ask don't tell" policy. New laws that may get passed in Kansas and Missouri may stop that. The new laws are intended to stop picketing at funerals. Interestingly, only the American Civil Liberties Union has come to Phelps' aid on the matter. But "no legislation is going to prevent us from causing America to know her abominations" says an attorney and member of Westboro Baptist Church. (The attorneys name also happen to be Shirley Phelps-Rogers). If you are looking for Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, just look for the big "Planters" jar with the steeple and the congregation is inside.

Blunt and Sebelius May be Coming for YOU!

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.25.06.....

Kudos to Senator Kevin Engler of Farmington, Missouri and Representative Frank Miller from Independence, Kansas. Both have introduced legislation to stop the use of eminent domain in their perspective states. On the other hand, both Governor Blunt and Sebelius don't want to go that far. They both send out a political message that maybe the Supreme Court stepped to far in their federal decision on eminent domain, but still think it should be used. Sebelius touts the Kansas Speedway as an example of how eminent domain worked for the good of the community, even though 150 families were dislocated. Money first. People Second. Apparently that is the Blunt and Sebelius motto.

Manhattan Kansas

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.24.06.....Let's see. You have the chance to ask the President of the United States a question in person. Out of 9,500 people in attendance, you are one of about a dozen who get to address a question in person. There are so many important issues: terrorism, Iran, social security, taxation, etc etc etc. You step up to the mike and ask "Did you see "Brokeback Mountain?" That's what happened at Kansas State University in Manhattan yesterday when President Bush addressed about 9500 people there. And I though Beavis was just a cartoon.

Jackson County Legislature Presumes Upon Voters

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.23.06.....The election hasn't happened yet. It won't happen until April 4th. Those pushing the issue are so sure they are going to win, that they have been hiring all kinds of contractors and advisers. Of course, I am referring to the renovation of the stadium. David Glass, owner of the Royals, said he was eager to see voters approve the plans on April 4. "We just need to get on with it so that we can relax and enjoy watching the Chiefs and Royals play in renovated facilities rather than agonizing over how to do it." The Jackson County Legislature is also sure of victory and planning accordingly. The greatest thing I can think of happening is that the measure lose. That would teach them....especially the Jackson County Legislature, to presume upon the citizens. They see money. That is their motive. They are gong to sell it to voters as something we need for entertainment. It will come at the expense of education, housing, healthcare, etc , which could use the money far more than a stadium built to entertain at a high price (Oh yes...ticket prices are gong up, too). David Glass and Lamar Hunt have money in their teams. Let them invest in their own business. Either that, or fire both of them and hand the control of the teams over to the Jackson County Legislature since they think they need to feed and cloth the teams anyway.

I Read the News Today! Oh Boy...1.22.06

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.22.06.....
Notes I made as I read the Kansas City Star:....
Nine Osco Drug Stores in Kansas City area have added walk-in clinics. They have a medical adviser to do some checkups at the drugstore. Next up: they will be at the drive thru and maybe they will check your tire pressure also..............There's a few help wanted ads for bill collectors. Mentions benefits, wages, and even the possibility of training. Doesn't mention that you only need to have the IQ of a wicker basket and the temperament of a pit bull. Oh yes, rude and obnoxious people get top priority for these job openings. Isn't that discrimination? .............The automotive section spotlights a 1956 Chrysler Imperial owned by an Overland Park couple. Beautiful car. Built back in the days when they made them to last. And if you ever hit your head on this dashboard you would definitely feel it for many days or else they would have to hose you off of it. And it has the good old Chrysler size: like boats with wheel on them. They probably have to take in every few months to clean the Toyotas out of the fender wells........MoveOn.org is demanding an investigation into NSA wiretapping activities. They are still angry about not carrying any weight during the last presidential election.....Harry Belafonte used to be a singer of high regard. His career has been over for awhile and I guess he can't remember what he used to do. He has become a critic of "anything to do with Bush." Lots of incoherency and rambling. Time to get on the Banana Boat and go home.............A flyer for Verizon shows the new "Razr" cell phone. You can get them attached to sunglasses. Great. Now we will be seeing people walking around stores with sunglasses appearing to talk to themselves, instead of the few obnoxious ones who wander through stores talking aloud now with their hand stuck to their ear. Don't get me wrong, I think cell phones are fine and useful. But I have seen people do the stupidest thing with them. It's like chewing gum and walking: some can't talk or drive and be on a cell phone at the same time....

Martin Luther King Jr Holiday!

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.16.06.....
Today is Martin Luther Kings Jrs Birthday. The government issued one anyway. He was famous for being black in America in the 60s. We didn't have any holidays that had to do with black people in America. So, for fear of being labeled racist, King was picked as the best one and his birthday became a holiday. King's personal life is still a controversy today. If one says something against him or the holiday they run the risk of being called a racist. I guess they needed someone political because I would have picked Sidney Poitier for his accomplishments as an actor, or Charley Pride for his accomplishments in country music, or Ray Charles for his accomplishments in all kinds of music. The common denominator is that they are all black. Just the idea of it having to be considered makes it a race issue in my book. I am not a racist because hate as many white people as I do black people. People are people: white, black, or other. Don't get me wrong,. I think King did some great things. He wrote the book on modern day civil disobedience. And maybe it's all worthy of a holiday. But my point is that the more we concentrate on race, the longer the race issue stays. And all the issues that come with that.

I Read the News Today! Oh Boy...1.15.06

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.15.06.....
Notes I made as I read the Kansas City Star:....
The Supreme Court nominee, Samuel Alito, will likely get confirmed. But the confirmation process isn't a really a confirmation process as much as it is a political witch hunt. You would think, from the reactions of some Senators (like Ted Kennedy) that they want judges who have no opinions. That is totally opposite of what they want now that the judicial branch of government has largely quit making judgments and started becoming political activists . .............The Los Angeles Times released a report suggesting that President Bush overuses the word "heck" a lot. They are counting. What, no news in California? I find that to be a heck of a hard thing to believe........A report says "The number of Kansas elementary and secondary students declined by 1 percent from 1972 to 2002." Well, I'd say if that other 99 percent can't pass after 30 years they should just give up anyway......Missouri Rep Bryan Pratt, of Blue Springs, is working on a preference to give Jackson County residents a break if the their taxes are used to renovate Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. A break on tickets was one suggestion. How about NO tax? That would benefit everyone. Clearly, the plan apparently has no merit on its own, so they have to come up with incentives to get people to vote for it. Why not let the team owner renovate his own field?.......The fifth American Idol search has started and will begin airing shortly. So many artists to record and create more CDs for the clearance rack................Westlake/Ace Hardware has a "Peanut/Sunflower" Seed Feeder advertised for $5.99 Why would someone need to feed a sunflower or a peanut? ............Comp USA is having a 2 day sale on computers: 36 months; No Interest! I am not sure how you can buy a new computer and not be interested in it for 36 months, but if you think you can, go see them......At "Linens N Things" you can buy one framed picture and get the second one half off. Why would you only want half of a framed picture?......

2005: The Year in a Life of a Blonde

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.14.06.....I didn't make any year end lists of events of 2005 and I don't have any blonde jokes on thise website. This will cover both subjects. I discovered some diary excerpts from this one blonde lady I know. So, here's one from each month.

January: Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight......
February: Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels (Duh.... bottles won't fit in typewriter!).....March: Got excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months. Box said "2-4 years!" April: Terrible trip to mall! Got trapped on an escalator for hours....power went out! May: Tried to make Kool-Aid. 8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!! June: Tried to go water skiing but couldn't find a lake with a slope. July: Lost breast stroke swimming competition. Learned later, other swimmers cheated! They used their arms!!! August: Got locked out of car in rain storm. Car swamped,
because top was down. September: Lost geography bee!?!?! The capital of California is "C" isn't it??? October: Had to find a new candy for Halloween.
M&Ms are too hard to peel. November: Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days. Instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!! December: Couldn't call 911. (Duh.....
There's no "eleven" button on the phone!)

Nothing Is My Point!

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.13.06.....It's OK to believe in nothing as long as nothing happens. Chances are, though, that something will happen. Can "nothing" really happen? Nothing just does nothing. But just by the act of "doing" nothing, doesn't one create an action which could then justify it becoming "something?" Do you feel you need to listen to a Black Sabbath record 3 times backward really fast in order to understand this?

Earlier today I thought that I had nothing to write about. And then I thought maybe I could write about nothing. (Maybe I have too much free time on my hands some times). But then as I contemplated on writing about nothing, I thought that maybe that "nothing" as a position is "pointless." What is pointless? A point with no point? How could that be? Is "pointless" nothing? If one subscribes to that definition than that nullifies half of the American politicians. And simply by adding that subject to that category listing of "pointless" things, then it is suddenly a subject which can no longer be pointless or nothing. Do you get my point? OK, I blew it. Words are just too descriptive and they tend to take away from nothing and make it something. So, I guess, for now anyway, this ends this article intended to be nothing because it turned into something and I am not sure what that something is. And writing about something that is nothing is just pointless...... Hmmmm.......... Never mind:-)........

Shawnee Mission North High School: Holier Than Thou?

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.12.06.....
A student, Courtney Falke, at Shawnee Mission North High School in Overland park, was sent home today because of violation of dress code. What violation? Excessive holes? Now I have seen some of the clothes kids wear today and "holes" are actually in. I believe you can even buy jeans with holes already in them. And you would think there would be a reduction on the cost for using less material, but no that is not the case. Some even cost more. It's kind of like paying more for a good donut, even though there's a big hole in the middle. Holes are a fashion statement. I am not sure what the statement is...but it is being said all over. When I was in school, bell bottoms were a fashion statement. It meant "cool...groovy..or far out." I was not any of those, but I did make the statement. Reports says the school dress code states students cannot wear clothing with excessive holes. My question is: what is excessive? Does an administrator count the holes before reprimanding?

I have seen boys walking with their baggy pants almost below their jockey shorts because I guess having pants that fall down is a fashion statement, also. Once again, I don't know what the statement is, but it is being stated all over also. A school administrator said "If clothing is too revealing, an administrator could consider that a disruption." Too many holes is a disruption and boys walking around with underwear hanging out isn't? I think she should wear the same jeans, add a few more holes, put on a pair of jockey shorts, and return to school tomorrow.

Kiss The Girls; Make The Teachers Cry

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.11.06.....

Kansas City School District is not likely to ever get it. They have been unaccredited for awhile now. They applaud a superintendent that didn't help them....and paid him well, I might add. The school board is so fractioned that they rarely even have the same goal. The only thing that seems to be consistent is in the way they all blame someone else or something else for their problems. But, apparently they have more important things to battle. Like this week an 8th grader from Allen Village Middle School (a Westport Charter school) was sent home because a girl kissed him during lunch time. What a tragedy! And apparently the kiss was just done on a dare. These are kids, by the way, and they will do kid things. Maybe a good fist fight could have gotten them a little detention....but a kiss gets a suspension for three days. If I would have know that when I was in Middle School then I might have been kissing someone about every fourth day. But, this is Kansas City School District. The kids mother was correct when she asserted "It's easier to get rid of kids now than to work with them." But, then again, considering accreditation issues, kids may learn just as much on suspension as they are in the Kansas City School District schools.

It's Only The Rolling Stones...But I Like Them

...Rock and roll.....
was not devoured by the Bee Gee lovin, John Travolta Dancin Boogie Nights feverinTear that Sucker Down Music......

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.10.06.....
They say that if you want to know how old Mick Jaggar and Kieth Richards are that you need to cut them open and count the rings. The Rolling Stones are now entering the second half of their fifth decade in rock and roll. And the group that started in the 60s, now has member who are in their 60s. But in the years that they tour, they always end up at the top of the list for concert sales. They have also maintained their bluesy-rock foundation which is an important part of their music. (That is overlooking the awful 1976 "Black and Blue" album where they attempted a little disco blend). As they also say, I would rather eat barbed wire than listen to the Rolling Stones do disco (or something like that anyway). The Four Seasons were able to pull it off, but Frankie Vallie always sang like a girl anyway, on top of the fact that their career had already died.

The Stones best LPs creatively were in the 60s. Pretty much anything from the 60s is classic and worth a listen. The early seventies, the style became 70-ish, but good rock and roll. Probably one of their best album, I think, is the 1974 LP "It's Only Rock and Roll." The title track is a rock and roll anthem not to be overlooked or matched by very few (if any). If any? That's just my way of saying I can't think of one to match it, but there might be one I forgot and I don't want to come back and have to write "oh yeah, I forgot about..such and such." (Did they do a song called "Such and Such?") . Anyway the Stones have proved that rock and roll is not just for the young, as it was once considered. And that rock and roll never dies...which was a cool anthem back in the early days of rock and roll, but now is a profound reality in its later days. Rock and roll endured the disco days and was not devoured by the Bee Gee lovin, John Travolta Dancin, Boogie Nights Feverin, Tear That Sucker Down Music. (Put that in a category, eh, Billboard???)

It's hard to say if even the Beatles could have pulled off the longevity of the Stones when you consider the variety of styles they played with. As a Beatles fan, I would like to think so, but we will never know. And would Elvis be capping off his career by singing at Casinos? Luckily for us (and them, too I guess), The Stones didn't have to die young to become legends (with due respects to the late Brian Jones). And as they say "a rolling stone gathers no moss." I don't know how fitting it is to end this article that way, but how can you write about the Rolling Stones without throwing in that cliche?

The Hen House What-You-Gonna-Buy And Who-Are-You And Where-Are-You-From Card

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.09.06.....Yesterday I stopped in at the Hen House grocery store. It is closest to where I live, so I went there for convenience. I was reminded (again) why I dont like shopping there. First, because it's just so expensive compared to other markets. Then they have that silly "Hen House" card. It is supposed to make you feel like you are getting a discount on merchandise by using it. You don't really. It is cheaper than the Hen House price, but so are most other grocery stores in the area. Also, though Tippins pies and baked goods might be good, maybe even great, they are expensive. I wanted a quick and cheap desert and, of course, could only find Tippins stuff.

Price Chopper does the same thing with their card, but prices are a little more reasonable. And the main purpose of the card is to track demographics for the store to show who is shopping there and from where and what they are buying. I don't like to be tracked. I have a Price Chopper card, but I gave them a fake zip code, so in the rare occasion I shop there, I am throwing their demographics off. As for me, I will stick with Hy Vee and drive the extra mile. They offer deals and discounts for everyone...without the hastle of a card.

I Read the News Today! Oh Boy...1.08.06

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.08.06.....
Notes I made as I read the Kansas City Star:....
"Men's Fitness" magazine ranked Kansas City as the 9th fattest city in the country. (Chicago was number one). So, Kansas City needs to start walking more. I suggest we move a little south where it's a little warmer. OK, all together now: let's walk! OK, well it was worth a try.............Prosecutors and district attorneys in Missouri are upset because Walmart is giving its bad checks to a collection agency instead of allowing them to make a profit off the prosecution. Some other states are upset about this, too. Man, these prosecutors must be glad there are criminals in society so they can make a living. A lot of crime must be like a bonus for them........The ad for "Fun with Dick and Jane", the new movie with Jim Carrey says we should see the "#1 Comedy in America." If that were so, America must be really sad. A weak storyline, few laughs, lots of bad acting. Now I am sad thinking about it........Osco Drug is advertising "Jessica Simpson Dessert Treats Body Care" lotions. If it works the same way it does on Simpson, it will inflate your ego, allow you to have a baby, and dump your husband, without affecting the ego. Just make sure you use a lot of it.

The Great Cereal Conspiracy

.....[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.07.06.....I like Raisin Bran and Honey Nut Cheerios. Not together , of course, but with a little soy milk, a bowl or two is a meal for me. (I have lactose issues, so soy milk works). When I was a kid I loved Captain Crunch with Crunch Berries. Actually, probably any cereal with sugar on it was OK. And that common denominator of sugar makes them all actually taste the same. The way they looked made you think they were different. It was a psychology game that cereal manufacturers and experts played on unsuspecting kids: All the cereal was the same. Just looked different. It aided the kids imagination. That's why parents let us eat it. It was a conspiracy of sorts. We couldn't eat lots of candy, but they let us the cereal for breakfast. So we imagined we were eating strawberry crunchberries, or chocolate count choculas and they really didn't taste any different. But the imagination flourished. The ultimate test was the cookie cereals. It was supposed to taste like chocolate chip cookies. It proved successful. Kids from all across the country bought the cereals thinking they were eating something that tasted like chocolate chip cookies when the only thing different from the rest of the cereal was that it said it was "choclate chip" on the box. But there was a counter movement to this conspiracy. And that came from those that made the toy surprise inside. Kids would also buy the cereal just for the toy. After digging the toy out of the box, the cereal would be forgotten. And there was really no way to imagine the toy as being anything but cheap worthless junk that was funner to dig for in the box than it was to actually have it. I used to get the cereal that had the record on the back. You could cut the little cardboard record off the back of the box and listen to the Monkees or the Sugar Bears, though when 45 rpm record were only abut 39 cents, it would have probably been cheaper to buy the actual record. And it would have lasted longer than the record on the box which might play through once, but usually skipped at least once or just got stuck. Any way after left the hole in the back of the box and then put the box back in the cupboard, I hoped no one would notice, but they did. And, as they say, so much for my imagination.

So now you know the truth about cereal. And you though this web site was not educational.

West Virgina: From Tragedy to Insanity

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.06.06.....The death of the miners in West Virginia was tragic. The chain of events that unfolded when it happened....the miscommunications, etc was also tragic. The tragedy has not ended though. Now comes the finger pointing and the blame. Lawyers will be circling like sharks smelling blood. Someone will be sued. Someone will pay. Why? Because as I have said many times before accidents do not happen in America anymore. Someone has to be at fault. Someone has to be blamed. Someone has to be held accountable (and its usually someone with money), and legislative committees have to be formed because congress has nothing better to do with their time. The tragedy is over....now the insanity begins.

Toying with The Past

"Antique with Antique"

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.05.06.....As a collector I go into a lot of antique malls. Sometimes it's like a trip down memory lane which I guess makes me an antique in some respects (I just can't find myself in the price guide). One thing I have noticed is difference in toys from then and now. For example, we had toy pistols with caps (a step up from a finger and a heartfelt "bang" bang"), and it was often fun getting shot and dying in William-Shatner-dramatics style while falling off an imaginary horse. Today's kids have all this in 3-D graphics. With kid-style arrogance, a kid can destroy gangs of people and see all the blood, guts and gore. Of course, they can be arrogant because they don't fire back. (Not like back in the day when a quick draw finger was pitted against a dead eye shot finger). Toy consumer groups would probably frown on the games firing back. But it might get their focus off things like if you wedge Elmo improperly between two railroad beams that you might have back issues. (or self esteem problems because you are 6 and a railroad beam is heavy).

The Tonka tractor had to been hand pushed and manually operated. Kids today have remotes and batteries. However, my Tonka could crush a new one with little effort...or at least maybe one big push and a jump. And the remote toys end with the battery charge. Mine could go til I was exhausted or had to go in for a nap (in the middle of the day, when it was still light out, when I wasn't tire, what was that all about?).

Similarities? The boxes and packing bubbles are still fun to play with at any age.

America: Land of the Beautiful

...America
the land of the pretty, needs to getover itself...

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek......1.04.06.....
Americans are strange in some respects. We don't believe we should judge a book by its cover, but we do it all the time. We worship Hollywood, applaud the pretty, the unblemished, and often give them a pedestal to sit on, when it's the one who is not in that category that needs the place to sit. Never has this been so clear as when Dick Clark hosted the New Years celebration in New York this year. Clark has long been a man who was energetic and always looked young. He has long been an American icon and a lot of that had to do with his seemingly eternal youthfulness. (Although he was certainly a smart business man). After his stroke, Clark was not able to do New Years in 2005. This year he came back. But he was not the same. Or so the critics say. But I disagree. He was himself. He is a man who suffered a stroke. He didn't act like he used to, but he is a man who suffered a stroke. His speech was a little slowed, but he is a man who suffered a stroke. His physical movements were a little slowed, but he is a man who suffered a stroke. The way he was on TV the other night is an improvement from what he was when the stroke first happened because at that time he couldn't speak at all. He should epitomize the American spirit of one who overcomes obstacles and survives. Instead Clark was met with criticism by some who felt his appearance shouldn't have happend. Why? Because it was a downer for them. They want to see the pretty and unblemished. They want to see the youthful Clark. His appearance rained on their celebration. All I can say to them is "boo hoo." I applaud his effort. America, the land of the pretty, needs to get over itself. It needs to quit trampling over the hopes and dreams of so many people just because they don't look beautiful and fit the image. Countless numbers of teenage boys and girls suffer from self-esteem issues pounded daily by a society that worships those without acne, with no weight issues, with perky personalities. Those of that ilk become favorites while the others start a downward plight toward accepting whatever they think they can get out of life because they just aren't part of Americas elite: the bold and beautiful. Criticism of Clark embarasses me. If it were a national policy, I would be looking to move to another country. It is not. though, and I find the attitude abhorrent.