This just in...

We are invited, this fine morning, to feel superior. As we sip our coffee and munch on our toast, we're presented with a side-dish of superiority, courtesy of our regular television channel's news readers. We're invited to join and laugh with them at the hapless loser antics of, well, just about anyone and anybody who dares to raise their head above the parapet and be noticeable, everyone, that is, except for them and, of course, since we're implicitly invited to join, we ourselves. How nice to wake up and feel superior to those hapless others. How good life can be. That's on this TV channel, anyway. Let's watch together in a little more detail. I'll be mother.

Recently it's become the fashion for news readers who are doing the pop segment to openly deride the rock stars and musicians they're discussing.
God knows why they think news readers are superior. I recently saw a very creditable singing effort from someone who had been a contender in one of these staged talent TV shows, where the winners are voted for by the public and are granted seemingly wondrous record deals as a consequence. This girl had come second and was pictured in head shot doing a very creditable vocal into a mike. "She wasn't the winner" advised one newsreader. "I'm not surprised, singing like that" chortled her male companion, and off go the pair, together with the regular music scene commentator, into peals of laughter at the feeble efforts of the hapless and it must be said, slightly tubby chanteuse.

She sang great, actually. She was bang on. She was right on the money. She hit the spot. I'm a trained singer and I've done a little singing myself and I knew. She was good, and I knew and I imagine she knew too. Who didn't seem to know were the news readers and their, er, specialist music correspondent. What they'd been listening to was a dry vocal, the girl's naked voice before it had been treated with several thousand pounds worth of special effects in a studio costing a conservative few million pounds by a producer whose income a Greek chorus of news readers couldn't calculate on all their combined toes and fingers. In other words, this supposedly hapless, loser wannabe dreamer girlie singer sounded just like everyone does before it gets the studio magic added, the same way I do, the same way you do, the same way any singer you could name would if they were just singing dry into a microphone.

Now years ago, they might have got away with this. We'd all have chortled merrily away, none the wiser. Tuned in the next day for more, probably. Which is the point of the exercise. These days, though, given how relatively cheap and easy it is to have a home computer-based studio, more and more people will be aware of this and, along with me, be insulted by the suggestion that they don't.

It's ignorant not to know this and it's a greater ignorance to display this on television and a greater ignorance still to assume that your audience/viewers are similarly as ignorant and thus will feel comfortingly encouraged to chortle right along with you.

I see behaviour like this directed at the viewer - me - and I'm insulted. And it seems to be all over the shop. I recently watched a TV presenter interview a heavyweight economist about the economic conditions in a country where a school was taken over by terrorists. "In order to understand this kind of behaviour, you have to look at the economic conditions typically prevalent in the countries where it surfaces", says the economist, drawing breath to - presumably - do just that. At this point the interview promptly accused him of supporting terrorism, precipitating what looked like an imminent heart-attack on the part of the economist.

Now there is a clear distinction between being a supporter of terrorism, or even an apologist for terrorism, and observing, being expert in your field, that similar economic conditions are often in place before the rise of terrorism and going on TV in your official capacity to make mention of them. I don't need that explaining to me - do you?

In this case, the interviewer apparently believed his audience incapable of making the distinction. Again, I was insulted, myself. Since the economist almost went into apoplexy I gather he wasn't too pleased either.

Being fed up with seeing scenes like the ones I describe above mean I don't watch a lot of breakfast TV any more. I know well the saying that no-one ever went broke by under-estimating the intelligence of the public. That was before we had the internet, and access to it in every living room. This is the information age, and oh yes, this just in - you can't treat your audience as if they're ignorant any more. If you do, they won't be your audience for too much longer, and hey - how dumb is that?

Signed Ji-Sung Park Man United Shirt Being Given Away For Charity

Few have not heard of Ji-Sung Park, the Korean superstar dubbed the “Shaggy Haired-One” of UK Premiership team Manchester United. Park rose to international stardom in 2002, scoring goals against England and France during international friendlies in May, preceding the World Cup of 2002. During the World Cup, he scored the winning goal in South Korea's match against Portugal . His first professional contract was at J-League's Kyoto Purple Sanga in 2000, and he was the first Korean footballer ever to go straight to the J-League without going through the K-League. He was arguably the most influential player of the team by 2002 and following his stellar performance World Cup that year, it was evident that the J-League was too small a stage for Park.

His international career began as a defensive midfielder at age 18. When Guus Hiddink became the head coach of South Korea, Park’s position was changed to winger. Since then, Park is considered to be versatile player who can play in a range of positions, from wing-back to central midfield. After the World Cup, Park was recruited to PSV Eindhoven, to play under his mentor and former national team coach Hiddink. Unlike his compatriot Young-Pyo Lee, who rapidly became a fixture in PSV Eindhoven's starting lineup, Park struggled and a few poor performances which unfortunately saw him being boo-ed by some of the PSV fans.

By the end of 2003-2004 season, Park had adapted to The Netherlands, he quickly proved his worth to the team forming the backbone of PSV Eindhoven's midfield play with fellow Korean Young-Pyo Lee and Dutchmen Mark van Bommel and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Park’s energetic movement created havoc against all opponents at all areas of the field, both offensively and defensively. His PSV career highlight came he scored the first goal against AC Milan at the Champions League semi-finals.

Park was scouted by Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United by the end of the 2005 season who believed that Park's energetic style of play and outstanding fitness could be the foundation his flagging Manchester United side needed. Also, with the aging of Ryan Giggs and the relatively inexperienced Cristiano Ronaldo on the right wing, Park was sought after, in order to keep the Manchester United midfield fresh but also provide experience to a mostly young team. In July 2005, Ji-Sung Park signed a four-year contract with Manchester United for four million pounds.

As anticipated, Park impressed fans during Manchester United's pre-season tour of the Far East, as well as in the first game of the season against Everton with his tireless, energetic roaming of the pitch and pressuring of opponents, such that Ferguson picked him over Ryan Giggs and the popular Cristiano Ronaldo against Aston Villa on 20th August the following week. His lack of composure in front of goal is considered his main weakness as he has, on many occassions, come close to scoring but he has opted to pass the ball to his other team-mates. Park has been renowned for his good attitude and strong work ethic which have helped him excel for both club and country. His fitness is known to rival that of a marathon runner, and his former teammates at PSV Eindhoven have jokingly suggested that Park plays with an oxygen tank strapped to his back.

Ji-Sung Park’s unofficial website is soon hosting a charity contest where fans can win a genuine Man United shirt, hand-signed by Park, worth hundreds of pounds. Every person who enters- needs to donate 2 pounds & predict how many goals in total Park will have scored for Man United in all competitions by the end of the season. All money raised is being given to a local South Korean charity- a football academy for deprived youngsters, in conjunction with the famous South Korean team: Suwon Bluewings, the famous football club, from where Park is from and was born. For more information please visit: www.ji-sungpark.com

How to defeat terrorism

Stopping terrorism is not like gambling, in poker there are different variables that can affect the outcome but it fighting terror the only way to win is to fight to the end.

Many people thing that the terrorist feel they have been wronged by something or someone and that giving them something will end the fight be it land or money, but history has repeatedly shown us that by appeasing the terrorists we are only giving them what they want, and prolonging the fight. They will continue to take everything they are given but they never stop wanting more.

An example of this is clear in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Israel allows the PLO to return to the west bank and Gaza and form the Palestinian Authority, Israel supplied weapons and the Americans provided training to the Palestinians so they could start a army to fight crime and terrorism.

Israel was repaid by the terrorists by suicide bombings in malls, restaurants, clubs and busses.

More recently Israel pulled all Jews from Gaza and gave all the land to the Palestinians. The Israelis left behind infrastructure and greenhouses, which could have been used for businesses by the Palestinians. The moment the last troops were out of Gaza the terrorists destroyed what the Israelis left behind and again repaid them with rockets on Sderot and Ashkelon, two Jewish cities bordering Gaza.

Many of you are thinking that these problems were brought on by the Israelis stealing Palestinians land, but what was it that the United States did that angered Al Qaeda?

Many will say it is because America has troops in Saudi Arabia where the two holiest locations to the Muslim people are, these people are wrong. This fight is not about the terrorists wanting America out of the Middle East.

This was is about the pride of one individual. Osama Bin Laden, and that’s all it is about.

In 1991 when Saddam Hussein Invaded Kuwait, Saudi Arabia was worried and was looking to get help to protect its oil fields. Osama Bin Laden offered his assistance to help protect his homeland with the help of his Mujahadim, who had helped protect Afghanistan from the Russians in the 80's.

But rather then gamble on Bin Laden's holey warriors, the Saudis asked for help from the United States, and this wounded Bin Laden's pride. Now Bin Laden is on a quest to show the world that he is the true protector of Islam, do not be fooled this is a war of religion.
The only thing that has ever worked is not to try to negotiate with these people but to fight them with force. You will find that with any military action against terrorists once you start to make some headway they will start to yell about a Hudna or temporary cease fire.

When you are in a poker tournament in Casinos Online or land based and your opponent is almost out of chips, do you back off and let your enemy regroup or go all in and force him out.

The Only way to defeat terrorism is to fight terrorism whenever and wherever it shows its head, and to never let up on those who would use terror to forward their goals.

The Decline Of The Local Newspaper

I have recently been hearing about how our local newspapers (in the UK) are falling into decline due to a raft of competition from various alternative media sources such as the internet.

I live in Birmingham and I am the type of person who loves to play and watch sports. Where I live we have a famous Saturday nights sports paper which arrives in the shops at around 6pm, it is called The Sports Argus and is pink in colour. This paper has been a must buy for my family for as long as I can remember and it includes all of the days football results and the latest football tables. It also has match reports from all of the local teams as well as a lot of information about other sports including the horse racing and its results. This paper will no longer be available as it appeared in the shops for the last time around three weeks ago.

A few years ago the first place to read about these results and to see the updated football divisions was via this newspaper. This is no longer the case of course. We are now able to view this information almost immediately after each football match has finished on either satellite television, the internet or even on our mobile phones. Less and less people are now purchasing this particular paper which is a shame as I had continued to do so and will miss it!

Other potential reasons for a decline in our local newspapers could include the fact that they are no longer that local, if you know what I mean. As an example some of the papers include lots and lots of national news items and only a few about local stories and events. The reason we are purchasing the paper is to find out about what is going on in our own area, if I want to know about national items I would of course buy one of the national newspapers.

A number of our local newspapers have been taken over by some of the big news corporations who have reduced the amount of pages in each edition and who have also reduced the amount of copies which are printed. What they did not reduce of course was the price, therefore they are expecting us to pay the same price for less pages and less news.

We are now also able to watch the news twenty-four hours a day if we want to and if we of course have access to satellite television. This has had a huge negative impact on the local newspaper sales.

Advertising revenue has greatly reduced in recent years for these local newspapers, this has also been a reason which has resulted in some of them deciding to stop printing.

In my opinion if the local newspapers are going to survive they need to fight back. They should become as is their name, more local. By all means include the main two or three national news stories but ninety percent of the items should be about the local area and its people.

Advertising rates should be made more affordable with perks to encourage people to become long term business partners and advertisers, such as free features of their business from time to time. I would also include some interesting competitions and offers off different products.

Understanding Green Card

The United States Permanent Resident Card, better understood as the Green Card, is the identification card of individuals who live permanently in the United States but are not U.S. citizens. It is the proof that the person is legally permissible to stay and work in the United States and acquires most of the rights of a U.S. citizen. Its original name was Alien Registration Receipt Card which is now called the Permanent Resident Card or form I-551 or simply Green Card.

Originally, the Permanent Resident Card is green thus the name green card. But over the years, the card’s color has been replaced several times. By 2005, the lettering at the back of the card is the only prominent part of the card that is green and the rest it white. Still, the green card marks its title to the card and the current name in use. It contains the name and photograph plus other information of the holder. The card has also been improved a number of times to avoid counterfeiting.

The rule on the green card holder is simple. When in the United States, the holder should posses the green card at all times. This is important to avoid trouble when asked by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. This is one particular requirement of the law of the United States. Of course, the U.S. citizens need not to carry identification. This is simply because citizens have far greater constitutional rights than green card holders who are still considered as aliens. The rule to carry the card however does not exist before September 11, 2001 unless the person is coming from foreign trip where he/she needs to present the card upon re-entry to the United States. After September 11, 2001, this rule has been enforced that even when the green card holder is traveling domestically or residing in the country. The US Department of Homeland Security is the one responsible to randomly check residents if they are citizens or not then ask for the green card when needed.

Before, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) are the ones who issue green cards but it was later absorbed and replaced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS is formerly known as the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services or the BCIS which is still under the Department of Homeland Security

Getting a green card though requires a thorough and long process. It may even take years to get it. However, the application still depends on the type of criteria the applicant falls in and what country the applicant has come from. And even if he/she is most suited to become green card holder, there is a definite number of approvals per year with unlimited number of applicants.

To be eligible for a green card application, the applicant must fall in at least one of the following criteria:

One, there should be an employer ready to sponsor your to the whole green card application process. Two, you have a relative with U.S. citizenship. Three, you won the green card lottery. Four, you happen to be married with a U.S. citizen. And five, you have invested at least $500,000 on U.S. land and have created 5 full-time jobs. Other qualifications for green card are, asylum, refugee, special immigrants, adoption, private bill, and registry.

N.O.W and Coach Paterno

Every now and again a story comes along that really burns your backside and recently in the news there's been talk about the National Organization for Women making a huge deal about some words coach Paterno of Penn State said during a press conference concerning a Florida State football player and the situation the player finds himself in concerning allegations a woman has made against him.

The FSU player Nicholson who is a very good player was held out of the bowl game between PSU and FSU over allegations that he was involved in some sort of situation with a woman.

Paterno was asked about it during a press conference and Paterno who is always a gentleman of good nature and sense basically said it's tough out there in the world and you have to be careful and kids have to be smart and know who they're getting involved with and so on and so forth.

The coach was not accusing Nicholson and he was not accusing this woman of anything in my mind he was merely stating the situation of the world today and the need to be careful in it.

The womans organization took a hissy fit and asked for the coach to be removed after all these wonderful years of service and after all these years of looking after kids and making sure they graduated and got good grades because I suppose they think he wasn't sympathetic enough to this woman who is making the accusations against this player.

My feeling on this is when did we on this planet become guilty until proven innocent? In this country we are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. I am wondering really why Nicholson of FSU was not allowed to play and what was the basis for not allowing him to play? Anyone can make an accusation against someone of anything but until there is proof of a crime an allegation is just an allegation.

Let's say it turns out Nicholson is indeed innocent then can he sue this woman and turn back time to play in the biggest college game of his life? He'll get nothing and still miss the biggest college game of his career because someone alledged something which in my mind is not fair in the least.

Don't get me wrong if indeed evidence comes forward to find Nicholson did do something then I feel for this girl and her family but let's remember that it's innocent until proven guilty folks and lets not bring out the firing squad when good coaches and good men give an opinion.

Let's see the evidence and have it bring out the facts first before we make our decisions on Nicholson and we certainly should not involve a great coach and a great man in this nonsense for making a comment.

I'm disappointed that a national organization would be so quick to jump on an innocent man and a good coach and role model over his comments that to me seemed fine. The National Organization for Women or NOW as they are known should be ashamed really and should get facts on cases and get evidence before they send out the axe man.

Healing Anger and Violence in Our Society

I have counseled individuals, couples, families and business partners for the past 35 years and authored eight published books. All this experience has resulted in the development of a profound six-step healing process, called Inner Bonding, which anyone can learn and use throughout the day (FREE course available - see resource box).

The violence in Littleton, Colorado sparked many discussions regarding the cause of such horrifying behavior on the part of two teenage boys. I would like to address this in terms on Inner Bonding.

In my experience, it is not possible for us as human beings to be violent when we are connected to our true, core Self and to a source of spiritual guidance. When we do the work we need to do to develop a spiritually connected loving adult self, we have an inner adult who places limits on our behavior regarding harming ourselves and others.

However, it is very common in our society for people to lose touch with their true, core Self. Since our core Self holds our intrinsic feelings of compassion and empathy for others, losing touch with this aspect of ourselves may cause us to be able to harm others without feeling any pain or remorse over it. The question is, then, how do we lose our connection with our core Selves?

Many child development experts state that those people who disconnect from their empathy and compassion, generally do so between the ages of two and four. If our parents lacked empathy and compassion for our feelings and needs, we might have chosen to be caretakers and take care of their needs, or we might have chosen to become like them and not care about others' feelings and needs. We may have had no role modeling for maintaining our own inner connection. If our parents shut themselves down to our pain and their own, we may have learned to shut down to our own and others vulnerable feelings. If, in addition, we were physically, sexually, emotionally or verbally abused or neglected, we may have shut down to survive.

Some children, whose parents were shut down or abusive, manage to stay connected with their core Selves through contact with animals such as dogs or horses, while others stay connected through contact with relatives or friends with whom they identify. But many young children just disconnect to survive. When in this disconnected state, if they watch violence on TV or practice violence through video games, they may further train themselves to numb out against compassion, empathy, and the pain of harming others.

Likewise, if children grow up with no personal connection with a source of spiritual guidance, they may not know that we are all one, and they may not consider the possibility that the consequences of their actions may follow them into their lives after death.

Without connection with their core Self and their spiritual guidance, they are left with only their wounded selves. If they happen to be operating from an enraged wounded self, this self can certainly act out in angry and violent ways. With no loving inner Adult to set limits, the harm to themselves or others can be disastrous, as we have seen.

While limiting guns is certainly a good thing to do, it will not stop the violence. This violence will not stop until we no longer need to learn, as very young children, to barricade our hearts. As parents and teachers we need to be practicing a healing process such as Inner Bonding so that we can reclaim our core Selves and our deep connection with God. Only by doing our own inner work will we be able to be the loving role models that our children need. The change in our society must come from within each of us.