A Plethura of Nothing.

THE 545 PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OF AMERICA'S WOES

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:22:38 PDT

THE 545 PEOPLE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL
OF AMERICA'S WOES

BY CHARLEY REESE

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits? Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does. You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does. You and I don't write the tax code. Congress does. You and I don't set fiscal policy. Congress does. You and I don't control monetary policy. The Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court justices - 545 human beings out of the 235 million - are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.

I excluded all but the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it.

No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislation's responsibility to determine how he votes.

A CONFIDENCE CONSPIRACY

Don't you see how the con game that is played on the people by the politicians? Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of Tip O'Neill, who stood up and criticized Ronald Reagan for creating deficits.

The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating appropriations and taxes.

O'neill is the speaker of the House. He is the leader of the majority party. He and his fellow Democrats, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetos it, they can pass it over his veto.

REPLACE SCOUNDRELS

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 235 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts - of incompetence and irresponsibility.

I can't think of a single domestic problem, from an unfair tax code to defense overruns, that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.

When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red. If the Marines are in Lebanon, it's because they want them in Lebanon.

There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take it.

Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exist disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation" or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people and they alone are responsible. They and they alone have the power. They and they alone should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses - provided they have the gumption to manage their own employees.

This article was taken from the Orlando Sentinel Star newspaper

Our Glen Town Center Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:24:35 PDT

Yesterday, 6/21/2011, we performed at the Glen Town Center in Glenview, Il. The evening was sketchy at best. It turned cloudy and the wind picked up. Besides Cassandra's music being blown around the few vendors that tried to brave it packed up quickly. They couldn't keep their napkins, cups and other items from blowing around. The weather held though. We struck our first note at 6:35 pm, performed for 55 minutes, took a 10 and got back on stage by 7:40 pm. Some of the crowd picked up and left due to the wind gaining momentum. But we still had a pretty good size squad hanging in there for the rest of the performance. At 8:15 pm we noticed lightning and started to let the crowd know that we'd do a couple more and we should all head to safer surroundings.

We completed, "Brother Love", at 8:30 pm. Our sound guy came to us and said that he was just told that 80 mph winds were on their way and would be here in 20 minutes. Now they knew this was coming yet they let us stay on stage. Glen Town Center crew was all around. Of course the guy who was running it and said would be around all night was know where to be found. Even the Glenview police were there but know one said a word until it was almost upon us.

It did hit and with a vengeance. Most of our equipment was fine but we couldn't get Lenny's, our sound guy, equipment down fast enough. Speakers were left out in rain and gusts of over 80 mph. Tables, chairs, port-a-potties, tents, shingles and anything else you can imagine went flying by. Even Lenny's cases filled with cables and mic stands went sailing down the street.

The moral of the story is it should've been called off as their was enough warning to do it. No one was seriously injured and that makes them lucky. But it just makes me wonder what people are thinking. It's obvious their not thinking of others.

What am I worth?

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:04:25 PDT

I know that things are tough. Believe me, I know. The biggest change for me has been pricing. I work more but for less. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the work. And I love what I do. Keeps the lights on, puts food on the table and I enjoy it. But what I've found is that it's brought out the sharks. Greedy people who care more about themselves than the people they hurt. And that begs the question, What am I worth?

I've had the unique pleasure of running into a company that sells you a gig without giving you the actual amount that they negotiated for the contract. Giving you the impression that they can only afford to pay you a much lower amount than the contract is negotiated for ... they keep the rest. I've only recently found out that this company has paid themselves as much as over 40% of a contract negotiated on my behalf for my talent. I never knew the actual amount I was contracted for and I never received the amount the client funding the contract thought I was receiving.

I'm not a lawyer but this is what I guess I'd want to see as the person funding the contract. As the client I'd want to make sure the contract discloses exactly how my money is going to be dispersed. I'd ask for everyone involved to sign the agreement. Then if a deposit is required, I'd make sure the final payment is made to the person I'm contracting. Or make sure the person I contracted received the correct amount.

And after this experience as the person being represented by a third party. I'll keep in mind that the contract is actually between me and the client. The third party brought us together. I'm paying the third party a commission from the funds paid by the client. I'll make sure I sign the original contract or make sure that if I'm signing a separate agreement that the contract price along with the commission is included in the contract. Maybe a lawyer? Couldn't hurt to get legal advice.

Everything has to be disclosed in a real estate contract or when you purchase a car. It's the law. So why shouldn't it be the same for my contracts? It's the only way to be sure of what I'm worth.

Both sides are in it for themselve's

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:17:53 PDT

The Haircut

One day a florist went to a barber for a
haircut. After the cut, he asked about his
bill,and the barber replied, "I cannot accept
money from you, I'm doing community
service this week."

The florist was pleased and
left the shop. When the barber went to open
his shop the next morning, there was a
"thank you" card
and a dozen roses waiting
for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut,
and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber
again replied, "I cannot accept money from
you, I'm doing community service this week."

The cop was happy and
left the shop. The next morning when the
barber went to open up, there was a "thank
you" card and a dozen donuts waiting for
him at his door.

Then a Congressman came in for a
haircut, and when he went to pay his bill,
the barber again replied, "I cannot accept
money from you, I'm doing community
service this week."

The Congressman was very happy
and left the shop.
The next morning, when the barber went to
open up,
there were a dozen Congressmen lined up
waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friend,
illustrates the fundamental difference between the
citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.

Freaky, funny, fantastic Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:24:09 PST

What a Friday the fam and I had. We woke up with high expectations. The team was set to accomplish great feats.

Our 70 year old, yes 70, stove had broken earlier in the week. You can't find parts for a 70 year old stove you know. And we were looking for a back drop for the stage for our new luncheon show. Janet likes the Habitat for Humanity Restore.

So after a few bowls of cereal the boys and I head outside to hook up our trailer for our trip in search of our treasures. But wait. Where's the garage door opener clicker thingy? We have a small garage that we use to store our trailer so we only need one, right? The day begins with a 2 hour search. Spenser was sure he brought it back into the house after using it to grab some windshield washer fluid for his car. Or maybe he put it on the hood of my truck. He couldn't remember and I surely would've noticed it. 10 am the search begins. Pockets were checked, garbage cans were emptied. Nothing behind the stove, fridge or microwave. How do we get into our garage? I'm no cat burglar, and I'm not proud of what we figured out. So let's just say we found a way in and we should have it fixed by Sunday.

12:15pm we are on the road. A late start but spirits remained high. We hit the Restore with our sights set. After an hour we walked out with a down comforter for Sarah and a small lampshade. Not bad really because they have lots of great items.

Mission accomplished? No! We march north with trailer in tow. Still empty but our hearts still hopeful that we will find the stove and back drop. A very weird pair of things to be shopping for I know, but life threw it at us.

We live far away from civilization. I like to say, "where God lost his shoes". So we have lots of time to talk in the car. I don't like the radio on. I think that when we're in the car we should speak to each other. So in our travels the list got a little longer as Lucas reminded Spenser that he lost the only garage door opener we had. So add it to the list.

It's 3pm. As we battle the school bus's dropping off the little ones we spy a small strip mall. A Sears appliance outlet! It's a scratch and dent outlet, or pre-loved as I like to call it. So the thought of bargains fill our minds and wallets. Low and behold our luck is turning. The car is parked and we hop out of our truck and trailer combo when we notice it beginning to snow. What!? That's not snow, those are ashes. Up go all of our heads to see a large black cloud and feeding it is large black billowing smoke. Is the Sears appliance outlet on fire!? Careful investigation brings us to the conclusion that it's safe to enter the store.

Joy filled our hearts as we see so many shiny appliances just begging to be taken home. And look, the "Ovens and Ranges" sign calls to us. As Janet and I head to our right I look to discover the boys heading the other way, kids. Anyway the stoves come into view. Each of us grab a row and we begin to search for the range that fills our needs. We view dozens of them. Nothing. The search continues until out of all of these shiny, pre-loved, ranges stands the holy grail. Reduced $300 due to a small dent in the lower left side panel. We'll take it, along with the extra warranty. After all it is damaged. The next question is asked, "do you sell garage do remotes?". "No" is the quick reply. "But our regular store a block and a half down does". The range is purchased, loaded and off we go down the block. I won't drag this out. "Sears has everything?" I remember that from when I was a kid. And they did have everything I needed, that day at least.

A careful ride home as to keep from further damaging the new pre-loved stove. Remove the old stove for recycling and replace it with our brand new pre-loved stove and our day is a success. What happened to our backdrop? It got drop kicked from the list.

Shortly after the installation my daughter Sarah comes home. She has a story to tell. "Dad", she begins. "My friend and I were walking yesterday. Around the corner we found a garage door opener that looked just like ours". My eyebrows went up. I drove that way I thought to myself, "what did you do with it?" I asked. "Well we clicked it a few times to see if it opened up anyone's garage. It didn't so we put it back down".

Well the kids checked to see if it was still there. It wasn't. I'll let you know how the search for the back drop goes...

"ReStore accepts donated new and gently used goods from retailers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and homeowners. Building supplies are then sold, at greatly reduced prices, to the general public. The store's operation generates funds to support Habitat’s house building program in the northern Fox Valley area, while reducing the amount of material that would otherwise go to overflowing landfills."

There are ways..

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:31:53 PST

Things are certainly different than they were 3 years ago. Understatement right!? Back then, (That's something my parents would say. But now we can all say it.), gigs were plentiful. Calls were coming in and the bank account was full. Much different than 3 years ago.

I've found it's time to step back and get in touch with your contacts. But that's really hard because of voice mail, email and caller id. You find out quickly who's really on your contact list.

I've also found that in many cases that business owners and festivals are more interested in cost over quality and quantity. I've offered more stage time than other performers for a similar cost and lost the bid. They favored the cheesiness of the other performer stating that they feel attendance will be down anyway so why spend the extra money.

But isn't the whole reason for having entertainment to draw folks in and keep them? Give them a reason to come back?

I am not just an entertainer, I am also a small business owner. I know there are ways to get quality & quantity. You just have to think outside the box. It's not always just about money!!

"Denny Diamond and The Family Jewels have delighted audiences across the nation performing their fun and energetic tribute to one of America's favorite singer/songwriters, Neil Diamond. Mix in songs made famous by artists like Johnny Cash, Roger Miller and various other entertainers to round out an evening of great music. They have proven to be a great addition to any Festival or Corporate Event. "

Denny Diamond Website

Happy 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:48:04 PST

Happy New Year everyone.

January 4th Lucas, Spenser and I hit the road for 3 weeks performing in Arizona, Kissimmee, Fl. and Franklin Tn. We will more than likely try and hit a few other places along the way. Any suggestions are welcome, just email me.

We had a quiet new years. I did not perform for the first time in 11 years. It's the economy. But the boys and I are starting new ventures with Lunch and Dinner shows that we hope to help our business and of course looking forward to performing larger shows and festivals.

We'll write from the road and post video's from the road.
Denny

I'm starting to blog again!

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:44:34 PST

Look out folks I'm blogging again. Yes it's time to listen to my rants about the latest thing on my mind. Currently, I'm wondering why the big guys like Good Morning America spend so much time crying about Oprah leaving. She's not leaving! She's starting her own network...duh!

Anyway, this is the first of many. Be ready!

Nuff said!

Just thinking

noreply@blogger.com (Denny Diamond) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 06:20:38 PST

It's Sunday, I had this weekend off. Not by choice but more by economy. Is that grammatically correct, "by economy"? I have been listening to stories of "stimulus packages", "bi-partisanship" and ceo's spending without regard while their companies are laying off workers. I'm really not sure what to do with this overload of negativity that I'm being fed. I know that all of this had to do with why I'm not working much lately. It's all that's in the news and because of that it's all that's on people's minds.

I don't want to get into any political discussions. I just hope they start to work together and fix it.