I started this morning by sending an email to Washington's senators, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. It went something like this:
Dear Senator:
Please sponsor a federal bill that will guarantee that biological fathers -- whether they are married or not -- have the same parental rights as birth mothers in adoptions.
I have read in the Salt Lake Tribune about several controversial adoptions that took place in Utah. Five of these cases involved unwed fathers and an adoption agency called the Adoption Center of Choice. In all five cases, Utah's Supreme Court and Utah's Court of Appeals refused to stop the adoption because the unwed father had waited too long to protect his parental rights under Utah law. Victor Johnson, Frank Osborne, Buddy Pruitt, Cody O’Dea and Bryn Ayers lost their biological children to Utah adoption.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that the LDS Church teaches that it is better for children to be raised by married parents than by single parents. I know the LDS Church also teaches that it is best for children to sealed in the temple to LDS couples. Many of Utah's judges belong to the LDS Church. I believe that their rulings have been influenced by the LDS Church's teachings.
It is my understanding that an attorney named Larry Jenkins helped write Utah's adoption laws. This was unfair to unwed fathers because Larry Jenkins represented the Adoption Center of Hope in the five aforementioned cases. Mr. Jenkins is currently representing Jared and Kristi Frei in their dispute with Terry Achane.
Many females temporarily move to Utah to give birth and place their babies up for adoption because the Utah courts rarely support fathers' rights. Sometimes a father does not know his child has been placed for adoption until the deadline that protects his parental rights has passed. I believe that this happened to several of the unwed fathers who lost their children to Utah adoption.
Please help put Utah's adoption mills out of business. Sponsor a federal bill that will make it against federal law for a female to deprive a father of his parental rights by moving to another state to give birth or place a baby up for adoption. Make it a federal crime for an adoption agency to assist a birth mother in depriving a father of his parental rights this way too. The state in which the biological father and birth mother normally reside should have jurisdiction over a child's adoption.
Please sponsor a federal bill that will extend the length of time a father has to protect his parental rights in adoption cases. I recommend extending the deadline to six months.
I am especially concerned about Staff Sergeant Terry Achane. Mr. Achane is an Afro-American soldier. He was married when his wife became pregnant with their child. They lived in Texas. He was transferred by the Department of the Army to Fort Jackson during his wife's pregnancy. His wife chose to remain in Texas.
His wife temporarily moved to Utah, gave birth to their child and placed their daughter up for adoption. She falsely claimed that her husband had abandoned her. The Adoption Center of Choice placed Mr. Achane's daughter with Jared and Kristi Frei, a white married couple who belong to the LDS Church. When Mr. Achane learned what his wife had done, he contacted the Adoption Center of Choice and told them he wanted his daughter back. The Freis refused to give his daughter to him. The Adoption Center of Choice permitted the adoption to take place.
My husband retired from the US Army after 21 years of service. We don't believe that our soldiers should have to worry about whether their children will be placed for adoption in Utah when they are being transferred or sent overseas. The adoption of Mr. Achane's child is currently being appealed in Utah. Please speak up for Mr. Achane. Protect our soldiers' parental rights.
Thank you for your support.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Loretta Lynn Comes Home to Washington State
I'd be lying if I said I'm a big fan of country music, but I've always liked the movie called "Coal Miner's Daughter." That's the story of Loretta Lynn's life. I wanted to see Loretta perform at the Snoqualmie Casino last year, but she had to cancel her tour due to a knee injury. I was very pleased when my daughter gave two tickets to Loretta's concert at the Emerald Queen Casino on October 26 to me as a birthday gift.
Born on April 14, 1934, the First Lady of Country Music is now 78 years old. But she looks much younger. She is still touring the country with her twin daughters, Patsy and Peggy Lynn. Loretta's show opened with the twins singing some of their favorite country songs, including "Tulsa Time."
Loretta performed all of her greatest hits. Everything from "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl" to "Your Squaw is on the Warpath" to "Don't Come Home a Drinkin with Lovin on Your Mind."
Between songs, Loretta reminded the audience that Washington State is the place where her music career began. She was born and raised in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, but she and her husband, Doolittle Lynn, moved to Washington shortly after they were married. The Lynns lived in Custer, Washington for 14 years. Loretta announced that she received her first recording contract (for "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl) from Zero Records of Vancouver, Washington in 1959. That's why she tries to come home to Washington every year.
I like Loretta Lynn, but I think some of her songs are dated. In "Fist City" and "You Ain't Woman Enough," Loretta addresses women who had affairs with her husband. I felt that she was blaming women for her husband's bad behavior rather than him. To me, the idea of two women fighting over a man who is two-timing them seems rather juvenile. I can't imagine why any woman -- especially a celebrity -- would want to be married to a cheating dog. Good husbands don't stray. Young women should know that they don't have to put up with men who do. Hopefully, a more modern country singer will address cheating with songs with titles like, "Out the Door You Go, You No Good Louse."
For the show's finale, Loretta performed a moving rendition of her song, "Coal Miner's Daughter." I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this song because everyone should be proud of their roots.
Born on April 14, 1934, the First Lady of Country Music is now 78 years old. But she looks much younger. She is still touring the country with her twin daughters, Patsy and Peggy Lynn. Loretta's show opened with the twins singing some of their favorite country songs, including "Tulsa Time."
Loretta performed all of her greatest hits. Everything from "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl" to "Your Squaw is on the Warpath" to "Don't Come Home a Drinkin with Lovin on Your Mind."
Between songs, Loretta reminded the audience that Washington State is the place where her music career began. She was born and raised in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, but she and her husband, Doolittle Lynn, moved to Washington shortly after they were married. The Lynns lived in Custer, Washington for 14 years. Loretta announced that she received her first recording contract (for "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl) from Zero Records of Vancouver, Washington in 1959. That's why she tries to come home to Washington every year.
I like Loretta Lynn, but I think some of her songs are dated. In "Fist City" and "You Ain't Woman Enough," Loretta addresses women who had affairs with her husband. I felt that she was blaming women for her husband's bad behavior rather than him. To me, the idea of two women fighting over a man who is two-timing them seems rather juvenile. I can't imagine why any woman -- especially a celebrity -- would want to be married to a cheating dog. Good husbands don't stray. Young women should know that they don't have to put up with men who do. Hopefully, a more modern country singer will address cheating with songs with titles like, "Out the Door You Go, You No Good Louse."
For the show's finale, Loretta performed a moving rendition of her song, "Coal Miner's Daughter." I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this song because everyone should be proud of their roots.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Welcome to Alice Cooper's Nightmare
On November 18, 2012, Alice Cooper performed at the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife, Washington. I bought tickets for this concert as a gift for my husband because Alice Cooper was popular when he and I were in junior high. I knew he would enjoy hearing Alice's tunes again.
As you may have expected, the casino's auditorium was packed to the doors with stoners, bikers, long-haired hippies and other rejects from the 1970's. I kid you not. Almost everyone in the audience wore black, including me.
The show opened with "Hello Hooray." The band played all of their greatest hits, including "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "Be My Lover," "Welcome to My Nightmare," and "Billion Dollar Babies."
Alice Cooper appeared in a variety of fun costumes, including the red and black striped suit and top hat made him famous. Later, he wiggled his way out of a straight jacket. During the performance of "Feed My Frankenstein," Alice transformed himself into a monster. When the smoke dissipated, he turned back into himself again.
Alice was accompanied by a young female guitarist named Orianthi, who is as beautiful as she is talented. When I said that Orianthi's long, blond hair reminded me of our daughter, my husband turned to me and said, "Are you sure she's a girl?" Since it was an Alice Cooper concert, I thought his question was a fair one.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the band's tribute to four artists of the 1960's who helped make rock n roll what it is today. In memory of Jim Morrison, they played the Doors' hit, "L.A. Woman." They honored the late John Lennon by playing the Beatles' song, "Revolution." In memory of Jimmy Hendrix, they played "Foxy Lady." To honor Keith Moon, they played the Who's hit, "My Generation."
For the show's finale, the band played the songs I had been waiting to hear all night -- "I'm Eighteen" and "School's Out." "I'm Eighteen" is a great song about a young man's coming of age. "School's Out" brought back memories of how happy and excited we felt when the bell rang on the last day of school. The confetti and beach balls bouncing over the audience reminded me of summer vacation. What can I say? There is nothing quite like an Alice Cooper concert to make a woman feel like a teenager again.
As you may have expected, the casino's auditorium was packed to the doors with stoners, bikers, long-haired hippies and other rejects from the 1970's. I kid you not. Almost everyone in the audience wore black, including me.
The show opened with "Hello Hooray." The band played all of their greatest hits, including "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "Be My Lover," "Welcome to My Nightmare," and "Billion Dollar Babies."
Alice Cooper appeared in a variety of fun costumes, including the red and black striped suit and top hat made him famous. Later, he wiggled his way out of a straight jacket. During the performance of "Feed My Frankenstein," Alice transformed himself into a monster. When the smoke dissipated, he turned back into himself again.
Alice was accompanied by a young female guitarist named Orianthi, who is as beautiful as she is talented. When I said that Orianthi's long, blond hair reminded me of our daughter, my husband turned to me and said, "Are you sure she's a girl?" Since it was an Alice Cooper concert, I thought his question was a fair one.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the band's tribute to four artists of the 1960's who helped make rock n roll what it is today. In memory of Jim Morrison, they played the Doors' hit, "L.A. Woman." They honored the late John Lennon by playing the Beatles' song, "Revolution." In memory of Jimmy Hendrix, they played "Foxy Lady." To honor Keith Moon, they played the Who's hit, "My Generation."
For the show's finale, the band played the songs I had been waiting to hear all night -- "I'm Eighteen" and "School's Out." "I'm Eighteen" is a great song about a young man's coming of age. "School's Out" brought back memories of how happy and excited we felt when the bell rang on the last day of school. The confetti and beach balls bouncing over the audience reminded me of summer vacation. What can I say? There is nothing quite like an Alice Cooper concert to make a woman feel like a teenager again.
A Dark Journey with Madonna
Since my last post, I've attended three fantastic concerts. Each was very different from the others -- a different type of music, a different type of show, a different type of audience. Yet each and every one of them was very good.
On October 2 and 3, 2012, legendary pop diva Madonna brought her own brand of magic to the Key Arena. Since the Key Arena is located in Seattle and Madonna is gay-friendly, I was not surprised that most of her audience was gay. But gay people are fun to party with.
The Material Girl does not put on an ordinary rock concert -- she puts on a spectacle. In addition to her party music, Madonna's MDNA concert featured hip hop dancers and acrobats on tight ropes, fabulous costumes, sensational video effects and a video clip of Nicki Minaj.
Her October 3 performance started two hours late. We assumed that the concert started late because Madonna wanted to watch the presidential debate. She is, after all, a devout supporter of President Obama and the Democratic Party. While we were waiting for her show to begin, DJ Martin Solveig and Madonna's youngest son, David, warmed up the audience with techno remixing.
The concert opened with "Like a Prayer" and featured male hip hop and acro dancers dressed as monks and gargoyles ringing a lighted bell. The scene brought the Hunchback of Notre Dame to mind. Then the Material Girl made her grand entrance. This number was campy and fun.
Another notable number, "Gang Bang," was set in a seedy hotel room. Madonna sang, "Bang bang! I shot you dead Bang bang! Shot my lover in the head" while she took aim at a male dancer. The song's lyrics were catchy, but this part of the show was rather dark. She and her troupe of dancers waved guns as they danced around the stage. Blood splatter was one of the video effects. This number culminates with her being sent to hell. It's easy to understand why some people were offended by the violence and guns in the show so soon after the Colorado massacre.
My favorite part of her MDNA show was her performance of "Express Yourself." Madonna dressed up in a red and white drum majorette's costume with a baton. The dancers also dressed up as members of a high school marching band. Her show needed something like and uplifting after her performance of "Gang Bang."
Toward the end of her show, Madonna showed her audience that she had "Obama" written or tattooed in black ink on her back. I know that she is outspoken and politically active. I voted for Obama myself. When I go to a concert, I go to listen to music. I don't want to read an entertainer's political views.
I've always like Madonna. She and I are the same age. We also have children who are the same age. My seat was so close to the stage that I got a good look at the pop star. Madonna is still as beautiful (and as thin) as she was in the late 80's. Her figure is so beautiful that my first impression was "That woman looks like she doesn't eat."
On October 2 and 3, 2012, legendary pop diva Madonna brought her own brand of magic to the Key Arena. Since the Key Arena is located in Seattle and Madonna is gay-friendly, I was not surprised that most of her audience was gay. But gay people are fun to party with.
The Material Girl does not put on an ordinary rock concert -- she puts on a spectacle. In addition to her party music, Madonna's MDNA concert featured hip hop dancers and acrobats on tight ropes, fabulous costumes, sensational video effects and a video clip of Nicki Minaj.
Her October 3 performance started two hours late. We assumed that the concert started late because Madonna wanted to watch the presidential debate. She is, after all, a devout supporter of President Obama and the Democratic Party. While we were waiting for her show to begin, DJ Martin Solveig and Madonna's youngest son, David, warmed up the audience with techno remixing.
The concert opened with "Like a Prayer" and featured male hip hop and acro dancers dressed as monks and gargoyles ringing a lighted bell. The scene brought the Hunchback of Notre Dame to mind. Then the Material Girl made her grand entrance. This number was campy and fun.
Another notable number, "Gang Bang," was set in a seedy hotel room. Madonna sang, "Bang bang! I shot you dead Bang bang! Shot my lover in the head" while she took aim at a male dancer. The song's lyrics were catchy, but this part of the show was rather dark. She and her troupe of dancers waved guns as they danced around the stage. Blood splatter was one of the video effects. This number culminates with her being sent to hell. It's easy to understand why some people were offended by the violence and guns in the show so soon after the Colorado massacre.
My favorite part of her MDNA show was her performance of "Express Yourself." Madonna dressed up in a red and white drum majorette's costume with a baton. The dancers also dressed up as members of a high school marching band. Her show needed something like and uplifting after her performance of "Gang Bang."
Toward the end of her show, Madonna showed her audience that she had "Obama" written or tattooed in black ink on her back. I know that she is outspoken and politically active. I voted for Obama myself. When I go to a concert, I go to listen to music. I don't want to read an entertainer's political views.
I've always like Madonna. She and I are the same age. We also have children who are the same age. My seat was so close to the stage that I got a good look at the pop star. Madonna is still as beautiful (and as thin) as she was in the late 80's. Her figure is so beautiful that my first impression was "That woman looks like she doesn't eat."
Monday, August 27, 2012
Joe Walsh Takes a Nose Dive at Little Creek Casino
Michael Starr, CEO
Little Creek Casino Resort
91 West State Route 108
Shelton, WA 98584
My daughter bought two tickets to Joe Walsh's concert for my husband as his Father's Day gift. My husband and I looked forward to the concert, which was held on August 24, 2012 at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.
Before we pulled in the casino's multi-level parking garage, we asked a man whom I thought was a casino employee if the garage was full. He said the lower level was full, but he did not know if the upper levels were. I proceeded to drive into the garage. Many other cars also entered the garage. Unfortunately, all levels were full with the exception of a few spaces reserved for the handicapped.
To exit, we had to go all the way to the top floor, turn our truck around in a narrow open area that was surrounded only by a wire cord and then descend all levels. All the other vehicles had to turn around in a similar manner. I thought turning our truck around on the top floor was dangerous and frightening. I was grateful that my husband turned the truck around for me. I do not believe I would have been able to make the turn by myself.
The event was poorly organized. The casino could have saved its guests a lot of time and aggravation by simply having a garage attendant inform people that the garage was completely full.
My husband parked our truck in the parking lot farthest from the casino. We had to walk a considerable distance to get to the auditorium. Outside the entrance stood a pair of transparent heaters with flames in their centers. I got excited. Pulling out my camera, I asked a security guard if he would take a photo of my husband and me standing beside the flames. Although a security guard agreed to take our photo, a volunteer rudely told me that I could not bring my camera into the auditorium. He demanded that my husband walk back to our truck and lock my camera inside it. It took at least 20 minutes for my husband to do so. I waited for him outside because I didn't want to walk around a dark, crowded auditorium by myself. My husband missed about half of the concert. I felt terrible about it.
Please note that nothing on our tickets indicated that cameras would not be permitted in the auditorium. Other venues, such as the Tacoma Dome, allow guests to bring cameras. If the casino has a no cameras rule, the guests should be told before the concert begins. Not afterward.
After we entered the auditorium, I noticed that a man standing in an aisle about 10 feet away from me was using a large camera to take photos of the concert. Many other guests were using flash photography in the auditorium. The security guards did not do anything to stop them. This infuriated me. When I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air, I noticed that three young women were taking photos of themselves near the flaming heaters. The volunteers and security guards did not tell those women that they had to lock their camera in their car. I felt that the casino was unfairly discriminating against me because the no cameras rule was not enforced universally.
I've always liked Joe Walsh, but I was so upset that I could not enjoy the concert. I could only recognize three of the songs the band played: (1) Life in the Fast Lane, (2) Rocky Mountain Way and (3) All Night Long. Overall, the Joe Walsh concert was a disappointment.
My husband and I were so angry about the way the volunteer forced us to miss half of the concert that we left immediately after the concert ended. We refused to buy any food or drinks or gamble because we didn't want to give any of our money to the casino.
This was the first time my husband and I have ever attended a concert at the Little Creek Casino. I'm not planning to attend any more concerts there. I don't have anything against Native Americans -- I just don't like the way the Little Creek Casino treats its guests.
Little Creek Casino Resort
91 West State Route 108
Shelton, WA 98584
My daughter bought two tickets to Joe Walsh's concert for my husband as his Father's Day gift. My husband and I looked forward to the concert, which was held on August 24, 2012 at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.
Before we pulled in the casino's multi-level parking garage, we asked a man whom I thought was a casino employee if the garage was full. He said the lower level was full, but he did not know if the upper levels were. I proceeded to drive into the garage. Many other cars also entered the garage. Unfortunately, all levels were full with the exception of a few spaces reserved for the handicapped.
To exit, we had to go all the way to the top floor, turn our truck around in a narrow open area that was surrounded only by a wire cord and then descend all levels. All the other vehicles had to turn around in a similar manner. I thought turning our truck around on the top floor was dangerous and frightening. I was grateful that my husband turned the truck around for me. I do not believe I would have been able to make the turn by myself.
The event was poorly organized. The casino could have saved its guests a lot of time and aggravation by simply having a garage attendant inform people that the garage was completely full.
My husband parked our truck in the parking lot farthest from the casino. We had to walk a considerable distance to get to the auditorium. Outside the entrance stood a pair of transparent heaters with flames in their centers. I got excited. Pulling out my camera, I asked a security guard if he would take a photo of my husband and me standing beside the flames. Although a security guard agreed to take our photo, a volunteer rudely told me that I could not bring my camera into the auditorium. He demanded that my husband walk back to our truck and lock my camera inside it. It took at least 20 minutes for my husband to do so. I waited for him outside because I didn't want to walk around a dark, crowded auditorium by myself. My husband missed about half of the concert. I felt terrible about it.
Please note that nothing on our tickets indicated that cameras would not be permitted in the auditorium. Other venues, such as the Tacoma Dome, allow guests to bring cameras. If the casino has a no cameras rule, the guests should be told before the concert begins. Not afterward.
After we entered the auditorium, I noticed that a man standing in an aisle about 10 feet away from me was using a large camera to take photos of the concert. Many other guests were using flash photography in the auditorium. The security guards did not do anything to stop them. This infuriated me. When I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air, I noticed that three young women were taking photos of themselves near the flaming heaters. The volunteers and security guards did not tell those women that they had to lock their camera in their car. I felt that the casino was unfairly discriminating against me because the no cameras rule was not enforced universally.
I've always liked Joe Walsh, but I was so upset that I could not enjoy the concert. I could only recognize three of the songs the band played: (1) Life in the Fast Lane, (2) Rocky Mountain Way and (3) All Night Long. Overall, the Joe Walsh concert was a disappointment.
My husband and I were so angry about the way the volunteer forced us to miss half of the concert that we left immediately after the concert ended. We refused to buy any food or drinks or gamble because we didn't want to give any of our money to the casino.
This was the first time my husband and I have ever attended a concert at the Little Creek Casino. I'm not planning to attend any more concerts there. I don't have anything against Native Americans -- I just don't like the way the Little Creek Casino treats its guests.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Aerosmith Live at the Tacoma Dome
On August 8, 2012, Kristina and I were among the thousands of fans who flocked to the Tacoma Dome to see Aerosmith's Global Warming tour. We were especially excited about welcoming the band's front man Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry to our city.
Aerosmith is one of America's best-selling rock bands. More than 150 million Aerosmith albums have been sold worldwide. The band has more gold and platinum albums than any other American group.
Aerosmith's opened its show with an energetic rendition of "Draw the Line." This was followed by more of their classic songs, including "Love in an Elevator," "Same Old Song and Dance," "Livin' on the Edge" and "Last Child."
Lead singer Steven Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948 in Yonkers, New York. His father was a music teacher. Steven learned to play the drums as a child, but chose to concentrate on singing. In the late 60's, his family moved to Boston.
Aerosmith is also known as "The Bad Boys from Boston" because the band was established there in 1970. Original band members included guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. In 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Ray Tabano. The band chose its name because drummer Joey Kramer used to write "Aerosmith" all over his notebooks when he was in school.
In 1972, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records. "Dream On," a single from their first album, became a minor hit. Other albums soon followed. Their third album, "Toys in the Attic," was released in 1975 and is among their most successful albums. Their classic songs, "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way," are from this period.
Early in his career, Steven Tyler's voice and appearance were often compared to Mick Jagger's. As time passed by, Steven's unique style emerged.
Despite the group's commercial success, Steven Tyler's alcoholism and drug addiction took its toll on the band. Joe Perry left in 1979. Brad Whitford left in 1981. Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay replaced them. Unfortunately, the band did not fare well without its acclaimed guitarists.
In 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band. Aerosmith launched a comeback with Geffen Records. But the album they released in 1985 ("Done with Mirrors") fizzled. Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation in 1986. When the band released their "Permanent Vacation" album in 1987, Aerosmith became as popular as it was in the 1970's.
Aerosmith played "Rag Doll" from this period of their career during their performance at the Tacoma Dome.
Aerosmith's success continued through the 90's and into the new millennium. The band's 1993 video, "Crazy," featured Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv. In 1998, the band released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." This love ballad was written for the 1998 film Armageddon, starring Liv Tyler. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" became Aerosmith's first and only number 1 single.
In 2011, Steven Tyler joined the cast of American Idol, judging contestants on the popular television program. He quit American Idol to participate in Aerosmith's Global Warming tour.
When Kandice and I visited Boston several years ago, I thought Bostonians were as proud of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith as Washingtonians are of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
When Steve Tyler performs today, it's hard to believe that he is 64 years old. He's so full of energy. He dances all over the stage. He jumps around so much that it's difficult to take his photo. It's easy to understand why some people might say he "moves like Jagger."
Toward the end of the concert Aerosmith played their classic songs -- "Rats in the Cellar," "Sweet Emotion," and "Walk This Way."
For their encore, Aerosmith played the minor hit from their first album, "Dream On." This was followed by "Train Kept a Rolling."
It's amazing that Aerosmith has been playing together for 42 years and can still pack a house as large as the Tacoma Dome.
Some information in this article was taken from Wikipedia and Biography.com.
Aerosmith is one of America's best-selling rock bands. More than 150 million Aerosmith albums have been sold worldwide. The band has more gold and platinum albums than any other American group.
Aerosmith's opened its show with an energetic rendition of "Draw the Line." This was followed by more of their classic songs, including "Love in an Elevator," "Same Old Song and Dance," "Livin' on the Edge" and "Last Child."
Lead singer Steven Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948 in Yonkers, New York. His father was a music teacher. Steven learned to play the drums as a child, but chose to concentrate on singing. In the late 60's, his family moved to Boston.
Aerosmith is also known as "The Bad Boys from Boston" because the band was established there in 1970. Original band members included guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. In 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Ray Tabano. The band chose its name because drummer Joey Kramer used to write "Aerosmith" all over his notebooks when he was in school.
In 1972, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records. "Dream On," a single from their first album, became a minor hit. Other albums soon followed. Their third album, "Toys in the Attic," was released in 1975 and is among their most successful albums. Their classic songs, "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way," are from this period.
Early in his career, Steven Tyler's voice and appearance were often compared to Mick Jagger's. As time passed by, Steven's unique style emerged.
Despite the group's commercial success, Steven Tyler's alcoholism and drug addiction took its toll on the band. Joe Perry left in 1979. Brad Whitford left in 1981. Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay replaced them. Unfortunately, the band did not fare well without its acclaimed guitarists.
In 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band. Aerosmith launched a comeback with Geffen Records. But the album they released in 1985 ("Done with Mirrors") fizzled. Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation in 1986. When the band released their "Permanent Vacation" album in 1987, Aerosmith became as popular as it was in the 1970's.
Aerosmith played "Rag Doll" from this period of their career during their performance at the Tacoma Dome.
Aerosmith's success continued through the 90's and into the new millennium. The band's 1993 video, "Crazy," featured Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv. In 1998, the band released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." This love ballad was written for the 1998 film Armageddon, starring Liv Tyler. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" became Aerosmith's first and only number 1 single.
In 2011, Steven Tyler joined the cast of American Idol, judging contestants on the popular television program. He quit American Idol to participate in Aerosmith's Global Warming tour.
When Kandice and I visited Boston several years ago, I thought Bostonians were as proud of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith as Washingtonians are of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
When Steve Tyler performs today, it's hard to believe that he is 64 years old. He's so full of energy. He dances all over the stage. He jumps around so much that it's difficult to take his photo. It's easy to understand why some people might say he "moves like Jagger."
Toward the end of the concert Aerosmith played their classic songs -- "Rats in the Cellar," "Sweet Emotion," and "Walk This Way."
For their encore, Aerosmith played the minor hit from their first album, "Dream On." This was followed by "Train Kept a Rolling."
It's amazing that Aerosmith has been playing together for 42 years and can still pack a house as large as the Tacoma Dome.
Some information in this article was taken from Wikipedia and Biography.com.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Cheap Trick Opens Global Warming Tour at the Dome
On August 8, 2012, the Tacoma Dome treated its guests to a double delight -- Aerosmith and Cheap Trick live in concert.
As the opening act for Aerosmith's Global Warming tour, Cheap Trick opened the show with "Hello There." Unfortunately, the Dome's acoustics don't do justice to Cheap Trick's energetic music. The volume was so loud that it was difficult to determine which song the band was playing. I'd prefer to see Cheap Trick at a smaller, less crowded auditorium next time. Another guest explained to me that he thought the Dome's acoustics are better than the Key Arena's. He said blaring volume is just part of Cheap Trick's style.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cheap Trick has been in the music industry for more than 35 years. The band includes all of its original members: Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos.
The last time I attended a Cheap Trick concert was in southern California in 1981. Both the band and I are considerably older. Their concert brought back happy memories.
I enjoyed Cheap Trick's performance of the old Fats Domino song, "Ain't That a Shame." It was great to hear "The Flame," "I Want You to Want Me," and "Dream Police" again. My favorite Cheap Trick song has always been "Surrender," which they performed at the conclusion of their concert.
This is Kristina and I outside of the Tacoma Dome. It's great to have a daughter who loves classic rock n roll music as much as I do.
As the opening act for Aerosmith's Global Warming tour, Cheap Trick opened the show with "Hello There." Unfortunately, the Dome's acoustics don't do justice to Cheap Trick's energetic music. The volume was so loud that it was difficult to determine which song the band was playing. I'd prefer to see Cheap Trick at a smaller, less crowded auditorium next time. Another guest explained to me that he thought the Dome's acoustics are better than the Key Arena's. He said blaring volume is just part of Cheap Trick's style.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cheap Trick has been in the music industry for more than 35 years. The band includes all of its original members: Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos.
The last time I attended a Cheap Trick concert was in southern California in 1981. Both the band and I are considerably older. Their concert brought back happy memories.
I enjoyed Cheap Trick's performance of the old Fats Domino song, "Ain't That a Shame." It was great to hear "The Flame," "I Want You to Want Me," and "Dream Police" again. My favorite Cheap Trick song has always been "Surrender," which they performed at the conclusion of their concert.
This is Kristina and I outside of the Tacoma Dome. It's great to have a daughter who loves classic rock n roll music as much as I do.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Mummies Uncovered -- King Tut Visits Seattle
Seattle's Pacific Science Center is offering a rare and wonderful treat -- an exhibit dedicated to ancient Egypt's boy pharoah, King Tutankhamum. Organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, the exhibit is on display for the final time in North America. Washingtonians are lucky to have an opportunity to see King Tut's treasures before they are flown back to Egypt.
On November 4, 1922, King Tut's nearly intact tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings by British explorers, Howard Carter and George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon. King Tut became the most famous of ancient Egypt's pharoahs because his tomb and its artifacts were the best preserved. His mummy's mask is a popular symbol of ancient Egypt.
King Tut was born circa 1341 B.C. His father was Akhenaten. His mother's name was lost to antiquity, but she is now known as "the Younger Lady." DNA evidence suggests that Tut's parents were brother and sister. It was an Egyptian custom that the Pharoah married his sister to prevent their royal blood from mixing with the general population's. Tut may have suffered genetic defects because his parents were so closely related. As a prince, he was known as Tutankhaten, which meant "Living Image of Aten."
Tutankhaten became Pharoah in 1332 B.C. when he was nine or ten years old. He reigned during the late 18th Dynasty during a period known as the New Kingdom. He married one of his half-sisters, Ankhesenpaaten. He and his wife had two stillborn daughters, who were buried with Tut when he died.
One of the most significant events of Tut's reign occurred during the third year of his reign. Tut's father had made the god, Aten, the supreme god. As Pharoah, Tut ended the worship of Aten, lifted the ban on the cult of Amun, and restored the traditional rights to Amun's priesthood. Thebes became Egypt's capital again. The city of Akhetaten was abandoned. At this time, the young Pharoah changed his name to
Tutankhamun, which meant "Living Image of Amun." His wife changed her name to Ankhesenamun.
King Tut died when he was about nineteen years old. Shortly before his death, he had broken his leg and his leg became infected. He also suffered from malaria. The relatively small size of his tomb suggests that his death was unexpected.
After his death, his body was mummified and buried with treasures, including a pair of golden sandals. Ancient Egyptians tried to erase Tut's reign from their history, partly because the boy king's reign was so short and partly because the god Aten was restored to supremacy.
My children were slightly disappointed because the mummy on display is only a replica of King Tut's mummy. They were expecting to see a real mummy. The history may also be difficult for younger children to understand. But if you are interested in the ancient world, you might enjoy the King Tut exhibit.
The exhibit will be on display daily from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. until January 6, 2013.
The Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.
Their phone number is (206) 443-2001.
Individual Ticket Prices For The General Public
Mon-Thurs Fri-Sun & Holidays
Adults (16-64) $27.50 $32.50
Seniors (65+) $24.50 $29.50
Youth (6-15) $16.50 $21.50
Child (3-5) $15.50 $20.50
Student (with ID) $24.50 $29.50
Add the IMAX movies Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs or Mysteries of Egypt for $4.00.
Add the Audio Guide narrated by Harrison Ford for $6.00.
Some of historical information in this article was taken from Wikipedia.
On November 4, 1922, King Tut's nearly intact tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings by British explorers, Howard Carter and George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon. King Tut became the most famous of ancient Egypt's pharoahs because his tomb and its artifacts were the best preserved. His mummy's mask is a popular symbol of ancient Egypt.
King Tut was born circa 1341 B.C. His father was Akhenaten. His mother's name was lost to antiquity, but she is now known as "the Younger Lady." DNA evidence suggests that Tut's parents were brother and sister. It was an Egyptian custom that the Pharoah married his sister to prevent their royal blood from mixing with the general population's. Tut may have suffered genetic defects because his parents were so closely related. As a prince, he was known as Tutankhaten, which meant "Living Image of Aten."
Tutankhaten became Pharoah in 1332 B.C. when he was nine or ten years old. He reigned during the late 18th Dynasty during a period known as the New Kingdom. He married one of his half-sisters, Ankhesenpaaten. He and his wife had two stillborn daughters, who were buried with Tut when he died.
One of the most significant events of Tut's reign occurred during the third year of his reign. Tut's father had made the god, Aten, the supreme god. As Pharoah, Tut ended the worship of Aten, lifted the ban on the cult of Amun, and restored the traditional rights to Amun's priesthood. Thebes became Egypt's capital again. The city of Akhetaten was abandoned. At this time, the young Pharoah changed his name to
Tutankhamun, which meant "Living Image of Amun." His wife changed her name to Ankhesenamun.
King Tut died when he was about nineteen years old. Shortly before his death, he had broken his leg and his leg became infected. He also suffered from malaria. The relatively small size of his tomb suggests that his death was unexpected.
After his death, his body was mummified and buried with treasures, including a pair of golden sandals. Ancient Egyptians tried to erase Tut's reign from their history, partly because the boy king's reign was so short and partly because the god Aten was restored to supremacy.
My children were slightly disappointed because the mummy on display is only a replica of King Tut's mummy. They were expecting to see a real mummy. The history may also be difficult for younger children to understand. But if you are interested in the ancient world, you might enjoy the King Tut exhibit.
The exhibit will be on display daily from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. until January 6, 2013.
The Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.
Their phone number is (206) 443-2001.
Individual Ticket Prices For The General Public
Mon-Thurs Fri-Sun & Holidays
Adults (16-64) $27.50 $32.50
Seniors (65+) $24.50 $29.50
Youth (6-15) $16.50 $21.50
Child (3-5) $15.50 $20.50
Student (with ID) $24.50 $29.50
Add the IMAX movies Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs or Mysteries of Egypt for $4.00.
Add the Audio Guide narrated by Harrison Ford for $6.00.
Some of historical information in this article was taken from Wikipedia.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
The Horrific Childhood of Francis Hernandez
Recently the Order Granting Part Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Francis Hernandez case was posted online. This is the order in which United States District Judge Ronald S.W. Lew vacated Francis' death sentence due to cumulative error during the penalty phase.
I read this long, legal document with the hope of finding answers about why Francis Hernandez -- a man with whom I was briefly acquainted when I was a teen -- murdered Edna Bristol and Kathy Ryan in 1981. While reading it answered many of my questions, I found myself asking even more questions after I read it.
Chiefly, why wasn't anything done about Fran until after he committed the murders?
Francis was adopted. I didn't think the courts would open sealed adoption records. But if a defendant is facing the death penalty, I suppose defense attorneys should be allowed to look at adoption records to find mitigating evidence.
Francis Hernandez was born in 1962. Beginning in utero, he had a horrific childhood. He was the product of a relationship between a 14 year old girl and an 18 year old man incarcerated for burglary. Both of his biological parents had histories of severe mental illness. While pregnant, his biological mother drank alcohol and used drugs. His biological parents' relationship was sometimes violent. Under the circumstances, it is easy to understand why his biological mother might have thought she was doing the best thing for her son when she gave him up for adoption.
Unfortunately, Francis' adoptive parents also suffered from severe mental illness. When he was five, his adoptive mother attempted suicide, was hospitalized for three months and diagnosed as having schizophrenia, paranoid type. This was the first of several hospitalizations. According to this legal document, relatives did not want their children around her because her medications made her behave like a zombie. Why didn't anybody try to help young Fran then?
I do not blame Fran for his adoptive mother's nervous breakdown. Having worked as a psych nurse for four years, I know that schizophrenia is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. However, I do not believe that children should be raised by a paranoid schizophrenic because the disease is so incapacitating. Why didn't the physicians and nurses who treated Fran's adoptive mother alert social services that she was the primary caregiver of a small child?
Francis' adoptive father had mental issues himself. He was frequently absent from the home and in denial about his wife's illness. Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez tried to adopt a second child. The adoption agency turned them down. Why didn't the adoption agency notify social services about the problems they found in the Hernandez home? Why did an adoption agency allow Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez to adopt Francis in the first place?
When he was in preschool, Fran's behavior was abnormal. His preschool teacher suggested that his parents take him to a counselor. His adoptive father refused. Why didn't the preschool teacher notify social services?
Francis' adoptive parents punished him by forcefully administering enemas to him and making them hold them for 10 to 15 minutes. It's difficult to believe that nobody knew about the abuse.
Perhaps if young Francis had been removed from his adoptive parents' home and placed with a more stable family, Edna Bristol and Kathy Ryan might be alive today.
I read this long, legal document with the hope of finding answers about why Francis Hernandez -- a man with whom I was briefly acquainted when I was a teen -- murdered Edna Bristol and Kathy Ryan in 1981. While reading it answered many of my questions, I found myself asking even more questions after I read it.
Chiefly, why wasn't anything done about Fran until after he committed the murders?
Francis was adopted. I didn't think the courts would open sealed adoption records. But if a defendant is facing the death penalty, I suppose defense attorneys should be allowed to look at adoption records to find mitigating evidence.
Francis Hernandez was born in 1962. Beginning in utero, he had a horrific childhood. He was the product of a relationship between a 14 year old girl and an 18 year old man incarcerated for burglary. Both of his biological parents had histories of severe mental illness. While pregnant, his biological mother drank alcohol and used drugs. His biological parents' relationship was sometimes violent. Under the circumstances, it is easy to understand why his biological mother might have thought she was doing the best thing for her son when she gave him up for adoption.
Unfortunately, Francis' adoptive parents also suffered from severe mental illness. When he was five, his adoptive mother attempted suicide, was hospitalized for three months and diagnosed as having schizophrenia, paranoid type. This was the first of several hospitalizations. According to this legal document, relatives did not want their children around her because her medications made her behave like a zombie. Why didn't anybody try to help young Fran then?
I do not blame Fran for his adoptive mother's nervous breakdown. Having worked as a psych nurse for four years, I know that schizophrenia is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. However, I do not believe that children should be raised by a paranoid schizophrenic because the disease is so incapacitating. Why didn't the physicians and nurses who treated Fran's adoptive mother alert social services that she was the primary caregiver of a small child?
Francis' adoptive father had mental issues himself. He was frequently absent from the home and in denial about his wife's illness. Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez tried to adopt a second child. The adoption agency turned them down. Why didn't the adoption agency notify social services about the problems they found in the Hernandez home? Why did an adoption agency allow Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez to adopt Francis in the first place?
When he was in preschool, Fran's behavior was abnormal. His preschool teacher suggested that his parents take him to a counselor. His adoptive father refused. Why didn't the preschool teacher notify social services?
Francis' adoptive parents punished him by forcefully administering enemas to him and making them hold them for 10 to 15 minutes. It's difficult to believe that nobody knew about the abuse.
Perhaps if young Francis had been removed from his adoptive parents' home and placed with a more stable family, Edna Bristol and Kathy Ryan might be alive today.
Friday, July 6, 2012
The Barefoot Bandit in Prison in Aberdeen
When I last wrote about the Barefoot Bandit, Colton Harris-Moore was in solitary confinement at Walla Walla State Penitentiary. A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections stated that this was for Colton's own protection. After all, the Barefoot Bandit is a celebrity.
His attorney, John Henry Browne, argued that Colton did not or need this protection. Mr. Browne was concerned that solitary confinement would have a negative effect on Colton's mental health. Colton was housed in the intensive management unit, where those on death row are normally housed. Mr. Browne said that it would be better for Colton if he was with the general prison population.
I discussed this with a man I met in Seattle. He felt that keeping Colton out of the general prison population was a good idea because Colton did not commit violent crimes. He compared Colton to Clyde Barrow of the infamous Barrow outlaw gang. Clyde Barrow did not commit violent crimes until after he was imprisoned in Texas for car theft. The first time Clyde Barrow ever killed anyone was when he beat a fellow inmate -- a man who had repeatedly sexually assaulted him -- to death. After he was paroled, Clyde was a bitter, hardened man. He met and fell in love with Bonnie Parker. With the Barrow gang, Bonnie and Clyde robbed grocery stores and gas stations, robbed about 15 banks and killed 9 police officers and several civilians. It has been said that Clyde Barrow committed these crimes to get revenge on the Texas judicial system for the abuses he suffered in prison.
No, I don't want Colton Harris-Moore to become another Clyde Barrow.
In late April 2012, Colton was transferred to a medium-security unit at Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen.
I know that many people dislike Colton. His crimes may not have been violent, but he hurt many people financially. Some people lost their livelihoods because of him. Nevertheless, I care about Colton because I feel that he was a neglected, disadvantaged child who fell threw social services' cracks.
Colton is still a young man. I believe that he can be rehabilitated. I hope he reads lots of good books and tries to get an education. I hope he finds Jesus. The best thing that Colton can do for himself is to use his time in prison to turn his life around.
His attorney, John Henry Browne, argued that Colton did not or need this protection. Mr. Browne was concerned that solitary confinement would have a negative effect on Colton's mental health. Colton was housed in the intensive management unit, where those on death row are normally housed. Mr. Browne said that it would be better for Colton if he was with the general prison population.
I discussed this with a man I met in Seattle. He felt that keeping Colton out of the general prison population was a good idea because Colton did not commit violent crimes. He compared Colton to Clyde Barrow of the infamous Barrow outlaw gang. Clyde Barrow did not commit violent crimes until after he was imprisoned in Texas for car theft. The first time Clyde Barrow ever killed anyone was when he beat a fellow inmate -- a man who had repeatedly sexually assaulted him -- to death. After he was paroled, Clyde was a bitter, hardened man. He met and fell in love with Bonnie Parker. With the Barrow gang, Bonnie and Clyde robbed grocery stores and gas stations, robbed about 15 banks and killed 9 police officers and several civilians. It has been said that Clyde Barrow committed these crimes to get revenge on the Texas judicial system for the abuses he suffered in prison.
No, I don't want Colton Harris-Moore to become another Clyde Barrow.
In late April 2012, Colton was transferred to a medium-security unit at Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen.
I know that many people dislike Colton. His crimes may not have been violent, but he hurt many people financially. Some people lost their livelihoods because of him. Nevertheless, I care about Colton because I feel that he was a neglected, disadvantaged child who fell threw social services' cracks.
Colton is still a young man. I believe that he can be rehabilitated. I hope he reads lots of good books and tries to get an education. I hope he finds Jesus. The best thing that Colton can do for himself is to use his time in prison to turn his life around.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Debra Brown Gets Her Comeuppance
I've been a registered Republican for most of my life, but something has occurred in Texas that has caused me to think about switching parties.
While I was following the stories about the FLDS trials, I learned that Debra Brown, the executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center in Tom Green County, took a trip to Colorado City, Utah with several ladies from CASA. Photos of Debra and her girl friends with a private detective named Sam Brower were displayed on Bill Medvecky's blog. It is my understanding that Mr. Brower was teaching the women about Warren Jeffs and the FLDS. The Yearning for Zion Ranch is located near San Angelo, but I don't think any of the FLDS children were in protective custody at that time.
But Debra Brown's affiliation with the antipolygamy movement is not what caused me to consider changing political parties.
The Children's Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization that provides services to abused and neglected children in Tom Green County. Four programs -- Court Appointed Special Advocates, Hope House, Family Enrichment Services and Child Fatality Review Team -- are run by the CAC.
The CAC first placed its former executive director on administrative in February 2011 after Mrs. Brown was unable to explain several expenditures. She resigned shortly thereafter. The CAC hired an independent accounting firm to conduct a forensic audit. The FBI and the Texas Rangers conducted a fraud investigation. In September 2011, the veteran child advocate was indicted on six counts of theft from programs that receive federal funds in a Lubbock federal court. According to the federal indictment, Mrs. Brown “embezzled, stole or obtained by fraud” approximately $237,013 from January 2005 through Dec. 31, 2010.
The public does not know how much money Mrs. Brown actually misappropriated because the forensic audit and investigation only covered the last four years she worked at the CAC. Debra Brown served as the CAC's executive director for 17 years.
On January 26, 2012, Mrs. Brown pled guilty to one count of theft.
On June 19, 2012, Mrs. Brown was sentenced to four years in federal prison. She was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and nearly $325,000 to the CAC.
What has caused me to think about changing political parties is the fact Mrs. Brown was married to County Judge Mike Brown for 29 years. Mike Brown was the Republican candidate for County Judge and has been the County Judge since 1995. He has indicated that he plans to complete his term.
Judge Brown filed for divorce the day after Debra was indicted. Their divorce became final in December 2012. I think Judge Brown had a valid reason to divorce his wife, but I'm troubled by his claims that he was unaware of an increase in his household's income as a result of his former wife's crimes. I'm also concerned that monies his former wife embezzled may have been comingled with their community property.
This case has caused me to question if Republican candidates and their spouses are as honest, moral and trustworthy as they should be. Especially those from Texas. I'm not sure I will be able to continue to support the Republican party if its candidates and their spouses don't clean up their acts.
I'm also in favor of reducing federal funds for CASA, CPS and organizations like the Children's Advocacy Center because this case proves that those monies are not going to help abused and/or neglected children.
*Information for this article was taken from the San Angelo Standard Times.
.
While I was following the stories about the FLDS trials, I learned that Debra Brown, the executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center in Tom Green County, took a trip to Colorado City, Utah with several ladies from CASA. Photos of Debra and her girl friends with a private detective named Sam Brower were displayed on Bill Medvecky's blog. It is my understanding that Mr. Brower was teaching the women about Warren Jeffs and the FLDS. The Yearning for Zion Ranch is located near San Angelo, but I don't think any of the FLDS children were in protective custody at that time.
But Debra Brown's affiliation with the antipolygamy movement is not what caused me to consider changing political parties.
The Children's Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization that provides services to abused and neglected children in Tom Green County. Four programs -- Court Appointed Special Advocates, Hope House, Family Enrichment Services and Child Fatality Review Team -- are run by the CAC.
The CAC first placed its former executive director on administrative in February 2011 after Mrs. Brown was unable to explain several expenditures. She resigned shortly thereafter. The CAC hired an independent accounting firm to conduct a forensic audit. The FBI and the Texas Rangers conducted a fraud investigation. In September 2011, the veteran child advocate was indicted on six counts of theft from programs that receive federal funds in a Lubbock federal court. According to the federal indictment, Mrs. Brown “embezzled, stole or obtained by fraud” approximately $237,013 from January 2005 through Dec. 31, 2010.
The public does not know how much money Mrs. Brown actually misappropriated because the forensic audit and investigation only covered the last four years she worked at the CAC. Debra Brown served as the CAC's executive director for 17 years.
On January 26, 2012, Mrs. Brown pled guilty to one count of theft.
On June 19, 2012, Mrs. Brown was sentenced to four years in federal prison. She was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and nearly $325,000 to the CAC.
What has caused me to think about changing political parties is the fact Mrs. Brown was married to County Judge Mike Brown for 29 years. Mike Brown was the Republican candidate for County Judge and has been the County Judge since 1995. He has indicated that he plans to complete his term.
Judge Brown filed for divorce the day after Debra was indicted. Their divorce became final in December 2012. I think Judge Brown had a valid reason to divorce his wife, but I'm troubled by his claims that he was unaware of an increase in his household's income as a result of his former wife's crimes. I'm also concerned that monies his former wife embezzled may have been comingled with their community property.
This case has caused me to question if Republican candidates and their spouses are as honest, moral and trustworthy as they should be. Especially those from Texas. I'm not sure I will be able to continue to support the Republican party if its candidates and their spouses don't clean up their acts.
I'm also in favor of reducing federal funds for CASA, CPS and organizations like the Children's Advocacy Center because this case proves that those monies are not going to help abused and/or neglected children.
*Information for this article was taken from the San Angelo Standard Times.
.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Why I Defended the FLDS
Call me crazy. Call me weird. But I'm an FLDS defender.
That's right. After the raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch on April 3, 2008, I followed the story of Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During online discussions, I voiced my disapproval about how the raid was carried out. I also defended the women and children who lived on the YFZ Ranch.
Why? I'm the daughter of a WWII veteran. From the time I was a young girl, my parents taught me that it is morally wrong to mistreat a religious, racial or ethnic group. My parents were disgusted by the way that Adolf Hitler and the Nazis mistreated Jews, Gypsies, gays, the mentally ill, the disabled, etc. during WWII. Their generation worked together to stop Hitler and end the Holocaust. My parents, who were of German descent, said that Hitler had brought shame to Germany. Dad was quick to point out that Adolf Hitler was not a German -- he was an Austrian. My parents also taught me that we must work together to prevent genocide in the future.
I'm not advocating polygamy -- I'm advocating tolerance!
I'm following my parents' good example by speaking up for Mormon Fundamentalists, the Roma (Gypsies), and other oppressed minorities. It's wrong to discriminate against people because of their religion or traditional lifestyle. We should be embracing diversity, not promoting hatred or intolerance.
The United Nations considers transferring children from one group (i.e. Mormon Fundamentalist) to another group (i.e. Baptist) to be a form of genocide. Genocide is against the rules of the Geneva Convention. Genocide is against international law. How can we teach other countries that genocide is morally wrong if we allow it to take place within our own boundaries?
I also believe that women should help women. I don't believe that a woman should lose custody of her children because of her religion. Yes, I know that the LDS church and the FLDS sect are two separate and distinct churches. Yes, I know that the FLDS is a Mormon Fundamentalist sect that still practices polygamy. Yes, I know that many people believe that polygamy is harmful to women and children. However, if an adult woman wants to be a plural wife for religious purposes, I feel that is her personal, private business. I don't feel compelled to "rescue" her. Our government should butt out.
If a person wants to leave the FLDS sect, I certainly wouldn't try to stop him/her. I'm acquainted with several former members of the FLDS sect. I like them. They are good people. But I don't think our government should force people to leave a religion, a church, or a sect against their will. I don't have an issue with people leaving the FLDS, but I think they should do so on their own volition. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion to all Americans.
Finally, I think it is wrong to say that "Everyone who belongs to a certain religious, racial, or ethnic group is a ________." (Fill in the blank with derogatory word of your choice.) That's stereotyping. I was taught in junior high that stereotyping is wrong. People are individuals. I believe that there are good and bad in every race, religion and ethnic group. If you're lumping people into groups and saying that everyone who belongs to a certain group is "a bad person," maybe the problem isn't them. Maybe it's you.
That's right. After the raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch on April 3, 2008, I followed the story of Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During online discussions, I voiced my disapproval about how the raid was carried out. I also defended the women and children who lived on the YFZ Ranch.
Why? I'm the daughter of a WWII veteran. From the time I was a young girl, my parents taught me that it is morally wrong to mistreat a religious, racial or ethnic group. My parents were disgusted by the way that Adolf Hitler and the Nazis mistreated Jews, Gypsies, gays, the mentally ill, the disabled, etc. during WWII. Their generation worked together to stop Hitler and end the Holocaust. My parents, who were of German descent, said that Hitler had brought shame to Germany. Dad was quick to point out that Adolf Hitler was not a German -- he was an Austrian. My parents also taught me that we must work together to prevent genocide in the future.
I'm not advocating polygamy -- I'm advocating tolerance!
I'm following my parents' good example by speaking up for Mormon Fundamentalists, the Roma (Gypsies), and other oppressed minorities. It's wrong to discriminate against people because of their religion or traditional lifestyle. We should be embracing diversity, not promoting hatred or intolerance.
The United Nations considers transferring children from one group (i.e. Mormon Fundamentalist) to another group (i.e. Baptist) to be a form of genocide. Genocide is against the rules of the Geneva Convention. Genocide is against international law. How can we teach other countries that genocide is morally wrong if we allow it to take place within our own boundaries?
I also believe that women should help women. I don't believe that a woman should lose custody of her children because of her religion. Yes, I know that the LDS church and the FLDS sect are two separate and distinct churches. Yes, I know that the FLDS is a Mormon Fundamentalist sect that still practices polygamy. Yes, I know that many people believe that polygamy is harmful to women and children. However, if an adult woman wants to be a plural wife for religious purposes, I feel that is her personal, private business. I don't feel compelled to "rescue" her. Our government should butt out.
If a person wants to leave the FLDS sect, I certainly wouldn't try to stop him/her. I'm acquainted with several former members of the FLDS sect. I like them. They are good people. But I don't think our government should force people to leave a religion, a church, or a sect against their will. I don't have an issue with people leaving the FLDS, but I think they should do so on their own volition. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion to all Americans.
Finally, I think it is wrong to say that "Everyone who belongs to a certain religious, racial, or ethnic group is a ________." (Fill in the blank with derogatory word of your choice.) That's stereotyping. I was taught in junior high that stereotyping is wrong. People are individuals. I believe that there are good and bad in every race, religion and ethnic group. If you're lumping people into groups and saying that everyone who belongs to a certain group is "a bad person," maybe the problem isn't them. Maybe it's you.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Baby Boomers Beware! Hepatitis C can be a Death Sentence
On May 18, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that anyone born between 1945 and 1965 should be tested for hepatitis C.
Baby boomers are the generation most likely to be infected with hepatitis C., but only about 25% of us have been tested for it. Many people do not know they are infected because they do not look or feel sick. The CDC believes that hundreds of thousands of hepatitis C infections occurred in the 1970's and 1980's among baby boomers.
Hepatitis A, B and C are contagious diseases caused by different viruses. First identified in 1989, the hepatitis C virus is a blood borne pathogen normally spread by contact with an infected person's blood. The disease is most common among current or past injection drug abusers. Before 1992, hepatitis C was sometimes transmitted by blood transfusions. Having sex with an infected person is a less common mode of transmission. The virus may be spread by sharing razors, toothbrushes, getting tattoos, body piercings or manicures with contaminated instruments.
A spokesperson for the CDC warned that baby boomers might not remember their risky behavior. A dollar bill rolled up to snort coke and passed from one person to the next might contain enough blood to transmit the virus.
The virus is not spread by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing or sneezing, or through food or water.
Acute hepatitis C occurs within the first six months of exposure. Most people with acute hepatitis C develop the serious, lifelong chronic form of this disease.
Chronic hepatitis C can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver or liver cancer. This infection is the leading cause of liver transplant today. The virus may damage other parts of the body as well. The number of people who died of hepatitis C related illnesses nearly doubled between 1999 and 2007. The CDC estimates that more than 15,000 Americans die of hepatitis C related illnesses every year.
My interest in hepatitis C is personal. About two years ago, I located my former roommate's adult daughter. She told me that her mother had died of liver cancer in 2006. She said her mother had hepatitis C for about 30 years before she developed liver cancer. This was surprising to me because we lived together for several years, but her mother never told me that she was infected with hepatitis C.
The CDC has announced that living with a person who has hepatitis C slightly increases your risk of contracting the virus.
The CDC is hoping to save more lives by encouraging baby boomers to take the one time blood test for hepatitis C. There are medications that can be taken to fight the infection. So please call your doctor and schedule an appointment to be tested. The life saved might be your own.
Baby boomers are the generation most likely to be infected with hepatitis C., but only about 25% of us have been tested for it. Many people do not know they are infected because they do not look or feel sick. The CDC believes that hundreds of thousands of hepatitis C infections occurred in the 1970's and 1980's among baby boomers.
Hepatitis A, B and C are contagious diseases caused by different viruses. First identified in 1989, the hepatitis C virus is a blood borne pathogen normally spread by contact with an infected person's blood. The disease is most common among current or past injection drug abusers. Before 1992, hepatitis C was sometimes transmitted by blood transfusions. Having sex with an infected person is a less common mode of transmission. The virus may be spread by sharing razors, toothbrushes, getting tattoos, body piercings or manicures with contaminated instruments.
A spokesperson for the CDC warned that baby boomers might not remember their risky behavior. A dollar bill rolled up to snort coke and passed from one person to the next might contain enough blood to transmit the virus.
The virus is not spread by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing or sneezing, or through food or water.
Acute hepatitis C occurs within the first six months of exposure. Most people with acute hepatitis C develop the serious, lifelong chronic form of this disease.
Chronic hepatitis C can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver or liver cancer. This infection is the leading cause of liver transplant today. The virus may damage other parts of the body as well. The number of people who died of hepatitis C related illnesses nearly doubled between 1999 and 2007. The CDC estimates that more than 15,000 Americans die of hepatitis C related illnesses every year.
My interest in hepatitis C is personal. About two years ago, I located my former roommate's adult daughter. She told me that her mother had died of liver cancer in 2006. She said her mother had hepatitis C for about 30 years before she developed liver cancer. This was surprising to me because we lived together for several years, but her mother never told me that she was infected with hepatitis C.
The CDC has announced that living with a person who has hepatitis C slightly increases your risk of contracting the virus.
The CDC is hoping to save more lives by encouraging baby boomers to take the one time blood test for hepatitis C. There are medications that can be taken to fight the infection. So please call your doctor and schedule an appointment to be tested. The life saved might be your own.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Lifting the Ban
When I started this blog, I decided to avoid discussing religion and politics because those subjects often lead to arguments. Mormon Fundamentalism, Mormon polygamy, the FLDS, and the anti-polygamy movement are so controversial that discussions about them tend to bring out the worst in people. My decision to avoid these topics was influenced by a lawsuit between Gregory Prickett (who may use the screen name "TexasBluesMan") and Hugh McBryde, Bill Medvecky, Scott Ledbetter and others. I was not part of the lawsuit. I don't want to go into the details or take sides. I'll simply say that the lawsuit stemmed from an online argument about the FLDS that got out of hand.
Yes, I am Mormon. I don't claim to be a good Mormon, but I'm Mormon. I don't want to argue with anybody. I don't want anyone's feelings to get hurt. I don't want to "out" anyone either. I won't try to convince you to change your religion if you don't try to convince me to change mine.
I have friends who are LDS, ex LDS, FLDS, and/or ex FLDS. I like them all. Some of my friends are Protestants; others are Catholic. I daresay that some of my friends are Atheists. My favorite co-worker is a gay Asian-American who was raised in the Roman Catholic Church. If I like you, I like you. Your skin color, ethnic origin, religion or sexual preference aren't important to me. I want everyone to feel welcome and safe here.
That being said, I have found that deliberately avoiding one issue is rather stifling.
So I'm lifting the ban. We can talk about Mormon Fundamentalism, polygamy, the FLDS and the anti-polygamy movement, provided that we behave as mature, responsible adults. No fighting. No arguing. No lawsuits.
One more thing. There are different types of Mormons. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The LDS Church and the FLDS sect are two separate and distinct churches. The LDS Church abandoned the practice of polygamy in 1890 and excommunicates anyone who practices or advocates polygamy.
Yes, I am Mormon. I don't claim to be a good Mormon, but I'm Mormon. I don't want to argue with anybody. I don't want anyone's feelings to get hurt. I don't want to "out" anyone either. I won't try to convince you to change your religion if you don't try to convince me to change mine.
I have friends who are LDS, ex LDS, FLDS, and/or ex FLDS. I like them all. Some of my friends are Protestants; others are Catholic. I daresay that some of my friends are Atheists. My favorite co-worker is a gay Asian-American who was raised in the Roman Catholic Church. If I like you, I like you. Your skin color, ethnic origin, religion or sexual preference aren't important to me. I want everyone to feel welcome and safe here.
That being said, I have found that deliberately avoiding one issue is rather stifling.
So I'm lifting the ban. We can talk about Mormon Fundamentalism, polygamy, the FLDS and the anti-polygamy movement, provided that we behave as mature, responsible adults. No fighting. No arguing. No lawsuits.
One more thing. There are different types of Mormons. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The LDS Church and the FLDS sect are two separate and distinct churches. The LDS Church abandoned the practice of polygamy in 1890 and excommunicates anyone who practices or advocates polygamy.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Meet Julie Andrews: Actress, Singer, and Author
On Saturday, April 28, 2012, my girls and I had the honor and privilege of meeting stage and screen legend, Julie Andrews, at Costco in Seattle, Washington.
Julie Andrews was the guest of honor at four book signings in the Seattle area on April 28 and 29. She came to the Pacific Northwest to promote the new children's book that she and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have written. This book is entitled "The Very Fairy Princess Here Comes the Flower Girl." It is the third of their bestselling "The Very Fairy Princess" series. This delightful series is about a little girl named Geraldine who believes she is a fairy princess because she feels a certain sparkle inside. The latest book tells about how Geraldine prepares to be the flower girl in her Aunt Sue's wedding.
Born in Surrey, England in 1935, Julie Andrews has appeared in more than 40 movies. Her first film appearance was in "The Singing Princess" in 1949. At age 19, she first performed on Broadway in "The Boyfriend." She received an Oscar for her role as the practically perfect nanny in "Mary Poppins" in 1964. She was also nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Maria Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" in 1965. Her roles in "Hawaii," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and "Victor/Victoria" were among her other noteworthy performances. She is probably best known to the younger generation as the reigning queen of Genovia in "The Princess Diaries."
At age 76, Julie Andrews is still as beautiful, elegant and refined as she was ten years ago in "The Princess Diaries." Her second husband, director Blake Edwards, passed away in 2010. But don't worry about Julie. Her life is very active. She and her daughter have written two other books that will be released this year. She will also be the director of the stage adaption of another children's book that she and her daughter wrote called "The Great Mousical."
Costco's manager told us that at midnight people began lining outside their store for the chance to meet the actress. Costco gave 200 tickets to the book signing to its members. My girls and I were lucky to receive Ticket 196. Not only did she autograph the copies of her books we purchased, Ms. Andrews spoke briefly with us. Tears welled in my eyes when I told her I had loved her since I was five years old when she was in Mary Poppins. She smiled and said, "Well, that dates both of us."
Julie Andrews was very kind to children. Korinna proudly told her that she and Alyson are dancers. Ms. Andrews told them that she started her career as a dancer. Ms. Andrews explained that dance teaches girls to sit up straight and to be graceful.
P.S. Information about Julie Andrew's acting career was taken from Wikipedia.
Julie Andrews was the guest of honor at four book signings in the Seattle area on April 28 and 29. She came to the Pacific Northwest to promote the new children's book that she and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have written. This book is entitled "The Very Fairy Princess Here Comes the Flower Girl." It is the third of their bestselling "The Very Fairy Princess" series. This delightful series is about a little girl named Geraldine who believes she is a fairy princess because she feels a certain sparkle inside. The latest book tells about how Geraldine prepares to be the flower girl in her Aunt Sue's wedding.
Born in Surrey, England in 1935, Julie Andrews has appeared in more than 40 movies. Her first film appearance was in "The Singing Princess" in 1949. At age 19, she first performed on Broadway in "The Boyfriend." She received an Oscar for her role as the practically perfect nanny in "Mary Poppins" in 1964. She was also nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Maria Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" in 1965. Her roles in "Hawaii," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and "Victor/Victoria" were among her other noteworthy performances. She is probably best known to the younger generation as the reigning queen of Genovia in "The Princess Diaries."
At age 76, Julie Andrews is still as beautiful, elegant and refined as she was ten years ago in "The Princess Diaries." Her second husband, director Blake Edwards, passed away in 2010. But don't worry about Julie. Her life is very active. She and her daughter have written two other books that will be released this year. She will also be the director of the stage adaption of another children's book that she and her daughter wrote called "The Great Mousical."
Costco's manager told us that at midnight people began lining outside their store for the chance to meet the actress. Costco gave 200 tickets to the book signing to its members. My girls and I were lucky to receive Ticket 196. Not only did she autograph the copies of her books we purchased, Ms. Andrews spoke briefly with us. Tears welled in my eyes when I told her I had loved her since I was five years old when she was in Mary Poppins. She smiled and said, "Well, that dates both of us."
Julie Andrews was very kind to children. Korinna proudly told her that she and Alyson are dancers. Ms. Andrews told them that she started her career as a dancer. Ms. Andrews explained that dance teaches girls to sit up straight and to be graceful.
P.S. Information about Julie Andrew's acting career was taken from Wikipedia.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Alyson's Duet
I want to share some of the photos of Alyson's duet with you. They were taken at the MOVE dance competition at the Tacoma Convention Center on March 23, 2012.
Alyson is my granddaughter. She is nine years old. She has been dancing since she was three years old.
Her partner, Jake, is also nine years old. At the MOVE competition, they danced to a song called "Howling for You" by the Black Keys.
The MOVE competition was the first time that Alyson and Jake have ever performed together at a dance competition.
Alyson, Jake and my youngest daughter, Korinna, belong to a tap dancing team called "Tap Time." Tap Time performed to the old Blues Brothers' song, "Soul Man," at the competition.
Tap Time also appeared as the X Men in Center Stage Dance Academy's production of "Super Heroes." Nikki German is the owner and artistic director of the dance academy.
Alyson and Jake won first place for their duet performance at the MOVE competition. Congratulations to both of them!
Alyson is my granddaughter. She is nine years old. She has been dancing since she was three years old.
Her partner, Jake, is also nine years old. At the MOVE competition, they danced to a song called "Howling for You" by the Black Keys.
The MOVE competition was the first time that Alyson and Jake have ever performed together at a dance competition.
Alyson, Jake and my youngest daughter, Korinna, belong to a tap dancing team called "Tap Time." Tap Time performed to the old Blues Brothers' song, "Soul Man," at the competition.
Tap Time also appeared as the X Men in Center Stage Dance Academy's production of "Super Heroes." Nikki German is the owner and artistic director of the dance academy.
Alyson and Jake won first place for their duet performance at the MOVE competition. Congratulations to both of them!
Danube Bistro Brings a Little Bit of Europe to Bellevue
In the heart of downtown Bellevue, Washington stands the Danube Bistro, a restaurant reminiscent of the quaint bistros and cafes found on the European mainland.
What makes the Danube Bistro different from other restaurants is that it doesn't limit its menu to food from one country. The menu offers appetizers, entrees, desserts, wines and beers from the countries in which the Danube River flows. Patrons can enjoy foods and beverages from Romania, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Slovakia. I was told that the restaurant's owner, Lubos, is from Hungary.
One of my complaints about western Washington is that there are not enough German restaurants here. My family and I once drove to Leavenworth, Washington in search of the perfect jagerschnitzel. We were disappointed with both the food and the service we received in Leavenworth. On Saturday, we were more than willing to drive to Bellevue, hoping to find German cuisine more to our liking.
Kristina ordered weinerschnitzel. She enjoyed the veal cutlet very much. I ordered the jagerschnitzel. I thought the creamy mushroom sauce covering the pork cutlet was superb. You don't have to drive over the mountains to enjoy fine German cuisine any more!
My husband ordered the Hungarian goulash. Served with white rice and vegetables, bite-sized chucks of roast beef were slowly cooked in a paprika sauce until they were so tender that they melted in your mouth. The goulash was a real hit with my husband.
For vegans, the Danube Bistro offers stuffed cabbage rolls.
For dessert, the restaurant offers vanilla ice cream, homemade apple strudel or creme brulee. We sampled the creme brulee and thought it was delicious.
The Danube Bistro is located 11000 NE 10th Street in Bellevue, Washington. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Prices for dinner entrees range from fifteen dollars to twenty-five dollars. The lunch menu costs less. We are looking forward to going back to the bistro during the summer so that we can dine outside.
What makes the Danube Bistro different from other restaurants is that it doesn't limit its menu to food from one country. The menu offers appetizers, entrees, desserts, wines and beers from the countries in which the Danube River flows. Patrons can enjoy foods and beverages from Romania, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Slovakia. I was told that the restaurant's owner, Lubos, is from Hungary.
One of my complaints about western Washington is that there are not enough German restaurants here. My family and I once drove to Leavenworth, Washington in search of the perfect jagerschnitzel. We were disappointed with both the food and the service we received in Leavenworth. On Saturday, we were more than willing to drive to Bellevue, hoping to find German cuisine more to our liking.
Kristina ordered weinerschnitzel. She enjoyed the veal cutlet very much. I ordered the jagerschnitzel. I thought the creamy mushroom sauce covering the pork cutlet was superb. You don't have to drive over the mountains to enjoy fine German cuisine any more!
My husband ordered the Hungarian goulash. Served with white rice and vegetables, bite-sized chucks of roast beef were slowly cooked in a paprika sauce until they were so tender that they melted in your mouth. The goulash was a real hit with my husband.
For vegans, the Danube Bistro offers stuffed cabbage rolls.
For dessert, the restaurant offers vanilla ice cream, homemade apple strudel or creme brulee. We sampled the creme brulee and thought it was delicious.
The Danube Bistro is located 11000 NE 10th Street in Bellevue, Washington. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Prices for dinner entrees range from fifteen dollars to twenty-five dollars. The lunch menu costs less. We are looking forward to going back to the bistro during the summer so that we can dine outside.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
What to Do about Colton?
Yesterday defense attorney John Henry Browne announced that Colton Harris-Moore, who is affectionately known as the "Barefoot Bandit," is currently in solitary confinement in Walla Walla State Penitentiary.
After confirming that Mr. Browne is correct, a Department of Corrections spokesperson stated that high-profile convicts are normally put in solitary confinement for their own protection.
Mr. Browne stated that Colton Harris-Moore has been in solitary confinement since April 11. He neither wants or needs this type of protection. Mr. Browne said that it is "absurd" that a non-violent felon is being housed with the hardened men on death row. He expressed his concern about how solitary confinement might affect his client's mental health. Mr. Browne indicated that he has spoken with officials in Governor Gregoire's office on Colton's behalf.
What should the prison officials do about Colton? Whether or not Mr. Browne wants to admit it, his client isn't just an infamous, modern-day outlaw. The Barefoot Bandit is a celebrity. At 21, Colton Harris-Moore is so well-known that he presents a problem for the Department of Corrections.
Do Walla Walla's inmates want to harm Colton? I'm sure that there are many people who feel envious of him because his two-year crime spree attracted international attention. Twentieth Century Fox movie studio paid $1.3 million for rights to the Barefoot Bandit's life story -- monies which will be used to pay restitution to his victims. Author Bob Friel has already written a book about him. That type of publicity is bound to cause some jealousy.
When a defendant is convicted and sent to prison, people often post comments in the newspaper, cheering that he will soon meet "Bubba" and become a sex slave. They don't realize that if an inmate is raped, injured or dies in prison, he and/or his family may sue the Department of Corrections for failing to protect him. If they win, any monies awarded to them come out of our tax dollars. Years ago, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was murdered by another inmate in a Wisconsin prison. I admit that I felt relieved when I read that Dahmer was dead. I felt that the inmate who killed him had done what the State of Wisconsin should have done. But I don't want Colton to share the same fate because he isn't a monster. A modern-day Robinhood, the Barefoot Bandit stole from the rich and gave to the animal shelter. He only injured his victims' pocketbooks.
I'm sure the Department of Corrections has also taken into consideration the type of crimes that Colton committed. When I was reading about the Barefoot Bandit in the newspaper, I felt that I was reading about a highly trained and talented circus performer -- an escape artist as great as Houdini. He was able to elude law enforcement for two years. Perhaps prison officials still consider him a flight risk. That might explain why the warden is reluctant to put him with the general population.
Like Mr. Browne, I am also concerned about how solitary confinement will affect Colton's health and well-being. I hope that Mr. Browne, Christine Gregoire, and the Department of Corrections find a better way to protect the Barefoot Bandit soon.
After confirming that Mr. Browne is correct, a Department of Corrections spokesperson stated that high-profile convicts are normally put in solitary confinement for their own protection.
Mr. Browne stated that Colton Harris-Moore has been in solitary confinement since April 11. He neither wants or needs this type of protection. Mr. Browne said that it is "absurd" that a non-violent felon is being housed with the hardened men on death row. He expressed his concern about how solitary confinement might affect his client's mental health. Mr. Browne indicated that he has spoken with officials in Governor Gregoire's office on Colton's behalf.
What should the prison officials do about Colton? Whether or not Mr. Browne wants to admit it, his client isn't just an infamous, modern-day outlaw. The Barefoot Bandit is a celebrity. At 21, Colton Harris-Moore is so well-known that he presents a problem for the Department of Corrections.
Do Walla Walla's inmates want to harm Colton? I'm sure that there are many people who feel envious of him because his two-year crime spree attracted international attention. Twentieth Century Fox movie studio paid $1.3 million for rights to the Barefoot Bandit's life story -- monies which will be used to pay restitution to his victims. Author Bob Friel has already written a book about him. That type of publicity is bound to cause some jealousy.
When a defendant is convicted and sent to prison, people often post comments in the newspaper, cheering that he will soon meet "Bubba" and become a sex slave. They don't realize that if an inmate is raped, injured or dies in prison, he and/or his family may sue the Department of Corrections for failing to protect him. If they win, any monies awarded to them come out of our tax dollars. Years ago, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was murdered by another inmate in a Wisconsin prison. I admit that I felt relieved when I read that Dahmer was dead. I felt that the inmate who killed him had done what the State of Wisconsin should have done. But I don't want Colton to share the same fate because he isn't a monster. A modern-day Robinhood, the Barefoot Bandit stole from the rich and gave to the animal shelter. He only injured his victims' pocketbooks.
I'm sure the Department of Corrections has also taken into consideration the type of crimes that Colton committed. When I was reading about the Barefoot Bandit in the newspaper, I felt that I was reading about a highly trained and talented circus performer -- an escape artist as great as Houdini. He was able to elude law enforcement for two years. Perhaps prison officials still consider him a flight risk. That might explain why the warden is reluctant to put him with the general population.
Like Mr. Browne, I am also concerned about how solitary confinement will affect Colton's health and well-being. I hope that Mr. Browne, Christine Gregoire, and the Department of Corrections find a better way to protect the Barefoot Bandit soon.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Meet Bob Friel: The Tale of Barefoot Bandit
On April 7, 2012, Kate and I had the honor of meeting author Bob Friel at a book signing at the Joint Base Lewis-McCord BX. Mr. Friel was there to promote his new book, "The Barefoot Bandit: The True Story of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw."
When I purchased my copy of his book, Mr. Friel promised that it was full of the flavor of Washington. Yes, he does deliver. He and his signficant other, Sandi, resided in Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands, during Colton Harris-Moore's crime spree. Mr. Friel knows and understands the people who live in this rural area -- whether they are the impoverished residents of central Camano Island or wealthy homeowners who only stay at their beachfront properties on weekends or during the summer. The amusing anecdotes and details he provides bring the San Juan Islands to life.
Bob Friel's book opens with a 17 year old boy breaking into a small plane hangar in Orcas. Although he has never had any flight instruction, he steals a 1999 Cessna 182 and flies it over the Cascades during a storm. After crash landing on a hillside in Mill Creek Ridge, he steps out of the plane and eludes the authorities. The swashbuckling adventures of Colton Harris-Moore, affectionately known as the Barefoot Bandit, have begun.
Mr. Friel discusses the bandit's childhood on Camano Island. Colton's entire clan was fond of going barefoot, which they attributed to being descended from the Sioux Indian tribe. His mother, Pam Kohler, drank heavily and was involved with a number of unsavory men. Colton grew up in poverty and lived with his mother in a run down, old trailer. Overall, I felt that Mr. Friel was sympathetic toward Ms. Kohler. I'm not sure if other writers would have been as kind to her as Mr. Friel was.
I was slightly disappointed that Mr. Friel's book did not include more about Colton's defense attorney, John Henry Browne. Mr. Browne is one of the best attorneys and most fascinating characters in Washington. According to the Seattle Times, Mr. Browne accepted Colton Harris-Moore's case for one dollar because he sincerely believed that Colton needed help. He claims to be on the verge of bankruptcy because he devoted so much time to Colton's case. Although the Barefoot Bandit was accused of 67 crimes, he was sentenced to only seven and a half years in prison. The court accepted this plea bargain after Mr. Browne described how Colton was abused and neglected as a child. While the court proceedings were taking place in Coupeville, Pam Kohler threatened to put Mr. Browne out of business. I would have liked to have known Mr. Friel's opinion about why Ms. Kohler was so angry at the man who did so much to help her son.
John Henry Browne is currently defending Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the Fort Lewis soldier who is accused of murdering 17 civilians in Afghanistan. Mr. Browne is also writing an autobiography called "Music, Metaphysics, and Murderers." While we are waiting for his memoir to be published, Bob Friel's tale about the Barefoot Bandit is an excellent read. Try it and savor the flavor of Washington.
When I purchased my copy of his book, Mr. Friel promised that it was full of the flavor of Washington. Yes, he does deliver. He and his signficant other, Sandi, resided in Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands, during Colton Harris-Moore's crime spree. Mr. Friel knows and understands the people who live in this rural area -- whether they are the impoverished residents of central Camano Island or wealthy homeowners who only stay at their beachfront properties on weekends or during the summer. The amusing anecdotes and details he provides bring the San Juan Islands to life.
Bob Friel's book opens with a 17 year old boy breaking into a small plane hangar in Orcas. Although he has never had any flight instruction, he steals a 1999 Cessna 182 and flies it over the Cascades during a storm. After crash landing on a hillside in Mill Creek Ridge, he steps out of the plane and eludes the authorities. The swashbuckling adventures of Colton Harris-Moore, affectionately known as the Barefoot Bandit, have begun.
Mr. Friel discusses the bandit's childhood on Camano Island. Colton's entire clan was fond of going barefoot, which they attributed to being descended from the Sioux Indian tribe. His mother, Pam Kohler, drank heavily and was involved with a number of unsavory men. Colton grew up in poverty and lived with his mother in a run down, old trailer. Overall, I felt that Mr. Friel was sympathetic toward Ms. Kohler. I'm not sure if other writers would have been as kind to her as Mr. Friel was.
I was slightly disappointed that Mr. Friel's book did not include more about Colton's defense attorney, John Henry Browne. Mr. Browne is one of the best attorneys and most fascinating characters in Washington. According to the Seattle Times, Mr. Browne accepted Colton Harris-Moore's case for one dollar because he sincerely believed that Colton needed help. He claims to be on the verge of bankruptcy because he devoted so much time to Colton's case. Although the Barefoot Bandit was accused of 67 crimes, he was sentenced to only seven and a half years in prison. The court accepted this plea bargain after Mr. Browne described how Colton was abused and neglected as a child. While the court proceedings were taking place in Coupeville, Pam Kohler threatened to put Mr. Browne out of business. I would have liked to have known Mr. Friel's opinion about why Ms. Kohler was so angry at the man who did so much to help her son.
John Henry Browne is currently defending Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the Fort Lewis soldier who is accused of murdering 17 civilians in Afghanistan. Mr. Browne is also writing an autobiography called "Music, Metaphysics, and Murderers." While we are waiting for his memoir to be published, Bob Friel's tale about the Barefoot Bandit is an excellent read. Try it and savor the flavor of Washington.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Happy Easter!
On March 31, 2012, DuPont hosted its first "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny." A fundraiser for the DuPont Fire Department, this event was held in the fire bay. Tickets cost ten dollars per person, but children two years and younger were free. About 100 people attended the festivities.
The buffet-style breakfast was served in the fire bay. Bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, fresh fruit, pancakes and muffins were served. Orange juice, milk, and hot chocolate were also included.
After breakfast, families were encouraged to take photos of their children with the guest of honor -- the Easter Bunny.
Children especially liked having their photos taken on the fire trucks at the fire bay. They thought it was great fun when the firemen turned on the lights and sounded the siren.
If your community is looking for a fundraiser to benefit your fire department, police department, or museum, I recommend hosting a "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny." This event is wonderful for families with children. We had such a good time that I'm already planning to take the children again next year.
The buffet-style breakfast was served in the fire bay. Bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, fresh fruit, pancakes and muffins were served. Orange juice, milk, and hot chocolate were also included.
After breakfast, families were encouraged to take photos of their children with the guest of honor -- the Easter Bunny.
Children especially liked having their photos taken on the fire trucks at the fire bay. They thought it was great fun when the firemen turned on the lights and sounded the siren.
If your community is looking for a fundraiser to benefit your fire department, police department, or museum, I recommend hosting a "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny." This event is wonderful for families with children. We had such a good time that I'm already planning to take the children again next year.
Happy Birthday, Korinna!
April 7th was my youngest daughter's 11th birthday.
I would like to thank Korinna for being the joy of my life. I hope her dreams of becoming a professional dancer come true.
I would like to thank Korinna for being the joy of my life. I hope her dreams of becoming a professional dancer come true.
Farewell to America's Beloved Painter of Light
What do Thomas Kinkade, Donald Rumsfeld and the Barefoot Bandit have in common? All of their lives have been the subject of books featured at book signings hosted by the Joint Base Lewis McCord BX.
Shortly after my husband returned from Iraq in 2005, I had the honor of meeting Thomas Kinkade at the Joint Base Lewis McCord BX. His artwork and books were so popular that the line of people waiting for his autograph was huge. My daughter and I waited for about an hour to purchase a print called "Heading Home." "Heading Home" was different from Mr. Kinkade's usual style because it didn't feature cottages, lighthouses or flowers. The print simply featured an American soldier in uniform. I liked it because I felt it represented our soldiers coming home from war.
Pleasant and courteous, Mr. Kinkade signed the copy of the print I purchased. I proudly gave it to my husband for Father's Day. It wasn't framed, so my husband put it in a cardboard tube for safekeeping. Months later, I decided to have the print framed. I searched high and low, but I couldn't find it. My husband couldn't find it either. Sadly, he finally confessed that he may have accidentally put the cardboard tube (and the print) in the trash.
In 2009, I purchased a framed painting of "Heading Home" from the PX. The painting doesn't have Thomas Kinkade's signature, but I wanted to replace the lost print. I gave it to my husband when he retired from the army. He hung it in our living room. No, I don't mind that other military families may have "Heading Home" hanging in their living rooms too. Because of Mr. Kinkade's marketing strategy, hundreds of other military wives may have paintings of the happy day their husbands came home from war too.
Sadly, Thomas Kinkade passed away on April 6, 2012. He was a devout Christian who passed away on Good Friday. May America's beloved "Painter of Light" rest in peace.
Shortly after my husband returned from Iraq in 2005, I had the honor of meeting Thomas Kinkade at the Joint Base Lewis McCord BX. His artwork and books were so popular that the line of people waiting for his autograph was huge. My daughter and I waited for about an hour to purchase a print called "Heading Home." "Heading Home" was different from Mr. Kinkade's usual style because it didn't feature cottages, lighthouses or flowers. The print simply featured an American soldier in uniform. I liked it because I felt it represented our soldiers coming home from war.
Pleasant and courteous, Mr. Kinkade signed the copy of the print I purchased. I proudly gave it to my husband for Father's Day. It wasn't framed, so my husband put it in a cardboard tube for safekeeping. Months later, I decided to have the print framed. I searched high and low, but I couldn't find it. My husband couldn't find it either. Sadly, he finally confessed that he may have accidentally put the cardboard tube (and the print) in the trash.
In 2009, I purchased a framed painting of "Heading Home" from the PX. The painting doesn't have Thomas Kinkade's signature, but I wanted to replace the lost print. I gave it to my husband when he retired from the army. He hung it in our living room. No, I don't mind that other military families may have "Heading Home" hanging in their living rooms too. Because of Mr. Kinkade's marketing strategy, hundreds of other military wives may have paintings of the happy day their husbands came home from war too.
Sadly, Thomas Kinkade passed away on April 6, 2012. He was a devout Christian who passed away on Good Friday. May America's beloved "Painter of Light" rest in peace.
Friday, March 23, 2012
MOVE 2012 Dance Competition
I'm not one of those grandmas who carry a brag book everywhere they go, but I do reserve the right to brag about my children and grandchildren if they do something good.
On Saturday, March 17, 2012, the children who belong to Center Stage Dance Academy's Ultimate Dance Force dance teams competed in the MOVE competition at the convention center in Tacoma, Washington. My youngest daughter, Korinna, and my granddaughter, Alyson, competed in the tap dance and production categories.
The photo above is of Korinna in stage make-up with dark glasses.
Alyson and Korinna belong to a team called "Tap Time." Their team includes seven advanced beginners who are between the ages of eight and eleven. For the competition, Tap Time danced to the old Blues Brothers' song, "Soul Man."
Two boys, Jake and Carson, played the Blues Brothers, Jake and Elwood. Korinna and Alyson were among the five girls who played gangster molls. When they spun around, those dark glasses went flying into the crowd. The smiles on their faces show that the kids are having a good time.
When Korinna was five years old, she and her older sister, Kate, took ice skating lessons. Korinna saw a group of preschool "ballerinas" taking a dance class at the rink. She begged and pleaded with me to enroll her in the toe, tap and tumble class so that she could be a "ballerina" too. That was the beginning of Korinna's dancing career.
Alyson began taking dancing classes in Louisiana when she was three years old. She also enjoys gymnastics. Her dream is to become a cheerleader.
Korinna and Alyson clown around back stage. Technically, Korinna is Alyson's aunt. But the two girls fight like sisters.
Exercise is important for children. I didn't want my daughters to become couch potatoes because a sedentary lifestyle is so unhealthy. I wanted my girls to think exercise is fun. That's why Korinna and Alyson are in competitive dance.
MOVE was the first time that Alyson and Korinna have ever competed in an Ultimate Dance Force competition. It was also the first time that Tap Time competed this year. Some of their teammates competed last year. I'm proud to announce that Tap Time won first place gold at MOVE.
On Saturday, March 17, 2012, the children who belong to Center Stage Dance Academy's Ultimate Dance Force dance teams competed in the MOVE competition at the convention center in Tacoma, Washington. My youngest daughter, Korinna, and my granddaughter, Alyson, competed in the tap dance and production categories.
The photo above is of Korinna in stage make-up with dark glasses.
Alyson and Korinna belong to a team called "Tap Time." Their team includes seven advanced beginners who are between the ages of eight and eleven. For the competition, Tap Time danced to the old Blues Brothers' song, "Soul Man."
Two boys, Jake and Carson, played the Blues Brothers, Jake and Elwood. Korinna and Alyson were among the five girls who played gangster molls. When they spun around, those dark glasses went flying into the crowd. The smiles on their faces show that the kids are having a good time.
When Korinna was five years old, she and her older sister, Kate, took ice skating lessons. Korinna saw a group of preschool "ballerinas" taking a dance class at the rink. She begged and pleaded with me to enroll her in the toe, tap and tumble class so that she could be a "ballerina" too. That was the beginning of Korinna's dancing career.
Alyson began taking dancing classes in Louisiana when she was three years old. She also enjoys gymnastics. Her dream is to become a cheerleader.
Korinna and Alyson clown around back stage. Technically, Korinna is Alyson's aunt. But the two girls fight like sisters.
Exercise is important for children. I didn't want my daughters to become couch potatoes because a sedentary lifestyle is so unhealthy. I wanted my girls to think exercise is fun. That's why Korinna and Alyson are in competitive dance.
MOVE was the first time that Alyson and Korinna have ever competed in an Ultimate Dance Force competition. It was also the first time that Tap Time competed this year. Some of their teammates competed last year. I'm proud to announce that Tap Time won first place gold at MOVE.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Washington Files Charges Against Gunshot Victim
Washington has recently experienced a rash of shootings by child. On February 22, an 8 year old girl was critically injured when a gun in a classmate's backpack accidentally discharged. On March 12, the 7 year old daughter of a Marysville police officer died after a sibling shot her with a gun found in their parents' car. On March 14, a 3 year old boy died after he shot himself in the head at a Tacoma gas station.
In late January 2012, my 15 year old daughter, Kate, was involved in the first of this series of shootings by child. Kate and her 15 year old boyfriend were visiting a 14 year old boy whose parents were not at home. The kids were in the 14 year old's bedroom when he pulled out a gun from under his mattress. Moments later, the gun accidentally discharged. A bullet shattered the 14 year old's jaw, hit the upper bunk bed and disappeared into the ceiling.
Kate and her boyfriend did not desert their wounded pal. They telephoned 911 and the victim's mother. They stayed with the victim until the police and an ambulance arrived.
On March 15, 2012, we received a letter from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, Juvenile Felony Division. Charges have been filed against the 14 year old. He is being charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second d. We feel that the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney filed charges against Kate's friend in response to the other shootings by child.
Charges can be filed against Kate's friend because he is over 12. I am opposed to filing charges against him, especially felonies. I feel that a 14 year old is still a child. Teenagers don't make the best choices because their brains aren't fully developed. The incident was an accident -- the boy did not intentionally try to hurt himself or anyone else. He fractured his jaw, and his face will be scarred for life. He was hospitalized for almost a week and missed six weeks of school because of his injury. I'm also aware that some of his peers are teasing him about being stupid. I feel that this poor boy has suffered enough.
Kate does not know how or where her friend got the gun. It may have belonged to his parents. If it belonged to his parents, I feel that it was their responsibility to protect their son and others by keeping their guns locked up in a cabinet. Kate says that his parents did have a gun cabinet, but they didn't keep all of their guns in it. She saw the police confiscate the guns that were not locked up. Rather than blaming a 14 year old boy, the judge should punish his parents.
The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney indicated that we could write a victim impact statement. Neither Kate nor her boyfriend was injured in the accident. They were merely witnesses. I'm very grateful that her 14 year old friend survived and that no one else was hurt or killed. This was a traumatic event for all of the kids involved. I plan to write a letter to the judge on the 14 year old's behalf, requesting that the victim be sent to counseling.
Kate's older sister has suggested that all the kids involved take a course in gun safety. She feels this will help them make wise decisions about weapons in the future. I would like to suggest this to the judge too.
In late January 2012, my 15 year old daughter, Kate, was involved in the first of this series of shootings by child. Kate and her 15 year old boyfriend were visiting a 14 year old boy whose parents were not at home. The kids were in the 14 year old's bedroom when he pulled out a gun from under his mattress. Moments later, the gun accidentally discharged. A bullet shattered the 14 year old's jaw, hit the upper bunk bed and disappeared into the ceiling.
Kate and her boyfriend did not desert their wounded pal. They telephoned 911 and the victim's mother. They stayed with the victim until the police and an ambulance arrived.
On March 15, 2012, we received a letter from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, Juvenile Felony Division. Charges have been filed against the 14 year old. He is being charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second d. We feel that the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney filed charges against Kate's friend in response to the other shootings by child.
Charges can be filed against Kate's friend because he is over 12. I am opposed to filing charges against him, especially felonies. I feel that a 14 year old is still a child. Teenagers don't make the best choices because their brains aren't fully developed. The incident was an accident -- the boy did not intentionally try to hurt himself or anyone else. He fractured his jaw, and his face will be scarred for life. He was hospitalized for almost a week and missed six weeks of school because of his injury. I'm also aware that some of his peers are teasing him about being stupid. I feel that this poor boy has suffered enough.
Kate does not know how or where her friend got the gun. It may have belonged to his parents. If it belonged to his parents, I feel that it was their responsibility to protect their son and others by keeping their guns locked up in a cabinet. Kate says that his parents did have a gun cabinet, but they didn't keep all of their guns in it. She saw the police confiscate the guns that were not locked up. Rather than blaming a 14 year old boy, the judge should punish his parents.
The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney indicated that we could write a victim impact statement. Neither Kate nor her boyfriend was injured in the accident. They were merely witnesses. I'm very grateful that her 14 year old friend survived and that no one else was hurt or killed. This was a traumatic event for all of the kids involved. I plan to write a letter to the judge on the 14 year old's behalf, requesting that the victim be sent to counseling.
Kate's older sister has suggested that all the kids involved take a course in gun safety. She feels this will help them make wise decisions about weapons in the future. I would like to suggest this to the judge too.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Missouri Drops Charges Against the Mohlers
In November 2009, a tale of horrific child sexual abuse made national headlines. Burrell Mohler, Sr. of Independence, Missouri and four of his adult sons were charged with 42 counts of sexual assault involving his grandchildren. His brother, Darrel Mohler of Silver Springs, Florida, was charged with two counts of rape in Lafayette County, Missouri. The alleged abuse occurred from the mid-eighties to the mid-nineties.
Shortly after the Mohlers were arrested, I discussed the case with my friends. Some felt that the psychologist(s) who treated the Mohler girls may have implanted false memories in their minds. One allegation that bothered us was that the little Mohler girls were forced to marry their uncles in mock weddings. Then the men allegedly raped the girls in a trailer or in a chicken coop. This allegation implied that the defendants, who were already married, were taking child brides and practicing polygamy.
Three of the Mohlers served as lay ministers in the Community of Christ church. Burrell Mohler, Jr. and his wife converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1982. (He was later excommunicated for conduct not related to child abuse.) The Community of Christ church is formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS.) The LDS and RLDS have been separate and distinct churches for more than a century. After Joseph Smith II was assassinated in 1844, Brigham Young led his followers to what is now known as Utah. Many of Joseph Smith II's followers who remained in Missouri, including Emma Hale, later joined the RLDS. Joseph Smith III became the president of the RLDS in 1860. In 2001, the RLDS officially changed its name to the Community of Christ church.
Unlike the LDS and FLDS, the RLDS never believed in or practiced polygamy. Belief in polygamy is one of the main differences between the churches. Was the psychologist(s) who treated the Mohler girls aware of this? Were the allegations made about the defendants based on hateful, anti-Mormon stereotypes? Because the Community of Christ church never believed in polygamy, accusing its members of taking child brides and practicing polygamy is about as absurd as making the same allegations about a Baptist or Catholic family.
Other allegations about the Mohlers were also questionable. The alleged victims claimed to have written notes about being sexually abused, put the notes in glass jars and buried the jars on the Mohlers' farm decades ago. The jars and/or notes were never found. One girl claimed to have had an abortion at age 11. According to Examiner.Net, the alleged victims claimed that several defendants took them to a pasture and forced them to have sex with a horse. They claimed that they had helped kidnap a 300 lb. man, killed him and dug a grave for him. They also claimed that the defendants kept a sex slave in their basement for two years. She gave birth to two babies, and one was buried under the basement floor. After the story was made public, a woman came forward and identified herself as the sex slave.
On March 7, 2012, Lafayette County Prosecutor Kellie Wingate Campbell announced that she was dropping all the charges. According to the Kansas City Star, the lack of physical evidence was a problem. Ms. Campbell stated that she doubted she could convince a jury that the bizarre allegations were true.
I am skeptical of stories about ritualistic sex abuse because I lived in southern California when the McMartin Preschool case took place. However, I feel sympathy for the Mohler girls who are now adults. Their desire to protect other children from sexual abuse was good. The prosecutor's decision must be painful for them. A person who suffers from false memories may be traumatized by them if he or she believes that the false memories are true.
I also feel sorry for the defendants. Burrell Mohler, Sr., age 79, and one of his sons spent two years in jail because they could not afford to post bail. Those who could post bail endured the humiliation of being publicly vilified. Darrel Mohler, age 74, died in his sleep at this Florida home last year without knowing the charges against him were dropped. Like the McMartins, the Mohlers' lives were completely ruined. It will be difficult -- if not impossible -- to rebuild them.
Shortly after the Mohlers were arrested, I discussed the case with my friends. Some felt that the psychologist(s) who treated the Mohler girls may have implanted false memories in their minds. One allegation that bothered us was that the little Mohler girls were forced to marry their uncles in mock weddings. Then the men allegedly raped the girls in a trailer or in a chicken coop. This allegation implied that the defendants, who were already married, were taking child brides and practicing polygamy.
Three of the Mohlers served as lay ministers in the Community of Christ church. Burrell Mohler, Jr. and his wife converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1982. (He was later excommunicated for conduct not related to child abuse.) The Community of Christ church is formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS.) The LDS and RLDS have been separate and distinct churches for more than a century. After Joseph Smith II was assassinated in 1844, Brigham Young led his followers to what is now known as Utah. Many of Joseph Smith II's followers who remained in Missouri, including Emma Hale, later joined the RLDS. Joseph Smith III became the president of the RLDS in 1860. In 2001, the RLDS officially changed its name to the Community of Christ church.
Unlike the LDS and FLDS, the RLDS never believed in or practiced polygamy. Belief in polygamy is one of the main differences between the churches. Was the psychologist(s) who treated the Mohler girls aware of this? Were the allegations made about the defendants based on hateful, anti-Mormon stereotypes? Because the Community of Christ church never believed in polygamy, accusing its members of taking child brides and practicing polygamy is about as absurd as making the same allegations about a Baptist or Catholic family.
Other allegations about the Mohlers were also questionable. The alleged victims claimed to have written notes about being sexually abused, put the notes in glass jars and buried the jars on the Mohlers' farm decades ago. The jars and/or notes were never found. One girl claimed to have had an abortion at age 11. According to Examiner.Net, the alleged victims claimed that several defendants took them to a pasture and forced them to have sex with a horse. They claimed that they had helped kidnap a 300 lb. man, killed him and dug a grave for him. They also claimed that the defendants kept a sex slave in their basement for two years. She gave birth to two babies, and one was buried under the basement floor. After the story was made public, a woman came forward and identified herself as the sex slave.
On March 7, 2012, Lafayette County Prosecutor Kellie Wingate Campbell announced that she was dropping all the charges. According to the Kansas City Star, the lack of physical evidence was a problem. Ms. Campbell stated that she doubted she could convince a jury that the bizarre allegations were true.
I am skeptical of stories about ritualistic sex abuse because I lived in southern California when the McMartin Preschool case took place. However, I feel sympathy for the Mohler girls who are now adults. Their desire to protect other children from sexual abuse was good. The prosecutor's decision must be painful for them. A person who suffers from false memories may be traumatized by them if he or she believes that the false memories are true.
I also feel sorry for the defendants. Burrell Mohler, Sr., age 79, and one of his sons spent two years in jail because they could not afford to post bail. Those who could post bail endured the humiliation of being publicly vilified. Darrel Mohler, age 74, died in his sleep at this Florida home last year without knowing the charges against him were dropped. Like the McMartins, the Mohlers' lives were completely ruined. It will be difficult -- if not impossible -- to rebuild them.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Was Joshua Powell a Murder Suspect?
On February 23, 2012, I attended Senator Pam Roach's press conference with Chuck and Judy Cox in Olympia, Washington. At this conference, Mr. Cox said that a Utah judge had signed a search warrant stating that Joshua Powell was a suspect in his wife's murder, not merely her disappearance. This is the basis of Senate Bill 6603. If passed, Senate Bill 6603 will make it illegal to award custody of a child to a suspect in an active murder investigation in Washington.
Last weekend, I shared this information online. I was surprised by some of the replies I received.
One person did not believe that Josh was a suspect in a homicide investigation because he was not in jail. I don't believe this is how our criminal justice system works. The police can't arrest a person simply because they suspect that person may have been involved in a crime. Law enforcement cannot hold a person in jail without probable cause. If the police make an arrest but do not have sufficient evidence to support the charges, a judge may dismiss the charges. This may make it difficult -- if not impossible -- for the prosecution to bring charges against a suspect at a later time.
If I'm mistaken about this, I'm sure that someone involved in criminal justice will correct me.
Another person repeatedly demanded that I post "credible evidence" proving that a Utah judge signed a search warrant stating that Josh was a suspect in Susan's murder. I can't post the search warrants online. I don't have access to them because (1) I'm not a party to the action; (2) I don't work for law enforcement or for CPS; and (3) I'm not a professional journalist. I am merely a concerned citizen who attended the press conference because I wanted to know what my state senate intended to do to make sure that what happened to the little Powell boys does not happen to other children. I shared the information I received at the press conference because my readers want to know what was said there.
If you want copies of the search warrants, try to obtain copies of them from the courts yourself.
Senator Pam Roach has represented Washington's 31st District since 1991. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Brigham Young University is her alma mater. Although she and the Coxes belong to the same church, I do not believe that a woman in her position would provide false information at a press conference. She has too much integrity for that.
If you don't believe that Josh was a suspect in a homicide investigation, I refer you to the Pam Roach Report at pamroachreport.blogspot.com. In her article entitled "Roach, Powell Grandparents Question Child Protective Services," Senator Pam Roach wrote:
"Roach and the attorneys for the Cox family emphasized that DSHS knew Utah's West Valley City Police Department was conducting a murder investigation based on Susan Powell's disappearance and that they were looking at Josh Powell as a suspect. The attorneys noted that search warrants had been issued in Nevada, Utah and Washington."
I also refer you to Senator Pam Roach News at www.senaterepublicans.wa.gov/roach. The following is taken from an article entitled, "CPS Questioned by Roach and Powell Grandparents."
"Roach and the attorneys for the Cox family emphasized that DSHS knew Utah's West Valley City Police Department was conducting a murder investigation based on Susan Powell’s disappearance and that they were looking at Josh Powell as a suspect. The attorneys noted that search warrants had been issued in Nevada, Utah and Washington."
Last weekend, I shared this information online. I was surprised by some of the replies I received.
One person did not believe that Josh was a suspect in a homicide investigation because he was not in jail. I don't believe this is how our criminal justice system works. The police can't arrest a person simply because they suspect that person may have been involved in a crime. Law enforcement cannot hold a person in jail without probable cause. If the police make an arrest but do not have sufficient evidence to support the charges, a judge may dismiss the charges. This may make it difficult -- if not impossible -- for the prosecution to bring charges against a suspect at a later time.
If I'm mistaken about this, I'm sure that someone involved in criminal justice will correct me.
Another person repeatedly demanded that I post "credible evidence" proving that a Utah judge signed a search warrant stating that Josh was a suspect in Susan's murder. I can't post the search warrants online. I don't have access to them because (1) I'm not a party to the action; (2) I don't work for law enforcement or for CPS; and (3) I'm not a professional journalist. I am merely a concerned citizen who attended the press conference because I wanted to know what my state senate intended to do to make sure that what happened to the little Powell boys does not happen to other children. I shared the information I received at the press conference because my readers want to know what was said there.
If you want copies of the search warrants, try to obtain copies of them from the courts yourself.
Senator Pam Roach has represented Washington's 31st District since 1991. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Brigham Young University is her alma mater. Although she and the Coxes belong to the same church, I do not believe that a woman in her position would provide false information at a press conference. She has too much integrity for that.
If you don't believe that Josh was a suspect in a homicide investigation, I refer you to the Pam Roach Report at pamroachreport.blogspot.com. In her article entitled "Roach, Powell Grandparents Question Child Protective Services," Senator Pam Roach wrote:
"Roach and the attorneys for the Cox family emphasized that DSHS knew Utah's West Valley City Police Department was conducting a murder investigation based on Susan Powell's disappearance and that they were looking at Josh Powell as a suspect. The attorneys noted that search warrants had been issued in Nevada, Utah and Washington."
I also refer you to Senator Pam Roach News at www.senaterepublicans.wa.gov/roach. The following is taken from an article entitled, "CPS Questioned by Roach and Powell Grandparents."
"Roach and the attorneys for the Cox family emphasized that DSHS knew Utah's West Valley City Police Department was conducting a murder investigation based on Susan Powell’s disappearance and that they were looking at Josh Powell as a suspect. The attorneys noted that search warrants had been issued in Nevada, Utah and Washington."
Saturday, March 3, 2012
A Day at the Farm
Enough of these dark, depressing thoughts! Today I choose to be happy. I'll show you more of the beauty of Washington.
Last month, Alyson's third grade class went on a field trip to the Wilcox Family Farm in Roy, Washington. Kristina and I served as chaperons. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about farms, chickens and eggs.
The Wilcox Family Farm was founded by Judson and Elizabeth Wilcox. A young, newlywed couple, the Wilcoxes took the train from Toronto, Canada to begin married life in Seattle in 1903. A gold rush was taking place in Alaska. Judson went to Alaska, hoping to strike it rich. He returned to Seattle about six months later, without any gold. Judson worked as a clerk in his brother's outfitting company and moved his wife into a brick house on Queen Anne Hill.
In 1909, Judson went on an excursion to a farm near Harts Lake in Roy. He fell in love with the wilderness. Without consulting Elizabeth, he traded their house in Seattle for the farm. Then he went back to Seattle to tell his wife what he had done. Elizabeth agreed to move to the country. With their two little daughters, the Wilcoxes took the train to Roy and moved their household goods with horse drawn carts. In 1909, Judson and Elizabeth founded the Wilcox Family Farm.
This is the one room schoolhouse where Judson and Elizabeth Wilcox's children attended school. It was originally located on the shore of Harts Lake. It was scheduled to be torn down, but the Wilcox family paid to have it transported to their farm and restored to its original condition. Now visitors can see what a turn of the century schoolhouse looked like.
In the beginning, things were rough. The Wilcoxes milked cows, raised hogs and chickens, and planted a huge garden. As their family grew, Judson and Elizabeth decided to get into the egg business. He built a hen house and ordered baby chicks from back east. When the chicks arrived, most were roosters. But roosters can't lay eggs!
Judson and Elizabeth's son, Truman, became a full-time partner in 1935. At the beginning of World War II, the Wilcoxes owned 5,000 laying hens. The farm was one of largest egg producers in the state of Washington.
The Wilcox Egg Farm continued to grow under the direction of their grandsons, Jim and Barrie. Both earned their doctorates in business from the University of Puget Sound. A fourth generation of Wilcoxes also participates in the family business.
The photographs below are of a cage free hen house. Cage free hens are permitted to roam and socialize as they wish. The farm currently produces organic, cage free and Omega 3 eggs. Their hens are fed a strictly vegetarian diet and aren't given any hormones or antibiotics. The Wilcoxes also practice sustainable green farming. Sustainable green farming means that the farmer protects the land and watersheds by avoiding the use of pesticides and harmful chemicals.
According to our tour guide, cage free hens are permitted to roam through the hen house and socialize as they wish. There are approximately one million hens on the Wilcox Family Farm. It takes a hen about 26 hours to lay an egg. The hens on the farm produce about one million eggs per day.
On Saturday, March 31, 2012, the Wilcox Family Farm will host its annual Easter egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Perhaps we will see you there.
Last month, Alyson's third grade class went on a field trip to the Wilcox Family Farm in Roy, Washington. Kristina and I served as chaperons. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about farms, chickens and eggs.
The Wilcox Family Farm was founded by Judson and Elizabeth Wilcox. A young, newlywed couple, the Wilcoxes took the train from Toronto, Canada to begin married life in Seattle in 1903. A gold rush was taking place in Alaska. Judson went to Alaska, hoping to strike it rich. He returned to Seattle about six months later, without any gold. Judson worked as a clerk in his brother's outfitting company and moved his wife into a brick house on Queen Anne Hill.
In 1909, Judson went on an excursion to a farm near Harts Lake in Roy. He fell in love with the wilderness. Without consulting Elizabeth, he traded their house in Seattle for the farm. Then he went back to Seattle to tell his wife what he had done. Elizabeth agreed to move to the country. With their two little daughters, the Wilcoxes took the train to Roy and moved their household goods with horse drawn carts. In 1909, Judson and Elizabeth founded the Wilcox Family Farm.
This is the one room schoolhouse where Judson and Elizabeth Wilcox's children attended school. It was originally located on the shore of Harts Lake. It was scheduled to be torn down, but the Wilcox family paid to have it transported to their farm and restored to its original condition. Now visitors can see what a turn of the century schoolhouse looked like.
In the beginning, things were rough. The Wilcoxes milked cows, raised hogs and chickens, and planted a huge garden. As their family grew, Judson and Elizabeth decided to get into the egg business. He built a hen house and ordered baby chicks from back east. When the chicks arrived, most were roosters. But roosters can't lay eggs!
Judson and Elizabeth's son, Truman, became a full-time partner in 1935. At the beginning of World War II, the Wilcoxes owned 5,000 laying hens. The farm was one of largest egg producers in the state of Washington.
The Wilcox Egg Farm continued to grow under the direction of their grandsons, Jim and Barrie. Both earned their doctorates in business from the University of Puget Sound. A fourth generation of Wilcoxes also participates in the family business.
The photographs below are of a cage free hen house. Cage free hens are permitted to roam and socialize as they wish. The farm currently produces organic, cage free and Omega 3 eggs. Their hens are fed a strictly vegetarian diet and aren't given any hormones or antibiotics. The Wilcoxes also practice sustainable green farming. Sustainable green farming means that the farmer protects the land and watersheds by avoiding the use of pesticides and harmful chemicals.
According to our tour guide, cage free hens are permitted to roam through the hen house and socialize as they wish. There are approximately one million hens on the Wilcox Family Farm. It takes a hen about 26 hours to lay an egg. The hens on the farm produce about one million eggs per day.
On Saturday, March 31, 2012, the Wilcox Family Farm will host its annual Easter egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Perhaps we will see you there.
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