For a man who until now has lead a pretty private life in the public eye…he has gained more attention in the last week, than he has ever wanted.  Yet, just days ago…he put out a muddled attempt to squash the rumors from the media microscope by admitting to transgressions and sins.  He claims to not being true to the values and behaviors that his family deserves.  That sounds like an admission of some of the rumors; however, it is not clear and it is damaging to be assuming anything.  However, it is not enough for some people to hear that vagueness.  They want intimate details in the tabloid society that we live in.  That is harmful to all involved.

        His wife’s actions regarding the accident were questioned.  More rumors swirl about renogotiating prenups and the like.  Women coming out of the woodwork alledging affairs with Tiger.  People in his sphere of a social life in Vegas claim that he lived his life there in ways that made people wonder if he was being more than friendly with pretty women; whether he was or not.

         At least one of the women that the tabloids accused of having an affair with Tiger has denied it and hired an attorney to represent her.  She was going to give a press conference and then it was suddenly cancelled.  One of the other somen supposedly has proof of the alledged affair. 

          One thing is for sure, this is a situation that has people by the throats.  Some are interested because Tiger is notoriously private…as well is his wife, about their life.  Others just like to have their nose in someone else’s business.  Still others, have suspected ulterior motives.  Then, there are those who make jokes at the expense of those involved.

            Really and truly, no one has a right to know these personal and private details except those who are directly involved.  If it is true, then there is a family that is damaged and will either survive with great effort or be destroyed by the fall out.  There are young children involved who will someday grow up and read what is written.   A wife who may or may not have known about these alledged rumored and or factual affairs.  For those who are innocent in this situation, I would hope that people would respect them. 

           It is a terrible thing to witness a family in crisis.  If he in fact had these affairs, Tiger and his wife Elin will have to work their way through it.  If there truly are women involved intimately…then, they will have to all be dealing with the after-effects.  There are physical things to consider such as diseases, stress, depression…feelings of self-esteem and self-worth.  Jobs could be at stake.  Reputations lost; and role models such as Tiger can do alot of harm to those younger people who look to sports figures and celebrities as someone to aspire to.

        A few years ago, Tiger lost his father…who was, in many ways, his mentor and his rock.  A man who has achieved as much in his area of  sports expertise, as Tiger has in the field of golf knows how to work hard and stay focused.  If he truly values his family and his marriage…he will take the time to focus on repairing the damage that has been done in the last week personally, professionally and spiritually.   Failure does not rest easy on someone who is so driven to perfect himself in some areas of his life.  Whatever failures he has apologised for creating regarding his values and his behaviors he can overcome…as long as his wife, family, friends, and business relationships are willing to heal. 

        I say, wish them well, get out of their way…and pray for them all.  This is not a science project to be studied under a microscope; this is not entertainment…it is real people, who have real lives, and real important things to lose.  Does the public really need to know every last detail; shouldn’t it be dealt with in private?

       Frank McCourt was well loved by both his students and by those who were captivated by his works.   Frank McCourt started life in the most humble of circumstances and by most accounts his ordinary life was rooted in misery and poverty.  As a young child living in Ireland, that poverty was ordinary for many families.  Frank’s father was an alcoholic who drank all of the family money away, which normally would have gone to support and feed his wife and children.  Frank’s goal was to get to America and begin an ordinary life and help support his family.   He took on the responsibilities of a man in his teenaged years. 

           Often you see this kind of strength of character in a young man who has lost a father to death, to disability or some other difficult life circumstance.  They take on the role of the father as a supporter, often a disciplinarian for younger siblings and an encourager for the mother figure.   His “ordinary life” became extra-ordinary when he documented his struggles to survive in the book, Angela’s Ashes, which was published when Frank was in his 60′s.  His ability to communicate and use descriptive words in his creative writing helped him to achieve success.   That is along time to wait for financial and literary success.  However, he had success in other areas of his life.

        Frank did get to America where he taught creative writing in New York.  He enjoyed teaching his students and sharing his life’s stories with them.  He got an agent in 1996 which resulted in getting the book published.  It created quite the sensation; and eventually became a movie.   His skillful writing took his orndinary life and turned it into something extra-ordinary…it created a responsive reader…one who could empathasize with the child, the situation and the journey of overcoming!

           Mr. McCourt began to get alot of attention once his book was published.  He once expressed his dismay at all of the attention.  What both shocked and dismayed him was the reaction of people he had known for a long time; he said, they looked at him differently.  He pondered why they had never looked at him that same way when he was ONLY a teacher of students.   It is something that continues to amaze many people…books seem to afford their authors credibility that other life skills do not.  It elevates the author to the status of an expert in the eyes of many readers.

         The ability to experience some of the worst life has to offer a child & young adult; and, still write it in a way that not only moves the reader through a range of emotions powerful enough to make them feel as if they need to rescue the characters; but, also skillfully finds humor and explanations is a rare gift.  It is one that Frank McCourt had.   He wrote of a life of poverty (many have experienced it’s sense of despair) and made people react to it.   His writing skills will be missed…and for those who knew him, so will he.

         Keith Wellman is well known for many ground breaking internet marketing programs.  He actually started his father Jeff Wellman new career in internet marketing a couple of years back when he was laid off from a well known baby food factory job.  Jeff made a name for himself quickly by creating his first Lay Off Your Boss program.  It was successful and fueled his desire to learn and conquer a business that seemed so overwhelming in the beginning because of information overload.  Jeff had to break it down and learn it from the ground up.  He surprised many by his rapid understanding of how the internet marketing business worked; soon, he was instructing others and then he took on the challene of coaching his students on a more intense level.   The groundwork was laid for the merger:  http://bit.ly/srhVX

         As time went on, Jeff learned that he couldn’t do it all himself; he gained momentum when he took on partners Dixie Brown and eventually Paul Counts.  Jeff will flat out tell you that he is no techno genius…that is where Dixie comes in…she happens to be brilliant in this area.  She added a dimension to the Lay Off Your Boss program that was desperately needed.  When Paul Counts came on board, he brought with him years of expertise in the SEO and traffic generation areas.  The tremendous trio, as they were branded by one of their shinning star clients Connie Baum, soon were building up a success rate among their clients.  In the meantime, Keith Wellman had launched the Autopilot Wealth Institute with modules for learning that set a new college like atmosphere for learning Internet Marketing. 

         This merger blends a skill set that is hard to beat with it follow through.   They each have a real desire to help others achieve their goals.  They are committed to communicating online skills in a way that make sense to their clients.   Questions get answered, support desk issues are handled within a day or two…not weeks like some other programs…people are finding success where previously they were left feeling like they had to buy another program, attend another marketing guru’s seminar to learn the missing pieces of the online marketing puzzle.  This all leads to happy customers who themselves often become affiliates for the program…that is how much they believe in its effectiveness.  It is all here.   http://bit.ly/srhVX

          This merger is now looking for JV partners to get the word out so that others who are desperately seeking knowledge in how to build their online presence or business can access a program that helps them to gain profitability when before they only spent more money on the latest and greatest program to come out, leaving them with more questions than answers.    A smart JV is going to get connected to this program as quickly as possible because not only is it going to make them money, it is going to make them a hero in the eyes of their customers because of the content that this merger is going to give them; enabling them to achieve their goals.  These partners are committed to helping people achieve their online goals in a way that doesn’t stop until they have achieved success.  They dont stop answering questions until every person in the supportive weekly Q & A calls.  These calls have been known to go for hours without dropping a listening participant.  That is pretty amazing in itself…it tells you that people are hungry for answers and they know that they are going to get what they came for!

       If you are interested in learning more…click here:   http://bit.ly/srhVX  Success to YOU!

          It is a sad day, first Farrah Fawcett passed away this morning and now Michael Jackson has been hospitalized.  Michael was supposed to go on tour for the first time in years starting in July.   I am thinking of his children that he had with the surrogate all of those years ago; what will happen to them?  Will the birth mother have any legal standing to get custody of those children if the worst happens to Michael?   Will update soon.

Update:  Cnn says that The Associate Press and The Los Angeles Times are reporting that he has died.  Cnn has not confirmed this report.     If this is true…it is very sad indeed.  There will be many who will focus on the negative…but out of respect…lets just let the man’s passing be reflected on at this time; if it is true.  He was a gifted man musically and he has had alot of fans over the years as well as detractors. 

ABC news is also reporting that Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50.  Rest In Peace Michael.

         I have listened to news reports that have made a mockery out of the trauma that they are going through by covering each and every mundane thing that they do together and seperately with the children.   It is unfortunate, but this happens to millions of families around the world every day; it isn’t meant for public consumption.   Lately,the media reports was all about suspected infidelity and book tours.  Now in the last week or two, “the announcement” of a life changing decision was used to build up suspense for the weekly show.  For real, people…doesn’t it feel a little like being a spectator for a disaster?  Waiting and wondering how things are going to unfold, who will come out a survivor, and then, what paths each individual will take on their journey if, this all ends badly? 

         What started out as a show of entertainment and a way to support their family has consummed them.  The publicity has to have turned into a kind of sword that now is only causing more pain.   I can’t help it, i wouldnt watch the show….not because they are not interesting, not because i have taken sides with one or the other of the couple…but, merely because I do not consider this to be entertainment…i happen to think that by watch the show we are actually becoming part of the problem and hurting them as a family.  Please, let them heal in their own way…out of the eyes of the viewers.

         Kate’s own brother and sister in law are begging people to stop watching the show out of concern for each of the family  members.  I am sorry, but Jon and Kate Plus Eight is no longer entertainment…it is a family tragedy!  There are people who love and care about what happens to each of them and this is painful to watch.    Are we going to be forced to hear in the media of divisions of their property, custody issues over the children, visitation difficulties and blending of families sometime into the future of this family when and if they decide to move on with other relationships?  Really, can’t we all just stop paying attention in this obsessive way and respect them enough to let them work out family issues in private to minimize damage to one another, the children and the friends and extended family members?    Should people watch or stop watching this show; what is your opinion?

         Another thing, when getting a tattoo…it is always wise to check out the sanitary practices of the artist and the facilities and tools that they use.  It would be horrible to have a health issue or a medical issue because of a decision to get a tattoo, without understanding all of the risks.  Parents often forbid tattoos based on the issue of health risks.

      In America, the comedian Whoopi Goldberg challenged the young woman’s claim of sleeping through the procedure on the television show, The View.  Whoopi said that she herself has a tattoo and that there is no way that someone could sleep through the painful procedure unless they were high or drunk.   I laughed when I heard Whoopi say that…because, I can’t imagine the pain of those needles while trying to sleep.    She has now admitted that she lied…although, I don’t think that too many people believed her in the first place.

       She is about 18 years old i think news reports said.  I thought as I looked at the photos of the tattoo artist’s work…it looked alot like some of the young children I have seen who have gone to a carnival/fair and have had their face painted with face paint and a stencil.   It was cute…but, i wouldn’t want to live with it for life.   I bet that the young lady wishes that the tattoos were as easy to remove as the face paint is!  Live and learn, I guess.

       Your mother is drop dead gorgeous, talented and very feminine.  Your father a one time musician who ventured into politics and was known for his conservatism.  How do you “come out”?  If you are Chastity Bono…you are outed.  Over twenty years ago that was the exact scenerio that played out in Chastity’s life and in the media.

         If you are age 45 or older, you probably remember a dainty, blonde haired angel who made appearances on the Sonny and Cher entertainment television show.  America fell in love with their only child together.  When they divorced and Cher began a romance with Greg Allman and had another child…she became a big sister to her brother.  Her father later remarried also.   How does a parent reconcile their hopes, dreams and expectations for their only child when something this drastic happens in your family?

         It got complicated.  Her father apparently took the news of Chastity’s sexual orientation better than her mother did when they were both informed.  And yet, Sonny was into politics and didn’t support same sex rights.  Still, he loved his daughter.  Cher had a hard time accepting this part of her child’s life, according to old news stories…in her words…she freaked.  Time has gone a long way towards reconciling their relationships.  Sonny is gone now…having died in a freak skiing accident in 1998. 

          Chastity has become a gay activist over the years.  But she has not been in the media in an attention seeking way.  She has tried to live a quiet life; until now that is.

           Today, the news was inundated with the news that Chastity has decided to become transgendered.  She, from this point on, chooses to live her life as a man.  She will no longer go by the name of Chastity.  She will now be known as Chaz.  Whether she will actually have a surgery meant to change her physique…is not really being clarified.

            I am more interested in the emotional and spiritual transitioning that took place for her/him to arrive at this decision.  How unhappy and disoriented does a person have to be in the body they were born with, to decide to cause such upheaval in their life both publically and privately?  Chastity’s appearance has changed over the years; does this show her inability to accept herself as she was born?  If she/he goes through with this transgendered lifestyle…will the appearance match what he/she feels inside?     I mean surgery or no surgery, to go about making an announcement to the world, that you are for the rest of your life; the second half of your life (she is near 40 years old), that you are going to live  an identity, totally opposite from the  sexual identity with which you were born.

          Cher (if she chooses to support and accept it) will now have two sons…instead of a son and a daughter.   How does a parent flip the switch in their head when they consider all that this announcement will change?   Chastity/Chaz has asked for privacy during this transitioning time.  I don’t know if the media will allow it to happen that way.    I think that they will chew on this “story” for quite some time…wanting to wring every little detail out of it that they can.

            Whether there is surgery or not…trying to change such a major portion of your life is not going to be easy.  I am sure this has taken years to get to this place…this decision.  Some reports say that many who consider themselves transgendered dont actually have surgery…still they often feel trapped in a body that is in conflict with who they feel, they were meant to be. 

              I myself am conflicted about my thoughts and feelings.  I think that people need to be able to accept themselves to be happy; and yet, my faith says homosexuality is wrong.   I’ve been taught that God doesn’t make mistakes; some people in this situation would say that they were born with the wrong body.  I have to admit, I don’t know what to believe in this area.  I do know that no matter what…those who are in this situation, are created by God.  God loves them, just as he loves all of his children.   I know too, that many gay/lesbian people struggle in life with their identity and how they fit in our society.    Often they struggle with drug/alcohol/food addictions because they dont feel comfortable in their own skins.   It is hard to feel and live differently than most of the people around you.   I know that my faith says that God loves everyone; but, he  also says that homosexuality is wrong.  

            I think that gay bashing is wrong…and people who choose to harrass anyone for any reason is wrong.  People need love and support.  Hate crimes are illegal and immoral.   Some say that gay/lesbian people are born that way…others say that they have chosen that lifestyle; that they can change it.  Others will try to say that some traumatic experience “caused” the homosexual identification.  Some say it is a way of life and they do not have to act on those feelings.   Personally, I think having a compassionate heart is important in this situation.   What do you think?

           I would hope that Chastity/Chaz is in, or has been in, counseling to sort through all of the thoughts, feelings and circumstances that will find it’s way into their life.  In my heart, I guess that I would wish a path that was less of a variance from what is considered traditional male/female roles.  I understand that no matter what…there are those on both sides of the fence pro/con gay and lesbian lifestyle who will use this story to further their cause. 

         I would caution those who do, to remember that those who struggle with their sexual identity have emotions and feelings just like everyone else…they can be vulnerable to the reactions of those around them.  Morally, I leave it between them and God to work out.   God considers homosexuality a sin according to my Bible.  Yet, even so…he says love the sinner (we all are sinners) and hate the sin. 

            The first 40 years of her life Chastity lived as a woman; albeit an unconventional woman.  The second half of her life she plans to live it as a male.  Is this truly possible without self destructing?  Spiritually, anyone on this path must search their hearts and minds to try and make sense of their identity in the world and in their relationship with the creator of Heaven and Earth.    What are your thoughts on this subject?

           Daniel and his mother chose to run away rather than face the forced chemotherapy.  That is what people often do when they feel threatened or afraid; who can blame him.   His father begged for them to return in the media.  It is supposed that they were on their way to Mexico for alternative treatments; although, I dont believe that was confirmed.  Regardless they were gone and everyone was worried about them disappearing.   However, when a warrant was issued for the arrest of his mother…they chose to come back.  I am glad that the family is reunited during this difficult time.

            Today, a judge has ordered that Daniel Hauser start chemo on Thursday.  Please pray for this family and Daniel’s healing.  Not only will he need medical support but the whole family will need emotional support as they travel this journey!

         Husband and son were mildly amused during the movie…the slapstick parts made it tolerable for them.  The emotional scenes moved mother and daughter…we snuggled during the movie and bonded.  Girls…give them a little emotional situation and we are content that we have connected!    It was a good family time.  The music was pretty good although we all agreed that Miley and Billy Ray singing together was better than the pre-packaged Hannah Montanna commercial music in the movie. 

         When the time comes for Miley to leave the role of Hannah Montanna behind…she might consider doing more recording with her father…they really do sing well together and the simple guitar music really lets the blending of their voices shine.  Have you seen the new movie?  What did you think of it?

          In some interviews, Levi says that the Palin’s have allegedly treated him like a son.  He says he can visit there but not take his son out for visits.  Levi says that this is uncomfortable for him.  He has had his own struggles with both education and employment issues.   His mother was arrested for alledged drug use.   Now he has gone on television and talked about his former sex life with Bristol Palin…as well as expressed an interest in modeling.   In these latest interviews, he has said that he doesn’t want to, but he may have to go to court to fight for custody of his child. 

         I don’t know about you…but, I would think that a judge would have trouble with letting such a young child visit away from it’s mother not knowing if the paternal grandmother (who was allegedly involved w/drugs) would have access to the infant.  Levi does not do himself any favors by coming across as a detached father.  Saying things like, “do the father thing”.  What does that mean exactly?  Does he know what kinds of things that a father has to do for their child, to take on a role of responsibility? 

         The things that a court would examine would be the ability to, appropriately and safely, parent a child.  This is usually done in a home study…taking stock of education levels, income levels, length of employment, living conditions, any areas of concern regarding the safety of the child, legal concerns, patterns of dangerous or irresponsible behavior…etc.  I dont believe that custody would be removed from the mothers care unless she was proven to be unfit…now a judge might assign more parenting time/visitation for Levi…but, it is highly doubtful that a judge would take custody away from a parent who has been the main caregiver since birth and who is supporting the child and meeting their parental obligations; as opposed to, Levi’s statement that he has everything that his son needs at his home.  What about contributing to the financial support of his son, or medical coverage, day care money to provide appropriate care while the baby’s mother works or goes to school?  Levi only appears to want time with his son unsupervised; he should try handling things out of the public eye…he might just get farther.

         I think that Levi Johnston needs to remember that his son will grow up one day and read and view these interviews.  He needs to remember that his child will not remain an infant.  He should show his love for his child by getting his diploma, a job, and continue to visit his son on a regular basis.  He is connected to the Palin family for life because his son lives and breathes…and it is time that they all work out some kind of a comfortable and civil relationship.  If they treat each other with some mutual respect they will form an environment of a strong and healthy family relationship with one another (even if they are no longer together as a couple), in which Tripp can grow and thrive.