Sunday, January 31, 2010

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: JANUARY 31, 2010

We had so much fun with her last time (The Sunday Funnies: January 3, 2010) that Autumn the Puppy has been asked back for another installment. Enjoy! - lh, jr.


Woof!
That's dog for Hello.
As almost anyone can tell by simply looking out their window, winter is still with us.
And some of us canines enjoy being out amongst all this fluffy white stuff.
Or at least I do.









Now granted, it's certainly more beautiful to behold than actually traverse. There are limits to just how much snow one person can take.
That pine tree in the foreground of this picture is actually TWENTY FEET TALL, but here all you can see is the Christmas tree style top of the darn thing!







But regardless of your opinions of snow, for us dogs, it is fun do dig in.
As you can see by the photo on the right, you never can tell what you might find buried until you go looking for it!








Now of course a lot of humans enjoy winter weather, with skiing, snowboarding, and other snow based sports. There is even an event called the Winter Olympics, the next match of which will be held this coming February in Vancouver, Canada.
Yet when you're done with your equipment for the day, I do think you should find a better place to store your stuff than shown in the photo at the right.




Now, I've been told that no edition of The Sunday Funnies would be complete without a couple of jokes, which makes me wonder what I've been telling up till now.
But to keep everyone happy...

What do you get when a snowman encounters a vampire?
Frost bite.

What do snow people eat for breakfast?
Frosted Flakes.

And I'm sure everyone realizes that birds fly south for the winter because it's too far to walk.

Thanks for having me here once again. -AtP.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: JANUARY 24-30, 2010

*President Barack Obama delivered his first State of the Union address Wednesday night, which was analyzed in more detail elsewhere on this e-zine. But since that speech, Obama has met with both Congressional Democrats and Republicans in hopes of forging the bi-partisanship needed to act upon his agenda and get America on the road to recovery.
*The new I-PAD, a tablet size computer, was debuted earlier this week; although it will not be available to consumers until March. The device is said to combine many of the features of various other portable devices within one central unit.
*J. D. Salinger, author of The Catcher in the Rye, passed away of natural causes January 27th.
*The 2010 Miss America pageant is to be held tonight in Las Vegas and televised on The Learning Channel cable network.
*And there will probably be a scheduling conflict in some households Sunday night as the National Football League's Pro Bowl on ESPN is up against the annual Grammy Awards on CBS.

For more news at any time, please scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your computer screen.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: JANUARY 30, 2010

On a cold, wintry weekend, let's stay warm inside with a few enigmas.

IN OTHER WORDS...
We haven't played this in a while. Below are five alternate titles for Harrison Ford movies. Do you know them?

1. Stellar Battles
2. National Wall Tags
3. Gnatty Shore
4. Dawn Greatness
5. Assumed Not Guilty

TRIVIA TIME
Amongst emergency service agencies, it's routine to retire numbers of those who fell in the line of duty. But the Los Angeles Police Department retired one number that was never actually worn in the line of duty. What was the number and why?

We'll reveal all next weekend. But for now, let's peek into THE ANSWERS BOX for the results of January 23's Puzzle Corner.

REBUS
Can't Buy Me Love by The Beatles as a reminder that Valentine's Day is drawing near once more.

THE 50/50 CHANCE
There has never been an actual Betty Crocker. Marjorie Husted created the corporate icon in 1921.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

STATE OF THE UNION: 2010

News analysis/editorial.

United States President Barack Obama delivered his first State of the Union address Wednesday night, beginning by not only going over the past twelve months of his administration, but major historical events of the previous administration/decade to remind listeners how the country got to this point in time.
The President admitted that not everything went according to hopes/plans, but pointed out the accomplishments of the past year, most of which seem to get lost/forgotten amongst the rhetoric and negative criticism.
Although bailing out the banks was not a popular move, it was necessary to prevent a potential economic collapse, and most of the loans have been repaid, a fact that seems to be little known.
Obama then went on to point out tax breaks and other programs that had been initiated within the past year with positive results and the fact that income tax has not been raised, as many critics feared would happen.
Then, citing that "Change has not come fast enough," but still hopeful for the future, the President began announcing his agenda for the coming year.

*Obama hopes that Congress passes a new recover act/stimulus bill along with a new jobs program, but both aimed towards 'small' businesses and the middle class. Then he called for the reduction of benefits to big businesses that are exporting American jobs overseas because "we cannot be Number 2!"
*Stating that "the future cannot be put on hold", the President announced proposed energy plans that included the short term use of off shore drilling and nuclear energy while developing alternative energy sources for the future; better trade agreements and fairer enforcement of the current trade treaties that would allow for more American exports into foreign markets; and better education incentives. These included not teaching strictly towards getting a student passed the standardized tests, revitalizing the community college system, and reworking the student loan program to favor the students.

Then President Obama pointed out the financing of these and the other programs he would like to see implemented within the coming year.
When former President George W. Bush took office, there was a $200 billion budget surplus, but when his administration took office, Obama inherited a one trillion dollar deficit! He then admitted that unfortunately, due to the bank bail out and other government expenses, that the deficit had grown to two trillion dollars, but his administration was taking steps to reduce that amount. Except for the areas of Medicare, Medicaid, Homeland Security, National Security, and Social Security, there would be a government spending freeze for three years, beginning with the 2011 fiscal year.

*Of course the subject of Health Care Reform arose. The President urged Congress not to let partisan politics and lobbyists dictate and/or deter the process and finish drafting a Health Care Reform Bill to present for his consideration.

*Did you know that the White House daily posts a list of who visits and for what purpose?
This lead into a brief statement about the use of common sense, true bi-partisanship, and no insiders/lobbyists, etc; contributing to what should be "an united Congress working for the people!"
Then President Obama announced his displeasure at the Supreme Court's recent decision about overturning portions of the current Campaign Finance policies, which led to urging Congress to draft a NEW Campaign Finance Reform bill, all of this because the government "must restore the public trust!"
There was no comment from the Supreme Court in attendance during this portion of Obama's address, although they did not look happy at hearing his comments.

Afterwards, citing the conditions/rules that soldiers are returning home to in regards, the President pointed out that America should support their military both before and after they serve their duty, in hopes that benefits will improve for the wounded and the widowed.
Towards the end, the topics of equal pay for equal work and civil rights were covered too.

Out of everything he said and proposed, the one thing I am unsure how it will be acted upon is President Obama's request to allow gays/lesbians the chance to actively serve within America's armed forces, for this was a proposal that was met with complete silence by the Joint Chiefs of Staff who were in attendance for the State of the Union address.

When the President finished speaking, Virgina governor Robert McDonnell delivered the Republican commentary in what I truly believe was a carefully staged presentation.
But listening to the reply from the opposing party, I didn't hear anything new, or even anything promising.
Just more of the same GOP rhetoric that President Obama is hoping can be put aside so an united Congress can work towards serving this country and its people.

And before anyone calls me out about the above, a friendly reminder: the President is against partisan politics from BOTH sides, not just the one he is not a member of.

Lee Houston, Junior
Editor-In-Chief
The Free Choice E-zine

Sunday, January 24, 2010

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: JANUARY 24, 2010

Hello Everybody! Ms. Waxy Dragon here!
It's a lazy Sunday afternoon on an otherwise gloomy day, so I'm just channel surfing trying to find something worthwhile to watch on television.

Is it true that the most powerful object within any household is the remote to the TV?
After all, everybody fights over it and no one is ever willing to get up and operate the TV manually.

Now let me ask you this, if Everybody Loves Raymond and Everybody Hates Chris, where do the rest of us stand?

Do animals like TV? Could birds watch Duck-u-mentaries while cows watch the evening moos?

Do you think people would watch less television if EVERYTHING was pay per view?

Would you believe there are programs called Who Wants To Marry A Millionaire and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Now is that before or after taxes? And is a million even still worth that much today?

Why can't anyone stay angry too long with a tempermental actress?
Because she always makes up.

What do you call an arguement between actors?
Star Wars.
Of course, that would make an actor taking a long walk a Star Trek?

What do you get if you cross a dog with the TV industry?
Collie-wood.

You know, after all this "good" television, I'm gonna go read a book!
But I'll see you next weekend for more Sunday Funnies!-wd.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: JANUARY 17-23, 2010

*Although running continuously since the first quake January 12, the Haitian government has called off any further search and rescue operations for fear that they have found all the survivors there might be, and are now fully concentrating their efforts upon medical needs. Meanwhile, although final figures have yet to be calculated, the "Hope for Haiti NOW!" telethon simulcast Friday night will be splitting the proceeds equally between the International Red Cross, UNICEF, and the Yele Haiti Foundation.
And Quincy Jones has announced plans to produce February first a new recording of the classic "We Are The World", in honor of the 25th anniversary of the original that benefited USA for Africa, although this time proceeds will go to Haitian relief efforts.
*The voters of Massachusetts earlier this week decided to elect Republican Scott Brown as their replacement Senator after Edward Kennedy's passing.
*Although waiting for Congress to present a singular Health Care Reform Bill for consideration, the Obama Administration is now addressing (among other topics) the matter of "too big to fail" financial institutions and executive bonuses paid to their upper echelons.
*The United States Supreme Court has overturned some portions of previous campaign finance reform policies, making some pundits worried that a corporation could now possibly "buy the candidate of their choice".
IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
*The upcoming annual UNCEF telethon this year is built around the theme of honoring singer/songwriter Lionel Ritchie.
*It has been announced that there will be a Pirates of the Caribbean 4, featuring the return of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. This time, he is in search of the legendary Fountain of Youth, as hinted at the end of the third movie. But Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley's return to the movie franchise is uncertain, since their character's story lines were brought to a conclusion at the end of the original trilogy.
*Conan O'Brien took his last bow as the host of The Tonight Show Friday night, after signing an exit deal with NBC that included severance packages for his staff. Although it is not officially known what O'Brien will do next, Jay Leno is not scheduled to resume hosting The Tonight Show until after NBC's coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics ends March first. The whole snafu was just a big mess that is now hopefully resolved to every one's satisfaction.
*And it is with great sadness to report that one of my favorite authors, Robert B. Parker, passed away Tuesday.

For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen.

THE PUZZLE CORNER, JANUARY 23, 2010

Hello Everybody! I may be fighting a bad head cold at the moment, but hopefully a few enigmas will help take my mind off the sinus pressure.





REBUS

What familiar song title is represented by the image at left?






THE FIFITY-FIFTY CHANCE
Just like a Trivia Question, only there are just two possible answers, hence the odds and the title of this game.
True or False: There at least was, if not currently, has actually been a Betty Crocker?

We'll have the results for you next weekend, but for now let's peek into THE ANSWERS BOX for the results from last weekend's PUZZLE CORNER!

THE LETTER SHUFFLE
Taking the alphabet in order A-Z, you can find the following words: A, CD (technically short for either Compact Disc or Certificate of Deposit, but both accepted words in today's language), HI, I, NO, and STU, if you count names.

TRIVIA TIME
The Emerald Archer is a nickname for Green Arrow, currently seen in various DC Comics titles and the Smallville television series.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

"HOPE FOR HAITI" AIRS JANUARY 22!

A lot of people, as well as plenty of networks, are pooling their resources to produce a live, two hour telethon with no commercials within the first two hours of prime time Friday, January 22.

The special, to be aired on (alphabetically): ABC, BET, CBS, CNN, Country Music Television, FOX, HBO, MTV, National Geographic Channel, PBS, The CW, VH1, and a host of international channels; will carry live portions from three charity concerts held simultaneously between London, New York City, and Los Angeles as well as pleas to donate to the current relief efforts attempting to assist victims of the Haiti earthquake.

You do not have to contribute, but if you can...

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

PONDERING MASSACHUSETTS...

A couple of things happened in the Bay State of Massachusetts yesterday that should be noted.

ROBERT B. PARKER PASSED AWAY
The noted author of the Spenser, Sunny Randall, and Jesse Stone mystery series, as well as a host of other books passed away yesterday morning at the age of 77.
Some reports mention the fact that one of my personal favorites within the literary world "died with his boots on", passing away while in the middle of his morning writing session.
Somehow, that just seems appropriate for the man who gave us The Godwulf Manuscript, Appaloosa, etc.

Meanwhile...

MASSACHUSETTS ELECTS NEW SENATOR

In a special election to chose who would replace the late Edward Kennedy as their Senator, voters have decided to go with Republican candidate Scott Brown instead of Democrat Martha Coakley, despite accusations that Brown is in "lock step" with the policies of both the Republican Party and the George W. Bush administration, which voters nationwide rallied against in 2008 by electing Democrat Barack Obama President of the United States.
While The Free Choice E-zine realizes that it was their decision, we do have a piece of friendly advice to Mister Brown: "Serve your constituents the way a Senator is supposed to, because the voters that elected you into office are the same ones who can elect you out of office!"

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

2010 ELECTIONS: MASSACHUSETTS

The 2010 election season starts today with the decision Massachusetts voters face in regards to whom shall assume the Senate seat held by the late Edward Kennedy.
While the staff and management of this establishment have their personal opinion(s) on the subject, The Free Choice E-zine officially urges those within Massachusetts to GO VOTE!
The only way to truly express your opinion, or be justified in complaining about the results afterwards, is to GO VOTE!

A public service message of The Free Choice E-zine.

Monday, January 18, 2010

MLK, JR 2010

Today we celebrate the memory of Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior; a pioneer in the cause of civil rights.
The dreamer sadly is no longer with us, but the dream is still alive and well!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: JANUARY 17, 2010

Hello Everybody! Ms. Waxy Dragon here!
And it's open mike time again.

*tap* *tap* Is this thing on? *ahem*

Knock, Knock.
Whose there?
Wooden Shoe.
Wooden Shoe who?
Wooden Shoe like to know!

Why did the computer technician go to the shoe store?
To reboot.

Now being a baby dragon, I don't have to wear shoes. They would make for lousy take offs and landings when I flap my wings to fly.
After all, birds don't wear shoes either and they fly. But why they don't just hop on an airplane and really rack up those frequent flyer miles the easy way is beyond me.
The airline certainly can't lose a bird's luggage.
Can you picture it? "I'm sorry Tweety. But you're here and your nest accidentally got shipped to Hawaii."

Now I do know that there are some animals, like horses, that do have to wear shoes.
Yet in this case, the shoes are these U shaped pieces of metal that they nail to the bottom of the horse's feet! How cruel is that?
Why can't you just find the horse a nice set of comfortable size 12 athletic tennis shoes?

After all, trying to put shoes on a dragon is like to shoe a cow. And you have to do that a lot if you're a farmer with a bad fence. You have to shoe the cows out of the corn field and shoe them out of anywhere else they get into that cows aren't supposed to be!

But good luck trying to shoe a fly! Those pesky little things are everywhere each spring and summer! And one never stays still long enough to take its foot measurements.
Yet I can tell you folks that baby dragons, like frogs, find flies mighty tasty. Although no matter how many I eat, I'm always hungry again an hour later.

That's all the space I have for today folks!
But we'll be back next weekend with more Sunday Funnies!-wd.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

WTF: QUESTIONING HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

An editorial.

There have been some critics of late (who shall go nameless in this e-zine) who have expressed negative comments in regards to the United States efforts to give humanitarian relief and support to the recently earthquake ravaged Haiti.

The Free Choice E-zine recognizes the rights to freedom of speech and personal opinions, but seriously...

Two things to remember:
1. Individuals are only being asked to give if they can and/or want to give.
2. The United States is not the only country who is helping out those in need.

As yourself this commenters: How would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot and YOU were the one suffering in the middle of the disaster?

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: JANUARY 10-16, 2010

*The situation in Haiti is no looking good right now for the survivors of the recent devastating earthquake. President Barack Obama has met with former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton in a plea for humanitarian aide and support for the current relief efforts.
*Meanwhile, the President's annual State of the Union address is due soon. Critics are commenting from everywhere and every position about what the speech will and will not contain. The actual date/time of the address was not known when this report was posted.
*Congress continues to work upon unifying the House and Senate versions of a Health Care Reform Act to present as one bill for the President to consider signing into law.
IN SPORTS
*As reported earlier this week, former Saint Louis Cardinal Mark McGwire has publicly admitted to taking steroids and human growth hormones while being an active professional baseball player. The Free Choice E-zine stands by its comments within that editorial.
IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
*NBC has totally mishandled the late night reshuffling that resulted from giving in to pressure from the local affiliates to can Jay Leno's show within the last hour of weeknight prime time. The network is scrambling to formulate plans to not only keep their current roster of talk show hosts (Leno, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, and Carson Daley) happy, but is trying to come up with a new prime time schedule to take effective after their coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics that will not only cover the gap created by the Leno cancellation, but the end of Sunday Night Football for the 2009 season.
*And sadly, Rhythm and blues/soul singer/songwriter Teddy Pendergrass lost his battle with colon cancer earlier this week.

For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: JANUARY 16, 2010

Another weekend, and you know what that means!

THE LETTER SHUFFLE
Taking the English Alphabet in order, how many words can be found within it as is?

TRIVIA TIME
Who does the nickname "Emerald Archer" refer to?

We'll reveal the results next weekend. But for now, let's peek into THE ANSWERS BOX for last weekend's solutions.

REBUS
The image was an artistic attempt to portray "Dust In The Wind" by Kansas (1978).

COMMON BONDS
That unique collection of musical artists listed can all be found on the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas soundtracks.

Friday, January 15, 2010

HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

The devastating 7.0 earthquake and all the aftershocks since have left the island nation of Haiti reeling and scrambling to initiate recovery procedures. The main epicenter seems to have been around the Port-au-Prince area of the island, with numerous casualty and injury reports since.
Citizens and countries around the world are pooling their resources to help those in need there.
If possible, please consider giving to any reputable/legitimate relief effort.

A Public Service message of The Free Choice E-zine.

WTF: MARK McGWIRE AND STEROIDS

An Editorial.

So now after all the hullabaloo of the past, including declining to answer questions while appearing before a Congressional inquiry, Mark McGwire has decided to come clean (so to speak) and admits that he did take steroids and human growth hormone during his professional baseball career. Even during the fabled single season home run record chase of 1998 against Sammy Sosa to beat the previous record set by Roger Maris.

There was much speculation in the past about the possibility, including the assumption that McGwire was taking substances that were not officially banned by the Major League Baseball Commission at the time, and thus were not screened for during any drug test, provided any were even administered to McGwire during his home run pursuit.

The only reason these confessions have been made is because Mark McGwire is now a batting coach for his former team the Saint Louis Cardinals and their manager Tony La Russa, who "dreams" that McGwire might be considered a potential pinch hitter in any possible post-season games.

Well we of The Free Choice E-zine, long time baseball fans all, say NO WAY!

Mark McGwire (and others) have tarnished the image of professional baseball with the steroids scandal for years on end. He has officially retired from baseball, and while there is nothing to keep him from being on the administrative/coaching end of any team, there should be no post-season opportunities for him.
And it is the long held opinion of this establishment that ANY player who can not play clean and earn any achievements honestly should be totally stripped of those "rewards"; which in this case would also include taking the single season home run record away from Mark McGwire, if Barry Bonds had not already done so.
But that's another issue for another day.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: JANUARY 10, 2010

Hello Everybody! Ms. Waxy Dragon here!
It's a brand new year and I'm all excited!

First and foremost, The Free Choice E-zine has a brand new feature!
Funny Things To Ponder posts just what the title says every time you visit us! You can find it on the left hand side of your screen.
Please contact our Editor-In-Chief at leehoustonjr@gmail.com to let him know what you think.

Meanwhile, a New Year's tradition is making, and sometimes breaking, resolutions.
Now of course, resolutions are made in hopes of making us better. Yet not everyone is able to keep the resolutions they make.
So this year I'm making New Year's resolutions to try and make myself a better baby dragon, unless you believe that hogwash about me being just one of many avatars of an avid Internet user.

I, Waxy Dragon, do hereby resolve:
*To try my best to stay within the lines better when I color.
*To eat all the Belgosian Dark Chocolate I can.
*And to entertain all my Free Choice E-zine fans in every installment of The Sunday Funnies I can!
So I'll see you next weekend!-wd.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: JANUARY 3-9, 2010

IN ECONOMIC NEWS
*While Wall Street has shown some signs of rallying in past days, analyst James Chanos, who accurately predicted the fall of Enron and other events, warns investors that the next big economic failure will be China. The reason behind this thought is that investors are extending the country lines of credit in wake of recent incidents, like the lead based recalls and other problems, that they will not be able to repay anytime soon.
*And while not every retailer has made public their fourth quarter/Christmas earnings yet, amongst those that have, the more budget conscious stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Costco, Ross, and Aeropostale are all reporting gains over this time last year.
MEANWHILE
*The security chaos at the Newark Airport earlier this week was the result of one man breaching a security barrier to give his girl friend one last kiss goodbye before departing. Haisong Joing's act caused airport security to rescreen everyone they had processed up to that point in time, causing several delays and missed flights. Joing will be facing charges of defiant trespass when he appears before a judge next week.
IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
*Art Clokey, the creator of Gumby, as well as Davey and Goliath, passed away this week at the age of 89.
*While NBC was willing to wait and give the program more time to develop a following, affiliates concerned with local ratings issued an ultimatum, and thus Jay Leno's 10 pm (Eastern Standard Time) program ends February 11th, the night before coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics begin. A plan for how to keep Leno at the network and the existing late night hosts (Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, and Carson Daly) happy was still in development as this was posted.
*Charges are pending against Doctor Conrad Murray in the death of singer Michael Jackson.
*Miley Cyrus has announced that the upcoming fourth season of her show Hannah Montana, which begins filming next week, will be her last so she can pursue other projects.
IN SPORTS
*As Spring training for Major League Baseball approaches, amongst all the trade talks and contract renewals, veteran pitcher Randy Johnson has announced his retirement.

For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of the screen.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: JANUARY 9, 2010

It's the weekend, so let's kick things off right and try to solve some puzzles.

REBUS

The image at left artistically represents something well known.
Do you know what it is?











COMMON BONDS
The following diverse group of musical talent ALL have one thing in common. Do you know what it is?
{Guns N' Roses, Jerry Reed, James Brown, The Who, Public Enemy, The Isley Brothers, Ice Cube, En Vogue}

We will reveal all next weekend. But for now let's open THE ANSWER BOX to see what last week's correct responses should have been.

TRIVIA TIME
A TARDIS is so named because it can travel through Time And Relative Dimensions In Space.

THE LETTER SHUFFLE
With just six letters (E, I, L, N, S, T) you can form words representing quiet (SILENT), glitter (TINSEL), heed (LISTEN), and waterways (INLETS).

Thursday, January 7, 2010

WHERE DO WE STAND?

An editorial.

Dear Readers:
With a new year comes new issues, or at least there are new people reasking previous questions.
Therefore, the following is a position paper on several topics of concern to readers of The Free Choice E-zine.

IN GENERAL
The Free Choice E-zine as an entity believes that any news source should only report the news and not be an active part of it. Therefore, while we try to stay neutral on topics, if necessary: editorials will be posted. Those are strictly the personal opinions of the staff and management of this e-zine, and are labeled accordingly. Opposing views are welcomed and will be posted if the writer so desires, provided they follow the rules of polite conduct as posted in the "WELCOME EVERYBODY" greeting, found in the left hand area of your screen.

HEALTH CARE REFORM
The Free Choice E-zine is all for the basic concept of Health Care Reform, for we doubt there is any one out there that can say that the current medical insurance system is working perfectly just as it is.
But while we have our concerns just like everyone else as to the details and specifics of what a Health Care Reform Act will and will not cover, it is our duty to keep pointing out all the events and inaccuracies involved in the topic.
Where things stand at the moment: the House of Representatives and the Senate have both passed their respective versions of what they think a Health Care Reform Act should be. Now it is up to Congress to unify both editions into one coherent bill to present to President Barack Obama for consideration.
In a televised address back in September 2009, the President himself said that he would not sign any measure that seriously increased the national debt or hurt Social Security and/or Medicare.
Yet those against the measure seem to have forgotten this, and hope the public has too as they continue to rally against Health Care Reform. And it is our continued opinion that if one could gather all the money spent thus far on opposing Health Care Reform, it could have been spent more wisely on something more important, like fixing the Health Care System to begin with!
For more accurate and current information, just go to http://www.snopes.com/ or any reputable news source.

POLITICS
The Free Choice E-zine's position on this topic is basically the same as that stated IN GENERAL.
But we do encourage everyone to pay attention to what is going on in the world around them. To be informed, intelligent voters as much as humanly possible, and to go vote in EVERY election, even if it seems "trivial", like the upcoming 2010 primaries.
It should be noted that several Democratic incumbents have decided to retire at the end of their current terms, most of which come up for reelection this year.
While it is no surprise that the GOP/Republican party is chomping at the bit in hopes of taking advantage of this situation, the current campaign statement that the incumbents are retiring because they are fed up with the current administration is inaccurate.

If the readers have any more questions, we will be glad to answer them. Just e-mail our Editor-In-Chief Lee Houston, Junior at leehoustonjr@gmail.com

Sunday, January 3, 2010

THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: JANUARY 3, 2010

Ms. Waxy Dragon is on vacation this weekend, so The Free Choice E-zine presents a guest columnist for today's Sunday Funnies. Please let me know what you think at leehoustonjr@gmail.com

Hello Everybody! My name is Autumn. I am a golden retriever puppy, and a very beautiful one if I do say so myself.
Plus, as you can see in these photos, I LOVE SNOW!

We've certainly have had a lot of it these past few weeks.

Snow is amazing stuff too because it not only falls in my yard, but everywhere else as well! How kewl is that?







Acres and acres of this fluffy white stuff for a puppy to just dig into to her heart's content!

Digging in snow is just like digging for buried treasure, you never know what you will find until you dig it up.

I've found all kinds of neat sticks and acorns.
Of course at one point I also think I found a kitty's potty area, and that wasn't very good.
Why spoil all this neat white stuff with that junk?




Of course, all this digging is not easy when you are on a leash.
But then again, if it wasn't for this leash, I think my boy would run off without me.

Well, thankfully snow isn't very filling though. After all, a girl does have to keep her figure.

Yet my boy says it's time to go inside and get some nice warm puppy crunchies.
Personally, I think he's just cold because he doesn't have a nice warm fur coat like I do.

So thanks everybody for sharing a few moments of your day with me, and I'm supposed to end this by telling everyone that "We'll be back next weekend with more Sunday Funnies."
Whatever that means.-AtP.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: DECEMBER 27, 2009-JANUARY 2, 2010

Hello Everybody! Welcome to a New Year, and let's take a brief look at what has happened over the past week.

*Another winter storm bears down upon the New England area of the United States. Residents in those areas are advised to take appropriate precautions.
*Besides Health Care Reform, President Barack Obama will be addressing the economy and the job/(un)employment situation within the coming weeks.
*In the wake of the December incident on board a flight from Nigeria to Detroit, Homeland Security procedures are getting a serious review.
*An Antarctic expedition thinks it has found the remains of the first airplane ever flown to that frozen continent by early explorer Douglas Mawson.
IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS...
*An autopsy is still underway in the recent death of actress Brittany Murphy, with no apparent cause for her passing immediately evident.
*Subscribers of the Time-Warner Cable system can breathe a sigh of relief as that provider has reached an agreement with Fox Broadcasting. But it should be noted that the main FOX network channel was never in danger of being dropped, for that is on the Federal Communication Commission's must carry list. It was agreeing on a new contract concerning the other channels (Fox News, Fox Sports, etc.) that was at the center of the debate.

For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of your screen.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: JANUARY 2, 2010

Hello Everybody! It's a new year and we certainly have a lot of exciting new puzzles in the weeks ahead, so let's get right to it!

TRIVIA TIME
David Tennant has just concluded his tenure as the tenth actor to portray the science-fiction icon Doctor Who. There is a lot of history in this series that has been going for over 45 years already, so I'll make it an easy question.
Within the series, what does the acronym TARDIS stand for?

THE LETTER SHUFFLE
The same six letters can form words representing quiet, glitter, heed, and waterways.
Do you know the letters and the words?

We'll reveal the results next weekend. But for now, let's peek inside THE ANSWERS BOX to discover who hosted which Rankin-Bass Christmas special.

Jimmy Durante was the unnamed host of Frosty The Snowman. (C-1)
Jonathan Winters was the unnamed narrator Frosty Returns. (J-2)
An otherwise unidentified Andy Griffith escorted us through Frosty's Winter Wonderland. (E-3)
Greer Garson narrated The Little Drummer Boy off screen. (D-4)
Buddy Hackett as Pardon-Me-Pete the Groundhog told the story of Jack Frost. (F-5)
Roger Miller as Spieltoe, a donkey belonging to Santa Claus, told the story of Nestor, the Long Earred Christmas Donkey. (H-6)
Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman related the story of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. (G-7)
Red Skelton as Father Time told us of Rudolph's Shiny New Year. (I-8)
Fred Astaire portrayed S(pecial) D(elivery) Kluger, a postman, because Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. (A-9)
And Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus told the story of The Year Without A Santa Claus. (B-10)

Friday, January 1, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

Dear Free Choice Readers:

With the turn of the calendar, we not only start a New Year, but a new decade as well!
We look ahead at the coming year in the article following this post.

They say the three winter holidays tie together to make us better people.
Thanksgiving allows us to connect with extended family and friends.
Christmas allows us to reconnect with our immediate family and friends.
And New Year's Day allows us to reconnect with the person we are supposed to be.

I hope everyone has had a good time celebrating the arrival of the new year and that any resolutions are not only do able, but will bring positive change within your lives.

Lee Houston, Junior
Editor-In-Chief: The Free Choice E-zine
January 1, 2010.

LOOKING AHEAD: 2010

Like sands through an hour glass, as the New Year begins to unfold, let's take a quick peek at what is in store for us this coming year...

*The Health Care Reform debate will obviously continue, as the House of Representatives and the Senate try to unify their respective versions into one bill to present to President Obama for consideration.
*David Tennant concludes his tenure as the tenth actor to portray Doctor Who, with his final episode airing between tonight in England and tomorrow night in both the United States and Canada. Actor Matt Smith will take over the portraying the title character this coming Spring.
*The Winter Olympics will begin in February.
*Some pundits note that this is the year that we (might) discover the secrets of the Monolith, as revealed in Arthur C. Clarke's 2010: Odyssey 2.
*This year is also the fifteenth anniversary of Doctor Sam Beckett stepping into the project accelerator and taking his first Quantum Leap, at least in the series. The show actually debuted in 1989.
*Bugs Bunny fans will note this year marks two 65th anniversaries for the "wascally wabbit": missing his first turn at Albuquerque in Herr Meets Hare and first appearance of Yosemite Sam in Hare Trigger, both from 1945.
*Thomas Nast's creation of the Democratic Party's symbol celebrates its 140th birthday.
*Comic strip bride Cathy will celebrate her 5th wedding anniversary in February.
*This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Disney classic Pinocchio.
*Members of the United States celebrating milestone anniversaries this year are Rhode Island at 220 years, Maine at 190 years, Texas and Florida both note 165 years of statehood. California celebrates 160 years while Idaho and Wyoming both joined 120 years ago.
*2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the world's first operational LASER.
*The Star Wars franchise celebrates two anniversaries this year. The fifth for Revenge of the Sith (2005) and the 30th for The Empire Strikes Back (1980).
*Comedy fans celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Caddyshack (1980) while both My Three Sons and The Flintstones mark their golden (50th) anniversary this year.
*Tom Corbett, Space Cadet first blasted off in 1950, making 2010 its 60th anniversary.
*The Man of La Mancha (the musical version of Don Quixote) first charged on the Broadway stage 45 years ago.
*Pixar's first major CGI production Toy Story, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year while the Peanuts gang mark the 45th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

And of course the NFL is approaching their post-season playoffs and the Super Bowl. The College Bowl games conclude over the next few days. Basketball season continues and spring training for baseball is just around the corner.

But come what may, The Free Choice E-zine will continue to provide coverage of all the above and other articles for your reading enjoyment, including The Puzzle Corner, The Sunday Funnies, and The Week In Review, whose first installment for 2010 will be tomorrow.