Welcome to THE COUCH on the day before the weekend!
WOOOOO 2 big football games are on and they should be fun....
If you are not linked over at Bobby Griffin's Bestest Blog of All Time, do so. It is the only way you can be named best Blog Of The Day as we were yesterday.
Final count 574 UNIQUE VISITORS yesterday!!! Incredible......
As is our custom of trying to keep a few themes rotating on Friday's, we are going to call upon two friends to give us some assistance. Everyone on THE COUCH, may we introduce you to
Mr. Peabody and his pet -
"HEY I AM NOT A PET - I AM ASSISTANT!"
oh sorry, well Mr. Peabody and his assistant, Sherman. We will be using their invention the "WAYBACK MACHINE" and we will be taking our first journey back to
MAY 1, 2006
Please Keep Your Hands And Feet Inside The Ride At All Times
This weekend, I was reminded that last Tuesday was the 30th Anniversary of an event recently voted as one of the 100 Classic Moments In The History Of The Game by the National Baseball Hall Of Fame.
The moment? April 25, 1976 during the break between the top and bottom of the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium in LA. Rick Monday, the Chicago Cubs centerfielder was warming up when he noticed a change in the crowd. Monday looked over and saw two fans running onto the field between center and left.
Of course, today we are so bored with these infantile stunts. Back then, they happened far less frequently, but still did occur. Monday says he could tell something was different this time. “When these two guys ran onto the field, something wasn’t right. And it wasn’t right from the standpoint that one of them had something cradled under his arm. It turned out it was an American flag. They unfurled it like a picnic blanket. They then knelt beside it, not to pay homage, but to harm it as one of the guys was pulling out of his pocket a big can of lighter fluid. He began to douse it.”
"What they were doing was wrong then, in 1976. In my mind, it's wrong now, in 2006. It's the way I was raised. My thoughts were reinforced with my six years in the Marine Corp Reserves. It was also reinforced by a lot of friends who lost their lives protecting the rights and freedoms that flag represented." Monday continues...
"So I started to run after them. To this day, I couldn't tell you what was running through my mind except I was mad, I was angry and it was wrong for a lot of reasons.
"Then the wind blew the first match out. There was hardly ever any wind at Dodger Stadium. The second match was lit, just as I got there. I did think that if I could bowl them over, they can't do what they're trying to do.
"I saw them go and put the match down to the flag. It's soaked in lighter fluid at this time. Well, they can't light it if they don't have it. So I just scooped it up.
"My first thought was, 'Is this on fire?' Well, fortunately, it was not. I continue to run. One of the men threw the can of lighter fluid at me. We found out he was not a prospect. He did not have a good arm. Thank goodness.
"Tommy Lasorda was in his last year as third-base coach before he took over for Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston. Tommy ran past me and called these guys every name in the longshoreman's encyclopedia."
The
picture shown here was taken by James Roark and won him a Pulitzer Prize.(AP Photo/Los Angeles Herald Examiner, James Roark) (James Roark - AP)
"A lot of people don't know this, but he beat me to the flag," recalls Lasorda. "I saw Rick start running over from center field to left. I didn't know what it was, but as soon as I saw him start, I took off and I ran out there, and of course, by that time, Rick had picked up the flag and continued running. When I got there, I see these two guys and I told them, 'Why don't one of you guys take a swing at me?' because there were 50-something thousand people in the ballpark and I only wanted them to swing at me, so I could defend myself and do a job on them."
Monday continued, "Doug Rau, a left-handed pitcher for the Dodgers at the time, came out of the dugout and I handed the flag to him. The two guys were led off the field through the Dodger bullpen.
"After the guys left, there was a buzz in the stands, people being aghast with what had taken place. Without being prompted, and I don't know where it started, but people began to sing 'God Bless America.' When I reflect back upon it now, I still get goose bumps."
Monday, to this day, still receives letters from people who were touched by that moment. Veterans, who fought to protect America, family members of those killed in action, even children who had not yet been born, but who had read of the incident.
The flag now hangs proudly in Monday’s home in Vero Beach. The final chapter of this saga is a book to be published soon. The book will contain the letters and thought of people. Anyone who would like to contribute to this book can send their thoughts -- in 500 words or less – or photos to mvpsportscorp@aol.com.
(photo courtesy of Los Angeles Dodgers)
Now, today, illegal immigrants living in the US are staging protests across the country. They are not going to work, or buying goods or services or going to school today to show their value to the country. The day is being billed as “Un dia sin immafrante” – Spanish for “a day without an immigrant.”
The campaign is part of the growing desires to get legal status for the 11 million immigrants living and working in the USA.
My paternal grandfather and grandmother traveled from Italy to find residence in this country. They endured the hardships of a long journey on a crowded ship with nothing waiting for them but the promise of freedom and the opportunity to find a better life. How do I know this? Because I have been to ELLIS Island here in NYC and I have seen their names on the wall there which lists every immigrant that came to the US LEGALLY!
Now for years, these people have been earning money and not paying taxes, but taking advantage of the infrastructure and services the taxes we all pay support.
Clearly, immigration issues are testing the nation's consciousness. In an AP-Ipsos poll released in early April, 13 percent of respondents said immigration was the nation's top problem — four times the number who said that in January. Immigration ranked slightly below the economy and the war in Iraq in the survey of 500 adults, which had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
Immigration has split Congress, the Republican Party and public opinion. Conservatives want the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants returned to Mexico and a fence built along the border.
Others, including President George W. Bush, want a guest-worker program and a path to citizenship. Most agree some reform is needed to stem the flow of poor to the world's biggest economy.
"We want full amnesty, full legalization for anybody who is here (illegally)," Jorge Rodriguez, a union official who has helped stage protests said. "That is the message that is going to be played out across the country on May 1."
So, riddle me this kiddies…these people began their history in this country by doing something illegal, and now they want us to say…”Oh, that’s all right…you just stay and enjoy.” ????
Want to live in the US and reap the rewards that you obviously feel you can’t get in your country? Then apply for citizenship and do it like my relatives and the millions of others who abided by the laws of the land.
Continuing with the theme, a new version of “The Star Spangled Banner” has been released. Recorded by Pitbull, Wyclef Jean, Puerto Rican singers Carlos Ponce and Olga Tanon it is a Spanish version of the anthem to our country. Well, that is what they say it is, but you tell me…here are the lyrics:
An English translation of "Nuestro Himno," a Spanish-language version of the national anthem:
Verse 1
The day is breaking, do you see it? In the light of the dawn?
What we so acclaimed at nightfall?
Its stars, its stripes,
flew yesterday
In the fierce battle
in a sign of victory,
The glow of battle, in step with liberty
At night they said: "It's being defended!"
Chorus:
Oh say!
The voice of your starry beauty
is still unfolding
Over the land of the free
The sacred flag?
Verse 2
Its stars, its stripes,
Freedom, we are equal
We are brothers, in our anthem.
In the fierce combat in a sign of victory
The glow of battle, in step with liberty
My people keep fighting
It's time to break the chains
At night they said: "It's being defended!"
Oh say! Your starry beauty is still unfolding.
The day is breaking, do you see it? In the light of the dawn?
What we so acclaimed at nightfall?
Its stars, its stripes,
flew yesterday
In the fierce battle
in a sign of victory,
The glow of battle, in step with liberty
At night they said: "It's being defended!"
Chorus:
Oh say!
The voice of your starry beauty
is still unfolding
Over the land of the free
The sacred flag?
Verse 2
Its stars, its stripes,
Freedom, we are equal
We are brothers, in our anthem.
In the fierce combat in a sign of victory
The glow of battle, in step with liberty
My people keep fighting
It's time to break the chains
At night they said: "It's being defended!"
Oh say! Your starry beauty is still unfolding.
Hummmmm… here are the lyrics to “The Star Spangled banner”:
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
I even put the entire song there, including those verses we never sing and…Yup…I thought so… no mention of “breaking chains” like in the new version…So, I guess these people decided that we needed a new anthem and they were the one’s to write it…Sorry, nope don’t agree.
Our Secretary Of State, Condoleezza Rice has no problems with this new version. “I’ve heard the national anthem done in rap versions, country versions and classical versions,” Rice said on the CBS program “Face The Nation.” “From my point of view, people expressing themselves as wanting to be Americans is a good thing.”
Hey Condi….I agree with your overall thought…BUT THEY CHANGED THE WORDS TO THE SONG!!!!!!!!
Rap version... yup…heard them and I can not remember the words being changed to “yo yo...the stripes and stars be hangin’ when the yellow ball came up.”
Even when Jimi Hendrix woke up the Woodstock nation that morning with his electrified version of the anthem…through the feedback and squeal, you still KNEW it was the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Why is it that people who want to come to live in the US because of all we have here, get here and then want to change it all so it feels more like their birth home??? This is what I do not get.
POST CREDITS:
Music Codes: Best Audio Codes
FREEDOM: The Isley Brothers; Composers: Rudolph Isley, O'Kelly Isley & Ronald Isley
STAR SPANGLED BANNER: Jimi Hendrix; Composer: Francis Scott Key
HEADER: 2007 VEM
Mr. Sherman & Peabody created by: Ted Key - A Jay Ward Production
Thanks for the trip in the Way Back Machine. I loved Mr. Peabody and Sherman when I was a kid.
I remember this post from when I was "catching up" on your blog as a newbie. I remember this because I started visiting here around Veterans' Day. I had been thinking quite a bit about my parents who immigrated to this country LEGALLY and all of the sacrifices they had made to get here, all of the ridicule they had endured because they were of a different skin tone, a different culture, and they spoke with a "funny" accent, all as they tried to become enculturated as Americans.
I remember this post because I get goofy when I hear the National Anthem and I always cry like a baby. How I always stop whatever I'm doing when I hear the anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance, standing stock still with my hand over my heart, just as I was taught by my "funny sounding" parents.
My parents taught me to believe that I could be anything as long as I was educated and worked hard. Even though we were poor, my parents worked three and four jobs rather than ever take a handout. I learned from them that while hard work never killed anyone, it sure can shorten a person's life, but at least they would die with self-respect.
Oh yes, I remember this post because I felt so pleased that I had found a kindred spirit in you, someone who felt no shame in trying to uphold things like family honor and duty to country.
Thanks, Vinny, for reminding me how lucky I am to be Al and Winny's baby daughter, All-American girl.
Wow, it's so different here. Canada actually encourages immigrants to come here, and they are encouraged to keep their own beliefs, customs and culture, without assimilating with us. But it makes me wonder what really makes us Canadian, when there are so many different cultures all in one place. Maybe I just answered my own question. :-)
I agree with most of your blog. I don't like that artists change the words and call it the same song. Don't crap on my porch and call it flowers.
I, too, am against amnesty. Your entry into this country was illegal. Just because you duped the border guards doesn't mean you should get to stay. If I rob a bank and get caught years later, they're not going to say, "Keep the money, and don't worry about jail."
It's also important to note that those illegal aliens that don't pay taxes still feel it's okay to use our roads, our police, and our hospitals... all paid for by the taxes of Americans and LEGAL immigrants.
In all, I don't have a problem with immigrants trying to find a better life in our country. I do have a problem with immigrants trying to find a better life by immigrating illegally, avoiding taxes, and then crying about how they are treated.
BTW, instead of a day without immigrants, can we go a week without immigrants? How about a year?
So much to think about. Rights and responsibilities. Honor and fairness. Trying to live according to the principles upon which this country was founded.
And trying to understand and find the right balance to accept others.
I want to be angry, but I also want to be compassionate.
But I won't see my own rights trampled by people who won't follow the rules and expect something for nothing in this country.
That is NOT who we are as a nation.
Do you REALLY want to get me started on the Spanish thingy today????!!!! You know my feelings on this whole thing.
Visits to your blog often stir up emotions and thoughts in my head. That's a good thing. I believe that people should come here legally and be able to prove that in order to gain services that our tax dollars pay for. As with every issue, there's extremists on both sides. I am not certain what the answers are, but I know we need to find them fast.
Gotta agree with Twyla on that score. The way things are going - there's going to be nothing that makes Canada stand out from the rest of the world (ok, besides our kick ass beer and igloos - had to throw that one in LOL). As for the U.S. - well, I can't comment on something I don't totally understand (that being how the heck George Bush got into office and just what the heck he actually does that's beneficial to most of the country).
Bond - congrats on the # of new visitors to the Couch (and was that a throwback line I saw at the top - could u be ressurecting the old welcome?)
You know, this has to be one of my favorite blog posts that I've ever read. I was marginally aware of this incident, and you have written about it wonderfully.
I will share your post on my blog...if that's ok.
Amen, Bond! Awesome post. I could not agree more. This makes up for out American Idol disagreement yesterday!
We have always been proud of you.
Todays blog is certainly another example of WHY!
Ah Jimi =)
Excellent post Bond!
well i think this is a GREAT post bond!!! imagine, changing the words to the star spangled banner. i never saw the translation before and i am angry about it. and saddened. that anyone would dare do this. like you my ancestors came on a boat to the land of the free and the home of the BRAVE!!! let us not forget that part, ok? thanks....bee
I SO remember the flag thing - Monday was always a hero in my book. Hell, I get all out of sorts if a flag even touches the ground!!!
Guido's parents came in thru Ellis Island; mine came from England and France in the late 1600's to settle. This obviously doesn't make us any better than anyone else, but I know one thing for sure - WE ARE US CITIZENS. Like Busy said, don't even get me started on the Spanish thingy. Everything I need to say can be found here (http://www.proenglish.org/).
Have a great weekend, Vinny!! 49 days - WOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Hugs,
Pia
P.S. I always had a crush on Sherman...
Sorry I missed out on congratulating you about the Bestest Blog thingy. I've know THAT fact for months now, though. Nice that other people have finally realized it.
Jimi's Star Spangled Banner ... have you seen the animated movie "Cars" yet? There's a line in it that sums it up pretty well, actually. I'll let you discover it for yourself, though. And you should. It's a gem of a movie. The fact that I can say that after the 400th viewing should tell you something. Lol. Go Brennan!
National anthems ... well, we have two versions, actually three (English, French, half&half), but it's that whole officially bilingual thing, so it's a non-issue here, really. I sympathize, though. The new translation is really awkward-sounding compared to the poetry of the original.
I don't really know enough about the immigration policies to comment rationally, so I won't ... comment rationally (have I ever?). I think the idea of building a big fence is hilarious. (picturing a scene out of "Hogan's Heroes", or something like that) No offense intended. And that's all I have to say about that.
SONGBIRD: you are welcome... and you made some excellent points
TWYLA: We want them also, but we do not think they should change OUR anthem to suit their needs...
KEVIN: Thanks for your thoughts...
TRAVIS: correct sir.. come here, be a part of us, but don't try to make the USA exactly like where you cae from- because then why did you leave in the first place?
BUSY: When i decided on this one- I thought of you!
TIGERPRR: if those things happen to you when you come here, then I did my job right.
ANGELL: TY for the words...and we likey oyu foreigners LOL
BUBBA: Please do share... please do
DR. B: I knew we would get over our little tiff!
MOM & DAD: Thanks .. oh and I need to fix it
FOLKS- NO ONE CAUGHT THAT SAID RANDALLS ISLAND AND NOT ELLIS ISLAND...LET'S READ MORE CAREFULLY! LOL
STARRLIGHT: TY..glad you liked the Jimi
BEE: It made my blood boil - especially when Condi backed the whole thing... ARG
PIA: Yes ELLIS Island.. I have to fix the post... and yes, we came and we kept our heritage, but assimilated to join the "melting-pot" that is the USA. We did not come and say "HEY we don't like your way so we will do it ours and screw you"
OH and BTW...Sherman told me he thought you were a "hottie"
COCO: TY and welcome back. I have not seen CARs.. maybe someday. You have 3 but they are the same - no?
**thinking I should just say HI and run** ummm..yeah that is exactly what I will do. HUGS and have a great weekend! congrats on the #1 Blog thingy!
Very thought provoking, didn't even mind the baseball talk.
Angell forgot Hockey
*glares at Angell*
Immigration must be done using the appropriate channels, if you become a citizen without respecting the ground rules, what kind of citizen will you be?
Both my paternal grandparents came to Canada and became citizens legally. And I remember how peoud my Papou was of that fact.
There's nothing wrong with keeping a part of where you come from, be it religion, cuisine, music, etc but please make an effort and learn the (in our case it's plural) official language(s).
I've missed my time on the couch and have a lot to catch up on.
I don't think they should change your anthem either. I guess I was referring more to the illegal immigrants...it should be easier to get into the US legally. There are extremes though. Some immigrants that come to Canada are subsidized by the government for the first few months they are here, and it's in the thousands of dollars. I don't think that is right either. There needs to be a happy medium.
Oh, and I think us having two official languages is awesome. Justin is French and speaks to me in french all the time, although I rarely know what he's saying. LOL
SUE: ahhhhh You can state your feelings here dear..anytime
ANNDI: LOL HOOCKEY - I need to say again... there is NOTHING WRONG WITH IMMAGRATION... but when you immigrate, know oyu have to adapt. Could I immigrate to france or Mexico and tell them "Hey put up signs in English now, I am here"
TWYLA: LOL I bet you do too know what he is saying! LOL
I don't get it either! English is our official language and why in hell my comprades are bent on changing the anthem I have no idea! Enjoying reading Bond baby and wish you a lovely weekend!
I don't mind if you sing the anthem in Spanish - but sing THE ANTHEM!!!!! Not some wonky translation of it.
There must be someone in the country somewhere who can translate our stirring anthem from English to Spanish without changing the meaning so radically.
Oh wait...did I just rant on V's blog??? Oh the shame! The horror! The humanity!!
**slinks away back to his own blog**
Hehehe
What a comfy couch!
My husband is a LEGAL imigrant from England. We waitied in the lines, paid the fee's etc,etc. So you can only imagine what I think about people who take advantage of my country's hospitality.
As I said, great Couch Bond!
LOL @ Bond, you're right...but that's only because he speaks mostly in English when he's around me. Going to his house for a family dinner is interesting though. LOL It's a good thing I took a few French classes back in high school. :-) You know what's strange? When I was younger, I just assumed that everyone in the U.S. had to take French class too. It wasn't until I was older that I learned that it was Spanish instead.
Very interesting observations. I have to add Go Colts!
TISHA: I though you got lost! Hope you also enjoy your weekend T.
TRAVIS: Rant away dude...THE COUCH appreciates a good rant.
JENN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You finally showed up! I guess it makes sense that your first comment would be on a suject like this!
I have said it many times...please come..LEGALLY... and assimilate...keep your culture, in your home...teach your friends if they are curious..just DO NOT TRY AND MAKE US CHANGE TO SUIT YOU.
TWYLA: Well we had choices (at least in the olden days when I was in HS) - and it was Spanish, French, Italian and German... Now when Matt was in HS, there was Cantonese and no Italian. 'Sup wit dat???
Hi!
Thanks for your submission to Bestest Blog's Meme Carnival!
I have enjoyed reading all the great memes out there in the blogosphere.
The Carnival will be all day Monday, January 22 at
Mimi Writes
(also known as Bloggingham Palace for this event!)
If you have a chance, can you post about the carnival either Sunday evening or on Monday, and include a link?
Thanks for participating!
Mimi - Queen of Memes
http://mimiwrites.blogspot.com
Back in the olden days, those languages you mentioned were the pertinent ones, Bond.
Now in modern times, the most pertinent are any of the Chinese dialects, Arabic, and Spanish.
Fact of life, unfortunately.
Me, I'm learning Dutch to honor my parents and out of spite. I speak it in public, and I LOVE the looks I get from others.
♥♥♥Awesome♥♥♥
I wish Mr. Peabody and Sherman were still on TV. And Tennessee Tuxedo. And Bullwinkle. And of course, Looney Tunes, which I never even see anymore. Then maybe I'd have a reason to get up early on Saturday.
MIMI- Can't wait for the Carnival.
SONGBIRD: Yes, I know about languages that are more pertinent now...When I was a kid....
SANNI: TY love when you stop by.
BECKEYE: OH I so agree with you...I liked Deputy Dog and Huckleberry Hound also
Very thought provoking, Bond. As a foreigner in Japan, I'm probably guilty of every offence you highlighted in this post;)