I admit it - I was far too easily distracted by news of veteran actor Randy Quaid’s arrest today on charges of intent to defraud.  I was conducting research for the topic of this blog and was hoping to find something that hadn’t already been “done to death” by the media regarding the G 20 summit that’s currently in full swing.  I realized how frustrated I was over the same old, same old “he said, she said” accusations that rule today’s political headlines.  I realized I was burned out.  Then it occurred to me the dangers of being burned out. 

If our collective society realizes it’s burned out, sick of the bickering and accusations between this country’s leaders, we run the risk of losing what little control we have over important issues that affect not only us, but our children and grandchildren too.  By allowing ourselves to become non-plussed, we’re basically throwing our hands up and declaring an “Ugh! Fight it out on Capital Hill!  I’m going on a Starbucks run!”  And it’s when we leave these elected officials, many of whom are clearly lacking in any sense of self-decorum, self-respect and self-restraint, to do as they will with their very selfish motives.  It’s almost as though the political machine has become too big to rein in - and that’s dangerous too. 

It’s not as though John Q. Citizen is asleep at the wheel, he’s just tired.  He’s tired of sixteen sentence replies to questions that simply require a “yes” or “no” answer.  He’s sick of the very real issues that demand solutions being strong-armed onto the back burner so that room’s made for accusations of everything from racism to media-inspired political brawls.  Whether or not he’s Republican, Democrat or something in between just doesn’t matter anymore - and that is yet another danger.  This country’s built on freedoms - the freedom to proudly declare one’s political views, the freedom to demand changes and expect not only those demands be heard, but be addressed with real solutions and the freedom to kick political butt when the leaders become worse than two and three year old siblings fighting for the last Yoo Hoo in the fridge.

As my Grandma used to say, “Someone’s gotten a bit too big for her britches”.  I think I learned my lesson after the first couple times of being on the receiving end of her evil eye and fair warning of noticing my britches.  Maybe it’s time for a few evil eyes and declarations of my own towards those who have clearly outgrown their political britches.

2,500

That’s the number of American kids, between the ages of 12 and 17, who take their first prescription painkiller every single day that wasn’t prescribed to them.  And you might be surprised to discover there are two places they get these prescription strength painkillers: their own medicine cabinets or the medicine cabinets of their friends.  Shocking, yes?

Georgia is on a mission, though.  The Georgia Chapter of Narconon, along with area sheriffs departments, has instituted what’s been named “Operation Medicine Cabinet”.  The goal is to get as many unused and no longer needed prescription drugs out of these medicine cabinets for safe disposal.  Clearly, this is a program that can benefit every community in America.  Keep reading for even more shocking statistics:

• Prescription drugs are abused more often by teens than any street drug other than marijuana.
• Teens are under the impression that using prescription drugs is safer than street drugs
• 1 in 5 teens admit to abusing prescription medications
• 1 in 10 admit to abusing over the counter cough medicines to get high
• “Pharm parties”, defined as a group of teens who get together and toss prescription pills into a bowl, and then randomly select which pills to take with no thought to what they are and how they may interact with other pills they select, is on the rise.

Clearly, as parents, our concerns are generally directed to what our kids come in contact with outside our homes; however, these statistics reveal our battles may begin long before they ever leave the house. 

This practice of abusing prescription drugs has other dangers as well.  Specifically, concerns of these drugs becoming the “gateway drug” that leads to the abuse of other drugs, such as meth and cocaine, are on the rise.  We have all seen the repercussions of those addicted to drugs and the extent addicts will go to ensure their next high.  Theft, prostitution and other illegal behaviors are common and as you might expect, on the rise as well.

For more information on Operation Medicine Cabinet, visit Georgia’s Narconon Chapter.

One long weekend, two sort-of celebrities and three hours in jail - this is what happens when you put Tila Tequila with San Diego Chargers ball player, Shawne Merriman and toss in liquid refreshments.

Merriman was arrested over the weekend when Tila Tequila, reality star and whose real name is Tila Nguyen, pressed charges and accused Merriman of choking and assaulting her.  He was released three hours later and immediately spoke to the press. He has completely denied the charges and insists he was only trying to protect the woman because she was drunk and he didn’t want her to drive.

Meanwhile, Tequila released her own statement and insists she wasn’t drunk, and even goes so far as to tweet she’s allergic to alcohol. Ah, but the police say she was indeed drinking.  Classic “he said, she said and they said”, to be sure.

Late today, Nguyen tweeted, “If u or some1 u know is being abused or hit..Tell on em”.  Whatever happened to proper grammar?  FoxSports is reporting paramedics could find no injuries, marks or bruises on Nguyen.  So what happens now?  Unless formal charges are filed, nothing will happen and since Merriman was hauled in as a result of Nguyen filing a citizen’s arrest, that only makes it even more likely that nothing else will come of this.  Apparently there were many party goers nearby who witnessed what happened and more importantly, what didn’t happen.  Many interviewed by the media insist they’re ready to come forward and answer any questions the police may have that will provide an unbiased account of what transpired.

In the meantime, both sides have returned to their respective corners and with the exception of Nguyen, who apparently spends an incredible amount of time on her Twitter account, there has been no new information today. Merriman’s attorney insists his client did nothing wrong and expects the evidence will completely absolve him.

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By now, everyone knows of the sad end to the search for Annie Le.  Her body was discovered earlier this week in the walls of a Yale campus research building.  Many hoped her disappearance would lead to her safe return to her family and fiancé.  The 24 year old went missing a week ago,  and less than seven days before her wedding was to take place.

An arrest was made on Wednesday.  Raymond Clark, III, a custodian on Yale’s payroll, has been charged with murder.  Unlike other well-publicized American homicide cases, the authorities involved with this case have remained tight-lipped.  In a peculiar statement that was released by police that reads, in part, “…charges will be filed against anyone whose DNA matches evidence found at the crime scene”, it almost appears as though there might be other persons of interest.  Still, these same authorities insist they’re nearly certain Clark is the only suspect.

The irony is that Clark is described as a control freak who complained to the victim that he didn’t like the way she handled the lab mice.  His duties included cleaning cages and other custodial work.  In an email that hasn’t been released, it’s said Le apologized and assured Clark she would take his complaints into consideration.  If he’s found guilty, his control issues will only serve as a hindrance as he attempts to adjust to life in prison.  He didn’t enter a plea during his arraignment in Connecticut on Thursday and only replied when the judge asked him if he understood his Miranda rights.  He remains in jail on a $3 million dollar bond and will most likely remain there since he doesn’t have the financial resources to meet the obligations of posting bail.

The police chief in this case stated this case had little to do with university crime, domestic crime or urban crime, but rather it’s a clear cut example of workplace violence.  He then goes on to say it’s a growing concern in this country.

Just as Le had a fiancé who now must pick up the pieces, Clark too has left behind a stunned fiancé who surely must be trying to figure out how someone she loves could be accused of such a heinous crime.

After dozens of deaths associated with children becoming entangled in or choking on the cords found on window blinds, yet another massive recall is being made.  Millions of Vertical Land and Lewis Hyman blinds are said to be posing danger in those homes where young children have access.  Although there have been no deaths this year that were associated with these cords, the companies must believe the risk is real.

Several lawsuits are currently in front of judges across the country and these two blind makers are finding themselves defandants more often.  The blinds being recalled now cover many years - nearly twenty.  Few, if any, consumers who purchased blinds or for that matter, any other home decor, most likely don’t own blinds that were made in 1992.  Apparently, those made then don’t greatly differ from the ones currently in stores.

In 2006, a four  year old girl was killed after she choked on one of the Vertical Land cords that was too close to the floor.  A major recall was made then;  however, even that one doesn’t appear to be as big as what’s currently being publicized.

Lewis Hyman, Inc., based out of Florida, is recalling its blinds due to the death of a one year old who also died as a result of strangulation.  Apparently he’d reached for it from his crib.  That lawsuit is pending.

Inez Tenenbaum, the new Consumer Product Safety Commission’s director, says the cords pose an imminent risk and urges all parents to return any blinds in their home to the manufacturer for either a refund or for the blinds to be retrofitted.

After so many unnecessary deaths and lawsuits popping up across the country, these tragedies beg the question, “How many more deaths before a common window blind is redesigned to ensure safety?”

The CPSC’s website can be seen here for more information on this and other recalls.

By now, the controversial H.R. 45 Bill has been a topic of discussion across nearly ever dinner table in the country.  It’s also entirely possible these discussions have morphed into heated debates too.  This is an

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incredibly important bill that if passed, will affect the Constitution and will change the relationship Americans have had with their firearms ever since the framers of the Constitution hammered it out.  A few of the proposed guidelines are listed below; however, if you wish to view this extensive bill in its entirety, click here.

First, it’s important to know who Blair Holt is.  In May of 2007, a boy who attended Julian High School in Chicago, used his body to shield a girl who was about to get shot on a school bus.  She lived, but Blair Holt died as a result of his heroic efforts.

H.R. 45 outlines significant changes in the way we purchase, sell, store, use and move any firearms we are in possession of.  The repercussions if this law (provided, of course, it passes) is broken are incredible.  The changes will be drastic.  Before anyone will receive a firearm license, he will be required by law to provide to the Attorney General:

• A current passport-size photo
• Signed statement that authorizes the Attorney General to gather medical and mental health records
• The applicant’s place of birth
• Satisfactory completion of a written examination that is designed to promote gun safety and the applicant’s understanding of how to handle firearms, the risks of using a firearm and a thorough understanding of local, state and federal gun laws; and
• “Any other subjects as the Attorney General determines to be appropriate”

If the license is granted, the owner must renew his license every sixty months by undergoing the same procedures and paying a $25 renewal fee.

Other guidelines include failure to report a stolen or lost firearm within 72 hours of discovering its absence will be a crime.  If you relocate, either within the same state or elsewhere, failure to submit a fee and notification to the Attorney General will be a crime.  Suggested punishments include hefty fines, prison sentences (some of which would be felonies - which means, of course, those convicted would no longer be allowed to ever possess a firearm) or combinations of both prison sentences and fines.

Gun owners will be required to claim all firearms on his annual income tax returns.

These are just a few of the highlights of the proposed changes.  Understandably, this is an incredibly charged topic and the lines have been drawn in the sand.  These proposed changes will affect each of us on varying levels and will change the way our children and their children will see gun ownership.  Hopefully, the right solution can be found that won’t include such invasive laws; that said, those solutions need to be found now since many are pushing to have this bill passed in short time.

Today, Fox News had a story about the growing interest of Americans who are now taking to their gardens

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to produce their own tobacco versus paying ever-increasing taxes on cigarettes.  Most who were interviewed say they’re going to challenge their green thumbs to offset the effects of the recession and the $1.60+ tax hike smokers have seen this year alone.  In another story, Time Warner sealed its deal with YouTube that will allow the video site to host movies and television shows owned by the media conglomerate.  Although Phillip Morris USA may not have much to worry about with the sudden interest in home gardeners, satellite providers such as DirecTV and Dish Network may not be so lucky.

With Netflix releasing its “On Demand” feature earlier this year, millions suddenly had instant access to thousands of television shows, movies from every decade and even talk shows.  It’s not even necessary to wait for the arrival of the DVDs - browse through the vast library and click “Play”, and suddenly, you’re watch Cary Grant and Jeanne Crain in “People Will Talk”.  The major money makers that are still churning profits for the networks are available too: Law & Order, CSI - you name it, odds are, you can watch it whenever you want.  Oh, and did I mention you can do this for less than $10 a month?  Of course, there are those shows that are available on television that haven’t been released for online viewing, but Time Warner’s announcement might close that gap. 

Other online avenues, such as Fancast, Hulu and Joost are reporting thousands of new fans each month - and their sites are absolutely free.  You can watch every season of “The Hills”, “House” and other favorites.  Every season of the classic “Alfred Hitchcock Hour” from the 1960s is available too.

So what does this mean for the two major satellite companies who seem to raise their rates each time you open the new month’s statement?  Is it possible to tax online television or is too late?  And what about the big lawsuits from several years ago when the music industry was in an uproar over stolen music that was downloaded millions of times?   Does this mean more changes are in store for this sector of the entertainment industry and its online presence?  iTunes already offers television shows through its site.

Clearly, in these ever-evolving online lives we lead,  it appears we’ll be spending even more time in front of our monitors watching our favorite shows minus the $100+ satellite bills and smoking cigarettes that were grown in our own backyards for pennies of what we would’ve paid at the corner store.

Trinity Church in Biloxi Before and After Camille

With the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico hosting a triple threat, the three tropical systems known as Ana, Bill and Claudette, it’s difficult to not remember Monday marks the fortieth anniversary of Hurricane Camille’s devastating and life-changing landfall in 1969.

On a personal (and brief) note, Camille was life-changing for me as my mother and I were nearly stranded only a few miles from and within a few hours of this monster storm’s landfall.  Due to a communications mix-up, it was a fluke the man who would become my hero and my dad, made one more pass through before leaving town.  It’s then he saw my mom and me (I was less than a year old, by the way), rescued us and took us far inland to safety.  Of course, this became their love story they continue to write each day and after forty years, it’s still my favorite story.

This, however, might very well be the only “happily ever after” that can be credited to Hurricane Camille.  With winds of over 200 mph, a hurricane warning wasn’t issued for Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana until the day Camille made landfall.  There was less than twenty-four hours for anyone west of Mobile, AL to prepare, or at least, for those hadn’t taken it seriously before.  Much has been said over the past four decades over how the warnings were handled; however, one must remember it was 1969 and the technological advances since then are nothing short of incredible.  The resources simply didn’t exist then that would have allowed the warnings we now have access to.

The Hurricane Center’s 8:25 AM CDT Statement that was released Saturday, August 16, 1969 - less than one day before Camille made landfall:

STATEMENT    8:25  AM  CDT    SATURDAY    AUGUST  16, 1969

TO SUPPLEMENT 9 AM  EDT  ADVISORY FROM MIAMI

A HURRICANE WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE MIDDLE GULF AREA FROM BILOXI,  MISSISSIPPI  TO  ST. MARKS,  FLORIDA.   SPECIFIC HURRICANE WARNINGS WILL BE ISSUED AT NOON TODAY FOR A PART OF THIS AREA.  CAMILLE IS A DANGEROUS HURRICANE AND PREPARATORY ACTION SHOULD BE STARTED IN THE AREA OF THE WATCH.   THE AREA SPECIFIED IN WARNINGS LATER ON SHOULD BE EADY TO START EVACUATION AND START PROTECTIVE ACTION IMMEDIATELY.

Twelve hours later, Camille began to make landfall along the MS Gulf Coast.

Camille was a big lesson, no doubt.   And her landfall didn’t determine its geographical area in terms of damage.  Flooding in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and further north up the east coast was reported at levels not seen for over a century.  Nearly 6,000 homes along the MS Gulf Coast were demolished in their entireties, with many thousands more receiving damage not as catastrophic. And the lives lost?  Mind boggling.

The Corp of Engineers reported over 100 vessels along the coast were sunk, with thousands more damaged or “unfound”.  The insurance industry took a near $300 million dollar hit across several states.

As a result of those lessons learned, thirty-six years after Camille’s historic landfall, below you’ll find the stern and ominous messages the National Hurricane Center now releases as a result of what was learned during Hurricane Camille.  Watches are issued early and warnings are issued usually forty-eight hours before a hurricane is expected to make landfall, and of course, we now have a far better idea of where landfall occurs - not perfect, but much more accurate.  This text is verbatim from the National Hurricane Center’s site during Hurricane Katrina:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA
1011 AM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005

…DEVASTATING DAMAGE EXPECTED…

.HURRICANE KATRINA…A MOST POWERFUL HURRICANE WITH UNPRECEDENTED
STRENGTH…RIVALING THE INTENSITY OF HURRICANE CAMILLE OF 1969.

MOST OF THE AREA WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS…PERHAPS LONGER. AT
LEAST ONE HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL
FAILURE. ALL GABLED ROOFS WILL FAIL…LEAVING THOSE HOMES SEVERELY
DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.

THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WILL BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL.
PARTIAL TO COMPLETE WALL AND ROOF FAILURE IS EXPECTED. ALL WOOD
FRAMED LOW RISING APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE DESTROYED. CONCRETE
BLOCK LOW RISE APARTMENTS WILL SUSTAIN MAJOR DAMAGE…INCLUDING SOME
WALL AND ROOF FAILURE.

HIGH RISE OFFICE AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL SWAY DANGEROUSLY…A
FEW TO THE POINT OF TOTAL COLLAPSE. ALL WINDOWS WILL BLOW OUT.

AIRBORNE DEBRIS WILL BE WIDESPREAD…AND MAY INCLUDE HEAVY ITEMS SUCH
AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND EVEN LIGHT VEHICLES. SPORT UTILITY
VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS WILL BE MOVED. THE BLOWN DEBRIS WILL CREATE
ADDITIONAL DESTRUCTION. PERSONS…PETS…AND LIVESTOCK EXPOSED TO THE
WINDS WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH IF STRUCK.

POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR WEEKS…AS MOST POWER POLES WILL BE DOWN

The Biloxi Lighthouse Before and After Katrina

AND TRANSFORMERS DESTROYED. WATER SHORTAGES WILL MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING
INCREDIBLE BY MODERN STANDARDS.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF NATIVE TREES WILL BE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. ONLY
THE HEARTIEST WILL REMAIN STANDING…BUT BE TOTALLY DEFOLIATED. FEW
CROPS WILL REMAIN. LIVESTOCK LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL BE
KILLED.

AN INLAND HURRICANE WIND WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS NEAR
HURRICANE FORCE…OR FREQUENT GUSTS AT OR ABOVE HURRICANE FORCE…ARE
CERTAIN WITHIN THE NEXT 12 TO 24 HOURS.

ONCE TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE FORCE WINDS ONSET…DO NOT VENTURE
OUTSIDE!

While researching for this article, I discovered a report released by the National Hurricane Center in September of 1969.  There are some interesting copies of what satellite imagery looked like then.  This in itself is enough to make us look at our current radars and satellites with a new appreciation.  The article, in .pdf format, can be read in its entirety here.

And now, it’s back to The Weather Channel for updates on the tropics…

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Could it be that the big mystery is finally solved over who fathered Rielle Hunter’s child?  Maybe.  Several media outlets are reporting a secret DNA test was performed on a bit of John Edward’s biological matter and it proves with certainty that he indeed fathered this little girl.

This is all happening as a federal grand jury is deciding whether or not hush money was paid to Hunter two years ago as well as who knew about it if was paid.  Both Hunter and Andrew Young have testified over the past few weeks.  Young is the one who took the fall when the story broke and announced he was the father of this child, despite the potential of jeopardizing his own marriage.  That was his last public appearance and statement since 2007.  Even as he approached the courthouse, he had no comment over his role in this cover-up, if there was one.  Lawyers for both Young and Hunter have said their clients are fully cooperating in the investigation.

The grand jury is investigating whether campaign funds from Edwards’ run as the Republican candidate for vice president were used to pay Hunter to keep quiet about who fathered her now-two year old daughter, Frances.  It’s also seeking to find out the truth about whether or not payments for “videography” were legitimate.

This, of course, reopens the question of what Elizabeth Edwards might now do.  Many have said she was simply waiting for confirmation before filing divorce papers.  Other, however, insist she intends to stand by her man.  This has all taken place as she’s struggled with cancer.

If the grand jury determines the money given to Hunter was done so illegally, Edwards could be facing jail time.  Even worse, the good deed he convinced Young to do could also land his former confidant in jail too, even though that’s unlikely.

There are reports Edwards will be making a public announcement about his paternity.  In the meantime, all eyes are on the missus and are waiting to see what she does, or rather, what she doesn’t do.

If a cleaner environment means fewer jobs and higher power bills, this week’s National Clean Energy Summit

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that’s being held in Las Vegas is in big trouble as it attempts to bring the benefits of updated environmental policies to the forefront.

A recent Gallup poll revealed 41% of Americans surveyed believe the media has exaggerated global warming.  Twelve months ago, that number was 35%.  Republicans appear to be the most suspicious of media intentions.  66% of Republicans insist the media has ulterior motives, while only 20% of Dems say they’re prone to take the media reports as truth.  A whopping 61% believe the effects of global warming haven’t even begun to occur; these percentages were at 52% this time last year.

So why the sudden distrust?  Two words: the economy.  Too many folks believe greed is behind the push for environmental clean-up efforts.  Jerry Taylor, who works with the free-market advocate, Cato Institution, said, “We’re in the midst of one of the deepest recessions since the Great Depression and people suspect environmental policies that prices tags that are not inconsequential”.   To say there’s a skeptical public is an understatement.

Even with 40% of those polled who believe the environment takes precedence over the economy, it’s clear there’s a shift in priorities in this country.   Economic growth, most believe, should be top priority.

As Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup Poll says in reference to the non-plussed attitude this new poll reveals, “Al Gore won a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts…yet, for all that, it hasn’t worked”.  Of course, there are those who disagree with the Gallup Poll’s numbers and insist on seeing the formulas used to “get to this place”.  Not that it matters; several other polls conducted in the past several months show growing percentages of those who are adamant about not paying higher utility bills that are required for cleaner energy sources.  The sentiment seems to be, “Not now.  Maybe later, but not now.”

The summit will last throughout the week and has many state political leaders in attendance.