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CNBNews.net want to foster a spirit of community involvement and conversation. At the same time, we can't have objectionable material on the site. 

• In the spirit of that free exchange of ideas, please keep the conversation clean and respectful. If you see something objectionable, please send an e-mail  cnbnews1@gmail.com

• CNBNEWS moderators have the right to edit, delete, move or close any comment or forum at any time. The following rules and guidelines clarify our practices and provide an explanation of what content may lead to message deletion and/or user bans.

• Play nice! Messages containing intentionally misleading or false information, defamatory content, threats, verbal abuse, harassment, obscenity or personal information about other individuals are not allowed. 
  

• Comments should be brief and stick to either generally known facts or the facts contained in a news story. Keep a civil tone. Resist making personal attacks or indulging in name-calling.

• Keep your posts commercial-free: Advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes and solicitations are unacceptable.

• Spam is not allowed. Spamming includes multiple disruptive, meaningless or repetitive messages, or messages posted solely for solicitation. Messages considered spam, trolling or flaming (as determined by the moderator) can be deleted without warning or explanation.

• Fair Use: Do not post entire articles into comments or forums. This is a potential violation of copyright laws. It's unnecessary and results in needlessly long posts. Instead, post a brief abstract of the material and a link to the complete source. If you are not sure how much of an article you can legally post, please simply post a link to the material.

• Don't see a message you posted earlier? Administrators may move messages to more relevant forums. If you recently posted a message and cannot find it anywhere, the message may have been deleted because of objectionable content. Feel free to try again or contact the moderator for details.

• CNBNEWS moderators have the right to edit, delete, move or close any comment or forum at any time. The following rules and guidelines clarify our practices and provide an explanation of what content may lead to message deletion and/or user bans.

• Play nice! Messages containing intentionally misleading or false information, defamatory content, threats, verbal abuse, harassment, obscenity or personal information about other individuals are not allowed. 
  

• Comments should be brief and stick to either generally known facts or the facts contained in a news story. Keep a civil tone. Resist making personal attacks or indulging in name-calling.

• Keep your posts commercial-free: Advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes and solicitations are unacceptable.

• Spam is not allowed. Spamming includes multiple disruptive, meaningless or repetitive messages, or messages posted solely for solicitation. Messages considered spam, trolling or flaming (as determined by the moderator) can be deleted without warning or explanation.

• Fair Use: Do not post entire articles into comments or forums. This is a potential violation of copyright laws. It's unnecessary and results in needlessly long posts. Instead, post a brief abstract of the material and a link to the complete source. If you are not sure how much of an article you can legally post, please simply post a link to the material.

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Chris Freind: Government licensing illegal activity now | cnbnews.net

By Chris Freind, Delaware County Daily Times

 

 

Since millions of Americans enjoy crystal meth, it only seems appropriate that the government start doling it out freely. After all, doing so would provide for users’ continued pleasure while empowering them to expect more entitlements — the law be damned.  Sound crazy? Can’t imagine government, the creator and enforcer of laws, sanctioning illegal activities?

Think again. It happens every day when those who are not in this country legally are blatantly coddled and bestowed “rights” and privileges by a government that is supposed to be upholding the law, aka arresting and deporting them. Nowhere is this aiding and abetting of criminals — and that’s exactly what it is — more prevalent than in California, which has just given us a classic Left Coast double-doozy.

Chris Freind: Labor Day? Why Union Membership is 'Laboring'

By CHRIS FREIND
Times Columnist

Click to enlarge

( Wednesday, September 4) -- Talk about freeloading. The nine of 10 Americans who aren’t part of organized labor still took full advantage of Labor Day, that hallowed holiday honoring unions, aka “the working class.”

And since those 90 percent aren’t considered “working people” (meaning they must not work) every day is clearly a holiday for them. So relaxing on Labor Day just seems like sticking it to the unions.

What else is new? Public-sector unions are seeing their salaries, benefits and pensions under constant threat of reform from dastardly Republicans trying to stave off bankruptcy. The nerve!

For some unions, that might mean paying more than, God forbid, 5 percent of their health care costs, even though most in the private sector pay far more.

Freindly Fire: Riley Cooper, Anthony Weiner, enough already! | cnbnews.net

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

By CHRIS FREIND

Philadelphia Eagle Riley Cooper really stepped in it.

He uttered one of the most vile, racist, and derogatory slurs out there, one that not only hurts a particular ethnic group, but “…. dampens the aspirations of (its) people.”

And here’s the thing. I guarantee Cooper said this word many, many more times than just once.

No amount of sensitivity training will prevent him from saying it again. And that’s the way it should be, for he is not alone, as millions from New York to Dallas to yes, even Washington, utter this word around the kitchen table and even in public.

“Redskins.”

 

Chris Freind: Seeing red over Indian nickname debate

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By CHRIS FREIND

Times Columnist

Life is good.

Summer is in full swing, the Trayvon/Zimmerman soap opera is finally fading away, government is probably reading only half our emails now, and the excitement of football is in the air.

Most important, though, is that America apparently has solved all of its problems. Otherwise, how could you possibly explain the fact that a cadre of congressman — both Republican and Democrat — recently sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, every league team, and Redskins sponsor FedEx urging them — demanding, actually — that the Redskins name be changed because it was so racially demeaning to Indians. Oops. Native Americans. Sorry.

Chris Freind: No cheers for Gov. Corbett in alcohol sting

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By CHRIS FREIND

Times Columnist

The season has finally arrived!

Memorial Day weekend ushered in the unofficial start of summer when people relax with family and friends, enjoying what little leisure time is left in America.

But Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett made it abundantly clear he wasn’t interested in that season.

For him, it was all about making it Open Season — on Pennsylvanians.

In a move that defies every ounce of common sense for a governor touting the lowest popularity in the nation, Corbett had his state police slip across the border over the weekend to engage in sting operations, targeting Pennsylvanians for the capital crime of buying liquor in Delaware and crossing back into the Keystone State.

And what was the mammoth haul of Tommy’s troopers?

*If Nutter’s Stupidity Were Taxed, Philly Would Be Rich

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BY CHRIS FREIND

CNBNEWS.net

 

I swore I was done.  

 

I promised I would never waste another column writing about how pathetic Philadelphia is. And how its complacent residents and businessmen get exactly what they deserve. Washing my hands of all things Philly, I pledged, most importantly, to never again comment on Michael Nutter, who is, without a doubt, America’s most obtuse, clueless and excruciatingly boring mayor. 

 

But I failed.

 

It is simply impossible not to rip into Tweedle Dee and his latest efforts to drive the final stake into the heart of a once-great city by trying to impose, yes, more taxes! But this isn’t a column about how astronomical taxes actually decrease revenue and further a city’s demise. Michael Nutter has never, nor will ever, understand that, so why bother?

 

It’s much more fun to look at Mayor’s “legacy” and marvel about how bad he really is.

 

*****

 

In 2011, the end of Nutter’s first term, Philadelphia enjoyed the dubious honor of owning the

Freind: Demonizing Toomey on guns is shooting blanks | cnbnews. net

 

related FREINDLY FIRE

By CHRIS FREIND

 

Click to enlarge

(cnbnews.net)Well, that didn’t take long. Smart money said it would have taken half of Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey’s term before the Wacky Wing of the Republican Party put him in their crosshairs. Instead, it only took two years for them to bend him over the (gun) barrel.

And what produced such vitriol from a loud but ultimately small segment of the Republican base? What did Toomey do that saw him decried as another “Benedict Arlen” — an unflattering reference to longtime liberal GOP Sen. Arlen Specter?

He thinks background checks for gun buyers are a good idea.

Yep. That’s it, lock, stock and barrel. Pat Toomey’s smoking gun “sin” was advocating a bipartisan compromise on the contentious gun issue, whereby all people buying firearms at gun shows and via the Internet would be subjected to a tortuous 60-second background check. Rather than thanking him for his common-sense approach, however, many Republicans came after him with both guns blazing, calling him a “traitor.”

Iron Lady Thatcher: Last From A Great Era

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BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

(cnbnews.net) There is a fascinating book by Irving Stone entitled, They Also Ran, the story of men defeated for the presidency. Stone, an historian, also analyzes the races to determine if the people chose wisely.

 

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s a fascinating concept, as readers are left pondering how history may have been altered had there been a different outcome.

 

The opposite also holds true --- how history would have changed had the winner not been victorious.

 

Reflecting on the the passing of England’s Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, it seems obvious --- for so many reasons --- that the Brits did indeed choose their leader wisely. And for the most part, the world owes them a debt of gratitude for doing so, for it is far safer because of Maggie.

 

With both Ronald Reagan and Thatcher now gone, the pangs of sadness resonate with the ending of a golden era. For those who lived through superpower showdowns and nuclear war games, it is impossible not to give Thatcher a special place in your heart. As America’s greatest ally in the Cold War, she never wavered in looking the mightiest Evil Empire of all time right in the eye, saying, “Give me your best shot --- I can take it.”

 

*****

 

Were Corbett, Legislature Drunk Writing Liquor Bill?

related FREINDLY FIRE

 READ PART ONE

 

By Christopher Freind

Part 2 of 2 on the state’s liquor battle

 

“I don’t know...he’s either very smart or very dumb.”

---Quint in Jaws, trying to figure out the shark.

 

 

(CNBNews.net)Quint’s famous line perfectly sums up both Governor Tom Corbett and the Republican-controlled House as they push their liquor privatization bill. They’re either very smart, trying to pull a fast one on Pennsylvanians who expect better selection and lower prices (which they know cannot happen with this bill). Or they’re very dumb, actually believing the bill they’re peddling will actually accomplish those things.

 

Here’s betting on the latter.

 

*****

 

No offense to Chris Christie, but anytime Jersey can do something better, you know you have problems.

 

And clearly, buying wine and liquor is better there. Of course, that’s not saying much, as 48 states have markedly better ways to buy liquor and beer than Pennsylvania. Only Mormon-heavy Utah is also state-controlled.  Gee, what great company.  

Why PA’s Liquor Stores Need To Be Privatized

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

By Christopher Freind

Part 1 of 2 on the state’s liquor battle

(CNBNews.net) In 2010, Governor Tom Corbett was elected by a wide margin, in large part because of his insistence that the state-controlled liquor system be privatized --- an issue on which he was absolutely correct.  Despite that being a cornerstone of his campaign, nothing was accomplished during his first two years, even though he enjoyed historic Republican majorities in both legislative chambers.  

Since privatizing liquor is one of the few issues that enjoys a large consensus, it’s baffling why it took so long for the Republicans to put forth a plan. Now they have finally done so, yet it’s so ill-conceived that state-store union employees are punch-drunk with elation --- but that’s for tomorrow’s column.

Chris Freind: It’s time to pull the troops out of South Korea | delcotimes.com

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

By CHRIS FREIND
Times Columnist

 

So the North Koreans have declared a state of war against South Korea and, by extension, the United States. One question: Who cares?

Why are we so up in arms — literally — about this situation? And why should we be the least bit worried about some young punk’s bellicose rhetoric to attack the U.S., since more often than not, his missiles travel 6 feet before blowing up on the launchpad?

As a matter of fact, it’s a good thing North Korea’s boisterous 30-year-old leader, Kim Jong-un, has been making so much noise.

Maybe now, albeit decades late, America will do the common sense thing: Get the hell out of South Korea once and for all.

Op-Ed: Will New Pope Face “Age Old” Problem?

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

 

(cnbnews.net)Who says the Catholic Church can’t change? By electing Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, the conclave of Cardinals just made history.  The list of “firsts” is impressive:

 

-First Pope from the Americas;

Pope Francis Portrait Painting (Photo credit: faithmouse)

-First non-European in 1,200 years;

-First Latin American pontiff;

-First to take the name Francis.

 

Most amazing, he’s the first non-Catholic pope.

 

He’s a Jesuit.

 

*****

 

Jokes aside, the selection of Bergoglio is an interesting choice. His accomplishments are significant, from modernizing the Argentinian Church to having the guts to clash with President Cristina Fernandez on important issues.  Infinitely more attractive to the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, though, is how he conducts his daily life.  

Op-Ed: A Cutting Edge Idea: Slash TSA Knife Policy

 

related FREINDLY FIRE

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

(cnbnews.net)If the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) could compete for an Emmy, it would definitely be a winner.  Its “Security Theatre” has become a cutting-edge soap opera, replete with comedy, drama and ultimately, tragedy. 

And the latest episode is making the biggest headlines yet.

The TSA has sliced and diced a prior position, and is now permitting passengers to carry knives onto planes. 

Yes. Knives. Those sharp, pointy things that can puncture a pilot’s jugular in a heartbeat, make flight attendants talk like Stephen Hawking, and create total pandemonium at 35,000 feet. 

If so many people’s lives, not to mention the entire economy, were not jeopardized by this warped decision, it would be funny.  But this is definitely no joke.

CNBNEWS Op-Ed: Pope Resigning Is Miracle For Church

 

RELATED FREINDLY FIRE

 

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

(cnbnews.net)Thank God for small miracles. Or, in this case, huge ones.

The decision of Pope Benedict XVI to step down --- the first resignation in 600 years and only the fourth in history --- has given the Catholic Church an unprecedented opportunity to save itself. And since the eleventh hour is upon the Church, the Pope’s action could not have come at a better time.

Whether the conclave of Cardinals takes advantage of this blessing or blows it all to hell remains to be seen. 

As one of the Catholic faithful, I desperately want to believe it will choose the right path. 

Op-Ed: Sue The NFL For Concussions? Get Your Head Examined! | cnbnews.net

 

RELATED FREINDLY FIRE

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

cnbnews.net

Now that the Super Bowl is over, the really big game begins. And it’s going to be a head-knocker .

On one side we have the raiders. No, not Oakland, but the Trial Lawyers, who delight

Christopher Friend

in raiding everything good and decent in America. They are representing former NFL players in their fight against the evil empire, a.k.a. the National Football League. At stake? Upwards of ten billion dollars, and possibly, the existence of the NFL itself.

 

And what is the nerve center of this federal lawsuit, filed in Philadelphia, that have the plaintiffs so mad they’re seeing double? What went so wrong that these former players, given a life of royalty by the NFL, now want to ring the League’s bell?

They suffered concussions playing football.  No lie.  That’s actually the basis of the lawsuit. 

The sheer stupidity of such a suit makes you wonder if they really did get hit too many times, because no one of sound mind could dream up something like this. 

It would seem, therefore, that their motive is rooted in something else. In the preferred legalistic nomenclature, they’re looking for a handout. 

Op-Ed: Ravens’ Cheerleader Has No Right To Super Bowl | cnbnews.net

RELATED FREINDLY FIRE

 

Baltimore Has Every Right Not To Send A Plump Cheerleader To Big Game

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

CNBNEWS. NET

"Originally I would have loved to go to the Super Bowl, but at this point it looks like it's not going to happen…. I can't say I didn't expect it, but at the same time, they owe that to me."

So pontificates Courtney Lenz, a Baltimore Ravens cheerleader whom the team did not send to the Super Bowl. 

Talk about carrying the massive chip of entitlement on her plump shoulder.

But fear not! A movement is underway by misguided souls (aka idiots) using social media to mount a campaign aimed at changing the team’s mind. One of the organizers even threatened to boycott the game, and stated that because of this unconscionable incident, people want to burn their jerseys and no longer support the Ravens. 

Corbett’s Penn State Folly: Suing NCAA Will Not Save Him

Related: FREINDLY FIRE: 

The Tom And Jerry Comedy Show Continues

 BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

July of 2012 was notable for several reasons: the hottest month on record, both

Christopher Friend

parties gearing up for the presidential campaign, and the voluntarily acceptance of harsh NCAA sanctions by the Penn State Board of Trustees, which includes Governor Tom Corbett.

 

A half -year later, all have evolved predictably: it’s cold, the President won, and Corbett has flip-flopped in an ill-fated attempt to bolster his image in the PSU/Jerry Sandusky scandal. The Tom and Jerry Show --- a tragic comedy --- just keeps getting better.

*****

In a nakedly obvious political calculation, Corbett has reversed himself on the penalties, and is now suing the NCAA for “overreaching and unlawful sanctions."

Wow. What a change of heart, since it was only last July when he stated, “part of the corrective process is to accept the serious penalties imposed by the NCAA on Penn State University and its football program."

The $64,000 question is “Why?” Why the 180-degree change, and why now, instead of when the sanctions were announced? For those answers, let’s play Corbett’s version of Let’s Make A Deal:

Corbett answer behind Door Number One: "I wanted to thoroughly research the

CNBNEWS WISHES ALL A BLESSED HAPPY, HEALTHY, NEW YEAR!

 

 Thank you to all  who have submitted Tips and Comments over the past year.

Thank you to all our faithful readers.

Thank you to our advertisers.

and

Thank you to our family and friends who help us throughout the year with their commentary and photos especially...

Albert Countryman, Bruce and Jill Darrow, Gary Devine, Chris Freind, Jessica and Geoff Gettings, Mark Lagerkvist, Wil Levins, Mark Matthews,  Slim Randles,  Raymond Rolak, Kelly Ann Tussey, Dawn Watson and Connie Lynn Woods.

Sincerely, Bill and Connie Cleary

owners of CNBNEWS.NET

Established 2006

 

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CNBNEWS OP-ED

 

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TIPS AND SNIPPETS: Five Years and Counting; Cheerleaders Win; City Artists in the News; Bring Them Home! -cnbnews.net

VIDEO: Take a Stand Against Bullying | cnbnews.net

 Thank you to all  who have submitted Tips and Comments over the past year.

Thank you to all our faithful readers.

Thank you to our advertisers.

and

Thank you to our family and friends who help us throughout the year with their commentary and photos especially...

Albert Countryman, Bruce and Jill Darrow, Gary Devine, Chris Freind, Jessica and Geoff Gettings, Mark Lagerkvist, Wil Levins, Mark Matthews,  Slim Randles,  Raymond Rolak, Kelly Ann Tussey, Dawn Watson and Connie Lynn Woods.

Sincerely, Bill and Connie Cleary

owners of CNBNEWS.NET

Established 2006

 

RELATED CATEGORY FILM

RELATED: CNBNEWS POINT OF VIEW

 related: ClearysNoteBook YouTube Channel 

 CNBNEWS TIPS AND SNIPPETS

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CNBNews Op-Ed: Give Thanks For Stupidity Of Mankind

English: Photo showing some of the aspects of a traditional US Thanksgiving day dinner. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

It makes for the best Thanksgiving conversation

 

Thanksgiving. That hallowed holiday where we gather to give thanks for health and happiness.

Which lasts for five minutes.  Because let’s be real.  After that, we gossip, complain and marvel at the extraordinary stupidity all around us. 

Here are just a few examples in the “What are they thinking?” category? 

CNBNews Op-Ed: Republicans Blame Everyone But Themselves

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

An Accurate Post-Mortem Analysis

(cnbnews.net)“Define irony: Bunch of idiots dancing on a plane to a song made famous by a band that died in a plane crash.” So said Steve Buscemi’s character in Con Air as the criminal s rocked out to Leonard Skynyrd.

Don’t look now, but the Republican Party is giving that definition a run for its money. Consider these two ironic beauties:

- Leading Republicans trying to steer a new course for the GOP so it can “reinvent itself and win elections,” despite being the very same people who not only championed the abysmal 2012 campaigns but guaranteed a Romney “landslide.”  That’s like Andy Reid pontificating on how to win the Super Bowl.

If your side lost the election, time to secede from the Union?

 

The Obama administration introduced 'We the People,' at petitions.whitehouse.gov, in September 2011 in a bid to create 'an unprecedented level of openness in government,' according to the website.(screen capture of petitions.whitehouse.gov)

 

 Are they just sore losers? Or are they, rather, champions of free speech exercising their right of protest against a president they didn't vote for?

The answer, like the outcome of the 2012 election itself, may lie in the eye of the beholder. Either way, an attention-getting, post-election petition drive is under way online from people in 30 states who say they want their state to secede from the Union. Most come from states that went for GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney in the election, with Texas leading the way.

CNBNews Op-Ed:Will Sandusky And Corbett Defeat Romney?

 

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

The Governor’s mishandling of the Sandusky investigation may doom the GOP

 

Ohio, Ohio, Ohio. It’s all about Ohio. Win the Buckeye state --- win the White House.

 

Very true, especially for Mitt Romney, since no Republican has won without it.

 

But the monumental point is being overlooked.

Freindly Fire: Flying Into The Beast With Air Force “Hurricane Hunters” | cnbnews

 

related FREINDLY FIRE

 BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

11 Hour Mission Covered 3,000 Miles Over Roiling Atlantic 

 

cnbnews.net Note: Before it was “fashionable” to document the USAF Hurricane Hunters with glitz and post-production studio enhancements (such as The Weather Channel’s current TV series), Chris Freind rode with the Air Force’s bravest into the heart of a mammoth storm --- a bare-boned, white-knuckled experience.  Here is his story meeting Hurricane Bill in 2009:

 

 

“Jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft is not a natural act. So let's do it right, and enjoy the view.”---Clint Eastwood's U.S. Marine character in “Heartbreak Ridge.”

CNBNews Op-Ed: How To Defuse Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

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Why Do Iran And Libya Dominate Our Debates? (Part one)

  BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

(Second in a two part series)

 

(CNBNEWS.NET)For sheer horror, nothing could compare to the detonation of a nuclear weapon by terrorists.  Cities would be uninhabitable. Markets would plunge, leading to a global depression. Martial law would likely be imposed, with civil liberties turned into unaffordable luxuries of the past. Chaos would rule, life in the West would never be the same, and the terrorists, for all practical purposes, would have won.

Achieving a 99 on a test is fantastic, but that same score, applied to stopping nuclear-armed terrorists, would be a catastrophic failure. So the strategy is very straightforward. As Coach Boone said in Remember The Titans, “We will be perfect in every aspect of the game.” 

Because if we aren’t perfect, it’s game over.

CNBNews Op-Ed: Why Do Iran And Libya Dominate Our Debates?

 related FREINDLY FIRE

 

 

Part 1 of 2 dealing with Middle East – once and for all

 

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

cnbnews.net 

 

 

Pop Quiz 1: Which of the following is true:

CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

 

A) It took Iran 25 years to build one subway line in its only major city, and 26 years to open a new airport. 

 

B) Iran is once again garnering incredible attention in the presidential election. As a result, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s ego has gone through the roof of the mosque.

 

C) Iran fell in line when the U.S. had a strong leader with a decisive policy on terrorism --- on the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated, the American hostages were released.

 

Answer: all of the above.  

 

How is that possible?  How can such a backwards country --- despite its very educated and prodigious people --- continually dominate headlines and so significantly affect American foreign policy?

Tip The Scales Against Obesity? Try Shame ..... (Part 2 of 2) | cnbnews.net

 

related FREINDLY FIRE

PART ONE

By CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 CNBNEWS.NET

  

Several years ago, one of the best-loved theme parks in the world shut down a

C. Freind

classic ride so it could make some “large” adjustments.  Why the need? It was something very “deep-seated” --- people had become so obese that the boats in which they rode were scraping the bottom. 

 

 

How would obese patrons feel if, in front of hundreds, they were required to stand in a different queue -- one simply marked “Obese Riders Here.” And that instead of meeting just the height requirement, they were also forced to meet a “width” criteria. 

Obese News Anchor Sinks Over A Weighty Issue | cnbnews.net

 related FREINDLY FIRE

 BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

CNBNEWS.NET

 

Part 1 of 2 on obesity, bullying and the lack of shame in America

 

Think just because there’s a presidential election there aren’t other “big” issues? Believe that, and pigs can fly.

 

In fact, there is a large --- huge, even --- discussion eating at many Americans, the girth of which we are still trying to get our arms around. 

 

What is this weighty issue that once again has been feasted upon by both sides?

 

The massive rate of obesity in America, and whether publicly calling attention to it, as well as obese individuals themselves, should be on the table.

CNBNEWS Op-Ed: Timid Presidential Debate Format Needs To Be Rebutted

 related FREINDLY FIRE

 

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

CNBNews.net

Even France Does It Better With Their Debates

 

 

Any time we look to France for anything, we're in trouble.

 

But that's exactly what we should do for our Presidential debates.  In France, candidates immediately take off the gloves, aggressively sparring with each other from start to finish. Their sharp exchanges clearly illustrate differences, giving voters a true insight into their prospective leaders.  Unlike our completely scripted affairs in which candidates simply regurgitate tired talking points, a free-ranging debate provides an in-depth look into personalities, style, knowledge of issues, and, most important, how candidates perform under intense pressure. There is little wiggle room because each participant has the ability to directly question --- indeed, cross-examine --- his opponent, putting him on the spot, live, in front of millions.

CNBNEWS Op-Ed: Muslim Uprisings Showcase America’s Oil Dependence

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You don’t have to be a prophet to know the future will be worse

 

BY Christopher Freind

 

(cnbnews.net)It’s bad enough British comedian Russell Brand is painfully unfunny and a horrendous actor. But he crossed the line when he caused emotional distress to American pop music goddess Katy Perry during their ill-fated marriage.

 

Therefore, in the spirit of nationalism, we should declare jihad against all things British, scale their embassy walls, rip down the Union Jack and replace it with a giant Katy Perry sign. 

 

That’ll teach those limeys!

CNBNews Op-Ed: Corbett’s Response On Sandusky Fails To Answer Questions!

 

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

By Christopher Freind

In a speech before the world’s press, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett said, “We must keep in mind that when it comes to the safety of children, there can be no margin for error, no hesitation to act.” It was the same authoritative tone he took when chastising Joe Paterno for not doing more to stop Jerry Sandusky.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

OPINION: Corbett's office responds to Freind column

 

To the Editor:

Chris Freind's "open letter" to Gov. Corbett is little more than a self-indulgent repetition of questions long ago answered or disregarded for their pure disingenuousness.

While conspiracy theories have become a regrettable staple in our national dialogue, the length of the investigation into Jerry Sandusky reflected thoroughness, not politics. Grand juries take time. Evidence in decades old molestations must be reassembled. A moral certainty of conviction must be reached.

Andrews Being Investigated, The Dirty Little Secret, No More Laws | CNBNEWS.NET

 

CNBNEWS.NET TIPS AND SNIPPETS

 

BY BILL CLEARY

 

South Jersey Congressman Under Investigation-U.S. Representative Rob

 

CONGRESSMAN ANDREWS

Andrews (1st District, D.) is under investigation by the House ethics committee for using campaign funds to pay for a family trip to Scotland last year.   

The House Committee on Ethics says it is considering an investigation into the Camden County Democrat after the Office of Congressional Ethics referred a complaint in April.

 

The committee did not disclose the complaint’s details but Camden County Republican Chairman Tom Booth wrote the panel in November to ask it to investigate Andrews after a Star-Ledger report detailed the congressman’s campaign spending habits, including a $7,725 stay at a five-star hotel with his family in Scotland for the wedding of a donor whose name he won’t disclose and $10,000 for a high school graduation party for his daughter.

Tax & Spend Gov., NJ Unemployment Rises, City Employees Receive Raise, Rams Alumnus Honored, Fixing Up Costello School, Taxes Due

 

CNBNEWS TIPS AND SNIPPETS:

 

BY BILL CLEARY

 

THE HELL WITH THE TAXPAYER-Last week the Essex County Freeholder Board, voted 7-0 to renew the County’s $675,000 contract with insurance broker Conner Strong and Buckelew, a firm headed by South Jersey political boss George E. Norcross. In return the firm will help the County find health and prescription insurance coverage for their employees. Your cost for the employees health plan this year, $72 million. In February, state Comptroller Matthew Boxer estimated that Essex County would have saved $9.5 million in 2009 and 2010 had it opted for the state health plan, according to the comptroller’s audit. Also during that two year period, Essex County paid Norcross’ firm $750,000 in fees. The County would have incurred no broker fees had it opted for the state plan, Boxer said.

CNBNews Op-Ed: Corbett Could Have Stopped Sandusky --- But Didn’t

related FREINDLY FIRE

By Christopher Freind

cnbnews.net

An open letter to Pennsylvania’s governor, who refuses to answer disturbing questions about his role investigating the Penn State sex scandal

 

Bursting with righteous indignation, his cheeks flushed with rage, the

Christopher Friend

Governor banged the podium in disgust while berating a journalist --- in fact, chastising the entire media --- for the audacity to ask questions on the issue.

 We’re not talking about New Jersey’s Chris Christie, who gets away with such outbursts because of his stellar track record and pure gravitas.

No, this tantrum came from Pennsylvania’s Tom Corbett after being queried about his incredibly long investigation of child predator Jerry Sandusky. 

And it backfired in spectacular fashion. Why?

Because Tom Corbett is no Chris Christie.

*****

Since questions on this matter remain unanswered, it seems only fitting, on

CNBNEWS POINT OF VIEW: HOMELESS PROBLEM ALIVE IN GLOUCESTER CITY

 

BY BILL CLEARY

 

(cnbnews.net)Walking our dog recently along the railroad tracks in the Riverview Heights section of Gloucester City I came upon a young man asleep in the weeds rolled up in a sleeping bag. At first I thought he was dead. It appeared that he wasn’t breathing. Undecided on what to do I reached out to 911. As I was speaking with the dispatcher the young man set up and said he was okay. 

 

Last week I saw the man in the same area. We spoke, he said his name was Tom, that he was 28-years-old. 

 

Tom said he slept in the bushes along the tracks almost every night. “I was born in Camden but lived in Gloucester City most of my life. I used to work in packaging but now I can’t find a job. I’m thinking about moving to a bigger metropolis.”

 

I was taken aback when he said metropolis. It is not word you expect to hear from someone living on the street. 

CNBNews Op-Ed: If Romney Panders To Latinos, It’s Hasta La Vista Mitt! by Christopher Friend

 

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

BY CHRISTOPHER FREIND

 

If he is to win, he must proudly articulate his GOP platform to all, not just some

 

 

Without a doubt, this presidential election will be close. 

 

Sure, some in fantasyland have already coronated Mitt Romney, predicting a November romp. But in reality, the race will come down to a few swing states where Hispanics will be a --- and possibly the --- crucial voting bloc.

 

As of now, Romney’s Latino support is abysmal, as he trails President Obama by over 40 points. 

CNBNews Op-Ed: Avalon’s Fiery Law Against Gas Grills---And Its Selective Enforcement

related FREINDLY FIRE

by Christopher Freind

 

What is the biggest threat to our security?

 

1. Al-Qaida
2. Illegal immigration
3. Joe Biden’s mouth
4. Gas grills on decks

 

Gas grills, naturally.  

 

In an act that can only be described as prescient, Avalon, New Jersey burned its competition by being one of the first to protect its citizens from the menacing grill crisis.  

 

It outlawed propane grills on decks.  

CNBNews Op-Ed: Spain And Italy Bailouts? Earth To Europe: Have We Met?

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

By Christopher Freind

 

Pop Quiz:

 

Are the Euro-technocrats (and their America backers) who orchestrated the bailouts

C. FREIND

of Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain (and soon Italy):

 A) Really smart guys, hell-bent on world domination, who are trying to prop up the Euro to create a one-world currency (to complement a one-world government, of course);

 

B) Really connected guys with close ties to the banks and governments receiving the hundreds of billions being doled out so cavalierly --- and who are undoubtedly being “taken care of” for all their hard work in sending those vast sums to their friends;

 

C) Good-hearted souls who fall into the category of “there is no such thing as perfect men, just perfect intentions” --- leaders who truly believe that more-debt-solves-everything economic policies, while not perfect, are the only salvation for a continent near collapse; 

Op-Ed: Use Your Brain --- No Motorcycle Helmet Laws | cnbnews.net

by Chris Freind

cnbnews.net

 

CHRIS FREIND

No one ever accused the Philadelphia Inquirer’s editorial board of using their “heads” when opining, and last week was no exception. 

 Like Big Brother that thinks it --- not the individual --- knows best, that “brain” trust is arguing that the State should mandate how motorcyclists protect their brains. In their editorial, they argue that “Keystone State motorists would be safer if Harrisburg followed Trenton’s example by strengthening enforcement of seat-belt use and restoring the mandate that all motorcyclists wear helmets.”

 

Ok, first the most obvious point: Snooki aside, emulating anything from New Jersey is simply insane.

 

Second, when will folks realize that regulating everything under the sun in the name of “what’s good for us” (such as soda bans in New York and foie gras in California) never achieves the desired result. Instead, such legislation only serves to h the loss of freedoms for all Americans.

Op-Ed: Saving Foie Gras? It’s About Having “Guts!” | cnbnews.net

related: Freindly Fire

 

by Chris Freind

cnbnews.net

 

If it talks like a duck, and walks like a duck, then it must be….human?

 

Such is the quacky rationale of many activists as they hoot about animal-cruelty (including and especially all of us who callously continue our non-vegetarian ways), all the while grousing about “inhumane” treatment.

 

Perfect logic from Vegan Central.

Op-Ed: Unmarked Police Cars Should NEVER Be Used For Traffic Stops

 

related: Freindly Fire

 

by Chris Freind

cnbnews.net

 

The Killings In Mississippi Illustrate The Dangers

 

In separate incidents last week, two people were gunned down on Mississippi highways by a police impersonator, who, it appears, used a fake unmarked police car to pull over his unsuspecting victims.

 

Police are concerned that, because of this incident and others like it, citizens may no longer stop for unmarked cars. 

 

Well it’s about time.  They shouldn’t stop.  Not now. Not ever. 

 

*****

 

The most important question that needs to be addressed is: “What is the purpose of

Super's Contract, Meet at the Ship, Free Cell Phones, Another Reason, Top 25, Congratulations

related CNBNews TIPS AND SNIPPETS

related CNBNews Point of View

BY BILL CLEARY

Contract negotiations between the Gloucester City School Board and newly appointed Superintendent Joseph Rafferty have been completed. The contract, effective July 1, 2012, is for three years. He is replacing Paul Spaventa whose contract was not renewed. According to Rafferty his starting salary is $146,00 with increase of two percent in year two ($148,920) and year three ($151,898).

MEET AT THE SHIP-Jim Walsh, Courier Post staff writer, recently wrote an article on the Brooklawn Diner, which shut down unexpectedly a few days before last Christmas. Court records show the diner’s operator, Kostas Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2011, citing debts of $3.8 million and assets of about $65,000. 

Op-Ed: A Day of Reckoning for the GOP | CNBnews.net

Graphic and opinion by Wil Levins

The Libertarian Party officially nominated its Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates with the selections of Governor Gary Johnson and Judge James Gray this past weekend.  The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party and holds the motto "Minimum Government, Maximum Freedom."

Is this significant news?   - You bet.

Op-Ed: Should Obama Politicize bin Laden Killing? Absolutely!

 

related FREINDLY FIRE

by CHRIS FREIND

cnbnews.net

 

Every President would do the same, and he deserves the credit

 

(cnbnews.net)If you’re wondering why America is no longer able to make even the most basic, common-sense decisions, there are two simple answers: extreme partisanship and willful hypocrisy.

 

Forget the desire to seek truth.  Many on the Right and Left are simply incapable of seeing the real picture, even if it’s smacking them in the face.  And those rare souls who do rise above partisanship to tell the truth are viciously discredited by their own, branded “traitors” and “sellouts.”

 

The incessant calls for “bipartisanship” are nothing more than pure campaign posturing. Once the election is over, the personal attacks begin anew, demonizing adversaries for miniscule partisan advantage.

April 2012 CHEERS AND JEERS | cnbnews.net

 

 

RELATED: CNBNEWS POINT OF VIEW

 

by Bill Cleary

 

CHEER-To the new owner of the former Red Mill Tavern building, 500 unit block of South Broadway, Gloucester City for taking that run down property and fixing it up. A big improvement! Thank you for showing Community Pride. 

 

JEER-The 2010-11 Gloucester City School District budget totaled $38.8 million. The 2011-12 budget was $45 million and the 2012-13 budget totals almost $48 million or approximately $10 million more than two years ago. Yet school enrollment, around 2000 students, has remained the same for a number years. So why does the budget continue to climb? Those in charge will point to the fact that City residents are only paying a small portion of the school budget. For example this year because of state and federal monies the estimated amount is $18 million. “Why should any City resident complain? “It is not coming out of their pockets,” is the normal chant we hear. That money is coming out of our pockets. (emphasis author). We are the state and federal government. This is why our state taxes are the highest in the nation and the federal government is $16 trillion in debt. Our School Board and administrators need to realize they don’t have a carte blanche just because they get this annual infusion of government cash. If other school districts can keep their budget under control with no increase ( for example Brooklawn for three straight years) then Gloucester City should be able to do the same.

 

Op-Ed:Convert Oil Refineries To Process PA’s Marcellus Shale Natural Gas | cnbnews.net

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

by Chris Freindly

 

Delta Airlines Buying Conoco Refinery Doesn’t Solve The Problem

 

Psst: Don’t tell anybody, but the worst-kept secret in  Pennsylvania is that the natural gas industry --- the only economic salvation our dying state had--- is leaving in droves, replaced by job loss, budget holes and despair. 

 

Like most tragedies, this one was preventable. Only common sense and foresight were required. But those traits were pumped dry long ago, so instead of experiencing a booming economy rooted in the rebirth of American manufacturing, Pennsylvania is now witness to yet another long exodus of our best and brightest.  And the Commonwealth’s march toward permanent mediocrity is accelerating.

Op-Ed: Corbett’s Colossal Cockiness Castrates His Credibility

 

related: FREINDLY FIRE

by Chris Freind

cnbnews.net

Candidate Choice Creates Calamitous Clusterf**k of Carnage

 

“Stevie Welch sat on a wall (of cards); Stevie Welch had a great fall (winning a mere two of 67 counties). All of King (or is it Joker?) Corbett’s horses (jackasses), and all the King’s men (endorsements by 27 County Commissioners and 35 State Legislators), couldn’t put Stevie’s candidacy together again (4 of 5 Republican voters rejected the Welch-Corbett-Obama “ticket”).

 

And so Freindly Fire’s prediction that Governor Corbett-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Steve Welch would come in a whoppingly-bad third place was proven correct, though it didn’t take a political genius to guess that result.  After all, asking --- strong-arming, actually --- Republicans to support the Obama-voting, Joe Sestak-supporting Welch was anathema to common sense and political savvy.  And the resulting carnage is everywhere: the endorsement of the state Republican Party is as meaningful as being valedictorian of summer school; getting backed by Corbett now carries substantial negative baggage, and GOP legislators will think long and hard about aligning themselves with the Governor on his signature issues (are there any?), fearing that his promises of support could be akin to political suicide.

Op-Ed: In the Eye of the Beholder | CNBnews.net

Graphic and opinion by Wil Levins

What concerns me about CISPA (The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act) is the drastic increase of the Federal Government's authority to gather and share information about us without our knowledge or consent.  If CISPA is passed in its current form it would grant sweeping authority to intelligence agencies, setting the stage for the real potential of abuse by invading our privacy and violating our individual rights.

Op-Ed: Corbett’s Love Affair With The Democrats: An Election Letter Back At Ya’

related FREINDLY FIRE

 

By Chris Freind

CNBNEWS.NET

 

Well, primary election day is almost here, and some of the races have gotten downright nasty. From disingenuous, mean-spirited campaign ads to a Democrat masquerading as a Republican accusing his opponent of being a Democrat (did you get all that?), there’s something to satisfy everyone’s entertainment needs.

 

Perhaps the ugliest race is the Democratic contest for Attorney General (an office that Party has never held), pitting a woman against a whiner: prosecutor Kathleen Kane and former congressman Patrick Murphy.  Murphy certainly can’t run on his record (there isn’t one), so instead has charged Kane with being a millionaire trucking executive. (Note: if you can figure out how being married to a trucking company owner would prevent a career prosecutor from being an effective AG, please let me know. Perhaps she would look the other way on the rampant truck-on-truck crime in Pennsylvania?)