Norm Van Lier/John “Red” Kerr Deaths!

Chicago Bulls lose two game greats!   Not one ,but two of the game of basketballs’ greats are gone!  Just like that, just one month past, the Chicago Bulls organization had a wonderful honor ceremony to Johnny “Red” Kerr. He sat in theChicago  Stadium,wheelchair bound,  while the fans on their feet, listened to Michael Jordon pay homage to him. Screaming and yelling nonstop for minutes as Michael Jordon paid a great tribute to a man who for Michael became friend. Who can forget those nights when Jordon would rosin up his hands and then go over to the broadcast table and “clap” his hands in “Red’s” face? These are memories made for a man who had done it all. He played, he coached,and he broadcast it for all the world to hear. John “Red” Kerr loved the game of basketball!  And he loved his Chicago Bulls!  No matter how up the team was, he’d find some little thing that the team could improve on, and when the ship was sinking and at it’s low, he would find some good and point it out! He was bigger than life and the game was improved by him, and he is loved here in Chicago. In the end prostate cancer got him, but he fought it hard.

He will be sorely missed!  And only just hours before “Red’s” death, Chicago lost ‘Stormin’ Norman!  Norm Van Lier another of the Chicago Bulls icons had past! Norm got his nickname because like a storm he came in the game and gave it all hustle! He was competitive. He loved the game and he loved the Chicago Bulls and spent the majority of his playing career with the Bulls. He missed his endearing team so much that he did return to be a broadcaster. Still tall and ominous, he ventured out to watch other Chicago sports teams and was happy to give autographs and handshakes wherever he would go. This man “had game”! He never backed down, he moved it and created the plays. He wasn’t Michael Jordon, but when he was out there Norm had a major presence, like a king in his court. He held fast and was a  tough cookie. He had the back of the rest of his team. He had a great work ethic.  He came back into the game as a Comcast Sportnet commentator. He had a very colorful way of speaking. He spoke his mind and it was refreshing (and funny)!

So the two much beloved figures in Chicago Bulls history, go down in history together! They both were tough and had the game face on for every minute in a day. They were scrappers and fighters and heroes in this town, Chicago misses them both already!

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Oprah Visits Walter Reed Hospital

Earlier today I watched  the Oprah Winfreyshow, and was completely touched. Oprah was also completely touched as she broke into tears in the end!  As Oprah held up her arms in a small prayer  if you will, she said to the effect, We lift you up. Kudos to you Oprah and your staff for a very loving and touching show!

As we were taken into the hospital we saw strong, brave and even very young wounded men and women. My heart was heavy as Oprah went around and shook hands of each patient that was there as the therapy sessions were going on. Physical therapy for those who have lost limbs; one who only stood for the first time as the show was being taped!  Each were asked how they felt, and would they go back. Each who had served and each who had lost limbs all said they would go back in a heart beat!

It showed me strength beyond physical, it meant strength in God, themselves, and their families. It showed me bravery beyond just fighting behind a gun. Her show has opened my eyes and I, as Oprah did, want to say Thank You too! 

Thank you to all those men and women who have given so very much. Thank you to all of those who have fought for our freedom. Thank you to those of you men and women in Iran and Afghanistan, for you will help my children and my grandchildren to live in a free country.

Everything that these men and women have done for all of us is so special. We all should be thanking them if we can. Go to www.oprah.com and post a thank you or see if there is something you can do.

And finally thank you Oprah for doing the show, it was an important show and lets hope that even if for one minute you had taken their pain away. You have made it better because you care. Thank you.

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Sophia Loren Looking Great!

Some will say that this past Oscar Show was boring. Although most people would say that Hugh Jackman was great in his role as host of the Oscars. He really was good in the singing and dancing areas, but all of the jokes were pretty weak. Most people would agree that since the majority of the Oscar shows were hosted by those in  the comedy genre. Take for instance those done by Billy Crystal, how about Whoopi,or Ellen, or even David Letterman?  It was somewhat refreshing when Steve Martin and Tina Fey stepped on stage!  They were getting laughs without even saying a word! But they were cute together and wish they could’ve stayed and finished out the rest of the show. Hugh Jackman was very easy on the eye, and definitely belongs on the stage. He is a natural. But I think people wanted more comedy.

It was great the way the writers put together legends in acting that spanned many years and in all different types of movies to present the awards to the new Oscar winners!  Did it however really need to be a secret? Probably not, but it made people want to watch just a bit more perhaps.

For the gowns that the designers made and the stars wore, Only a few were really that pretty. Stars often look stunning with all the hair,make-up, gowns, perfect undergarments to complete the whole picture. It seemed the stars that were singled out already by the magazines and  reporters were truly the ones who did look great.

I thought that one woman in particular looked extremely beautiful and that was Sophia Loren. A woman of 75  she still looked stunning! Still a little tiny bit of youthfulness shined through. Always known for her sex appeal, Her words seemed aged when she spoke, but she looked as beautiful as she could. Her gown was pretty and appropriate for her. She continues to have a regality as she stood there amongst Hollywood’s best and most famed, to present her best wishes for the nominee.

Thank you Oscar Academy for tyring to make an ever boring award show better, keep trying one of these years it may be great!

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Casey Anthony Evidence Matches!

The Orange County States Attorney let out damning evidence that links the crime scene directly to the Anthony home and the crime scene!

The same kind of duct tape on gas can that was on Caylee, the sticker(and gum residue) that was on the duct tape was found in the Anthony home. The sticker sheet  that was found was an identical match with stickers missing out of it! Also and very mind boggling was the entry in Casey’s diary that states she is the happiest she has been in a long time, and she hopes that her happiness lasts! Among other things written one month to the day that Caylee was reported missing! It shows the state of mind of Casey!  In this diary she does not ever mention Caylee, it is all about herself as she refers to herself (I) throughout the diary. And finally the garbage bag that contained the body of Caylee was also found in the Anthony home.

It looks that this is even more evidence that Jose Baez will not be able to refute!  Finally evidence that directly can tie Casey to the crime scene itself!  Jose Baez cannot say he cannot trust the FBI lab anymore. It would not be responsible as a lawyer. He needs to present a case in which he can plead for her life instead.

In a cold and callous way the mother destroyed the life of her only child, and then her next step was to get rid of her and that she did! It appears she stuck her in the trunk, and drove and drove. Spotting Zenaida Gonzalez’s name and began to construct her plan. And continuing in her cold and callous way she finally “dropped” her precious cargo near the only place she knew-her home! And then with her head held high she continued to be cold and callous while the baby laid out in a grassy lot slowly decomposing, how could she had been so cold and nasty?  Why would she take this route, so many other options were open to her.   I pray for the soul of Casey, the ice princess, as the satanic reaper carts her to the darkest place known to exist. And then my prayers and thoughts turn to the angel gone way too soon, and I pray she did not hurt. I pray that she just slept peacefully. Bless the family of Casey they could not have ever known!  It is not your fault that the child went wayward!  I pray for peace as your fingerprints have exonerated you all.

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

A-Rod/Roid-Free

A-Rod gave a press conference today at Spring training. He said he made a stupid mistake and he wants to get on with things. He admitted that for a time in 2003 he took banned substances with his cousin.  He took what he called as Bolla and he did not even think he did it right. He got only an energy boost from this.  A-Rod states that he has had a tough year this year. He had a divorce and the the tabloid papers had been exceptionally rough on him. He had been linked to singer Madonna for some time. Once he was labled a liar and now he’s just very remorseful.

A-Rod states that he wants to just get on with things, and that he knows that he has got earn back trust in the way fans feel about him, and earn the trust of all of his teammates. H claims that he hopes after  some time has gone by his team mates and fans will see that he has a lot of baseball left to play in him.

Well I hope that he is right. But one thing is for sure, A-Rod cheapened baseball by yet one more notch for all of us hardcore fans. Once again baseball is labeled with having cheaters for players and managers for co-dpendants and owners for turning the other cheek. As the reins get tighter, and more and more come out of the woodwork, who knows ?If we have to accept what A-Rod says as the final word,I guess we will all accept most anything. Let’s face it, everyone has a liking for A-Rod period. He’s so likable, we feel bad for him!  T he sport press  loves him too.  Lets hope that the next month or so will go well and Baseball will have an unstained opening day. And hopefully all of us true baseball fans will be able to enjoy a great season of “real” baseball.

 

Forget those balloon arm muscles, inflated egos, and unbelievable home run stats. Let’s play ball without the messy garbage!

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Peterson/Raines on TV Again!

Oh Yikes……..Drew said she’d be back; rest assured that was part of the plan too!  Trying to create more demand for his story and to further humanize him is his gal pal Christina (loser) Raines; well she moved back into creepy Drew Peterson’s home!

All I can say is those poor, poor kids! Wow if anyone will need major counseling they all will!

Seriously folks we need to complain to the media because the Today Show and its, not thinking too clearly, producers who continually book the slime ball on their show!  I mean what is it with them anyway, are they obsessed with him? Do they honestly think that they are garnering new watchers?  If anything I had heard that people are turning away from the show because the Drew Peterson stories.

Their latest interview shows Peterson “cuddling” with Christina Raines. While she was getting cozy with Drew Peterson, Ms Raines claimed that he is so nice and that he would not hurt me, and that she finds Peterson caring and funny! She does not know how silly she looked on that show as she sat on a sofa while Peterson chuckles and snickered with a face full of ….I told you so…..I am a young girl chick magnet!   Oh goodness Ms Raines you are not headed in the right direction!   He’ll jump ship right away if something else even better looking than you comes his way!

Someone needs to tell Raines that even if Drew Peterson does get a booking for a reality show, she won’t be famous. No one, not one person thinks that you are in a serious relationship, you are both losers trying to get your 15 minutes of fame!  Fame Ms Raines is very fleeting!  And fame with Drew Peterson  would be nothing anyone should be proud of! Ms Raines’  poor father has tried in vain to get her away from what he called the devil! Too bad for you…she’s hoping that if you can’t beat him, you’ll join him….and I guess if the book and reality show comes out I’m sure you’ll get your hush money…after all Mr. Ernie Raines everyone has their price right? And perhaps they found yours!  Christina has sold her soul to the devil, why not you too!  Shame, Shame on you all!

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Peanut Corp. of America Pleads 5th!

Peanut Corp. of America’s owner is Stewart Parnell. He faced a congressional hearing. In this congressional hearing Parnell would not answer the questions put to him; he continually invoked his right to plead the 5th Amendment. His plant and processing center is blamed for the salmonella outbreak that currently has confirmed that nine people died as a direct result of consuming tainted peanut butter. It has also been linked to some 600 illnesses.

This is a travesty! It is said that Parnell had been told by plant workers in June that nuts had been testing positive for salmonella bacteria! It is said that Parnell e-mailed back the employee and said something to the effect of ‘ I go through this once a week and I will hold my breath again.” And then again in October an e-mail showed Parnell had a focus on profits vs. safety. Even though he was fully aware that 441 cases of granules had been shipped out that had positive tests for salmonella!

Families of the victims showed up on Capitol Hill to continue to fight and state their outrage. Many were visibly shaken and very angry and emotional. One family member of a victim claimed that he would like the people involved to serve jail time.

The testing lab that uncovered the positive salmonella tests were shocked when they heard that tainted peanut butter was sent out for use. They felt they had never heard of anyone totally disregarding their test results!

I too feel that they should be given jail time from the top down. Starting with Parnell, since there is hard evidence that he did correspond with e-mail and all can see that he is fully aware, should get the hardest sentence!  He should not be treated nicely. He should be treated as if he directly killed those eight victims. He has blood on his hands and needs to have the harshest sentence that the system should give.  For the guy/gal who corresponded with Parnell on that e-mail, he should go next as he/she had the power to stop that tainted peanut butter from going out!  He could’ve shut down that whole line. But he/she did not!  He should be held as an accessory to the crime. What could’ve been the outcome- lost profits and perhaps his job! He would’ve been a hero and perhaps taken Parnell down-because it is obvious to me that he has ordered tainted peanut product out before!

This has been one of the largest recalls ever. More than 1,800 products have been removed from store shelves.

Today we live in an age that this kind of thing should not be able to happen. With all the things available and the proper testing done, an indecent human being overrode the call to duty and became greedy. He allowed people to die, and some the most venerable: children and the elderly!

Forgiveness for you Stewart Parnell and your cohorts is not now in your cards! Shame on you for being the most despicable person in recent history.  I hope you get roasted or toasted like the nuts you prepare!

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Moving Memorial For Caylee Anthony

A few notes on Caylee Anthony’s memorial. Today a sorrowful event was held in Orlando at The First Baptist Church. The church seats up to 5,ooo. Attendance at today’s memorial was approximately 12oo.  The attendees that came were compassionate and were truly there to say good-bye to the little girl who has stole our hearts.  Caylee Marie Anthony just 2 years old when she passed away in a traumatic way.

No one can fathom what this family has endured unless this has happened to you or your family. For George, Cindy, and Lee my heart goes out to you all. Your pain was very prevalent today as you spoke and we wept. They claimed to be united and to stand strong. And they need to, the road ahead is long and is filled with quite a bit of anguish.

The tribute today was kind and heartfelt. The family spoke one by one with Lee leading off. He thanked everyone and asked us to fill our hearts with patience and grace. He asked us that whatever we take from today, whatever it is that we seek to pay tribute to Caylee. He mentioned the initals CMA only. He did not say Caylee’s name nor did he say Casey’s name. He kissed three times the bracelet that he wore all while saying C M A.

George was wearing pride on his sleeve as he spoke of his little granddaughter. He beamed as he spoke of Caylee’s presence still being around. He was Jo-Jo to her. He cherished the times that he had with her. He remembered fondly the popcorn they ate together, and the fun she was with her beads ans sunglasses. And he reflected with smiles as he told the gathering how Caylee loved her vegetables! She was his “sunshine” and he taught her the song “You are my sunshine”. He also mentioned in Gods heaven he will be with her again.

Then George shifted to Casey and asked for prayers saying she deserved prayers. He asked the gathering to write her letters and he petitioned the group to not pass judgement. And to ask for hope and prayer for all of us.  He received a standing ovation.

Then Cindy came up and remembered as well the day that Casey came to her and told her she was going to be a grandmother. She reflected that Caylee got up in the morning smiling. She told of the tea parties that Caylee would have. And mentioned her dress up play, and her love of music, and loved to go into the pool with Caylee. She expressed that those were some of her favorite times. She also said good night to the stars and moon. She too shifted to Casey and thanked Casey for giving her the gift of Caylee. Cindy said she will miss the love that was shared between Caylee and Casey. She stated that she got her beauty and compassion from Casey. And finally that Caylee knew that she was loved. And that Cindy loved all of her children unconditionally. At her end of eulogy she asked the group to do something positive; to make a difference. She too got a standing ovation.

The music and the flowers were beautiful. The memorial was pretty and it was heart wrenching to see a family lost in misery. So sad that things had to turn out so bad. I wish that they would not have had to endure such awfulness. I would wish this on no one.

Turning to comments made by Jose Baez in a small press conference the day before, Casey stated that she cannot stop what her parents are doing. Today during the time of the memorial the prison officials were going to allow Casey time out to see the memorial, she did refuse, and visited with Jose Baez during that time. I am sure that it may have been watched via his computer?

It is too bad that Casey refused to watch the memorial. It is too bad that she did not want to pick music or flowers. It’s too bad that Casey felt so cold. In this the very last time to say good bye to the child we all have come to love.

Thank you Anthony family for the memorial. We’re so sorry for your loss in so many ways. God Bless you all in your journey ahead. Thank you too for giving this child a day full of grace and dignity.

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Drew on local Channel 2 Interview!

Well, yet another interview with a TV news station. Drew TV is on in our area and he’s hoping that it is not only watched but helps to sway your opinion of him!

Here’s a few notes that I gathered from the interview that I thought were interesting! On the subject of Christina Raines, Drew Peterson claims that he did not ask her to marry that she did the asking and she did it about 5 or 6 times! He went to a costume jewelry drawer and on the bottom of that drawer he found a ring and gave it to  her! He felt they were very much engaged!  And even spent $2000. to accommodate her children. He bought them new beds and that. 

Drew Peterson knew Ernie Raines and Christina for about 9 years now. Peterson claims that he would counsel Christina when she was just 15 years old and was in fights and alot of trouble! She is twenty four now and he claims he rescued her out of a dangerous living situation with her ex-boyfriend. He invited her into a loving home where she and her kids were treated better than they ever had been. He said the prior boyfriend was abusive and cited examples, he claims he is a good man and good father. He claims before Christina lived with him she lived on cigarettes,beer,chocolate,diet coke. He supplied her with vitamins even! He claims he would give anyone the shirt off his back! Isn’t he nice?

He claims he has had conversation with his other children and that they are all aware of what is going on. Psych visits his children, and they are getting regular attention. The team that visits he says calls him a co-dependant personality. Peterson says he has the need  and desires to always help someone. Joel Brodsky defense team has advised him to be in the media to enhance his image. But did advise him not to become engaged with Christina Raines. Whose father is Ernie Raines and he has come out and said to the effect that They have beat the devil!  He claims that if the devil is good, then he is the devil!

He claims he is taking life as it comes to him. He thinks that many innocent people go to jail. He believes that 40% of the population believes he is innocent. He thinks that Stacy is disrespectful for taking off with another man and abandoning his children. He is still very angry with Stacy he says. That one day he feels that she will walk through the door, he will be vindicated and then all of society can kiss his butt! He cannot help it if he attracts young women, he does not trap them- they just find him a handsome guy!  He claims to have the gift of gab and a great personality!   Wow!  It’s almost too much to take! All these good things coming out about him!  All claims made by only himself?

He truly believes that he is all that and then some! There is so much more I could say but the most important one is God I wish he’d  get over himself. Sooner or later Drew Peterson will be exactly where he should be. On the inside looking out! I hope his personality and his gift of gab will be very useful then! 

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo

Memorial for Caylee Anthony/Baez Sells Pics!

It was released yesterday that a memorial has been announced for little Caylee Anthony, finally!  Although no funeral has been planned that we are all aware of. 

The memorial will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. It will be held at The First Baptist Church of Orlando. This church can seat 5,000 persons.  And it was specified that the family of Caylee (meaning George and Cindy Anthony and Lee, I assume),the  public has been invited to attend services. The family has requested to have the ability to remove anyone that they see fit. No cameras,cell phones, video cameras, or anything that can record or take pictures will be allowed.

While Caylee’s mother Casey is in prison, she is released for at least one hour per day. This one hour will consist of reading books, watching TV, and relaxing out of her cell. Casey may be able to watch the memorial service on TV. She will not be released to come to the memorial. Her time out of her cell could or could not coincide with the time of the memorial on TV. We will see what will happen then.

Cindy Anthony has picked music and flowers for the memorial service. And it appears that police and church security staff are working together to have a safe, and secure service. Each person will be checked, there will be no bags allowed inside, no cell phones, no cameras, and no video allowed.  It is said that each person will also pass through a metal detector. At this writing it cannot be verified if the metal detectors are being installed or if they are already there.

George Anthony got out of the Halifax hospital using side doors to evade the media.  Cindy and Lee have not been heard from in the mean time. There also has been no word as to when they will finally lay this little girl to rest in a proper burial.

In other important news Jose Baez  put in a motion for a change of venue. He says that he and his client cannot/and would not get a fair trial. He knows that there is too much heat in Orlando. He is asking for the change in venue to be secret so that the media cannot get a hold of the details and create a circus atmosphere.  In other news the tacky Beaz team has already sold pictures and video of Caylee for the money to conduct her trial!They garnered the sum of $200,000!  Jose Baez claims that his client is doing what she can to pay for his representation. Including the selling of more pictures to come. Jose Baez claims he has not attached a price tag to them, he is asking what will a company pay for them, and whatever media is buying them will be who sets the price.

Whatever may transpire, it is all so sad and very shameful that this event is happening. I feel sorry for all those that knew Caylee, Casey and the Anthony family. Casey’s actions have set off a chain of events that I am not sure she even thought could happen. It is all so sad.

Just my thoughts, just my opinions, and always in a conversationalTone.

Mary Caliendo