More child abuse

I just finished reading an article about Shyima Hall.

Shyima is a 19 year old girl, who lives in California. She was born in Egypt and lived there until she was 10 when she was brought here to serve as a child maid. A wealthy Egyptian couple brought her from a poor village in northern Egypt to work in their California home. Her duties included waking up before dawn to iron their clothes, mop the marble floors and dust the family's crystal. She often worked past midnight. She earned $45 a month working up to 20 hours a day. She had no breaks during the day and no days off.

The family she worked for lived in a spacious five-bedroom, two-story home, which was decorated to look like a Tuscan villa. The house also featured a fountain of two angels spouting water through a conch.

Shyima though was not welcomed in the house. She was told to sleep in the garage. It had no windows, heat, or air-conditioning. After the garage's only light bulb went out, the family didn't replace it. From then on, she lived in the dark.

Shyima became a maid after her father who was a bricklayer became ill. Her mother found a maid recruiter and signed a contract that essentially leased her daughter to the family for 10 years.

Her family, of course, was poor.

At first, Shyima worked in her owner's home in Cairo. She was 9 at the time. Her mother came by once a month, not to visit her daughter, but to pick up her salary. Later when they moved to California, Shyima moved with them. But, she was never treated as family. As a matter of fact, she was treated like dirt. The kids of the family called her stupid, and that was allowed. Still, she had to wake up in the morning and serve the cretins.

Finally, in April 2002, an anonymous call was placed to the California Department of Social Services notifying them that there was a child living in a garage. A few days later the local police came and rescued the girl from the house. It took four years, but eventually the mother and father of the family were charged and a trial ensued.

During the whole ordeal the girl was ostracized by her own family.

Her father yelled at her.

She was quoted as saying, "They kept telling me that they're good people. That it's my fault. That because of what I did my mom was going to have a heart attack."

Thankfully, her owner's finally pleaded guilty to all the charges they faced. The husband was sentenced to three years in federal prison. The mother was sentenced to 22 months. Both were to be deported after their prison stints. They were also ordered to pay Shyima $76,000. The amount she would have earned if paid minimum wage.

The story does have a happy ending being that Shyima has been adopted by a new family that treats her well.

The sad part of this is that this is something that is rampant. The article reported that there are tens of thousands of children in Africa being recruited every year to work as domestic servants. Some of the children are as young as 3 years old.

Many of these servants end up in the United States and Europe. In fact, The U.S. State Department found that over the past year, children from at least 10 African countries were trafficked as maids to the U.S. and Europe. Unfortunately, because the servants are so well hidden they have no idea of just how many.

As I read this type of articles, I can't help but wonder why these types of atrocities toward children are being allowed, or better yet, tolerated. I thought the children represented our future. If so, what type of future will we have if these types of things continue to happen?

I say "we" because we are truly a global people. Although we may not like to realize it, what affects others, affects us. It is time for us, not government, to stand up against these people who use our children as slaves.

As for the mother of the family, she is back in Cairo. The last time she was spotted she was walking around in the lobby of her apartment with designer sunglasses on. Right behind her, was a little girl carrying her grocery bags.

The girl was around 9 years old.

The Wizard has spoken

When is the right time to break the news to your child?

Hey. Son. You know that fat man in a red suit and hat that you adore so much. That man you write letters to every year asking for all the newest toys. The guy we make cookies for every Christmas and leave them out on a plate with milk.

Yes, Daddy.

Well, Son. I hate to tell you, but Santa Claus is not real. Neither are the reindeer.

What?

During these holidays, I've been replaying that conversation constantly in my mind. Trying to figure out when would be the best time to tell my son the truth about Santa Claus. Being that he is two now, I don't have to worry about it. Right now, he still doesn't know who Santa is.

But, I'm sure that will change next year.

Still, it was something that crossed my mind this year.

I want to make sure I approach the topic properly. I do know that this is a sensitive and somewhat shocking revelation. I still remember when my father told me. We were standing at a bus stop on a cold and snowy day in Toronto. I can't remember what exactly provoked the conversation, but whatever it was it led to him telling me rather harshly that there was no Santa.

I was devastated.

I also quickly learned that the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy were not real either.

It was a rough time in my development.

As for my son, I think I would like to be a little more sensitive than my father was in breaking the news to me.

I'm sure that it won't be an easy conversation.

And yeah, Son, before you ask.

I'm the one who has been eating the cookies and drinking the milk.

The Wizard has spoken.

My baby is missing

"Oh, I forgot. I don't have one"

That is what, Meagan McCormic, essentially said this week after creating a stir in her community in Miami, Florida. Meagan appeared at a news conference and while in tears announced to all who were watching that her 5-month old son was missing.

Her original story was that she hadn't seen him since leaving him with a nanny.

She was joined at the news conference by the child's supposed father.

After having police search for the boy, it was revealed that the whole thing was a hoax. The baby never existed. She made up the whole story in an attempt to lure back her ex-boyfriend.

Apparently, she told him that he had fathered her child. When he decided to come and see his baby, she told him the baby was missing. That led to the news conference where she tearfully said, "I don't even know if he's dead or alive".

Well, love, we don't know either. Being that he was a figment of your imagination.

Meagan has been charged with filing a false police report. If convicted she may have to pay restitution to the authorities for the cost of their search.

I guess she can kiss the ex-boyfriend bye for good now.

Just how desperate is that?

The Wizard has spoken.

Not 0-16

As a sports fan, I enjoy watching historic moments.

But, I really hope that the Detroit Lions do not make history today by becoming the first to go 0-16.

No, I'm not a Lions fan. I do have family members who are. I just don't want to see it happen.

Maybe, I feel sorry for them.

The Lions have suffered enough. They had to deal with Matt Millen and his horrific tenure as President and General Manager. They've had to deal with organized walkouts. They've been embarrassed on Thanksgiving.

They don't need this.

Unfortunately, I don't think they're going to be able to beat the Green Bay Packers today. Not in Lambeau. Not with this team that seems to be devoid of pride. As a person who used to play the game, there is no way I would let me or my team go out like this. You would like to think somebody in that locker room would stand up and say, "We are not going to allow THIS to happen".

Obviously, that is not the case.

I never thought I would see a team go undefeated and then the Patriots pulled the feat last year. I definitely thought I would never see a team go winless. But, the Lions are trying their best to make it happen.

Hopefully, it won't happen.

Go Lions!!!

The Wizard has spoken.

The Wiz NFL Week 17 Pics

Sunday Football
St. Louis at Atlanta - Atlanta
New England at Buffalo – New England
Kansas City at Cincinnati - Cincinnati
Detroit at Green Bay – Green Bay
Tennessee at Indianapolis - Indianapolis
NY Giants at Minnesota - Minnesota
Carolina at New Orleans - Carolina
Cleveland at Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh
Oakland at Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay
Chicago at Houston - Chicago
Jacksonville at Baltimore - Baltimore
Washington at San Francisco – San Francisco
Miami at NY Jets – Miami
Dallas at Philadelphia – Dallas
Seattle at Arizona - Seattle

Sunday Night Football
Denver at San Diego – San Diego

The Wiz's 2008 Record: 140-83-1

The Wizard has spoken

The CIA does push drugs!

Well, not those types of drugs.

But, I just read an article in the Washington Post about how the CIA is using Viagra as an incentive to gain informants in Afghanistan.

One official was quoted in the article as saying, "You didn't hand it out to younger guys, but it could be a silver bullet to make connections to the older ones. Afghan tribal leaders often had four wives -- the maximum number allowed by the Koran -- and aging village patriarchs were easily sold on the utility of a pill that could put them back in an authoritative position."

To be fair, two veteran officers stated that the use of Viagra is rare and only given to older tribal officials for whom the drug would hold special appeal. Plus, there are other things used as bribes, such as: pocketknives and tools, medicine or surgeries for ailing family members, toys and school equipment, tooth extractions, and travel visas.

Still, a friend of mine brings up a valid point. If you or I were to hand out prescription drugs without a license, we would be in jail – for a long time.

Yet, again, we are talking about the CIA.

But, I do have a question about all of this. What about the side effects?

What instructions do they give these men if they experience erections lasting longer than 4 hours?

Plus, I just wonder where do they get the funding for these goodies?

The Wizard has spoken

Married at 8

I really try not to judge other cultures. I’m sure there are things within our culture that others may disagree with.

Still, I can’t understand why some cultures condone child marriages.

I just read an article where an 8 year-old girl in Saudi Arabia was denied an annulment to end her marriage to her 47 year-old husband. Apparently, the father of the little girl arranged this marriage to his close friend to settle his debts.

The mother of the child was the one who was trying to get the marriage annulled. But, it turns out that she is not her daughter’s legal guardian. Thus, the judge ruled against her motion. She and the father have separated.

One thing the judge did do was make the husband pledge not to consummate the marriage until the girl reaches puberty. He also ruled that the girl could file for an annulment once she reaches puberty.

In truth though, how would the judge know if the husband did have sex with the girl?

I find it disturbing that the judge would even have to ask for this pledge. What type of man would even consider sleeping with an 8-year old?

That is just absolutely disgusting.

And as for the father, I just can’t fathom how he could resort to giving away his daughter to settle his debts.

I can understand being poor. But, me, I would have to find another way – even if it meant being the man’s personal slave. The girl had nothing to do with accumulating his debt. Yet, she has to pay the ultimate price.

The real tragedy about this case is that it is not an isolated case.

The Human Rights Commission reports that they are presented cases like this in Saudi Arabia once every four or five months.

That’s unreal.

The Wizard has spoken.

Murdered for late homework

As a former educator, I understand the need to encourage students to do their homework. I also agree with the need to punish students if they turn in their homework late.

But, this is crazy.

In Egypt, Haitham Nabeel Abdelhamid, a 23-year old instructor, is accused of beating Islam Badr Ibrahim, an 11-year old student.

Why did he assault his student?

He did it because he turned in his homework late.

According to reports, the instructor beat his student with a ruler then took him outside and beat him to his stomach. The boy fainted and was taken to the hospital.

He died later of heart failure.

This case has brought outrage to Alexandria. The resources are so bad that the schools have been forced to hire unqualified instructors who sometimes have to teach classes with up to 100 students.

The people of the country want answers.

Furthermore, the father of the child wants the Minister of Education charged as well for hiring this man.

Could you imagine what would happen if something like that were to happen here?

While I’m sure it would garner a lot of media attention for a good couple of weeks, I just don’t think it would cause the same amount of outrage.

I could be wrong.

But, it just seems like we have become numb to this type of occurrence.

The Wizard has spoken.

When it is all said and done, would you care?

I had a real interesting discussion with a funeral director a couple of days ago. He was giving me a tour of the facility and showing me some of the more expensive caskets. Some of his caskets cost up to $100,000.

What I found even crazier was the fact that they sold.

We briefly discussed burial prices. And, I was very astonished to hear about what some funerals could cost.

I mean, who really needs a $100,000 casket?

He was talking about how comfortable the caskets were. So much so, I almost forgot that we were discussing a dead person.

Personally, once I'm gone, comfort is not an issue. I would rather give the money to my child. He could bury me in a pine box for all I care.

I really wanted to ask him if he has ever dug up a casket and reused it. I just couldn't muster up the nerve.

When I lived in California, there was a big case in which a funeral home was being accused of doing just that. I'm unsure of how the case ended. I do remember that it caused quite a stir.

But, what would prevent someone from doing that?

That is why I find the whole thing ridiculous. And because there are so many people wanting extravagant funerals, the cost are just skyrocketing.

You could easily spend $20,000 - $50,000 on a basic funeral.

I find that simply amazing.

Cremation used to be a cheaper option.

But those prices are rising too.

The Wizard has spoken.

Why is Blagojevich still in office?

This one seems like it should be a no-brainer.

After what has been revealed this week concerning the reprehensible acts of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, there is no reason why he should be allowed to keep his job.

There should be no need for his peers to have to call for his resignation. The Attorney General shouldn't have to file motions for his removal.

He should lose his job – period.

Then face serious criminal charges.

At the very least, he could resign like, John Harris, his former chief-of-staff.

But, that would take honor.

And, he obviously has none.

I do wonder what the going rate is for a Senate seat.

The Wizard has spoken.

Orgasmic childbirth?

Obviously, I'm not a woman.

Still, from what I have heard this would seem to be an oxymoron.

On January 2, 2009, ABC's 20/20 will air a documentary named "Orgasmic Birth". The movie is by Debra Pascali-Bonaro, a childbirth educator and a doula. Her goal is to ask the question, "What would happen if women were taught to enjoy birth rather than endure it?"

Apparently, in the movie there are women who discuss having orgasms during childbirth.

One couple discusses their experience during the birth of their second child. While in labor, they caressed and kissed resulting in the mother experiencing an orgasm while giving birth.

I haven't heard of many women wanting to caress and kiss their partner during labor, much less see them. Still, it is an interesting concept.

From a male point of view though, how humiliating would it be for a man to find out his wife, or significant other, never had an orgasm while having sex?

But then, all of a sudden, she has one while delivering a baby.

Talk about feeling small.

The Wizard has spoken.

Thursday Night Football
New Orleans at Chicago - Chicago

Sunday Football
Tampa Bay at Atlanta – Atlanta
Washington at Cincinnati - Washington
Detroit at Indianapolis - Indianapolis
San Diego at Kansas City – San Diego
Seattle at St. Louis – St. Louis
San Francisco at Miami - Miami
Buffalo at NY Jets – NY Jets
Tennessee at Houston - Tennessee
Green Bay at Jacksonville – Green Bay
Minnesota at Arizona - Minnesota
Denver at Carolina - Carolina
Pittsburgh at Baltimore – Baltimore
New England at Oakland – New England

Sunday Night Football
NY Giants at Dallas - Dallas

Monday Night Football
Cleveland at Philadelphia - Philadelphia

The Wiz’s 2008 Record: 132-75-1

The Wizard has spoken

The perfect woman

I guess we all find love in different places.

Inventor Le Trung, a scientific genius, who resides in Brampton, Ontario was too busy to find real love. So he created Aiko, a fem-bot, who is supposed to be in her 20's and has a 32, 23, 33 figure.

Aiko has many features.

She remembers his favorite drink and does simple cleaning and household tasks. She can understand and speak 13,000 different sentences in English and Japanese. She does the math for Trung when he is working on his accounts.

She is also very patient and never complains. A trait all men would adore.

Trung also states that Aiko is not his sexual partner. But, her software could be tweaked to do so. He is quoted as saying, "Her software could be redesigned to simulate her having an orgasm and reacting to touch as if she is playing hard to get or being straight to the point."

Can you imagine trying to convince a robot to give you some?

Just how low would you feel if she said no; or, said she had a headache?

He has tried to sell his technology, but so far he hasn't been successful. His cost so far to build Aiko has been a little over $20,000.

You would think for the amount of money he has spent on Aiko, he could have found love for at least a couple of nights. But, obviously, he was looking for something a little more real.

It's almost scary for me to admit that I once lived in Brampton for about a year and a half. When I lived there, there was no shortage of girls and they all seemed rather friendly to say the least.

But, I guess we all have different taste.

I love computers too but…

The Wizard has spoken.

The Matt Jones suspension makes no sense

I’m a little confused here.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver, Matt Jones, was caught with cocaine earlier this summer and received a three game suspension.

Six other players were caught using a diuretic, a couple of weeks ago, and received a four game suspension.

Matt Jones has been able to play the majority of the season because he appealed his suspension but will now miss the last three games. There is no real loss to the Jaguars because they are out of playoff contention.

Most of the other suspended players also appealed their suspension. A decision is expected soon on their cases. Their teams, for the most part, are still vying for the playoffs.

Am I the only one who sees something wrong with this?

NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, has promised to punish players who embarrass themselves, their teams, and the league.

For the most part he has done it.

But, what kind of message is he sending here?

It’s better to get caught with an illegal narcotic than with a dietary aid?

This makes no sense whatsoever.

The Wizard has spoken.

Overcoming odds

Jessica Cox is not a celebrity or household name.

Still, she seems to be a pretty amazing woman.

Born without arms, she has refused to let that hold her back. In fact, she can type, write, drive a car, brush her hair and talk on her phone using only her feet.

At 25, she is also a former dancer and double black belt in Tai Kwon-Do. She has done all these things without the use of artificial arms, which she hasn’t used since she was 13.

But, what might be most amazing is that she can fly a plane.

She said that the only thing she has been afraid of since birth was flying. So, she decided to conquer her fears.

After being asked by a fighter pilot if she wanted to learn how to fly, she decided to give it a try. She learned to fly in rudderless light Ercoupe aircraft, which requires only the use hands to control it rather than both hands and feet.

It took her three years instead of the usual six months to complete her lightweight aircraft license. But, she did it.

Now, she is studying to become an instructor. She wants to teach other people with disabilities to fly.

How amazing is that?

The Wizard has spoken.

Has genetic testing gone too far?

I was reading an article the other day about a genetic test that might be able to determine which sports suit the talents of your child.

A company named Atlas Sports Genetic, located in Boulder, Colorado, offers this test for $149. The process includes swabbing the inside of the child’s cheek and across the gums to collect DNA. Researchers are looking for ACTN3, one gene among more than 20,000 in the human genome. The test's goal is to determine whether a child is better suited for speed and power sports like sprinting or football, or endurance sports like distance running, or a combination of the two.

Now, I’m all for genetic testing when the goal is to find new medical advances and possible cures for diseases.

But, in this case, I’m against it.

My son is two-year’s old right now. And like a lot of parents, I often dream about what sport he may be good at. Of course, I would like to see my son follow in my footsteps and play football and maybe even basketball.

Still, the possibility exists that he may not like those sports. He may like baseball or something else. He may not like sports at all.

I think that is the problem with this kind of test. After doling out their cash, most parents are naturally going to use the results to try and force their child into the recommended sport.

But, what if they don’t like it?

Then what?

The Wizard has spoken

Human rights

I know there are several differing views on human rights.

So, I ask this question.

Should there be a point where a person forfeits their human rights?

I ask this question in all seriousness.

I was reading a story about a man in Minnesota who answered a babysitting advertisement listed on Craigslist. He got the job then proceeded to use the two-year old girl he was supposed to be babysitting in his pornographic movies.

My first thought was who in the hell watches a two-year old in a porn movie?

He obviously was making it for somebody.

He has pleaded guilty to the charges. And now faces a long prison term.

But, is prison really the proper sentence for this man?

While, for most crimes, I don’t believe in the death penalty, in cases like these, I have no problem with it.

In fact, the only problem I do have is the amount of time they take to perform the execution. I see no reason why the criminal should be sitting on death row for several years while taxpayer’s pay for his/her welfare.

I know people who are against the death penalty talk about the preserving the human rights of the criminal. But, in cases like this one, did the criminal have any concern about the rights of their victim?

No.

Just think about this two year old girl. She is permanently scared and most likely has physical damages that she will have to live with for the rest of her life.

Should we be concerned over the welfare of the animal who perpetrated this crime?

I don’t believe so.

I’m sure people will call my thought process barbaric. But, I think he should be made to go through a very painful death.

Maybe, that would send a message.

The Wizard has spoken.

Another question for my Conservative friends

Do you just cringe and shake your head in disgust every time President Bush opens his mouth?

His intelligence, or lack thereof, has been well chronicled. During the past 8 years, he has made more than his share of famous blunders.

Still, his recent remarks in his interview with ABC News' Charlie Gibson have to be the most ignorant statements he has ever uttered.

Listing his regrets, he told Gibson, "Well, I think I was unprepared for war. In other words, I didn't campaign and say, please vote for me, I'll be able to handle an attack. In other words, I didn't anticipate war. Presidents — one of the things about the modern presidency is that the unexpected will happen."

Wasn't his father a President also? Wasn't Desert Storm during his tenure?

Not to mention the fact that the President is the Commander-In-Chief. I wish Gibson had asked him what his definition of that was.

His statements brought flashbacks of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" where the famous catchphrase was, "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"

Unfortunately, the "Flying Circus" was a parody.

Bush, well, he's just a dysfunctional idiot.

The Wizard has spoken.

Just in case you didn't know

Here is some breaking news.

We’re in a recession.

And, have been since December 2007.

The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), charged with officially designating business cycles, made the startling revelation on Monday.

I’m sure glad they cleared that up.

With unemployment rates skyrocketing, the corporate bailouts, major retail stores going bankrupt, and the plethora of foreclosures, I was starting to believe that we were in the midst of a boom – silly me.

In other startling news, I walked outside this morning and realized there is a sky.

That was simply an amazing revelation.

All I have to do now is wait for the official announcement.

The Wizard has spoken.

Watching my little one grow up

One of the greatest satisfactions I have as a father is watching my two year old grow up.

Of course, his vocabulary seems to grow everyday. But, the most amazing thing for me is watching him form his little likes and dislikes – especially concerning music.

Since he was born, my son has always seemed to appreciate music. When he was a baby, he liked to watch music videos when he was swinging in his chair. It often calmed him and put him to sleep.

Now, he bobs his head in the car and asks me to turn up the radio when a song he likes comes on. His favorite artist happens to be Beyoncè or "Oncè" as he pronounces it.

And, this doesn't appear to be any fair-weather thing.

Every day when we come from daycare we must watch "Oncè" on YouTube. It has become somewhat of a ritual. He must see her recent American Music Awards performance where she sang her latest hit "Single Ladies".

Once the video comes on, he sings along and dances. He just has himself a good old time. And when it is done, we must watch it again - four of five times, to be exact. He needs to see it that many times to get his "Oncè" fix for the night.

Good thing, I like her too.

I get to use him as my excuse to watch her. While, I hope we're watching for two different reasons, I'm not entirely sure.

My son definitely likes older girls also.

Something about girls in diapers doesn't work for him.

The Wizard has spoken.

In honor of my son, I am posting his favorite video for your viewing pleasure.