$10K reward offered for info on fatal shooting of 15-year-old Orlando high school student
Showing posts with label Orlando. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orlando. Show all posts
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Glorious Morning Frost
There was a very welcomed cool Frost across Cornhusker country this morning.
As former Husker DE Adam Carriker so eloquently tweeted:
Scott Frost, native son and former Husker star quarterback who after some years playing in the National Football League successfully climbed the coaching ladder to find himself winning the AAC Championship as head coach of UCF, was announced this afternoon as head football coach of his, and our, beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.
The events that led to the hiring of Frost were plentiful, but as the landscape is reviewed, desperately needed. Nebraska has not won a championship of any kind since 1999. While there have some good times (some thought at one point Bo Pelini, who won at least 9 games every season he coached, was going to take there but faltered on reaching the elite), the program has been in a declining state since the legendary Tom Osborne retired.
With Bo Pelini fired, mostly for an adversarial relationship with superiors along with sideline behavior unbecoming someone representing Nebraska, Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst went on his own and hired Mike Riley from Oregon State, a very nice man with a long and varied coaching record who represented the antithesis of Pelini.
Most in Husker Nation were against at the hire; I was not. I thought, given his experience, he would be able to excel with the resources Nebraska would give him, as he had achieved with so much less. I was quite wrong in my assessment of the hiring of Mike Riley.
Riley is a good man, and he represented Nebraska with dignity. Much of his command off the field was quite good, and recruiting, the mother's milk of a successful football program, was steadily ascending. However, the product on the field was poor. The first of Riley's three seasons were littered with mind boggling and painful last second losses, but culminated with perhaps the best game, a victory over UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl which seemed to give indication of what could be. A 9-4 season in 2016 seemed decent on the surface, but the victories were close wins over weak teams, and other than falling to Wisconsin in a close one, the Big Red was not competitive against other top teams, with big losses to Iowa and Tennessee to close out the season.
One could argue the program was ascending, but in early 2017 the case being made on that point came crashing to reality in a stunning home loss to Northern Illinois. Nobody would state it publicly, but unless Nebraska ran the table, the Mike Riley tenure would end.
Then came news that Chancellor Ronnie Green and Hank Bounds had decided that Nebraska would part company with AD Eichorst. Husker Nation was enthusiastic about this appropriate development. Since Eichorst was fired, and he was the one who hired Riley, it seemed they were somewhat joined at the hip, and with Eichorst gone, Riley would soon follow.
In short order, Green announced Nebraska had hired Bill Moos from Washington State, and formerly of Oregon, as new Athletic Director. Moos signaled that he would evaluate the status of the football program and would not make any changes until the season was over.
Meanwhile, the records were being set with the football program; records of futility. Nebraska was widely embarrassed, again, in a home loss to Ohio State. A come from behind victory at Purdue masked 58 minutes of ineffectiveness. Then, Nebraska was listless at Minnesota and got scorched for over 50 points in defeat (Minnesota was shut out in their next two games). Penn State clobbered the Huskers and Iowa knocked Nebraska out in a humiliating home loss to close the season, as this group finishes 4-8 and ineligible for a bowl contest. In the last three games, each of Nebraska's opponents scored over 50 points, something that had not happened since the era of World War II.
Unacceptable.
Moos then promptly dismissed Riley and the staff, save Trent Bray. This move shocked absolutely nobody.
As the season was painfully drawing to a close, we learned of many areas of concern within the program. The lack of toughness and want to on the field was obvious, but behind the scenes the most significant of the issues was a lack of leadership, with differing factions between various levels of the program. Along with the play on the field, this was not an environment which set a foundation for success. Quite the contrary.
A clean slate was required, one which fumigated the acceptance of losing. Leadership was needed in the form of responsibility, accountability and disciple; the definition of the known goals and objectives and prices that need to be paid to reach the desired levels of achievement.
A return to the way Nebraska used to handle its business.
When Moos arrived, he did not sit behind a desk. He met the people; via social media, sports talk shows, around campus and at the games. He reached out to boosters and fans alike, and this group smothered in frustration gave him an earful.
They told him what to do, but Moos already knew what to do; hire a great football coach who understood what the fabric of Nebraska football was and could restore the order.
As it turned out, the most sought after and successful young football coach in the country was one of our own. It was Scott Frost, who knew exactly the characteristics of Nebraska, the state and the football program.
Moos seems a powerful man quite comfortable in his own skin, but he no doubt realized that although every Husker from Orlando to Spokane wanted him to hire Frost, Frost was indeed the top candidate for any football program in need of new direction. For Nebraska, Frost was the only candidate.
Scott Frost had Tom Osborne down to speak to his Central Florida boosters and team before the season in August. I attended the events, and outside of hearing Osborne speak, had a great time reminiscing about the glory days of Husker football with former linemen Bill Bobbora and Greg Austin. Austin, or Coach G, who is the offensive line coach for Frost at UCF, is reportedly joining Frost at Nebraska, and this is great news as the offensive line play was among the areas on the field that were most disappointing.
While the events were quite enjoyable, one thing stood out to be sure, and that was how much Tom Osborne meant to Scott Frost.
Walking out to our trucks after an evening event, Frost and I discussed how meaningful it was for him to quarterback Nebraska to the win over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl giving the Huskers the 1997 National Title, which turned out the be the last game Osborne would ever coach. Frost said it was just such an honor for him to have helped get that victory for his beloved coach.
I am not sure if Osborne and Frost discussed anything about Frost potentially coming home at these events, but given the vibe I observed, I had zero doubt Frost would return to Lincoln if called upon.
Nebraska called, and although it was no doubt a difficult decision, Frost chose to come home.
Make no mistake. Frost genuinely loves his team at Central Florida, and the fine people of this wonderful university. Orlando is not called The City Beautiful for nothing; Frost and his family adore the area.
But, Nebraska is home. That red "N" means so much to Nebraskans, and an opportunity to restore this proud program to its rightful level among the nations elite that those in Husker Nation can be proud of once again is a task Frost could not turn away from, and did not.
I have no doubt Frost will accomplish his goals. Spend five minutes with this man, and you will know that he is a principled and caring individual, a humble but intoxicating presence that while demanding the best from those around him, understands that hard work and integrity that take individuals, and teammates, a long way.
Oh, and Frost likes to have a lot of fun along the way.
The announcement of Scott Frost as head coach of the Cornhuskers, with Tom Osborne standing by along with over 100 former players who showed up, to not only congratulate Frost, but to offer assistance, brought allergic reactions to the eyes of hundred of thousands (105,000 on Huskers.com to view presser) Husker faithful across the nation, myself gleefully included.
It was a glorious morning of Frost on the ground in Lincoln today.
Welcome home Coach Frost! We are thrilled beyond words to have you back home with us.
Good Luck and Go Big Red!
As former Husker DE Adam Carriker so eloquently tweeted:
Scott Frost, native son and former Husker star quarterback who after some years playing in the National Football League successfully climbed the coaching ladder to find himself winning the AAC Championship as head coach of UCF, was announced this afternoon as head football coach of his, and our, beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.
The events that led to the hiring of Frost were plentiful, but as the landscape is reviewed, desperately needed. Nebraska has not won a championship of any kind since 1999. While there have some good times (some thought at one point Bo Pelini, who won at least 9 games every season he coached, was going to take there but faltered on reaching the elite), the program has been in a declining state since the legendary Tom Osborne retired.
With Bo Pelini fired, mostly for an adversarial relationship with superiors along with sideline behavior unbecoming someone representing Nebraska, Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst went on his own and hired Mike Riley from Oregon State, a very nice man with a long and varied coaching record who represented the antithesis of Pelini.
Most in Husker Nation were against at the hire; I was not. I thought, given his experience, he would be able to excel with the resources Nebraska would give him, as he had achieved with so much less. I was quite wrong in my assessment of the hiring of Mike Riley.
Riley is a good man, and he represented Nebraska with dignity. Much of his command off the field was quite good, and recruiting, the mother's milk of a successful football program, was steadily ascending. However, the product on the field was poor. The first of Riley's three seasons were littered with mind boggling and painful last second losses, but culminated with perhaps the best game, a victory over UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl which seemed to give indication of what could be. A 9-4 season in 2016 seemed decent on the surface, but the victories were close wins over weak teams, and other than falling to Wisconsin in a close one, the Big Red was not competitive against other top teams, with big losses to Iowa and Tennessee to close out the season.
One could argue the program was ascending, but in early 2017 the case being made on that point came crashing to reality in a stunning home loss to Northern Illinois. Nobody would state it publicly, but unless Nebraska ran the table, the Mike Riley tenure would end.
Then came news that Chancellor Ronnie Green and Hank Bounds had decided that Nebraska would part company with AD Eichorst. Husker Nation was enthusiastic about this appropriate development. Since Eichorst was fired, and he was the one who hired Riley, it seemed they were somewhat joined at the hip, and with Eichorst gone, Riley would soon follow.
In short order, Green announced Nebraska had hired Bill Moos from Washington State, and formerly of Oregon, as new Athletic Director. Moos signaled that he would evaluate the status of the football program and would not make any changes until the season was over.
Meanwhile, the records were being set with the football program; records of futility. Nebraska was widely embarrassed, again, in a home loss to Ohio State. A come from behind victory at Purdue masked 58 minutes of ineffectiveness. Then, Nebraska was listless at Minnesota and got scorched for over 50 points in defeat (Minnesota was shut out in their next two games). Penn State clobbered the Huskers and Iowa knocked Nebraska out in a humiliating home loss to close the season, as this group finishes 4-8 and ineligible for a bowl contest. In the last three games, each of Nebraska's opponents scored over 50 points, something that had not happened since the era of World War II.
Unacceptable.
Moos then promptly dismissed Riley and the staff, save Trent Bray. This move shocked absolutely nobody.
As the season was painfully drawing to a close, we learned of many areas of concern within the program. The lack of toughness and want to on the field was obvious, but behind the scenes the most significant of the issues was a lack of leadership, with differing factions between various levels of the program. Along with the play on the field, this was not an environment which set a foundation for success. Quite the contrary.
A clean slate was required, one which fumigated the acceptance of losing. Leadership was needed in the form of responsibility, accountability and disciple; the definition of the known goals and objectives and prices that need to be paid to reach the desired levels of achievement.
A return to the way Nebraska used to handle its business.
When Moos arrived, he did not sit behind a desk. He met the people; via social media, sports talk shows, around campus and at the games. He reached out to boosters and fans alike, and this group smothered in frustration gave him an earful.
They told him what to do, but Moos already knew what to do; hire a great football coach who understood what the fabric of Nebraska football was and could restore the order.
As it turned out, the most sought after and successful young football coach in the country was one of our own. It was Scott Frost, who knew exactly the characteristics of Nebraska, the state and the football program.
Moos seems a powerful man quite comfortable in his own skin, but he no doubt realized that although every Husker from Orlando to Spokane wanted him to hire Frost, Frost was indeed the top candidate for any football program in need of new direction. For Nebraska, Frost was the only candidate.
Scott Frost had Tom Osborne down to speak to his Central Florida boosters and team before the season in August. I attended the events, and outside of hearing Osborne speak, had a great time reminiscing about the glory days of Husker football with former linemen Bill Bobbora and Greg Austin. Austin, or Coach G, who is the offensive line coach for Frost at UCF, is reportedly joining Frost at Nebraska, and this is great news as the offensive line play was among the areas on the field that were most disappointing.
While the events were quite enjoyable, one thing stood out to be sure, and that was how much Tom Osborne meant to Scott Frost.
Walking out to our trucks after an evening event, Frost and I discussed how meaningful it was for him to quarterback Nebraska to the win over Tennessee in the Orange Bowl giving the Huskers the 1997 National Title, which turned out the be the last game Osborne would ever coach. Frost said it was just such an honor for him to have helped get that victory for his beloved coach.
I am not sure if Osborne and Frost discussed anything about Frost potentially coming home at these events, but given the vibe I observed, I had zero doubt Frost would return to Lincoln if called upon.
Nebraska called, and although it was no doubt a difficult decision, Frost chose to come home.
Make no mistake. Frost genuinely loves his team at Central Florida, and the fine people of this wonderful university. Orlando is not called The City Beautiful for nothing; Frost and his family adore the area.
But, Nebraska is home. That red "N" means so much to Nebraskans, and an opportunity to restore this proud program to its rightful level among the nations elite that those in Husker Nation can be proud of once again is a task Frost could not turn away from, and did not.
I have no doubt Frost will accomplish his goals. Spend five minutes with this man, and you will know that he is a principled and caring individual, a humble but intoxicating presence that while demanding the best from those around him, understands that hard work and integrity that take individuals, and teammates, a long way.
Oh, and Frost likes to have a lot of fun along the way.
The announcement of Scott Frost as head coach of the Cornhuskers, with Tom Osborne standing by along with over 100 former players who showed up, to not only congratulate Frost, but to offer assistance, brought allergic reactions to the eyes of hundred of thousands (105,000 on Huskers.com to view presser) Husker faithful across the nation, myself gleefully included.
It was a glorious morning of Frost on the ground in Lincoln today.
Welcome home Coach Frost! We are thrilled beyond words to have you back home with us.
Good Luck and Go Big Red!
Thursday, November 3, 2016
They All Know
We have been wondering about the whereabouts of the wife of the Orlando mass murderer Omar Mateen.
I drove by the Pulse Nightclub, the scene of the horrific, event this morning. It still hurts.
However, Orlando is picking up the pieces very nicely, and I am very proud of our community.
Although without question they were significantly impacted, there appears to be an overreach to the LGBT community. We disagree that the terrorist act was planned and plotted as an attack on the LGBT community, as we consider the event a terrorist act against The United States of America which took the lives of many of our beloved citizens, most of whom in this case, were LGBT and/or Latino.
The New York Times has located Noor Salman, and has presented a story attempting to make us sympathetic to her plight as the loved one who had no clue about the evil her husband was about to inflict.
I don't buy it for one minute.
“It’s possible she didn’t know because he was not confiding in her, but she does have every incentive in the world to retell this story as a different kind of victim,” said Mia Bloom, a professor at Georgia State University. “I am not trying to minimize the experience she had in a domestic abusive relationship, but it doesn’t give her a free pass as a bystander to not come forward.”
The "I was unaware" excuse has run it's course. They all know.
She should be considered an accomplice, and charged accordingly.
Orlando Gunman’s Wife Breaks Silence: ‘I Was Unaware’
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Crisis Management
In the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attack in the SODO district of downtown Orlando, like clockwork, the left has unleashed an well coordinated and financed attack, not on those responsible for the attack, but on law abiding citizens of this nation.
Imagine the arrogance of this crowd, who immediately take their progressive ideology of government knows best to making tracks to steal your rights outlined for you in our Constitution away from you?
It is not just them.
Progressive republicans are sadly all too willing to join the fight.
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
What part of this do these progressive elites not comprehend?
And for those who scoff at the idea the citizenry may at some point have to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government, they identify themselves as illiterate in history.
Sen. Ted Cruz took to the floor of the Senate to call these folks out.
Cruz accurately summed it up in a Tweet.
Forget that the progressive left has no right to infringe on the rights of the citizenry bestowed upon them in the Constitution, we are at war.
Ask anyone at Pulse; the government will fall far short in their efforts to protect you. When it comes to crisis
management amidst a terror attack, you must protect yourself.
And against these ISIS fighters, that will be mighty tough to do after your government has disarmed you.
Imagine the arrogance of this crowd, who immediately take their progressive ideology of government knows best to making tracks to steal your rights outlined for you in our Constitution away from you?
It is not just them.
Progressive republicans are sadly all too willing to join the fight.
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
What part of this do these progressive elites not comprehend?
And for those who scoff at the idea the citizenry may at some point have to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government, they identify themselves as illiterate in history.
Sen. Ted Cruz took to the floor of the Senate to call these folks out.
Cruz accurately summed it up in a Tweet.
Forget that the progressive left has no right to infringe on the rights of the citizenry bestowed upon them in the Constitution, we are at war.
Ask anyone at Pulse; the government will fall far short in their efforts to protect you. When it comes to crisis
management amidst a terror attack, you must protect yourself.
And against these ISIS fighters, that will be mighty tough to do after your government has disarmed you.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Orlando Terror
Radical Islam strikes again in the SODO district in the heart of downtown Orlando.
Terrorism is alive and well contrary to media reports and the bumbling of President Obama. When will America wake up!
Is anybody paying attention?
"ISIS Announced Florida Threat THREE Days Ago: “We Will Attack Florida!”
ISIS Muslim terrorists released a statement on their plan to attack Florida, and even put out a list with the names of people in Florida that they plan on killing."
Our president refuses to identify the enemy, and is making feeble if any efforts to eliminate them. Given the failure to face this evil with adequate force, no wonder the Trump train is gaining momentum! Americans have had enough!
“Our nation is at war. From 9/11 to the Boston Marathon, from Fort Hood to Chattanooga, from San Bernardino to last night’s horrific attack in Orlando, radical Islamic terrorism has declared jihad on America.” “It is a time for action. We need a Commander in Chief who will speak the truth, and who will unleash the full force and fury of the American military to utterly destroy ISIS and its affiliates." ---Sen. Ted Cruz (R:TX)
As we expressed in previous posts, we had little doubt a terrorist act was imminent; however we had no idea it would occur in our own back yard.
We also had noted repeatedly Obama is not only the worst president ever but the first anti-American president.
Obama is literally on the other team, and Donald Trump just eluded to it, noting "He doesn't get it or he gets it better than anybody understands. It's one or the other, and either one is unacceptable." "We're led by a man who is a very -- look, we're led by a man that either is, is not tough, not smart, or he's got something else in mind," which we consider to be the destruction of the United States of America as you have known her.
Sadly, we fear this is only the beginning of a very rough summer.
Everything you need to know about the Orlando terror attack is presented in the report from WFTV-ABC9 Orlando, with famed anchor Bob Opshal reporting.
President Obama, elected (sadly) to be OUR President, cannot bring himself to reach out to Florida Gov. Rick Scott as of this AM regarding the worst single shooting incident, an act of terrorism committed no just against the LGBT community, Latinos or Floridians, but against The United States of America. George W. Bush has done so, but not the petulant Obama. He is nothing short of a complete disgrace, and we will be most fortunate not to have many more Americans fall victim to terrorism before he exits office.
In a rather stunning speech today, a petulant Obama hunkered down in defense of Islam essentially blaming America for the grotesque loss of life in Orlando. Obama took a shot at Trump, as did Hillary in a follow up speech. But it is Trump who has accurately assessed the real issue, radical Islamic terrorists, and make no mistake, it is the left, led by these two anti-American elites, and their policies, that are in large measure to blame for this terrorism. As Katie Hopkins illustrated in a brilliant piece today, "Perhaps it is those who preach tolerance that we should be most afraid of. Democrats and liberals preach tolerance. But in doing so they have chosen to ignore the dark truths of a religion which is the most intolerant of all."
While Obama searches for a motive, The Daily Caller brings us stunning information about Orlando killer Omar Matteen. “It is no coincidence that this happened in Orlando,” a law enforcement source told Fox News Sunday." "Omar Mateen, the perpetrator of the terror attack in Orlando, was enrolled in an online Islamic fundamental course ran by a radical Muslim released from prison last year" named Marcus Dwayne Robertson, who runs a school in Orlando known as the Timbuktu Seminary. Robertson is reported to be the former bodyguard of Omar Abdel Rahman, otherwise known as the Blind Sheik, the mastermind of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.
The motive of the terrorist act in Orlando is known to everybody and anybody, except our anti-American president whose dereliction of duty is getting folks killed, which just might be considered treason.
The events of a tragic weekend in The City Beautiful will leave our town scared forever.
On Friday night, emerging star Christina Grimmie was gunned down by a crazed individual signing autographs after a show at The Plaza Live over in The Milk District. We all were very saddened.
But, the terrorism events of early Sunday morning at The Pulse over in the SODO district floored our entire nation.
We remain at war with radical Islamic terrorists whether our anti-American president is aware of it or not. It is rather obvious Obama will not take any steps to destroy ISIS, so perhaps it will come down to the citizenry.
Or Donald J. Trump.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Living The American Dream
I was saddened last week to learn of the passing of professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes, "The American Dream." Although he was originally a Texan, he was a Floridian, living here in Central Florida until his sudden death here on June 11.
Professional wrestling is not a sport I am a fan of, but times were different when I was a little kid and Rhodes was wrestling in shows across Florida. These were the days before cable television, and each Saturday just before noon, there was little to watch during the off-season of college football.
So, many here in watched along each weekend as Rhodes, appropriately described by Brian Campbell of ESPN as chubby and lovable, battled his foes with famed chain smoking ring announcer Gordon Solie in disbelief. The ultimate fan favorite, Rhodes was elected into the WWE Hall of Fame, appropriately so.
Rhodes was a fun guy, a common man with a way with words. "Tower of Power, Man of the Hour, Too Sweet to be Sour"! Dusty lived the American dream, and his life was cut short too soon.
RIP Dusty Rhodes: "The American Dream. So long from the Sunshine State.
Professional wrestling is not a sport I am a fan of, but times were different when I was a little kid and Rhodes was wrestling in shows across Florida. These were the days before cable television, and each Saturday just before noon, there was little to watch during the off-season of college football.
So, many here in watched along each weekend as Rhodes, appropriately described by Brian Campbell of ESPN as chubby and lovable, battled his foes with famed chain smoking ring announcer Gordon Solie in disbelief. The ultimate fan favorite, Rhodes was elected into the WWE Hall of Fame, appropriately so.
Rhodes was a fun guy, a common man with a way with words. "Tower of Power, Man of the Hour, Too Sweet to be Sour"! Dusty lived the American dream, and his life was cut short too soon.
RIP Dusty Rhodes: "The American Dream. So long from the Sunshine State.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Irish Tomahawked
It was a sold out Champs Bowl as the Florida State Seminoles took on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on a beautiful evening in downtown Orlando.
For three quarters, the Seminoles played downright offensive offensive football, picking up right where they left off against Florida. Fumbling immediately out of the gate for a Notre Dame touchdown, the Seminoles had to come from behind.
But the Seminoles hung in defensively, and as the fourth quarter began started generating some offense and won the game 18-14. A few passes to Rahsad Greene led the way.
Florida State needed this game, and this win over a quality opponent in Notre Dame gives the team confidence for the 2012 season. The Seminoles will have a veteran team, and if issues on the offensive line can be corrected, anything short of a top ten finish would be a major disappointment.
For three quarters, the Seminoles played downright offensive offensive football, picking up right where they left off against Florida. Fumbling immediately out of the gate for a Notre Dame touchdown, the Seminoles had to come from behind.
But the Seminoles hung in defensively, and as the fourth quarter began started generating some offense and won the game 18-14. A few passes to Rahsad Greene led the way.Florida State needed this game, and this win over a quality opponent in Notre Dame gives the team confidence for the 2012 season. The Seminoles will have a veteran team, and if issues on the offensive line can be corrected, anything short of a top ten finish would be a major disappointment.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Capital One Bowl Cornhusker Fanfare
Herbie Husker and The Marching Red perform "There Is No Place Like Nebraska" on the streets of lovely downtown Orlando in the Captial One Bowl Citrus Parade.Go Big Red!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Seminole Uprising
It has been a rough year for Florida State football, knocked out of national and ACC title consideration right out of the gate this fall. FSU did respond by winning the State championship for a second straight year, beating both in state rivals Miami and Florida.As the bowl matchups were announced, Florida State got selected to play in the Champs Bowl, here in Orlando, against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Instant sellout. If you are not in the BCS, it does not get much better than this.
In preparation for the matchup, here is some fanfare from last seasons Chick-fil-a Bowl by the world renowned Florida State University Marching Chiefs. Go 'Noles!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Crashing Dreams Nationwide
A few months back, 60 Minutes rolled through greater Orlando highlighting the housing crisis and the high level of homelessness and the devastating impact it is having on families throughout the area. Scott Pelley and the crew made a return visit, which is really a must see. Please take a listen:
If your eyes aren't welling up after watching this report, you may want to have some pre-Whoville cocktails with the Grinch.
Sadly, this story could be told gazillions of times all across the country. This report is from my own community, and as a residential appraiser, I see several views of the damage on a daily basis.
Certainly, everyone had to be impressed with the Metzger children, and we all felt for the family who saw the abyss before reaching a life line. Local news reports suggest things have turned up for both families. Reportedly, Stetson University has offered the Metzger children scholarships and the family is now residing in a newly furnished condo, which now with Dad gaining employment as a Seminole County sanitation worker, they have a chance to make rental payments moving forward. We all wish them the best.
60 Minutes did a wonderful job chronicling the staggering level of homelessness on both these reports, except for one glaring omission. Biased no doubt, 60 Minutes failed to associate the reason for widespread homelessness; Uncle Sam's anemic job creation under our President, who has led a balanced and sustained attack on free markets small business job creators.
The Obama administration has hurled every program they can think of to stem foreclosures and protect families from losing their homes. A black hole of financial costs continue to saddle taxpayers, tying a ball and chain to families across America. Yes, Obama inherited a significant housing problem, but instead of employing free market principles to correct the problem, he did not let a crisis go to waste and expanded government, public sector employment, entitlements and our national debt to unsustainable levels. The byproduct of this is the crashing of our system, leaving government as the solution, which crashes dreams nationwide.
What has not been attempted, and I want to emphasize, by choice, would dramatically improve each of these major issues in a matter of a pair of years. The creation of private sector jobs.
Instead of promoting socialism, and yes we are quickly running out of everyone else's money, and attacking wealthy job creators and venture capitalists, an environment needs to be nurtured by the government that deletes unnecessary regulation, limits burdensome taxation, rewards risk takers and unleashes the entrepreneurial spirit of our nation.
A fully employed citizenry, with efficient markets, will balance out supply and demand and generate a healthy, growing economy that offers those who aspire to succeed the world at their fingertips. In addition, an employed workforce will continue to reach for higher levels of housing options, which will cure the housing market as inventories decline.
Free market capitalism is the best path to prosperity, and we need politicians who subscribe to that in office. Barack Obama is the antithesis of a subscriber of free markets and capitalism, so if you wish for these problems to get corrected, you must vote him, and his supporters, out of office.
If your eyes aren't welling up after watching this report, you may want to have some pre-Whoville cocktails with the Grinch.
Sadly, this story could be told gazillions of times all across the country. This report is from my own community, and as a residential appraiser, I see several views of the damage on a daily basis.
Certainly, everyone had to be impressed with the Metzger children, and we all felt for the family who saw the abyss before reaching a life line. Local news reports suggest things have turned up for both families. Reportedly, Stetson University has offered the Metzger children scholarships and the family is now residing in a newly furnished condo, which now with Dad gaining employment as a Seminole County sanitation worker, they have a chance to make rental payments moving forward. We all wish them the best.
60 Minutes did a wonderful job chronicling the staggering level of homelessness on both these reports, except for one glaring omission. Biased no doubt, 60 Minutes failed to associate the reason for widespread homelessness; Uncle Sam's anemic job creation under our President, who has led a balanced and sustained attack on free markets small business job creators.
The Obama administration has hurled every program they can think of to stem foreclosures and protect families from losing their homes. A black hole of financial costs continue to saddle taxpayers, tying a ball and chain to families across America. Yes, Obama inherited a significant housing problem, but instead of employing free market principles to correct the problem, he did not let a crisis go to waste and expanded government, public sector employment, entitlements and our national debt to unsustainable levels. The byproduct of this is the crashing of our system, leaving government as the solution, which crashes dreams nationwide.
What has not been attempted, and I want to emphasize, by choice, would dramatically improve each of these major issues in a matter of a pair of years. The creation of private sector jobs.
Instead of promoting socialism, and yes we are quickly running out of everyone else's money, and attacking wealthy job creators and venture capitalists, an environment needs to be nurtured by the government that deletes unnecessary regulation, limits burdensome taxation, rewards risk takers and unleashes the entrepreneurial spirit of our nation.
A fully employed citizenry, with efficient markets, will balance out supply and demand and generate a healthy, growing economy that offers those who aspire to succeed the world at their fingertips. In addition, an employed workforce will continue to reach for higher levels of housing options, which will cure the housing market as inventories decline.
Free market capitalism is the best path to prosperity, and we need politicians who subscribe to that in office. Barack Obama is the antithesis of a subscriber of free markets and capitalism, so if you wish for these problems to get corrected, you must vote him, and his supporters, out of office.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Union Dopes Dash Disney Magic
Although Walt Disney is based in Anaheim, California, the Walt Disney World theme park here in Orlando is a worldwide tourist attraction central to the local economy. Central Floridians take great pride in Disney, and the NBA's Orlando Magic are named as such. On Tuesday, the Walt Disney Corporation (DIS:NYSE) released earnings which surprised to the upside, beating expectations across the board.Maria Bartiromo of CNBC discusses the earnings report:
This is great news. It has been a rough decade for shareholders, beginning with 9-11, which drastically reduced theme park traffic, followed by the Michael Eisner episode culminating with the recent financial crisis.
For the first time in over a decade, Disney has recently traded above $40 per share. With revenues up, out come the useful idiot employees under the direction of the unions protesting for Disney to "share the wealth".Union president Eric Clinton is president of one of the six unions trying to strike a new deal for the thousands of Disney World employees.
Clinton said "We've known for a long time Disney's image is something that's very near and dear. One way to get them to move is to attack that." For Disney employees, this a real bad move to attempt to sabotage their employer, but for union thugs
attempting to engage in a shakedown, it is all good.
WFTV ABC Orlando spoke with Disney World Representative Andrea Finger, who said "We have proposed a very fair and competitive offer that's a very good deal for our cast members."
Union leaders claimed rising health care costs would wipe out salary increases for Disney workers. With apologies to Dopey, what a bunch of dopes! Unions were central in the compilation of the health care package, as well as the failed stimulus. In fact, labor unions are "going after" those who did not support Obamacare.
But it is Disney's fault.
They have the money to do it; it's just that they're cheap. They didn't get rich by giving their money away, we understand that, but our members are struggling," Clinton said. Welcome to the world under Obama! Most everyone is struggling, and you should be thankful there are enough folks who still have money who can come to Disney and enjoy themselves. For the company to excel in this environment is a testament to management and the fantastic job the cast members do.
Because I am a big supporter of Disney, I am going to waive my consulting fee for the employees and issue the following three recommendations:
A. If you are unhappy as a cast member, seek employment elsewhere. I recognize, due to current idiotic policies of the Obama administration, that jobs do not currently exist, so you must use the ballot box at your earliest opportunity to expedite your departure.
B. Invest in the 401K package the Mouse House makes available to you. And by all means, invest in your own company, so a rising stock price benefits you along with the company.
C. Form your own theme park, and run it as you see fit.
As it turns out, I do not recall as revenues and the stock price were in decline anyone over at The Magic Kingdom contacting the local media to offer to work for decreased wages. Where was Mr. Clinton, a fine American I am sure, at the shareholders meeting? Voting present?
It is far time for these dopes to distance themselves from the cancer that is the unions and get some skin in the game. Then, as it should be, everyone associated with Mickey and Minnie would be celebrating a job well done.
NOTE: I AM A LONGTIME SHAREHOLDER OF WALT DISNEY CORPORATION. WFTV USED A SOURCE.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Debate Is Over
The debate is in fact over with respect to global warming, now referred to as climate change due to overwhelming evidence to the contrary.How about a check of the weather a few recent football games:
Those arriving at the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL found 45 degree temperatures and rain.
The Autozone (AZO:NYSE) Liberty Bowl in Memphis kicked off late Saturday afternoon with temps at 22 degrees. Eddie Money looks comfortable during halftime:
As the NFL kicked off Sunday afternoon, longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneer radio man Gene Deckerhoff announced the 44 degree temps was the coldest daytime home kickoff in Tampa Bay history.
When the 76th annual FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami kicked off last night with the thermometer at 48 degrees, it became the coldest Orange Bowl in history.
Orlando set a record cold last night at 28 degrees, and the entire country is buried in snow.
The left wing alarmists need to find a new scare tactic, because the greatest hoax of all time is in the deep freeze.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Braves Stand Tall
In the biggest rivalry in Orlando, the Boone Braves stand tall in defeating Edgewater tonight at Norton Baker Field.
PICTURE COURTESY OF THE ORLANDO SENTINEL
PICTURE COURTESY OF THE ORLANDO SENTINEL
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Feds Strike Blow To Orlando Economy
The actions of our government never cease to amaze me. Orlando, has been put on a "no fun" list of cities to avoid for conventions and business meetings going forward. CNBC's Mark Haines chats with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer about this nonsense:
Since the government is commanding more control of the economy seemingly daily, should this policy become strictly implemented, the policy would strike a blow to our number one local industry, tourism, which would be a catastrophe for the Orlando economy .
It is indeed time to take a stand on the "remaking of America", as the implemetation of these idiotic policies going forward, (Cap & Trade and nationalized health care?) will continue to handicap our economic growth. Higher taxes and regulation cause limited economic growth which equates to a limited increase, if any, in employment. With consumers handicapped in spending in a very suspect job market, growth will be non existent.
You do not have be an economist to recognize this is not good.
Since the government is commanding more control of the economy seemingly daily, should this policy become strictly implemented, the policy would strike a blow to our number one local industry, tourism, which would be a catastrophe for the Orlando economy .
It is indeed time to take a stand on the "remaking of America", as the implemetation of these idiotic policies going forward, (Cap & Trade and nationalized health care?) will continue to handicap our economic growth. Higher taxes and regulation cause limited economic growth which equates to a limited increase, if any, in employment. With consumers handicapped in spending in a very suspect job market, growth will be non existent.
You do not have be an economist to recognize this is not good.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Fearless Pioneers
It was 40 years ago today that perhaps the greatest achievement of mankind took place as American astronauts landed on the Moon.
The bravery of these men, and those who have participated in the various programs since the inception of our commitment to space, is something to marvel at.
As an Orlando resident, we can visually see the shuttle launches and hear the sonic booms when the shuttle returns. It is breathtaking, and most in the area are big supporters of the space program.
To Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins, job well done Gentlemen, and a giant step for mankind it certainly was.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Misplaced Priorities
Certainly, the death of The King of Pop Michael Jackson was a newsworthy event. Jackson may have been one of the most well known celebrities worldwide and was among the best musicians of the day. Factoring in his death being unexpected and the mysteries surrounding it, media coverage was warranted. I made commentary on it myself HERE.
Unfortunately, the media coverage of Jackson's death extended significantly beyond what any fair thinking journalist would deem appropriate.
The Aunt of one of our fallen soldiers has called the media out. FOX News (imagine that) has it. Take a listen:
A Hero to be sure.
Folks traveled from all the world to attend Jackson's concert, or funeral, and some 10,000 people showed up for an American Idol audition yesterday here in Orlando. It was the lead story on the front page today of The Orlando Sentinel? OMG!
Meanwhile, we have two wars going on where our soldiers are risking their lives for our freedom, and it almost seems few care. Certainly, in many cases, the media is more interested in using the deaths of our soldiers to promote political points.
An example of that would be the suicide rate among soldiers that was highly promoted a few years back and used as an attack mechanism against George W. Bush. The rate was actually higher during the Clinton administration versus Bush and now has risen to higher levels under Obama.
Was that stat in your morning paper? An alarming piece on CNN?
Would any of the news organizations like to do a piece on how America might help our soldiers rather than using items like this to slam their opponents politically?
Philosopher Edmund Burke once said "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
Bad things are going on home and abroad while many Americans sacrifice for American Idol and worship non-deserving people like Michael Jackson. Essentially doing nothing. Will evil triumph while many Americans priorities are misplaced?
HOPE is not lost!!! Keep up the fight!
Unfortunately, the media coverage of Jackson's death extended significantly beyond what any fair thinking journalist would deem appropriate.
The Aunt of one of our fallen soldiers has called the media out. FOX News (imagine that) has it. Take a listen:
A Hero to be sure.
Folks traveled from all the world to attend Jackson's concert, or funeral, and some 10,000 people showed up for an American Idol audition yesterday here in Orlando. It was the lead story on the front page today of The Orlando Sentinel? OMG!
Meanwhile, we have two wars going on where our soldiers are risking their lives for our freedom, and it almost seems few care. Certainly, in many cases, the media is more interested in using the deaths of our soldiers to promote political points.
An example of that would be the suicide rate among soldiers that was highly promoted a few years back and used as an attack mechanism against George W. Bush. The rate was actually higher during the Clinton administration versus Bush and now has risen to higher levels under Obama.
Was that stat in your morning paper? An alarming piece on CNN?
Would any of the news organizations like to do a piece on how America might help our soldiers rather than using items like this to slam their opponents politically?
Philosopher Edmund Burke once said "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
Bad things are going on home and abroad while many Americans sacrifice for American Idol and worship non-deserving people like Michael Jackson. Essentially doing nothing. Will evil triumph while many Americans priorities are misplaced?
HOPE is not lost!!! Keep up the fight!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
King of Pop Gone
Certainly, it was very sad to learn of the death on pop superstar Michael Jackson. Jackson was a phenomenal musical talent whose personal life seemed to be more destructive as time went on. It is a sad story, with a tragic ending.I remember well his performances with The Jackson 5 on several variety shows back in the day. While Off the Wall was a great album, Thriller was fantastic, and remains the best selling album of all time.
Jackson seemed very friendly when I had occasion to meet him at Orlando Church Street Station's Rosie O'Grady's Phineas Phoggs one time in 1984, and that year I did catch his Victory Tour at The Gator Bowl in Jacksonville.
It is just sad how his life played out, but his musical talent will never be questioned. The following video of Billie Jean off Thriller leaves no doubt:
It was a tough week, losing three high profile celebs with Johnny Carson sidekick Ed McMahon passing, early in the week and then losing seventies icons Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson on the same day. Can't recall two as widely known as Fawcett and Jackson dying on the same day.
Monday, June 1, 2009
I Believe In Magic
Congratulations to the Orlando Magic in defeating both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA referees in winning the Eastern Conference Championship. Now, it is off to the NBA finals to take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
I used to love the NBA when I was a kid back in the days of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson and the early Magic days, but I have not been following the league that much in recent years. I have gotten involved and taken in this entire playoff run.
With a new arena on the way, it is great for the community for the Magic to be challenging for a championship. Although they are hurting for sure in providing adequate HD television coverage, the Wingshack Conway was slammed for the game Saturday night, as likely were several sports bars across town. This is fantastic news and a huge assist to the bottom line for these small businesses during these economically contracting times, which as a former owner of a small Orlando sports bar, I am quite familiar with.
I'll be cheering the Magic on during the finals, and I think they have a great chance to win the title. Go Magic!
I used to love the NBA when I was a kid back in the days of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson and the early Magic days, but I have not been following the league that much in recent years. I have gotten involved and taken in this entire playoff run.
With a new arena on the way, it is great for the community for the Magic to be challenging for a championship. Although they are hurting for sure in providing adequate HD television coverage, the Wingshack Conway was slammed for the game Saturday night, as likely were several sports bars across town. This is fantastic news and a huge assist to the bottom line for these small businesses during these economically contracting times, which as a former owner of a small Orlando sports bar, I am quite familiar with.
I'll be cheering the Magic on during the finals, and I think they have a great chance to win the title. Go Magic!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Send Grayson on Permanent Vacation
Fresh off the debacle otherwise known as the Pay for Performance Act of 2009 , Orlando Congressman Alan Grayson (D) has offered another idiotic proposal, the Paid Vacation Act. This legislation would be the first to make paid vacation a requirement under federal law.
The birth of this legislation dawned on Grayson while he was at Disney World. As a shareholder of the company (DIS:NYSE), I appreciate his patronage but with the nations economic status crumbling, one might suspect he had more pressing obligations. Apparently not.
Grayson commented he thought vacations would stimulate the economy. It might stimulate Disney and surrounding tourist places like Sea World, rental car companies and the surrounding hotels, but it would would be a regulatory anchor on companies efforts to produce a quality product while growing their business. Grayson, who cited vacation time as reasoning why the Euro is rising against the Dollar, has his lack of understanding of economics at display yet again.
Incentives work! Both ways. If these financial constraints, such as Graysons pending legislation, continue to be placed on businesses, they will be forced to hire less workers, which would restrict the amount of product produced. It would also likely lessen the profit margin of what is produced as efficiency is reduced, which would harm the ability of the company to grow, potentially costing jobs. This, ultimately, would also limit supply which would then force prices up. It is the equivalent of a tax, and when you tax something, you get less of it.
Noted in the story at Politico.com was that the United States was dead last in mandatory vacation, with France leading the way. The story failed to mention that the US is first in output (over 4 times that of France) and that France has historically high unemployment and had workers rioting within the past few years. I certainly do not aspire the United States to become the economic equivalent of France, but I fear many do.
A seemingly obvious economic principle bears repeating. There is no free lunch. Vacationers on their employers expense may think there is, but someone is paying the cost, and in the end it is the consumer.
There’s a reason why Disney World is the happiest place on Earth: The people who go there are on vacation,” said Grayson. “Honestly, as much as I appreciate this job and as much as I enjoy it, the best days of my life are and always have been the days I’m on vacation.” So, fellow Orlandoans, lets put him on permanent vacation during the next elections. But then again, it looks like he already is vacationing on our dime.
The birth of this legislation dawned on Grayson while he was at Disney World. As a shareholder of the company (DIS:NYSE), I appreciate his patronage but with the nations economic status crumbling, one might suspect he had more pressing obligations. Apparently not.Grayson commented he thought vacations would stimulate the economy. It might stimulate Disney and surrounding tourist places like Sea World, rental car companies and the surrounding hotels, but it would would be a regulatory anchor on companies efforts to produce a quality product while growing their business. Grayson, who cited vacation time as reasoning why the Euro is rising against the Dollar, has his lack of understanding of economics at display yet again.
Incentives work! Both ways. If these financial constraints, such as Graysons pending legislation, continue to be placed on businesses, they will be forced to hire less workers, which would restrict the amount of product produced. It would also likely lessen the profit margin of what is produced as efficiency is reduced, which would harm the ability of the company to grow, potentially costing jobs. This, ultimately, would also limit supply which would then force prices up. It is the equivalent of a tax, and when you tax something, you get less of it.
Noted in the story at Politico.com was that the United States was dead last in mandatory vacation, with France leading the way. The story failed to mention that the US is first in output (over 4 times that of France) and that France has historically high unemployment and had workers rioting within the past few years. I certainly do not aspire the United States to become the economic equivalent of France, but I fear many do.
A seemingly obvious economic principle bears repeating. There is no free lunch. Vacationers on their employers expense may think there is, but someone is paying the cost, and in the end it is the consumer.
There’s a reason why Disney World is the happiest place on Earth: The people who go there are on vacation,” said Grayson. “Honestly, as much as I appreciate this job and as much as I enjoy it, the best days of my life are and always have been the days I’m on vacation.” So, fellow Orlandoans, lets put him on permanent vacation during the next elections. But then again, it looks like he already is vacationing on our dime.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Bottom Fishing
The Orlando Regional Realtor Association, of which I am a member, reports existing home sales in greater Orlando rose for the second consecutive month in October, representing the first time in over two years we have had this occurrence. Could this be signifying a turn in the local housing market?
Certainly, the amount of sales includes distressed properties, either those in pre-foreclosure, already foreclosed upon or short sales. But burning off the inventory is key to any market recovery, so as long as the sales out pace the inventory growth, progress is being made. The Condo market, included in these figures, remains a disaster, signaling single family homes may be faring better than the overall figures show.
Affordability is quite attractive for would be buyers as interest rates remain historically low and prices of homes have fallen to levels not dreamed about three years ago. Unfortunately, credit remains a significant issue, even with the actions of The FED and the federal government.
FOX Business Network's Alexis Glick discusses the housing market with Spencer Rascoff of Zillow.com. Take a listen.
Certainly, the amount of sales includes distressed properties, either those in pre-foreclosure, already foreclosed upon or short sales. But burning off the inventory is key to any market recovery, so as long as the sales out pace the inventory growth, progress is being made. The Condo market, included in these figures, remains a disaster, signaling single family homes may be faring better than the overall figures show.
Affordability is quite attractive for would be buyers as interest rates remain historically low and prices of homes have fallen to levels not dreamed about three years ago. Unfortunately, credit remains a significant issue, even with the actions of The FED and the federal government.
FOX Business Network's Alexis Glick discusses the housing market with Spencer Rascoff of Zillow.com. Take a listen.
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