Summer is my least favorite sport season.
I just can’t get into baseball, or golf. The WNBA is okay but I don’t really follow it. The only sport I watch consistently is boxing.
Thankfully, summer is almost over. Football training camps have started, meaning the season is just over a month away.
In the next few weeks, I will be posting my predictions for the upcoming season. And each week, I will be posting my weekly picks.
Television is about to get interesting again – at least on Sundays, Mondays, and a few Thursdays.
The Wizard has spoken
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Now this is gruesome
A New Orleans paper is reporting that a boy’s arm was recovered after being bitten off by an alligator.
Apparently, the 11-year old boy and two girls were playing near a body of water when the alligator attacked and tried to pull the boy underwater.
Instead, the alligator swallowed the boy’s arm.
The boy was airlifted to a hospital. Meanwhile, police officials searched and found the animal. They cut the alligator open to retrieve the arm then sent it to the hospital.
There was no mention as to if they were able to reattach the boy’s arm.
After reading the article, I had one question. Where were the parents?
Why were these kids playing by a body of water unsupervised?
Anything could have happened. Someone could have fallen in the water and drowned.
Or, in this case, have been eaten.
Considering everything, this boy actually could be considered lucky.
The Wizard has spoken.
Apparently, the 11-year old boy and two girls were playing near a body of water when the alligator attacked and tried to pull the boy underwater.
Instead, the alligator swallowed the boy’s arm.
The boy was airlifted to a hospital. Meanwhile, police officials searched and found the animal. They cut the alligator open to retrieve the arm then sent it to the hospital.
There was no mention as to if they were able to reattach the boy’s arm.
After reading the article, I had one question. Where were the parents?
Why were these kids playing by a body of water unsupervised?
Anything could have happened. Someone could have fallen in the water and drowned.
Or, in this case, have been eaten.
Considering everything, this boy actually could be considered lucky.
The Wizard has spoken.
Should marijuana be legalized?
I saw a poll on cnn.com asking this very question, and I wanted to know what your feelings are.
Personally, I have long felt that marijuana, and all drugs for that matter, should be legalized. And no, I do not use drugs.
I just don't feel that it is right to dictate what a person does in the privacy of their own home. In truth, when a person abuses drugs, they are only hurting themselves. Making that illegal only helps populate prisons and increase criminal activity.
We are supposed to be living in a free society.
The Wizard has spoken.
Personally, I have long felt that marijuana, and all drugs for that matter, should be legalized. And no, I do not use drugs.
I just don't feel that it is right to dictate what a person does in the privacy of their own home. In truth, when a person abuses drugs, they are only hurting themselves. Making that illegal only helps populate prisons and increase criminal activity.
We are supposed to be living in a free society.
The Wizard has spoken.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The shame of illiteracy
A couple of weeks ago, I really experienced the true magnitude of illiteracy.
I'm currently having some work done on my house, and I've been talking to one of the subcontractors about health and life insurance. One day, he asked me if I had some more information I could give him. I was in a rush to an appointment so I gave him a brochure and told him I would talk to him about it later.
When I came back home, he was gone and the brochure was folded up and on my kitchen counter. At the time, I just thought he had forgotten it.
Then a few days later, he approached me again about insurance and we spoke. But this time, he asked me if I could review some information he had received from another insurance agent about "some type of insurance". He really wasn't sure what was being offered other than it was insurance.
I obliged.
He was being offered liability insurance for his business, which is something he definitely needed. But, I could tell that he had not even looked at the paperwork. I began to realize that this was more than a man just asking for my professional opinion. This was a man who could not read and wanted me to review the information and tell him what to do.
At that moment, I really felt sad for this man. Here he is with a pretty successful business, but because he can't read he has to depend on me, someone he really doesn't know, to help him make this important business decision.
What if I had no integrity?
He would be so easy to take advantage of.
As it stood, he really did not know the difference between the type of insurance that he was being quoted for, and what I had to offer. I could have easily have said that I was offering the same thing at a much more affordable price and he would have believed me.
It would have been an easy sale.
That is what I found so scary. This man was so very helpless, simply because he couldn't read.
Honestly, I don't know if he took my advice. I wanted to write down some notes for him to ask his agent so that he could make the best possible decision.
Obviously, I couldn't.
The Wizard has spoken.
I'm currently having some work done on my house, and I've been talking to one of the subcontractors about health and life insurance. One day, he asked me if I had some more information I could give him. I was in a rush to an appointment so I gave him a brochure and told him I would talk to him about it later.
When I came back home, he was gone and the brochure was folded up and on my kitchen counter. At the time, I just thought he had forgotten it.
Then a few days later, he approached me again about insurance and we spoke. But this time, he asked me if I could review some information he had received from another insurance agent about "some type of insurance". He really wasn't sure what was being offered other than it was insurance.
I obliged.
He was being offered liability insurance for his business, which is something he definitely needed. But, I could tell that he had not even looked at the paperwork. I began to realize that this was more than a man just asking for my professional opinion. This was a man who could not read and wanted me to review the information and tell him what to do.
At that moment, I really felt sad for this man. Here he is with a pretty successful business, but because he can't read he has to depend on me, someone he really doesn't know, to help him make this important business decision.
What if I had no integrity?
He would be so easy to take advantage of.
As it stood, he really did not know the difference between the type of insurance that he was being quoted for, and what I had to offer. I could have easily have said that I was offering the same thing at a much more affordable price and he would have believed me.
It would have been an easy sale.
That is what I found so scary. This man was so very helpless, simply because he couldn't read.
Honestly, I don't know if he took my advice. I wanted to write down some notes for him to ask his agent so that he could make the best possible decision.
Obviously, I couldn't.
The Wizard has spoken.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Are the Olympics still relevant to Americans?
With the Beijing Olympics around the corner, I must ask, “Does anyone care?”
I may be wrong but I just don’t feel that the American public is really excited or interested in the Olympics.
Maybe, it is the lack of TV coverage. The networks have done a poor job of covering these young athletes and creating excitement.
When I was younger, track and field, Olympic boxing, and even gymnastics were constantly being shown on network television. This allowed the public to get to know these competitors and really root for them.
That is no longer the case.
I’m an avid sports watcher and I couldn’t tell you half the people who are going to represent USA in Beijing.
That’s a shame.
So, I ask. When the Olympics start will you be watching?
I will.
The Wizard has spoken.
I may be wrong but I just don’t feel that the American public is really excited or interested in the Olympics.
Maybe, it is the lack of TV coverage. The networks have done a poor job of covering these young athletes and creating excitement.
When I was younger, track and field, Olympic boxing, and even gymnastics were constantly being shown on network television. This allowed the public to get to know these competitors and really root for them.
That is no longer the case.
I’m an avid sports watcher and I couldn’t tell you half the people who are going to represent USA in Beijing.
That’s a shame.
So, I ask. When the Olympics start will you be watching?
I will.
The Wizard has spoken.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Inside thoughts on health insurance - Part 2
Why should you buy health insurance?
We are living in very interesting times. Often, I meet with people who understand the need for health insurance and want it, but feel they can't afford it.
And while I realize that, especially right now, we are all being very conservative with our wallets, my question is "Can they afford the alternative?"
I don't believe so.
Here are two important facts:
Fact 1 – Every year millions of Americans file bankruptcy for medical bills that they can't pay.
The number one reason Americans file bankruptcy is because of medical bills. Most of these people are uninsured. Hospitals are also the most aggressive creditors. If you are unable to pay your bills, they will come after your assets (home, cars, savings, etc…). This is especially troubling for small business owners. If uninsured, business owners risk the possibility of literally losing their businesses if something catastrophic happens to their health.
Fact 2 – Hospitals charge the uninsured two or more times more than what an insurance company would pay for the same treatment.
You would think it would be the other way around but unfortunately it is not. 60 minutes did a special discussing this topic. You have to understand that insurance companies have enough bargaining power (members) to basically tell the hospitals how much they are willing to pay for procedures. Individuals have no such bargaining power. Now something that individuals can do, but are not mindful of, is negotiate their bills with the hospitals. Most hospitals are cash poor and are willing to negotiate. You probably will not be able to negotiate a better rate than an insurance company, but you may be able to get a discount of sorts.
Another risk the uninsured face is the possibility of losing their insurability should something critical or catastrophic happen. Just imagine suffering a debilitating injury or being diagnosed with a critical illness and being told by insurance agencies that they will not insure you. Now, you're faced with the reality of having to go without insurance, when you really need it, until you reach 65 and you're eligible for Medicare.
It can happen.
Here are some more things to consider, without health insurance you are:
And so many other unfortunate things can happen.
In closing, I leave you with the sad story of Edith Rodriguez, who was uninsured and died on the hospital floor at Martin Luther King-Drew (now Harbor) hospital in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Rodriguez died of gastrointestinal perforation, which is excruciating. She went to the hospital and was basically refused help because the hospital staff did not believe she required urgent care. She actually collapsed on the hospital floor and laid there for 45 minutes while her boyfriend and other patients made frantic 911 calls to get her help. Several staff members even walked past her while she lay on the floor. Even more amazing was the fact that a janitor came by and mopped up blood that she had vomited.
Yet no one helped her and she passed.
Don't let that happen to you or your loved ones.
The Wizard has spoken
Please note: These posts are purely for information purposes. If you have any questions regarding your present or prospective policy, you should personally consult your insurance agent.
We are living in very interesting times. Often, I meet with people who understand the need for health insurance and want it, but feel they can't afford it.
And while I realize that, especially right now, we are all being very conservative with our wallets, my question is "Can they afford the alternative?"
I don't believe so.
Here are two important facts:
Fact 1 – Every year millions of Americans file bankruptcy for medical bills that they can't pay.
The number one reason Americans file bankruptcy is because of medical bills. Most of these people are uninsured. Hospitals are also the most aggressive creditors. If you are unable to pay your bills, they will come after your assets (home, cars, savings, etc…). This is especially troubling for small business owners. If uninsured, business owners risk the possibility of literally losing their businesses if something catastrophic happens to their health.
Fact 2 – Hospitals charge the uninsured two or more times more than what an insurance company would pay for the same treatment.
You would think it would be the other way around but unfortunately it is not. 60 minutes did a special discussing this topic. You have to understand that insurance companies have enough bargaining power (members) to basically tell the hospitals how much they are willing to pay for procedures. Individuals have no such bargaining power. Now something that individuals can do, but are not mindful of, is negotiate their bills with the hospitals. Most hospitals are cash poor and are willing to negotiate. You probably will not be able to negotiate a better rate than an insurance company, but you may be able to get a discount of sorts.
Another risk the uninsured face is the possibility of losing their insurability should something critical or catastrophic happen. Just imagine suffering a debilitating injury or being diagnosed with a critical illness and being told by insurance agencies that they will not insure you. Now, you're faced with the reality of having to go without insurance, when you really need it, until you reach 65 and you're eligible for Medicare.
It can happen.
Here are some more things to consider, without health insurance you are:
- More likely to encounter access barriers when trying to obtain needed health services.
Less likely to get preventive screenings
More likely to be diagnosed with severe health conditions
More likely to be hospitalized for preventable conditions
Less likely to receive major health interventions
And so many other unfortunate things can happen.
In closing, I leave you with the sad story of Edith Rodriguez, who was uninsured and died on the hospital floor at Martin Luther King-Drew (now Harbor) hospital in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Rodriguez died of gastrointestinal perforation, which is excruciating. She went to the hospital and was basically refused help because the hospital staff did not believe she required urgent care. She actually collapsed on the hospital floor and laid there for 45 minutes while her boyfriend and other patients made frantic 911 calls to get her help. Several staff members even walked past her while she lay on the floor. Even more amazing was the fact that a janitor came by and mopped up blood that she had vomited.
Yet no one helped her and she passed.
Don't let that happen to you or your loved ones.
The Wizard has spoken
Please note: These posts are purely for information purposes. If you have any questions regarding your present or prospective policy, you should personally consult your insurance agent.
A man attracted to bitches - literally
Imagine checking on your garage because you suspect a break in only to find a man having sex with your 4-year old rottweiler.
Well, it happened - in Wichita, Kansas.
What makes this worse is the fact that the man had been convicted of the same crime before. Apparently, he pleaded no contest to having sex with an animal last September and was fined $353.
Obviously, he has a serious fetish. Or, let's say, a deeper love for dogs.
According to police, he can be found on an Internet Web site where people show photos and tell stories about having sex with animals.
For his latest rendezvous, he was booked and placed in jail on suspicion of criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary.
Thankfully, the rottweiler was not injured.
I wonder if he is going to have to register as a sex offender.
Clearly, no dog is safe in his neighborhood.
The Wizard has spoken.
Well, it happened - in Wichita, Kansas.
What makes this worse is the fact that the man had been convicted of the same crime before. Apparently, he pleaded no contest to having sex with an animal last September and was fined $353.
Obviously, he has a serious fetish. Or, let's say, a deeper love for dogs.
According to police, he can be found on an Internet Web site where people show photos and tell stories about having sex with animals.
For his latest rendezvous, he was booked and placed in jail on suspicion of criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary.
Thankfully, the rottweiler was not injured.
I wonder if he is going to have to register as a sex offender.
Clearly, no dog is safe in his neighborhood.
The Wizard has spoken.
Friday, July 18, 2008
How crazy is this?
I know people do all sorts of things to protest.
Some stage sit-ins. Some have hunger strikes. And some, of course, march.
But, this takes the cake.
A London man, who was ordered out of his house, cut his own head off in protest – with a chainsaw.
Apparently, he lived in the house for eight years and it was scheduled to be demolished. The developers were planning to level the flats and rebuild them.
I can understand being upset; especially, if you have lived in a place for that long. Still, what did he think he would accomplish by decapitating himself?
Did he think it would make him a martyr?
People are truly losing their minds.
The Wizard has spoken.
Some stage sit-ins. Some have hunger strikes. And some, of course, march.
But, this takes the cake.
A London man, who was ordered out of his house, cut his own head off in protest – with a chainsaw.
Apparently, he lived in the house for eight years and it was scheduled to be demolished. The developers were planning to level the flats and rebuild them.
I can understand being upset; especially, if you have lived in a place for that long. Still, what did he think he would accomplish by decapitating himself?
Did he think it would make him a martyr?
People are truly losing their minds.
The Wizard has spoken.
Thank you Jesse
First you said you wanted to cut Senator Obama’s nuts off. And I was confused. Granted, I understood that you and Obama have different views on some subjects. But, for the life of me, I couldn’t understand your obsession with another man’s genitals.
It is 2008 though. I know, “No ask No tell”.
Now, it is being revealed that during your rant you referred to Obama as the “N” word. If memory serves me correctly, weren’t you leading a crusade trying to end the usage of the “N” word? Didn’t you chastise rappers and other black people that used that word?
I understand it was Freudian slip – right?
You never use such vulgar language yourself. The microphone just caught you at a bad time. Or, maybe they took your words out of context.
I know something wrong must have happened.
You are a man who we can follow. And, you always set such wonderful examples.
As a black man, it is comforting to have you as one of our leaders.
Thank you Reverend.
The Wizard has spoken.
It is 2008 though. I know, “No ask No tell”.
Now, it is being revealed that during your rant you referred to Obama as the “N” word. If memory serves me correctly, weren’t you leading a crusade trying to end the usage of the “N” word? Didn’t you chastise rappers and other black people that used that word?
I understand it was Freudian slip – right?
You never use such vulgar language yourself. The microphone just caught you at a bad time. Or, maybe they took your words out of context.
I know something wrong must have happened.
You are a man who we can follow. And, you always set such wonderful examples.
As a black man, it is comforting to have you as one of our leaders.
Thank you Reverend.
The Wizard has spoken.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Inside thoughts on health insurance - Part 1
Health insurance is the one thing that none of us wants to buy, and when we do buy it, we all hope we never have to use it.
What's worse is that many of us don't understand our policies.
This is the first part of a series of blogs that I am going to write addressing health insurance. You may be wondering why I've decided to tackle this issue. So, let me give you my reasons.
I am a health and life insurance agent.
And no, I'm not a disgruntled agent trying to expose the industry like the masked magician.
Actually, it's quite to the contrary.
I love what I do, and I love helping people. Unfortunately, what I have found through meeting with several clients is that some people truly do not understand health insurance and how it works.
Over the next few weeks, I'm going to try and clarify several issues concerning health insurance in hopes of helping you make a better, or more informed, decision when you purchase your policy. Or, perhaps, give you some insight on your current policy so that you can decide if it is a good fit.
Some of the issues I will be discussing are:
· Why should you buy health insurance?
· Deductibles
· Co-insurance or out-of-pocket expense (OOP)
· Co-pays
· Group insurance vs. individual insurance
· Issues concerning the small business owner
· PPO vs. HMO
· What are HSA's?
If you have any topics or questions that you would like me discuss regarding health insurance, email me at thewizardspeaks8@yahoo.com.
The next topic will be: Why should you buy health insurance?
The Wizard has spoken
Please note: These posts are purely for information purposes. If you have any questions regarding your present or prospective policy, you should personally consult your insurance agent.
What's worse is that many of us don't understand our policies.
This is the first part of a series of blogs that I am going to write addressing health insurance. You may be wondering why I've decided to tackle this issue. So, let me give you my reasons.
I am a health and life insurance agent.
And no, I'm not a disgruntled agent trying to expose the industry like the masked magician.
Actually, it's quite to the contrary.
I love what I do, and I love helping people. Unfortunately, what I have found through meeting with several clients is that some people truly do not understand health insurance and how it works.
Over the next few weeks, I'm going to try and clarify several issues concerning health insurance in hopes of helping you make a better, or more informed, decision when you purchase your policy. Or, perhaps, give you some insight on your current policy so that you can decide if it is a good fit.
Some of the issues I will be discussing are:
· Why should you buy health insurance?
· Deductibles
· Co-insurance or out-of-pocket expense (OOP)
· Co-pays
· Group insurance vs. individual insurance
· Issues concerning the small business owner
· PPO vs. HMO
· What are HSA's?
If you have any topics or questions that you would like me discuss regarding health insurance, email me at thewizardspeaks8@yahoo.com.
The next topic will be: Why should you buy health insurance?
The Wizard has spoken
Please note: These posts are purely for information purposes. If you have any questions regarding your present or prospective policy, you should personally consult your insurance agent.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Daddy says, “Give me your money!!!”
Imagine this.
You are at work when all of a sudden your store is being robbed. You do as the robber says and start getting the money out of the drawer. All of a sudden a fellow employee overpowers the man robbing you and knocks off his wig and sunglasses. You get a glimpse of the perpetrator’s face and discover that the man who is attempting to rob you is your father.
Unfortunately, this is not an idea for a movie script. This actually happened, last Friday, in Denton, Texas.
Stephanie Martinez, a pizza worker, was the unfortunate woman being robbed by her father. What makes this story even more bizarre was that her mother and husband were in the getaway truck.
The mother, husband, and father were all arrested. The husband told the police that Stephanie knew nothing about the robbery attempt. In fact, he didn’t even know they were going to rob her place of business. He thought they were going to rob a convenience store.
The police say that she will not face any criminal charges.
This just confirms to me that the world is getting absolutely crazy. Why on Earth would you do something like that to you daughter?
First, they jeopardized their daughter’s job. And, even if they did get away, who is to say their daughter wouldn’t have suffered some serious emotional trauma from the incident?
I feel for Stephanie. Talk about being embarrassed.
It’s not the enough that the whole incident happened. The story is in the newspapers, and her coworker was interviewed, yesterday, on the Today show.
This is yet another example of great parenting.
The Wizard has spoken.
You are at work when all of a sudden your store is being robbed. You do as the robber says and start getting the money out of the drawer. All of a sudden a fellow employee overpowers the man robbing you and knocks off his wig and sunglasses. You get a glimpse of the perpetrator’s face and discover that the man who is attempting to rob you is your father.
Unfortunately, this is not an idea for a movie script. This actually happened, last Friday, in Denton, Texas.
Stephanie Martinez, a pizza worker, was the unfortunate woman being robbed by her father. What makes this story even more bizarre was that her mother and husband were in the getaway truck.
The mother, husband, and father were all arrested. The husband told the police that Stephanie knew nothing about the robbery attempt. In fact, he didn’t even know they were going to rob her place of business. He thought they were going to rob a convenience store.
The police say that she will not face any criminal charges.
This just confirms to me that the world is getting absolutely crazy. Why on Earth would you do something like that to you daughter?
First, they jeopardized their daughter’s job. And, even if they did get away, who is to say their daughter wouldn’t have suffered some serious emotional trauma from the incident?
I feel for Stephanie. Talk about being embarrassed.
It’s not the enough that the whole incident happened. The story is in the newspapers, and her coworker was interviewed, yesterday, on the Today show.
This is yet another example of great parenting.
The Wizard has spoken.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Why are we surprised when animals act like animals?
It is being reported that yesterday an employee at the Denver Zoo was bitten by a hippopotamus. Apparently, the employee was trying to conduct a dental exam and cleaning, when the hippo “got tired” and closed his mouth.
The employee received a small puncture wound and was sent to a local hospital and received stitches. She was very lucky, to say the least.
According to the Zoo, the hippo was trained to keep his mouth open during the exam. His training only started last month.
But, how is this surprising?
I’m all for clean teeth. But, at the same time, this is a hippopotamus. I don’t study wildlife, but I’m certain animals have their own hygiene habits.
The hippo didn’t get tired as the Zoo suggested, he acted like a hippopotamus. I’m sure he found it rather interesting to have someone prodding inside of his mouth. It probably crossed his mind that this lady looked rather delectable.
So he decided to go for a taste.
The Wizard has spoken.
The employee received a small puncture wound and was sent to a local hospital and received stitches. She was very lucky, to say the least.
According to the Zoo, the hippo was trained to keep his mouth open during the exam. His training only started last month.
But, how is this surprising?
I’m all for clean teeth. But, at the same time, this is a hippopotamus. I don’t study wildlife, but I’m certain animals have their own hygiene habits.
The hippo didn’t get tired as the Zoo suggested, he acted like a hippopotamus. I’m sure he found it rather interesting to have someone prodding inside of his mouth. It probably crossed his mind that this lady looked rather delectable.
So he decided to go for a taste.
The Wizard has spoken.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Divorced at 10?
I understand that all cultures are different, and far be it for me to judge.
But, still, I find this to be disturbing.
In Sana, Yemen, Nujood Ali, a ten year old girl, was married off to a man in his thirties who raped and abused her. According to reports, this is a common practice in Yemen.
The Yemeni often marry off their young girls to protect the family honor. They are afraid that if their daughters remain unmarried, they may run off with a man and disgrace the family.
In Nujood’s case, her parents were impoverished and asked her husband to raise her. He promised her father that he would not have sex with her until she reached puberty. The age of consent in Yemen is 15.
But he reneged on that promise. He forced Nujood to have sex with him and abused her. Nujood begged her parents to help her, and although they felt for her, they basically told her there was nothing they could do.
She belonged to her husband.
Showing an ultimate amount of bravery, Nujood went to the local courthouse and demanded a divorce. She explained to the judge what was happening and how she was being treated. She won, and obtained a divorce.
Now, what makes this story sad is the fact that nothing happened to her husband. He was not charged or jailed. In fact, Nujood had to pay him $200 for getting divorced.
That’s amazing.
Nujood said that she hoped her actions would help other young Yemeni girls who are suffering the same fate. Unfortunately, though, there are many in her country who ostracize her for coming forward and telling her story.
They feel that she should have stayed silent, and allowed the mistreatment to continue.
The publicity from Nujood’s case has caused some people in Yemen to ask that the legal age of marriage be raised to 18 for both men and women.
Lawmakers have refused to take up the issue.
Why should they?
It’s culture.
The Wizard has spoken.
But, still, I find this to be disturbing.
In Sana, Yemen, Nujood Ali, a ten year old girl, was married off to a man in his thirties who raped and abused her. According to reports, this is a common practice in Yemen.
The Yemeni often marry off their young girls to protect the family honor. They are afraid that if their daughters remain unmarried, they may run off with a man and disgrace the family.
In Nujood’s case, her parents were impoverished and asked her husband to raise her. He promised her father that he would not have sex with her until she reached puberty. The age of consent in Yemen is 15.
But he reneged on that promise. He forced Nujood to have sex with him and abused her. Nujood begged her parents to help her, and although they felt for her, they basically told her there was nothing they could do.
She belonged to her husband.
Showing an ultimate amount of bravery, Nujood went to the local courthouse and demanded a divorce. She explained to the judge what was happening and how she was being treated. She won, and obtained a divorce.
Now, what makes this story sad is the fact that nothing happened to her husband. He was not charged or jailed. In fact, Nujood had to pay him $200 for getting divorced.
That’s amazing.
Nujood said that she hoped her actions would help other young Yemeni girls who are suffering the same fate. Unfortunately, though, there are many in her country who ostracize her for coming forward and telling her story.
They feel that she should have stayed silent, and allowed the mistreatment to continue.
The publicity from Nujood’s case has caused some people in Yemen to ask that the legal age of marriage be raised to 18 for both men and women.
Lawmakers have refused to take up the issue.
Why should they?
It’s culture.
The Wizard has spoken.
Yet, another reason I don't frequent strip clubs
I have never been a person who likes strip clubs.
In fact, in my 35 ½ years, I have only been to a strip club five times. And, quite honestly, only once did I enjoy myself. It was on a Tuesday night at Club Peanuts, in Los Angeles, California. That's was the night for girl-on-girl lap dances. I had a very enjoyable night.
But, that was a long time ago.
Anyway, yesterday I was reading an article about Tempest Storm, an 80-year old Las Vegas stripper. She boasts that she does it classy. And she is actually, the headliner of the show.
I can't even imagine my reaction if I was to patronize that club and all of a sudden she came on the stage and got naked.
I don't know if I would laugh or cry.
I do know that I would not be aroused, and I certainly wouldn't be asking for a lap dance.
Maybe, they should offer the following disclaimer prior to her coming on the stage:
"If you experience an erection at all during the following performance, you should seek help and consult a doctor"
There isn't enough Viagra in the world.
The Wizard has spoken
In fact, in my 35 ½ years, I have only been to a strip club five times. And, quite honestly, only once did I enjoy myself. It was on a Tuesday night at Club Peanuts, in Los Angeles, California. That's was the night for girl-on-girl lap dances. I had a very enjoyable night.
But, that was a long time ago.
Anyway, yesterday I was reading an article about Tempest Storm, an 80-year old Las Vegas stripper. She boasts that she does it classy. And she is actually, the headliner of the show.
I can't even imagine my reaction if I was to patronize that club and all of a sudden she came on the stage and got naked.
I don't know if I would laugh or cry.
I do know that I would not be aroused, and I certainly wouldn't be asking for a lap dance.
Maybe, they should offer the following disclaimer prior to her coming on the stage:
"If you experience an erection at all during the following performance, you should seek help and consult a doctor"
There isn't enough Viagra in the world.
The Wizard has spoken
The Favre saga continues
The Green Packers made a curious move yesterday in response to Brett Favre’s request to be released. They welcomed him back to the team – as a backup.
Now, I know that Brett has put them in a peculiar position, but this is just foolish.
Obviously, they are trying to play hardball with Favre, and figure that he’ll never accept a backup role. But, at the same time, Favre could force the issue and say okay.
Then what?
Can they afford to pay Brett to sit on the sidelines?
And what about starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers?
Talk about looking over your shoulder. And, you know what will happen if he struggles. The calls for Favre will be endless. And the locker room is guaranteed to be separated.
Not to mention the backlash from the fans.
The move just makes no sense.
If the Packers truly don’t want Favre on the team, they should just trade him and get the best they can in return.
It’s not ideal, but that is their best move.
The Wizard has spoken.
Now, I know that Brett has put them in a peculiar position, but this is just foolish.
Obviously, they are trying to play hardball with Favre, and figure that he’ll never accept a backup role. But, at the same time, Favre could force the issue and say okay.
Then what?
Can they afford to pay Brett to sit on the sidelines?
And what about starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers?
Talk about looking over your shoulder. And, you know what will happen if he struggles. The calls for Favre will be endless. And the locker room is guaranteed to be separated.
Not to mention the backlash from the fans.
The move just makes no sense.
If the Packers truly don’t want Favre on the team, they should just trade him and get the best they can in return.
It’s not ideal, but that is their best move.
The Wizard has spoken.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Are sports teams being insensitive to Native Americans?
Yesterday, a Federal judge sided with the Washington Redskins in a lawsuit brought by American Indians who consider the team's name racially offensive.
And while I have heard this argument before by American Indians and never really paid attention, this time, I had to really think about it.
Are sport teams being insensitive?
It’s interesting because I know that as a black person, I would find it highly offensive if a team called themselves “The Negroes”, or “The Coons”. And I’m sure white people would find offense to a team calling themselves “The Crackers”.
So why aren’t we more sensitive to Native Americans?
Why do we find nicknames like Redskins, Seminoles, Blackhawks, and Chiefs acceptable? Especially when Native Americans express that they feel those names are insulting.
Couldn’t these teams just find other nicknames? Or, are they more concerned about marketing, and possible losses?
Maybe the Native Americans are right. Maybe we are being insensitive.
The Wizard has spoken.
And while I have heard this argument before by American Indians and never really paid attention, this time, I had to really think about it.
Are sport teams being insensitive?
It’s interesting because I know that as a black person, I would find it highly offensive if a team called themselves “The Negroes”, or “The Coons”. And I’m sure white people would find offense to a team calling themselves “The Crackers”.
So why aren’t we more sensitive to Native Americans?
Why do we find nicknames like Redskins, Seminoles, Blackhawks, and Chiefs acceptable? Especially when Native Americans express that they feel those names are insulting.
Couldn’t these teams just find other nicknames? Or, are they more concerned about marketing, and possible losses?
Maybe the Native Americans are right. Maybe we are being insensitive.
The Wizard has spoken.
Favre really does want to come back
I guess the cat is out of the bag.
Brett Favre really does want to resume his playing career. It has also been made known that the Green Bay Packers no longer want him on their team.
And who can blame them?
They did what they had to do and prepared for life after Favre. They redesigned their offense around the strengths of new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Now, just a few weeks before training camp, Favre wants to come back and have them undo everything?
That’s ridiculous. And, as I said in a previous post, very selfish.
Now Favre is asking for his release, and basically trying to dictate everything. He doesn’t want to be traded because he wants to be free to join whatever team he wants – even a possible division rival. You know the Vikings and Bears have to be somewhat interested.
In his letter to the Packers, Favre’s agent suggested that the Packers should basically succumb to Favre wishes because of his legacy and everything he has done for the franchise.
He seems to forget that this is a business.
Personally, if I were a member of the management, I would be insulted. Favre knows that he has put them in a no-win situation.
Regardless, of what they do, they will be looked upon as the bad-guys.
That is just not right.
The Wizard has spoken.
Brett Favre really does want to resume his playing career. It has also been made known that the Green Bay Packers no longer want him on their team.
And who can blame them?
They did what they had to do and prepared for life after Favre. They redesigned their offense around the strengths of new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Now, just a few weeks before training camp, Favre wants to come back and have them undo everything?
That’s ridiculous. And, as I said in a previous post, very selfish.
Now Favre is asking for his release, and basically trying to dictate everything. He doesn’t want to be traded because he wants to be free to join whatever team he wants – even a possible division rival. You know the Vikings and Bears have to be somewhat interested.
In his letter to the Packers, Favre’s agent suggested that the Packers should basically succumb to Favre wishes because of his legacy and everything he has done for the franchise.
He seems to forget that this is a business.
Personally, if I were a member of the management, I would be insulted. Favre knows that he has put them in a no-win situation.
Regardless, of what they do, they will be looked upon as the bad-guys.
That is just not right.
The Wizard has spoken.
Friday, July 11, 2008
The price of exoneration
How do you repay someone who has been falsely convicted and jailed for several years of their lives?
How do you help them vanquish the pent up anger of being locked up in a cell knowing they were not the perpetrators who committed the crime?
How do you help them readjust to society, and the advancements of technology?
I raise these questions because 19 men in Dallas County, Texas have been exonerated after years of being falsely imprisoned. Thanks to DNA testing, which obviously was not available at the time of their convictions, they are now cleared and free.
But, some of these men have been locked up for 20+ years. They have missed watching their kids grow up. The culture has changed. For them, they are in an unfamiliar world trying to adjust to life as free men.
One of the men, Wiley Fountain spent 15 years in prison for an aggravated sexual assault he did not commit. The State awarded him $190,000 dollars after he was released. That amounts to a pitiful $12,666 dollars for each year he spent in jail. Some of the other freed men received absolutely no compensation.
Wiley is now homeless.
Most of the men have not been able to find steady work as their false charges still appear on criminal background checks, and the State has done little to nothing to help transition them back to society.
And, of course, some have had trouble with the law.
But, I can't see how this would be a surprise.
These men wrongfully lost their freedom, and had to learn how to survive in prison. That couldn't have been an easy task. And I'm sure some, if not all, have repeated nightmares of some of the things they may have seen or experienced while being imprisoned.
The real questions to me are why isn't the state of Texas doing more for these men? How do they expect them survive after all these years without any help? And how is it that all these men are not millionaires?
Aside from their charges appearing on criminal background checks, who is really going to hire a middle-aged person with no experience? And if they were to get hired, what kind of salary could they command?
The state of Texas should be ashamed of itself.
The Wizard has spoken.
How do you help them vanquish the pent up anger of being locked up in a cell knowing they were not the perpetrators who committed the crime?
How do you help them readjust to society, and the advancements of technology?
I raise these questions because 19 men in Dallas County, Texas have been exonerated after years of being falsely imprisoned. Thanks to DNA testing, which obviously was not available at the time of their convictions, they are now cleared and free.
But, some of these men have been locked up for 20+ years. They have missed watching their kids grow up. The culture has changed. For them, they are in an unfamiliar world trying to adjust to life as free men.
One of the men, Wiley Fountain spent 15 years in prison for an aggravated sexual assault he did not commit. The State awarded him $190,000 dollars after he was released. That amounts to a pitiful $12,666 dollars for each year he spent in jail. Some of the other freed men received absolutely no compensation.
Wiley is now homeless.
Most of the men have not been able to find steady work as their false charges still appear on criminal background checks, and the State has done little to nothing to help transition them back to society.
And, of course, some have had trouble with the law.
But, I can't see how this would be a surprise.
These men wrongfully lost their freedom, and had to learn how to survive in prison. That couldn't have been an easy task. And I'm sure some, if not all, have repeated nightmares of some of the things they may have seen or experienced while being imprisoned.
The real questions to me are why isn't the state of Texas doing more for these men? How do they expect them survive after all these years without any help? And how is it that all these men are not millionaires?
Aside from their charges appearing on criminal background checks, who is really going to hire a middle-aged person with no experience? And if they were to get hired, what kind of salary could they command?
The state of Texas should be ashamed of itself.
The Wizard has spoken.
Another NFL player in trouble with the law
I am beginning to become convinced that the more money some people accumulated the more foolish they become.
It is being reported that Jacksonville Jaguars receiver, Matt Jones, has been arrested and has been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance.
Apparently, Jones and two friends were inside a parked Toyota SUV when officers approached the vehicle and allegedly witnessed Jones cutting up cocaine with a credit card.
All three were arrested, and Jones admitted the white substance was, in fact, cocaine. His two buddies were charged with misdemeanor offenses.
There are a couple of things that I find amazing about all of this.
First of all, if Jones felt compelled to use cocaine, why would he do it in broad daylight? He was in his college town, where he is a local hero; someone was bound to see him. It just happened to be the police.
Secondly, and more importantly, why would he put his career in jeopardy like this? He must see how the league has been cracking down on athletes in trouble with the law. The NFL Commissioner has clearly demonstrated that he is not going to allow players to tarnish the NFL product.
Now, with one fatal swoop, Jones may have effectively ended his NFL career.
I would be surprised if the Jaguars don't release him after they obtain all the facts. And I doubt another team will sign him this year, unless, of course, they are really desperate.
Although he was heralded coming out of college, Jones hasn't made a huge impact in the NFL. Right now, he is a third receiver, at best, on most teams, which means he is easily replaceable.
What a shame.
The Wizard has spoken
It is being reported that Jacksonville Jaguars receiver, Matt Jones, has been arrested and has been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance.
Apparently, Jones and two friends were inside a parked Toyota SUV when officers approached the vehicle and allegedly witnessed Jones cutting up cocaine with a credit card.
All three were arrested, and Jones admitted the white substance was, in fact, cocaine. His two buddies were charged with misdemeanor offenses.
There are a couple of things that I find amazing about all of this.
First of all, if Jones felt compelled to use cocaine, why would he do it in broad daylight? He was in his college town, where he is a local hero; someone was bound to see him. It just happened to be the police.
Secondly, and more importantly, why would he put his career in jeopardy like this? He must see how the league has been cracking down on athletes in trouble with the law. The NFL Commissioner has clearly demonstrated that he is not going to allow players to tarnish the NFL product.
Now, with one fatal swoop, Jones may have effectively ended his NFL career.
I would be surprised if the Jaguars don't release him after they obtain all the facts. And I doubt another team will sign him this year, unless, of course, they are really desperate.
Although he was heralded coming out of college, Jones hasn't made a huge impact in the NFL. Right now, he is a third receiver, at best, on most teams, which means he is easily replaceable.
What a shame.
The Wizard has spoken
Thursday, July 10, 2008
What are the NCAA and NBA going to do now?
For years I have felt that the way the NCAA handled student athletes was completely unjust. They use these players to secure multi-million dollar endorsements and TV deals, and all the player’s got in return was a scholarship.
Now, some may say that should be enough. But, I have never agreed.
I have long believed that the players deserve some sort of stipend for their services.
And when you talk about a star player that is really all it boils down to. These college teams are basically leasing these athletes for a year a two before they leave to go pro.
Now, most of the star athletes receive some under-the-table compensation from agents and others competing for their services, we all know that. But, they get vilified for doing so. And get their scholarships revoked if caught.
And that is wrong.
Why shouldn’t they get a piece of the pie also?
But now things may be changing.
Brandon Jennings, a big-time basketball recruit has decided to forego a year in college and play basketball overseas where he will get paid, and quite well, for his services. He was committed to Arizona, but he has had problems passing his SAT.
But, who could blame him?
The question now is how many others are going to follow his footsteps, and the potential problem that may bring to the NCAA and the NBA.
For the NCAA, the problems are obvious. If these teenage talents decide to forego college and play basketball overseas, that will obviously hurt their talent pool and their marketability.
The same holds true for the NBA who uses the NCAA basically to help promote and market these players prior to them coming to the league.
Will that force the league to begin allowing these players to enter the league directly from high school as they did before?
Or, will the NCAA finally offer to pay these players and allow them to share in the wealth?
That would be the right thing to do.
The Wizard has spoken.
Now, some may say that should be enough. But, I have never agreed.
I have long believed that the players deserve some sort of stipend for their services.
And when you talk about a star player that is really all it boils down to. These college teams are basically leasing these athletes for a year a two before they leave to go pro.
Now, most of the star athletes receive some under-the-table compensation from agents and others competing for their services, we all know that. But, they get vilified for doing so. And get their scholarships revoked if caught.
And that is wrong.
Why shouldn’t they get a piece of the pie also?
But now things may be changing.
Brandon Jennings, a big-time basketball recruit has decided to forego a year in college and play basketball overseas where he will get paid, and quite well, for his services. He was committed to Arizona, but he has had problems passing his SAT.
But, who could blame him?
The question now is how many others are going to follow his footsteps, and the potential problem that may bring to the NCAA and the NBA.
For the NCAA, the problems are obvious. If these teenage talents decide to forego college and play basketball overseas, that will obviously hurt their talent pool and their marketability.
The same holds true for the NBA who uses the NCAA basically to help promote and market these players prior to them coming to the league.
Will that force the league to begin allowing these players to enter the league directly from high school as they did before?
Or, will the NCAA finally offer to pay these players and allow them to share in the wealth?
That would be the right thing to do.
The Wizard has spoken.
Nobody should be surprised by Favre
We should have all seen this coming.
How many athletes retire, and then realize they have “the itch” to play again?
So, this shouldn’t be a surprise.
But, this is very selfish of Favre. He told the Packers that he wanted to retire even after they pleaded with him to stay. Now, after they have spent the whole season preparing for life after Favre and altering their offense, he wants to come back.
Obviously, this puts Green Bay in a tough situation. If they bring him back and give him back his starting duties, what message does that send to their other quarterback Aaron Rodgers?
If they trade or release Favre to another team, they will face a vicious backlash from their loyal fan base.
Let’s say he does stay retired, the impression will be that he was forced to do so. And, with every Packer loss, the inevitable question will be asked, “Could Favre have made a difference?”
That’s not fair to the Packers or Rodgers.
But, I guess that doesn’t figure into his decision.
He has an itch he needs to scratch.
The Wizard has spoken.
How many athletes retire, and then realize they have “the itch” to play again?
So, this shouldn’t be a surprise.
But, this is very selfish of Favre. He told the Packers that he wanted to retire even after they pleaded with him to stay. Now, after they have spent the whole season preparing for life after Favre and altering their offense, he wants to come back.
Obviously, this puts Green Bay in a tough situation. If they bring him back and give him back his starting duties, what message does that send to their other quarterback Aaron Rodgers?
If they trade or release Favre to another team, they will face a vicious backlash from their loyal fan base.
Let’s say he does stay retired, the impression will be that he was forced to do so. And, with every Packer loss, the inevitable question will be asked, “Could Favre have made a difference?”
That’s not fair to the Packers or Rodgers.
But, I guess that doesn’t figure into his decision.
He has an itch he needs to scratch.
The Wizard has spoken.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Welcome to The Wizard Speaks
First, I would like to thank you for visiting and reading my thoughts.
I understand that our views may not be the same. All that I ask is that we all remain respectful to one another.
If you do not agree with a post or comment, that is fine. By all means express that. The goal of this site is to create a daily discussion on a variety of topics.
There is just no need for name calling, or excessive profanity.
I will be making daily posts by 9:00 eastern standard time, so visit everyday and please leave comments.
I look forward to the dialogue.
The Wizard has spoken.
I understand that our views may not be the same. All that I ask is that we all remain respectful to one another.
If you do not agree with a post or comment, that is fine. By all means express that. The goal of this site is to create a daily discussion on a variety of topics.
There is just no need for name calling, or excessive profanity.
I will be making daily posts by 9:00 eastern standard time, so visit everyday and please leave comments.
I look forward to the dialogue.
The Wizard has spoken.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
