Favorite Old Horror Movie 08/01/2011
Back in the days the horror flicks consistent of Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Invisible Man, The Bride, Mummy, and many more. What was your favorite?. Take the poll and write in your favorite! Add Comment Gannett- Black and White But All RED Image via Wikipedia The news hit like a ton of bricks on all the major news outlets, from Reuters to MSN Money Central, The Deal and the spin has now taken place from Corporate to calm some nerves. Like all newspapers, readership is down, revenues down over 60%, jobs cut, etc. Gannett, the leader for years in the industry, now finds the company in a serious situation that could lead to bankruptcy, and award the Credit Default Swaps Gannett started years back. That coupled with their debt payoff, negotiated for 3 years rather than 10, will haunt Gannett, with the big bills coming due in 2012- $2.8 Billion! The Credit Default Swaps, or CDS, which are negative basis trades. If the company fails, they actually make money. They invested in these CDS's at a higher premium, injecting cash flow, yet protecting their investments. It also means that they are sure Gannett will default in it's payments. The first payoff will cost Gannett over $712 million by June 2011. Gannett's CDS are higher that Disney's. In comparison, that simply means that more are counting Gannett to fail, more than Disney, and are counting their money. According to Reuters, "The amount of CDS protection taken out on Gannett is $2.3 billion versus $1.8 billion for Disney (NYSE: DIS). This situation occurred fairly quickly. In the spring of 2008, Gannett’s debt ratio was roughly 2.1 times EBITDA, while the publisher’s publicly traded peers averaged 4.4 times EBITDA, according to The Deal. But by the end of the year, Gannett’s EBITDA fell 26 percent, to $1.5 billion. Gannett’s 2009 EBITDA is forecast to drop another 38 percent to $922 million. All of which conspires to further limit Gannett’s options and only propels bondholders to continue to bet against it."Gannett tried to extend maturities on some of its debt two months ago, with some notes now coming due between 2012 and 2016. But there’s still a lot of debt coming due in the next two years: $712 million by June 2011, followed by $2.8 billion that matures within the year after that. Gannett reps told The Deal that the exchange has given the company the wherewithal to manage its payments. But since few buyers bit at the debt offering, The Deal quotes one observer as saying, “Bondholders are saying that they’re hedged and that they basically want the company to die.” Disturbing it is. The best resource for this validadtion can be found on: http://www.thedeal.com/newsweekly/features/gannet-default-option.php Read the article from The Deal- it is in detail and explains all. www.danallen08.com American Idol Season 10 Top 4 Review 05/12/2011
 It certainly was a roller coaster ride on American Idol with the Top 4 singing songs of inspiration followed by the hits of Leiber and Stoller. Of course weirdo Lady Gaga was the mentor this week and looked scarier than ever. First up are songs of inspiration In order of appearance: James Durbin-"Don't Stop Believing"-A great song by Journey and Steve Perry but most difficult to cover. Was not one of my favorite James songs, tad flat but a good way to start the program and much better than last week. Did not like the studio version. B Haley Reinhart-"The Earth Song"- I actually thought Haley did a good performance on this. Randy and JLO ripped her on this especially Randy. What a bad critique. To make matters worse, Haley got defensive and I thought the remarks would never end. Steve finally saved the day with a positive comment and the show moved on. I found the song not worthy of a 5 minute trashing or praise. Did not like the studio version. B- Scotty McCreery, “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning.” - Beautiful song by Alan Jackson and another safe choice for Scotty. This kid knows how to pick em. Vocals were on key and a solid performance but he needs to have a moment when he takes our breath away. This did not do it. Studio version is very good. B+ Lauren Alainia, "Anyway"- I liked this performance and wanted Lauren to soar like an eagle but she flew like a bird. Really difficult to take on Martina, but overall the best of round 1. Studio version is really good. A- Round 2 Lady Gaga helped out all of the contestants, or at least tried to. She was spitited and quite humerous. Haley Reinhart,"I Who Have Nothing"- Hell has no fury like a scorned woman. With a vengeance Haley delivered her best performance on Idol this season and brought the crowd to a standing ovation. Don't know if it will save her or catapult her standing like the song did for Jordin Sparks, but it was great. Studio version is good. A+ Scotty McCreery-"Young Blood"- Another safe choice by Scotty and not memorable at all. True, this kid will have a great recording future and will sell albums, I'll buy them too, but as I mentioned, he needs to have a moment. Blah, blah. Did not like the studio version. C Lauren Alaina, Trouble"-Kudos to Lauren for being "evil". The performance and vocals were loaded with charisma and charm. Don't know if she is safe, but sure was enjoyable. Studio version is OK. B+ James Durbin, "Love Potion No.9"- Don't know how he did it but James actually turned this tune into a hard rock masterpiece. I'm thinking James could turn "Amazing Grace" into a blazing metal rendition. Although I'm concerned that some favoritism is being shown and with some key spots to perform allotted, this kid is an example that someone with health problems can overcome and succeed. Bravo. Studio version is good. A I really do like all 4 contestants, and don't want to see anyone eliminated from this group. Not a betting man, but if I was- Haley will leave tonight. What do you think? www.danallen08.com Tragedy In Arizona- 01/11/2011
I have read many of the posts, and sadly, once again liberals and conservatives, have proven that the rhetoric and divisive nature of politics has led to finger pointing, missed the original intent of the killer and evolved into an ambiguous climate devoid of any conciliatory agreement or empathy. The tragedy In Arizona is historic and will find a place in the History Books. This event can be defined as a time that Americans united, became more civil in dialogue or was the first of more such tragedies to follow due to the political environment of the time. The discord in politics during the 1960's led to the murders of JFK, RFK, Martin Luther King, and attempted assassinations of others including George Wallace. Said events shoud be utilized as some quantitative examples of lessons that should have united our Country, and to some extent accomplished a slight temperance of the hatred in America toward each other. On the political front, the discord and distrust continued which led to the downfall of President Nixon, the election of President Carter, and the rise of Ronald Reagan. The civility of the campaigns are to be admired in comparision to the present. Cable news media found it's birth during the Kuwait War, Operation Desert Storm, civil dialogue ended-politics and the demeanor has changed since 1991. Unfortunately, we have not learned from our past, and based on the biased comments exemplified recently, we can not unite, make civil discord, will still have Battleground States targeted to the left or right, use a tragedy to score political advantage and sadly promote the divisions, in an extreme way, which yield to an America devoid of reconciliation and enhace the probability of more assassination attempts. I am first a proud American. I respect the opinions of all of those that aspire and have obtained their goal to serve America as a public servant. I might disagree with them, but I can do so respectfully. The Pitcher 12/29/2010
He was born in Louisiana in 1950, times were hard back then especially if you were black. His skin color was a handicap, but did not deter him from his childhood dream- to be a pitcher in the Major Leagues. As a youngster, he had stumbled across a book "How To Pitch", and spent hours reading from cover to cover, and more hours practicing and practicing and practicing. This young man would dream at night of facing Willie Mays and striking him out. This kid with pimples, and a small glove, quickly out grew his glove, and his clothes too, for when he entered High School, he was a towering 6'5" and by the time he was a senior he was of Goliath proportions-6 feet-8 inches and over 200 lbs. The years of practicing and perfecting his pitching would now be put to the test. He had made his High School Baseball Team. Lincoln High School welcomed him with open arms and gave him his first chance to start. His team won! In fact, he was so great, his team NEVER lost a game he started while in High School. In his Senior year, no opponent even scored against the Pitcher, not one run, nada, zero. The Pitcher also hit 4 Home Runs in the Championship Game, and he also pitched. The score 48-0. His hero was now Bob Gibson, the Cardinals ace had delivered a World Series Championship to St. Louis, defeating the mighty New York Yankees. Could I, would I ever be that good? The MLB draft was soon to occur..I want to be THE Pitcher. He anxiously awaited the 1969 MLB Draft results-No.2 overall pick to the Houston Astros. The years of practice, a super High School performance, and finally J.R.Richard was heading to the Show. After spending several years in the Minors, the Astros called J.R. up and his first Major League start would be against the San Francisco Giants-Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds and Willie McCovey. Childhood dreams must have rushed through his head as he took the mound. The Pitcher struck out 15 that day-and Willie Mays 3 times. He had arrived and tied a record for strikeouts for a Rookie and was only 21 years old. The future looked great- heck, the Pitcher might break all MLB records... J.R. was really good-1976 20 wins, 1977-79 3 seasons with 18 wins. Struck out 303 in 1978 and 313 in 1979. Then a crowning achievement, a start in the 1980 All-Star Game. The young man that years ago read a book, was himself becoming one for future generations to read. Then It happened, almost overnight, blurry vision, dizziness, weakened right arm, wild pitches. J.R. complained to the Astros that something was terribly wrong. The Astros nor the media did not believe one word of it, accusing J.R. of faking, jealous of Nolan Ryan's contract, bad attitude, drug use, and instead of listening to the Pitcher and tacking him to the Hospital, the Astros placed J.R. on the 21 day disabled list. On July 30, 1980 while once gain practicing, the Pitcher collapsed. The illness was real. Scans revealed an ugly truth, J.R. had suffered a stroke and not just one-three prior strokes were revealed. Life saving surgery was performed to take the pressure off of his brain. The Pitcher survived the surgery and was diagnosed with arterial thoratic syndrome. After hours of pitching, the blood flow became constricted, thus yielding the very symptoms J.R. had complained about. He never pitched in the Major Leagues again. As reality finally silenced the critics, it took the media awhile to get their feet out of their mouths, and is a shame that it took a near death experience for the Pitcher to regain some integrity and respect. All of the rumors subsided, and all had to acknowledge that even a 30 year old, in his prime could suffer such a fate. The Pitcher did try to come back, working and training to overcome the paralysis, and did make tremendous strides in that endeavor. The Astros rewarded him by giving J.R. a brief second chance, but no.50 was cut again in 1983. He returned to Louisiana. The agony of defeat took it's toil on J.R. Perhaps angry at the world and not achieving his dreams, or just plain exhausted, he feel prey to scams and lost thousands of dollars. Divorced twice, lost his home and as he searched for answers, there was no one to give advice or answer his pleas. When the door lock changed and his home lost, he gathered what little he had left, and headed to a new home- the underpass that could lead you to the Astros Stadium. It was winter,1994 and homeless the Pitcher tried to stay warm. The cars passing by only added to the bitter cold of those nights. The rise and fall was complete, Goliath was alone, ashamed and stripped and robbed of what could have been. Was the end finally here? No. Through one of Gods Messengers, Reverend Floyd Lewis of the New Testament Church, had learned of J.R.'s homelessness and took him in. Rev. Lewis stated, "When you are down and out, it applies to everybody." God works miracles and does not give up on you, even though you have given up on yourself. J.R. was quoted as saying in 1999 in The Sporting News," The only way to understand homelessness, is to get out there under the bridge. I am very lucky. Anytime God has enough time to put something on my lap and change me and make me a better individual, you have to consider yourself fortunate. God allowed me to get through this..." The Pitcher turned in his glove for the Bible, and his baseball jersey for the clothing of a Minister in the New Testament Church. Together Rev. Lewis and J.R. work in unison to help the homeless, feed the poor, preach the Gospel and bring folks to Christ. The Pitcher/Minister is now training youngsters how to pitch through private donors in the Houston area with new baseball programs. Rumor has it that his fastball is not over 100mph now, or his slider clocking in at 94mph, he has slowed down to a mere 90mph. Footnote:This is a true story,although some content was created by the author. www.danallen08.com The Shadow 11/30/2010
What a nice November evening. Warm outside so I disgarded my robe and enjoyed the full moon and the bright stars. My husband was sound asleep and this was my time to think, recollect memories and my thoughts drifted to my childhood, my children and my grandchildren. Seems like 50 years passed through my simple mind in a mere matter of seconds. The clock had now approached 1:00am, and I realized the slow ticking had escalated into a deeper process that had consumed over two hours. I thought about the times I spent with Mom and Dad and how they were always with me and for me. I let them down more times than I wish to remember, yet I do. Why is it that it is only on occassion that my memory allows me some peace of mind when I really did something kind for them? I remember the hurt more often. I hated their music, their friends-why did they listen to those old albums anyway? I can still see all dancing to Clarence Henry, some song called "But I Do", and Connie Francis, and all that stuff that was really not in touch with the NEW music scene that I liked. Now, I would love to hear my parents songs again. Even Fats Dominio. Still continuing my journey down memory lane I returned to the old cabin house. Horseshoes, fishing, grilling out. I actually knew my family then, what great times we shared. A shadow of those sunfilled days exists now, for it's everpresence has produced the days when my own children do not call or visit and the cabin has burned down. The ashes flow through me, the burn lingers. A cloud came across the full moon and it lost the luster of the evening only to become a shadow of what I had witnessed earlier. I returned to the reality of the present and quickly realised that the ironic loss of light had also engulfed me into yet another realism, that I had become a mere shadow of the light that I had produced for many years. Once bright and full, I have become dim and empty. Yes, I am a shadow of the person I was. Please Moon, return, shine bright so that I can again return to the past. The present is depressing, no future stars for me to touch and view. Is that the chill I feel from an on coming wind, a blast of yet another cold front to yield a rainy and dreary night, or am I returning to my heart and mind, which both have changed into another person I do not like, depressed, cold and disheartened? I have become a facsimile of the weather and my inner change is indicative of the cold I now feel. As I lie in bed, a glimpse of the full moon immerses from the window, offering my hand and soul to touch, a glimmer of hope in my distraught being-I reach out.....please, leave the light, for just this night. I need this moment....the shadow once again hides the treasures and only reveals the barren trees, promises the bitter cold of winter, and my heart cries, tears fall down my cheeks, faster than the falling rain. I slept. When I awoke, all of my children were here with me. There was music, joy, hugs, kisses, and the family was united at the table in prayer. My tears had reversed to those of joy and the comfort that the shadow would not appear this day. For on this cycle, I am free from the fears that have haunted me. My spirit is renewed, my light is bright. As we set down to pray that night we thanked the Lord for our family...and privately I asked that my shadow be in His hands and once again fill me with light, hope for the future and prosperity and health for all. Amen. Mirror Mirror On The Wall 11/19/2010
 Yup, one of the most most famous lines of all time. The evil vs. the good, don't eat that apple! Mirrors are great for the young and especially for teenagers. Get the hair just right, check for pimples and shake your booty in front of it. Play some air guitar and watch your dance routine. Ah yes, mirror mirror I like what I see. You visit the Mirror daily even if it seems reversed for some unknown reason. Mirrors are nice for cars and trucks too. When the speedster comes rushing up on your tail, you know who to cuss at. I hope you buy me a new car, back and get off of my a.... and you can just go--------. Mirrors are not so kind when the sun hits the car in front of you bliding your vision or when you notice the beauty queen putting on her lipstick, talking on the cell, and driving at the sametime. I always have wondered why that mirror always says images are closer than they seem, why aren't they actual? Since mirrors have an unkown reverse image, now the poor paint guys have to again reverse the ECNALUBMA so that you can read it. I wonder if they paint starting with A or E. Mirrors make you buy stuff you don't need. Go to that fancy shop with these ordinary figures in them, but that little light works wonders with the curio cabinet....my how pretty it is, glistening-I have to get it now! Take it home and you wonder why did I get THAT. Mirrors have taken on some innovative lazer beams for concerts. Pink Floyd utilized mirrors to reflect the light beams and other groups have as well. Very impressive indeed. Some folks hang mirrors in their bedroom ceilings. I have never understood this, I for one do not want to see my rear end in a mirror-I'm sure that is not just my opinion. Actually, I would not care to see anyone's in a mirror. I wonder if you have a reversed image of your butt and the object is closer than it seems? Mirrors are kind until you reach the ages of 45+. Then the mirror mirror tells you things that you don't want to hear. What are crows feet, my chin is dropping and so are some other parts of my anatomy, is that an apron? Is that my hairline? What is that growing on my chin? I can't get my makeup right. Mirror tell me that these are not wrinkles but I laughed too much last night. Mirror you are failing me, I can't look that bad today. Do I really look like that now? To assist with the mirror, at over 50, I have learned that you avoid lights when viewing yourself, and limit the mirror as much as possible. Use it to shave, pluck some hairs that have mysteriously appeared, straighten a tie, comb your hair if you have any, brush your tooth to see if it is shiny and only revisit if none of the above is correct. Don't eat that apple-the mirror is waiting for your return. www.danallen08.com Enter The Coma 11/18/2010
Thanks for calling. Things are great, life is good, we have bought treasures galore. The kids are doing just fine and so are the grandchildren. Yes, have been busy-put new windows in, painted the bedroom and kitchen and have had all over for a great get together last week. Yes, the kids have are working hard and all have a job they enjoy doing. All are healthy, my spouse has a migraine and takes care of that with some medicine. Grandma just had a hip replacement but is recuperating just fine. We had a wonderful Christmas, you should see all of the gifts I received. I bought the kids and grandchildren everything on the list they wanted, they were all so excited and pleased. Enter The Coma>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks for calling, our lives have changed some since we last talked. The company shut down where our children worked at and this affects my kids and grandchildren. I don't know how they are going to pay their bills now. There are too few jobs and so many looking for employment. I worry. No, we have not been able to work on the house lately, my job was eliminated and unemployment will not cover our mortgage and bills. I am lost, there are so few jobs, I'm trying to find one everyday. I want to help my children but now I can't. I can not even pay the credit card bills-they call 100 times a day. I think I'll just cut the phone off. I feel like a total failure. I've worked there for over 20 years and gave my heart and soul to them and now I find myself empty. We are wondering how we can even afford Christmas gifts, and keep our home and just heard one of my kids just had their car reposed. With kids to take to school and go to work, I worry. Grandma is now walking with a cane, seems the surgery did not go well. My spouse has had several unexplained seizures and now we are facing life with no insurance-sure can't afford Cobra. I think I'm going insane! I worry. How are you? Hello, hello. hello.............. well another fair weather friend. Sorry I'm not a winner..yet. Sound familiar? With millions of Americans facing these problems that are real, disturbing and can relate, this is not the American Dream, but an American nightmare. Their story is one of heartbreak, yet, a bond of true love among families that will surpass the hard times and will offer the comfort and remedy to overcome diversity for a better future is approaching from the horizon. Exit the Coma...... www.danallen08.com ITunes Finally Gets The Beatles 11/16/2010
 It only took Apple 7+years, a lifetime for most musicians, to acquire the most sought after, elusive Beatles catalogue. It appears to be complete including the Red and Blue Albums which were just re-mastered and released. Impressive it is. I'm not sure what folks were thinking when Apple recently released a statement that said another statement was coming out today. Perhaps their Genius would automatically download what you should have, or increase your iPod to 100gbs or send you a free set of headphones to stop annoying those around you with the constant thump from the bass speakers you listen through everyday. The news was more important...... The Beatles music has now opened up a critical vehicle to the public and will reach the younger generations to explore and appreciate not only their albums, but the ability to download favorite songs is so convienent with the simple click of a mouse. So many years it has taken the devout Beatles fans to acquire their music-from albums to CD's to boxsets, to re-mastered CD's and more re-mastered boxsets-to us, this is not big news. It is a Revolution of a new day and a resurrection of the best songs that were ever written to a new generation and platform that is indicative of the time we now live in. "Come Together,"All My Loving""All You Need Is Love" will now find a new audience to appreciate the lyrics and music, and with the sad economic times we live in, perhaps, the songs will mean more now than ever.
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