20140926

Heinous Acts of Few Pale in Comparison to 7.25 BILLION Worldwide

It's been a rough week for many people; and at it's end marks heinous events that if we're not careful; we'll lose sight of the truth. No matter what happened in Oklahoma,USA, Iraq, Syria, China, or any other place on the planet, one must never lose sight of the fact that this planet inhabits (as of 2013 and counting) 7.125 BILLION people. So no matter what...there is far more good in the world than evil. We musn't link a person's religious belief to his or her goodness. As believers of the Christian faith, we know that even on our very, very, very, utmost very best day, we are as filthy rags in our Creator's eyes. Thus, we give thanks for Jesus dying on the Cross to "save a wretch like you and me." So be encouraged; and remember: 7.125 BILLION people worldwide. Choose to focus on the good the majority are doing, and pray for the evil done to any and all. When it's said and done, God is still in control. Eventually each of our tabs will come due; so, live your best life in accordance to what will bring God glory. In the end He will judge whether your heart was truly for Him or in servitude to His defeated competitor and archenemy satan. So tonight as you tuck in, remember to give thanks for your safe place, and pray for those persecuted both near and far.
One more thing: Please share this with anyone you know who might be focusing on the evil; losing sleep and suffering anxiety in belief that all is doom and gloom. As a counselor, I can attest to the fact that you become what you believe. Believe the indisputable truth, that ultimately GOoD wins.

Missed Season Finale of Master Chef

It's hard to believe; but true. After watching Master Chef all summer, I was actually not up to watching the season finale. I thought I'd catch the re-airing on Friday; however, the new fall lineup preempted that idea. With a little researching, I'm glad to learn that Courtney walked away with the grand prize. It's a smart business deal, as aside from her skills, she's the youngest and least attached regarding personal-life matters.
To my surprise I have been introduced to the series Breaking Bad, and actually have found myself watching a few episodes. Let me say upfront that it is very dark, and very TV. It's good; but in the real world both Walt and Jesse would be goners; but, with nothing else in the fall lineup it's presumed that family tv-night will include this series. Thankfully, I have no clue how the last season ends; however I won't be surprised if I just watch the last episode just to know; probably not.
Well, short and sweet is all I have for now. Congrats Courtney on your win. Prayers from all for my next career path much appreciated!!! I will keep you posted.
UPDATE:  Okay, it's official. Breaking Bad and I have "broken up," parted ways, just like that. After tuning in for a few disgusting seconds this evening (Still Season 1) I realize the trashiness associated is simply not my cup of tea. I'm quite sure the scene played true to real-world drug drama; however, ughmmm...no thank you. Thankfully, a quick click of the old clicker and back to more productive work. It's Okay; call me a prude. I'll wear that hat if you call not wanting to watch sleaze tv prudish.

20140914

Hell's Kitchen and Extant Out; Biggest Loser, Shark Tank, and Mom IN; and Remembering 9-11

What a week! It seemed to go quickly. I had a chance to make some very clear decisions about the new Fall tv shows I will watch and will not be watching this year. It is clear that Hell's Kitchen is a prison-style, boot-camp version of Master Chef. For that reason, I will not be watching as I don't need anything to stress me out when I tune in to enjoy tv. It aired two nights straight. The first night my son happened in and said the red and blue bandanas made him think the show should be called "Gangsta' Kitchen." The next night it aired my daughter happened in and within minutes voiced what I, and many other  mild-mannered folk was thinking, "This show stresses me out." Yes! It does. And for that reason, a line has been drawn through on my 'what-to--watch' list. My son said it was clearly theatrics because many chefs have prison records and would have gone off on him. I don't know; don't care. I'm sure, I will watch the last ten minutes each week; and perhaps the final two; but, the thought of Ramsey threatening to blow an artery makes me wonder if he hollers like that at home. With domestic violence in the center of the news I seem to be staring at a lot of people with that question mark looming? Moving on. Sad to say, but, Extant has also been X'd off my list. I simply couldn't take another second of the 'wierded-out' kids and Halle's uncovincing presentation that she is enjoying the script. I could be wrong; but, I won't be watching.
What I did watch and thoroughly enjoyed was "The Biggest Loser." I only recognized a couple of the participants. As an avid tennis fan, I was glad to see Zina Garrison looking great at the big 5-0; and I hope she stays the course to reach her desired weight goal. I also watched Shark Tank. I can't believe the mother chose mentoring for her young son over the $50K, $3.-per-bow-tie-sold-offer of Mr. Wonderful. Are you kidding me? Mentoring? Why not mentoring and cha-chinging all the way to the bank as well. Cute kid, and I hope his aspirations bring him to his desired goals. I'm sure the FUBU mogul will see to it that he gets the college money he needs when the time comes; so, not to worry.
With all the college football on, I really enjoyed the Coca-Cola golf tournament this weekend. However, today, when the pressure was heating up; I couldn't help but see (with sadness) a few of the guys dropping F-bombs when they thought the camera wasn't on them; and a lot of attacking the bag with the golf club; and a few other immature and very UNPROFESSIONAL moves. I really think golf needs a penalty flag for people who have unsportsmanlike behavior. I saw quite a bit of that, too. But, long story short I found myself seeing these emotions unravel and was brought back the the domestic-violence question: Which of these golfers could stand and say they have never, since age 18, hit a woman. Sad. I'm convinced people like Ramsey only perpetrate the behavior of immature people who have trouble with ANGER MANAGEMENT. One more thing. I seem to forget to mention every week that the television show "MOM" is really good. I watch it on Monday nights, during Master Chef commercial breaks. One more thing, take two: I watched an excellent short film called BLINDSPOT on PBS; really speaks truth about how people are so caught up with their own concerns, they seem to have mental and physical blinders on.
 A final note; it is clear, from my personal vantage point, considering I don't watch a lot of tv, that most Americans are focusing more on the current going-ons of the day than the remembrance of that dark event in 2001. Without belaboring the point, the more I hear the conspiracy theorists, the more I realize that there are a lot of unanswered, and unanswerable questions surrounding that day. I will always wish that the Twin Towers would have been reconstructed a foot taller than the original ones, with the top 20 floors being made of solid concrete. But, moving on; because the people with the money decided the current blank sky with floodlights shooting upward is 'best'.
Well, that's about it. Blessings to all.

20140909

Farewell to Joan Rivers, President Obama Speaks Against Domestic Violence, & Master Chef, Extant & U.S. Open TV-Talk on My Radar

There's a lot of celebrity news abuzz; but, what else is new, or news, as it's called? First, and foremost, condolences for the family of Joan Rivers. She was a bright light in an oftentimes dark world, and it's with certainty she shall be missed. More than a comedian working her way up through the ranks, she was one of those people that you felt like you knew personally, because of her ability to tie her personal life to real-life situations. I heard the news of her passing at 2 a.m. on Friday morning and was saddened. But, with joy, as she'd want, life must, and prayerfully, will go on for those closest to her. The "till-we-meet-again" celebration with people lining the streets was a real tribute of the lives she touched.
As I've noted in previous posts, I don't watch much television. I don't watch the news because it seems to be so corralled on what's discussed. So, when I saw the name Ray Rice filling the trending topics, I had no clue who Ray Rice is or what he'd done to lose a lucrative football contract. I saw the woman, who I learned is his wife sitting 'stoically' next to him. Before I knew the details, by her looks, I sensed she was a troubled woman beyond his firing. Seeing in the headlines that President Obama made a statement regarding the matter really got my attention. Within seconds, I caught a glimpse of a video of a confrontation in an elevator. Of course, I thought back to the recent celebrity Solange incident; but, soon remembered the news of a football player beating his fiancee, and dragging her limp body off the elevator; and, it registered: This is the woman who married the man thereafter. And, I was washed in a sadness far greater than the passing of a woman who had lived her life filling her passion for making people laugh to the very end. This sadness grew from a depth that no woman is immune to; from the very rich, to the poorest poor. This is a silent epidemic that takes no day off, and sadly is exacerbated during football season, when alcohol and office pools, leave too many people, primarily women, genuinely hating to see the arrival of football season and weekends. I did not play the video, because that only makes theatrics of a very serious problem. To ask the question of why she married a man who showed his hand before taking vows, would be like asking the question why do people fall in love with abusive people. The root of the answers go as deep as the years of her upbringing. Needless to say, she needs professional help whether she realizes it or not. Of course, sanity on the outside looking in says she should have never married him; however, she did and judgment is not needed as much as her getting the help she needs to make saner decisions in the now and future. Too sad for any more words, so let's talk tv.
Master Chef's two-hour show this evening made clear that real talent can't make diner mistakes where fine dining is concerned. I have to admit the food the chefs had to cook was stomach-turning, and even though it probably was palatable, hardly anything I'd consider ordering from a menu. I'm glad to see Christian got a nod from Chef Ramsey for help with a start-up. Prayerfully, he can take this experience and use it as a marketing tool of his new business. And, old Texas 'hook-em' Cutter, got his walking papers, and for the sake of his child, needs to practice my philosophy of 'counting to ten, and if necessary, counting again.' Okay, I'm glad I'm not a betting woman; because well, I thought Christian would have been in the final two. Now, I'm going to say Elizabeth and Courtney will take it to the duel and Courtney will prevail. We'll see.
A few words about Extant...it was pretty good last week; lots of action. However, I am a bit creeped out by men handling little boys in the backside area; probably because I watched the movie "Doubt" this weekend. It was good. We all agreed it ended like they ran out of money or something; but, it was good.As always, Hoffman played the role to the hilt: Ughmmm...I said he was guilty; others in the room argued he always left "controversial" situations; because he didn't want the stigma. Ha! Innocent people have no need to flee. I know that too is arguable.
And lastly, but far from least, Serena Williams was the U.S. Open this year. The little bit that I did watch made it clear that the economy left a lot of empty seats. Watching Federer was difficult as it reminded me of him playing against Pete Sampras back in the day. His physical fitness simply was outmatched. But the last women's performance was exciting to say the least. I could only be happy for Serena because she is proof to many young girls everywhere that following your talent is a good thing. Congrats on the Tiffany bonus!
That's it for another week.

20140903

MasterChef Best Show This Summer; Prayers for Joan Rivers and Extant a Roller Coaster of SCI-FI Remnants

Now that the Fall lineup has begun, I have to say the most enjoyable show I watched this summer, and continue to watch is Master Chef. It's a lot less 'heated' than Hell's Kitchen; but, I like them both. I hated to see Big Willie and Jaimee get their walking papers; however fair judging abounds. My prediction for the final two is Christian and Elizabeth. Both seem to have good 'work-under-pressure' skills; one because of advertising world, the other because of L-I-F-E.

On a more somber note, prayers for Joan Rivers. I have to admit she is one of my favorite LOL people. Hopefully, Melissa will have the courage to remove her from life-support soon and let God have His Way. Joan is a person full of love, laughter, and life, and she would want to progress on to the next phase of life's journey in "stride." Again, prayers for all.

To end on a much lighter note, I am still watching Extant; but, honestly, Halle's character-husband, and her robotic son are very "SCI-FI". I wouldn't be surprised at all if the husband isn't a robot as well. It shall be interesting to find out. I am sure Master Chef will be back; but Extant?...Hmmmmmm, dunno.