The Farsider - the San Jose Police Benevolent Association

The Farsider
Sept. 17, 2015
Bill Mattos, Editor and Publisher <[email protected]>
Leroy Pyle, Webmaster <[email protected]>
The Farsider is an independent publication that is not affiliated with the San Jose Police Benevolent
Assn. The SJPBA has allowed the Farsider to be included on its website solely for the convenience
of the retired San Jose Police community. The content of this newsletter does not represent or reflect
the views of the San Jose Police Benevolent Association's Board of Directors or its membership.
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A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM DAVE
Tuesday, Sept. 15th
In 2010, when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, I didn’t know where this
journey would take me. You have been with me through the ups and downs, and I
thank you very much.
These past two months have been very difficult. What we thought was going to be a
simple procedure put me into the hospital and rehab for several weeks. I am now
continuing to recover at home.
During my illness, I have learned that family, friends and personal faith are very
important. Not a day goes by that I don’t get cards, phone calls and visits from my
friends at the SJPD. Your show of love and support has been staggering and
overwhelming. From the bottoms of our hearts, Betty Ruth and I thank you so very
much.
Dave Bridgen
When Gary Johnson brought Dave to last night’s PBA meeting, our retired Chaplain
received a rousing standing ovation from every single member in attendance. In this
photo taken by Aubrey Parrott, Bob Moir is pointing Gary and Dave to a table that had
been reserved in Dave’s honor.
SJPOA NEWS
Settlement Framework FAQs
Sept. 16th
There continues to be some questions regarding the Global Settlement Framework and
MOA/Wage deal. We will continue to send out FAQ email blasts to focus on these
incoming questions so you can be as well informed as possible.
1. When can a previous SJPD Tier I officer come back to SJPD and be a Tier I officer
again?
Any former Tier 1 police officer is entitled under the Settlement Framework to return to
the department as a Tier 1 member of the Retirement System. However-importantlyany returning officer will not become fully vested as a Tier 1 member until such time as
Measure B is invalidated, either through the quo warranto process or through it being
replaced by the voters in November 2016. Recall that the parties are committed to
follow the quo warranto process unless either (1) the federated unions do not resolve
their pension issues or (2) a judge will not invalidate Measure B. Under the Settlement
Framework, if either (1) or (2) occur, then the Settlement Framework would be
presented to the voters for approval in November 2016. If the voters approve it, it
would then replace Measure B.
Bottom line: Only when Measure B is invalidated can returning former officers
guarantee a return to Tier 1 of the pension system.
2. What if a previous SJPD Tier I officer comes back as a Tier II officer and then
Measure B is invalidated? What happens to his or her Tier status?
Previous Tier 1 employees who already returned as Tier 2 employees will remain as Tier
2 employees until Measure B is invalidated-see answer to Question 1. Once Measure B
is invalidated, the employee will be retroactively placed into Tier 1 for his or her future
service and his or her past service in Tier 2. The costs associated with upgrading Tier 2
service to Tier 1 will be amortized over 16 years and split equally between the
employee and the City.
3. When does the Retiree Medical Healthcare contribution rate change?
The retiree healthcare contribution rate will probably not decrease until Measure B is
invalidated and replaced by the terms of the Settlement Framework.
4. And when can I opt out and join the VEBA?
Again, the VEBA is likely to go into effect only once Measure B has been invalidated;
therefore the one-time opt-out opportunity will occur sometime after that. As the POA
has emphasized, this will be a personal decision for all officers who are considering
opting-out. The POA and City staff will provide a full array of educational materials well
before the opt-out date.
5. If I volunteer for the Mandatory Staffing shifts, will my status change once the
mandatory phase kicks in? (Be put at the bottom of the list since he/she volunteered)?
The specifics of how the mandatory staffing plan will work are still being worked
through with the department. The department is hoping that staffing numbers
minimize the need to utilize the mandatory staffing system. In general, however, once
an employee completes either a mandatory or voluntary overtime assignment, he/she
will drop to the bottom of the mandatory list.
6. How can I utilize the money agreed upon regarding the Education Incentive, that
allowed $1000 per officer per year to get continued training?
The funds may be used immediately for registration, tuition, fees and textbooks for
college accredited courses which are related to or beneficial for the employee's current
position or related to or beneficial for a lateral transfer, promotion or other career
opportunity within the city. Up to $600 may be used for non-college accredited courses,
online courses, Continuing Education Units, Adult Education Classes, workshops,
membership dues in professional associations, professional licenses, and professional
certificates, also related to or beneficial for the employee's current position or related
to or beneficial for a lateral transfer, promotion or other career opportunity within the
city. Employees must fill out a training form and submit it through the chain of
command for approval and reimbursement.
7. If I retire after I have already received 5% bonus monies, do I have to pay it back?
No.
8. If after I have received the full 8% on-going increase (after June 2016), and retire,
will the 8% increase also count for buyouts that occur with my sick or comp time since
4% of that 8% is retention non-pensionable?
Comp Time - YES
Vacation buy out - YES
Sick Leave - NO, see below
Per the MOA, any employee hired after July 7, 2013 shall not be eligible for sick leave
cash outs.
Employee hired on or before July 6, 2013, shall still be entitled to a sick leave cash out
but only for sick leave hours that existed on July 6, 2013. The hourly rate from July 6,
2013 applies, and cannot increase.
So the answer is "No," the 8% increase will NOT affect the sick leave buyout.
Both sick leave clauses were the result of Judge Flaherty's ruling following interest
arbitration under Charter Section 1111 in 2013.
We are aware of the changes being made to city medical plans and the concerns those
changes are causing. We will have an email blast out tomorrow explaining the changes.
THE TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS OF SAN JOSE AND THE SJPD
Looks like the Dept. has reached another milestone with the promotion of the first
Vietnamese-American female in the history of the SJPD.
Sergeant Makes History for SJPD
—East side native hopes to provide link to community—
By Katie Nelson <[email protected]>
Mercury News — Sept. 12, 2015
SAN JOSE — There’s something special about Samantha Huynh, and it’s not just her big
smile, her infectious laugh or her love of San Jose. On Friday, Huynh took on a role no
other Vietnamese-American woman in the San Jose Police Department has ever held —
sergeant.
Huynh says she is ready for the new role, but it’s a promotion that has a deeper
meaning for women in the department and the city’s large Vietnamese community.
Because Huynh is the first Vietnamese-American woman to hold the position, there is
hope she can forge an even stronger bond between the men and women in her
department, but also with a community she not only grew up in, but one that she
knows and loves so much.
“I’m hoping to serve directly with the community and I want to serve my peers, too,”
said Huynh, who was officially promoted to sergeant in a Friday afternoon ceremony.
“To me, being approachable is huge. I want to know how I can contribute.”
San Jose Deputy Chief Phan Ngo said Huynh is one of less than a handful of
Vietnamese- American female officers in the department, and that the promotion gives
her a chance to be a role model.
Samantha Huynh of the San Jose Police Department is shown in her
office. Huynh is hoping to serve directly with the community and
her peers. “To me, being approachable is huge,” she said.
“Her level of energy is incredible,” he said. “She sets her mind to something, she will
accomplish it.”
Huynh, who proudly states she’s from San Jose’s east side — Cunningham Avenue and
South King Road to be exact — didn’t take a direct path to police work.
Initially, Huynh went to UC Davis to study science to become a psychiatrist, she said.
But when she interned in an emergency room in Sacramento, she realized that line of
work wasn’t for her. So when she graduated, Huynh got a job as a manager at a
Mervyn’s department store before moving to work for a high-tech startup. Still
unsatisfied, her husband — an officer with the San Jose Police Department —
encouraged her to apply there, but it took two tries before she was hired.
Despite the unconventional path, Huynh, a mother of two, has worked 12 years to get
where she is, something Ngo said is no easy feat. There are several tests and interviews
that whittle down candidates, and even if you earn top marks on tests, it doesn’t mean
you are a shoe-in for the job.
And with that promotion, Ngo said, comes a whole new level of responsibility that has
to be learned quickly so that sergeants can be as effective as possible. And for Huynh,
Ngo added, there is added hope she can fill the role of someone who can be the link
between more than 100,000 Vietnamese-Americans — the largest VietnameseAmerican community in the country, according to the U.S. Census — and the police
department. Councilman Tam Nguyen echoed his praise of the promotion, saying he
has been impressed during his tenure as an attorney in the Vietnamese-American
community with the female Asian officers who have served the community, particularly
when he said they “speak the language and understand the culture.” “On one occasion,
the Vietnamese officer called out to the parties at the scene and said, ‘Hi, uncle, please
calm down. You too, auntie, please be quiet,’” Nguyen recalled. “It really worked in
diffusing the situation and made a difference.”
Nguyen said while he was surprised there were so few Vietnamese officers within the
department, male or female, he was “delighted and excited” to see a woman
Vietnamese officer in a leadership role.
“I want to remember what it’s like for me to feel when I’m helped,” Huynh said. “I like
to take time to do it right the first time. I want to bridge the connection with the
Vietnamese American community. I can fill that gap.”
•••••
A career down the drain and another black eye for the SJPD...
Officer on Leave After Arrest
By Robert Salonga <[email protected]>
Mercury News — Sept. 17, 2015
SAN JOSE — A San Jose police sergeant is on paid administrative leave after an arrest
earlier this month on suspicion of masturbating in his car on a Redwood City street and
following a woman who then took photos and reported him to police, authorities said.
James Rainey Mason, 48, of San Carlos, has been charged with two misdemeanor
counts, one of indecent exposure and one of engaging in a lewd act, stemming from a
Sept. 4 incident in the 1200 block of Woodside Road.
Mason
San Jose police spokesman Albert Morales confirmed Mason, a 13-year SJPD veteran, is
on leave and said the department is “monitoring the criminal investigation.”
“It’s an unfortunate situation, and we are disappointed to hear about the allegations
against Sgt. Mason,” Morales said.
Mason also serves as vice chairman and police representative for San Jose’s police and
fire pension board. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday; calls to listed
telephone numbers for him went unanswered.
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said police reports indicate a 39
year-old woman was walking on the sidewalk in the area around 5:15 p.m. when she
saw a parked car and a man sitting in the driver’s seat, “masturbating with his privates
completely exposed.” Wagstaffe said the woman reportedly kept walking, and the
driver started up the car and pulled forward “so he could be alongside her again, and
he is still exposing himself.”
“The victim was very scared,” Wagstaffe said.
When the woman pulled out her cellphone to take pictures of the man, the man put the
car into gear and drove away — but not before the woman had recorded images of both
the driver’s face and the vehicle’s license plate, Wagstaffe said.
Redwood City police investigated and the woman identified Mason out of a photo
lineup. On Friday, Mason was booked and released on a $15,000 bond.
MAIL CALL
Info needed: Mike Destro is trying to locate former SJPD Sgt. Gary Meier. He was an
officer when Mike was hired in 1965 and was later promoted to Sgt. and assigned to
the Det. Bureau before resigning around 1975. If anyone has any contact info, please
send Mike an email at <[email protected]>.
•••••
Sept. 11th
Bill,
This suspect shot and wounded a CHP officer in So. Cal during a car stop early on the
morning of 9-11-15. A vehicle chase then ensued and the suspect was shot prior to
arrest. The ending of this chase is very similar to a chase that occurred in the mid
1990s after the I-5 jewelry robbers hit Valley Fair and got up on Hwy 280. The chase
ended at 680 and McKee. Then-Canine Officer Gil Torres had his dog drag the driver out
of the car. Dave Fazo and I where having C-7 downtown when the chase began but
were able to get in on the end. Bill Vincent and many of the 211 detectives where also
involved. I'm pretty sure the chase and arrest ended the spree of I-5 jewelry store
211s.
When I first watched the CHP video, I thought the officers may have taken too much
time taking the suspect into custody and handcuffing him. But then, it's difficult to
criticize and second guess those involved in the heat of the moment. The suspect had
just shot an officer and those other officers at the car stop probably didn't know if the
victim had survived or was dead. They had every reason to believe they were dealing
with an armed cop killer and had every right to take those protective measures
necessary contrary to what the likes of LaDoris Hazard Cordell, Bill De Blasio, and Al
Sharpton would have the public believe.
I was riding as a reserve officer with Hank Casolari on midnight B5 when Rich Huerta
was shot in August 1970. We arrived at the scene moments after the radio broadcast
advised of shots fired in the area of 11th and Jackson with a SJPD unit on a car stop at
that location. We arrived to see who I believe was Ken Hawkes performing CPR on
Rich. I was assigned traffic control while other officers began the yard-to-yard search
for the suspect, later identified as Emile Thompson. Thompson was soon taken into
custody by Terry Moudakas, Joe Ross, and Greg Pinck. Over the next few days, there
were several comments made that Thompson should have been shot on the spot. It
wasn't until years later during a MERGE training exercise that I heard Moudakas say
that you'd have to be one cold-hearted SOB to shoot someone who stood up in front of
you with hands raised, giving up and submitting to arrest. I personally believe that
professionalism and constraint is what separates us in law enforcement from those
a**holes on the street.
Unless any of us are present at a scene like that CHP car stop and involved in a similar
deadly situation, we have no right to criticize and say what should have been done.
Ron Webster <[email protected]>
To see the video of the CHP SoCal chase, click on THIS link
that will take you to the PoliceOne.com website. (8:43)
•••••
Sept. 10th
Bill,
From one Trump supporter to another, here’s a rousing medley from Donald’s camp
that tells it like it is. It’s why I’m supporting the billionaire.
Red State <[email protected]>
1: Here is your “ROUSING MEDLEY,” Red, which I will admit is cleverly done.
2: From one Trump supporter to another? Sorry, but I’m not in his corner. After his
earlier comments about McCain not being a hero, inferring that it must have been a bad
time of the month for Megyn Kelly who asked him tough questions during the first
debate, saying that Fiorina’s face could stop a clock (or words to that effect), and
referring to Dr. Carson as a "possible OK doctor," I would vote for Alfred E. Newman
before I would help put that arrogant, egotistical, power-hungry blowhard in the White
House where he would be within an arm's reach of the “nuclear button." I can see GOP
voters selecting Carson or Fiorina if they want a non-professional politician, but
Trump? In my opinion, the guy should be standing on a carnival stage wearing a red
and yellow striped suit and waving a cane while trying to convince people to fork over a
buck to come inside the tent and gawk at the bearded lady and a two-headed donkey.
OK, Trump lovers. Let me have it. I’ll publish anything you send in — and even withhold
your name if you ask.
Addendum: Last night's GOP debate did nothing to change my opinion about the
billionaire.
•••••
Sept. 13th
Bill,
While reading the Sunday Sacramento Bee I stumbled across this obit originally and
recently published in the Washington Post and picked up by other papers. I read it once
and then had to read it again. This Soldier deserves to have his obit read.
Craig (Shuey) <[email protected]>
EINAR INGMAN: 1929-2015
—He earned top medal in Korea battle—
By Matt Schudel — The Washington Post
Shot in the face during a battle in the Korean War, Einar Ingman kept on fighting.
When he ran out of bullets, he used his bayonet. Near death from his wounds, he
managed to take out two machine-gun nests before losing consciousness on the
battlefield.
Months later, Mr. Ingman left a hospital bed to attend a White House ceremony in
1951, when he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his “indomitable courage.”
Mr. Ingman was 85, and one of fewer than 10 surviving Medal of Honor recipients from
the Korean War, when he died Wednesday at a hospital in Tomahawk, Wis.
He joined the Army when he was 19, hoping to work with heavy machinery. After war
broke out in Korea in 1950, Mr. Ingman took up a rifle as a member of the 7th Infantry
Division.
He was a 21-year-old corporal who already had been wounded once in combat before
the encounter that led to the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for wartime
valor.
On Feb. 26, 1951, he was part of a platoon advancing on a ridge held by Chinese forces
near the Korean town of Maltari. His unit faced heavy machine-gun fire, which
wounded two squad leaders and several other soldiers. Mr. Ingman took charge and
radioed for tank and artillery support. He combined the fragmented forces of two
squads and organized an assault, firing his rifle as he charged up the hill.
After throwing a grenade into one machine-gun nest, he used his rifle to mow down the
remaining enemy soldiers. He then turned toward a second machine-gun emplacement
about 15 yards away.
A grenade exploded near his head, taking off part of his left ear and knocking him to
the ground. As he rose to his feet, he was shot in the face, just below his nose. The
bullet exited his skull behind his left ear.
Mr. Ingman had no recollection of what happened afterward; the description of the
action came from his fellow soldiers.
Despite being blinded his left eye and losing many of his upper teeth, Ingman
continued his assault as blood poured from his wounds. He fired his rifle until his
ammunition was depleted, then used his bayonet at close quarters, killing the entire
Chinese machine-gun crew.
Mr. Ingman collapsed at the scene. Rescued by helicopter, he regained consciousness
seven days later at a hospital in Tokyo.
Over the next two years he underwent 23 operations. In addition to losing his left eye,
Ingman sustained a serious brain injury and would remain deaf in his left ear.
•••••
Sept. 14th
I just finished reading Dick Cheney’s and his daughter Liz Cheney’s Book “Exceptional:
Why the World Needs a Powerful America.” I highly recommend it and especially the
Chapter on “Restoring American Power.” I also hope that in the upcoming political
process of selecting presidential candidates that all of them are asked how many of the
bullet points in this chapter would they support if elected to the presidency. Their
answers will certainly help me select a candidate to support.
Gary Leonard <[email protected]>
•••••
Sept. 14th
Bill,
Can we not see that what is happening in Europe can’t or won’t happen here? This
video of Muslims rioting in Paris happened just a few weeks ago. Is the media afraid to
show it for fear that it might spark outrage here in the U.S.?
Talking Points <[email protected]>
Ed. — The source of the clip TP sent in is YouTube. But because of its violent nature,
YouTube may require that you sign in with a Google user name and password. If you
have one, click HERE if you want to watch the clip.
If you don’t have a Google account, you can still watch the same video by clicking on
THIS Live Leak link.
YOUR INVITATION TO THE PAAF HALL OF FAME DINNER
—Retired PAAF members will be admitted free of charge—
Contact Andy Trevino at <[email protected]> for more info.
CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO LOST THEIR HOMES IN THE VALLEY AND BUTTE FIRES
This stunning Butte Fire photo was taken between Mokelumne Hill and Glencoe in
Calaveras County where the fire jumped and went up a canyon. It was posted on
Facebook at 2:54 p.m. last Sunday, Sept. 13th.
IS LAW ENFORCEMENT ON A DOWNHILL SLIDE?
A contribution arrived this week from JoeMac’s widow, Laurie McNamara. It’s an article
from the Wall Street Journal that does not bode well for the future of law enforcement
in America…
America’s Legal Order Begins to Fray
—Amid the escalation of violent crime are signs of a breakdown of basic respect for law
enforcement—
The Sept. 4 funeral at Houston’s Second Baptist Church
for Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Goforth, who
was shot at a Houston service station.
By Heather MacDonald
Wall Street Journal — Sept. 13, 2015
After two decades of the most remarkable crime drop in U.S. history, law enforcement
has come to this: “I’m deliberately not getting involved in things I would have in the
1990s and 2000s,” an emergency-services officer in New York City tells me. “I won’t
get out of my car for a reasonable-suspicion stop; I will if there’s a violent felony
committed in my presence.”
A virulent anti-police campaign over the past year—initially fueled by a sincediscredited narrative about a police shooting in Ferguson, Mo.—has made police officers
reluctant to do their jobs. The Black Lives Matter movement proclaims that the police
are a lethal threat to blacks and that the criminal-justice system is pervaded by racial
bias. The media amplify that message on an almost daily basis. Officers now worry
about becoming the latest racist cop of the week, losing their job or being indicted if a
good-faith encounter with a suspect goes awry or is merely distorted by an incomplete
cellphone video.
With police so discouraged, violent crime has surged in at least 35 American cities this
year. The alarming murder increase prompted an emergency meeting of the Major
Cities Chiefs Association last month. Homicides were up 76% in Milwaukee, 60% in St.
Louis, and 56% in Baltimore through mid-August, compared with the same period in
2014; murder was up 47% in Minneapolis and 36% in Houston through mid-July.
But something more fundamental than even public safety may be at stake. There are
signs that the legal order itself is breaking down in urban areas. “There’s a total lack of
respect out there for the police,” says a female sergeant in New York. “The perps feel
more empowered to carry guns because they know that we are running scared.”
The lawful use of police power is being met by hostility and violence, often ignored by
the press. In Cincinnati, a small riot broke out in late July when the police arrived at a
drive-by shooting scene, where a 4-year-old girl had been shot in the head and
critically injured. Bystanders loudly cursed at officers who had started arresting
suspects at the scene on outstanding warrants, according to a witness I spoke with.
During anti-cop demonstrations in Ferguson, Mo., last month, 18-year-old Tyrone
Harris opened fire at police officers, according to law-enforcement officials, and was
shot and wounded by police in response. A crowd pelted the cops with frozen water
bottles and rocks, wounding three officers, while destroying three police cars and
damaging businesses, Ferguson police said. “We’re ready for what? We’re ready for
war,” some protesters reportedly chanted.
In Birmingham, Ala., an officer was beaten unconscious with his own gun last month by
a suspect in a car stop. There was gloating on social media. “Pistol whipped his ass to
sleep,” read one Twitter post. The officer later said that he had refrained from using
force to defend himself for fear of a media backlash.
Officers are being challenged in their most basic efforts to render aid. A New York cop
in the Bronx tells me that he was trying to extricate a woman pinned under an
overturned car in July when a bystander stuck his cellphone camera into the officer’s
face, trying to bait him into an argument. “You can’t tell me what to do,” the bystander
replied when asked to move to the sidewalk, the cop reports. “A few years ago, I would
have taken police action,” he says. “Now I know it won’t end well for me or the police
department.”
Supervisors may roll up to an incident where trash and other projectiles are being
thrown at officers and tell the cops to get into their cars and leave. “What does that do
to the general public?” wonders a New York detective. “Every time we pass up on an
arrest because we don’t want a situation to blow up, we’ve made the next cop’s job all
the harder.”
Jim McDonnell, head of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the nation’s
largest, tells me that the current anti-cop animus puts the nation in a place where it
hasn’t been since the 1960s. “The last 10 years have witnessed dramatic decreases in
crime,” Sheriff McDonnell says. “Now, in a short period of time, we are seeing those
gains undone.”
Even the assassination of police officers doesn’t appear to cool the anti-police rhetoric.
A day after a Houston police deputy, Darren Goforth, was murdered while filling his gas
tank last month, Black Lives Matter protesters—as online video chillingly attests—
marched in St. Paul chanting: “Pigs in a blanket, fry ’em like bacon.”
An organizer with the Organization for Black Struggle in St. Louis refused to apologize
for the tenor of the movement, while denying that it condoned violence. “Until the
police aren’t the dangerous force that black people fear, the rhetoric won’t change,”
she told the New York Times, after Houston Sheriff Ron Hickman, in the wake of
Deputy Goforth’s murder, pleaded for anti-police protesters to temper their language. A
Texas legislator, state Sen. Garnet Coleman, assailed Sheriff Hickman for showing “a
lack of understanding of what is occurring in this country when it comes to the singling
out of African-Americans.”
The irony is that the historic reduction of U.S. crime since the 1990s was predicated on
police singling out African-Americans—for protection. Using victims’ crime reports, cops
focused on violent hot spots; since black Americans are disproportionately the victims
of crime, just as blacks are disproportionately its perpetrators, effective policing was
heaviest in minority neighborhoods. The cops were there because they believe that
black lives matter.
Thousands of African-Americans are alive today because of a law-enforcement
achievement that now is in danger of being squandered. In the current eruption of
violent crime, the overwhelming majority of victims have been black. The Baltimore
Sun reported that July was the bloodiest month in the city since 1972, with 45 people
killed in 30 days. All but two were black.
Police officials I have spoken with in recent months say that they long to hear
America’s leaders change the tone of the national conversation before respect for the
rule of law itself deteriorates further. They’re still waiting.
Ms. Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith fellow at the Manhattan Institute.
“THE CLOCK IS TICKING, FOLKS”
Says Marcia Morton (Bruce’s wife): "Here's a supremely well written and thought
provoking article that I beseech you all to read from beginning to end. The clock's
ticking folks. and before we know it there will be no turning back — not for the world,
and especially not for America."
In Israel, a Reason for Celebration: Let's Stop and Make a Hard-Nosed, Clear-Eyed
Assessment
By Caroline B. Glick — Sept. 11, 2015 — Jewish World Review
As we approach Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, the people of Israel need to
recognize how lucky we are.
True, today, we find ourselves largely alone, set apart from our traditional partners in
the Western world. But standing alone isn't always the worst option. Today it is
certainly not the worst option.
Over the past several years, we have witnessed the growing radicalization and
fragmentation of the societies of neighboring lands. Sunnis fight Shi'ites and one
another. Minority populations are slaughtered, enslaved and oppressed. Regimes fall,
rise and fall again. Today, every Arab society is either in danger or at war. And in
almost every case, it isn't good fighting evil but varying degrees of evil and barbarism
fighting one another.
From the PLO to Islamic State, through Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Assad
regime in Syria, the ayatollahs of Iran, Hezbollah, the Erdogan regime in Turkey and
other though Saudi Arabia, every single actor in the region resorts to some degree of
torture and oppression.
And all do so while quoting the Koran.
Israel has responded rationally to the carnage at our doorstep.
We help where we can. For instance, we are assisting the Egyptian regime in its war
against jihadist forces in Sinai. We support the Hashemite regime in Jordan. We
provide humanitarian assistance to the victims of the bloodbath in Syria.
And we are securing our borders.
After we finished building the border fence with Egypt, we built one along the Syrian
border. Now we are fencing off the border with Jordan.
These fences may not make good neighbors. But they do keep the bad ones at bay.
Similar rationality is in short supply today in Europe and among the smart set in
America. Westerners are increasingly at a loss in the face of the break-up of societies
throughout the Arab world.
Consider for instance Europe's disoriented, confused response to the massive wave of
refugees from Syria now washing onto its shores. Perhaps the most notable aspect of
the unfolding drama is that it appears the Europeans only just realized that Syria has
fallen apart.
The war in Syria broke out nearly five years ago. Hundreds of thousands have already
been killed in the conflict. Ten million people — nearly half of Syria's pre-war
population — have been displaced. For the past four years, millions of Syrians have
been living in refugee camps in neighboring states — first and foremost in Turkey,
Lebanon and Jordan.
Most of the refugees now arriving in Europe are coming from these camps, rather than
directly from Syria. Rather than help them either resettle in the lands to which they
fled, or take action on the ground in Syria to enable them to return to their homes, the
Europeans largely ignored them.
Part of the reason Europe has ignored Syria, of course, is indifference. So long as it's
happening "over there," the Europeans really couldn't care less.
Click HERE to continued with the rest of the article.
THE BEST OF THE LATE NITE JOKES
Sept. 9—14
Sept. 9: According to a New York Times report, Hillary Clinton's campaign is trying to
put the whole email scandal behind her. They say they want to start bringing humor
and spontaneity to her campaign. And nothing says spontaneity like announcing you're
about to be spontaneous. “Here comes the spontaneity in 3, 2, 1 ... Boo!”
Everyone’s still talking about Donald Trump. Even Tom Brady. In an interview
yesterday, Brady said that Donald Trump occasionally calls him up to give “motivational
speeches.” I think we know the REAL reason Tom Brady destroyed his cellphone.
Today Apple held their big event in San Francisco. And they announced their extralarge iPad Pro which features a screen that measures over 12 inches. They say it's the
best way yet for people to ruin concerts.
Toyota filed a patent this weekend for a wing system that could be an attempt to make
a flying Prius. As opposed to what USUALLY creates a flying Prius: a strong gust of
wind.
Sept. 10: Earlier tonight was the big season opener for the NFL, where the Patriots
played their first game since the “Deflategate” scandal. I don’t want to say the refs
spent a long time examining balls, but today, they were hired by the TSA.
Yesterday, Hillary Clinton vowed to take military action if Iran moves toward creating
nuclear weapons, or if she loses to Bernie Sanders. "Fire up the drones!"
The U.S. Surgeon General released a statement this week that said more Americans
should start going on walks. You know we’re setting the bar a little low when the
Surgeon General goes from saying “We should exercise more” to “Just stand up for
once.”
The Surgeon General said more Americans should start going on walks. Then to
everyone's surprise, he added, "Even if you're just going out to have a smoke."
The nominees for this year’s CMAs were announced yesterday. And they include
country music superstars like Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, whiskey, beer,
trucks, and divorce.
Sept. 11: President Obama awarded a National Medal of Arts to author Stephen King.
You know, because if there’s anyone who can relate to the story of a guy trapped in a
mansion that’s driving him insane, it’s Obama.
Keurig announced that they are now offering pre-packaged cups that let you make
instant Campbell’s Soup in their coffee machines. It's great for the person who wants
to enjoy a cup of soup, then enjoy a cup of coffee that tastes a little bit like soup.
Yeah, Keurig is now offering cups that let you make Campbell’s Soup in their coffee
machines. You know, for the weirdos who are like, “Don’t even TALK to me till I’ve had
my first bowl of soup in the morning! Ahhhh! Now where were we?”
Sept. 14: On Friday, Rick Perry announced that he is dropping out of the presidential
race. It's too bad. This country really needs more candidates like Rick Perry — you
know, candidates who will drop out of the presidential race.
The remaining candidates are gearing up for the second Republican debate, which will
take place this Wednesday on CNN. It starts at 8 p.m. and ends when Donald Trump
runs out of air.
Donald Trump's star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood was vandalized last week with a
yellow "X." When they asked Trump about the "X" he said, "Be more specific. I have
many exes.”
NBC announced that Arnold Schwarzenegger is going to be the next host of "Celebrity
Apprentice." Yeah, not only did they take the job from Trump, but NBC added insult to
injury by giving it to an immigrant.
Sept. 15: Donald Trump gave a big speech in Dallas last night, and began by pointing
out that he wasn't using a teleprompter. Then he yelled at Gary Busey to hold the cue
cards higher.
It seems like everybody’s weighing in on Trump. In fact, the creator of “Dilbert”
predicted that Trump will win the presidency, and also compared him to Jesus. And
people hope he’s right – cuz they would LOVE a three-day break from Donald Trump.
I read that Jeb Bush has seen a drop in campaign donations lately, and has been forced
to take commercial flights to campaign events. It got weird when the airline said they
lost Jeb's baggage and he was like, “You lost my brother?!”
And a lot of people are getting really excited about the upcoming visit by Pope Francis.
This Pope is very popular, but I saw that in a recent interview, he said that he’s felt
“used” by certain people who only pay attention to him when they need something.
Then God was like, “Um, hello! That's like 99 percent of my day!”
Sept. 14: Arnold Schwarzenegger has been named the new host of "Celebrity
Apprentice." Wait until the apprentices find out exactly what you have to do when you
work for Arnold Schwarzenegger. They're going to spend half the show just trying to
understand what their assignment is.
Mark Cuban, star of "Shark Tank," is now thinking about running for president. Still no
word from the Cake Boss.
This weekend was the annual National Federation of Republican Women Convention.
Or as Donald Trump called it, a total dog show. He would do that and his approval
rating would go up 15 points.
I'm raising the roof for Rosh Hashanah. It's the beginning of the Jewish New Year
5,776. In other words, it's been 5,763 years since Larry King's bar mitzvah.
Sept. 15: Donald Trump said he would replace Obamacare with something called
Donaldcare. He claims it would save billions by denying coverage to pre-existing
Hispanics.
Donald Trump is leading among Christian evangelical voters. They love him.
Apparently, they like him because a Trump presidency would mean the world really is
coming to an end.
Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, is struggling in the polls. According to political analysts,
Hillary Clinton is now trying to make herself seem more relatable to the average
person. Today, she spent the day criticizing Hillary Clinton.
Mark Zuckerberg announced that a dislike button is finally coming to Facebook. Finally
a way to tell your friends how you really feel about their baby.
The government has unveiled a new website that predicts your financial worth after
graduating college. It doesn't give you a number, just tells you which Starbucks you'll
be working at and for how long.
Sept. 9: Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who was held in contempt of court for refusing
to issue same-sex marriage licenses, has been released after four harrowing nights in
jail. It would have just been three nights, except the jail offices were closed for Labor
Day — which is ironic because that's the holiday where we celebrate people who do
their jobs.
Kim Davis says that issuing marriage licenses to gay people violates her religious
beliefs. The state of Kentucky says that it's her job. Gay people in Kentucky say, “Why
the hell am I living in Kentucky?”
Davis was only in jail for four nights. To put that in perspective, Nelson Mandela was in
prison for 27 years and he walked out calmly wearing a suit. Kim Davis was in jail for
four nights and she came out like she was about to fight Manny Pacquiao.
Sept. 14: The Miss America Pageant crowned its 94th winner last night. There was lots
of excitement, plenty of surprises. The biggest surprise for me was finding out that you
guys still do this.
I understand that Miss America is an old American tradition, but so was dying of polio,
and you've managed to stop that. Technically the winner last night was anyone who
didn't watch, but the official winner was Miss Georgia.
This year, every contestant recorded a Twitter video where she shared a fun fact about
herself. Now, I'm not sure they know the meaning of the word "fun." Here's a fun fact
about me: After watching Miss America last night, I'm going to move my daughter back
to the U.K.
Sept. 15: There is so much news. The Syrian refugee crisis is escalating. There's been
another Ebola outbreak, and North Korea has restarted its nuclear program. But you
wouldn't know this if you lived in Los Angeles because the local news devoted itself to
covering the biggest story of all and that is that it rained this morning.
Syrian refugees are wondering, "will I die on my way to freedom?" And the people of
Los Angeles are wondering,"will I get a little wet on my way to Pinkberry?"
I don't want to trivialize the situation because some people actually have been
afflicted. There was a harrowing story today that three actors were forced to have
brunch inside the restaurant.
Sept. 9: There was another big announcement from Apple today — a number of exciting
new products for you to lose in a cab on the way to the airport. These Apple
announcements are always interesting to watch primarily because the Apple marketing
people are so easily amazed. “Your photos will look amazing on it.” “It's an amazing
experience.” “This is an amazing display.” “Inside it is something even more amazing.”
“You can see they're amazingly thin.” … Siri, what are synonyms for the word amazing?
Sept. 10: The Patriots have been at the center of all sorts of cheating allegations. If
these reports we've seen over the last couple of days are accurate, the Patriots cheated
more than everyone on Ashley Madison combined.
In a new CNN poll released this morning, Donald Trump is still on top, 32 percent
among Republican voters, far ahead of his nearest rival. There's a reason Donald Trump
is on top of the CNN poll and that is because he's constantly on CNN. If CNN and Fox
and MSNBC and everyone ran nonstop coverage of Honey Nut Cheerios we would have
a box of cereal running the country.
Today Trump is getting criticized. He made comments about one of his rivals in the race
for the Republican nomination, Carly Fiorina. At this point Donald Trump has publicly
attacked more women than he's married. Which is a lot.
When your own face looks like an orange ate a lemon, maybe you shouldn't criticize
other faces.
Sept. 11: Right now in New York it is Fashion Week, which is also known as “watch
hungry women walk week.” Fashion Week, for those who aren't familiar, is the week
that answers the question: How many emaciated teenagers will it take to convince
someone to spend $10,000 on a dress?
You know the machines they have at Chuck E. Cheese where you lower the claw and
you don't get a stuffed animal? Well, in Frisco, Texas, this week, a 6-year-old girl got
stuck inside one. She said her older sister double dog dared her to do it. It's something
parents need to be aware of. Please if you are a parent, pay attention to this important
message. The claw machine: Harmless arcade game, or impenetrable kiddie prison?
If you watched the NFL game, the Patriots beat the Steelers. And once again, there is a
cheating-related controversy. The coaches for the Steelers said they couldn't hear each
other through the headsets because the Patriots radio broadcast was blasting into their
ears for almost the first half of the game which made it impossible for them to
communicate … it was kind of like they got beat by Drake.
Sept. 14: Another new season of "Dancing with the Stars" has waltzed into our lives
tonight. "Dancing with the Stars" season 21. They're promising a lot of big surprises
this time. I don't know what could be more surprising than the fact that "Dancing with
the Stars" has been on for 21 seasons.
Also on TV last night we named a new Miss America. Miss Georgia is the new Miss
America at the 95th annual Miss America Pageant. Miss America is the highest honor a
woman can achieve for getting a spray tan.
A new host of "Celebrity Apprentice" was unveiled. Donald Trump is out, none other
than Arnold Schwarzenegger is in. Apparently the key job requirements they're looking
for are orange and loud … If you have those then he's got to say, "hasta la vista, baby,"
instead of "you're fired!"
Sept. 15: Last night Donald Trump had a big rally at the American Airline center in
Dallas. Thousands of people came out to see him. Arena staff estimated the numbers
between 9,000 and 15,000 people. "USA Today" put the crowd at 17,000 people. The
Trump Campaign says there were well over a million people there to cheer him on. It
really is incredible how much bragging Donald Trump can squeeze into speech.
People started lining up hours before the door opened. Some made up their minds they
like Trump and others were there to learn more about a candidate they are considering.
He speaks to us as Americans because it's not politics as usual anymore. This is politics
as unusual.
Sept. 9: During yesterday’s rally supporting her opposition to same-sex marriage,
embattled county clerk Kim Davis and her husband posed for photos with prominent
Republicans. She apparently met her husband in a John Steinbeck novel.
Justin Bieber's new song “What Do You Mean?” is his first-ever Billboard number 1
single. Bieber wrote the song in response to the question, “Does the defendant
understand the charges before him?”
A man in Northern Ireland has been sentenced to four months in jail after he
repeatedly got drunk and called emergency services while pretending to be rapper
Nicki Minaj. Wow, nobody’s gotten in this much trouble for pretending to be Nicki Minaj
since Iggy Azalea.
Sept. 10: Donald Trump is under fire after he was caught saying of his Republican rival
Carly Fiorina, "Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that?" Then an aide said, “Mr.
Trump, you’re pointing at a mirror.”
The new Guinness Book of World Records came out today and Andre Ortolf of Germany
managed to get in for three records including fastest 100-meter dash wearing ski
boots, and fastest 100-meter dash wearing clogs. Ortolf is, of course, best known as
the long-time holder of the world record for lightest schedule.
Kylie Jenner has started revealing in interviews how she gets her lips to stay so big.
And it’s actually pretty simple: She’s allergic to nuts.
A skydiver uploaded a video of himself yesterday jumping out of a plane and solving a
Rubik’s cube during free fall. And to prove that he actually solved it, the funeral was
open casket.
A new fish species called the “blue bastard” was discovered in Australia this week.
While the orange bastard continues to lead the GOP polls.
Sept. 11: After Donald Trump attacked him on several issues yesterday, second-place
GOP candidate Dr. Ben Carson told reporters he “didn’t want to get into a gladiator
fight” with Trump. Especially since Trump comes with his own helmet.
In an interview with CNN, Bernie Sanders said that he was stunned by the success he
has had in the presidential race. That’s right, he’s stunned by his own success — and
not, as I had assumed, a Taser.
Earlier this week, a woman in Taiwan fulfilled her husband’s last wishes and invited
strippers to perform at his funeral. She said it was the least she could do, because
when he asked for strippers at his funeral, she murdered him.
A farmer in India is claiming that he’s made over $1 million in the last four years by
selling bull semen. Though you probably know it by its Hindi name, Mountain Dew.
A mother in London was caught by police giving her daughter almost $500 worth of
cocaine for her 18th birthday. Wow, $500 worth? Don’t spend it all in one face.
Sept. 14: Just 100 days into his candidacy, Rick Perry has become the first Republican
candidate to drop out of the race. Even more disappointing, it was just 10 days after
the LensCrafters free return deadline.
NBC announced today that Arnold Schwarzenegger will replace Donald Trump as the
host of next season’s "Celebrity Apprentice." Man, wait until Trump finds out he’s being
replaced by an immigrant with an anchor baby.
Donald Trump said in the latest issue of "Rolling Stone" that he would consider dating
his daughter Ivanka Trump, if he weren’t her father. Which explains why I saw Ivanka
Trump’s therapist shopping for a boat.
Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell was crowned Miss America last night. While Miss Kentucky
was crowned “least cooperative."
Sept. 15: Tomorrow night’s second GOP debate will take place at the Reagan
Presidential Library. So on behalf of librarians everywhere, let me just say “shhh…”
New national poll numbers show Dr. Ben Carson has pulled within four points of
frontrunner Donald Trump. And I’m sure it’s not the first time Trump has been closely
pursued by a brain surgeon.
Today is National Double Cheeseburger Day. To celebrate, Americans will just remove
one of the patties from our usual triple cheeseburgers.
Taco Bell has opened a new line of more upscale restaurants they are calling “cantinas”
which will feature open kitchens. It’s pretty cool. You can see both microwaves.
Kellogg’s announced today that it will be spending 450 million dollars in an effort to
expand its food distribution to Africa. Though sadly, it was reported today that Tony
the Tiger was gunned down by a Minnesota dentist.
Sept. 9: These days one of the most important factors in a successful campaign is the
online merchandise store, where you can buy candidate-themed T-shirts, mugs, and
trucker caps. Lots of great gift ideas for everyone you know named Rand.
It's important for candidates to set themselves apart with one-of-a-kind items like
Hillary Clinton’s “Chillary” drink koozie. It's her favorite way to keep a beverage cold
unless polling indicates a more popular cooling method.
Bernie Sanders has a great coffee mug that says “Feel the Bern.” Which Senator
Sanders was specifically told by H.R. not to say to his interns.
Even billionaire Donald Trump is funding his campaign with a store. Which is great
because where else could you find something with his name on it?
You're not just buying useless crap, you're doing your patriotic duty to buy useless
crap. As Rand Paul says of his own online merchandise, “Thomas Jefferson would be
proud.” So much better than Rand's original slogan, “Impress a slaveholder!”
Sept. 10: I'm super excited about being on a network that has football twice a week
because I'm a huge fan. I've got pigskin in my blood. That's why I'm on Lipitor. My
doctor says my cholesterol is slightly higher than a seven-layer dip.
With all the talk about the presidential race, it's easy to forget that we're still 14
months from Election Day. Which means we're just nine years away from the end of the
Trump presidency.
A new CNN poll shows Trump in first place with 32 percent more than his two closest
rivals combined. He's now towering so high in the polls he turned his own bar graph
into luxury condos.
Sept. 11: I've been touched by the outpouring of support from other late night shows.
Jimmy Kimmel bought the whole staff lunch. Seth Meyers sent us guac and chips.
Conan, John Oliver, Larry Wilmore and the "Daily Show" all sent us desserts. Then, later
tonight, James Corden is throwing us a cocktail party. Any other shows thinking of
sending us something, please make it a box of sweatpants.
Yesterday Hillary Clinton said she'd love to debate Donald Trump, and Bobby Jindal said
he'd love to see over the podium.
At the beginning of the summer, everyone thought Hillary Clinton was inevitable. But
right now, in New Hampshire, she's 11 points behind Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders,
proving that even people in New Hampshire can't tell the difference between their
state and Vermont.
Yes, Ms. Clinton is clearly qualified for the office, but to be elected, that isn't enough.
You have to appear genuine. If only there was some way we could get a glimpse into
the private side of Hillary Clinton -- I don't know, read her emails or something?
WEEKLY SNOPES URBAN LEGEND UPDATE
Click HERE for the most current update.
•••••
This video about the Iran deal has been online for one week and it’s already going viral.
Hollywood comedy legend David Zucker (“Airplane,” “Scary Movie,” “Naked Gun”
among many other films) has written and produced this hilarious spoof on the
disastrous Iran Nuclear Deal. In his trademark style, Zucker skewers the deal’s primary
architects — President Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry — and warns of the
possible “SIDE EFFECTS” that may result from the absurd agreement. (Fans of the old
Seinfeld show should recognize the “No soup for you!” guy.) (1:27)
•••••
You may remember the story about the found STETHOSCOPE from six years ago, but
we’ll bet you can’t remember the message that the short video conveyed. (2:19)
•••••
I asked this question in Sept. of last year and am asking it again: Why can’t I have my
house that sits close to the Hayward Fault painted with LINE-X? If the stuff can be
produced in candy apple red, they should be able to make it in beige, the color of my
digs. I might even want my car painted with it, too. (2:11)
•••••
Here is another inspiring dog rescue story from Hope for Paws. THIS one is about
Bethany, a severely sick and abandoned dog that went through an amazing healing and
recovery before she was put up for adoption. (4:08)
•••••
We’re giving odds that these two dogs cannot catch THIS little bunny rabbit. Any
takers? (2:37)
•••••
Who says cats don’t like water? After watching THIS clip, it certainly wasn’t us. (0:59)
•••••
Diaries by definition are personal and are not to be shared, unless the owner of the
diary wants others to know the contents. Such is the case HERE. (3:20)
•••••
For this week’s most unusual clip we would like to introduce Marley the puppy cat, a
FELINE that thinks he’s a dog. Really. (3:48)
•••••
No one knows what happened to this one-week-old foal’s mother named “Breeze.” It's
of little consequence, however, because her caretakers seem to have found the perfect
SURROGATE mom in the form of a giant teddy bear. (0:50)
•••••
You have no doubt heard the expression that laughter is contagious. Well, here’s
evidence that it’s true. We double-dog dare you not to laugh or at least smile after you
watch THIS news anchor lose his composure over this story about a pot-bellied pig.
(0:40)
•••••
Looking for a feel-good story? A mommy Duck kept quacking at people as they passed
by a sidewalk drain. It took a while until someone realized her little ducklings had
fallen in. THIS is what happened next. (1:45)
•••••
OK smarty pants. Let’s see if you can ace THIS 12-question Science Knowledge Quiz . It
will give you an idea of how much you know about science. Or not.
•••••
Don’t fret if you missed the question about boiling water on the science quiz above;
most of those on the SJPD cops’ Facebook page where we posted the quiz last weekend
missed the same question. If your brain isn’t too badly scrambled from the test, here’s
a one-question quiz that you should be able to answer correctly if you give it some
thought: Why does the San Francisco Fire Dept. use wooden ladders while aluminum
ladders are used by almost all other fire departments? If you get stumped, THIS clip
will answer the question. (3:50)
•••••
Why three readers chose to send in this tip on how to shuck fresh corn this week is a
mystery, especially since the same tip came from three different YouTube videos. We're
sure that many of you know about THIS. For those who don’t, you can thank us and the
three readers later. (3:16)
•••••
Here’s a video of the Blue Angels you have not seen before. Set to classical music, the
clip shows the different types of jet aircraft used by "The Blues" from their creation to
the present. Click HERE to watch the video. (9:10)
•••••
This clip from Bruce Fair is one of the coolest in-flight videos we have ever received. It
puts you in the cockpit of a Swiss Air Force F-5 fighter and lets you choose the view by
a controller in the upper left portion of the screen as you and other F-5s fly over the
Swiss Alps. This video was filmed by a journalist who used a 360° camera rig to capture
the view as he flew in the backseat of the fighter. As stated, the key to enjoying the
360 degree view is to USE THE CONTROLLER in the upper left of the video to rotate the
view. (4:24)
•••••
This strikes us as one of those great automotive ideas that never caught on. See what
you think about Ford’s “wrist-twist” steering control that was designed to replace the
STEERING wheel. (There’s a little trickery here. Look closely when she backs into a
parking space and you will see the film was reversed as it shows another car going
backward.) (2:01)
•••••
When we received a message from Chuck Blackmore with a link to a website that
features the original factory brochures for nearly every American car you have ever
owned, we thought it looked familiar, and a check of our Archives showed that we
published the link in the Feb. 24, 2011 Farsider. If you would like to take another trip
back in time and look at a brochure for your first car, click HERE and select the
manufacturer, then the year and the model. (Unfortunately for Chuck, Roy Sanfilippo
and a few others, the site doesn’t include a brochure for a Stanley Steamer.)
•••••
It’s been a couple of years since we last stopped in at BEANY'S for a 20-cent burger and
20-cent milkshake. Let’s head back for another cheap meal and enjoy the ambiance of
the early ‘50s. (2:24)
•••••
We think it’s a pretty safe bet that THIS five-year-old will not get picked on or bullied
in kindergarten. (1:24)
•••••
She may be old, but THIS lady has spunk, and in the words of Lou Grant, I like that!
(0:29)
•••••
If you believe this emergency landing is real, you first have to believe that a NISSAN
pickup is capable of doing 120-130 mph, the approximate landing speed of a Boeing
727. (1:33)
•••••
Speaking of Nissan pickup, could one have withstood the same punishment as a Toyota
pickup? When it comes to real videos that tout the strength of small pickups, Top Gear
co-host Jeremy Clarkson tried his best to kill THIS Toyota. Once you see what he puts it
through, you will be amazed to see that it still runs at the very end of the clip. (8:05)
•••••
The Mysterious Vietnam Memorial
This memorial, far from civilization, is without doubt the most endearing of memories
of soldiers who fought and died in SE Asia. It is a hidden and powerful tribute to men
who received no honor, recognition or respect from the country they loved. This video
was taken by a dirt bike rider along the continental divide in Colorado who stumbled
upon the memorial in the woods. Whoever created it put a great deal of time, effort and
money into it. Evidently hunters and possibly some Vets must be aware of it as there
are numerous 7.62, 30.06 rounds and good luck coins sitting in the ledges between the
stones. Who built it and how it got there there is indeed a mystery. Click HERE to watch
the video. (5:43)
•••••
As regular readers are aware, we look for special videos that will stir the emotions or
tug at the heart to close the Farsider each week. This contribution from Chuck
Blackmore meets our criteria for the former. It’s titled “Andie’s Isle,” and we feel it is
magnificent. Click HERE and see if you agree. (6:22)
•••••
C’ya
Pic of the Week
If you spot this tandem bike at a garage sale and choose
to buy it, we suggest you spring for two new seats.
THE FARSIDER SUBSCRIPTION ROSTER as of 9/17/15
Additions and changes since the last published update (alphabetical by last name):
Phan Ngo — Added
To receive the email address of anyone on the list -- or to receive the roster with all of
the email addresses -- send your request to <[email protected]>.
Abram, Fred & Connie
Adams, Gene
Ady, Bruce
Agerbeek, Bob
Agerbeek, Rudy
Aguilar, David
Aguirre, Jim
Albericci, Jerry
Alberts, Dick
Alcantar, Ernie
Alfano, Phil
Alford, Mike
Aligo, Cynthia
Allbright, Bill
Allen, Bob
Alvarado, Marie
Alvarez, Pat (Campbell)
Amaral, Mike
Anders, Alberta
Anderson, Jim
Anderson, Mark
Anderson, Sharon
Anthony, Tom
Antoine, Steve
Antonowicz, Germaine
Appleby, Judy
Arata, Jennifer
Arca, Rich
Archie, Dan
Avery, Rod
Babineau, Dave & Cheryl
Bacigalupi, Dave
Baggott, Jim
Bailey, Rich
Baker, Beth
Balesano, Bob
Balesteri, Lou
Ballard, Gordon
Banner, Ken
Barikmo, Jon
Bariteau, John
Barnes, Steve
Barnett, Brad
Baroff, Stan
Barrera, Ray
Barranco, Rich
Barshay, Marc
Bartels, Don
Bartholomew, Dave
Bartoldo, Tom
Basilio, Les
Bastida, Maggie
Bates, Tom
Battaglia, Nick
Battaglia, Will
Baxter, Jack
Bayer, Lance
Bayers, Dennis
Beams, Bob
Beattie, George
Becerra, Manny
Beck, Brian
Beck, Tom
Becknall, Jim
Beckwith, Tony
Beiderman, Margie
Belcher, Steve
Bell, Bob
Bell, Mark
Bell, Mike
Belleci, Ron
Belveal, Chuck
Bence, Martin
Bennett, Joy
Bennett, Mark
Berggren, Heidi
Bergtholdt, Doug
Bernardo, Guy
Bettencourt, Ed
Bevis, Sherry
Biebel, Phil
Bielecki, Mike
Binder, Andrew
Biskup, Shelley
Blackmore, Chuck
Blackstock, Carroll
Boales, Tina
Boes, Judith
Boggess, Eileen
Boggess, Mike
Bonetti, Jon
Bosco, Al
Botar, Rick
Bowen, Gordy
Bowman, Mike
Boyd, Pat
Boyles, John
Bradshaw, Bob
Brahm, Bob
Bray, Mary Ellen
Brewer, Tom
Brickell, Dave
Bridgen, Dave
Brightwell, Larry
Brocato, Dom
Brookins, Dennis
Brooks, Bob
Brown Jr., Bill
Brown, Charlie
Brown, Dennis
Brown, Ernie
Brown, Terry
Browning, Bob
Brua, Dale
Bullock, April
Bullock, Dan
Bulygo, Corinne
Bulygo, Mary
Burke, Karol
Burns, Barbara
Burroughs, (Bronson) Utta
Busch, Dennis
Bye, Bud
Byers, Dave
Bytheway, Glenn
Caddell, Jim
Cadenasso, Richard
Caldarulo, Wendy
Calderon, Richard
Caldwell, Phyllis
Camara, Bob
Camarena, Raul
Campbell, Jason
Campbell, John
Campbell, Larry
Campos, John
Cannell, Tom
Caragher, Ed
Caraway, Steve
Card, Christine
Cardoza, Vic
Carlin, David
Carlsen, Laura
Carlton, Jim
Caro, Bert
Caro, Lynne
Carr Jr., John
Carr, John
Carraher, Don
Carraher, Jim
Carter, Ernie
Carrillo, Jaci Cordes
Carrillo, John
Cates, Dean
Cavallaro, Dave
Cedeno, Rey
Chalmers, JC
Chamness, Hank
Chapel, Ivan
Chevalier, Brian
Chavez, Ruben
Chewey, Bob
Christian, Brian
Christiansen, Bob
Christiansen, Rich
Christie, Kenn
Clark, Bill (the one who
stayed)
Clark, Bill
Clayton, Dave
Clear, Jennifer
Clifton, Craig
Coates, Marisa
Cobarruviaz, Lou
Coen, Roger
Colombo, Tony
Comelli, Ivan
Como, John
Confer, Rick
Connor, Stephanie
Connors, Kim
Conrad, Mark
Contreras, Dolores
Conway, Ed
Cook, John
Cooke, Bertie
Coppom, Dave
Cordes, Marilyn
Cornfield, Scott
Cortez, Darrell
Costa, Mike
Cossey, Neil
Cotterall, Doug
Couser, Rich
Cripe, Rodger
Crowell, Chuck
Culwell, Ken
Cunningham, Stan
D'Arcy, Steve
Dailey, Karen
Daley, Brian
Daly, Ron
Damon, Alan
Damon, Veronica
Daniels, Jim
Daulton, Rich
Daulton, Zita
Davis, Bud
Davis, Joan
Davis, Mike
Davis, Rob
Day, Jack
Deaton, Caroll
DeBoard, Joe
DeGeorge, Bob
DeLaere, Sylvia
Delgado, Dave
DeMers, Buc
Dennis, Sandra
Destro, Mike
Destro, Tony
Devane, Dan
Devane, Joe
Dewey, Rod
Diaz, Mike
DiBari, Dave
DiVittorio, Gerrie
Dishman, Billy
Doherty, Janiece
Dolezal, Dennis
Dominguez, Bob
Dooley, Jeff
Dorsey, Ed
Dotzler, Jennifer
Dowdle, Mike
Doxie, Tara
DuClair, Jim
Dudding, Bill
Dudley, Bruce
Duey, Dennis
Dye, Allen
Dwyer, Pat
Earnshaw, Kathy
Earnshaw, Patrick
Edillo-Brown, Margie
Edwards, Derrek
Edwards, Don
Egan, Mike
Eisenberg, Terry
Ellner, Howard
Ellsworth, Larry
Embry (Howsmon), Eva
Erfurth, Bill
Erickson, Rich
Esparza, Dave
Esparza, Fred
Estrabao, Dario
Eubanks, Earl
Evans, Ron
Ewing, Chris
Ewing, Don
Ewing, Paul
Fagalde, Kevin
Fair, Bruce
Fairhurst, Dick
Fanucchi, Ross
Farlow, Paul
Farmer, Jack
Faron, Walt
Farrow, Chuck
Faulstich, Marge
Faulwetter, Stan
Faz, Dennis
Fehr, Mike
Ferdinandsen, Ed
Ferguson, Betty
Ferguson, Ken
Ferla, Al
Fernsworth, Larry
Flauding, Ken
Fleming, Joe
Flores, Phil
Flosi, Ed
Fong, Richard
Fontanilla, Rick
Forbes, Jay
Foster, Rick
Foulkes [Duchon], Louise
Francois, Paul
Frazier, Rich
Freitas, Jordon
Fryslie, Kevin
Furnare, Claud
Gaines, Erin
Galea, Andy
Galios, Chris
Galios, Kathy
Gallagher, Steve
Garcia, Jose
Garcia, Lisa
Gardner, Paul
Garner, Ralph
Gaumont, Ron
Geary, Heide
Geer, Brian
Geiger, Rich
Gergurich, Judy
Giambrone, Jim
Giorgianni, Joe
Giuliodibari, Camille
Goates, Ron
Goings, Mark
Gomes, Rod
Gonzales, Gil
Gonzales, Jesse
Gonzalez, D. (formerly D.
Avila)
Gonzalez, Frank
Gonzalez, Jorge
Gott, Pat
Graham, George
Grande, Carm
Grant, Bob
Grant, Doug
Grant, Rich
Granum, Jeff
Graves, Pete
Green, Chris
Grigg, Bruce
Griggs, Fran
Grimes, Eric
Guarascio, Dan
Guerin, Pete
Guido, Jr., Jim
Guido, Sr. Jim
Guizar, Ruben
Gummow, Bob
Gummow, Rich
Gutierrez, Hector
Guzman, Dennis
Guzman, Kim
Gwillim, Reese
Habina, Ron
Hafley, Gary
Hahn, Chuck
Hale, Don
Handforth, Terry
Hann, George
Hare, Caren (Carlisle)
Harnish, Mary (Craven)
Harpainter, Bob
Harris, Bucky
Harris, Diane
Harris, Don
Haskell, Marty
Hawkes, Ken
Haynes, Sandy
Hazen, Skip
Heck, Steve
Heckel, Rick
Hedgpeth, Bob
Helder, Ron
Hellman, Marilyn
Hendrickson, Dave
Hendrix, Dave
Hernandez, Ernie
Hernandez, Irma
Hernandez, Joe
Hernandez, Linda
Hernandez, Rudy
Hernandez, Vic
Herrick, Mike
Herrmann, Erma
Hewison, Jamie
Hewitt, Dave
Hilborn, Art
Hildebrandt, Karen
Hill, Sandra
Hippeli, Micki
Hirata, Gary
Dave Hober
Hober, Margo
Hodgin, Bruce
Hoehn, Charlie
Hogate, Joanne
Hogate, Steve
Hollars, Bob
Holliday, Sandy
Hollingsworth, Larry
Holloway, Sandi
Holser, George
Hong, Bich-nga
Horton, Debbie (McIntyre)
Hosmer, Dewey
Howard, Terri
Howell, Jim
Howsmon, Frank
Howsmon (Sr.), Frank
Hudson, Kim
Hughes, Gary
Hunter, Jeff
Husa, Sonia
Hyland, Brian
Ibarra, Miguel
Imobersteg, Rob
Inami, Steve & Francine
Ingraham, George
Ireland, Joe
Jackson, Curt
Jacksteit, Ken
Jacobson, Barbara
Janavice, Dean
Jeffers, Jim
Jenkins, Dave
Jensen, Dan
Jensen, Janie
Jewett, Donna
Jezo, Pat
Johnson, Bob
Johnson, Craig
Johnson, Cynthia
Johnson, Dave
Johnson, Gary
Johnson, Jon
Johnson, Karen
Johnson, Kyle
Johnson, Mardy
Johnson, Tom & Fran
Jones, Russ
Kaminsky, Glenn
Katashima, Annie
Katz, Dan
Keeney, Bill
Kelsey, Bert
Keneller, Dave
Kennedy, Scott
Kennedy, Tom
Kensit, John
Killen, Pat
Kimbrel, Tammy
Kinaga, Rose
King, Charlie
Kingsley, Fred
Kirkendall, Dave
Kischmischian, Gene
Klein, Lou Anna
Kleman, Karl
Knea, Tim
Kneis, Brian
Knopf, Art
Knopf, Dave
Kocina, Ken
Koenig, Heinz
Kong, Ernie
Kosovilka, Bob
Kozlowski, Astrid
Kracht, John
Kregel, John
Lanctot, Noel
Laney, Tammy
Lansdowne, Sharon
Lara, Bill
LaRault, Gary
Larsen, Bill
Laverty, Ann
Lax, John
Leavy, Bill
Leavey, Jack
LeGault, Anna
LeGault, Russ
Lem, Noland
Leonard, Gary
Leonard (Lintern), Lynda
Leong, Ken
Lewis, Lefty
Lewis, Marv
Lewis, Steve
Lind, Eric
Linden, Larry
Lisius, Jim
Little, Keith
Livingstone, John
Lobach, Bob
Lockwood, Bob
Lockwood, Joan
Logan, Maureen
Longaker, Mary
Longoria, Noe
Lopez, Candy
Lopez. Dan
Lopez, Ruvi
Lovecchio, Pete
Low, John
Lu, Elba
Luca, Dennis
Lucarotti, Jim
Luna, Gloria
Lundberg, Larry
Lyons, TB
MacDougall, Joanne
Macris, Carly
Macris, Tom
Madison, Gary
Maehler, Mike
Mahan, Rick
Malatesta, Jim
Malcolm, Roger
Mallett, Bill
Malvini, Phil
Mamone, Joe
Marcotte, Steve
Marfia, John
Marfia, Ted
Marin, Julie
Marini, Ed
Marlo, Jack
Marsh, Scott
Martin, Brad
Martin, Lou
Martin, Todd
Martinelli, Ron
Martinez, Rick
Martinez, Victor
Matteoni, Charlotte
Mattern, John
Mattos, Bill
Mattos, Paula
Mattocks, Mike
Mayo, Lorraine
Mayo, Toni
Mazzone, Tom
McCaffrey, Mike
McCain, Norm
McCall, George
McCall, Lani
McCarville, John
McCollum, Bob
McCollum, Daniele
McCready, Tom
McCulloch, Al
McCulloch, Scott
McElvy, Mike
McFall, Ron
McFall, Tom
McGuffin, Rich
McGuire, Pat
McIninch, Mark
McKean, Bob
McKenzie, Dennis
McLucas, Mike
McMahon, Jim
McMahon, Ray
McNamara, Laurie
McTeague, Dan
Meheula, Cheryl
Mendez, Deborah
Mendez, Mike
Messier, Tom
Metcalfe, Dave
Metcalfe, Mickey
Miceli, Sharon
Miller, Keith
Miller, Laura
Miller, Rollie
Miller, Shirley
Miller, Stan
Mills, Don
Mindermann, John
Miranda, Carlos
Mitchell, Carol
Modlin, Dick
Mogilefsky, Art
Moir, Bob
Montano, Wil
Montes, José
Morales, Octavio
Moore, Dewey
Don Moore
Moore, Jeff
Moore, JoAnn
Moorman, Jim
Morella, Ted
Moreno, Norma
Morgan, Dale
Morin, Jim
Morris, Jack
Morton, Bruce
Mosley, Joe
Mosunic, Taffy
Moudakas, Terry
Moura, Don
Mozley, Ron
Muldrow, Mark "Mo"
Mulholland, Kathy
Mullins, Harry
Mulloy, Dennis
Munks, Jeff
Munoz, Art
Murphy, Bob
Musser, Marilynn
Nagel, Michael
Nagengast, Carol
Nakai, Linda
Nalett, Bob
Namba, Bob
Ngo, Phan
Nichols, John
Nichols, Mike
Nimitz, Stephanie
Nissila, Judy
Norling, Debbie
North, Dave
North, Jim
Norton, Phil
Nunes, John
Nunes, Les
O'Carroll, Diane (Azzarello)
O'Connor, Mike
O'Donnell, Tom
O'Keefe, Jim
Oliver, Pete
Ortega, Dan
Ortiz, Leanard
Otter, Larry
Ouimet, Jeff
Ozuna, George
Pacheco, Russ
Padilla, George
Pagan, Irma
Painchaud, Dave
Palsgrove, Ted
Panighetti, Paul
Papenfuhs, Steve
Paredes, Carlos
Parker, Rand
Parlee, May
Parrott, Aubrey
Parsons, Dirk
Parsons, Mike
Pascoe, Brent
Passeau, Chris
Pate, Neal
Patrino, Lyn
Payton, George
Pearce, Jim
Pearson, Sam
Pedroza, Frank
Peeler, Eleanor
Pegram, Larry
Percelle, Ralph
Percival, John
Perry (Cervantez), Martha
Petersen, Bruce
Peterson, Bob
Phelan, Bill
Phelps, Scott
Phillips, Gene
Pitts, Phil
Plinski, Leo
Pointer, John
Polanco, Mary
Polmanteer, Jim
Porter, John
Postier, Ken
Postier, Steve
Powers, Bill
Priddy, Loren
Princevalle, Roger
Propst, Anamarie
Puckett, Bill
Punneo, Norm
Purser, Owen
Pyle, Leroy
Quayle, John
Quezada, Louis
Quinn, John
Quint, Karen
Ramirez, Manny
Ramirez, Victoria
Ramon, Chacha
Raposa, Rick
Rappe (Ryman), Bonnie
Rasmussen, Charlene
Raul, Gary
Raye, Bruce
Realyvasquez, Armando
Reed, Nancy
Reek, Rob
Reeves, Curt
Reid, Fred
Reinhardt, Stephanie
Reizner, Dick
Rendler, Will
Rettus, Bev
Reuter, Larry
Reutlinger, Leslie
Reyes (Buell), Cindy
Reyes, Joe
Reyes, Juan
Reyes, Mo
Rheinhardt, Bob
Rice, Jayme
Rice, Lyle
Richter, Darrell & Annette
Riedel, Gunther
Rimple, Randy
Roach, Jim
Roberts, Mike
Robertson, Harry
Robinson, Walt
Robison, Rob
Rodgers, Phil
Rogers, Lorrie
Romano, Marie
Rose, John
Rose, Wendell
Ross, Joe
Ross, Mike
Rosso, Ron
Roy, Charlie
Royal, Russ
Ruiloba, Louie
Russell, Russ
Russell, Stan
Russo, Grace
Ryan, Joe
Saito, RIch
Salamida Joe
Salewsky, Bill
Salguero, Desiree
Salvi, Pete
Samsel, Dave
Santos, Bill
Sanfilippo, Roy
Sauao, Dennis
Savage, Scott
Savala, john
Sawyer, Craig
Scanlan, Pete
Scannell, Dave
Schembri, Mike
Schenck, Joe
Schenini (Alvarez), Joanne
Schiller, Robert
Schmidt, Chuck
Schmidt, Paul
Schriefer, Hank
Seaman, Scott
Seck, Tom
Sekany, Greg
Seymour, Chuck
Seymour, Jim
Sharps, Betty
Shaver, John
Sheppard, Jeff
Sherman, Gordon
Sherr, Laurie
Shigemasa, Tom
Shuey, Craig
Shuman, John
Sides, Roger
Sills, Eric
Silva, Bill
Silveria, Linda
Silvers, Jim
Simpson, Terry
Sinclair, Bob
Sly, Sandi
Smith, Bill
Smith, BT
Smith, Craig
Smith, Ed
Smith, Jerry
Smith, Karen
Smith, Kerry
Smith, Mike
Smoke, Wil
Sorahan, Dennis
Spangenberg, Hal
Spence, Jim
Spitze, Randy
Spoulos, Dave
Springer, George
Stauffer, Suzan
Stelzer, Rex
Sterner, Mike
Strickland, John
Sturdivant, Billy
Sugimoto, Rich
Suits, Jim
Summers, Bob
Ted Sumner
Sun, Jeff
Suske, Joe
Swanson, Ray
Tarricone, Linda
Tate, Bill
Taves, Phil & Paula
Taylor, Joyce
Tenbrink, Bob
Tennant, Ed
Teren-Foster, Aileen
Terry, Glenn & Maggie
Thawley, Dave
Thomassin, Ron
Thomas, Art
Thomas, Dick
Thompson, Gary
Thompson, Margie
Thompson, Mike
Tibaldi, Ernie
Tibbet, Walt
Tice, Stan
Tietgens, Dick
Tietgens, Don
Tomaino, Jim
Torres, Gil
Torres, John
Torres, Nestor
Torres, Ralph
Townsend, John
Townsend, Vicki
Tozer, Dave
Trevino, Andy
Trujillo, Ted
Trussler, Christine
Trussler, John
Tush, Dick
Tyler, Diana
Unland, Jim
Unland, Joe
Urban, Diane
Usoz, Steve
Valcazar, Dan
Vallecilla, Ernie & Peggy
Van Dyck, Lois
Vanek, John
Vasquez, Danny
Rich Vasquez
Vasquez, Ted
Vasta, Joe
Videan, Ed
Videan, Theresa
Vidmar, Mike
Vincent, Bill
Vinson, Jim
Vizzusi, Gilbert
Vizzusi, Mike
Vizzusi, Rich
Vizzusi, Tony
Waggoner, Bill
Wagner, Jim
Wagstaff, Greg
Wahl, John
Walker, Dave
Wall, Chuck
Ward, Jean
Ward, Ray
Watts, Bob
Way, Vicky
Webster, Ron
Wedlow, Dean
Weesner, Greg
Weesner, Steve
Weir, Tony
Welker, Jessica
Wells, Bill
Wells, Brenda
Wells, Mike
Wendling, Boni
Wendling, Jay
Weston, Tom
Wheatley, Tom
White, Rich
Wicker, Joe
Wiley, Bruce
Williams, Jodi
Williams [Durham], Lanette
Williams, Rick
Williamson, Kathleen
Williamson, Ken
Wilson, Caven
Wilson, Jeff
Wilson, Lee
Wilson, Neal
Wilson, Stan
Wilson, Tom
Windisch Jr., Steve
Wininger, Steve
Winter, Bill
Wirht, Kim
Witmer, Dave
Wittenberg, Jim
Wolfe, Jeff
Woo, Paul
Wood, Dave
Wood, Jim
Woodington, Brad
Wysuph, Dave
Yarbrough, Bill
Young, Mike
Younis, Tuck
Yuhas, Dick
Yules, Ken
Zalman, Ginny
Zanoni, Mike
Zaragoza, Phil
Zenahlik, Tom
Zimmerman, Eliza
Zwemke, Doug