A lifetime commitment and it is gone in an instant…

…JoePa follows Woody Hayes

I had the pleasure of meeting both Coach Joe Paterno and Coach Woody Hayes in 1982. The meeting with Coach Paterno took place just prior to the Penn State vs Nebraska game and it was an incredible moment. To top it off, the result of that game firmly established Penn State as a contender for the national championship.

Talk about pressure and excitement!

Penn State's Joe Paterno and a Final Farewell

Once and for all, fans and rivals alike recognized that Penn State was for real!

“Joe Paterno, Longtime Penn State Coach, Dies at 85″

Sadly, it only takes one mistake, one lapse in judgement, for a good man to lose it all. One act, just one, can tarnish a spotless reputation. One act can erase a lifetime of giving and selfless acts.

POOF!

In JoePa’s case, his reputation was built upon excellence. Coach Paterno raised the bar and kept it there, challenging his players constantly and never allowing them to coast or lower the bar when they got tired.

Coach Paterno Believed in Football!

JoePa felt football was a vehicle, a means to an end for many of his players. Additionally, JoePa recognized that, in many ways, football is a microcosm of life. In Happy Valley, Joe Paterno helped his players understand life and set about the task of teaching and applying a myriad of life lessons, including how to win.

Lessons and Habits:

• The value of setting and achieving goals
• The value of hard work
• The value of applying lessons learned
• The value of determination and self-sacrifice
• The value of persistence
• The value of treating superiors with respect
• The VALUE of working smart and hard

Joe Paterno understood why the values listed above form a template for success. Coach Paterno led by example, recognizing that personal and private work habits are the keys to the kingdom.

Incredibly, JoePa’s work ethic was second to none…even at the age of 85. The Coach’s work ethic motivated his players and instilled in them a work ethic that would serve them well for the rest of their lives; this, was just one component of the legacy he left behind.

My guess? When it comes right down to it? I believe Joe Paterno died of a broken heart!

I also believe that all of the controversy surrounding…that other coach…was just too much for JoePa. To watch everything he’d created collapse in around him must have played like _______________ (fill in the blank). If you can visualize one of the many scenes from Inception, you know what I am talking about.

We may never be able to answer all of the questions surrounding the Penn State debacle. But for Joe Paterno, the clock has finally run out.

I hope he is at peace!

He did so much for so many, he deserved so much more. The real tragedy is this whole guilty until proven innocent thing, combined with a media feeding frenzy, of course.

Joe Paterno Walks Off for the Last Time--He Will Be Missed!

It is my hope that he found peace as the final play of the final game of life unfolded. It is also my sincere wish that, as the final whistle blew and time ran out, Joe Paterno was able to leave this world for something better with a clear conscience.

Answers to “The Question!” 

Frankly, any questions we could have asked Coach Paterno would have lead to more questions. Even if we had finally reached the truth, the answers would still sound like excuses, leaving us flat.

The media, as well as much of the general public (that word again!), had already pronounced him guilty.

But what about the questions?

• What did he know? 
• When did he know it?
• How much did he know?
• If he knew, way didn’t he act?
• If he did pass it on, who else is responsible?

Sadly, gratefully, we may never have all the answers, and Coach Paterno will never be able to make things right.

That being said, JoePa was a fighter and, even on the eve of his death, he tried to reclaim his life. You see, Coach Paterno loved Penn State, and Coach Paterno loved football, but most of all he lived for his players. The three together defined his life, one inextricably linked to the other.

His legacy?

Penn State Football!

In the final moments of his life, Coach Paterno made a sizable donation to Penn State to give back once again. Was it an attempt, a gesture, towards reconciliation? That’s what the media will suggest.

Just one more cannon ball into a sinking ship.

As stated above, we may never know; and that’s the real tragedy.

Woody Hayes: And “If only….”

Coach Hayes appeared for me as a speaker in 1982. My company sponsored a drive to save a local school system’s extra-curricular activities. It was a wonderful experience on so many levels.

As the festival took shape, it was clear right that most of the festival’s attendees came to see Woody, to hear and see The Coach.

The sports festival was my baby and I worked on it for months. All the hard work was paying off, it promised to be an amazing day. I asked several top-flight athletes and coaches from Northeast Ohio (amateur and professional coaches and athletes) to donate their time, to speak and run clinics…they did it without hesitation.

Back to Woody Hayes: On the Road Again!

Four months prior to the festival, I called Coach Hayes and explained the situation and why I needed him. Woody never hesitated, not for an instant, he said he’d be there!

Coach Hayes never asked for a fee, never asked for any kind of reimbursement, and he was on time. And there’s the kicker, in order to be on time, Woody had to leave Columbus at 5:00am.

Like Coach Paterno, Coach Hayes made a huge mistake too, a mistake he was unable to erase.

During a break in the sports festival, we talked about the 800 pound gorilla in the room;

The Punch!

Coach Hayes brought it up, I didn’t know what to say, so I let him speak. In his own words, he told me what happened. One mistake  and he was fired. He understood why, Ohio State University was overwhelmed by the press, by certain factions in the alumni association. The outcry from the general public…never my favorite phrase…and how the whole episode had taken on a life of its own.

Woody just didn’t understand how it happened!

Over the years, try as he may, Woody could never undo the damage done in that split second. Sadly, when I think back to our conversation, I can still see the pain in his eyes.

Coach Hayes’s pain is the worst kind of pain: Psychic pain!

I believe JoePa experienced the same sort of psychic pain as the Penn State debacle took on shape and a life of its own. Perhaps more?

Think Internet!

Significantly, both men fought to reclaim their reputations, regardless of the cost. And, both men died with so many questions still unanswered.

The Conversation: Coach Woody Hayes, John Zajaros, and The Punch

Coach Hayes: 

“Jack, as many times as I play that slap or punch back in my mind, I can never stop my hand from striking that boy. In an instant, everything I had worked for, all the good I’d accomplished, simply evaporated.”

Sounds like a scene from Hoosiers?

Perhaps, Blue Chips with Nick Nolte. Nolte plays a volatile basketball coach, a cross between Bobby Knight and Woody Hayes.

HINT: When Gene Hackman fesses up about why he was banned from coaching basketball. Art imitating Life and vice versa!

Yup, Hoosiers almost line for line!

Jack (me):

“I’m very sorry Coach! Is that why you do this, accept speaking engagements for charities and causes you think are worthy and worthwhile? Have you come to terms with the backlash?”

Joe Paterno and Woody Hayes: Ohio State Meets Penn State on Neutral Ground!

Woody:

“The stigma, or the backlash as you call it, is always there, spoken or unspoken. So yes, it’s part of it, certainly. But it’s a lot more that that. I have always contributed and always will. At this point in my life my time is my own. I derive a great deal of satisfaction from meeting athletes young and old. I enjoy appearing at events like this, it gives me a chance to stay active and to give something back to Ohio and Ohio State.”

Woody and I talked a bit longer and then he collected himself and left. He left the same way he came, no fanfare. In fact, I had to run to the parking lot to catch up to him so I could thank him one more time. Woody will always remain in my mind’s eye, a very nice man giving of himself and, in a very big way, giving back.

Joe Paterno and Woody Hayes are icons, whether you like them or not, they are part of the social history of our country.

Both Joe and Woody lived full lives, experiencing many incredible highs.

Both men had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of thousands of student athletes…on and off the field.

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Joe Paterno and Woody Hayes is what they’ve done for others. JoePa and Woody gave more back to Penn State and Ohio State, respectively, than any of us will ever know…and that’s how they wanted it.

Why would I say that?

Because after all of the controversy and media attention goes away, after being stripped bare for all the world to see, both men continued to do good work for other!.

I’ve met both men and they were good men. Yes, they were fiery, and at times controversial, but they cared deeply for the institutions they represented and the players they coached, they are missed.

Coach Joe Paterno and Coach Woody Hayes

I certainly hope they’ve found peace because, for them, the game is over.

I’d love to hear what you think!

We’re also putting together a Best of the Web series that will only be available to subscribers of our newsletter…so join us!

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please share this with your social media friends if you liked it…leave a comment if you do or didn’t.

NOTE: I won’t approve spam, porn, or crude language, okay? Anything else is fair ground.

One final cheer for two American icons who gave so much to so many for so long….

Rest in Peace

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr.
The Ultimate Internet Image, LLC
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216-712-7004

Here is a line that says it all:

Peter Bregman mentions Top Five Regrets of the Dying in his book, 18 Minutes.

18 Minutes is a must read (or listen–we are living in different times). I am happy to pass this along. In fact, this is the first time I have ever used someone else’s work on my blog….but it is just that good. I hope you enjoy it!

Bronnie-Ware Explores the "Top Five Regrets of the Dying." This is a must read, a wonderful exploration of direction and meaning in our lives.

Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie-Ware

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some  incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.

Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Bronnie Ware is a writer and songwriter from Australia. Her blog has a loyal and ever-increasing following and has been quoted in several respectable international publications. Based on this article, Bronnie has now released a full-length book, also entitled The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.

NOTE: Emphasis added by Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr. of The Ultimate Internet Image, LLC an inbound marketing and social media management consultancy, Cleveland, Ohio 44107.

For more information about this or to read more of Bronnie’s work, please visit her blog at http://inspirationandchai.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3268063

Seriously! I can run  forever on this sort of thing:

“Your Dad’s work ethic is unmatched. I don’t know how that man functions on so little sleep. I’m excited about the future with him. Big things are going to happen.” Ryan B., North Olmsted, Ohio 44070

This was received last month during monthly billing. It came from a client who came on board two years after our initial consultation. I followed up often but not to the point of being  a pain in the a##. We became friends and then he became a client of The Ultimate Internet Image of Lakewood, Ohio.

And do you know what?

Ryan is right because I will never stop working for him!

My Relationship Formula and the Key to Suucess

Connection → Consultation → Follow-up → Acquaintanceship → Follow-up → Trust → Business Relationship → Friendship →Client for Life

By the time we get to Friendship, I can honestly say I am genuinely fond of my clients and care about their future. I am fully invested in their families’ futures, the future of their businesses, and the future and well-being of every employee attached to that business.

As I have said in the past, my relationship with my clients (i.e., marketing clients, tutoring, mentoring, coaching, education consulting, test prep, etc) becomes a scared trust!

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve and for clients who take the time to write things like the email above!

John Zajaros
The Ultimate Internet Image, LLC – Inbound Marketing Consulting and Social Media Management
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216-712-7004 (office)

The Zajaros Family Wishes You and Your’s a Very Happy…

…Boxing Day, Day of Goodwill, St. Stephen’s Day, Day of the Wren, Second Christmas

Happy Boxing Day to all my friends in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and others who celebrate the 26th of December as Boxing Day!

To my social media friends and subscribers in South Africa, I wish you a wonderful Day of Goodwill. To my Irish friends, a Happy and Holy St. Stephen’s Day–Lá Fhéile Stiofáin–or Day of the Wren–Lá an Dreoilín!

Those of you in the Netherlands, Lithuania, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, and Poland? I wish you a very Merry Second Christmas Day!

Please know that you are appreciated and The Zajaros Family wishes you and your’s a wonderful holiday and an amazing new year!

We wish you all the best in 2012!

The Zajaros Family
The Ultimate Internet Image
Lakewood, Ohio
United States of America

I Still Have My Signed Copy of Marc Warnke’s Book

Ono: Options not Obligations – Family First Entrepreneurship

The book is a must read for anyone trying to sort out the pressures of building a business and raising a family.
Like Marc, I believe in family first!

That being said, we live in the real world and we all become master jugglers as we attempt to balance our responsibilities.

Interestingly, it is a video that made the biggest impact on me as a Father and Grandfather.

Why?

Because I watched my daughters’ lives go by in an instant and I am not in the process of a real-life do-over with my granddaughters…and time is once again blowing by!

936 Weeks: If you can watch this and not get all teary?

Well, good luck!

John Zajaros
The Ultimate Internet Image
Lakewood, Ohio
216-712-7004 (office)

From Our Family to Your’s…

…we would like to wish all of you a happy holiday season!

Regardless of where you are in the world…or what your beliefs may be…we appreciate every one of you and wish you a happy and prosperous 2012!

Over the past 3 years we have shared quite a bit of ourselves with you, our subscribers and friends. So, from the subscribers of Puggle Place to those of The Ultimate Internet Image, we appreciate each and every one of you.

Once again, from The Entire Zajaros Family:

• Merry Christmas
• Happy Hanukkah
• Happy Kwanzaa
• Joyeux Noel
• Feliz Navidad
• Feliz Natal
• Frohe Weihnachten

And, above all, Peace on Earth in the New Year!

The Zajaros Family — Jack Sr, Connie, Allie, Kayleigh, Emily, Kailyn (Purdy), Brynn (Purdy)…and “The Boys!” Bart & TuffGuy…in the shades!

From our family to your's, we wish you a very happy holiday season and the happiest new year!

Happy Holidays to Every One of You!

This video says it all in a such a simple, yet effective way…

The Zajaros Family wishes all of you the Happiest of Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!

Miracles do happen…every day. We are living proof of it!

The Zajaros (Purdy) Family
Jack, Connie, Allie, Kayleigh, Emily, Kaiyln (Purdy), Brynn (Purdy) Zajaros, Bart, and TuffGuy

School Portrait (2011) from Michael Berliner on Vimeo.

Leadership, The Occupy Movement, and the Failure of Congress

Revolution, war, civil unrest, and dissent are all part of the human experience…like it or not.

Interestingly, I was just talking about certain aspects of your question with one of the young people I tutor/mentor. We have this idea that one individual, in this case the President of the United States, can do it all. We have created a triumphant mythology, we call it American history. Significantly, we have imbued leaders of the past with almost super human abilities and godlike talents.

We have claimed, on behalf of certain leaders, responsibility for a myriad accomplishments and incredible feats, achievement beyond the ability and power of any one leader. We have built up images of great courage, skill, and strength…all the while achieving success beyond measure.

Washington, Jefferson, John Adams (thanks to Paul Giamatti & HBO), Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Truman, JFK, LBJ (for civil rights), (some would even insert Nixon for ending Vietnam War), Reagan, and Clinton (this one is going to get some people’s dander up)…and I am not touching the rest of the group.

What do all of these men have in common?

They are all human, they all made mistakes, some made incredibly costly blunders; and some, historians would argue, were leaders created by certain events…at just the right time.

There is a decades long debate going on among historians and political scientists.

The debate, captured in a nutshell, is as follows:

Are historical events shaped by great men, great leaders? Or, do certain events (i.e., revolution, war, civil unrest, catastrophe, etc) shape men; thus creating great leaders? If you argue the latter, and given a relatively uneventful administration, would the same great leader have been, well, average…history failing to thrust him into a defining moment?

There are examples of both processes and both roads to greatness:

1. Great leaders rising to even greater heights and, in the process, defining the moment and their presidency.
2. Average men, thrust into situations beyond their depth, but willing to step up and achieve greatness in the process.

Lincoln is probably as close to a pure #1 as any leader this country has had. Truman is an almost pure #2, defined by a set of circumstances no one could have adequately prepared for.

The rest our past presidents, at least the presidents we can define as great leaders?

They are somewhere in a continuum from 1 to 2.

So, what did most of these men have? What made them great leaders?

Many of our greatest leaders surrounded themselves with the best people they could find.

Lincoln is an excellent example of a leader who was able to build consensus…even among men who couldn’t stand to be in the same room with each other. Lincoln’s relationship with William H. Seward is an excellent example of how two mean put personal feelings aside, or at least on the back burner, and work for the greater good…the welfare of the country.

Others had personality and charisma. There can be little doubt that FDR, JFK, and Reagan fall into this group.

The main challenge for the Obama Administration comes from the various special interest groups, in concert with the conflict currently raging between the two parties. These groups are so myopic, some would argue radicalized, that they have ceased to serve anyone…anyone but themselves and their group’s ideology.

The utter intractability of both parties, combined with a lack of leadership, has led to a complete breakdown of the political process.

President Obama has attempted repeatedly to form a consensus, often being called weak for his efforts.

Incredibly, it now appears that certain members of Congress, working with a number of special interest groups, would rather see the country go down in flames than allow President Obama a second term. It seems they would rather see the country, and everyone in it, go down in flames before they will allow this administration a victory…any victory.

An important component in almost every democracy, an integral component in the democratic process, is compromise. Unfortunately, when neither side is willing to give an inch…compromise is impossible. The failure of the “super committee” is yet another example of the selfishness of our leaders, small “l”, to get anything accomplished…particularly if it means setting aside their party’s political agendas, short and long term.

In an excerpt from The Christian Science Monitor entitled “Super committee about to fail: Is it Obama’s fault?”

“The not-so-super committee that was supposed to figure out how to reduce federal red ink by at least $1.2 trillion is about to fail in its mission. Republicans refused to allow increases in tax rates,Democrats refused to allow big cuts in entitlement programs, and you can figure out the rest. So, now that the Hindenburg has pretty much crashed and burned, who is to blame? You guessed it: President Obama! (bold & italics added)

“That’s what Mitt Romney says, anyway….’He’s done nothing,’ Romney said while campaigning in New Hampshire. ‘It is another example of failed leadership. He has not taken personal responsibility to get the super committee to find ways to balance the budget and cut spending’.”

Incredibly, that statement isn’t even among the Top 10 when it comes to the most ridiculous things heard during The Deficit-Default Debacle!

Political agendas, weak men and women in positions of power, and an economy as bad as any since the Great Depression…and we have a recipe for disaster.

Will someone else be able to do better?

I seriously doubt it.

Look at the field of Republicans!

The fact that the Republicans seem incapable of offering an alternative to the Obama Administration, much less a candidate capable of mustering more than a 25% approval rating, may provide a window into just how impossible the situation is…in Washington and across the nation.

Beyond all of the above, why would anyone want to subject themselves to the media microscope, the abuse, the derisiveness, and the petty agendas to run for the Office of President of the United States?

There was a time when great men stepped forward because they were also great leaders or knew they could be. Additionally, they loved their country and felt a certain civic responsibility to serve.

Today?

If they are high-minded and desire to serve?

The candidate is beaten down, he and his family are subjected to an intrusive media microscope unlike anything we’ve witness in history. And then, if he still hasn’t been scared off, he faces a Congress so entrenched, so selfish, and so unwilling to put the country and their constituents before re-election, they become serfs to the likes of Grover Norquist and others of his ilk!

Incredibly, Senator Alan Simpson calls Norquist “a megalomaniac,” and worse! (60 Minutes, November 20, 2011) 

I could go on…obviously.

Sadly, all of this will undoubtedly get much worse before anyone steps in and agrees to compromise.

Congressional Bender

Much like an alcoholic on a bender, many in Washington, members of both houses of Congress, are drunk with power, a corrupt sense of self, and tainted view of their importance as a national leader. Congress has not hit bottom. The country may hit bottom before Congress does…with dire consequences for the entire country. Given enough time, Congress will hit bottom…of that I am certain.

However, The Occupy Movement isn’t waiting!

The Occupy Movement is a public expression of frustration and rage. People across the United States, from virtually every socioeconomic group and culture, have had it with Congress. And it ain’t over yet!

Things will get worse before they get better and, if a leader doesn’t step up from within the system? I am absolutely certain that a leader will emerge from outside of Washington…and soon!

Fixing our country has to be a collective effort, a bipartisan effort.

Right now?

I don’t see that happening!

I wish it were otherwise….

The Occupy Movement isn’t about the failure of one man to lead…or a lack of leadership at the top. The Occupy Movement is about a complete void in Washington and an utter lack of representation.

Congress’s failure to represent the people they were elected to serve will lead to two things:

1. The Occupy Movement will grow and morph into something we cannot, at present, conceive of.
2. President Obama will be vindicated…and perhaps reelected.

The best thing to happen to President Obama is for the Republican Party to continue to do nothing, and blame others. The Democratic Party will not fare much better…as they are equally culpable in all of this.

Leaders find a way to serve, to put the interests of others before their own, to make sure the least among us is taken care of.

Instead of leaders, we currently have a complete lack of leadership and our elected representatives seek to serve only themselves.

Clearly, the Congress currently seated has to be removed and real leaders elected.  

Then, we have chance!

Until then?

Hold on to your hats….

This is Going to Get Out of Hand!

The following videos, without editorial comment, will provide context …and a bit of a history lesson for those of you who aren’t up-to-speed.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

This will get out of hand!

When The Occupy Movement started, DAY ONE, I mentioned to my 100,000 or so social media friends across the Internet that this was going to get much bigger…and fast!

I also made the following observation: I said that ”This will get out of hand!” 

I can still remember the scoffs, the steady stream of skeptical, if not completely facetious, remarks I received that day. Most of the remarks came from people too young to remember the last time students, professors, and large segments of the population woke up.

I remember!

Interestingly, I haven’t heard from the skeptics in a while!

Take a moment to educate yourself. Get a sense for just how bad things can get…and how fast this sort of thing can escalate.

“The Whole World is Watching!”

Beyond the quote, since adopted by a new generation of protesters, much of the world is now engaged…actively engaged!

The Occupy Wall Street has morphed into something quite different; it’s final manifestation is still a matter of some debate.

One thing is certain:

This is Going to Get Out of Hand…
…repression is not the answer…
…repression will get someone killed…
...again!

Chicago Convention The Whole World is Watching 1968 posted by electionwalldotorg

“The Whole World is Watching”…it was that day in 1968!

NOTE: Check out the police officer at 2:08 into the video. Still think history won’t repeat itself?

Four Dead In Ohio – Kent State – May 4th 1970 posted by neilyoungcovers

This was a tough one!

Many of the videos were embedded with historically inaccurate information. Even 41 years later and this is still an emotional issue…the scars may never completely heal.

So, I picked the video below.

The images tell the tale…Neil Young’s lyrics do the rest:

“Four Dead in Ohio!”

Think it can’t happen again?

Think again!

Perhaps now, as you watch the third video, you will understand just how bad things may get…and why you should be concerned!

Those same soldiers who fought in Vietnam…and throughout our history…fought for the Right to assemble, the Right to speak our minds (individually and/or collectively), and the Right to peacefully protest.

Shame on the City of New York!

Shame on Seattle!

Shame on Oakland!

Shame on the chancellor of UC-Davis!

Shame on anyone who stands by and does nothing from this point forward!

UC Davis Protestors Pepper Sprayed posted by asucd

Interestingly, Edmund Burke also said:

“Young man, There is America—which at this day serves little more than to amuse you with stories of savage men, and uncouth manners; yet shall, before you taste of death, shew itself equal to the whole of that commerce which now attracts the envy of the world.”

I wonder what Mr Burke would say today?

If you are like me, watching the videos was hard for you.

It should be!

If you love America?

It should be!

Difficult memories, combined with a very real fear of just how bad things will get if “the rest of us” stand silent, urged me to provide some context.

It’s up to you how you will react!

At least think about it…think hard!

Man Struck by Lightening – Twice!

Lightening Strikes Lakewood Man Twice

Breaking News from Lox8:

56 year old Lakewood, Ohio man hit by lightening!

Husband of Connie Zajaros, father of four (Jack, Jr., Allie, Kayleigh, Emily), and grandfather of two (Kailyn and Brynn) was struck by lightening Late Thursday afternoon.

In the past 3 years, Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr. has been hit by lightening twice!

The first time he was struck was after an earth-shaking, some would say Earth-shaking, idea. Now, almost 2 years after that momentous first strike, Professor Z has been struck again.

This time, the beloved Professor was struck after admitting he enjoyed a new release written, produced, and performed by the multi-generational hip-hop artist known throughout the world as Twixx!

“It was the strangest thing,” reported Professor Z, “I was sitting at my computer and I felt a tingling, then a vibration, and then I was knocked out of my chair. I woke up in the ER at Lakewood Hospital.”

Doctors are at a loss and the noted meteorologist Dick Goddard is stumped. Experts are at a loss to explain the strike…as well as the noted professor’s survival.

Said Goddard in a post-strike interview:

“The Schwartz was obviously with him! Or was it the Force? I am having trouble remembering things these days…..”

Goddard could be seen later with his Woollybear, denying he had a Twitter account. Interestingly, he also denied that he was, in fact, Dick Goddard.

More to follow!

Film at 11!

Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera….

The video in question can be viewed on The TwixxMusic YouTube Channel. We didn’t want to risk a first strike to an unintended and unsuspecting viewer…or yet a third strike to Professor Z…by posting it here! You can also follow Twixx on Twitter!

Just don’t stand in or around water and make sure you are well grounded…hopefully in Classic Rock!