Wake Up and Smell The Coffee!

National School Choice Week and Educational Innovation: "A Move in the Right Direction"

2012-01-26T23:55:00.027-05:00

It's wonderful to live in a time when, if you can't "be there" physically, you can do the next best thing and view an event online. I'm referring to Washington DC's Think Tank Valley, groups of varied political/social persuasions that dot the city landscape. This morning it was The Heritage Foundation (http://www.heritage.org) (of which 'yours truly' is a new member), "Grading the States on School Choice" the topic, part of National School Choice Week (January 21-28). Though Heritage is a conservative policy research institute, the school choice question cuts across party lines -- and for obvious reasons. ALL parents have a stake in this issue: just ask comedian Bill Cosby; Democratic strategist James Carville and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Not to mention British actor Sacha Baron Cohen! (Now how does HE fit into the picture? I thought his home was England but you see, it's an issue that cuts across the pond, too.)

Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) opened the panel and made an excellent case for school choice. Having previously worked in advertising/marketing himself, he clearly understands the importance of consumers making the decision for the best product or service. "The model that made America an exception can work for education if we allow millions of Americans to make their own decisions re. education for their children...We shouldn't assume that public education should be government education!" Using the best practices model in business would also work for education, taking what's best from different sources.

After eight years of tracking (2003-11), it was a "bit disappointing to see how little the bar has moved....there have been no great changes in standardized test grades even with President Bush's 'No Child Left Behind' program, said Dave Myslinski, Education Task Force Director at the American Legislative Exchange Council. One good piece of news: Florida is now the 3rd best state for general education, low-income students. That's 3rd best; from 2003-09, Florida saw great gains.

Dr. Matthew Ladner, Senior Advisor of Policy and Research - Foundation for Excellence in Education, believes that 2011 was a Banner Year for educational reform due to a growing bipartisan consensus for school rehabilitation. But what is the overall problem? Dr. Ladner believes the answer may lie with late economist Milton Friedman, University of Chicago School of Economic Theory. The market drives human and material progress with enormous progress made in most human activities and in the things we buy. With education it's very much the opposite trend! The spending goes up, the results go down. There is no powerful incentive to achieve results with an education monopoly. NEEDED: Incentives for Innovation in School Choice. "Education is too important to be divorced from the market," Dr. Ladner emphatically stated.

The USA is generally behind the curve in matters of school choice (compared to Europe) and we need to catch up. Opening schools to the free market is critical; the "Flip Classroom Concept" of schooling is one path to pursue. "Flipping" is using the internet to provide pre-classroom lectures, with the classroom then used as a place to interpolate that knowledge through teacher guidance, discussion and group projects. It's an idea much in vogue at the moment, some examples being:
[1] Salman Khan Academy: "With just a computer and a pen-tablet-mouse, one can educate the world!" - http://www.khanacademy.org/
[2] Florida Virtual School: an online school for grades K-12 - http://www.flvs.net/
[3] Carpe Diem Schools: a tuition-free, Arizona public school system - http://www.carpediemschools.com/

From 1994 through 2009, my husband and I managed to put our three daughters through parochial schools. We received tuition assistance from the school committees, largely due to our income and my own ongoing health issues. As generous as the assistance was - and it REALLY was, or else it never would have been possible - it nevertheless was a15-year financial challenge. We don't regret it, we'd definitely do it again! But I agree that it's high time we open our schools to market forces and examine options as carefully as we examine our car purchases. And aren't we fortunate to be living in a day and age when -- finally -- we can do it without (as in the recent past) breaking our bank account?

***********************************************************************************

www.heritage.org/events/2012/
www.khanacademy.org/
www.flvs.net/
www.carpediemschools.com/

Mark Steyn Archive - National Review Online

2011-12-07T05:21:00.000-05:00

Mark Steyn Archive - National Review Online

The Problem with China Envy - Jonah Goldberg - National Review Online

2011-12-07T04:27:00.000-05:00

The Problem with China Envy - Jonah Goldberg - National Review Online

The Cycle Continues in California - By Victor Davis Hanson - The Corner - National Review Online

2011-12-07T04:09:00.000-05:00

The Cycle Continues in California - By Victor Davis Hanson - The Corner - National Review Online

The Cottage Economy/A Christmas Made in China

2011-11-18T03:44:00.004-05:00

http://www.zazzle.com/a_christmas_made_in_china:

Yes, I'm tooting my horn here! The above is my OWN design -
how 'bout that? But Zazzle has loads of other amazing items
for EVERY occasion! At last count, 17,000,000+ people were
selling their creations on the site! Perhaps (a sign of the
economic times) many are returning to the cottage industry?
Much of the merchandise might be considered "extraneous"
stuff - BUT - it's a start in, perhaps, a better direction. Isn't it
time we re-thought our place in the market economy - i.e.
the world of work? If Steve Jobs*, Bill Gates*, Rush Limbaugh*,
and Woody Allen* could chase their dreams, why can't we?

*The above gentlemen did not complete, or did not participate,
in the standard 4-year college career.

So let's go! Let's see if more of us can carve out a niche outside
of the traditional workplace, no matter what career/profession
we're in. And Good Luck to all!

Time for a WORTHY KRISPY KREME Break!

2011-09-16T13:20:00.008-04:00

http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/wake-and-smell-coffee-krispy-kreme

Living in the G0-Go Silicon (Santa Clara) Valley, California, in the '90's and 2000's was an experience. Lots of everything there, except there was a dearth of doughnut shops, the kind I grew up loving in the east. One of the more memorable moments was when Krispy Kreme finally opened their store on Leghorn Street just off the Central Expressway in Mountain View, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Forget Google! Forget eBay! Forget Intel! Krispy Kreme made Silicon Valley a more humane place. It was fun doing car pools, collecting the kids from school and dropping by Krispy Kreme for wonderful coffee and doughnuts! I'll always have fond memories of those days. Thank you, Krispy Kreme. And may you go from strength to strength!

A Too-Long, Too-Hot Summer of Our Discontents

2011-09-14T20:28:00.016-04:00

JUNE 2011
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://media.oregonlive.com/portland_impact/photo/kyron3jpg-42b82154c5c24430.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.oregonlive.com/portlan
The 10th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 Terror Attacks (forever to be known as 9/11) fell on Sunday this year. Somehow, it seemed an appropriate end to a volatile summer of nonstop and unwelcome surprises. June opened with the still-unsolved disappearance of 2nd-grader Kyron Horman of Portland, Oregon. The sweet-faced boy, who disappeared from his suburban elementary school on June 4, 2010, remains the victim of an uncomprehending biological father; a wayward stepmother; and dithering police investigators. Kyron's 9th birthday would have been this past September 9th. One can only call this a travesty and a slaughter of an innocent!

http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Kyron-Horman-remembered-on-birthday-129566393.html
_____________________________________________________________
JULY 2011 - #1
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/15/us-caseyanthony-idUSTRE78E02G20110915
Two-and-a-half year old Caylee Marie Anthony was reported missing in July 2008. In December of that year, in a woods near her home in Orlando, Florida, her remains were found with a blanket inside a trash bag. In a 6-week televised trial, a media circus that ran from May through July, Caylee's mother -- 25-year-old Casey Anthony -- stood trial for first degree murder. Though acquitted on July 5th, she was found guilty on four misdemeanor counts of lying to police officers. On July 17th, with credit for time already served, Casey was released.

When Caylee's remains were found, her death was initially ruled a homicide due to duct tape plastered on her skull and mouth. Eventually the official listing was changed to "undetermined means". Who did it? Much evidence cast suspicion on good times lovin', party girl/Mother, Casey. Dried blood was found in Casey's car; Cindy Anthony, Casey's mother, claimed that her daughter's car smelled as if a dead body had been inside it. These were merely two bits of compelling evidence that Casey may have played a major part in her toddler's untimely death, though the jury didn't reckon it to be direct evidence enough. Will we ever know? Not anytime soon. As far as Casey's whereabouts, rumour had it that she was heading for Hollywood. I can only pray that she won't receive a reality show as a reward.
_______________________________________________________________
JULY 2011 - #2
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/09/leiby-kletzky-murder-spur_n_922830.html
Monday, July 11th. Another child murder that unequivocally defines barbarity. (Soon to be) nine-year-old Yehudah (Leiby) Kletzky was walking home, alone, from his Brooklyn day camp for the very first time. The camp wasn't too far away from his home in the Hasidic Jewish Borough Park neighborhood. Only a few blocks away his parents waited anxiously for him. Leiby somehow lost his way and asked for help -- from one Levi Aron, a 35-year-old hardware supply store employee. Many of the accounts then varied as to what actually occurred, among them what the relationship of the boy was to the man (according to some accounts, they knew each other).

Suffice to say that this boy, so trusting of the adults in his Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, met an undeserved fate. Aron abducted the child, then took him to his attic apartment where he proceeded to drug, smother, torture, and then butcher little Leib with brutality that would have made a Nazi blush. The boy's body was found in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 13th after a frantic search, first by the local volunteer civilian patrol, then by the Brooklyn police. A community was left in disbelieving shock and grief. Being Jewish myself, I've many thoughts about this latest horror in the Satanic Slaughter of Innocents, especially one in the heart of one of the world's most religious Jewish communities. I'll save that for another time perhaps. Because
all I can muster are unanswerable questions. And wonder, with great sadness: Is it G-d's Truth? Baruch Dayan Emet (Blessed is G-d's Truth): For Kyron. For Caylee. For Leiby.
_______________________________________________________________
JULY 22, 2011 - Norway's Twin Terror Massacres
July continued, a summer of pleasant times for me personally but I was one of the lucky ones. New abominations were waiting in the wings. This time, of all places, two serial terrorist attacks occurring in the usually peaceful Scandinavia. In Norway! Norway??
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43923198/ns/world_news-europe/t/poff-one-other-swimmers-was-shot-i-saw-blood-stream-out/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/norway/8672801/Norway-massacre-the-real-Anders-Behring-Breivik.html
On July 22nd in downtown Oslo, a car bomb exploded outside government buildings, one of which held the office of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. It killed 8 people, and wounded or critically injured more than 150. Approximately 2 hours later, a shooting attack on an island summer camp had the Internet all abuzz. A lone gunman in policeman's uniform had opened fire on the participants; he killed 86 campers and others. The stepbrother of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit was one victim amongst them. Teenagers were the main targets due to their political affiliation: they were members of the youth division of Norway's ruling Labour Party. Little could they know that so many would end up in the crosshairs of the 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik, who to all appearances acted alone. A brutal ending for these (mainly young) adults, undeserving victims of Norway's Twin Terror Attacks. R.I.P. to all who perished on Norway's Day of Horror.
_________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 5, 2011
Summer lumbered on, the dog days ushered in on August 4th. This red-letter day will surely go down in American financial history: it saw the Standard & Poor downgrade of America's AAA long-term credit rating, the FIRST time in our history since monitoring was established in 1917.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/08/06/139038762/s-p-lowers-united-states-long-term-rating
And why the unprecedented decision to lower our rating? Politics and Debt: weakened public institutions, weak economy. Is this another move down our slippery slope? Only time will tell.
___________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 6-10, 2011
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/sep/06/england-riots-cost-taxpayers-compensation
About a fortnight after Norway's Twin Terror Attacks, the 2011 English Follies began. Not with singing and dancing, though the misguided among us might deem it a new form of street art. The week of August 6th brought an explosion of rioting, arson and looting, first in London and its poorer neighborhoods (Brixton, Camden, Ealing, Peckham), then fanning out to cities such as Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester. Many smaller towns and cities also suffered from related outbreaks.

The fuse that lit the tinder box was the fatal shooting of one Mark Duggan by police officers on August 4th. There had actually been a peaceful march on August 6th in response; but shortly thereafter rioting started in North London, near the Tottenham police station where the arrest and shooting of Duggan occurred. A younger group of people arrived at the scene, more aggressive than the peace marchers, some armed with weapons.

In 1981 and 1995, riots also swept through England. But these were more barbarian and vicious, with unparalleled levels of rampant looting, arson attacks, and violent assaults directed toward innocent bystanders. When I last checked, London suffered 3,443 crimes total. The violence resulted in the deaths of five people with sixteen others injured. Property damage was estimated at 200 million pounds with local businesses stymied for days. Police action was blamed for the initial riot and their consequent dithering was far from effective as well. The inept Portland police can't hold a candle to the lack of fortitude of the London officers. But the fault isn't entirely theirs: they were obeying orders from the "higher-ups" (government leaders), many of whom were away on their August holidays including Prime Minister David Cameron. The Brits can thank them for Keystone Kops-like "protection".

I will be an Anglophile until the day I pass on. But I'll think twice if I have the chance to travel there again (no danger of that anytime soon!).
______________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 23, 2011 - THE VIRGINIA EARTHQUAKE
As the summer of Malcontents wore on, Mother Nature kicked up her heels and reared her head. An estimated 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the U.S. east coast on August 23rd at 1:50pm. It jolted many, being felt across more than a dozen states and in several Canadian provinces. We were fortunate this time - minor injuries and no deaths, though widespread (minor) damage to buildings occurred with an estimated $200-$300 million in damage, certainly not small potatoes. Though earthquakes occur less often in the central and eastern U.S. than in the western states, they're typically felt across a much broader region.
______________________________________________________________________
AUGUST 20-29, 2011 - HURRICANE IRENE/TEXAS FIRES
In the 1970s there was a popular, Debbie Reynolds-starring revival of a 1919 musical, "Irene". Don't ask me why but, when the advisories started, I just couldn't get thoughts of this show out of my head! On the heels of the Virginia Earthquake, Irene made her first U.S. (east coast again) landfall over North Carolina's east coast on August 27th, moved along southeastern Virginia, and made a second appearance in New Jersey on the morning of August 28th. A third landfall occurred that same morning in Brooklyn, New York. Upstate New York and Vermont sustained much damage, with the latter suffering its worst floods in centuries!

Unlike the delightful musical comedy, this Irene caused significant and extensive destruction with at least 55 deaths. The U.S. estimated its damage to be as high as $10-$15 billion; the Caribbean's damage at $3 billion. At about this time, Texas fires started raging with about 1,500 families displaced from their homes. When I last checked, the September 12th update stated that 3,694,985 acres and 2,630 homes have burned with 17 people missing since the fire season began in April.
_______________________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER 11, 2011
This past weekend marked ten years since our generation's Day of Infamy: September 11, 2001. It was especially fitting that this year, September 11 fell on Sunday, the weekend day making serious reflection a bit easier, with prayers that we - and our future generations - will never experience the likes of it again.

So ends our too-long, hot, brutal summer. Violence, and natural disasters will continue. Stay tuned, there's plenty more to come, I fear.
________________________________________________________________________

Non-Hazardous Waste [or: Wake Up and Smell Snowflake's Patriotic P__p?!]

2011-07-07T15:21:00.021-04:00

Our white, furry kitty cat "Snowflake" enjoys chewing on the blue n' red ribbons of our daughter's balloon bouquet, still afloat after her June high school graduation. Snowy left a litter box surprise this past 4th of July --- a "#2", colored red and blue. Nice going, Snowflake!

CAPTAIN SPAULDING: "INSANITY IS NOT INHERITED!"

2011-07-03T21:57:00.019-04:00


"Insanity is NOT inherited. You get it from		your Congressmen!"

The Marx Brothers in "Animal Crackers" - 1930

IDENTITY CRISIS or THE EGG AND I

2011-05-13T16:17:00.011-04:00

A Good Book is Not Hard to Find: Daniel Half Human, by David Chotjewitz

2011-04-11T22:07:00.000-04:00

A Good Book is Not Hard to Find: Daniel Half Human, by David Chotjewitz: "It is getting close to Passover, and Holocaust Remembrance Day is May 1 this year. I read Daniel Half Human this past week; it takes p..."

A Real ADULT Film: Simone Signoret & Laurence Harvey in (Great Britain-1959) Classic Movie, "Room at the Top"

2011-03-24T17:07:00.026-04:00

When I uploaded this film clip a few months back, I meant to chastise the film set (mainly the
Hollywood bunch, but not exclusive to that group). My gripe: so few films made with a
genuinely ADULT sensibility. Granted, these days there may well be fewer genuine
adults! Perhaps this accounts for the dearth of real ADULT movies, television shows,
plays, books, etc. And perhaps genuine adulthood has been declining for the past
several generations, devolving into the "childlike adult" syndrome (most pronounced
in the Baby Boomer generation, those of us born between 1946-64).

Whatever! Though femme fatale Simone Signoret or ruthlessly ambitious Laurence Harvey
may not be everyone's cup of tea, this is a story made for MATURE ADULTS!
Something not too much in evidence these days, be it Euro- or Tinseltown- made.

Hollywood's Rite of Spring - The "Oscars"

2011-02-27T01:19:00.002-05:00

A Christmas "Made in China"

2010-12-23T23:41:00.001-05:00

It's that mercantile time of the year again, though Christmas is more than merely mercantile. Hot Java postings have been scarce, I know! But trust me when I say I've my hands full and it's not due to shopping, either! I mean, whatever happened to clothing and electronics and furniture made in the good old USA? Seems to be a rarity anymore! I'm not sure how my cartoon ghosties really feel about this - stay tuned for further adventures of "Whimsy's World". And have yourselves a jolly, holly - and HOLY - holiday season! Merry Christmas!

By George, He Got It! or: George Orwell Explains It for Us.

2010-08-17T15:44:00.003-04:00

"How did we ever grasp the true nature of the politics of uplift before Orwell explained it so precisely?" writes author Russell Baker in his 1996 preface to the Signet edition of Animal Farm.

Sixty years after his death, George Orwell, the pen name for Eric Arthur Blair (1903-50), still exerts a powerful influence on popular culture. The term "Orwellian," along with many of his word plays, have become part of our idiom. "Orwellian" itself is a catchphrase for any sort of brutal social circumstances or events antithetical to a free society.

When he travelled to Spain in 1937 to fight on the side of the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War, he became part of a Trotskyist contingent. This was at a time when Leon Trotsky's association with the Russian Revolution was being wiped out by the Stalinists. (Stalin was supposedly supporting a democratic Spanish government.)

Many of Orwell's cohorts were shot and killed; others were imprisoned for lengthy amounts of time or quietly disappeared.   "This narrow escape from the long reach of Moscow-style politics left him alarmed about the gullibility of other well-meaning, decent people in Western Europe. He thought too many decent people in the Western democracies had succumbed to a dangerously romantic view of the Russian Revolution that blinded them to Soviet reality," Baker writes.

August of 1941 found Orwell doing his part toward the war effort by taking on a full-time position with the BBC's Eastern Service, supervising cultural broadcasts to India to counter Nazi propaganda. He did this until resigning in September 1943 in order to focus writing on Animal Farm.  At this time,  the USA and Britain were under the spell of Stalin's Soviett Union. Any form of criticism was largely unheard and unheeded, as he found when, with great difficulty, he sought out a publisher for the book.

In 1943 at the height of World War II, both British and American socialists (idealizers of the 1917 Russian Revolution) lauded the bravery of the Red army as well as the Soviet rank-and-file. Even the British conservatives were themselves pro-Soviet! Thus, in those days of fighting the Nazi menace, any sort of anti-Soviet criticism was verboten. Several publishers thought Animal Farm to be an attack on the Soviet regime, then a critical ally of the USA and Britain. "It was as though the West had willingly put on blinder," writes Baker.

Animal Farm finally found its publishers, Secker and Warburg, and made its appearance, first in Britain on August 17, 1945, followed by its publication in the US, one year later on August 26, 1946. It was George Orwell's first popular success, making him known worldwide and hitting a distinct chord in the post-war world.

Orwell retained a lifelong belief in British or democratic socialism. Animal Farm, he insisted, was written for the democratic West as a cautionary tale. Russell Baker concludes that Orwell helps us comprehend why a previous generation was willing to expend so much of their own comfort and wellbeing, and take enormous chances - at their own peril - to hold back the oppressive forces of totalitarianism.

"In Animal Farm Orwell left us a lesson about the human contribution to political terror that will always be as up-to-date as next year's election."

~~ Allegory?
~~~~ Fable?
or
~~~~~ "Fairy Story," as Orwell himself called it. And will our generation take those risks to fend off the threats to our freedoms?

"What's Old is New Again"

2010-08-04T12:37:00.004-04:00

http://www.twitpic.com/12vvmt

Zappos Biz Icon's New Book Delivers!

2010-06-07T05:17:00.010-04:00

Dear Tony,

Happy Book Launching Day to you and the Zappos crew! Thank you for "Delivering Happiness" to me. I'm discovering quite a bit about your astonishing success and what makes you "tick", and I'm enjoying it greatly! You were wise enough to know, at a tender young age, that you could always learn something from just about every experience, good and not-so-good. Kudos to you for that!

It took ambition and drive and smarts for you and your friend, Sanjay, to leave lucrative positions at Oracle so both of you could pursue start-up dreams of building your own company. I think it took a lot of guts, too! Conventional thinking dictates that two kids out of college should put in the time, focus on their careers, and make good money. And then, of course, move on to another company in order to bolster your resumes. Of course, in the Silicon Valley world of the '90's, this might very well have meant making a fortune and retiring early.

Tony, you had a vision of something more, something better, and that was to build and grow a business, or businesses, of your own. Your first company, LinkExchange, was started in 1995. The idea was that Web publishers would insert a special code into the Web pages with banner ads automatically appearing on their sites as a result. Eventually, Sanjay and you realized that LinkExchange could make money if ads were sold as well.

With an infusion of $3 million from venture-capital firm Sequoia Capital (also a funder of Yahoo!), more Web sites started to sign on. Large advertisers signed and brought in revenue. And many motivated and smart employees were hired; together, they created an exciting synthesis - a happy company culture, one of genuine camaraderie.

But that changed. In 1998, LinkExchange was sold to Microsoft for an amazing $265 million. And you were (amazingly) only 24 years old! And yet, as incredible as this was, changes in the company culture (building up over the years) left you feeling dejected and dissatisfied. LinkExchange had long ceased to be fun for you. Too many employees were more concerned with their careers and not committed to the company's long-term growth. You had observed some rather ugly stuff at the time of the Microsoft acquisition; you witnessed the greed of various people jockeying for contracts for themselves, only caring about their own financial outcomes. No matter that it was a risk to every other company employee. "Large amounts of money have a strange way of getting people's true colors to come out....There was a lot of drama as people started fighting...." you wrote.

You yourself certainly didn't need any more money! After some consideration, you realized that the happiest times in your life did not involve money but in building things, in making things, in being creative and inventive. I definitely agree with you that our culture and society brainwashes us to stop thinking seriously about the "more money = more success + more happiness" equation.

So, in the lingo of the late American mythologist and Professor Joseph Campbell, you wholeheartedly "followed your bliss". And it worked! For you, and for thousands upon thousands of us. And for this, we thank you. And we appreciate you telling your story in "Delivering Happiness", a story about the evolution and implementation of your ideas and values: lessons learned in childhood and as a young adult about running a successful company; marketing innovations; customer service; and corporate culture. You're one of the most inventive people in the Internet business world today as well as one of the most admired.

I salute you and wish you and the Zappos team much continued success. And I know you'll have it! And a special "thank you" for sending the two (2) free advance copies of the "Delivering Happiness" book, without which this post would not have been possible!

Cheers to You, Tony!
"HotJava"
(Lisa Hawkins)

For more information, please link to:
http://deliveringhappinessbook.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7469caef6122a4c94f2c5e38e&id=ace950be67&e=274c932411
and
http://deliveringhappinessbook.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7469caef6122a4c94f2c5e38e&id=beee7b4397&e=274c932411

Tony Hsieh - CEO, Zappos.com & "Delivering Happiness": A Wake-Up Call for Many of Us

2010-06-01T15:03:00.008-04:00

To online retailer Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, running his own company meant living life on his own terms. As a California-raised child of Taiwanese immigrants, he dreamed of making lots of money by breeding and selling mass quantities of earthworms. When that didn't work, he moved on to staging garage sales with a friend. This effort succeeded a bit better, though the profits came more from a lemonade stand and less from the sale items.

As a middle school student, he graduated to having a newspaper route but shortly discovered that it was much work for little pay. Writing and producing his own newsletter was far more challenging but unfortunately had to be discontinued - again, much labor for too little return. A summer stint selling Christmas cards door-to-door was brief, not yielding what he'd hoped.

Disappointed but ever-optimistic, an ad in "Boys' Life" magazine (a favorite of Tony and his brother, Andy) for a button-making kit whet his entrepreneurial appetite yet again.  Forging a mail order business of converting photos onto wearable pin-on buttons, Tony had his first success.  It not only gave the intrepid middle schooler a steady income of $200/month but he also learned many business lessons.  His button company also became a family enterprise, although he didn't realize it then.

I'm currently reading Tony Hsieh's good-natured new book: "Delivering Happiness - A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose," due to be officially published next Monday, June 7th. It's not so much an autobio as an exploration of the question: "Can a Company Really Deliver Happiness?" This is the map of Tony's journey, from enterprising child to Zappos investor/advisor, in the business world.

It's a personal wake-up call for me.  The enterprising side of my nature (mine and countless others) was steadily eroded over the years by the dysfunctional Philadelphia public school system of the 1960s-70s. There's not much reason to believe the situation is any better now. Suffice to say, whether you agree or disagree with Tony's premise - that the traditional corporate approach is obsolete and a new culture of passion and purpose leads to greater success for all - this is definitely well worth a read. If nothing else, it might make you tap into that long-dormant, creative and intuitive part of you that was snuffed out by school and society over the years.

HotJava will read and post about "Delivering Happiness" in the next few weeks. And more power to you, Tony Hsieh!  Thank goodness your initiative and powers weren't dampened by anyone or anything!

Interested in blogging about DH? Link to:
http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com/contact/apply-for-an-advance-copy/

2010-05-30T13:32:00.000-04:00

Bloggers: "Delivering Happiness" - Advance Copy Giveaway Program!

2010-05-28T19:56:00.001-04:00

Anyone interested in going directly to Zappos for a copy of "Delivering Happiness" book? Link to:
http://www.deliveringhappinessbook.com/contact/apply-for-an-advance-copy/

Read and Blog Away!

Win Advance Copy of CEO Tony Hsieh's "Delivering Happiness" Book! Dip n' Sip Giveaway! - Deadline: June 5th! Drawing: June 6th!

2010-05-28T19:43:00.004-04:00

Back in Business!! With a giveaway read for one Lucky Person!

Please check out my Twitter account:
http://www.twitter.com/globaltwitizen/

Quick update:
HotJava is on the path of American Enterprise. It's part of a personal Wake-Up Call. Those of us who suffered through countless economic downturns realize that we need to strike out on a more enterprising path. $$$ need is very real to many of us - and what better wake-up call could there be? Tapping into one's creativity and vision - now there's a wake-up call that many more of us are hearing. And Tony Hsieh's book is inspiring -and funny! - reading.

To that end, HotJava gained hold of an advance reading copy of ZAPPOS CEO Tony Hsieh's new book: "Delivering Happiness." (courtesy of ZAPPOS) I've been "twittering" about it; next week will start telling ya more about it here on HotJava. In the meantime, I'm giving away ONE FREE COPY of "Delivering Happiness" along with a $10.00 Starbucks card (my personal gift). "DIP n' SIP" - DIP into an enjoyable, informative, "can do" read and sip a cuppa java!

"DIP n' SIP" Rules are as follows:**
(1) Check into my twitter account: @GlobalTwitizen.
(2) DM (Direct Message) to me. I'll write your name on paper -
(3) On Sunday, June 6th, I'll pick ONE NAME out of my hat or basket or bowl (or whatever suits the purpose). [June 7th starts the official launch week for "Delivering Happiness".]
(4) I will then DM (direct message) the winner for your mailing information! And will send book and giftcard directly to YOU - the lucky winner!

**Disclaimer: "DIP n' SIP" contest is solely the invention of HotJava. HotJava wishes to thank Zappos for sending the advance copy of "Delivering Happiness."

So - DM me at:
http://www.twitter.com/globaltwitizen

And let's see who wins!

Perking Up with Cuppa Jane Investments.

2009-08-03T11:39:00.000-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

From time to time HotJava will recommend, not only coffee as beverage, but coffee as investment! Of course we all love to sip a great cup, but how 'bout going beyond that? Coffee also makes a portfolio - as well as an energy - booster. Check this out: http://www.investorplace.com/.../articles/gallery/top-stocks-coffee-stocks.html*** of July 30th, dip into "Five of My Favorite Coffee Stocks" by editor Louis Navellier and savor Caribou Coffee Company, Peet's and Starbucks among others. The stocks as well as the repast!

***Once you click in, it may appear as "no longer on this page." Search under "coffee stocks" or similar - it should turn up.

Happy Moon-day! - 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11, First Men on the Moon

2009-07-20T15:56:00.000-04:00

July 1969: Planet Earth as seen from the Moon.
July 1969: The Moon as seen from Earth.

July 1969 (above & below): Moonwalker Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin.

It's Monday, 20th July, 2009. And it's also Moon-day - the 40th Anniversary of the first

manned moon landing. Many of us remember this so well.

Two generations later, it's time for those who weren't there to learn

of this great achievement (if they haven't already).

The three Apollo 11 astronauts - Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, and

Michael Collins - are true heroes. And they believe it

should be onward to Mars.

Is the will, ingenuity, and dedication required for such a venture

still part of the United States, and NASA's, landscape?

Only time will tell.......

Memories of You

2009-07-03T22:14:00.000-04:00

Another day, another dollar. Another politico,

another dalliance.

We've heard quite enough of the details in this

latest escapade of an elected official, thank you.

This time around, it's Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina. Maybe we should say "enough already". Fireworks are exciting but let's keep them for special occasions, like the 4th of July. Hey, that's tomorrow!

HotJava wishes everyone an enjoyable celebration,

before Independence Day turns into Dependence Day. Seems like that's the direction this nation is

heading in. Rise and shine, folks, before the government takes total control of every aspect

of our lives! Read what our Founding Fathers wrote and

why they believed a less intrusive government is better.

ILLEGALLY BLONDE AND BLUE EYED?

2009-06-24T21:08:00.000-04:00

On June 2nd I posted a piece - using this illustration - about Americans of Euro extraction taking hits for everything going wrong in the world today. I definitely believe that American civilization has been on the decline for the past three or four generations (along with Anglo-Euro nations everywhere) - of that I've little doubt. But the real impetus for the original piece was an article from London's Financial Times (03/27/09) - http://www.ft.com/cms/s/O/ae4957e8-1a5f-11de-9f91-OOOO779fd2ac.html - titled "Brazil's leader blames white people for crisis".

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, declared that 'white people with blue eyes' were to blame for the economic global crisis, saying that black and indigenous people shouldn't pay for white people's mistakes. 'This crisis was caused by the irrational behaviour of white people with blue eyes, who before the crisis appeared to know everything and now demonstrate that they know nothing.'

Talk about playing the race card! Smells like more of the "anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism, anti-western' brew that's been in vogue since -- World War I? World War II? The rise and respectability of Marxist thinking and values - late 19th/early 20th centuries? Whenever this mantra materialized, it's been on the increase, especially manifesting in an insidious way in many universities. And stealthily on into the mainstream of American culture - our schools; entertainments; the business world.

I don't have a problem with all societies being more inclusive of ethnic groups as long as these groups integrate into the mainstream. This is best done by adapting the language and laws of the land. The United States has made a tremendous effort to correct past wrongs of discrimination and injustice, be it toward Black, Hispanic, and Amer-Indian Americans. The results may be imperfect but this is an imperfect world, after all. But the landscape is dramatically different circa 2009 compared to 40-50 years ago. Whether you're in agreement or not with President Obama's policies and politics, who would have thought - as little as a few years ago - that the Unites States would vote in a black president? (OK - half-black/half-white President) Who would imagine that the current governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, was born into a family of (India) Indian immigrants?

It seems the United States is more than willing to forge ahead. Can the same be said of President Lula da Silva when he says: 'I do not know any black or indigenous bankers so I can only say [it is wrong] that this part of mankind which is victimised more than any other should pay for the crisis.' Sigh! In 2009, I think there are more than a few black and indigenous bankers both here and abroad! And that's not to lay blame at anyone's door. President Lula da Silva's own nation is a mix of many races - black, native Indian, Spanish, and - ohmigosh! - blue-eyed ones of Euro (German, Portuguese, Italian) extraction. I sure hope those blue-eyed, troublemaking Brazilians aren't being blamed for the crisis!

Memories of Anne Frank on her 80th Birthday.

2009-06-12T10:18:00.000-04:00

Anne Frank (June 12, 1929 - ? March 1945)

There's not much I can add to the story of Anne Frank. Suffice to say, the old saw applies: one picture is worth a thousand words. To Anne, Margot (her sister), Mr. & Mrs. Otto* Frank, Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan, Peter Van Daan, and Dr. Dussel - all who were in hiding together - RIP.

To Mr. Koophius, Mr. Kraler, Ellie - RIP. To Miep Gies (now age 100) - all of you are true heroes! It's amazing what the "average" person can do under the most horrendous circumstances. A good lesson for all of us.

*Otto Frank was the only survivor of the group hiding in the "Secret Annex". He died in 1980 at the age of 91.

Three Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

2009-06-11T14:32:00.000-04:00

Now don't get me wrong, I love birds - real birds! (Except when they insist on using my car windows as a water closet - British-ese for "toilet".) Perhaps I'm misguided in comparing the above examples of sweet birdhood to a fortnight's worth of cuckoos of the human variety. But somehow, this riff on the title (of the well-known book and movie) shot through my mind, the word "shot" being most apt as three men's deeds qualify them as kooks, in two cases with sad, unjustified consequences. In the the third case, the jury hasn't returned -- yet. But in future, the results may prove as dire as in the first two cases. I hope I'm wrong about that.

Case #1:

Monday, 1st June 2009. Little Rock, Arkansas. Private William Long, 23 years old, is gunned down at an army recruiting center by Muslim convert Abdul Muhammad. Another army recruiter takes a hit but, fortunately, survives. It's reported that Muhammad has a strong anti-American streak. Indeed!

Case #2:

Wednesday, 10th June 2009. Washington, D.C. Security guard Stephen Tyrone Johns, 39, is fatally shot by a gun-wielding James von Brunn, 88, at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. White supremacist Von Brunn, critically wounded, is an equal opportunity destroyer, hating blacks and Jews equally.

Case #3:

Wednesday, 10th June 2009. Hampton, Virginia - Hampton University Ministers' Conference. This is considered to be the largest annual gathering of interdenominational black clergy in the world. And the Reverend Jeremiah Wright was there - and, in this case, his mouth was doing the shooting. Who did he fire on? Them ol' devils, the Jews! "Ethnic cleansing is going on in Gaza...by the Zionists."

So here we have three cuckoos - one in jail; one hospitalized; the other flying freely. It'd be an ideal world if such kooks would stay in their nests and not zap their s__t on us. With a real bird it's bloody annoying, but at least it's not deliberate. But don't get me wrong, I still love birds.

Some Invasions Are For the Better: D-Day, 6th June 1944 - 65th Anniversary

2009-06-05T23:19:00.000-04:00

As I write this, it's past dawn in northern France. I'm imagining

the large group of war veterans; townspeople; and French, British, Canadian

and American officials gathered on Normandy Beach to

commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Allies' invasion

of Nazi-occupied France. This will always be remembered, I pray.

Woe to us if we fail!

It's also critical to remember, in these post-9/11 years,

that - sometimes - invasions are necessary.

Might is not always Right, but World War II and

the War on Terror are Right wars that we must Fight!

Whatever their fears, more than 65 years ago

the Greatest Generation lived up to the

enormous challenge they faced.

G-d willing, we will follow their example and do the same.

NO WE WON'T!

2009-06-02T16:54:00.001-04:00

In these times of American multi-culti, the above may be considered seditious.

This planet is made up of all kinds, we agree! But, for the past 40-45 years,

it seems that Americans of European extraction have become

the Bogeymen of the world - wantonly bringing death and destruction

to Planet Earth, not to mention Global Warming. Well, no cultural, ethnic, or religious

group anywhere today is exactly pure as the driven snow -

none of us! And in spite of past injustices, bloodshed, and viciousness -

yes, badness of all kinds - the Europeans, on whole, have given the world

some mighty good things, too! Take a class in Western Civ 101 today and

find out for yourself! Yes - much evil done over the centuries - agreed.

But it ain't all one monstrous horror!

The Mouse That ROARED?? or "By George, He Did It!"

2009-05-26T07:35:00.001-04:00

Well - it looks like North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Il (a most appropo name -this excuse for a human being makes many of us ill) is at it --- again! "We don't care about America and what they say," he declared as North Korea tested a nuclear weapon purported to be as powerful as the Hiroshima bomb (exploded August 6, 1945). The underground explosion was said to have triggered a 4.5-magnitude earthquake. OK - Nations of the World - it's time to rouse yourself from slumber and take a good, hard look at the New Axis being formed: Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, for starters. The threats have ceased being threats - n'est pas?

MEMORIAL DAY - MAY 25, 2009

2009-05-22T01:30:00.000-04:00

These monuments, located in Washington DC,

are tributes to veterans of World War II and the Korean War, among others.

Sometimes the less said, the better.

Please take some time this weekend to pay tribute to these

worthy men - and women - who defended this nation.

Thank you - fallen heroes - for your sacrifice!

THE MARRYING KIND

2009-05-17T18:37:00.000-04:00

The Miss California story made headlines these past two weeks.

HotJava fears the question of "what marriage is"

won't be laid to rest anytime soon.

Suffice to say, though HJ is no big fan of

beauty pageants, they can be useful.

In these insane times of same-sex"marriage",

a public declaration that marriage

is between a man and a woman is something that

should be shouted from the rooftops!

Will the REAL insane ones please stand up??

Coffee Bar Celebration!

2009-05-05T12:37:00.000-04:00

Well everyone has to have some fun time! And what better way than a delicious capuccino and a good book. (Well, HJ forgot to include the book - so stay tuned.) This cafe could be deemed "Everycafe" - a HotJava generic brand. What a shame it ain't the real thing! So let's go out and find that perfect cafe somewhere - and enjoy!

Mother's Day

2009-05-03T04:26:00.000-04:00

This picture was used last year and I decided to use it again. Mother's Day is one week away but why not have an early celebration? To all mothers everywhere - thank you for everything you do!

Good Morning, Comrades!

2009-03-30T09:31:00.001-04:00

Well, HotJava told you so! In the words of an old song: "They Didn't Believe Me"**
Are we sliding toward tyranny? What country is this - the U.S. of A. or the

U.S.S. of R.? Have we put a Czar
in the White House?
We've had "czars" for many years here in the States,
most notably "drug czars" over several administrations.
And wasn't William Bennett the "education czar" under President Reagan?

(And why are we using the word "czar"? Who coined that term, anyway?!)

But today, this feels like a real one - and in the White House, no less!

Our freedoms may be in danger of erosion "inch by inch, row by row".

(Remember that sweet children's tune, 'The Garden Song'?)

Well, folks, it may apply to Americans - and sooner than we think!

**Jerome Kern, composer (1914?)

Apologies to Al Franken!

2009-03-26T16:56:00.000-04:00

Oops! HotJava apologizes to Al Franken, subject of yesterday's post. Seems like some research was needed and HJ goofed! Al Franken was born in New York City but his family moved to Minnesota, where he was raised. He and his family are current residents there; they live in St. Louis Park, a suburb of Minneapolis. Sorry about that - indeed, he may know a thing or two about Minnesota. Whether you agree with his position on the issues - well, that's another story!

Long-Running Show: The Coleman-Franken Follies

2009-03-25T13:56:00.001-04:00

Well, another day - another dollar?? Not for HotJava - not yet!!

But another day has gone by in the continuing (and unexpected) long

run of the Coleman-Franken Follies of 2008-09.

The show opened on November 4, '08, in the state of Minnesota.

With no end in sight it keeps on playing.

Was comedian Al Franken raised in Minnesota? What does he know, and care,

about the issues and problems in the state??

Why did Franken choose to represent Minnesota???

Whatever the strangeness of this, he now has a 225-vote lead over incumbent

Senator Norm Coleman, based on the latest recount.

But the recount trial may not be over - not yet. A three-judge (state court) panel

has been deliberating for more than one week; any day they could

rule on the case. Should Coleman lose, rumor has it he may just appeal

to the State Supreme Court. And who knows? The case just

may make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, a la Bush vs. Gore

in the 2000 elections.

Let's pray that somehow Norm Coleman will pull through. If he doesn't,

that makes Al Franken the 59th Democrat in the Senate.

And, folks,

do we really need another comedian on Capitol Hill???

Answers to George Washington Questions

2009-02-23T09:09:00.000-05:00

(1) George Washington was born February 22, 1732; he died December 14, 1799;
(2) In 1775 the Continental Congress appointed Washington commander-in-chief of the American revolutionary forces.
(3) George Washington became America's first president in 1789, the year the French Revolution started.
(4) President and General Washington was also a farmer, whose plantation is located in Mount Vernon, Virginia.

SOOO - how'd you do??? That's one of the easiest quizzes you'll ever take - right?

February 22nd - Gentleman George or Mr. Oscar - Who Will YOU Celebrate???

2009-02-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

FEBRUARY 22ND

(Sunday this year)

(1) How many remember whose birthday this is?

(2) And NO - it's not a gent by the name of "Oscar"!

(3) Does anyone remember President Washington's dates? (will post on tomorrow's blog)

(4) How many will recall who won the Oscar; what she (or he) wore; who sang the best/who sang the worst; who was the most idiotic?

Questions about Gentleman George Washington, our First President:

[1] What year was he born? What year did he die?

[2] Who appointed Washington commander-in-chief of the American revolutionary forces? What year was that?

[3] In what year did Washington become the first President of the United States? What momentous event occurred in Europe that same year?

[4] What other occupation was he involved with?

Answers will be given: Friday, February 20th! And NO - the winner will NOT receive an Academy Award!

What Do Women and Girls Really Want??

2009-02-12T20:16:00.000-05:00

It's been controversial over the years - "What does a woman WANT?" asked SIGMUND FREUD. (For a time I thought the name should be "Fraud" due to 20th-century overuse of Freudian psychology, so I shouldn't blame the man, of genuinely great knowledge, breadth and depth - and the topic of a future post, I think!)

One great cup of delicious brew - doesn't have to be fancy, just a good, plain 'n simple cuppa coffee with great taste! Ummmm!!! And that's not always easy to make, I know! The classic cup of coffee is one delicate balance of water, coffee, temperature, etc.

But the girl pictured here isn't dreaming of that - she's thinking of the perfect kiss - a la Hershey's! (You can substitute Ghirardelli, Lindt, Russell Stover, Cadbury or Godiva.) WHATEVER - she likes CHOCOLATE! Delicious chocolate and a brisk, well-done cup of coffee -- now, that's Heaven for many women! But don't take HotJava's word for it - try it out on the woman or girl you fancy.

Happy Hearts 'n Flowers Day!

What's "Completing a Claim"? Anybody Know?

2009-02-11T09:26:00.000-05:00

Technorati Profile

An Open Letter to the TECHNORATI** gang:
Poor me! I'm really hot and bothered now - and not because of my usual morning cuppa!! I'm trying to understand the "in's and out's" of Technorati and I don't know WHAT I'm doing! I don't know what THEY'RE doing either!! It's a misery when a born communicator like me can't comprehend all these tech gew-gaws 'n gibberish! We just want to write, fellas, and some of us are NOT UP ON THE LATEST TECH LINGO OR KNOW-HOW!

What on earth is "completing a claim"? Bloody h--k, this is MY BLOG - I don't need to claim anything -- I created the darn thing!!! So, guys, let me do what I do better and YOU handle the rest, ok???? I just want this blog OUT THERE!! UNDERSTAND???? Even poor Vincent is looking perplexed - maybe he needs his morning cuppa absinthe - y'know - as in "Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder"???

**TECHNORATI is supposed to be a blog-hosting site.

That Romantic February Holiday!

2009-02-10T13:58:00.000-05:00

HAPPY "VICTORY FOR AMERICA" DAY! I'll let you figure out what that means!

Whatever Happened to Lincoln's Birthday?

2009-02-06T04:58:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, February was when HotJava and others enjoyed two vacation days away from school - the birthdays of Abe Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22). This year also marks the Bicentennial of President Lincoln (1809-2009). So -- what happened to these days?! Some time ago (HJ doesn't remember when) they were "consolidated" into one Monday holiday called "President's Day", this month on February 16.

Now - why did they do this?? HJ has a few suspicions - e.g. Monday holidays tail the weekend, thus easier to handle; too many vacation days in February; neglecting memories of other American presidents; etc. But somehow an all-purpose "President's Day" just doesn't seem right. Martin Luther King, Jr. (a worthy man and inspirational life, but not a president) has a designated holiday all to himself in January, so why can't we keep Abe Lincoln's and George Washington's birthdays the way it used to be? Anyone out there willing to start a campaign for their return???

Black (or White?) Like Me

2009-01-22T20:29:00.000-05:00

Hey, Folks! Apparently impressed by President Obama's inauguration, (TV talk show host) Larry King said his 8-year-old son wanted to be black. Now over the years, singer-dancer Michael Jackson's been trying to become white. Do you think we're at cross-purposes here????

Coffee, Commentary 'n Crafts

2009-01-21T17:55:00.000-05:00

Nothing to do with coffee but the above is for those of you with the urge to create and sell. You can drink coffee and comment while you're crafting!

And check this out for a HotJava commentary and see if you agree:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/arts/theater/6221607.html

(An article about author Larry McMurtry and his views on the future of reading and books; scroll down to the "Comments" section - HotJava is screen 7.)

Election '08 - Wherefore Art Thou, 1950s Baby Boomers?

2009-01-13T15:15:00.001-05:00

A belated Election '08 observation - all of the four major candidates were NOT born in the 1950s! Two were born before the Eisenhower decade: Sen. John McCain (1936) and Sen. Joe Biden (1942) and two first saw the light of day in the Swingin' Sixties: Prez-elect Barack Obama (1961) and Gov. Sarah Palin (1964). So what happened to the Peace-and-Prosperity People? No one born in the '50s has run for top office in the land just yet - perhaps in 2012? Of course, according to some theorists, that's the year the end of the world ("End-of-Days") will take place. It may well be -- when the Fifties Boppers get runnin'.

***HotJava wishes to thank http://www.plan59.com/ for allowing use of the above 1950s artwork. Plan59.com offers prints and images of commercial art of mid-20th century America. HotJava receives no compensation or perks of any kind for using these drawings.

Opinion/Editorial

2009-01-13T10:21:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

HotJava's artistic abilities are sorely limited! Not enough time to do the picture envisioned but warmest (and literally warmest) wishes to all! Thank G-d for Mothers and Fathers; Sisters and Brothers; Sons and Daughters; Grandparents; Nieces and Nephews; Good Friends; Food, Clothing and Shelter. I'm using the German form of capping nouns - I know it's not done in English, but do such important people deserve any less?

ITEM OF INTEREST:

HJ was tuned in to the Rush Limbaugh show on Friday - heard that the Los Angeles Times has a great page for children and parents called Children's Reading Room. Haven't checked it out yet but will. It's running the story of Thanksgiving - the REAL Thanksgiving story. Not the revamped anti-European version of the past 30 years but what seems like THE TRUTH. Now that's a refreshing change!

More Economic Woes but It's Still Autumn in the Country.

2008-11-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

Far be it from HotJava to gloss over the current economic mess. More layoffs announced today - CITI Bank axing thousands more. So it may be tough to enjoy the glories of the magical fall season - but perhaps it may inspire, too. But HotJava knows from personal experience that no income means expenses like rent; food; heating; car/transportation; utilities; et. al. can be strained beyond belief. Somehow HJ and Co. pulled out of our swamp these past few months - and we're definitely NOT out of the woods yet. But TRUE GRIT (good movie, by the way) can win out - the going can be mighty difficult but hang in there!

For those lucky enough to have some extra $$$, check this out: http://www.gourd.com/. Great acoustic folk music - both traditional and new. Those who live in a more country setting, especially, will connect with this terrific music. At least, check out the sample snippets online! They're free and worth a hearing! (And while you're listening, add some pumpkin pie spice to ground coffee and then brew. UMMM!) Munch some cookies along with it. HotJava recently discovered SWEETZELS' ginger snaps. HJ will dig up more info on this baking company and report back to you in the next few days. Ciao!

Minnesota FRANKEN-stein?!

2008-11-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Fellow Coffee Drinkers,

I've started reading the book Frankenstein (Mary Shelley-1816) and heartily recommend it. But there's another monster on the loose, this one in the state of Minnesota. Amazingly the name is similar, too - Al Franken! It seems that this monster just doesn't accept the fact that he lost an election. Strange thing is - mysterious votes keep popping out of the shadows - almost two weeks after the rightfully-elected senator (incumbent Norm Coleman) has been chosen.

Atta boy, Franken! Just keep it up - Victor Frankenstein's creation was lots more sympathetic and compelling than you!

On another note, HotJava wants to alert you to the 7 January 2008 posting, NAFTA Superhighway. At this time The Selous Foundation for Public Policy Research does not have a website. A reputable source tells me they're currently building one and it should be up in 1-2 months.

Enjoy the weekend, folks! Monday's here before you know it!

A MILLION-DOLLAR MANSION FOR A SERIOUS MARXIST??

2008-11-13T17:07:00.000-05:00

(The kitty cat, above, is courtesy of a terrific new artist, AM Hawkins. Thank you, AM! Hope to see more of your great work!)

(1) A Belated "Thank-You" to ALL veterans! HotJava has been out of town and wanted to post on November 11th - sorry! Most of my uncles, and my own Father, are all WWII vets. And no matter when or where - we all owe veteran men and women A LOT! Anti-war or not!

(2) Though HJ's sentiments on Prez-elect O'Bama were made clear on previous posts, no doubt this has been an historic election. There's cause for some pride in the fact that the USA elected our first black American President, or one of African descent. (In my time we've gone from "negro" to "colored" to "black" to "African-American". It makes my head whirl!)

(3) And though I'm a bit wary of O'Bama and his associations, there's no need to get on his case about Nancy Reagan remarks! Please, folks! Let's not get riled up about every little word! HJ doesn't think any disrespect was intended!

(4) BUT - a "Marxist" living in a million-dollar mansion (Chicago)? Whew - it does strain credulity!

NOW - to the Goodies Part:

(5) Ah - the autumn! And Pumpkin Spice coffee at -- DUNKIN' DONUTS! A most pleasant drink - those of you in Philadelphia, check out their stand at 30th Street Station! Made the best with just the right amount of sugar and milk! HJ has been an industrial-strength (black) coffee drinker for many years but this coffee drink may get me back in the milk n' sugar fold. Check it out! And check out the pumpkin muffins and pumpkin donuts while you're at it! Seasonal, you know, so maybe after November, no more!

'Til next time - so long until tomorrow!

Spooked on Halloween: RIP America? No Way!

2008-10-31T06:56:00.001-04:00

Well - this is it! We're down to the wire - the last weekend before Election '08! Is it going to be RIP for America? No Way! No How! HotJava is no fan of Senator McCain either - but No Choice now. McCain or ---- ???? Try to imagine an Obama presidency.....

B. Obama - clean-cut; well-spoken; smart - Ivy League credentials; nice appearance; sweet daughters - all good things. But, folks - look at the associations! The beliefs! The background! Is this a person we want as our American President? Leader of the Free World? With cohorts like William Ayers, Louis Farrakhan and Rashid Khalidi?? Does our precious Constitution really need an overhaul? Think about it, folks! Check out some of the links on Coffee Dunkers - many others write much better about this than HotJava!

BOO TO YOU!

2008-10-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Jack O'Lantern: "What's scarier than a McCain victory?"

Ghost: "An Obama win! BOOOOOOO........"

A MCCLELLAN BY ANY OTHER NAME.......WOULD SMELL THE SAME!

2008-05-29T21:34:00.003-04:00

WISDOM FROM AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT - Remember when there was such a thing??

2008-05-20T17:13:00.000-04:00

"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." - President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953

(With thanks to Citizen Link, Focus on the Family)

Mother's Day is Everyday!

2008-05-05T15:52:00.001-04:00

MOTHER'S DAY fast approacheth and HOT JAVA payeth tribute. Enjoy!

OSCAR ATTACKS! or INVASION OF THE LITTLE GOLD MEN

2008-02-24T05:40:00.000-05:00

Well it's that time of year again! Time to watch Hollywood in the Annual Rite of the Golden Calf. Now HotJava admits - in the not too distant past - to having been an avid viewer of this yearly ritual. And maybe for one hour HotJava will imbibe a cuppa Joe and eagerly assess the proceedings, in particular the dress of the various Hollywood nobility. It's always lotsa fun! But not to be taken too seriously except as another LaLa amusement - remember what happened to that original Golden Calf!

The NAFTA Superhighway...to Where?

2008-01-07T21:09:00.000-05:00

READ THIS, FOLKS! HOTJAVA receives mailings from everywhere - this map was sent courtesy of the Selous Foundation for Public Policy Research, 325 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20090. Phone Number: (202) 547-6963. It is a 501 (c)(3) organization. The Selous Foundation was formed to educate Congress and the American public on foreign policy and defense issues.

To Wit: '...the Bush Administration is quietly advancing the construction of a massive "Superhighway" that will all but obliterate our borders with Canada and Mexico.

'The short-term goal?

'To make it easier for cheap foreign goods from Asia to be transported from ports in Canada and Mexico into the United States.

'The long-term goal?

'To form a "North American Union with Canada and Mexico that will create a single continent-wide entity without borders, tariffs and customs.' - Morgan Norval, Executive Director, SELOUS FOUNDATION

'Nuff said?? HOTJAVA is wondering why this hasn't been touched on in election '08 debates or forums. Isn't this something in which we Americans should have a say??

BOO or BREW?

2007-10-28T22:23:00.000-04:00

Okay - it ain't great art! When HotJava titled this blog "Wake Up and Smell the Coffee", HJ wasn't kidding! But that doesn't mean no fun allowed - so enjoy all the ghosts n' goblins and don't get too spooked!

BLOGTOP SPECIAL: Wake Up (or Go to Sleep) to a Great Radio Show - "Coast to Coast AM"

2007-10-24T13:05:00.000-04:00

To Coffee Drinkers across the Fruited Plain (that's a term for "America", to any international readers) and beyond - a special Blogtop Post! Check out our new "HJ's Coffee Dunkers" feature, all sites worth your exploration. HotJava enjoys the latest brewing arts 'n pleasures and what goes better with a terrific cup of fresh joe than a great book or movie or (in the 21st century) blog or website - to enjoy it with?

Well, yours truly is a big fan of the Coast to Coast AM radio show - sometimes with a cup of coffee, sometimes not. After all, the show broadcasts late at night into the wee hours of the morning so it's not advisable to be chugging down coffee at those times! Of course, not if you're working the graveyard shift (truck driver; security guard; nurse).

So click onto Coast to Coast AM for some EYE OPENING stuff - you may not even desire coffee if a REAL eye opener is what's needed! When you enter the site, take a look at the "What's New" column (under the C2C Heading) under Listeners' Emails. (Special Alert - see 'Haunted Coffee'.) Some mighty fascinating stuff in the spooky spirit of the season; lots of C2C's programming covers the psychic and supernatural and much more besides. HotJava's righteous indignation over many things in today's topsy-turvy world, especially in western civ's world, gets some relief in listening to the varied guests and viewpoints on the show.

So check the local broadcast times in your area - no, HJ is NOT being paid for this plug! Just spreading the word about a worthwhile and entertaining program for insomniacs; graveyard shift workers; cramming students; and all those in-between! Happy viewing! Happy listening!

WAKE UP AND GUZZLE THE GLENLIVET!

2007-10-11T03:52:00.001-04:00

GOTCHA! Of course, HotJava knows that "scrumptious" might not be the best adjective to describe Van Gogh. But it could apply to his art! That use of paint - swirling on the canvas in such tactile fashion. The COLOR - wow! "Scrumptious" isn't so off-target when you pause to consider. And just look at the headlines today - ANY headlines in media both electronic and print! So if Glenlivet doesn't work on its own, try adding a shot or two to your cuppa java. And contemplate terrific paintings while you do! Happy Guzzling!

BLOGTOPS: COMING ATTRACTIONS!

2007-10-11T03:35:00.001-04:00

HOTJAVA regrets the sporadic postings. To whet your appetite - Scrumptious VISUALS are starting soon!

AND --- upcoming BLOGTOPS: The School for Scandal. The Vultures of Narcissism. Memories of You.

In the meantime, Check Out The People's Cube website - A REAL HOOT!

And stay tuned!!

THE GRAND GRIND or LOST IN COFFEELAND

2007-09-28T01:16:00.000-04:00

HotJava has delivered some fiery sermons on ethics here - so how about calming down with the fiery, of the drinkable/edible kind? You don't have to be of ANY political stripe to enjoy an intoxicating cup of the greatest brew - be it Witches', your fave Beer, or HJ's preferred poison - the GRAND GRIND! The following sites are just two of MANY - with creative recipes for scrumptious coffee drinks and all kinds of esoteric facts! Take this: When coffee first made its appearance in Africa they used it as a sort of religious intoxicant! I don't know when java showed up on the African continent but the Africans were on to something - the aroma of a freshly-brewed cup is most definitely intoxicating for me, even if I wouldn't call it religious! (see http://www.coffeerecipes.com/)

And check out the antics of:
"Reverend Billy's Starbucks Invasion" (www.ineedcoffee.com/02/05/revbilly) created by Bill Talen - the Reverend heads up the Church of Stop Shopping. Now THERE'S a worthy enterprise! The http://www.ineedcoffee.com/ site has loads of items on people, news, MORE recipes and tons of other coffee-related items of interest! HotJava is going to try out some Viennese coffee and cappucino muffins, though it's been ages since HJ has taken cream in the coffee!

What's HJ's ultra-favorite kind of coffee-imbibing? A strong cup of the BLACK, INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH variety - a la Dunkin' Donuts! Ah, there's nothing like Dunkin' Donuts coffee - and the donuts are good, too! Cappucinos and lattes are very nice, but in the AM a real eye-opener like Java Black will get you going just as good! And it's a little easier on the pocketbook too!

With the world situation today and America's enemies salivating and chomping at the bit (both within the nation and without), a good shot of Glenlivet is what's really needed. Sigh! "Wake Up and Guzzle the Glenlivet" - that should be the name for this blog!

Adieu!

Will the REAL Fascist PIGS Please Stand Up? or: Where are They Now?

2007-09-25T04:29:00.000-04:00

HotJava Returns!! With apologies to all! HotJava has been regrouping and will now post regularly.

Now, if you think HotJava has it in for gays only - AIN'T SO!! (And it's the excesses and insanities of groups like GLAAD that get HotJava going!) But Hot Java's boiling Point has reached new heights today - the events at Columbia University, NY, make the need to let off steam critical!

ask you, folks: Where are all those students and anti-war protestors of the 1960s TODAY?? They're not all dead or drugged out, I assume. I know that a number of them today are healthy, wealthy, but darn well not wise! HJ remembers well the riots at Columbia University in those glory days of the '60s - anti-police; anti-military; anti-establishment; and - WOW - anti-fascist! Such idealism! Such conviction! Such idiocy!

Those students understood nothing - NADA - about real fascism and its dangers. A collective temper tantrum from an overly pampered group of - dare I say "brats" - that's what those riots were all about! And now, two generations later, the REAL THING appears - a REAL danger to the West, a REAL menace to the United States and our armed forces in Iraq. BUT - where are the brats? Where are they now? Well, in their middle- and beyond decades, enjoying life on their trust funds and retirements, no doubt. Obsessed with health, home, 401Ks - hey, isn't that what they protested against 40 years ago?? Oops, sorry, there were no 401Ks back then!

To the Sixties Generation - where are YOU when your nation needs defending? Why weren't you out there, in the streets, in the thousands? Most of you ivy-league morons didn't do active duty - the closest you've come to danger is probably jogging in the wrong direction. An indulged generation looks forward to retiring and enjoying themselves - well, how the hell do you think you can do that? If you don't have young men and women willing to put themselves in harm's way - in Iraq and Afghanistan and here in the States - be it as police officer, national guard, or "over there", then FORGET IT! There ain't gonna BE any comfy retirement with all the trimmings! The enemy looks at you the way one looks at a fatted calf (pig?) - you're being SET UP for the KILL. Yet many of YOU are too oblivious to see it.

SO - who are the REAL fascists? The ones who screamed bloody murder 40 years ago at the police or the ones in recent times who scream like hell if ROTC or the Minutemen speak at Columbia? HotJava says - You're not too old to speak out for REAL TRUTH and FREEDOM. And you're not too old to have your heads handed to you, either! You Baby Boomers who were born with silver spoons in your mouths - WATCH OUT!! You're going to have your heads handed to you - on silver platters!

WHEW! And now, HotJava breathes a sigh of relief. But only for now! Stay tuned - there are always seconds.

In seeking autumn coffee nirvana, today HJ enjoyed a Pumpkin Spice Latte from the Panera Bakery along with a scrumptious cheese danish. The latte was perfect, even in one of those anti-latte styrofoam-ish cups! A real pick-me-up and, even more than Starbucks Pumpkin Latte (HJ also enjoys), this one had the perfect amount of spicy and sweet.

Some of My Best Friends Were/Are---

2007-08-26T04:30:00.000-04:00

HotJava wishes to apologize for the long and unexpected break. HotJava is currently in the midst of "pavement pounding" (that's 'job hunting' to the unaware) for a real job - something that will support both blogging and coffee habits. Doubtless there are many sympathizers out there who understand! But I haven't forgotten my promise - or threat, some might say!

Alright then - ALMOST on with the show! Before HJ reveals this AWFUL TRUTH, one teeny item first. And that is - though HJ has been very impatient and frustrated at a perceived - apathy? complaceny? confusion? among fellow Americans, touching on many areas, this Blog is not meant to be "political". HJ is interested in many areas of life. Though it seems for the past 40-50 years we've been in a cultural/moral/social meltdown (Western civilization as a whole), HJ doesn't want to be in constant hysterics, funny or angry! The cultural realm is more my beat and something I can claim to know a little about, unlike the confusing political scene of 2007 Europe and the Anglolands - U.S.A., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. I don't know if I should include India in this as well - half 'n half on that one!

Music of many kinds - classical, jazz, folk; fashion; art; history; literature; etc. are of far greater interest. This is where Wake Up and Smell the Coffee! will lead over the months - a ride both bumpy and smooth. Coffee-drinking - ah! yes! HJ imbibed a wonderful cup of cappuccino last week - enjoying a newspaper and pastry at a local Euro-inspired cafe. BUT HANG ON!!! LET ME REVEAL THE SHOCKING THING before I wax ever more euphoric -----

HotJava has many criticisms of many things - people, governments, institutions. The homosexual world is only one area. But when I receive emails, look at the news, read some of the weird and ridiculous stuff going on in the name of "equality", something rankles! Really rankles in the blood! And the links that HJ has so kindly provided on the last blog are troubling to read. They're examples of equality gone wild. Equality run amok. Insanity - insanity of a dangerous variety.

Believe it or not, back in the dark ages of the 1970s and 80s, HJ had friends and knew many people of the homosexual persuasion. Talented and gifted and funny people. And - YES -they were artists, musicians, writers, teachers, designers of all kinds. They were also financial advisors and real estate brokers. Quite a variety! HJ lived and worked in the city at that time, and walking around in the "gay neighborhoods" was wonderful - a person was quite safe, no matter what time of the day or night!

A family member of HJ's has worked in the garment industry for many years. Many co-workers are - well, you guessed it! It's common knowledge - no big secrets there. HJ knew several of these colleagues and the impression was always favorable. Of course, certain subjects were never discussed and with good reason. But these were supremely skilled people and much fun to be with. Back then, we operated on "don't ask, don't tell". What goes on today would have been unthinkable!

And - get ready for this revelation - HJ, from studying and working in the theatre, socialized and worked with many people of similar life patterns. Instructors, students, actors - well, that's also common knowledge. No big secrets here, either! Some of the best teachers and artists HotJava had the pleasure of knowing and learning from - Yup!

Sooo??? What's a coffee fiend and sympathetic person to do? And don't get me started on the great classic and contemporary fashion designers! HJ doesn't know 'em - hasn't met 'em - but where would we be without 'em? Add to that the great composers, writers, architects, medical and business giants...but I don't need to. And I don't need to name specific names either!

BUT - does the world - does Western society - really need to have our noses rubbed in the muck? Is this the way to address past grievances? And can one equate "gay marriage" with MARRIAGE? I'll have some more to say - stay tuned for the next blog!

COMING ATTRACTIONS for Tuesday, 14 August 2007

2007-08-14T01:55:00.001-04:00

To My Fellow Coffee Drinkers - Tomorrow, HotJava posts a shocking revelation! To all who think HotJava is a merciless, vindictive homophobe - have we got a blog for you! NO - HotJava is not a closet homosexual, nor has HJ ever been interested in pursuing that "lifestyle", or call it what you will. HJ deplores the excesses and incremental insanity of the "Gay Rights Movement" of the past 40 years - of course, with the collusion of well-meaning but misguided people. So stay tuned - start your day with a cuppa joe and tune in tomorrow!

eHarmony Sued! Heaven Help Us!

2007-08-14T01:51:00.000-04:00

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000004759.cfm

United Methodists to Weigh Transsexuality

2007-08-14T01:46:00.000-04:00

http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004764.cfm

Liberal Sex Educator Gives Outrageous Advice in Boulder

2007-08-14T01:32:00.000-04:00

http://www.citizenlink.org/fnif/A000004655.cfm

San Diego Firefighters Subjected to 'Degrading Spectacle'

2007-08-14T01:27:00.000-04:00

http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005212.cfm

"Gay Pride" Degenerates Make HotJava REALLY Hot!

2007-08-08T23:54:00.000-04:00

This is HotJava's First Time Out into the Blogosphere. And I'm blasting off about "Gay Pride" Parades, particularly one held this past weekend in San Diego. So hold onto your seat belts - this is gonna be a helluva ride! And I wish I could blast the Gay Pride Perverts into a universe millions of light-years away from Planet Earth!

So tell me, when did these degenerate orgies (I'm being redundant), deemed "parades", begin? Was it in the 1990s, the decade the Gay Movement threatened to make the "New Gay 90s"? And why are parents taking their children to see these lascivious displays? What interest would ANY normal person - old, young, and in-between - have in this? Since when has pride been linked to deviant, evil behavior? And what gives a lesbian-inclined woman - the Chief of the San Diego Fire Department, yet! Good G-d! - the right to force NORMAL MEN working under her to participate in the Sodom- and- Gomorrah-inspired festivities? What would give ANYONE here in the U.S.A. the right to bully others into doing something clearly against their beliefs??

HotJava's thought's have been percolating all night about this! I submit to you the following quotes from a person of wisdom and insight:

"...They broke with Christianity and waged war on it, intending to wipe it off the face of the earth...they destroy the Christian churches and conduct a secret, underground battle against them...They speak...(of) the rights of capable people to develop their talents freely, but they make everything dependent on Party membership.

"You can't help wondering again and again how there can possibly be such riff-raff among our own people. Have the criminals and lunatics been let out of the prisons and asylums and sent here to act as bloodhounds? No, it's people of some prominence...who have taught their otherwise harmless countrymen to act like this...brutality lurk(s) in the human heart. If they are allowed to develop freely they flourish, putting out dreadful offshoots...

"What cowards we are, thinking ourselves above all this, but letting it happen. We shall be punished for it too. And so will our innocent children, for we are colluding when we allow these crimes to be committed."

Javabloggers - have a good sip and think - do you have any idea who wrote this? One Captain Wilm Hosenfeld, German army commander during WWII. These quotes are extracted from diaries he kept between January 1942-August 1942, taken from the 2003 edition of the book The Pianist, memoirs written by a Polish-Jewish musician, Wladyslaw Spzilman, about his harrowing experiences during the war. Though on the wrong side in the war, Captain Hosenfeld was on the right side in his beliefs and helped save Spzilman's life.

Isn't it amazing - 65 years ago these diaries were written but don't these words sound spot on in 2007? Folks - Wake Up and Smell the Coffee!!! Our Founding Fathers believed in Freedom of Speech - that DID NOT mean perverse orgies of degenerates having the same "rights" as normal people!

"God allows evil to come about because mankind has espoused it, and now we are beginning to feel the burden of our own evil and imperfections. When the Nazis came to power we did nothing to stop them; we betrayed our own ideals. Ideals of personal, democratic and religious freedom.

"The workers went along with the Nazis, the Church stood by and watched, the middle classes were too cowardly to do anything, and so were the leading intellectuals..." (6 July 1943)

Sound familiar, folks? To paraphrase one who said it better - There's nothing new under the sun! So
enjoy your coffee and ruminate!

[HotJava apologizes for the font change in paragraph 3 - next outing will work out the glitches!]