Smooth Jazz and More's Blog!!

Celebrating 40 Years Of Sesame Street

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:42:00 +0000

It's hard to believe, but this past week Sesame Street went on the air 40 years ago in 1969.

Allot has changed during that time, and there are grandchildren and great-grandchildren that have literally grown up on Sesame Street.

Personally, I love the parodies they make of established shows, such as the one video shown below for Monsterpiece Theatre, first done back in 1981.

As you can see, I love Cookie Monster. My favorite son was "C" is for Cookie, first done back in 1974.

But my all-time favorite was this sketch with Ernie and Bert, made back in 1971.

I can name more of my favorites, but I'd be here all day. Let's all hope Sesame Street continues to bring more generations of children happiness and learning for many years to come!

Flying To London Just Got Easier!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:34:00 +0000

I had the chance to go to London a couple of years ago when I was taking a writing class at Syracuse University. The group was part of a seminar and festival of writers who specialized in labour issues. It would have been a great way to improve my writing craft, meet different writers and visit a place I've never been to before.

Back then, prices were sky high compared to today's rates. Plus, because ratings period was when the event took place made it impossible for me to take time off. Today, I noticed British Airways has a seat sale going on until November 19th.

So I got my creative juices flowing and put together an itinerary for a dream trip to London. I put together a trip scheduled to fly out of Pearson International Airport out of Toronto and landing in Heathrow, just outside of London between March 4th and March 8th 2010.

I was able to adjust my itinerary to get a flight on a day that would be cheaper to fly out of. The result, a round-trip airfare to London from Toronto came out to be $784 dollars (Canadian). The amount includes taxes, fees, charges (security & insurance) and surcharges.

That's not bad, really. You can also upgrade to three different classes, including business and first class. And it's not just England. You can find great deals to the Middle East and Asia. Keep in mind, this sale is only available from Canadian destinations.

HD Radio App For iPhones! The Costs Is Steep!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:07:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reported on its online blog that iPhone users can now access HD Radio through a new app. However, the cost of the new app may be more than what it's worth.

The new app requires a Gigaware HD Radio receiver accessory, which costs $80 and is only available at Radio Shack. Headphones are also required, not just for listening purposes, but also to act as antennae for the receiver.

I couldn't see myself plucking down $80 bucks for the HD experience on radio when I can get the same programming on the Internet for free.

That's just plain ridiculous!

A New Way To Get A New Smile!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:41:00 +0000

In 1988, I was finally able to purchase braces for my teeth. They were badly in need of reconstruction and there was no other way of straightening them out. As an adult, I needed this change for my future. $3,800 dollars later, my teeth are in the best shape of my life.

Which leads me to an alternative to braces I just found called "Lumineers". Lumineers are basically, dental veneers.

Veneers are a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and porcelain.

Lumineers can be installed by a dentist one at a time or a with the use of a LumiTray. A LumiTray is a dental tray in which 6 to 10 veneers are pre-placed all at once. Lumineers can also be placed over crowns and over dental bridge work.

In most cases, only two doctor visits are necessary. No shots or anesthetic are required and no post-operative sensitivity has been reported by patients.

Cosmetic dentistry has come along way through the years. I just wished this would have been around when I needed it.

Freedom Communications' Top Executives Piliage The Company

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:17:00 +0000

According to a bankruptcy filing, top executives at Freedom Communications were paid million of dollars out of the company's MBO bonus program.

The program paid out more than $3.7 million to Freedom’s top executives during the past year, including expenses such as partner distributions, automobile reimbursements, club memberships and, for at least one executive, housing allowances, according to federal bankruptcy filings.

At least 49 Freedom executives, including publishers at various newspapers across the country, dipped into the MBO bonus program during the 12 months leading up to the company’s bankruptcy filing in September.

Freedom CEO Scott Flanders received two MBO payments totaling more than $1.1 million during that time, including a $400,000 bonus only weeks before the company filed bankruptcy. Others, such as Orange County Register Publisher Terry Horne and Community Newspapers Division President Jonathan Segal, received bonuses totaling six-figures.

Other executives befiting from the program had their names published in the bankruptcy filing.

Source: AZ Capitol Times.

While The Job Market Declines, The Stock Market Continues to Look Up!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Today, the country just learned that the nation's unemployment rate has gone up to 10.2% percent. That number is the highest since 1983, when Ronald Reagan was president. Economists are predicting the rate may go to 10.5% percent by next year because employers are reluctant to hire anyone.

That's bad news. But if you looked at the stock market, you'll find that it continues to improve. As of Friday, November 6th; stock trading was brisk, as the Dow Jones industrial average went up 17.46 points, to end the week over 10,000 points. This makes for an opportune time for online trading.

One online broker that is taking advantage of the improved stock market is FirstTrade.com. FirstTrade.com is an online brokerage firm that allows its customers to trade Stocks, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs and Fixed Incomes, all at competitive costs.

Unfortunately, unemployment is the last thing that recovers in any economic situation. We'll probably see more problems in the job market, as it recovers.

Businesses Should Take Advantage of DirecTV!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:52:00 +0000

When I think about Direct TV for Business, I immediately think of a bar, restaurant or hotel, as they would easily take advantage of its wide rage of sports packages. But what I didn't know was that small businesses could take advantage of Commercial DirecTV, as well.

Direct TV Business works well with doctor's offices, barber shops, coffee shops and a whole host of other offices. In fact, 90% percent of subscribers found that DirecTV increased their business and made their stay worthwhile.

Right now, Directv Business has a special offer for merchants looking to entertain their clients. You can save up to $500 dollars DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket package, plus, get a free upgrade to SuperFan with a new 1-year subscription to DIRECTV Commercial Programming.

Another Mass Murder Involving Guns, Thanks To The 2nd Amendment!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:49:00 +0000

There's been yet another mass murder involving readily available guns in the United States. This time, an Army officer shot and killed 13 soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas. 30 people were wounded, including the gunman. The motive for the shooting wasn't clear, but the officer was apparently set to deploy soon and had expressed some anger about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The fact that the officer was a Muslim is irrelevant, as this simply gives fuel to the anti-Islamic bigots to advance their racist ideology. What is relevant was he was allowed to purchase a weapon rather easily, thanks to the 2nd Amendment.

Texas is one of a handful of states that allows its residents to purchase handguns without a waiting period. You also don't need a licence or a permit to purchase a handgun. You can also buy a handgun at a gun show without a background check. In fact, the Texas legislature passed a law in 1994 granting it's citizens the right to carry concealed weapons. Texas is one of 22 states that allows concealed weapons.

The readily available usage of handguns only increases the likelihood that you will be killed or know someone that will be killed by a handgun.

The tragedy in Texas is not surprising. It is gun rights supporters who hide behind the 2nd Amendment, a flawed and outdated part of the Bill of Rights, that allows mass murder in the US to happen. Unless this Amendment is changed, expect more incidents like this to happen.

Here's Penn & Teller's take on the 2nd Amendment.

Yankees Win! Theeeee Yankees Win!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

27! Man, that's hard to believe! 27 World Series Championships!

No one even comes close! Well, the Montreal Canadiens do, but they haven't been relevant for the last 16 years!

The whole time the team was playing game 6 last night, I was thinking about 2001, 2003 and 2004 and how we blew those series. A game 7 would have been a crap shoot.

Just think! We could be 30-time champions, right now!

But that's alright! That's perfectly fine! Let some other teams win for a time. They're just holding on the the trophy until we get tired and take what's rightfully ours!

Like the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair always said, "To be the man, you have to beat the man!"

I'm going to savor this moment all winter long!

TAKE THAT RED SUX FANS! GET ON SOME OF THIS, BABY! YEAH!

Election Victory Was Hollow For The GOP!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:11:00 +0000

Let me just say that the Republicans can savor the wins in Virginia and New Jersey. Both election wins were basically handed to them by a Democratic base that was not energized from last year's incredible presidential victory.

Some will say that this is a "renaissance" for the Republican party. I say, "Guess again!" There are still come serious problems that surround the GOP.

Flat out, there's no room for moderates in the GOP. Those who follow the "Jacob Javitz" philosophy are ostracized and banished from the party.

Case in point, the Congressional race in the 23rd of New York. The Republican candidate, Dede Scozzafava ran on a pro-labor, pro-health reform platform.

Radical right "wingnuts", including Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh fought hard to sabotage her candidacy, with millions of dollars going to the Conservative Party candidate, Douglas Hoffman.

Because of the uproar, Scozzafava dropped out of the race two days before the election. The result, Bill Owens becomes the first Democrat to serve Northern New York in Congress since 1855.

This sabotage by fringe right "wingnuts" on moderate Republicans can only play into the hands of the Democrats. Next year's mid-term elections will probably see the same thing across the country in House and Senate seats. Only this time, the GOP won't have any control over it and the Democrats may well keep their majority, if not gain more seats.

Talk about, "biting your nose in spite of your face?"

Get Fired Up For Tonight, Yankees Fans!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:32:00 +0000

Here's the official New York Yankees 2009 Anthem. Here's hoping for #27, tonight!

HappySpree.com Vlog Review

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:23:00 +0000

This is a review of my experience on HappySpree.com. I encourage you to go and check it out! HappySpree.com

Bad Economics Spells Bad Days For Car Sales!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:22:00 +0000

The world is still reeling from a poor economic climate. The worst industry right now is the automobile industry. Auto sales have plummeted, with some estimates at nearly 60% percent within the last 18 months.

During that time, both GM and Chrysler had to declare bankruptcy. Hundreds of car dealerships have been forced to close down due to poor sales or by a mandate by their car manufacturers.

The period of flux has been especially devastating to the luxury car dealers. Companies such as Hummer, Pontiac and Oldsmobile have either been sold or put out of business. Brand names such as Ferrari, Porsche and Lincoln MKT have seen their fortunes tumble due to concerns about their cars getting better gas mileage.

The Obama administration has attempted to infuse cash into the situation by developing the "Cash for Clunkers" program, encouraging buyers to turn in cars that no longer work in exchange for environmentally friendly vehicles.

The program has been a huge triumph. This week, Ford announced its first earnings growth in more than a year thanks to the "cash for clunkers" program and other cost-cutting efforts. The country’s second largest auto maker posted a $1 billion dollar profit in the third quarter of this year.

Though the program was an initial success in the short term, long term results won't be figured out for another few years. Will the program actually develop jobs within the auto industry? Will there be sustained growth in car sales? These and other questions won’t be solved until the economy, in general, gets better.

New Place For Merchants Online!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000

If you own a small business in Western New York, you know the economy is hurting by the amount of income coming in. You need to advertise your business easily and without spending a great deal of money.

Check out this website called, "JustClickLocal.com". It's a comprehensive website that lists stores and companies within your local area. For example, enter the word "roofing" and the city, "Buffalo, NY". You'll find seven roofing companies within Western New York you can use for your home.

You'll also find different ratings from people who've used the services. They'll mention their thoughts about whether they're good or bad. You can also refine your search by searching nearby cities and related other searches.

There are hundreds of cities you can choose from, including St. Louis, MO & Atlanta, GA.

The site itself looks clean and precise, although the automation may list the city differently than what you want. Play around with it and see what your thoughts are!

Eddie Murphy - Haunted Houses

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Just in time for Halloween! Eddie Murphy from his groundbreaking 1983 "DELIRIOUS" special! EXPLICIT LANGUAGE! DISCRESION IS ADVISED!

Richard Pryor - Exorcist / Dracula bit

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Just in time for Halloween! Richard Pryor Exorcist / Dracula bit. From the 1974 album "That N**ger's Crazy". EXPLICIT LANGUAGE! DISCRESSION ADVISED!

13 Scary Movies for Halloween!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Do you want to be scared? I mean really, really scared! Not just grossed out, but scared out of your wits this Halloween?

Well, I've just compiled a list of my picks of the scariest films of all time! Feel free to add your favorite Halloween movies!

13. Young Frankenstein (1974) ~ "O.K., so it's not a scary movie, but it is the best parody of Frankenstein ever made!"

12. Halloween (1979) ~ "Believe it or not, this movie inspired the WWE's Undertaker & Kane!"

11. Rosemary's Baby (1969) ~ "The son of Satan born on the upper west side of Manhattan!"

10. Alien (1979) ~ "In space, no one can really hear you scream for dear life!"

9. Night of the Living Dead (1968) ~ "It will make you puke after eating!"

8. Dracula (1935) ~ "The only version you should see! Bela Lugosi is the real vampire!"

7. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) ~ "It's Beyond Scary! It's downright disgusting!"

6. Poltergeist (1982) ~ "Why didn't they just leave the house?"

5. Frankenstein (1931) ~ "The original! Accept no substitutes!"

4. The Blair Witch Project (1999) ~ "One of the best movie experiments ever made!"

3. Psycho (1960) ~ "Hitchcock's unforgettable shower scene says it all!"

2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) ~ "Anthony Hopkins' cemented his legacy with this classic film!"

1. The Exorcist (1974) ~ "The scariest movie of all time! Bar None!"

Honorable Mentions

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1985) - Only for its unintentionally funny moments!

The Shinning (1980) - If not scary, downright hammy film from Stanley Kubrick!

The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) - The man in a lizard suit reminds me of the Star Trek episode where lizard taking to Captain Kirk had a bronchial asthma problem ("Arena").

The Thing (1951) - Did anyone notice James Arness of Gunsmoke in the carrot suit?

The Pit and the Pendulum (1961) - Roger Corman's production featured Vincent Price's best performance as a complete lunatic!

Rabid (1977) - My personal favorite David Cronenberg film, with adult film star Marilyn Chambers in the lead role.

Suspiria (1977) - The commercials alone scared the shit out of me! The movie was a different story!

The Beast with Five Fingers (1946) - Peter Lorre was a gas! Ahead of it's time, really!

Happy Halloween!!

What To Do About Afghanistan?

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +0000

The question actually should be, "Why we're in Afghanistan in the first place?"

I know why we're there! But there are people in the United States that suffer from short term and long term memory. It's simple! 9/11!

When the terrorist attacks took place on American soil, we looked for who did it. 20men, 18 from Saudi Arabia, trained by Al-Qaida in Afghanistan, with the help of the Taliban-led government and financed by Osama Bin Laden.

The problem was in execution, and with that, you can't blame President Obama for the situation. In fact, you could blame President Bush and Vice President Cheney for their change of strategy from Afghanistan to Saddam Hussein and Iraq. But they also were not part of the problem.

In reality, you can go all the way back to the Soviet pull out of Afghanistan in 1989. After being pummeled into submission by a guerrilla war, the Russian military had enough and retreated back across the border to their home bases. The United States funded the same people who fought against the Soviets during their occupation.

Guess who was leading the charge? You got it! Osama Bin Laden was part of the Mujaheddin rebels fighting the Soviet invasion! It was a situation where, "the chickens have come home to roost!", our own "Frankenstein" monster!

Which goes back to the question at hand, "What to do about Afghanistan?" To win the war, you must first understand your enemy.

Afghanistan is one of the most impoverished nations in the world. The country is ruled not by a centralized government, but through tribal councils, where Islamic law is followed. This is primarily the reason why Al-Qaida was able to run efficiently.

Many of its population is illiterate, with no formal training or schooling. Women and children are especially treated badly, with high instances of rape and molestation not reported due to fear of reprisals by tribal leaders. There is a high rate of corruption among the Afghan government and its many local tribal councils.

And then there's Opium. As of March, 2008, Afghanistan was the biggest opium producer in the world, with much of it going to the United States and Europe. The industry has made nearly $64 billion dollars, with a quarter being earned by opium farmers and the rest going to district officials, insurgents, warlords and drug traffickers.1

1. United Nations Estimates

In all of this, I've learned one thing, a military cannot fight for the hearts and minds of people. It's easy to say, 'let's bomb them into the stone age.', but it ain't that simple. Training the Afghan military and reconstruction for schools and the infrastructure is what Afghanistan needs right now. It will take money and time, and lots of it.

As for the Taliban, this is a problem for Afghan people to decide whether or not they want them. The group isn't going away any time soon, but eventually, they will have to come back to the negotiating table. It will then be up to the Afghan people whether they want our help militarily. If the answer is "no", then they can't complain of the consequences of their actions.

No doubt, President Obama will have difficulty making his decision on the future of Afghanistan in the next couple of weeks.

These are tough choices. It's the one time I'm glad I'm not President.

Flea Control Still Needed For Winter Months!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:58:00 +0000

Even though the warm weather is pretty much over and the cold is starting to make its way back north, dogs still need to maintain a proper flea treatment.

We have four dogs in our home. We've been pretty lucky with our two pugs, as they haven't had many problems with fleas. However, we have two new puppies and they are susceptible to getting the critters.

I found out that one of them has a problem with mites in their ears. The vet showed me first hand what one looks like under a microscope. YIKES!

There are many dog flea products on the market. Your best bet is to go to your veterinarian and find the right treatment.

Funnyman Soupy Sales Dies! Famous For Pie Throwing Kid Show!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Soupy Sales, the 60's era TV host who was adored by kids -- and their parents with a wild sense of humor -- died on Thursday, October 22nd. in New York at the age of 83. Sales once said he took more pies in the face, probably 25,000 than any man who ever lived, and he was probably right.

Sales, born Milton Supman in 1923 in North Carolina, was beloved by kids with a 60's era TV show notorious for its semi-adult humor and ribald sense of humor. He also recorded a novelty song "Do the Mouse" which became a pop culture hit and a dance he came up with, The Soupy Shuffle, was also a major fad.

His crew loved to play pranks on him and vice versa. On one show, off camera but within his eyeline a naked woman danced and the crew convinced him the feed was going out live.

In 1964, he got in trouble with his bosses when he jokingly told kids to send him money...telling them to go into their parents wallets -- while they were sleeping -- and send him those pictures of "George Washington...Lincoln...Benjamin Franklin and Jefferson on them."

He mostly got Monopoly money but some money did come in and Sales was suspended for a week.

His show, "Lunch with Soupy Sales" which was also known as "The Soupy Sales Show" aired from 1959-1962 and from 1962-67. His show, a precursor to Pee Wee Herman and his Playhouse concept, featured cartoons, and rotating "friends" like White Fang, known as the meanest dog in the world; Black Tooth, a naughty gorilla; Pookie the tiny lion; and a mob figure named Onions Oregano, known for having bad breath.

By the 70s, Sales often showed up on game and trivia panels and appeared on shows like "The Love Boat" and "Love American, Style."

In the 80's, he was hired by WNBC radio, where he was sandwiched between morning man Don Imus and afternoon shock jock, Howard Stern. That gig lasted three years.

Below is one skit I enjoyed in particular, "Fang's Talent Agency". It was originally done in 1965.

Enjoy! R.I.P., Soupy!

Baseball Season Isn't Over For Those Who Play It!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:45:00 +0000

The "Boys of Summer" have turned into the "Men of October", as the World Series will soon be played.

For many, baseball season ends with a day on the golf course in a warm, sunny vacation spot. But for some, baseball season is year round. They strive to become the next Babe Ruth, Willie Mays or Whitey Ford by training at the top of their game.

One baseball academy does just that, turning raw talent into accomplished ball players. The place is called, Zoned. The school is located in Bridgewater, New Jersey and it specializes in Baseball and Softball.

The school assists athletes of all ages and helps improve their skills in a "state of the art" indoor facility. Current and former professional and collegiate players work directly with players, instructing them on the basics of the sport.

They'll learn how to improve their game and overall skills. Scholarships are also available to those students, boys and girls alike, with advanced abilities in baseball and softball.

Have a child or grandchild with special talents in baseball of softball, then give the folks at Zoned Sports Academy a call!

Should You Buy Used Or New Car?

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:15:00 +0000

I've always wondered why anyone would purchase a new car. Buying new is one of the worst investments you can make.

Why? Because cars depreciate in value. It starts once you take it off the lot. If you don't lease a car and buy a car for a 48-60 month period, the amount you pay for the vehicle will be significantly more that what the car will be worth. Unless you purchase a high-end luxury vehicle, it's probably better to buy used.

There are some drawbacks with used vehicles. What's the quality going to be like? Will it break down more often? Should you by an extended warranty? Then there's the though of sleasy car salesmen. Are they trustworthy?

One dealership in Austin, Texas called Drivetime takes the guessing out of purchasing Used Cars.

Drive Time is the nation's largest dealership with 77 locations across the country. They specialize in selling used cars to people with credit problems.

Check it out!

Study:US Kids Still Lag Behind The World In Math!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:06:00 +0000

A new study of U.S. middle school students and their attitudes about math revealed that kids spend a large amount of time either watching TV, playing video games, texting or using the computer for non school-related tasks.

72% percent of students spend more than three hours each day in front of a screen rather than doing homework. The percentage of students who spend less than an hour on their math homework each day is 67% percent. 28% percent students could not name one interesting career that uses math. 1

Maybe that's why Americans have been getting creamed by other countries when it comes to math. Math can be complex and hard. There are ways for children to solve math problems quickly and easy. You can get help with math by going to Tutorvista.com.

Tutorvista.com is a place where students from kindergarten to 12th grade can get free online math help right from your own home. The free algebra help can go a long way to improving math test scores. Free college algebra help is also available.

It's important for all children to know math skills. With Tutorvista.com, they can get a fresh start.

1 The study was commissioned by Raytheon.

Take a Fall Trip to Myrtle Beach!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:41:00 +0000

I've talked about Myrtle Beach, South Carolina a number of times on this blog. As a matter of fact, I mentioned that I've been to the area over 20 years ago during my time in the military.

The place has changed over the years. Myrtle Beach Hotels have become a requested destination for people to travel for leisure. The weather is pleasant during the fall and spring months. During the winter, Myrtle Beach temperatures range between 34°F degrees to 54°F degrees, making it a great place to travel for a weekend getaway.

Myrtle Beach Accommodations are now available for October and November mini-vacations. One place to check out is the Horizon at 77th Resort, a sprawling complex located on the beach, filled with entertainment and golfing for the amateur or professional. 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums are now available for short and long-term stays.

Take advantage of the availability and make your Myrtle Beach Accommodation now, before it's too late.

Brockville Newspaper Fails Its Readers, Yet Again!

smoothjazzandmore@yahoo.com (smoothjazzandmore) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:22:00 +0000

There was a scheduled power outage on Sunday. The local hydro company informed it’s customers of the disruption of service from 7am to 12pm through an automated call earlier in the week (The official call came to our home on Monday).

The scheduled outage affected approximately 9,000 residents in the Elizabethtown-Kitley township area of Leeds-Grenville county in Ontario, Canada. However, you would not have known about this disruption of service if you were a regular subscriber to the Brockville Recorder & Times newspaper.

Nowhere was there any kind mention of the power outage in their daily editions on Friday or Saturday. This important news would have had an adverse affect to those who depend on life systems, such as oxygen or “Live Alert”. The fact that this was a “scheduled” outage of hydro service once again has me questioning the commitment of this newspaper in covering the community.

At the very least, there should have been some kind of mention on their front page. Even if you already have a news website up and running to guide readers on breaking news stories, the site does no one any good if they have no hydro to access it. As it is, this wasn’t “breaking news”. The editorial staff should have known better than to exclude this important story from their daily newspaper.

The community deserves better news coverage than this!

NOTE: A copy of this blog entry will be sent to the newspaper for official comment.