J_Darrowin's Newsroom

I found a lot of family photos that were scattered along the sidewalk on S. Volusia Ave, Orange City, yesterday on the way home from work. I collected as many as I could, as well as the envelope they came in. There was no name or address on the envelope. I'm posting a few of the photos in the hopes that someone reading this blog may recognize the people or surroundings in the pictures, maybe even the handwriting on the envelope. If you know who these folks are, please let me know so that I may make arrangements to return the photos to them. I'm not sure what else to do. Let me know if you have any suggestions on any further actions I could take..

In case the photos can't be displayed properly in the blog, I've also posted them in my photo album under "Lost Family Photos", though they may take a bit to show up while they're being "approved" by Fox.

You may remember the incident back in late June when several Orlando city vehicles had been vandalized by someone spraying anti-Obama messages with spraypaint on them.  The vandal, or vandals, left behind some "business cards" with political ramblings printed on them.   As a reminder, here are pictures of both sides of the cards below:

Side 1:

Side 2:

Keep in mind, this was in Orlando. 

Well, imagine my surprise, while biking home from work from DeBary to Orange City, via Volusia Ave, when I found several more of these cards scattered along the side of the road.   It makes one wonder.   Could whomever had vandalized the vehicles in Orlando have been passing through my area?  Maybe he lives there?  Or, could it be possible that he may be planning to vandalize more vehiceles in my area?   Maybe he was just trying to get rid of them.  Who knows? 

Still, I think its something I thought I should make you aware of.   Maybe we'll get lucky and the guy will get caught this time.

Alright, you've seen it... the "big story" this morning about how Lashunda Jones (and her boyfriend) paid a visit to Houston's Resturaunt in Winter Park and claim that they've been a target of "racism".  The hostess had jotted a brief description of the two guests on her ticket pad, something we've all seen them do.  Here it is below:

The ticket says "Lashanda 2 - black couple".  Lashunda claims that adding the race description is an act of "racism". 

Full link to the story, in case you haven't seen it, is here: Angry Customer Has A Big Problem at Houston's Restaurant

Have we really sunk this low?  Yes, I'm fully aware that it was against the company's policies to add race, gender or weight descriptions to the customers, but this isn't what I'm talking about, so no arguments about that, please.  Besides, how many of you have always followed company policy by the letter, at all times?  This isn't even about the disciplinary action that was taken against the hostess, or the spineless manager who suspended her and cleary tried to cover his own behind when confronted by Ms. Jones.  Have we really gotten to the point that even the mentioning of someone's race is considered a racist attack?  Should we no longer allow the police, EMT's, firefighters and yes, even reporters, to do this as well?  It is a common practice, after all. 

From what I can tell, the description was merely to help identify/remember who the customer was.  I don't see any racism implied here.   The problem is, the word "racism" has been used too loosely nowadays, and its use has become so broad, that it has lost its true meaning.  Someone, explain to me, how exactly identifiying a couple as black can be called "racist".   I'd be interested to hear it.

At least theres one silver lining in this story.  The resturaunt will never need to worry about dealing with Ms. Jones again, as she claimed that she'll never return.  Thats fine.  Customers like this, you don't need anyway.

Good news for you guys... this blog is short!

Anyway, it came to my attention earlier that there is a website that has a petition to start drilling for oil in the United States.   Here is the link for complete details:

Drill Here.  Drill Now.  Pay Less.

According to the website, so far, there have been 75,150 signatures as of this posting. 

Will it actually accomplish anything?  Your guess is as good as mine.  I just thought I'd get the word out to you.   Have a look at it, if your so inclined.

A couple of days ago, while listening to the morning news on the radio, I heard a story about a school in Fulton County, Ga., that was part of a pilot program that offered paychecks to some low-income students for attending an after school program two days a week.  The students received up to $8.00 an hour for doing their schoolwork. 

The program, called "Learn to Earn", is being tested at  Creekside High School, using cash as an incentive to get students to come in and learn.   It is being headed by Jackie Cushman, the daughter of Newt Gingrich. 

Wanting to do a poll, but unable to form a proper one at these boards, I've set one up at the following link here.  I've also posted more of the story at the link as well.

Have a look, if you're so inclined, and tell me what you think of this program!

Most of us have seen and heard it by now.  The images of Reverend Jeremiah Wright,  who presidental hopeful Barak Obama's claims is his friend, mentor and inspiration,  yelling, hissing and spitting enough venom to make a cobra envious in front of his clearly enthusiastic congregation.   Though claiming to be Christian, his sermons are erryly similar to any number of Anti-American radical Islamic clerics.  Take your pick which one. 

I'm not going to talk about those sermons though.  That's being taken care of already by a number of bloggers, columnists and talk show hosts that are alot more skilled at that than I am.   What I'm focusing on is an observation I had while listening to callers and reading statements critisizing both Reverend Wright, and Obama for associating with him.  The observation was that most of the critics had one thing in common; they were all Christians. 

Now, I've stated before that I'm not religous.  It's not so much that I'm anti-religion, it's just that I have no real place for it in my life.  However, I have noticed one major difference between followers of Islam, and followers of Christianity...  When a radical Islamic cleric preaches anti-American or anti-Semitic statements, the followers of Islam, including those living right here in the U.S. and claim to be moderate, rarely say anything to dispute the cleric's words.   To be sure, there may be a few, but one would be hard pressed to find them.   Maybe they agree with the context, though they wouldn't do violence themselves.  Maybe they're afraid of repercussions.  At any rate, they either say nothing, or give a weak defense along the lines of "he shouldn't have said that, but....", usually followed by some crime America or Bush has done in the past.

I, along with many others, always believed that if a radical Christian were to give a similar sermon, he would be immediately rebuked by other Christians.  Judging from their angry reactions, it looks like we were right.  Both he, and Obama, have been assailed on all sides by angry Christians from all races and walks of life, who most definately do *not* agree with his bigotry against whites, Jews and America in general (not including, of course, the enthusiastic followers of his church).   Yes, he does have the occasional supporter who agrees with his views and supports his right to free speech, but they're in the minority. 

I guess I can just say I'm glad to see I was right, and I'd like to give the Christians my thanks for proving it. 

One final thought.  It should be noted that most people don't select a church because they want to be converted to that church's ideals.  They select that church because it already falls in line with their way of thinking.   Both Barak and Michelle Obama have attended that church for many years.   That should tell you something about them, and the rest of the congregation of Trinity United.

Reverend Wrights "Sermon" (youtube video)

The only thing more disturbing than the sermon, is the reaction of the congregation.  Remember, these folks will be voting soon.

The below article is from Embarq News.  This is a story that'll make you mad:

====================================================
==

BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. (AP) — A man angered after a dispute with his wife confessed to tossing his four young children off a bridge, authorities said Wednesday as they searched murky waters for the bodies.

Lam Luong, 37, who is charged with four counts of capital murder, told authorities Tuesday night that he drove to the Dauphin Island bridge and dropped the children from a span that reaches 80 feet in places, said Detective Scott Rivera.

Luong came to coastal Alabama from Vietnam in 1984 and worked in the commercial fishing industry as a shrimper, Police Chief John Joyner and a relative said. He had argued with his wife, Ngoc Phan, before taking the children, he said.

Missing and presumed dead were 4-month-old Danny Luong; 1-year-old Lindsey Luong; 2-year-old Hannah Luong; and 3-year-old Ryan Phan. Phan is not the man's biological child, but Luong raised him from infancy, authorities said.

Authorities were searching a 100-square-mile area and waters as deep as 55 feet. The search included divers and cadaver dogs in small boats, as well as three helicopters, Mobile County Sheriff Sam Cochran said.

Joyner said he feared the search of the Intracoastal Waterway below the bridge would be hampered by bad weather and choppy waters. The bridge extends from the mainland to Dauphin Island, which lies between the waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.

The couple lived with Phan's mother at Bayou La Batre, a fishing village with a large Southeast Asian community. Phan's brother-in-law Kam Phengsisomboun, who is from Thailand, said the couple moved back to the area from Hinesville, Ga., only a couple of weeks ago.

They argued Sunday night and again Monday, he said. Luong left the home with two of the children, then later came back for the other two, he said.

The family initially feared the children had been traded to support a drug habit, Phengsisomboun said. Luong had a crack cocaine habit and had spent an insurance settlement from an automobile accident rapidly, he said, and authorities confirmed Luong had a history of drug offenses.

Luong reported the children missing Monday, and told police that a woman who had the children failed to return them, authorities said. Phengsisomboun said he was later told by investigators that a witness had seen someone throw a bundle from the bridge and then saw three children in a nearby car.

Phan, 23, was in seclusion Wednesday morning at her mother's brick home, the front porch cluttered with children's shoes.

====================================================
===

WELL....  I guess he SHOWED HER!!

I think the title is wrong.  Any so-called "father" like the one above does not deserve the title of "Dad".

This seems to be yet another trend.  First we hear of people throwing stray dogs and cats off a bridge, then a mother throws her children off a bridge, now this knucklehead above.  I can't help but believe that the sensationalism by the media that is associated with previous incidents gave this idiot "the idea", sort of like the Columbine copy cats. 

I'm not really a believer in Hell, but if there is, I bet there's a special place reserved just for monsters like him.

Well, here we go again.   Can anyone really say that their surprised?  The full article to this story is found here: Paris Riots, Part Deux

As you can see from the article, the piece leaves out the "Muslim youths" part, just as they did last time.   Rather, they just mention that the youths are from "the poorer neighborhoods", which just  *happen* to be populated by "minorities and Muslims".     The rioters have stepped up their game, however, as firearms are now being used against the police.

This time, however, France is being run by Sarkozy, who I feel is not going to be as sympathetic towards them as Chirac was.   During the last riots, Sarkozy was the Interior Minister, in charge of the police, who correctly referred to the rioters as "scum".   It'll be interesting to see what happens next.

And so, today ends the 40 days of prayer, known as "Operation Armor All" in Orlando.  The event occurred every day from Oct. 10th until today, Nov. 19th.  Church members and police alike joined in the activities.  The full story on this event can be found here:

The belief was that "changed hearts can change behavior, change crime, and change a reputation.  People hope that this event can reduce crime in the Orlando area.  I've heard people being interviewed that they can sense a change in the area, a sense of hope.

It's a false hope.

I've never seen any examples of prayer solving people's problems.  There have been cases where parents have prevented their children from going to the hospital, convinced that all they'ed have to do was pray to God for their children to recover.  Those children died.

There was a prayer session, held by Sonny Perdue, the mayor of Atlanta, GA, praying for rain to end their drought (I wrote a blog about this here) just last week.  Yes, it rained, but as I said before, it was due to rain anyway.

Now we have large masses of people in Orlando begging God to solve their problems for them.  I have news for them; God does not help people who will not help themselves.   In other words, if you want a problem solved, YOU have to do it.   The time they spent trying to offload their problem to God was time that was better off spent devising plans and strategies to combat the crime problem in Orlando.   It could've been spent tracking down criminals and making arrests.  It could've been used re-writing the laws to actually keep the scumbags in jail.   You get my point. 

To all the good citizens of Orlando who participated in this event, I dedicate this song to you:

Excerpt From: The Night Before Christmas

He had a broad face; and a little round belly;

That shook, when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly;

He was chubby and plump; a right jolly old elf;

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of himself;

Well, laugh at his belly while you can, because Ol' St. Nick is going lean and trim this year.  At least, he is in England.   England, who is currently going through a child obesity problem similar to the United States, is concerned that Santa's enlarged girth sets a bad example for children, and have asked their Santa's to go thin and trim this year.   They have also asked them to hand children alternitives to candy and sweets. 

Now, I understand that we'ed all like to see our children lose weight, but I hardly think asking an iconic figure (no pun intended) like Santa to trim down is the answer.  I don't know about you, but I do not want to see a skinny Santa like the one portrayed in the old "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" Christmas special.  It's bad enough the poor guy can't even say "BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP" in Australia anymore (please read my blog about this here ), now he can't just be his jolly big self in jolly ol' England?  What next, PETA suing him for enslaving reindeer?   Will he be forced to unionize his elves?  How about arresting him for several billion counts of breaking and entering?  Pedophillia?  Being a communist because he wears red?   Actually, I should stop.   I don't want to give any knuckleheads out there any ideas. 

To watch a video on this story, click on this link:  Santa's on a Diet This Season 

You'll have to sit through a commercial first, keep that in mind. 

Santa has enough problems, leave the poor guy alone. 

Around quarter after 5 today, I stopped by Wal-Mart in Orange City to pick up my new glasses.  Well, I didn't get to take them home, but that's a rant for another time. 

What I did see, however, was a crowd of people standing around the main entrance.  At first, I thought it was probably some kind of Halloween event for the kids.  However, I then got a brief glimpse of what appeared to be middle-aged woman lying flat on her back, right on the driveway in front of the entrance.   I figured that she must've collapsed or something.   I then noticed an employee, standing by another middle-aged, red haired woman, telling someone to "stand by her so that she doesn't leave". 

It was after a police woman arrived that I learned more of the story from the second woman as she was being interviewed by the cop.  It seems that she, and the woman lying on the pavement, had gotten into an "altercation" with each other.  Over what, I have no idea, but it being Halloween, it was probably over something stupid.  Most fights usually are.   Guess it's apparent who the champ was.   I heard a witness to the fight say that the two were broken up earlier, then went right back at it again.   I believe the woman that got KO'd was punched in the face.    The victor stated that she did not need medical treatment, and did not appear to be hurt.   Also, according to witnesses, the KO'd woman started the fight, unless I heard them wrong.  I didn't see any arrests, though the officer did ask for the "Black Berry" device the woman was holding.   

The officer then began shooing the crowd away as an ambulance and fire truck arrived.   The only name I caught was for the KO'd woman, whose name was "Linda".  At least, that's what one of her friends kept calling her, as if to wake her up.   Smelling salts, anyone?

Sorry, guys, that's all I could get.  Maybe one of you guys know more about this, and can fill in the gaps? 

You know, most normal people find lost wallets, or change, or library cards, maybe the occasional set of keys.  Not me though.  Nope, my great discovery for the day was a lost weather balloon (at least, I *think* it's a weather balloon).  My boss and I found it just across the street from his company.  It must've touched down sometime around 2pm this afternoon.  Eventually, the wind freed it, and we ended up chasing it across the parking lot.  Fortunately, there was only enough helium in it to prevent it from collapsing completely, so it wasn't too tough to catch.   I've inserted links to the three pictures of it below, two from a distance, and the third is a close up shot of the box that was attached to the bottom. 

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

So, if you lost a weather balloon, or, if you know someone who has (or how I return it to the company that launched it), blog it here.  Better hurry, though.  My boss is an engineer, and he's just itching to take it apart and study it. ;)

Well, I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that our own soldiers would be capable of such acts, but I unfortunately have undeniable proof that this is occurring.  I have found these pictures on the net, and I have posted them in my photo album.  Do not look if you have a faint heart. 

Photos and captions provided by www.540wfla.com/pages/bud_hedinger.html

I apologize in advance for any anguish this may cause, but this is something that you HAVE to know about. 

Around quarter to 5 this afternoon, I was leaving Winn Dixie's in Orange City, heading to my bike, when I noticed a few teenagers by the entrance giggling and pointing at something.  I turned around, and noticed a young boy, at least 10 years old, but probably no older than 12, walking around the parking lot with a plastic trash bag, picking up garbage.  I noticed what appeared to be a large, and bright orange, sign attached to his back.  Curious, I manuevered my bike behind him so that I could read the sign....

"If I Act Like A Criminal, I Shall Be Treated As One"

I then noticed a woman holding a video camera, filming the boy.   I correctly assumed that this woman was the boy's mother. 

After watching a few minutes, I approached the woman and asked why the boy was wearing the sign and picking up garbage.   She didn't seem to mind me asking, I think she actually enjoyed it a little.

"Well, for starters, he burned my house down."  (whether on purpose or by carelessness, she didn't say).   "Also, he was being disruptive at school.  Then he was being disruptive at home  (Yep, I'd say burning the house down would definitely qualify as being disruptive at home).  He's being bad, so he's getting a little public humilation."

At one point, the boy complained that he was hungry.  "So find something, then." his mother replied.  Guess she meant he had to forage something.

I thanked the lady for her time, and headed home, just so I could share the story with you folks.  In an age where parents are usually defending their children's actions against the teachers, police and the courts, it was nice to see a parent actually laying down the law to her kid. 

Let this be a lesson to you, kiddies.   Don't burn the house down, and don't be disruptive in school.   Not all parents are willing to be your doormats.  You could find yourself wearing a bright orange sign, picking up garbage and being filmed, and gawked at, by complete strangers like myself.   "Hey, grandkids, would you like to see a video of what happened to your daddy when he misbehaved?"

When I first heard this on the radio this morning, I actually thought it was a good thing, given "The Views" mostly liberal themes.  Well, this is what I get for not knowing anything about Manilow.  It turns out he's refusing to appear only because of Elisabeth Hasselbeck, the conservative on the panel of hosts.  He refuses to be either seated next to her, or be interviewed by her.  Elisabeth, you may remember, is the one who had her famous blowout against Rosie O'Donnel.  Rosie left the program a short time later.

"I wanted to let you know that I will no longer be on The View tomorrow as scheduled. I had made a request that I be interviewed by Joy [Behar], Barbara [Walters] or Whoopi [Goldberg] but not Elisabeth Hasselbeck," he wrote. "Unfortunately, the show was not willing to accommodate this simple request, so I bowed out."

"I strongly disagree with her views. I think she's dangerous and offensive. I will not be on the same stage as her."

Manilow is good friends with Rosie, and it's speculated that he may be "standing up" for her.

Personally, I believe that while he has the right to do that, it doesn't sound very professional to me.   You can't really pick and choose who interviews you on that stage.  What is Elisabeth supposed to do, sit there with her mouth shut and hands folded?  Leave the stage?  I don't watch the show myself, but it's one of those programs that just keeps popping up on the news. 

Some would view this as hypocritical, as he's appeared twice before on the show, with Elisabeth there.  This was before her and Rosie's split-screen showdown.

Elisabeth... dangerous?  Maybe we could see that as a compliment!