Kirk Cameron is back in the news again. Now, I know you are asking yourselves right now, "Who is he?" Let me briefly remind you. He was the ubercool Mike Seaver from Growing Pains. He really hasn't done anything since then, so in my eyes, he's probably the best candidate for washed-up B-list actor since Michael Vick came aboard on the Eagles.
Now, I don't have anything against Kirk Cameron if you see him as a father and husband. He adopted 6 children and has been married to his wife for a long while. It takes a man to be a father, but it takes a special type of man to raise adopted children. Kudos to him on that.
Where I have a beef against Kirk is that ever since going into obscurity after Growing Pains, it seems like he has been brainwashed to be a ultra-right wing fundamentalist Christian, who is now a street preacher. Him and a other gentleman have a Trinity Broadcasting Network show (TBN) called "Way of the Master". If you haven't seen this peace of artwork, make sure you watch a segment here.
I don't have anything against religion and you can do what you want, but street preaching and getting into someone's face to make you accept YOUR god, or something like that is just unacceptable.
Reason for this blog post is twofold. 1) Looks like Kirk Cameron and his buddies are back in the news yet again. Kirk Cameron thinks that 18-35 year olds are becoming atheists and agnostics (like me) and he needs to save us. They wrote a short book about Creationism and is handing it out to colleges across America. Kirk, leave us alone. No one knows who you are anymore and you are certainly not the Mike Seaver you once were. Yeah, I know he was an actor and that Mike wasn't a real person. But you get my point. Mike was cool. Kirk is not.
Also, another reason for this rant post is that looks like Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas won their court case throwing out a $5 million ruling a year or two ago against a man who sued them because they picked his deceased son's funeral. The court said that Westboro Baptist Church is protected by the 1st Amendment. Are you kidding me? You can hold out signs at funerals and that's ok? What is wrong with this picture???
What ever happened to us respecting each other? Why are so many people afraid of things they don't understand, or refuse to understand? My soon to be six month old nephew, I really feel for him. Ever since he was born, I love him so much. But yet, I worry about him on how this world will treat him. What will it be like when he starts school, high school, college, and beyond? I hope his generation is more tolerant than the one I experience today. If you don't want to be preached to, you don't have to be. Yeah, you could say, "leave me alone," and just walk away. But with the likes of Cameron and his flock, and Westboro too, that is just not that simple. We those who are independent in our religion and those who don't believe in a higher power need to say that enough is enough and stand up. If we don't it will just get worse and worse. It's happening right before our very eyes.
I cannot stand people who don't think before they act. I was reading an AOL News article the other day that was telling about Kirk Cameron. I will end this post with a comment one person wrote ... Perhaps the best 11 words ever wrote: "Science flew us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings."
-- Matt
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday Reading: 9/10/2009
Good morning all. The week is almost over and Thursday is here. Hope this dispatch finds you well.
1) President Obama made an passionate and excellent speech last night, in a joint session of Congress last night, as he made one final hail mary pass for Health Care Reform. CNN reports this morning that over 70 percent of those polled found the speech was good and that most are confident that health care reform will happen. However, there was dissent and it happened at the most wrong time. A congressman from the state of South Carolina shouted DURING the President's speech, "YOU LIE!", then the President talked about health care coverage for undocumented people in the US. Sen. John McCain asked for this guy's immediate apology.
2) The NFL season FINALLY gets started tonight, as the Pittsburgh Steelers will play against the Tennessee Titans. I hope the Titans win this game. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of hearing about the Steelers.
3) I was very happy to hear that Ellen DeGeneres will be the permanent 4th judge on AMERICAN IDOL. Yeah, she may not have a record, she may not be an artist, HOWEVER, she will give the average view of the average person. And those who know me, know that I love Ellen so much. So, this is good news all-around. Go girl. Congrats.
I gotta get going now. Have a good day.
-- Matt
1) President Obama made an passionate and excellent speech last night, in a joint session of Congress last night, as he made one final hail mary pass for Health Care Reform. CNN reports this morning that over 70 percent of those polled found the speech was good and that most are confident that health care reform will happen. However, there was dissent and it happened at the most wrong time. A congressman from the state of South Carolina shouted DURING the President's speech, "YOU LIE!", then the President talked about health care coverage for undocumented people in the US. Sen. John McCain asked for this guy's immediate apology.
2) The NFL season FINALLY gets started tonight, as the Pittsburgh Steelers will play against the Tennessee Titans. I hope the Titans win this game. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of hearing about the Steelers.
3) I was very happy to hear that Ellen DeGeneres will be the permanent 4th judge on AMERICAN IDOL. Yeah, she may not have a record, she may not be an artist, HOWEVER, she will give the average view of the average person. And those who know me, know that I love Ellen so much. So, this is good news all-around. Go girl. Congrats.
I gotta get going now. Have a good day.
-- Matt
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Special Review & Comment: American Idols Live
American Idol is one of the best shows in America. And of course, with me as a BIG fan, I had to go Reading's Soverign Center last night to see the concert. Reading Eagle, the daily newspaper for Reading had a fair and accurate review of the concert. I'm just going to echo some of the thoughts there and offer some thoughts of mine.
I thought most of the singers last night sounded great. They really improved their voice, their stage presence and in Danny Gokey's case, dancing skills from when they were on TV. The only ones that in my opinion that really didn't improve their voice sadly was Megan (who only impressed me with her hip-shaking skills) and 'Lil Rounds.
Most of the songs the singers sang were good for them. Kris Allen did a great version of Matchbox 20's 'Bright Lights'. Adam Lambert (who got the most applause whenever his image was on the video walls, or on stage) did a good dancey/disco version of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance'. Matt Giraurd did a flawless, breathtaking version of Ray Charles 'Georgia on my Mind'.
Perhaps the most surprising part of the concert was the length. I was convinced before the concert that it was gonna be over between 90 minutes and 2 hours. But, the concert lasted nearly 3 hours long. As the article mentioned, over 40 songs. You were not given a short dish of music.
However, leaving the concert was another thing. Even though Reading is a nice city and the Pagoda that can be seen from the concert venue is very nice, as it was lit up in red color,, but leaving the city of Reading and finding the way out from business route US 422 is a pain the neck. I swear, I was driving around in a 2009 Chevy Impala at 11:30PM in the ghetto. I hope there is a better way to get out of there next time. Better yet, I next year, think they need to come back to Hershey's Giant Center.
-- Matt
I thought most of the singers last night sounded great. They really improved their voice, their stage presence and in Danny Gokey's case, dancing skills from when they were on TV. The only ones that in my opinion that really didn't improve their voice sadly was Megan (who only impressed me with her hip-shaking skills) and 'Lil Rounds.
Most of the songs the singers sang were good for them. Kris Allen did a great version of Matchbox 20's 'Bright Lights'. Adam Lambert (who got the most applause whenever his image was on the video walls, or on stage) did a good dancey/disco version of David Bowie's 'Let's Dance'. Matt Giraurd did a flawless, breathtaking version of Ray Charles 'Georgia on my Mind'.
Perhaps the most surprising part of the concert was the length. I was convinced before the concert that it was gonna be over between 90 minutes and 2 hours. But, the concert lasted nearly 3 hours long. As the article mentioned, over 40 songs. You were not given a short dish of music.
However, leaving the concert was another thing. Even though Reading is a nice city and the Pagoda that can be seen from the concert venue is very nice, as it was lit up in red color,, but leaving the city of Reading and finding the way out from business route US 422 is a pain the neck. I swear, I was driving around in a 2009 Chevy Impala at 11:30PM in the ghetto. I hope there is a better way to get out of there next time. Better yet, I next year, think they need to come back to Hershey's Giant Center.
-- Matt
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tuesday Reading: 9/8/09
Good morning everyone.
1) I want to alert you to a story one of my friends told me about last night. As you know, we are all on the Swine Flu watch this fall and next winter. If things get as bad as the CDC says it will be, we could be in for 50% of the population getting this bug. Well, just like the flu shot, there is the swine flu vaccine. Well, the Daily Mail newspaper from England says that the US Government and the British government are covering up possible downsides to the vaccine. In the article, you will find that people who get the vaccine are 8 times more acceptable in getting Guillian-Barre Syndrome. As a person who had GBS about 7 years ago, I can speak first hand of the horrors of this disorder. I know the chances are low of people getting GBS if they get the vaccine, but I highly suggest everyone NOT TO GET THE VACCINE. If we all follow common sense health care prevention and be pro-active in protection from germs, we will be fine. You do not want to get GBS. Take it from me.
2) I will be on the road later this afternoon as I head with a friend of mine to Reading for the American Idol Live concert. It should be fun. I will have a report on this Wednesday.
3) I was saddened to hear about the news about the San Diego Charger player being arrested for beating up and detaining reality star, Tila Tequila. Any man who beats up a woman in my book is a idiot and a fool. However, the players lawyer says that there is a completely different side of the story. He said that Tila wanted to drink and drive. Now, that is a serious accusation to say, but Tila said that she is allergic to alcohol. Allergic? Child please. Have you ever heard of anyone being allergic to alcohol??? I haven't. I don't buy that. I'm sure that there is more to this story.
and finally ...
4) My car hunt is going well and I should have more details for you later this week. Let's just say what I found is a sweet ride.
-- Matt
1) I want to alert you to a story one of my friends told me about last night. As you know, we are all on the Swine Flu watch this fall and next winter. If things get as bad as the CDC says it will be, we could be in for 50% of the population getting this bug. Well, just like the flu shot, there is the swine flu vaccine. Well, the Daily Mail newspaper from England says that the US Government and the British government are covering up possible downsides to the vaccine. In the article, you will find that people who get the vaccine are 8 times more acceptable in getting Guillian-Barre Syndrome. As a person who had GBS about 7 years ago, I can speak first hand of the horrors of this disorder. I know the chances are low of people getting GBS if they get the vaccine, but I highly suggest everyone NOT TO GET THE VACCINE. If we all follow common sense health care prevention and be pro-active in protection from germs, we will be fine. You do not want to get GBS. Take it from me.
2) I will be on the road later this afternoon as I head with a friend of mine to Reading for the American Idol Live concert. It should be fun. I will have a report on this Wednesday.
3) I was saddened to hear about the news about the San Diego Charger player being arrested for beating up and detaining reality star, Tila Tequila. Any man who beats up a woman in my book is a idiot and a fool. However, the players lawyer says that there is a completely different side of the story. He said that Tila wanted to drink and drive. Now, that is a serious accusation to say, but Tila said that she is allergic to alcohol. Allergic? Child please. Have you ever heard of anyone being allergic to alcohol??? I haven't. I don't buy that. I'm sure that there is more to this story.
and finally ...
4) My car hunt is going well and I should have more details for you later this week. Let's just say what I found is a sweet ride.
-- Matt
Friday, September 4, 2009
This and That ... 9/4/09
Good Friday morning everyone ...
Just have a few points I want to make for this morning, then you will be on your way and your day.
1) An update on the President Obama speech for school-children slated for Wednesday. I know yesterday I posted a WASHINGTON TIMES link that said the speech was not going on. However, to my approval, it seems as if the speech WILL go on. But, parents are asking schools not to air the speech. They want 'alternative' activities planned. I hope the parents realize that this is for a good cause and not to brainwash their children. Having fear inside of you does NOTHING. It is almost ironic/funny that the fantical/religious right is asking for 'alternative activities', yet they have a hard time accepting people with alternative lifestyles and/or anything that is different than their narrow viewpoint of the world as they see it. Ironic, isn't??
2) I tried out the new JIGSY'S OLD FORGE PIZZA last night along Route 39, Linglestown Road. It is inside the Sports City complex. I really liked their pizza, but the cheese could have been a little better. The pizza itself is unique. Lighter than a scician slice, but more like a french bread pizza type. And it's toasted. If you want something different than every other pizza shop, I suggest you check it out. Also, keep in mind, that when you order, there are onions in the sauce. You can order without, if that is your wish (like me). Also, it's not in slices, but pieces. And the pieces are not small. Definately check it out. Nice place.
3) LABOR DAY WEEKEND is apon us and I hope that you have a great weekend. Nice weather should be with us the entire weekend. Check out Kipona in downtown Harrisburg. Also, HERSHEYPARK will be open this weekend. I might head there on Sunday.
finally ...
This coming Tuesday, I am heading to the AMERICAN IDOL LIVE concert in Reading. If you been a reader of this blog, you will know that I am a BIG American Idol fan and I will have a good concert review of the event Wednesday, right here.
Make it a good day and weekend all. Next post on Tuesday.
-- matt
Just have a few points I want to make for this morning, then you will be on your way and your day.
1) An update on the President Obama speech for school-children slated for Wednesday. I know yesterday I posted a WASHINGTON TIMES link that said the speech was not going on. However, to my approval, it seems as if the speech WILL go on. But, parents are asking schools not to air the speech. They want 'alternative' activities planned. I hope the parents realize that this is for a good cause and not to brainwash their children. Having fear inside of you does NOTHING. It is almost ironic/funny that the fantical/religious right is asking for 'alternative activities', yet they have a hard time accepting people with alternative lifestyles and/or anything that is different than their narrow viewpoint of the world as they see it. Ironic, isn't??
2) I tried out the new JIGSY'S OLD FORGE PIZZA last night along Route 39, Linglestown Road. It is inside the Sports City complex. I really liked their pizza, but the cheese could have been a little better. The pizza itself is unique. Lighter than a scician slice, but more like a french bread pizza type. And it's toasted. If you want something different than every other pizza shop, I suggest you check it out. Also, keep in mind, that when you order, there are onions in the sauce. You can order without, if that is your wish (like me). Also, it's not in slices, but pieces. And the pieces are not small. Definately check it out. Nice place.
3) LABOR DAY WEEKEND is apon us and I hope that you have a great weekend. Nice weather should be with us the entire weekend. Check out Kipona in downtown Harrisburg. Also, HERSHEYPARK will be open this weekend. I might head there on Sunday.
finally ...
This coming Tuesday, I am heading to the AMERICAN IDOL LIVE concert in Reading. If you been a reader of this blog, you will know that I am a BIG American Idol fan and I will have a good concert review of the event Wednesday, right here.
Make it a good day and weekend all. Next post on Tuesday.
-- matt
Thursday, September 3, 2009
What's so wrong about this?
The radical right is at it again my friends ... and now they won ...
Our President wanted to speak to ALL public school children about the importance of education and about doing well in school. Well, anti-Obama people around America spoke up. They said that it was almost socialistic that something like this would happen. Glenn Beck suggested that parents keep their kids home from school. People in Texas spoke up, saying that they don't want kids seeing this.
Newsflash ... Reagan spoke to school children after the Space Shuttle Columbus disaster. He also spoke to school students about the dangers of drugs ...
So, with that said, what is so wrong with our President wanting to give more or less a pep-talk to our youth?
Well, news broke late this morning from the Washington Times that the Education Department has backed off from this nationwide speech, set for this coming Tuesday.
Another newsflash to those people who are scared that this nation is supposedly going to socialism ... this country is in need of change. That is why we elected Obama. It takes time for change to occur. It does not happen overnight. The fear that people are trying to put on us (death panels, czar's acting beyond their means, etc) has to stop. As I mentioned before, and I will repeat until it sticks ... If you don't have anything nice to say, then be quiet. You had your time for power, it's time for us to fix it.
Trying to motivate students to do better is a right of not only teachers, parents and family members, but everyone. Again, I repeat ... what was so wrong with this idea?
We are moving forward in America ... not backwards. Just like the school bus, it's time to either get on, or get off. No stopping progress now.
-- Matt
Our President wanted to speak to ALL public school children about the importance of education and about doing well in school. Well, anti-Obama people around America spoke up. They said that it was almost socialistic that something like this would happen. Glenn Beck suggested that parents keep their kids home from school. People in Texas spoke up, saying that they don't want kids seeing this.
Newsflash ... Reagan spoke to school children after the Space Shuttle Columbus disaster. He also spoke to school students about the dangers of drugs ...
So, with that said, what is so wrong with our President wanting to give more or less a pep-talk to our youth?
Well, news broke late this morning from the Washington Times that the Education Department has backed off from this nationwide speech, set for this coming Tuesday.
Another newsflash to those people who are scared that this nation is supposedly going to socialism ... this country is in need of change. That is why we elected Obama. It takes time for change to occur. It does not happen overnight. The fear that people are trying to put on us (death panels, czar's acting beyond their means, etc) has to stop. As I mentioned before, and I will repeat until it sticks ... If you don't have anything nice to say, then be quiet. You had your time for power, it's time for us to fix it.
Trying to motivate students to do better is a right of not only teachers, parents and family members, but everyone. Again, I repeat ... what was so wrong with this idea?
We are moving forward in America ... not backwards. Just like the school bus, it's time to either get on, or get off. No stopping progress now.
-- Matt
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Saying Goodbye ...
... to a great blog.
Happy September all. We made it through the long August month and September has finally arrived. For us football fans (like me), this month could not come soon enough. PSU football starts Saturday and it will be good to see some sports.
Now, don't worry. This blog is not ending, even though I should be updating a lot more than I am. I am trying to write now at least 1 post a week. And the majority of the posts will be opinion pieces. Not just other things I have had here before.
What we are saying goodbye to is one of the best regional blogs that I follow, Philly Skyline, B. Love, the writer of the blog has been on a summer-long hitas. He said that we will have a new look to the blog come Sept. 1st. As I and many others were anxiously awaiting this, he came out with a heart-felt piece of how things changed in his life.
The great American west and travels out there captured his heart and soul. While I do admire him (for exploring America the way it is) and wish him all the best, I'm sure that I am not the only one saddened to hear this. If you never seen his blog, I strongly encourage you to check it out. Even though there will be a few more posts, the whole website will stay and all postings will be archived, including all his amazing photos and skyline pics of Philly.
Even though there are many faults with Philadelphia (mainly #1, the Eagles), this website is one of the best websites on the web, and you will be remorsed not to take a few minutes to check it out.
Finally, as selfish as it is for me to say this, I hope B. Love will reconsider. I wrote to him earlier today via his website, expressing my sadness of his news. I really do hope he that even if he leaves, he finds someone to carry this on. Philly has it's many faults, most it can't help. Hell, they just asked to borrow close to $300 million to help it's budget. It can't afford to lose such a great website.
-- Matt
Happy September all. We made it through the long August month and September has finally arrived. For us football fans (like me), this month could not come soon enough. PSU football starts Saturday and it will be good to see some sports.
Now, don't worry. This blog is not ending, even though I should be updating a lot more than I am. I am trying to write now at least 1 post a week. And the majority of the posts will be opinion pieces. Not just other things I have had here before.
What we are saying goodbye to is one of the best regional blogs that I follow, Philly Skyline, B. Love, the writer of the blog has been on a summer-long hitas. He said that we will have a new look to the blog come Sept. 1st. As I and many others were anxiously awaiting this, he came out with a heart-felt piece of how things changed in his life.
The great American west and travels out there captured his heart and soul. While I do admire him (for exploring America the way it is) and wish him all the best, I'm sure that I am not the only one saddened to hear this. If you never seen his blog, I strongly encourage you to check it out. Even though there will be a few more posts, the whole website will stay and all postings will be archived, including all his amazing photos and skyline pics of Philly.
Even though there are many faults with Philadelphia (mainly #1, the Eagles), this website is one of the best websites on the web, and you will be remorsed not to take a few minutes to check it out.
Finally, as selfish as it is for me to say this, I hope B. Love will reconsider. I wrote to him earlier today via his website, expressing my sadness of his news. I really do hope he that even if he leaves, he finds someone to carry this on. Philly has it's many faults, most it can't help. Hell, they just asked to borrow close to $300 million to help it's budget. It can't afford to lose such a great website.
-- Matt
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