A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING!

Observation of the Day!

And so ends another Thanksgiving holiday, The Christmas season has officially begun. I think Thanksgiving is a wonderful week. It is more than the day of stuffing our stuffing. Everybody has something to be thankful for no matter how small. It is easy if you just put things aside for a moment to think.

This Thanksgiving week was most significant for your old Blogger. Little Eva Marie Reyna came into the world, eight pounds and one ounce.

Carolina had been in mild contractions for about two weeks. On Tuesday we went to the hospital because we thought the time had come. No, not quite ready. The doctor did some manipulation (hey, I'm a guy. What do I know?) I went to Carolina's house Wednesday and waited until she said go. And go we did. I got Maddie and Ricky ready and away we went to get a new sister.

It was a slow process, but things started to heat up. Carolina wanted me to take the kids home so they wouldn't see their mommy in pain. At 8:26 after about five hours intensive labor Eva Marie became a person. The pregnancy had been a difficult one, and the delivery was even tougher. She lost a lot of blood. The baby was born right on the due date. For what ever reason you don't see that very often. A full term with some weight seems to wipe out the prunish affect. She is gorgeous with lots of black hair under her beanie. Of course every parent and grandparent says that. Realistically, she just looks like a healthy baby. Babies are all beautiful. The only ugly one was on a Seinfeld episode.

The whole experience for Carolina has been hard. Of course the pregnancy itself was a surprise. She had vomited her birth control shortly after taking it. Boom! Boom! I was in California when I received her tearful call. She had actually considered for a brief period terminating the pregnancy, but her rational caring self ruled it out. I told her to look at her beautiful children. The baby deserves a chance. This whole situation from conception to birth has straightened my belief that all life begins at conception and a baby deserves a chance at life, no matter what the situation.

This was not the end of the difficulties. It seems that the placenta was in the wrong place at first. The situation eventually corrected itself, but the uncomfortable pregnancy continued. Next up was blood clot that could have become more serious if the doctor didn't diagnose the situation correctly. That was scary.

Carolina was always concerned about what was going to happen. When I went to San Diego in October, she confided in me that she had a vision that shook her. The vision intimated that we would never see each other again. At first my self-centered reaction was that she was concerned about my heart situation. I quickly realized she was talking about her own mortality. We made it back together at the end of October.

After Eva Marie was born, Carolina confided in me that she thought the baby would have a defect. She was scared. Eva Marie is not "defected". She is perfect.

Due to her blood loss and evening delivery, they kept her three nights. At 5:14 Saturday morning, I received a text message saying she had had a bad night and had cried much of the night. She then added, "Sam, I need you!". Wow! Those were the greatest words I could ever hear from a person I consider a daughter.

I went to the hospital to comfort her, When I approached the bed she hugged me and cried, It seems that a dark nightmare had scared her. I know that hormones probably played a role in this incident, but that doesn't make it easier.

After Maddie was born she did experience a period of scary postpartum depression, and I have always been concerned about that. After I told the nurse, she had the night resident stop by. He was an Indian with a pretty heavy Indian accent. However, ESL Carolina seemed to understand him better than she does me sometimes. There was some humor in his questioning though. He used very technical medical terms such as, "Did you pooh?" and "Did you pee?"

On Saturday afternoon Carolina. Raul. Luis, Ricky and Maddie took Eva Marie to her new home. Maddie now is the big sister rather than the supreme princess. We will see out that works out.

So you see why I have so much to be thankful for this 2008 Thanksgiving week.

I am thankful for all who have touched in my life.

Good Bless you all as we move forward into the season.

Sam

RANDOM THOUGHTS!

Observation of the Day!

1. I was taken by the auto industry CEOs presentation or lack of at their recent testimony before our astute lawmakers.

Many of my readers have been in industry and participated in the annual planning process. I doubt very much if these CEOs would allow their managers to come to a meeting so unprepared and without a plan.

2. How does a small bag of tools lost in space costs $100,000? So far nobody has ask.

3. How can NFL officiating be so bad even with instant replay?

4. Let's decide the Coleman/Franken election battle with a cage match.

5. Does Barney Frank remind you of Elmer Fudd?

Have a nice day!

Sam

EARTH, FLAME, MOON AND WATER!

The Space Shuttle Endeavor Space Shot!

A fantastic photograph!

Have a nice day!

Sam

IT HAS COME TO THIS!

Oservation of the Day!

I have talked about the Rock church in San Diego. Below is a email Pastor Miles McPherson sent to the Rock congregation. The church position was naturally Yes on Prop 8. Their position has always been one of hate the sin, love the sinner. If you have ever been to this church you would understand they live by this. Their religious beliefs stem from the Bible's teaching, and they believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Whether that is your belief is for or against is
irrelevant. I believe this church is tolerant. I know this is not true of all right-oriented churches.

Pastor Miles has always said that we are tolerant, and he wonders why the gay community can't be tolerant of his beliefs. What the Rock Church is most against is being forced against their core beliefs to marry people, under the threat of losing their tax status.

My own belief is that it should not be taught in schools at the lower grades. The California Teachers Union says that that is not part of the bill. They are right. I would have to ask, why did the Union give a million dollars for the NO side? The tactic of the left is always to get their foot in the door and than sue for expansion.

Even Elton John made the point that the Gay community should have pushed for a civil union solution.

The following is an email from Pastor Miles. It has come to this, Sad to say.

As you may be aware, there have been a number of No On 8 protests around the country since the election. As recent as today there was a protest in downtown San Diego. We anticipate that there may be protestors at some point tomorrow at the Rock.

People have the constitutional right to demonstrate as long as they are not blocking an entrance to the building (steps) or disturbing the service in any way. The police have been notified and will be ready to assist us. We do not anticipate that being necessary but they will be ready. Please be patient with our security as they will be more stringent than usual in their inspection of bags entering the building.

Also take note of the following in the event that you should encounter any demonstrators:

Don't engage in conversation if possible.
Don't make prolonged eye contact.
Avoid physical contact but of course you have the right protect or defend yourself and the church from injury or property damage. We expect peaceful demonstrators but you never know.
Disturbances in the service will be received with spontaneous worship by the congregation while the security team responds.
If you witness any acts of hate against a person or property, (personal, church or that of our neighbors at Liberty station) get a good description of the offender or take a picture and call the police immediately. Our address is 2277 Rosecrans St. Walk with a friend if you can. Rock Security will be readily available to help and will be wearing black RSM shirts.
Keep in mind that these protests are a form of religious persecution. This is to be expected against those who stand for biblical principles and Jesus gives us clear guidelines to our response.

Matthew 6:43-46 - "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?"

Sincerely,
Pastor Miles

It is a day that could be better, but enjoy it anyway!

Sam

THIS JUST IN!

All the News You Need to Know, or Not!

Lindsay Lohan referred to President-elect Barack Obama as the country's "first colored president" in an interview on Access Hollywood. Describing her experience on Election Day, Lohan said: "It was really exciting. It's an amazing feeling. It's our first colored president."

I haven't heard that expression since to 50s. She really knows her history

*****

A Jersey City councilman has reportedly been arrested for urinating on a crowd of concertgoers from the balcony of a Washington D.C. nightclub.

The New York Daily News reports in Sunday's editions that two-term Jersey City councilman Steve Lipski has been charged with simple assault.

That's after club staffers saw him relieve himself onto the crowd from a second floor balcony during a concert by a Grateful Dead tribute band.

Must have been a bad cover of the Dead. Was there alcohol involved?

*****

With no golf on his schedule, John Daly says he went to North Carolina to have fun with some friends.

What followed was a night in jail to sober up, a photo of Daly in orange coveralls with his eyes half-open, and the kind of publicity that seems to accompany the two-time major champion no matter where he goes.

"Nothing is going right in my life right now," Daly said in a telephone interview Sunday. "I'm going through a hell of a divorce. I haven't seen my son. It was an unfortunate incident, but it's a joke what people are saying. I take full responsibility for what happened, but it wasn't that big of a deal."

According to Winston-Salem police, Daly appeared "extremely intoxicated and uncooperative" when he was found outside a Hooters restaurant early Oct. 27. With no other means of transportation, he was taken to the Forsyth County jail for 24 hours to get sober.

Daly said it could have been avoided if his friends had realized he tends to sleep with his eyes open when he's tired, stressed and has been drinking. He said the driver of his private bus, parked near Hooters, panicked when he saw Daly and called the paramedics.

Sleeps with his eyes open???? How he do dat! Nothing good happens outside of Hooters after it closes.

*****

Here's the deal. Boxer Joe Frazier's last opponent, Floyd “Jumbo” Cummings, is suing ESPN Classic, claiming the broadcast of his fight has basically ruined his life. P.S. ... He's serving a life sentence for armed robbery.

It took him a long time to remember why his life was ruined.

*****

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says a Georgia nonprofit is offering $10,000 to an engaged couple that agrees to abstain from premarital sex. The deadline is Oct. 31.

So far, they haven't received any entries, even though the prize includes free flowers and other wedding-related freebies.

Faust's standard on premarital sex reportedly shifted during the interview, so now she's willing to entertain entries from couples that have had sex but now acknowledge that it was wrong to do so.

When it doesn't work out, change the rules.

A top aide to N.Y. Gov. David Paterson didn't pay his taxes for five years because of "non-filer syndrome," his lawyer says.

"These are very high-functioning people who otherwise can complete all of the ordinary tasks in their lives," Richard Kestenbaum, a lawyer who's representing Charles O'Byrne, tells the Daily News. "But there is something that they can't do, and many times that causes them not to be able to file their tax returns."

The New York Times says it couldn't find any sign of this condition in the diagnostic manual. Paterson, a Democrat, tells the News he doesn't believe "non-filer syndrome" exists.

Really? I wonder if it is covered by Medicare

*****

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Student volunteers from colleges around New York State braved freezing cold temperatures on their bikes Wednesday to send a message to state and federal political candidates: pay attention to climate change.

I wonder if they were wearing wool biker shorts.

*****

Enter the Lingerie Football League, a 10-team, full-contact, professional football league for ladies launching in fall 2009. San Diego's very own franchise, the Seduction, will hold tryouts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, in Kate Sessions Park.

"San Diego will be home to the LFL's San Diego Seduction, which will comprise of San Diego's most attractive and athletic women," the news release reads. "We will meet with many San Diego-based women during Saturday's mini-camp and test the ladies through a series of football drills."

Hey now we"re talkin'!

BOSSIER CITY, La. (AP) — Miss Teen Louisiana is losing her crown 11 days early after being arrested on charges of leaving a restaurant without paying and carrying marijuana.

*****

A story in the paper described a recent crime that involved two transients, and since we don't wish to make light of it, we'll omit the details -- except for this one, which showed how life has changed since the previous Depression.

During a search, police found that the assailant had taken the victim's iPod and Nintendo DS.

What recession?

Until next time!

Sammy Carl

COINCIDENCE?????????

Observation of the Day!

On Monday, November 10, Carolina, Maddie and I were driving downtown for a doctor's appointment. She called her brother, a medical student in Mexico, about a medical symptom she had with her pregnancy. I never cease to be amazed by our modern technology. Driving in my car having a conversation to Mexico as an routine occurrence.

I mentioned to Carolina that it was in 1995, thirteen years ago today. that I had my last heart surgery. She commented that it was thirteen years ago on November 3, that she left her home in southern Mexico to make her way to the United States. It was on November 3, that I had the angiogram to set up the surgery. And here we were driving down the freeway as best friends in the USA. I am the grandfather to her kids. Being a grandparent doesn't have to have a biological link. It is a state of mind. Their family has given me more pleasure and meaning than I could ever give them.

We have often marveled at how two people with from such different worlds in so many ways found each other. Somehow paths cross and lifetime relationships begin that can change a life or life path. You all have these relationships.

I received an email today from a friend fighting cancer. He included a quote that inspired him. It inspired me in the same way, and perhaps helps explain the phenomenon of Sam and Carolina.

"COINCIDENCE IS GOD'S WAY OF REMAINING ANONYMOUS"

Have a nice day!

Sam

CELEBRATION OF LIFE!

Observation of the Day!

What happened to the sad funerals of our youth? My first experience with funerals was as a boy in my early teens, when my maternal grandparents died. It seemed there was a lot if crying and sadness. I had a heavy heavy heart. Today, it seems the non-Irish have adopted the tradition of the Irish wake with less drinking.

Funerals have become a Celebration of the Life of the deceased. This non-Irish wake is fun. That’s the wrong way to express it, but it truly is a celebration and celebrations are good times.

My first experience with a Celebration of Life, although it was not called that at the time, was when my paternal grandmother died. I was married and living in California when the call came. I made the trip back to Indiana. We gathered at the funeral home, and I saw family and friends I had not seen in years. Grandma lay in her casket, while her friends and family got together to remember. I remember that I felt a little strange when I found myself laughing during a ritual of death.

When my Dad died, we had the viewing, which is part of the Celebration of Life process. Over 250 people signed the guest register. He would have been amazed that he had touched those many people’s lives.

It was a rather large room. The casket was on one end and my mother, who had had a stroke and was showing signs of dementia sat at the other side of the room. Friends and family all greeted her. She was the queen with her subjects paying homage.

After it was over and we took her home, she sat in her chair, quite content and said, “I had such a good time tonight.” It was a sad time, but I knew what she meant.

Last week I went to another Celebration of Life. Al went quickly and his friends and family gathered at the church. The service itself was wonderful. The eulogies were meaningful and funny, as they recalled the life of a kindly curmudgeon, who read to schoolchildren. It is funny how a blunt, opinionated, often judgmental old man becomes a well remembered curmudgeon when he passed. Maybe there is hope for me after all.

His casket was covered with a blanket with the hand prints of his young reading audience. Al liked to sing. He sang barbershop and in the choir. Earlier he recorded How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. When he completed the recordings he gave them to his daughter saying, ”Here, I want you to play these at my funeral.” Al was old school. He did not call it a celebration.

So here we were listening to Al sing at his own funeral. It was moving. He sang without accompaniment. He had a very pure voice. It was definitely singing, but it had a little of the flavor of an actor who is not a great singer, but somehow sings in an almost conversational and personal manner. Bob Dylan sings a little like that, but Al was a better singer. It truly was the celebration of Al’s life. We had lunch and then Al was buried and life goes on.

His last goodbye was interesting. The staff at his assisted living home was having a meeting, when one of the monitors went off, the one Al wore in case of an emergeny. He got the last laugh tormenting his caregivers, as he left for home.

Have a nice day!

Sam

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY!

Observation of the Day!

In my search for a Rock Church in Minnesota, I attended a service at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. In the Bible passage the pastor used today, I found some meaning in how to live a transitional life.

Romans 9.-12

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with broherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

God Bless!

Have a nice day!

Samuel

NO POST ELECTION BLUES HERE!

Observation of the Day!

I guess I owe my loyal readers a view of the election. Mostly I am glad it is over. Politicians spent $5.3 B winning and losing. Imagine what we might have done for the good if we weren't subjected to the never ending negative ads. It is like watching sausage being made.

In an earlier post I told you I would by voting for McCain and most importantly why. I did not attack Obama and even said I thought Obama would win. However, I don't necessarily feel distraught about the Obama victory. He has a great American story. While I wonder about the experience level, it does not concern me because I think he will surround himself with strong advisers. However, he must move to the center more. America cannot possibly afford all of the things he proposed during the campaign.

The success of an Obama presidency depends on performance, but he has a clean slate in my book. There are tough times ahead. A strong part of a presidency will be his ability to communicate, something George Bush couldn't do on his best day. If he can work in a bi-partisan way, he can really solve many problems that the Congress brings upon us. At least the Democrats did not get a super majority. I urge the congressional constituencies keep up the pressure on the fact that America is tired of the way Congress does our business.

I think McCain, Bush and others were gracious in defeat. Perhaps Obama can bring us closer together as a nation.

This election brings to mind John F. Kennedy's election in 1960. He campaigned on a new dawning for America. He was the first Democrat in the post WWll era. One of the things he proposed was reducing taxes to get the economy moving again. JFK inspired. Today, Kennedy would more like a Republican. The Depression/WWll generation gave way to the Baby-boomer generation. Obama now becomes president of the post baby-boomer generation, born after 1960. Perhaps it is once again a new beginning. I hope so. The ball is in his court.

Perhaps my vote for McCain was my last hoo-rah for the relevancy of my generation. The future belongs to the younger. Remember they someday the youth of today will be in the same "old" boat.

God Bless America!

Samuel C. Arnold

Note: To learn more about generatioal transition and history, I recommend the book Generations: The History of America's Future by Wiliam Straus

KINDA PROUD OF THE KID!

ABA Hall of Fame Induction
October 16, 2008

WOW! Thank you so much. I knew this moment was coming for a while, but it is just now hitting me that it is really happening. I am so honored to be in the company of so many legendary names and also to be in the same company of many former co-workers and close friends. I especially want to recognize some of these co-workers and friends from over the years who are also Hall of Fame members. First, a person who was more than a boss. He is my first true Mentor, Jim Slone (2001). Jim planned to be here tonight but sustained an injury playing racquetball. He really did. He has forgotten he is in his 70’s.

I have been what I call “Times Two Lucky” in so many ways.

I am Times Two Lucky for having two different and separate careers during my two times in Tucson. One in radio as an air-personality and another one as a television station General Manager. I hope my career has started and ended at a station called K-O-L-D. I have been in this uniquely fun business for 43 years now. I can tell you this. The 43rd is the hardest.
My memories are stronger from radio. It was a more fun time with less responsibility. Just play records and try to be funny.

My stand-out memory is winning Billboard’s Grand International Station of the Year Award in 1976. Hall of Famer Bill Heywood announced K-C-U-B, Tucson as the winner! This memory will always top my list. That group from K-CUB enjoys a mutual bond like what I imagine championship sports teams enjoy. It is truly a lifetime memory and there is now a lifetime of lasting friendships, no matter where we are or how seldom we see each other.

I have been two times lucky in two marriages. Ruthye is with me tonight as both my first wife and my second wife. For 36 of the last 40 years we have hung in there together despite ourselves. I think we got it right this time. I love you! And, I thank you!

I am two times lucky by having two older brothers. My oldest brother Sam is here with me tonight. Sam, and my other brother Terry, are probably the world’s two most surprised people at my receiving this honor.

I am two times lucky in that Ruth and I have two children. I am honored that both of them here with me tonight. Our daughter Kristin is visiting from Roswell, NM where she and her husband, Craig, are raising four boys! Our newest grandson, Samuel, now ten months, is here with his mom. [Stand up]. She and Craig are also parents to Holden (13), Noah (10) and Joseph (6). I love you.

Our second piece of luck is our son Jeffrey. He wishes I wouldn’t
call him Jeffrey.

Jeff is my hero. And I truly mean my HERO. Off and on for 30 of his 32 years he has battled a brain tumor. Since 2001, he has lost most of his vision. It interrupted a promising career in the corporate offices of the Texas Rangers baseball team and the Dallas Stars hockey team. But that hasn’t stopped him. With the help of wonderful technology, he now works in group sales and development for the University of Arizona Department of Athletics.

During all his time battling the tumor- which just won’t go away- he has kept his faith, wonderful personality and positive attitude. But most of all he has kept his spirit. Those of us here who are blessed to know our Jeff know why he is my HERO. I am proud to be your father.
I tell you about my family and friends tonight because I am two times honored. I am most honored to a part of their lives.

Being inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame is the next most wonderful honor. I thank you all so much. I am truly very happy and very humbled.

Have a nice day!

Sam