Third Coast Chronicles: November 2009

Thoughts of Thanksgiving

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." - Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey said it best. We all should be thankful for everything that we do have – and for some of us, we should be thankful for the things God has kept away from us. Sometimes we start out thinking that we missed out on material possessions or even people, when in the end, we realize it was because He cared, that he kept those things away from us. He always knows what is best for His people. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." – John 16:33

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I felt it important to say what I am thankful for. I am grateful for good friends who have endured the test of time. I am thankful for wonderful parents who saw me through many a storm, and whom I am now helping through storms of their own, as they reach their twilight years. Though their latter years have certainly not gone according to their plans, I know that our God has a plan for them nonetheless. I know he will continue blessing them throughout their trials and tribulations. If you had told me in early 2008 that my mother would soon be rendered paralyzed in a nursing home bed, I would never have believed you. After all, it was always she who was strong and healthy, taking care of my father as the need arose. Now, those tables have been turned. I know he misses her in the once vibrant body she was in, but I also know there is thanks in his heart for being fortunate enough to still visit with her daily. I know I am thankful for having both of them. "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." – Exodus 20:12

I have two gorgeous nephews and a beautiful niece who bring me more joy than I ever imagined. For that, I am thankful. "We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." - Psalm 78:4

My years have taken many a twist and turn, but I always weathered the storms – storms that I now know were for my benefit. Several close friends were always there during those storms and they always offered nothing but a helping hand. You know who you are. For that, I am thankful. "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." – Proverbs 18:24

As Thanksgiving approaches, let us all realize how fortunate we are. For no matter how bad our situations may seem, the old cliché can be inserted here (there is always someone in a worse situation). Let us keep those less fortunate in our prayers. Let us also remember those who have recently lost loved ones, as this holiday season may be especially difficult for them. God Bless You all. ". . . we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." – 1 John 3:22

Ten Angels Swearing . . .

"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what's said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference."

The above quote is from President Abraham Lincoln. If I had to guess, that probably just about sums up how President Obama feels at this point in time. How could he not? He inherited a mess that had been years in the making and now precisely the creators of the economic disaster are pointing their fingers at the Democratic administration, as if they somehow orchestrated it. In all reality, they are attempting to do whatever they can to prevent a total collapse in the U. S. economy. Perhaps they are making some mistakes in the process – who knows? But at least someone is wholeheartedly attempting to "fix" things, albeit just a little too late in the game.

At this point in time, everyone should be pitching in to help stabilize things and to do what we can to lessen the blows to our economy. Instead, some of the people in charge are using this as an opportunity to take potshots at the president, in an attempt to make it appear as though he alone created this mess of an economy. It just goes to show how some people are not beyond kicking someone when they are down. It better shows just how diabolical certain groups can be – and make no mistake about it – that can only hurt all of us.

Avondale man found murdered early Saturday morning

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Avondale man found murdered early Saturday morning

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NOPD Sgt. arrested on shoplifting charge

NOPD Sgt. arrested on shoplifting charge

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Steven Seagal: Deputy Sheriff?

Thursday, November 19, 2009

“I think people are frustrated in this society, where predators prey upon normal, law-abiding citizens, and you never see justice in the courtroom. In my films, the predators don't get away with it.” - Steven Seagal

I am a huge fan of A&E's reality shows, with The First 48 being at the top of that list. Now I see there is a new one set to debut in the very near future - Steven Seagal: Deputy Sheriff. What the heck is that all about you ask?

Apparently the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office did not have enough to do with all of the Westbank murders and whatnot, so they have agreed to allow Steven Seagal to act as a deputy sheriff.

For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past couple of decades, he is the actor who portrays a bada*s who kicks the as*es of just about every drug-dealing Rastafarian gang member, run of the mill street gang member, and just about any other shady character between the five burroughs and Carribean islands. And he does a great job of kicking as*es too, but here's an idea - send him into the City of New Orleans and let's see how bad he is.

I can't wait to see how this show unfolds. I have a feeling I'll be sitting there in front of the TV with one eye rolled back in my head because it probably just won't be realistic. Interesting I'm sure, but realistic, I think not.

'2012' Review

Well folks, I am sure by now many of you have had an opportunity to review the new movie '2012'. I recently had a chance to see it and I would give it three and half stars.

Several words come to mind when I think of '2012': Thought provoking, predictable, climactic, campy, and quite a few more. Why campy you ask - that is because there are so many predictable scenes. One thing I did like about it though is how it portrays the way the world treats those wealthy people versus regular Joes. I won't give away the whole movie, but suffice it to say that was part that really captured my attention - reason being, because should such an end of times disaster begin to unfold, the wealthy will probably be treated much differently than the rest of us.

If you do not have a state of the art home entertainment center, I would recommend definitely seeing it in the theater. The special effects were excellent and the theater experience highlights this.

What are my thoughts on whether the world will end in 2012? I don't know. I just kind of roll with the punches anyway and if it does, I have no control over it. The movie '2012' is based on the school of thought that because the Mayan calendar ends that year, perhaps the world will as well. I think the fact that Oprah announced today that she will end her show next year is pretty much proof positive for me that the end is near - at least the end of Oprah's run as queen of daytime television.