An Ignored Child

Perfect title for this post, don't you think? Now that I've become a victim of history on my other blog, I don't get to this corner as often. This morning I sat here sadly having awaken to reality once again, having just returned from my favorite place....the ocean. Why is it that vacations are so stressful in their own ways? Many of us spend extra time getting everything in order at home so that we can go on vacation, and when we return, we feverishly catch up to get back on track again. That alone probably makes you wonder why you went in the first place. But, while you're there, it all comes together to make it seem worthwhile. I managed to get in two days of golf, how I did is quite another story, however. But for anyone who might play occasionally, seeing different scenery seems to make the game more interesting. Of course, vacation time wouldn't be complete without a little cycling, which I tried to get in as often as I could. The funny thing about me is that even though I love the ocean, I manage to keep my distance, so to speak. Of my eight days at the beach, only one saw me actually taking a dip in the big 'o', with the rest finding me in the more convenient pool. The reality of it is that it must be such things as the relaxing sound of the tide coming in thru your window at night that contribute to the overall atmosphere. And who could go on without mentioning the seafood? I mean, who goes to the ocean and eats pizza? I realize there are those who do, but I can't bring myself to dining out at a steakhouse when I find myself at a place where seafood is a specialty. And now the only thing probably left to ponder is whether I would look at all of this in a different light if I were a seaside resident. Until that happens, however, I will continue to look forward to my next trip to the beach.

Why?

News coming across the wire this morning described how the police in North Carolina have shot and killed the serial killer who had been tormenting that state. Now, make no mistake about my personal view on this issue; I couldn't be more pleased that this low life is off the map. But the question we should ALL be asking is: "Why, with a rap sheet that is 25 pages long, was this creature allowed to be released from prison, to begin with?" All the deaths that resulted from this killer being on the loose can be blamed on the system, or should I say the lack of it! (Note to readers: The killer's name was purposely omitted, as per my policy of not promoting their agenda.)

The Michael Jackson Funeral

In case anyone out there has not heard as of yet, the king of pop, Michael Jackson has died on June 25th, and is scheduled to be laid to rest tomorrow. My point, obviously, is that we've heard just about all there is to hear over the last 9 days or so, and now I think it's time to give this poor guy a decent burial. Tomorrow, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, a memorial service is scheduled for Jackson, and the attraction is nothing less than sensational. With anyone attending this service having to fork up $25, we are now seeing just what Michael Jackson meant to anyone associated with his inner circle.......MONEY! We can all understand the magnitude of a celebrity like Michael Jackson and the impact that his passing away has had on his many many fans. But all the indecision and bickering between parties in charge, including the family, with regard to everything from his funeral to his very resting place has turned a sad occasion for many into a circus for the masses!

They Come In Bunches

It is often said that deaths come in threes. Well if you go back the past eight days, that figure was better than doubled in the entertainment community. On June 23rd, we received word of the passing of Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's sidekick on the original Tonight Show, who was 86. Two days later on the 25th, we lost 62 year old Farrah Fawcett to cancer, which she had been battling for the past three years. Within hours of Fawcett's death came the shocking news of the passing of pop icon Michael Jackson, who was only 50 years old. On June 27, Gale Storm, age 87, of television's 'My Little Margie' fame died of natural causes. The following day, Las Vegas stand up comedian Fred Travalena was struck with a heart attack and passed at the age of 66. Also on the 28th, the Oxi Clean man himself, Billy Mays also died of a heart attack. Mays was 49. And today, the entertainment community lost 97 year old Karl Malden. Best known for his starring role in the tv series 'The Streets of San Francisco', Malden's cause of death was not disclosed. To say I've had enough would be an understatement!