United nations stop North Korea NOW page on Facebook

Korean Missiles (Photo credit: danielfoster437)

LeMay Cuban Missile Crisis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hello faithful readers!  First of all, I want to welcome my friends, Karen Freeman Welch, and Norman Hall. They have become the newest followers of my blog, and I appreciate it. They and you, are helping me to obtain free books to read and review from publishers. The only catch is on one site that  you must have 30 regular followers. I believe that I am up to 21, so I need 9 more. Then I will receive the new books to read and review. So if you like what you read, tell your friends about it. Let them know that they can become followers by clicking on the button follow my blog on the lower right side of the page.

FACEBOOK PAGE “United Nations Stop North Korea NOW”

I don’t know about you, but I am currently keeping an eye on North Korea’s offensive military activities  If you have been watching the news, then you know that they have threatened both South Korea and the United States with impending war. They have  nuclear missiles that are aimed at, and can reach the East coast. President Obama is making sure that we have missiles that can intercept theirs, and destroy them before they ever reach our soil. They were admonished about the missiles and told not to build them, but they went ahead and did so anyway. How arrogant of their leader, Kim Jong Un.  For those of you on Facebook, I invite you to our page,  ”United nations stop North Korea NOW”. You can read about the most recent developments, and even join the page if you would like to help support us. It doesn’t cost anything, but a few moments of your time. Don’t get caught off guard because you were not aware of what they are doing.  This is a very serious and real threat. Remember the Cuban missile crisis in 1962? President Kennedy was able to keep us from going into a nuclear war with Russia. For those of you younger readers, I encourage you to Google it, and read about the details.  I was 5 years old, but I still remember the worried look on my parents, teachers, and neighbor’s  faces, as they watched the television reports, convinced that we would be attacked at any moment. Fortunately, it never got that far. But, North Korea is causing a similar concern. Anyone who remembers this,  doesn’t want to go through that tension and worry again. I usually write about happier  and more upbeat things, but we must get the word out. We have been threatened and warned, and we just can’t sit around doing nothing, while waiting for war to start. I’m personally hoping that it doesn’t come to that. War is never the answer to any problem!

 

 

Mrs. Kennedy and me by Clint Hill – A book review

Altgens’ final photo taken just after the fatal shot shows Jackie Kennedy and Secret Service agent Clint Hill on the back of the Presidential limousine. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

A picture showing the secret agent Clinton Hill nestling against the fastback of the presidential limousine (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hello faithful followers. I just finished reading this excellent book by Clint Hill. He is the Secret Service agent that was in charge of protecting Jackie Kennedy. He is also famous for being the first and only agent to react when President Kennedy was fatally shot in Dallas.  Clint writes about his initial disappointment of being assigned to protecting Mrs. Kennedy. He had previously protected President Eisenhower, and wanted to be assigned to President Kennedy’s detail. In time, he grew very fond of her, and enjoyed protecting her. He found her to be a fascinating woman, and writes about her desire for privacy. At first, Mrs. Kennedy didn’t like the idea of having  Secret Service protection, but when  Clint explained to her that the agents would not get in her way, and would allow her within reason, some flexibility to do the things that she enjoyed, like horseback riding, and water skiing, she was content.  He was always just a few feet away from her should someone try to harm her.  While she and Clint maintained a professional relationship, he couldn’t help but feel like a family member after spending so much time with her and the President, including Christmas, and Thanksgiving holidays. Growing up as an only child, he enjoyed watching the closeness of the Kennedy family, which included Bobby and Ted’s children.  He writes about their trips to Greece, and several other countries, and how much people everywhere adored her. Clint became fond of her children, so it is no surprise that he grieved when Mrs. Kennedy had 2 miscarriages.  He eventually interacted with the President since he became the SAIC  (special agent in charge) of Mrs. Kennedy along with one other agent.  He writes about her likes and dislikes, and her desire  to go out in public as a normal citizen. She loved to shop, and eventually that became a big problem, as crowds formed to get a glimpse of her. At her request, Clint found himself shopping for her and doing other errands that were not in his job description, yet he didn’t mind. The hardest part of the book to read was that November day in Dallas, when the President was shot. Clint was the agent that ran and jumped onto  the back of the car, and pushed Mrs. Kennedy down in the seat,  covering  both she and the President who had been fatally shot by that time. Looking at the President’s head wound, he signaled back to the other agents in the follow-up car with a hands down gesture, that he was critically wounded. He pounded the trunk of the car in frustration and anger, while tears rolled down his cheeks.   He lived with a tremendous amount of guilt for many years after that. He felt that if he had been just a few seconds sooner, that he may have taken the bullet for the President, thus saving his life.  He writes about retiring from the service, and spending time withdrawn in his basement, with only alcohol and cigarettes for company. He ends the book with the news that Jackie Kennedy was dying from cancer, and how much he would miss her. The book is a fascinating read, with an  inside look into one of the most famous, and adored families. I highly recommend this book. I understand that Clint is working on a second book about the Kennedy family. I can’t wait to read it.

Daylight savings time again

Did you remember to change your clock one hour forward last night? Once again, daylight saving time (the correct name, and not savings time), began today at 2 am. Since 2007, DST has been observed from the second Sunday in March, to the last Sunday in November. All U.S. states except Hawaii, and most of Arizona, run their clocks on this time.   While many people slept, others were up, including myself. I was watching DVD movies that I rented, and I watched as the clock on my laptop jumped from 2 to 3 a.m. It was not a big deal. Supposedly, the reason that we follow this time schedule,  is to allow us another hour of sunlight, thereby saving money by not having to turn on lamps in  our homes, and other places. For people who participate in outdoor activities, they love it. It allows them to play volleyball, or basketball longer, was well as other activities.   Some people have questioned whether DST really saves money, pointing out that the extra  hour that DST provides in southern states, is a hotter hour,  resulting in people coming home from work, and having to turn their  air conditioner on to cool down their homes. Other people use that extra hour of sunlight, by running errands in their car, and using more gasoline. So, you either like it, or you don’t. The bottom line is that if you live in a state that follows DST, you must remember to change your clocks. Not a big deal, and you get to enjoy another hour of sunlight. How you use it is up to you.

Clock-Vin (Photo credit: nist6ss)

Skip the service dog who saves lives!

Today, after going to the lab to get my  blood drawn for testing per my doctor’s orders, I went into the pharmacy to have some medication filled. While I was waiting in line, there was a nice looking woman with a beautiful dog on a leash sitting at her feet. The dog had a sign he was wearing that read “service dog.” Now, I had always thought that a service dog helped the blind and the handicapped, but the woman didn’t appear to be in bad health. This dog kept looking up at me, and just made me smile. I am not a dog owner, but I really liked this dog. I asked the woman if I could pet her dog, and she responded yes. She told me that his name was “Skip,” and I asked her what type of service dog he was. She told me an interesting story. She said that Skip actually helped other dogs by giving them his blood. They had both just come from the vet, and that Skip was kinda of out of it since they take about four vials from his chest. She said that Skip has never once complained, or yelped, or tried to bite the vet. I can only imagine that it hurts, but he takes it like a champ.  She went on to tell me that Skip is a mixture of a dachshund and a Labrador. She rescued him from a shelter a few years ago, and her vet asked if she wouldn’t mind if Skip could become a blood donor. Dogs do not have blood types like people, so Skip’s blood can be transfused to any breed of dog. However, once a dog receives Skip’s blood, then that dog can only receive Skips blood in the future if it is needed. I thought this was very interesting. She proudly told me that Skip has saved six dogs in the last five years, who would have died without the blood transfusion. Having had blood transfusions myself over the past few years, I could relate to her story. So, I leaned down, and allowed Skip to sniff my hand, then I proceeded to pet him and to stroke him.  Hey, I watch the dog whisperer, so I now how to do this! I’m only sorry that I didn’t have a camera with me to take Skip’s picture, so that I could post it for you, but believe me, he is a very adorable dog. After today, I plan to take my camera with me every time I leave my home.

Billy The Service Dog Plays In Wilson Lake (Photo credit: pmarkham)

Soon, other people showed up in line, and they asked the woman about Skip, and she proceeded to retell his story all over again. She didn’t seem to mind. So, today, Skip is my hero. He is 2 and a half years old, and not very big, but he certainly has a big heart! This picture is the closest one that shows what Skip looks like.

Fallen Heroes : Santa Cruz Detective Elizabeth Butler & Sgt. Loren Baker

I looked  up the definition of the word hero in the dictionary today. It had several meanings, but the best one was “one who shows great courage.” Sadly, two police officers proved this to be true today with their lives.  Until today, the Santa Cruz, California,  police department had never lost anyone in the line of duty. Two of their police officers were killed in a shootout outside a home, where they were investigating a  sexual assault case, about 3 p.m. The  suspected shooter  escaped, but was chased and  killed in a hail of gunfire unleashed by police officers, some thirty minutes later, on Doyle street. Several law enforcement agencies including SWAT and the FBI,  searched the area, but later determined that the shooter acted alone. There was no need for this senseless shooting.  I mean, what was going through the mind of the shooter? What did he do that was so bad that he didn’t want to go to jail? I don’t understand. I can only imagine that this morning the last thing these two heroes were thinking is that they would be shot and killed today. I am sure that officers think about it, but, realistically, for the most part, and speaking from experience, law enforcement is about 99 percent boring! Yes, whether you believe or not, this is true.  But, it is that other 1 percent that makes an officers pulse race, and his/her adrenaline flow. It is not everyday that an officer might pull out their  sidearm out, or to even fire it. But, it does happen.  It is nothing like you see on TV shows. Whenever  an officer fires their weapon, they spend hours being investigated, retelling the events of the shooting, over and over again, to many people, and  spending more hours completing reports in detail. This applies even to accidental discharges.  What about those loved ones and friends that these two officers leave behind? Detective Butler leaves behind 2 small boys, ages 2 & 5.  Time has passed, and things have changed, but I remember a time years ago, when police officers were treated with respect.  Law abiding citizens  never thought of harming a police officer.  Today, criminals have  become more brazen. They  have lost respect for those working in law enforcement. All they see is a badge, the don’t see the person behind it.  If someone is willing to shoot and kill you, then they don’t value a life, much alone their own. There is a reason they call certain  situations  a time of “desperation.” While I didn’t know any of these people, the fact that this is the first time ever that the city has lost an officer in the line of duty, tells me something about the city, and the residents of Santa Cruz. Crime is not biased. It happens everyday, and everywhere. These 2 fallen officers are heroes in my eyes. The fact that they were willing to give up their lives for others when they pinned on that badge, says plenty about them. Dedication, bravery, and the ultimate sacrifice: giving your life for others. Now, that is what a true hero is.

Barry Gibb continues on

Publicity photo of the Bee Gees for the television special Billboard #1 Music Awards. Top to to bottom: Maurice, Robin and Barry. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

I’ve been spending the last two weeks watching video of The Bee Gees, one of my favorite all time groups from the 60′s. I have memories of riding with my parents, and listening to their music on am radio, back around 1967. I didn’t know at the time who they were, but I loved their music. I was 10, when I first heard their songs.  Barry,  along with twins Robin & Maurice, who were 3 years younger, decided as young boys that they would one day be famous singers, and they made it. They struggled in the early years, faced doubt, lean years,  and even broke up several times, and going on their own. But fortunate for their fans, they reunited, and went on to make several number one hits, and sold millions of records.  Sadly, Maurice passed away in 2003, and Robin, passed away in 2012. Barry, the oldest and remaining Bee Gee, just started a tour in Melbourne, Australia, this month. He just decided that things are going so well, that he is going to tour the United States next. According to interviews that he gave on YouTube, Barry has said that the music must continue. He has said that it is very difficult for him  since there were 3 brothers in the act, (younger brother Andy Gibb joined them on stage for a while, before going onto a solo career),  but he also said that his music keeps him busy, and this is his way of keeping the memory of the his brothers  alive.  Barry still sounds good at 66, and has incredible energy. His son Steven Gibb  sings and plays guitar in his band. Allow me to be biased here, but this is without a doubt, the best musical group of guys that I have every heard harmonizing. This voices and talent were just out of this world. I am very fortunate to have attended a concert in 1976 in Los Angeles, and I saw them perform their hits, ” Run to Me, Words, Holiday, and to Love Somebody”,  my personal favorite song by the group,  just to name a few.  They  have written songs for numerous other artists, and have won many, many awards, including several Grammys. As song writers, they rank  at number 2 of successful song writers, of  all time, just after Paul McCartney & John Lennon. They were inducted into the song writers hall of fame a few years ago. Not to shabby if you ask me.   While I miss seeing Robin, and Maurice, I am happy to see Barry doing what he loves to do so much.  As long as there is video of the brothers, we will always have great memories, and music from  the brothers Gibb!

English: The Bee Gees in Dutch television show Twien (1968). From left to right: Barry, Robin, y Maurice Gibb Français : Les Bee Gees à la télévision hollandaise (1968). De gauche à droite : Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb & Maurice Gibb. Nederlands: The Bee Gees in het Nederlandse televisieprogramma Twien (1968) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Meteor fireball explodes over Russia!

English: A fireball Geminids falling earthwards. The Draconid meteor shower is expected on October 8, 2011, and may feature up to 1000 meteors falling her hour, according to some astronomers. Almost all meteors burn up and disintegrate long before reaching the surface of the Earth. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Did you see the footage on the news of the media that landed in Russia? It injured some 400 people, and sent them to the hospital. It also destroy many buildings, and shattered windows, frightening many people. Can you believe this. It would seem that all those movies that came out a few years ago about our earth ending, with meteors striking the earth, proved that this was not just some Hollywood fiction. This can and did actually happen. So are we safe? Maybe, maybe not. It all depends on how scientist can detect these fireballs well before they strike the earth. While scientist have been following the other asteroid that is passing the earth, but will miss us, apparently the one in Russia came in under their radar, and caught many people off guard. So be careful folks, because when you least expect it, day or night, it will probably happen again. We can only hope that it doesn’t hit any building or kill anyone. Living in California all my life, this is similar to earthquakes out here. We get all excited when a big one hits, and it startles you, but then you make sure everyone is okay, and go about your business as usual. So look up to the skies, and watch out for things falling from the sky that may hurt you!