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Jeremiah's Blog Newest first
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Has it been that long? I guess it's been that long since I wrote something here. Wow. that's how busy it's been. If you're following along, sorry that I haven't been keeping up! And if you aren't, but just got here I'll try and do better---although I keep saying that.
I'm just not a blogger I guess. Is that possible? Do we all have to be blogging types? I guess I never took that class, so I feel what I need to say has already been said by many people in the past, and will be repeated in the future. This original blogging thing, isn't quite so original anymore. Who invented Blogging anyways?
posted on: 6/19/2006 9:22:28 AM
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Rita---Katrina---? With Hurricane Rita creating a path that looks like it's likely to hit one of the worst places a hurricane could hit on an oil dependent nation---I stumbled on this: - SPECIAL REPORT from THE TIMES-PICAYUNE - It's only a matter of time before South Louisiana takes a direct hit from a major hurricane. Billions have been spent to protect us, but we grow more vulnerable every day. Five-Part Series published June 23-27, 2002 Washing Away Check that out if you have a chance. And good luck and safety to those in the Gulf region.
posted on: 9/21/2005 7:18:52 PM
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7 Years in Tibet Just watched this story of the Chinese oppression of the country of Tibet in the 1940's. It was pretty intense and despite Brad Pitt playing a German who is determined to enter into Tibet and to reach the holy city (we never learn why he is so determined....nor why he wants to go there so badly).
Here is the summary from IMDB: "Heinrich Harrer is an Austrian mountaineer who is forced to be a hero for the Nazi propaganda. He leaves Austria in 1939 to climb a mountain in the Himalayas. Through a series of circumstances (including POW camp), he and fellow climber Peter Aufschnaiter become the only two foreigners in the Tibetan Holy City of Lhasa. There, Heinrich's life changes forever as he becomes a close confidant to the Dalai Lama. Overall, I think this movie shines a political light on the subject and I must admit that the true winner of this movie isn't the accent Pitt undertakes, but in actuality, the cinematographer of the movie: Robert Fraisse, who was the incredible cinematographer in another phenomenal movie--Hotel Rwanda.
Check out both 7 Years in Tibet and Hotel Rwanda and get to know the incredible eye of Mr. Fraisse. ja
posted on: 9/18/2005 6:16:48 PM
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Kanye West Btw, when it comes to comments, and speaking opinions the winner is Kanye West. Good for you!! Check this out:
Kanye West's comments
ja
posted on: 9/13/2005 11:46:01 PM
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Katrina It goes without saying that the devastation in New Orleans and neighboring Mississippi is immense in the devastation and heartbreaking in the outcome. I'm not sure why the response was lackluster at best. It's a shame that these individuals, some of the poorest in the country, many whom had no way to get out of harms way. Hurricane Katrina blew by and left the politicians to act as though they had not a clue. So they do what they can to point and blame. It's a sad day in our country when our government does let our people down. Our country was formed on the ideals that the law and constitution protects the lowest common denominator. Let's see how this pan's out. I'm certainly relieved by the notion that President Bush just announced that the federal government was slow and that he "had to accept responsibility" ABOUT TIME, GEORGE. Finally, my heart and thoughts go out to the military personnel that had to come home from fighting a war in Iraq to fix their homes and lives that are broken or devastated around the various military bases in the area (Keesler AFB) Like many of you that have written, I also want to know why. This can be prevented in the future---not the hurricane of course, but the human toll. Locally, there are some things we can do. A good friend is donating money for every ticket bought at First Class Tickets That's a good way to get to see a great show and then get to give some money to the American Red Cross. If you want to give directly of course you can visit Red Cross ON the site they also have info for evacuees just by typing in the zip code you're in. The Humane Society of the United States is on the ground in the most devastated areas of the Gulf Coast. The animals are counting on us. Check their website:Humane Society ja
posted on: 9/13/2005 5:44:01 PM
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City-wide hope So, I've posted up a little news-worthy items up here, and done my best at making sure that I let you in on what's important to me, and those that I feel may affect you. Needless to say, being in Los Angeles, the mayoral race was pretty important. It's the closest level of government, and deeply impacts the things I do on an everyday basis. I voted. Did you? Having said that, despite the very small turnout to vote, we do indeed to seem to have a new Los Angeles Mayor. I think he'll bring some energy and exuberance to this city, bring this city back to it's aptly named title--The City of Angels.
I've pasted an excerpt below:
Villaraigosa Defeats Hahn
By Michael Finnegan and Mark Z. Barabak, Staff Writers
Los Angeles Times
Antonio Villaraigosa romped past incumbent Mayor James K. Hahn to make history Tuesday, winning election as the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles since pioneer days.
Riding a huge wave of voter discontent, Villaraigosa avenged his 2001 loss to Hahn, who possessed an iconic family name but never connected strongly with voters during a rocky four-year term.
"I want to thank the people of Los Angeles for putting their trust in me," a jubilant Villaraigosa said as he claimed victory at midnight.
"The results of this election say it more eloquently than I ever could. We are all Angelenos tonight. It doesn't matter whether you grew up on the Eastside or the Westside," Villaraigosa said. "It doesn't matter whether you go to work in a fancy car, or in a bus."
"I stand here today because people believe in me. And I want you to know I believe in you as well," said Villaraigosa.
Thousands of singing, dancing, clapping, chanting Villaraigosa supporters swarmed over a street outside the Los Angeles Center Studios -- the former Unocal headquarters -- with downtown skyscrapers as a backdrop and purple jacaranda trees glowing under lights shining from the rooftop.
"You all know that I love L. A., but tonight I really love L.A.," Villaraigosa told supporters.
Villaraigosa thanked his wife and children, supporters, and the late Mayor Tom Bradley.
posted on: 5/17/2005 10:13:20 PM
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New Papa There's a new Pope. After over two decades we have a new pope. That's great. I mean, despite the circumstances. I think it's all for the better. However, I really hope that this new Pope can bring the world, and moreover the Catholic church together. I hope that the conversations that millions of people are wanting the church to talk about ---get talked about.
That's all. Have a great night.
By the way, bought some tickets for Los Angeles Dodgers game from First Class Tickets in Beverly Hills. Gave me a great deal. I highly recommend.
posted on: 4/22/2005 6:44:16 AM
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The Pope Passes Some very sad news today, as Pope John Paul II dies today, Sat March 2, 2005 at the age of 84. He died as a result of some internal complications relating to kidneys and bacterial infections. As a great man with a great love for humanity in general, and making that evident by visiting with many great, as well as notorious leaders with whom not many had the courage or heart to talk with; I am sad he has left us. Although he has gone, I surely and whole heartedly hope that the world reflects on his thoughts and ideology, for it seems that was and has become his legacy. For more information check out www.yahoo.com
posted on: 4/2/2005 4:23:18 PM
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Blogging So I'm bad at blogging. I know this. I'll try to get better for those that are emailing me saying that my blogs are old. Cheers. J
p.s. If you login there are actually other blogs than the public ones on the main page.
posted on: 3/27/2005 5:23:18 PM
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President Clinton speaks I just saw President Clinton speak at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion here in Los Angeles. This was just a couple days before they announced his heart surgery. It was a great speech, and being just 4 rows away I was definately captivated by his ability to capture the audiences attention. I had the opportunity to shake his hand while in the Air Force in Germany, but this was a great experience as well, due to the civilian and relaxed nature he seemed to be in. I took notes (a 2-term president might have some insight to life, right?) and will try and post them up here at some point--in the blog section.
posted on: 3/26/2005 12:36:51 PM
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Highway blunder It is a wonder anything get's done around Los Angeles. The 405/101 intersection is rated #1 in America for the worst traffic congestion. While I'm proud to be successfully stuck in traffic for hours a day, I'd rather be on a different list. Like worst karaoke clubs..
The solution to this bottleneck emergency is this: they are now expanding the ramps onto the 101. That's great. I'll have plenty of space on the 100 feet of the ramp onto Hwy 101. WHY not expand the HIGHWAY, or create some mass transit that WORKS. Gas is on the rise at nearly 2.25 in some spots.... Not a good year to buy a SUV!
Maybe our new President won't be working for the Oil companies, getting rich. I mean, if we control Iraq, and that's where the oil is at...what's the scoop? I've also heard rumors saying that California doesn't get but 1/4 of our oil from outside the state, the rest is from within Cali..
Frustrating, huh?
posted on: 3/5/2004 10:16:22 PM
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Letter to John Edwards online I went online to John Edwards and checked out his initiatives and what he was doing or at least said he would do to make a difference... here is the blog that I posted:
I am not sure where to post this, I'm sure though that after I write this I'll get a bunch of responses telling me that I should have posted these questions somewhere else.
I am an American. I served in the Air Force, and was in the Kosovo operations theater during that war. I went into the Air Force from Ohio. My parents weren't wealthy, nor are they now. I served my country the best I could. I provided honors to deceased veterans as part of the Honor Guard. I traveled around Germany, Belgium, and in the U.S. in the 7 states surrounding Scott AFB. It was abundantly clear that there are so many that gave so much. Some gave the ultimate price, the biggest stake...their life. For them, saying "on behalf of the President and a grateful nation..." and handing them the flag that draped over their son's or daughter's casket simply isn't justified. On that note, I will give immense credit to the VFW (and similar situated), who after serving their country, still continue to go to these ceremonies, and while their rifle maneuvers aren't perfect, the symbolism is incredibly perfect. They spent many years in the military and still, 20 years later STILL continue to serve their country---for free; because they love it.
I was in the Air Force, and took a few classes as well. I am now out of the Air Force and out in California pursuing a career in Photography and Film.
I have experienced the healthcare system out here for veterans. There is no other sentiment than "it sucks." While I have an injured leg, there are people coming out, going in that have injured lungs, hearts, etc. It breaks your heart seeing this many people in pain. Then you go into the waiting area and you'll see a gaggle of sick, injured and mostly elderly veterans that just need a little help. This is a travesty. When will they take care of those individuals? Who will step up and lend a hand?? Will Mr. Edwards? I've seen his proposal for health, seniors, and veterans. I am 26 and concerned about these issues and while I fall into the veterans category there are lots of people my age that came out of college, the military, similar situations that have no medical coverage. It's a system that needs to be overhauled completely, not just at the end of the spectrum. There are studies that show preventative medicine, in it's own right, is more important. When students get out of college they lose health benefits. Now what?
Additionally, and I know this is long, but let's chat about education for a second.
Gov. Arnold has declared that he doesn't mind (breaking his promise) taking educational dollars and making it so we have a balanced budget. We all want a balanced budget, but why not SLIM down the bonuses, the 6-figure salaries that some govt officials make, cut some of the "fat", use recycled paper, etc.
So, the interesting part that in some states, Texas is one, if you are a veteran you get to go to higher education for free. It's part of the appreciation process. In California, instead of doing more, they are taking away more. Having said that, it's incredible because as a Veteran I'm also out of the running for many grants because my GPA is so far away (high school) and because if I was college material then I would have went to college perhaps!
It's not that I don't appreciate elderly, or other things that are in Edwards' plan for tuition for everyone, but I just think there are tons of people in my shoes who after getting the discipline in the military are ready to succeed. There are many obstacles in the way that are hard for any student, but for a veteran, at least in California, the Montgomery GI bill isn't good enough. It may pay for a third of the cost.
This is probably enough for now, there is still the concepts of a living wage, and why it's 2 dollars for a gallon of gas? If minimum wage is 6.75, with current traffic conditions the way they are a guy could probably make about 100 bucks in a year. The poor stay poor. Rich people don't have to worry about that, but it's such a fine line that politicians don't think about. I INVITE any polititian to go down the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica at night and pass by all the homeless, and then maybe they'll understand that the minimum wage just keeps people at the lowest rung on the ladder.
Which quite possibly is where politicians want them.
posted on: 2/21/2004 12:18:51 AM
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Abolish Speeding Tickets If indeed we "Are the people, for the people" kind of country don't you think we would have abolished certain things---like Speeding tickets?
We all hate them. It's not like people like speeding tickets. Who says "Yes, officer, I was speeding, and I'd like to be ticketed." besides those unspeakable films in which someone gets something besides a ticket...
Especially on Holidays. Shouldn't the People get a break on Holidays? It's so very sad to see an individual on the side of the road while you go whizzing by....
I'm willing to set up a fund to abolish speeding tickets. We'll get a really good lobbyist in Congress. We won't be able to afford it, because of all the speeding tickets we have to pay though. Pro-bono work anyone?
posted on: 12/29/2003 1:59:50 PM
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Recommendation Watch Timothy Burton's Big Fish.
It has all the elements of a good movie, including an actual plot.
It also has Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Alison Lohman, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Buscemi, and Danny DeVito.
It's a great film, one of the best one's I've seen all year (right up there, even above Bad Santa), and while I am no film critic, this seemed to move the whole audience. Timothy Burton has a way of putting a story onto film, a unique way I might add, like no other filmmaker. His use of drab and cheery locations, special effects, and incredible cinematography lend it's hand to making this film such an interesting tale.
Check it out. Go to AMC century city. ask for bubba, he'll slip you in the back, maybe if you're lucky and/or a cute girl he'll throw in a box of milk duds.
posted on: 12/28/2003 1:47:58 PM
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Airport Madness Los Angeles Airport needs a redo. That's right, LAX needs a do-over. We've given them a chance to practice having an airport, and seeing how other airports are done and work. Apparantly some airports actually get people in, out, and on their way. LAX could be one of those airports. Maybe it's the fact that the airport is in a horseshoe shape. It's probably not the best shape for people to get into, or out of. Can we get the horseshoe shape into a "T" shape, or maybe an S shape, or even a straigh horizontal line-----. Either way, spending hours getting into the airport, and out of the airport is not the most fun someone would ever have. It's possible that no one'es ever said, "Hey, this could use a change." Now it's been said.
posted on: 12/27/2003 1:41:52 PM
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MERRY CHRISTMAS Tis the season to be jolly. I'm back in my old hometown of Lebanon Ohio. Nothing changes here. People come and go like the seasons. But the seasons are ever persistent, and right now there are flurries of snow. Snow! Can you believe that it actually snows?? This may come to a shock to some of you, but it's absolutely flabbergasting. I thought it MIGHT still snow in Ohio, but as I have only gone back when it was warm in Ohio, I thought it was just a silly rumor. Now I know it's true. That's the craziest thing. Well, I hope Santa doesn't fall on his butt in this snow. Does he have health insurance? What kind of co-pay does he have? I hope it's better than medicare because of all the great work he does. Maybe he's on the government payroll somehow, and get's really great health insurance.
posted on: 12/25/2003 1:32:27 AM
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Thoughts about thoughts I don't believe that I've written in here in a while. It's my pre-new year's resolution to ensure that I'm better at this blog. Hopefully it'll be a successful habit. I could use some encouragement too, so feel free to add your comments in the guestbook...
It's an interesting concept putting down thoughts that are going through my head, hoping to inform and entertain an audience that is really quite unknown. It's almost a mystery to know what is acceptable and what isn't when the reader/viewer is unbeknownst. So while this may come to a shock to all of you, please be understanding if the content is uninhibited.
Oh, yeah. Spelling. When I was in eighth grade I won a spelling bee since then I've had a spell check, and try to use it. I don't have spell check on this website, so just go easy, will ya? It's thoughts. They aren't necessarily complete or spell checkable....
posted on: 12/23/2003 2:37:48 AM
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ADVICE, ASSISTANCE, call to HELP I'm getting ready to put together a section of my site that will help young actors and entertainers. And I'm not just talking about young in age, but young in experience levels, knowledge of who's who, etc. There are a lot of books out there, but I'll try and put together something that everyone is welcome to help add to, and for people to get that rhetorical foot in the door. So, if you have advice, please email me, let me know how YOU did it in this crazy town of towns, and anything that you may have done differently. Maybe you gave the dream up? WHY? Why do you want this so badly? Write me, email me, let me know what you think. A teacher once told me: Preparation=Relaxation=Success. and then there's the "Knowledge is power." So, let me know what you know, whether it's referencing websites, books, groups, or mentors that have helped you grow. We'll all be better off when we use more art, humor, and irony in our lives. jA
posted on: 12/22/2003 3:51:29 PM
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