VIDEO 1/25/12: CHICAGO BULLDOG CHOKED BY ELEVATOR SURVIVES; CAUSES OUTRAGE

The internet is on fire and the video is certain to go viral quickly.  A video posted on YouTube shows the freak accident of a bulldog getting sucked in by an elevator door.  Many animal lover’s are outraged but happy to hear the dog survived.

A Chicago man entered the elevator in his building, but apparently he was not watching closely.  Because his bulldog’s leash got caught in the door, when the dog decided to stay in the lobby.  As the door closed, he was pulled up by his leash, choking him with his own collar.

The stunned man told reporters, “I actually almost didn’t want to open the door and see what had happened on the lobby side. I wish I would have let go of the leash, but it all happened so fast that it pulled me in and it was impossible to take my hand out of the strap.”

Fortunately the dog survived with little damage, but the owner ended up with a broken wrist. Surveillance footage from the lobby is incredible to watch, but hopefully teaches all dog lover’s a lesson…pay attention to your pet!

We are all so distracted these days, especially with cell phones and other things…this is definitely a sign that we all need to slow down and enjoy life (and our pets).

 The bulldog is resting comfortably, but probably is wondering if he will continue to be “man’s best friend”.

 

VIDEO 1/24/12: PRESIDENT OBAMA STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS RECAP; LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM

Tonight President Obama gave his State of The Union Address.  Whether you love him or hate him there is no denying, he is a great speaker.  While he only touched on many issues of our country, it was easy to get the point. 

Although brief, he covered almost every issue on the minds of the American people.  He opened with full support and cheers from both sides; with a proud reminder of the demise Osama Bin Ladin.  Then he spoke about, health care reform, millionaire tax breaks, saving the integrity of social security and medicare, teacher bonus programs, unnecessary oversight, student loans, offering training programs, bank deficit of trust, the renewed strength of General Motors, how women should earn the same as men (really loved that point), and most importantly the obvious divide between Republicans and Democrats.

It is impossible to fix every problem he presented in one speech or one term and he certainly knows it.  But the President was brilliant to put them all on the table, to let us know they are on his mind.  It’s obvious that his hands are tied on many issues and you could feel the chill in the air, when he confronted those holding him back. 

Many critics will beat up his speech, and one reporter already went on record stating, when you say too much you say nothing.  But I totally disagree…in his one hour speech he said it all.

Politicians all promise to do things differently or better, but in reality if they do not build a bridge and unite it will always stay the same.  One side stands and cheers and the other side has an ugly frown.  They all need to put politics on the back burner and check their egos at the door.  It’s time for them to come together and stop wasting time disagreeing on things that don’t matter.

Although President Obama  cannot rebuild all that was broken long before he arrived, it is clear that he has good intentions and wants what’s best for us all.  But with the stiff angry faces filling a lot of the room, it let us know his fight is hard and nearly impossible to win.

I am definitely not that into politics, but have good common sense.  Basic things are easy to follow, millionaires should not pay less taxes and money, power & greed should not be what rules our country.

Love him or hate him…President Obama will go down as one of the greatest speakers to hit the White House.

On a side note…it was good to see Gabrielle Gifford getting help from “the enemy”.  And poor Hillary Clinton, she looked stressed and like she needs some rest.  Hopefully Hillary will get a vacation soon.

WATCH VIDEO: FULL SPEECH HERE

 

ROSS KEMP EXPOSES CHICAGO’S HEROIN PROBLEM, MUST SEE VIDEO

 

CHICAGO is a great city to live and visit. But a friend of mine from overseas shared this documentary with me yesterday.  In this recently produced video, Ross Kemp exposes the serious problem with heroin addiction, not only within Chicago’s inner city, but in “Middle America” suburban neighborhoods.

My friends first comment was “this video sure is bad for tourist who are thinking of visiting Chicago”.  So I watched this incredible series and was shocked to see Kemp’s findings.  The frightening details of how heroin has infiltrated Chicago, was mind-boggling.  I live here and did not know about most of what he uncovered.  Did you know the Eisenhower (29o expressway) is known as “Heroin Alley”?  Well, I sure had not heard that.  He filmed the drug trade and dealers who hang out along the side of the expressway.  Did you know huge numbers of suburban addicts visit this area to buy drugs?

His series called “Ross Kemp Extreme World” is well produced and extremely graphic.  Kemp clearly risked his life interviewing drug dealers and users throughout this documentary.  It has sad moments of regular people now addicted, in action.  They shot actual footage of them injecting the drugs, having seizures close to overdosing, and cutting the heroin.  One of the suburban young women interviewed, said 70% of her friends were users.  Wow!

If you want a closer look into Chicago’s drug problem, this is a must see.  ALL OF THEM.  As he digs in deep you will be amazed at his findings and that this happening right under our noses.  At one point a dealer says the Chicago police are involved and some are also addicts.  That’s not too surprising after watching this documentary. 

If I was a tourist watching this documentary, I would sure be afraid to visit Chicago.  Let’s hope this does not discourage them. Take some time out to watch and share it with others.  It will blow your mind!  Why isn’t our news media reporting this?  Maybe our new Mayor Raum Emanuel will investigate.

Ross Kemp has received international recognition as an investigative journalist for his critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary series Ross Kemp on Gangs.  He is an award-winning British actor, journalist and author.

WATCH MORE VIDEO’S HERE:

EPISODE 1 PT 2:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0asJrgyCBV0&feature=related

EPISODE 1 PT 3:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOCbnRqQE0k&feature=related

 

(VIDEO) 2011 OPRAH INTERVIEWS TORTURED CHILD LOCKED IN CLOSET, CLAYTON SPEAKS OUT

WATCH CHILLING VIDEO ON OPRAH

Today OPRAH interviewed Clayton, who is now a young vibrant 19-year-old.  But when he was only 6-years-old, his torture at the hands of his parents made national news.

Back in 1999, Clayton was severely abused by his parents who chained him in a closet and did unthinkable things to him for several months. The small child was starved, beaten, fed soap, and tortured at the hands of his dad and stepmother. Details of his abuse were outlined during his compelling interview with Oprah. Clayton was also reunited with the officer who rescued him long ago.

Clayton was rescued by an incredible officer, Deputy Todd Pate, over 13-years ago when his gut told him something was terribly wrong.  The officer was smart enough to know the social worker who visited the home, reporting all was fine, was horribly mistaken.  At the time officer Pate was only 28-years-old, but had the insight to go with his instinct, which is amazing.  When the step-sister of the small boy ran away, officer Pate asked the parents to pick her up, knowing they would bring their little boy.  The trap worked and he was able to obtain details of the abuse from the child and quickly arrested the parents.

It is unbelievable that the after all the torture Clayton had to endure, the parents were given mild sentences.  The parents Joseph and Carmen Grad, only served a small portion of their sentence in jail. The father spent only 21 months of his 4 year sentence in jail and the stepmother did even less time.  If this had happened now, they would have received a much tougher penalty.

What a sad story of abuse and torture of an innocent child.  It is hard to believe the state of mind someone has to be in, to harm a child especially at this level.  At that age, there is clearly no reason on earth that he could have done anything at all, to deserve such abuse.

It was disturbing to hear his story, but hopefully it will allow others in similar situations to speak out and get help.  We know children are tortured and abused every day. Maybe others will look for abuse happening in their community and report it…better safe than sorry.

Hats off to the officer for doing the right thing and digging deeper to save him. Hats off to Clayton for sharing his story to help others.  Hats off to the family member who adopted him.  Hats off to Oprah for allowing him to speak.

You should also read:

2011: AZ MOM SLAPS BABY & BLOWS SMOKE IN MOUTH-What is wrong with people?

OPRAH FAREWELL SHOW 5/25/11

SHORT SALE ASSISTANCE

 

2011: CHICAGO RENTS CONTINUE TO RISE, WHY NOT BUY? (via Britta Rivera Venture)

Chicago area rents have continued to climb during the past year.  While many renters scramble to find the "perfect" rental in the city, they often find themselves out of luck for two reasons.  The first reason is the huge increase in rental rates at A+ buildings, many renters just cannot afford to pay the high premiums.  The second reason is apartments in the city are being rented faster than ever before. Renters in search of a home have found th … Read More

via Britta Rivera Venture

 

(VIDEO) MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY 2012; QUOTE CHANGE ON MEMORIAL APPROVED

It is great to see we continue to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., even 83 years after his birth and decades since his death. This year his MLK memorial  in Washington D.C. will receive a make-over due to complaints led by author and poet Maya Angelou.

Changes to the granite stone on his memorial statue were approved this week.  It will be adjusted because many argued that the quote currently on the plaque, “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness”, makes him sound arrogant and that his true message was taken out of context .  They are still deciding what to replace it with, so it may take about three months to update.

In hearing this quote again, I don’t understand what all the fuss is about.  Mr. King was a passionate, confident man with strong beliefs and that’s all it means to me.  He opened the door for many fighting for equality and his words continue to inspire, so what’s wrong with a bit of arrogance anyway? 

As long as he is remembered for many more years to come, that should be enough.  With the speed human communication is changing, who knows how it will be interpreted down the road. Texting is changing the way words are written and shared anyway.

Let’s focus on his overall message on this day of rememberance…it is what’s most important.  Without his dreams, inspirational words and how he touched our lives, we would probably see more intolerance and discrimination even in 2012.

It’s amazing that so many companies still do not embrace this as an official holiday…wonder if that will ever change.  Now that would be worth debate.

What do you think?

READ FULL STORY HERE AND WATCH VIDEO.

 

2012: OPRAH SELECTED AS GODMOTHER FOR BLUE IVY; JAY-Z & BEYONCE HAVE JUICE

How rich can one kid be?   Well, Blue Ivy Carter, the new baby girl of mega singing sensations Beyoncé and Jay-Z, will soon find out.  Oprah Winfrey apparently accepted their request to be the Godmother…now that’s juice! 

Their newborn is only a month old and is already wealthier than most Americans, including the President.  Imagine the gifts she will get for the holidays!  And what about the “trust fund”, it will probably start at a billion dollars.

Actually, this could be a curse or a blessing.  Many children of the rich and famous either turn out incredibly eccentric or with low self-esteem. 

Which would you prefer, Oprah being your Godmother or just an everyday person?  I wonder what their family members are thinking for not being chosen…probably, “Well, Oprah does have more money and power!”

At least Oprah has a bit of joy in her life for now, unfortunately her OWN Network is not lighting it up just yet.

NEW ILLINOIS LAWS 2012

 

“WELCOME BACK KOTTER” STAR DIES AT 60, ROBERT HEGYES A.K.A. JUAN EPSTEIN

It was sad to hear that one of my favorites from the cast of “Welcome Back Kotter” died today. Robert Hegyes played the fun-loving Jewish Puerto Rican “Juan Epstein”, and one of the “Sweathogs”, in the 70′s hit sitcom.  

According to news reports, he suffered from a sudden heart attack in his New Jersey home.  Hegyes was only 60-year-old.

It was one of my favorite shows as a kid and he was extremely talented and funny.  The show pushed his co-star John Travolta to mega stardom and also starred Gabe Kaplan.

R.I.P Robert…your show will continue to keep us laughing for many years to come.

 

VIDEO 1/25/12: REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS RESIGNS AFTER SHOOTING, TRAGIC CHAIN OF EVENTS

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced her resignation today.  Friend and confidant Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, tearfully read the farewell speech, on her behalf.  This comes just one year after the senseless shooting; when a gunman shot her in the head, causing severe damage.

Members of Congress showed support and love by giving her several standing ovations, as a tribute to her legacy as a Congresswoman.  There was not a dry eye on the house floor and for good reason.  It’s tragic that one unnecessary chain of events, could change her life forever. 

While she boldly tried to sustain her past life, she finally found it necessary to leave to focus on her rehabilitation and recovery.  In her resignation letter she made a statement which ripped at the heart; “Every day, I am working hard, I will recover and will return, and we will work together again, for Arizona and for all Americans.”

It is inspiring that she walks away with dignity and her head held high, but extremely disappointing that one man could cause so much pain.  Unfortunately, many lost their lives or were injured on that painful day, and although she survived, her life was changed forever.

One good thing to note; is that during her departure announcement, she was able to temporarily unite the Republicans and Democrats…if only for a moment.  And her final bill was passed today…by a 338-70 margin.

READ RECAP & WATCH VIDEO- 2012 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

GIFFORDS RESIGNATION VIDEO

 

1/22/12 VIDEO: PENN STATE COACH JOE PATERNO DEAD AT 85 YRS OLD

It was reported today that coach Joe Peterno died at 85-years-old.  His death comes shortly after the Penn State child sex scandal cover-up involving Paterno, Jerry Sandusky and other school officials.  The coach was given the boot after word leaked that he failed to share his knowledge of abuse with police.  What a disappointment…to die with a tainted reputation after being one of the greatest coaches in history for over thirty years. 

Paterno was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and was getting treatment, but apparently could not overcome his illness. Maybe he also died of a broken heart?  

Tragic, but hopefully this will teach others a big lesson…if you know of abuse happening around you, share it with police and push officials until you are heard.  Sports is not worth a child’s life or any other life for that matter.

 

2012: CAPTAIN FRANCESCO SCHETTINO TRIPPED INTO A BOAT; ITALY SHIP WRECK EXCUSE

News of the ship wreck off the coast of Italy has caused a Worldwide uproar.  First the tapes were released of the patrol insisting the Captain get back on the ship, now Capt. Francesco Schettino says he “tripped into a boat”.  Seriously, did he actually go on the record to say that?

Well, that is exactly right.  The Captain had the nerve to say that he did not stay on the ship to help the passenger’s is because he tripped.  While natural instinct is to save yourself when in a critical situation, it is still unbelievable that he left them behind with absolutely no instruction.  And to use that stupid excuse adds insult to injury.

So far, 11 people have died allegedly due to human error and many more are still missing.  Since they released the Captain and put him on house arrest, he may want to use that time to come up with a better reason for abandoning his ship.  Many also reported that they did not even receive an emergency drill when boarding the ship…if this is the case shame on the Captain once more.

Who is giving this man advice? It is sad that he is now in this position, but he should have listened to the patrol’s message. They warned him he would get in hot water if he did not get back to the ship and help his passengers.

 It is tragic to hear of the loss of life, especially when it could have been avoided.

 

1/18/12: AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 11 RECAP; TALENT IS HOT!

AMERICAN IDOL season 11 aired tonight and it did not disappoint.  In watching the show over the years, it surprises me that it’s still fresh and entertaining.  It continues to be addictive and this part of the show is still fun to watch.

The talent this year is hot and the heat was felt early on, starting with the incredible voice of the opening singer.   Ryan Seacrest  went as far to say they actually broke a record, for the amount of contestants who made it through on day one.  It appeared that close to 20 singers straight, received a golden ticket and from what they aired, many definitely deserved it.  There was also an increase in teen singers and boy were they talented!

When the change of judges took place last year, I was skeptical if the show would continue.  But Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler actually have grown on me…in a good way.  They are likeable, have personality and fit well with Randy Jackson.  I really enjoy their chemistry and believe they are keeping the spark alive, especially with the loss of Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Each year the talent seems to get better and it looks like they are headed for another great season.  However, in the past our early favorites seem to fizzle along the way, let’s hope this changes this year. 

It is tough to really judge which show is better….The X Factor or American Idol?  Not sure if the first love always wins over, but I still give Idol a bit of an edge.  It’s probably why Kelli Clarkson has rocked it for so long (besides her amazing voice!).

On another note, why do really bad singers audition then get angry or upset when they don’t make it?  Parents need to tell their kids the truth…if they suck please say it and save them the embarrassment! 

What do you think?  America Idol or X Factor?

 

2012: THE 69TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES FINALLY HAS COLOR; IDRIS ELBA, OCTAVIA SPENCER & MORGAN FREEMAN RECOGNIZED

Award shows have been criticized for having too few participants or winners of color.  However, tonight the Golden Globes may have overcome that objection.  An African-American woman and two men actually won a Globe.

Idris Elba won “Best Performance” by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television award for ‘Luther’.  While I have not yet seen it, he is an incredible actor and it is definitely on my list.  He certainly is deserving of recognition for his many masterful roles.

Octavia Spencer won “Best Supporting Actress” for ‘The Help’. Originally the movie received backlash due to its subject.  It is a story based on the maids interpretation of our dark side of our history.  This is a movie I did see, and was also reluctant at first.  But I’m glad I saw it, because her performance was amazing and it was definitely worth seeing.  The movie made you laugh, cry, and rejoice for how far we have actually come decades later.

Morgan Freeman was also honored with a special recognition, “The Cecil B. Demille Award” for lifetime achievement. Living legend, Sidney Poitier and Helen Mirren presented this extremely talented actor with this honor.  Freeman has made over 50 films and his span of work is truly incredible.  In each movie he gives 100% of himself and you can be fairly certain if he is in the movie, it will be a hit.  

Watching three African-American actors being recognized in one year was awesome to watch and fitting, just a day before the Martin Luther King holiday.  It is exactly what Mr. King fought for so many years ago, “Equality for all”.  He must be smiling down and is certainly reminded once again, losing his life for a cause was not in vain.  They were all so deserving and it gives us hope for the future.  I can not wait to see Tyler Perry win for “Best Director” or “Best Film”, that would top the cake.

On a side note, it appears most stars were also celebrating MLK holiday, because everyone including Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Madonna, Leonardo DiCaprio, and George Clooney were extremely tan.  Did they have a tanning booth back stage or what?  And Angelina Jolie needs to eat a few cheeseburgers, her arms looked incredibly thin which was frightening to see.

It was also funny to see how second-time host Ricky Gervais had the stars looking so tense.  While he ended up being on “better” behavior, they seemed to sweat as he opened the show.   Many barely laughed, which was probably because they were too worried he may call them out.  We American’s are too stiff, we need to lighten up like the Brit’s.

FULL LIST OF GOLDEN GLOBE WINNERS AND CHECK OUT WHAT THEY WERE WEARING!

 

2012 VIDEO: AMERICAN IDOL IS BACK 1/18/12 SEASON 11; WILL RATINGS EXCEED X FACTOR?

READ MORE & WATCH VIDEO       AMERICAN IDOL RECAP 1/18/12

The new season of popular singing competition American Idol premieres on Fox Wednesday 1/18/12 and Thursday 1/19/12.  It will be interesting to see how their ratings compare with Simon Cowell’s X Factor debut.  I know Simon will be watching the numbers closely because he hates to lose.

Many had written the show off last year, when Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul bailed and were replaced.  But last season Idol received some of their highest ratings, with the new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez joining Randy Jackson. 

The announcement of Steven’s engagement and Jennifer’s divorce from Marc Anthony, will likely cause curious viewers to tune it.  Timing for this good and bad news could not be better for Idol producers and should help increase fan support, at least for the season opener.

Now that Idol has a true competitor on the same network, I would not be surprised if this season they either see a huge surge or huge decline.  It could probably go either way…more people will watch because they are timed so closely to the end of X Factor or less because they are burned out on singing competition’s.  Not sure how it will go, but I will definitely tune in.  Although I miss Paula and Simon, their replacements work well for me and should be more refined in their second season.

What’s your favorite show?  American Idol or X Factor?  I will have to watch and compare notes to make a decision.  One thing that’s clear, I am not a fan of “The Voice” on NBC.