Educational Excellence

Can anyone muster the energy to say, “Happy Friday”?

Well here it goes, T.G.I.F.!

I know … I know, not too much “happy” going on in D.C., the nation’s capitol, nor in the homes of the federal employees whose jobs have been furloughed …. hmmmmm

Keeping it short and sweet today because not only couldn’t I sleep well last night, I am abhorred by how members of Congress, in particular those affiliated with if not belonging to the “Tea Party” … have decided that their personal vendettas against the POTUS have overridden their responsibilities to the American people to get back to work and pass necessary legislation to “re-open” the Federal Government.

Now, of course, is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country, whilst the elected representatives play the “blame game” to attempt to save face while the nation’s population looks on in awe! Grown men and women with law degrees who get more “hand outs” just for holding the position for a few years …. but their “hand outs” are for LIFE! Can you say “entitlement”?! As I looked on the popular social network, Facebook, yesterday, I felt inclined to visit CNN’s programs hosted by Anderson Cooper and Piers Morgan. They tried to air the nation’s “dirty laundry”, but the whole world stood watching these United States of America’s top representatives begin playing the most childish game ever … “It’s your fault!” Could we blame the POTUS for not wanting to negotiate his Affordable Healthcare Act for the many requests of the Tea Party and the Republicans they support and “puppet”? Or, should we blame the Republican members of Congress who say that it is all the Democratic party’s fault, in particular, Obama, to negotiate with seemingly in-house “anarchists” so that the health plan already voted into existence … ” … by the people, for the people and of the people …” … can be repealed by the POTUS. All I can say is that I am not impressed by this type of “blame game” that jeopardizes the lives of the very people who put these characters in office. I pray that they mature before we get invaded by true terrorists who are watching the “leaders of the free world” squabble like school yard children.

Try to have a great day, and, a wonderful weekend!

Peace,

John I. Cook, Director

Happy Hump Day, All!

Did you ever wonder who hides in those suits and sit around bickering over THEIR points of view … and not so much “the people’s” point of view? Now you know! They are the representatives of Congress, who in fact, haven’t grown up enough to realize that what may be their personal problems, they now have “heaped” upon the nation as a whole. Another government shutdown?! WT@!?!

So, indeed, October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”! This is a health issue that many many women, and men … I might add, face on a daily basis. While I have friends who have battled … and won, so far … this dreaded disease, I don’t have any personal experiences with it …. Peace be still!

I was talking with a couple of female friends yesterday, one whose Facebook page image reads “Fight Like A Girl!”. At first, I wondered what she meant until looking at some of this year’s images for this month’s dedication of breast cancer awareness. Last year, I attended an event in Ft. Lauderdale sponsored by WSVN – Channel 7 in this area which was truly “over the top”! It was not only a parade/fashion show, but it also hosted groups of women ( … occasionally men dressed as women … ) who carried messages regarding Breast Cancer Awareness. Another female friend who works with firefighters in a county North of here mentioned that they have been selling pink shirts that can also be worn by the firefighters representing their support of this month’s theme. So, please take some time to educate yourself, and, show some love and support for continued research and treatment of breast cancer.

Finally, I just wanted to wish a long time friend of mine’s son – Ariel Schulman – a Happy Birthday! Not only do I recall when he was born, which was the same year as my daughter Ayanna Lynne, but less than a month ago, I had the pleasure of seeing him all grown up, Executive Producer of MTV’s Catfish as well as the director for “Paranormal Activities”, but he also took pictures at the event held to honor my mother as a plaque was displayed for the first time at her gravesite! So happy to be able to have seen him again, and, it is a pleasure to wish Ariel a Happy Birthday!

Peace,

John I. Cook, Director