My Reality Show Addiction Continues:The Real Housewives of Atlanta

Okay I must admit, I am a reality show fanatic, American Idol, Apprentice, America's Got Talent, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Wife Swap, need I go on?? The one that I can't seem to get enough of, however is "The Real Housewives of Atlanta".

The second season premiered last night and it began with a bang. Sheree' argued with her party planner, who felt as though she was infringing upon his professional duties. That dude seemed crazed. What kind of professional would become agitated because his client has an interest in his work?? You'd think that would help make his job easier.

Also, newcomer Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss,of the former R&B group Escape made her debut on the show. While she seems to be very talented and business savvy, I thought it'd be interesting to see how she would mesh with the other housewives, given their history.

I felt that way until I viewed this:



Apparently, their is trouble brewing between Kandi and Nene(who happens to be my favorite), even off the camera. The two seem to have the most in common: they are both sassy, independent minded, and do not back down; So naturally, they would but heads.

Well, if this debut of "housewives" is indicative of this season, then it sure to be a season of drama! Oh and to all the overly conservatives labeling the show as "ghetto". Please. It's a form of entertainment!!!

Tanning does a body good, or does it?????

Listen up tanning junkies, is just a much a carcinogen as smoking, and is as lethal as arsenic, this according to international cancer experts.

They now officially consider tanning's ultraviolet rays among the top cancer causing risks.

Yikes!!

The question is will tanning enthusiasts take heed to the warning. Melanoma has traditionally been more prevalent in older people, but its increasingly being diagnosed in young women in their 20's. In part because they make it an ongoing routine. Hey, if its another thing that tanning has with cigarettes, is its addictive nature.

This can't be a good sign for owners of tanning salons. I know that small business owners are already taking a killing during this econonmic downturn.

Michael Vick's Woes continue: Strip Club Rumors

So we all know by now that Michael Vick has done his time for his role in the doggy dog way of treating animals right? Vick, now been campaigning to get reinstated by the NFL, is now the subject of strip club rumors, and is vehemently denying them.

According to ybf.com (aka Young,Black & Famous), Vick & basketball player Allen Iverson visited the Atantis Club in Virginia Beach on Monday. Vick denies the story stating that he was in Tampa, Fl touring a facility.

Neither the story, nor the sighting were confirmed but published in many media outlets.

I hope for Vick's sake that he is being truthful, as he is in the process of restoring his image.But for Christ sakes, so what if he went to gentlemen's club? Who cares if he went to see dancers "shake what their mama gave them? It's his money, not ours. Oh I forgot, he claimed to be broke. Oh well. Not that I think it is the right thing do. But we should understand that the guy was just released from jail. Oh my bad, he has a fiance doesn't he? Perhaps she is aware and okays it. I now a lot of couples whose significant other would okay them going to a bar, it is a source of entertainment, isn't it. Much like sports, concerts etc.

My point is what he does personally should not have an impact on his profession,unless it hurts other people...even animals.


What do you guys think?

Video Flick:Michael vs Michael

Simply amazing use of technology. Think what you will of MJ, but the one thing that remained consistent throughout his career was his love and passion for music. This too is evident in the video.

Mariah Carey: Are fans not Obsessed with her New Single?

When you're edged out by Hannah Montanna, there is a problem Mariah Carey's new single Obsessed debuted last week at No. 11 on the Billboard Chart.

This week, the singer dropped to a paltry #20 on the charts.

I saw the video during its America's Got Talent debut. The song is okay, the beat catchy, but it would have helped to have a real guy as the obsessor, not a cross-dressing Mariah! This would have given more realism to the video and suspend my disbelief.

What I miss most, as an avid Mariah fan, are the soulful emotional yet powerful ballads that Mariah I know can blow. This song and her most alot of her most recent songs have been the antithesis of this and "Obsessed" is no different.

Is it an effort to keep her music & image young and hip? Who knows. But Mariah I or based on rankings it would be safe to say...We want you back!!!

Cop who arrested Henry Louis Gates: "I'm No Racist"

Just when you think this bizarre situation involving Sgt. James Crowley and Henry Louis Gates, would blow over, it continues. The charges against Crowley were dropped, he demands and apology for which Crowley refuses.....end of story right? Crowley in his five minutes fame, has been giving interviews on his take of the situation. He refuses to apologize for his actions, after all he was simply doing his job right? His reason? He is not racist, he once gave mouth to mouth resuscitation to pro basketball legend, Reggie Lewis when he collapsed in 1993.

Is that all he could come up with to support his case? I mean if I were a teacher,and a racist at that and one of my students of another race, needed mouth to mouth resuscitation, I would do it, simply because it is a part of my job. Or my jobs would be at risk. Seriously, a better argument could have been that his favorite entertainer is black, for Christ sakes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the situation was all his fault. And I'm not going to join the "It was racial profiling band wagon," because it is clear that Henry Louis Gates' status got to his head, also. Taunts of "You don't know who you're messing with," would aggravate the heck out of anybody, black, white, or blue. Had he just shut his mouth and complied with the law enforcement officer, things might have ended on a peaceful note. But then again maybe we needed this incident to initiate talks of race relations.

Breaking his Silence:Chris Brown's Apology to the public

Genuine and heartfelt or disingenuous? That's for you to decide.

Harvard Professor Arrested Outside his Own Home

This must be the safest neighborhood in America. Distinguished Harvard professor, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. was arrested when a cop mistook him for a burglar.

Reportedly, Gates had just returned from a trip to China, only to be welcomed by a badly damaged front door. To circumvent this and gain entry into his home, he and his cab driver tried to get in through the back door. A white neighbor saw them and called the police.

Gates, who heads Harvard's W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African-American Research, showed the Sgt. James Crowley, the attending officer his driver's license and Harvard identification, only to be handcuffed and taken to jail. Crowley's defense? Gates "exhibited loud and tumultuous behavior", in spite of his warnings to calm down. Crowley apparently did not recognize Gates, despite his fame. Throughout the incident Gates continued his verbal tirade against Crowley, among them: "You don't know who you're messing with,"Ya, I'll speak to your momma outside", according to Crowley.

Gates' & his Harvard colleagues call this a case of racial profiling.

This story brings about many issues. Like seriously, are there no crimes in that area of Boston that someone can be arrested for being loud and possibly arrogant? Has the crime rate in Boston decreased so dramatically? I find it interesting that there is hardly any mention of the cab driver. He must have calmly did what he was told to do with no problems. I guess it is true money and class stature affects your personality.

On the bright side, Gates should be pleased with the safety measures taken in the community he lives in. The fact that he had a neighbor, who felt the community was at risk, phoned police. I mean that's what and opulent lifestyle pays for right? Safety. In some lower class neighborhoods, you can't get people to even converse with the police for the fear of "selling out".

What are your thoughts?

Ivanka Announces her Engagement on Twitter!!

Turns out Twitter is used to announce good news, too. Ivanka the daughter of real estate mogul Donald Trump, got engaged to newspaper publisher, Jared Kushner, and announced it on the social networking site.

"I got engaged last night," Ivanka Tweeted. "Truly the happiest day of my life!!!"

Good for you Ivanka & thanks. Thanks for restoring my hope in the social media medium. Finally some positive news that makes headlines. Congrats to the happy couple.

Smoking the most expensive Habit forming Hobby

Yes, its true, smoking can be the most expensive habit forming hobby, just ask New Hampshire resident Josh Muszynski.

Josh reportedly stopped by a gas station to buy a pack of cigarettes,only to be charged 23 quadrillion dollars on his debit card. At the risk of missing zeros, I won't even type in the numerical value.

It turns out Muszynski had to spend two hours on the phone with his bank, Bank of America correct the error & his $15.00 overdraft fee.

I am at lost for words, on this one. He must have surely been in a hurry to grab a smoke because you usually prompted to check over the amount charged, before you enter your pin. Smoking is bad.......Comments anyone???

Fla Man sues surgical center over denial of hair transplant

A South Florida man is suing a Broward hair transplant surgeon on grounds that they denied him a hair transplant because he is HIV.

28 year old Diego Del Rio suit argues that Dr. Brett Bolton, of the Age Defying Surgical Center, refused him treatment after an initial consult and examination had been completed, and after he revealed his condition. Del Rio says he told Bolton he was HIV positive.

He says a "staffing medical coordinator" later told him over the phone that the office would not treat him.

Del Rio is suing for $15,000 or more in damages and compared his treatment from the center to being "belittled and disrespected" like he was by Bolton and his staff.

I just don't get the merit of this lawsuit. We live in America, in which you can go to virtually any doctor, based on your condition (unless you're covered by an HMO of course). This guy rather than going to another doctor that would make him look youthful again, prefers to sue? Certainly, he could find another doctor that would be willing to give him care, if he invested the same energy being expended into placing the suit, into his own well-being. I would question whether or not his intent is even genuine. I understand that HIV patients should not be discriminated against just like anyone else, but what if the procedure puts the surgeon or his other patients at risk? The surgeon not only has an obligation to the patient treated but to other patients as well. I say hats off to health care providers that treat HIV patients, as I have personally known a dentist that did, and I know personally, that that wouldn't have sit well with his other patients.

Personally, I think this doctor should have the right to refuse this patient if they are not prepared for the risk because it its not like this procedure is a necessary procedure, its cosmetic. What do you think?

New Craze: Tweeting Through live and unpleasurable Events

Perez Hilton claimed he was assaulted by a member of the Black Eyed Peas, 26 year old Amanda Dooling, aka "Traveling Anna" provided details of a robbery she witnessed...Their medium of choice? Twitter!!! Both twitted, describing the events of thier ordeals.

Perez sent outpouring of tweets back in June about the alleged attack. "I am in shock", he wrote. "I need police ASAP. I was assaulted by Will.i.am and one of his security guards."

Dooling, a producer for a talk show website, tweeted her way through the robbery of her bank. "My bank was just held up - with me in it" she wrote. She was at the HSBC on 34th Street and 8th Avenue when the hold up took place at 9:00 AM, yesterday morning. Her barrage of tweets chronicled the events that unfolding, including her discovery that of her missing trackball, which disabled her ability to place calls. Her updates over the course of the action included: "I'm locked in the bank still ... police just arrived ... they wont let us leave the bank ... i didnt even notice and he was two people in front of me ... can we GO?!"

Yes I know we are in an age of technology, and no I am not against technology, as I believe it is a necessary evil. It develops and advances society, but these stories also show that as culture we are so over taken by it, that we do away with our ability to think and even react in our best interests. In Perez's case, aside from the fact he yearns attention,couldn't he have just called 911 himself? Heaven forbade he was really getting pummeled. Amanda Dooling,while her defense could very well be "I couldn't make any outbound calls", never bothered to tweet that she needed the police, or instructed someone to call the police,but found virtually everything else to tweet about. Moreover, she could never make a credible witness, as she was much to busy with posting updates, to be aware of what was going on around her.

Tweeting, yes is a fun hobby...but becomes unnecessary in the case of emergencies.

SC Funeral home that cut the legs of a corpse, closed by Judge

A South Carolina judge ordered the closing of Cave Funeral Home, after owner Michael Cave admitted a worker cut off the legs of a corpse, so it would fit in its casket.

The ruling upheld last month's decision by the state Funeral Board to revoke the license of the funeral home.

In administrative court, Cave admitted that his funeral home cut the legs off 6-foot-7 James Hines five years ago and failed to tell his family. His reasoning? He didn't want the grieving relatives "to suffer more".



A fired employee notified the family of the misdeed about a year ago.

WTF? He did not notify the family of the dead, because he didn't want them "to suffer more". Talk about mistreating the dead. This goes to show that there is such a thing as karma. That former employee truly exacted revenge on their former employment. What could he/she possibly have gotten fired for, when the company funeral home engaged in offensive and disrespectful behavior? Surely the company itself wasn't living up to the ethical codes which govern their business, so why should the employees?

And to think, that family paid probably paid out the wazzoo for that casket because many funeral homes tend to upsell their items. They would have probably been better off purchasing thier own casket from separate distributor...at least the body would have fully been laid to rest in piece.

Not Again!! Police accuse wife in Boxer Arturo Gatti's Death

If true, this could be another case of a young damsel being distressed. The 23 year old wife of former junior welter weight boxing champion Arturo Gatti has been detained by Brazilian authorities, under the suspicion that she murdered him.

The 37 year old Gatti, was found dead on Saturday, in his hotel room, while on his second honeymoon with Brazilian wife Amanda, and their 10 month old baby. He was reportedly strangled with the strap of a purse, which was found on the scene.

Amanda Rodrigues was taken into custody, police say, due to inconsistencies in her story during interrogation. They say Rodrigues,could not explain how she spent nearly 10 hours inside the residence without noticing that Gatti was already dead. She told them that she had a fight with Gatti, who was in a drunken rage on Friday night after dinner. He pushed her to the ground during their altercation.

Police suspect that Amanda Rodrigues, killed her husband by strangling him with her purse.

Say it ain't so, how could this young lady who looks to weigh no more than 110 pounds carry out such a plot agains a boxer who have fended off some of the toughest contenders in the industry? One might suspect that she used his drunken state as a weakness. If this isn't a reason to stay away drinking, I don't know what is.

I have always thought that age is only a number but given the these two high profile cases, the first being Steve McNair, I am beginning question this belief. As both these relationships have the younger women/older men dynamics. They haven't occured in vain though. What we do get from both tragedies is you must get to know who you are involved with. I feel badly for thier child, because even if the mom is cleared of charges, it's mom will always have the negative stigma attached of being "money hungry. May Gatti rest in peace.

Orlando couple "punked" into trashing hotel room

It is a real life case of being punked, minus Ashton Kutcher. Police say that an Orlando couple caused about $5000 in damages in their hotel room, after being tricked into thinking they were in danger.

Reportedly, someone called the room, pretending to be a front desk agent for the Hilton Garden Inn, and told the wife that there was a gas leak in there room. Heeding directions from the impostor, the wife instructed her husband to:smash out the window of the room, break a wall mirror and use a lamp to punch a hole through the wall, in an attempt to quickly escape. The last step they were supposed to take, throwing out a mattress out the 2nd floor window and jump to safety, was intervened, when a manager, in response to noise complaint, arrived to the room.

Neither the police nor the hotel, have filed any charges against the family.

All I have to say is how gullible can people be, that someone has to call their room, to tell them there is a gas leak?? I mean, I don't know much about gases, and I am far from a scientist, but isn't there an odd smell released? Perhaps they are smell impaired. Wy didn't they just exit out of the front door?? Guess that's a question that I'd have to ask the perpetrator, as they seemed to have had more brains in this situation. On a bright note, in the future, if ever I want to stay at hotel that would be forgiving of my 2 year old's knack for breaking remotes,the Hilton Garden Inn, is it!!

Family of illegal immigrant sues Florida Hospital for deporting patient to Native country

The family of an illegal immigrant is suing Martin Memorial Hospital in South Florida. They accuse the hospital of deporting 37 year old Luis Alberto Jimenez, back to his native Guatemala because he couldn't pay his hospital bills.

Jimenez's family contends that back in 2003, the hospital repatriated the brain-dead illegal, back to Guatemala, unknowingly to them, after he racked up more than 2 million dollars in medical bills. The hospital, they argue, should have provided long-term rehab care to him, because no other rehab clinic would take him without insurance. Relatives say he won't be able to get sufficient care in Guatemala.

The hospital lawyers say that Jimenez wanted to return to his country.

Jimenez was the was struck by a drunk driver in 2000, which left him wheelchair-bound.

Boy this is one complexe case. On one hand I feel badly for the disabled gentleman because he as a human being just like me or you & should get care, but at what cost???!!!! It is situations like this that are causing hospitals to go broke. Which could mean that even me: the law abiding, tax paying, citizen would not have access to health care. Ahhhhh!! Why should this illegal not have to pay for care when other hard working American families have to pay for the care of their loved ones due to not meeting income requirements etc.??!! Being an illegal , but as an illegal that's the chance that you take, you are not entitled to the rights of that country. Its been six years already since his return, surely the country of Guatemala, as inept as their health care system may be, can provide the quality of care needed to maintain his quality of life. And what if the accident happened in his hometown? Surely his medical care would have sufficed then. These type of cases are getting more and more bizarre and complex. I guess we'll have to wait for the outcome of the case...stay tuned.

Police Confirm ex-Football Star's Death: Girlfriend Shot Him, Then Herself

Police confirm that Football great, Steve McNair's 20 year old girlfriend Saheel Kazemi, shot him before killing herself.

Reports state that things which had seemed to be going well for Kazemi, quickly went downhill. Growing debts due to a leaving roomate and car payments among the list. Compounding matters was the fact that she saw signs that McNair was having another relationship. According to Tennesean.com, Kazemi had become very distraught, and told friends and that her life was all messed up and she "was going to end it all"

What a tragic, end for both. She certainly could have and probably should have ended it all...in a less gory manner. Turn the cars back to bank through which she had the loan, and get a quick sale her home. Or, she could have foreclosed her home like the rest of America, and she would have had a fresh start.

What I want to know is how could a girlfriend have seen signs of one's gigolo habits, but a wife couldn't?? If nothing else this story teaches us all as women, that we should not feel to comfortable in our living situations, such that we are unaware of whats going on in our husbands lives. Yes, trust your husbands. But be mindful of his affairs business and personal. It's okay to question your significant other about an unrecognizable number, you may have seen on your caller id. Communication is key, and as women we need to stand up and become more involved in our mate's everyday lives, and just show some interest. Otherwwise, who knows. The same affairs that you have been evading may someday be your very own.

Citizen's Insurance Rising Rates Continue

Bad News for customers of Citizen's Property Insurance Corp, roughly 1 million throughout the state of Florida, to be exact. Citizens is set to statewide 10%increase on premiums effective January 1st.

Whether you live on the coastline or inland, your rates are scheduled to increase. The board did not vote on a new rate plan that would set rates, based on risk. TBO.com reports that some 80,000 customers would be eligible for a decrease in premiums.

This rate increase was approved by Florida lawmakers and Governor Crist in an effort to cover projected claims and other expenses.

Ouch! Somewhere out there there are you know there are some State Farm officials that are extremely repulsed. They rate increase request was nixed, though they had the very same reasoning. Personally, I find it so unfair that the rates are applied to all when there is such vast disparity on risk factors. How fair is it that someone who lives inland has the same increase assessed as someone who lives on a coastline??!! Hell, their house would quicker wash away, or float away, before mines. Sure, its been about three years since they've had a rate increase, but you and I both know that Citizen is a last resort insurance for many, and doesn't come cheaply. Citizens Insureds Farm insureds brace yourselves. No not for the next hurricane season, but for the premium hike.

Countdown to Michael Jackson Memorial Madness

Michael Jackson's memorial service isn't slated to begin until Tuesday at the Staples Center, but its garnering enough media attention to make it the hottest ticket in MANY towns.

It is expected that over 1 billion people will be watching the event on television. Over 1.6 million people registered to enter the drawing for the event, hoping to be among 8,750 lucky fans chosen at random by a computer to receive tickets. In fact, tickets are in such demand, they were being sold on e-Bay for $10,000!! Fortunately, those ticket offers were removed from Craigslist and e-Bay.

Don't be fooled!! Tickets are void without the golden wristband, which accompanies it.


No tickets?? Stay home, as told by Los Angeles police department, as a massive horde of ticket less fans and look-a-likes are expected to head down at the Staples Center, anyway.

Hopefully, once the King of Pop is laid to rest, all this hoopla comes to an end. I find it despicable that some are attempting to benefit off of this man's death. Anyways, in the event that you are among the millions without a ticket, watch the events from the comfort of your own home. I guarantee that will probably be the wisest investment you would make in your own sanity. RIP Michael Joseph Jackson.

Monorail Crash at Disney leaves 1 Dead

Disney, which is often referred to as "the Wonderful World of Disney" wasn't so wonderful this weekend. The monorail transit system at Disney, which shuttles thousands of visitors around the resort daily had 1st fatality in 38 years. Two monorails collided around 2 am Sunday at the Magic Kingdom section of the resort.

Emergency officials said that the collision left one driver, 21 year old Austin Wuennenberg a Stetson University student dead. Five guests and two employees were also on the trains, but were uninjured, as was the other driver.

Disney officials say that such accidents are rare.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is looking into the incident, which could take up to six months to complete.

How sad. A young life tragically taken. Sounds to me that he may have had to much on his plate. His schooling, studies, and still driving at 2 am in the morning. We can all relate in some way or the other,those of us who have to work hard (literally) to achieve our dreams. Condolences to Austin's family.

I may agree that the number of people that visit Disney far outweighs the number of accidents that occur, saying that accidents are "rare" might be a stretch. There are accidents that occur that the public is unaware of because Disney officials generally keep that information under wrap. The monorail has been closed indefinitely, pending OSHA's investigation. So if you are headed to Disney anytime soon, be sure to use other methods of Disney transport. There are the buses, boats,and ferry boat.

The Death of yet another Legend: Football great Steve McNair

And the notable deaths of 2009 continues... The death of former NFL star Steve McNair, is a profound loss to the NFL community. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, McNair who was married with four children, was found Saturday with multiple gunshot wounds on a sofa,in a Nashville condominium community. Cops hint that he was murdered my his girlfriend, who then took her own life.

Reportedly, McNair, had been dating 20 year old Sahel Kazemi for only a few months, after the two hit it off at a Dave & Buster's restaurant, where she worked as a waitress. Neighbors told of often seeing McNair visiting her. And according to ex-boyfriend Keith Norfleet, McNair has since bought her a 2007 black Cadillac Escalade. About the relationship, Norfleet has told The TENNESSEAN, "He was making her believe they were going to be together, and everything would be perfect.”

Kazemi was found dead a few feet away from McNair, with single shot wound to the head. A pistol was found her body.

Two young lives cut short, because of cheating and infidelity, on both their parts. How senseless. I don't know how credible the ex-boyfriend is either, I'd take whatever he says with a grain of salt.However, he does add another perspective to the situation. My heart goes out to McNair's wife and children as they are truly are the innocent victims, in this tangled web of lies and deceit.

Final Rehearsal: An energetic Michael Jackson, showing why he is "The King of Pop"

No Charges filed against former Commissioner Blair

Okay, don't bother calling the psychic network for a reading...this website exists, free of charge. As I predicted earlier, there was probably more than meets the eye, when it came to Brian Blair's domestic case. Apparently the prosecutors agreed, dropping the child abuse charges that were levied against Blair.

Tbo.com reports that prosecutors came to the conclusion that Blair's son was the aggressor in the scuffle, even though he may have thrown the first punch. Apparently, Blair argued with both his sons, age 17 and 14, for breaking their curfew.If worse came to worse, Blair could have argued that he was simply disciplining his kids, but some how the situation spun out of control.State law allows parents to use corporal punishment to discipline kids, within reason.

Call me Miss Cleo.. Oh yeah I forgot she was a fraud...um a psychic or just consider me an individual with some good old common sense, but there were just some facts surrounding the case that I found questionable, on the part of the sons. For one, why were those children up 4 am in the morning???!! Enough said. Parenting is very difficult, especially parenting teenagers. They resemble adults physically, but cognitively are unable to make the decisions that an adult would. However, in their minds they can. Which is why they tend not to listen.

Anyway, I hope that this family can heal, together as most families do during times of crises.And I hope the boys realize that rules are put in place for their own safety and/or well being. Certainly, if they can't abide by the rules enforced at home, how will be abide by the laws of the land? Well, regardless of what you may think of Blair professionally, this is a small victory for parents everywhere!

Park Fountain accidentally hooked up to reclaim water

Talk about a water mix-up. On Wednesday morning, city workers discovered that a water fountain in Lakewood Terrace Park had been mistakenly hooked up to a reclaimed water line. The reclaimed water line was connected on Monday, by a city utility worker.

Despite the gross mix up, St Pete officials don't believe that anyone was harmed, citing the fact that,"The city's reclaimed water is disinfected. For months now we've had very favorable readings, very low bacteria, in our reclaimed water" said St. Petersburg's Internal Services Administrator, Mike Connors. Well that should prevent the onset of any panic ... or maybe not.

And to think the our local government have been been steadily cutting jobs. This would be one argument for the cessation of job cuts, as more oversight is necessary. People's health could potentially be at risk.

Man strips naked and disrupts US Airways Flight

A passenger who stripped naked while aboard US Airways jet bound for Los Angeles, and caused the plane's diversion, will be arraigned, today. He may be ordered to undergo psychological evaluation.

Keith Wright, 50, was arrested by federal officials for interfering with flight crew members when it landed Tuesday night in Albuquerque.

Wright, a navy veteran, reportedly disrobed his clothing during the flight and refused to put them back on, forcing flight attendants to cover him with blankets.

According to the NY Daily News, Wright's family said he suffers from a bipolar disorder.

The good news? You didn't think there would be any given the circumstances,huh? All the research I've done indicates that flight disruptions are rare, consistent, but rare, given the number of flights that occur daily. Aah...we can all breathe a sigh of relief. While mental illness is such a complex topic, Wright's family needs to take a more assertive role in making sure that he takes his required medications, because the often mentally ill adults do not realize their illness, and will not take medications when necessary. There is the old saying, "If its not broken, don't fix it". Which is why another loved one has to take charge.

On a lighter note, how do you think the passengers nearby him, felt knowing that someone who is clearly not of sound mind, sat in the midst, and naked at that?? That's creepy stuff!

Cigarette Smoking: An Expensive Habit in Florida

Smokers, get ready to puff away extra monies, in addition to smoke, because starting today, there will be a $1.00 state tax increase on your cigarette purchase.

Currently at 34 cents, the new cigarette tax has increased to $1.34 under the "Protecting Florida's Health Act," which was passed to aid sagging state revenues. Unlike other states, Florida has no local taxes on cigarettes.

Boy, if this isn't a reason kick one's smoking habit, I don't know what is. I mean seriously, you'd think your own health would be reason enough to kick the habit, right? If a pack of cigarettes cost, let's say $5.00, the increase could bring the sale cost to, $6.34. Zoinks! And what if you're a chain smoker, who smokes multiple packs a day? So smokers pick your poison, withdraw from the addictive nicotine, or pay uncle Sam.

Tossed Baby's Teen Mom Plans to sue 3 Government Agencies

The teen mom of a baby tossed from the car on Interstate 275, by her violent ex-boyfriend, plans to sue three government agencies, on the grounds that they did not protect her son.

The Tampa Tribune reports that the 17 year old mom, Jasmine Bedwell, plans to sue Department of Children & Families, Hillsborough Kids Inc. ,and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, citing that the agencies failed to keep Bedwell's ex-boyfriend, Richard McTear Jr., from harming her.

McTear is accused of forcing his way into Bedwell's apartment May 5, beating her and throwing baby Emanuel on a concrete floor, before driving off with him. He then threw the child out of a moving car onto the shoulder of I-275, deputies say.

McTear, who has since been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, kidnapping, felony battery and burglary with battery, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

WTF!!!??? First of all what is a year old, doing living on her own anyway? Where is her family?So what if the agencies failed to do background checks on this young lady's boyfriend, once she got involved with him. Its not their responsibilty!!Many women in abusive situations, for some arcane reason, tend to continue ties with their abusers anyway. Its one thing for the agencies to empower and educate women in abusive situations, which in my humble opinion is worth millions,its another to tell them who to see, or date. If she's "responsible" enough to have babies, & live on her own, she should be responsible enough to make the correct choices in her life to protect her offspring. Such as recognizing that that she needed to get her child away from McTear. As I've stated before in previous posts, there are some who need government control, and it sounds to me like this young lady fits the bill.

So, I disagree. DCF did not let baby Emmanuel down...his precocious mother did. Second to her baby, her education should have been a priority, both formal and informal. So I ask again, at what costs do you want the government in control of your lives?