Current Events

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Raw meatSunday mornings, as a kid, I would have to wash both family cars.  I would always listen to Casey Kasem on my “boom-box” counting down the forty most popular songs in America.  As I write this the former host of AT 40  lies gravely ill and his second wife has been accused of throwing raw meat at her step-daughter Kerri.  Let me run that by you one more time……Jean Kasem was launching raw meat at Casey’s daughter, Kerri.

Jean Kasem doesn’t deny this but who would think of pelting a family member with ground chuck?  I’d understand a leg of lamb or a smoked herring but raw meat?  Have you checked the price of raw meat in stores these days?  Perhaps one of Dad’s old 45’s from ELO would make more sense.  Casey Kasem is bedridden with lung and bladder infections and allegedly has a form of dementia—in a way that may be a blessing because he won’t remember his nutball second wife hurling hamburger at his daughter.

So what does Jean Casem have to say about these allegations?  She told NBC News:  “In the name of King David, I threw a piece of raw meat into the street in exchange for my husband to the wild rabid dogs”  I’m not kidding.  I’m not well versed in the words of King David and his alleged endorsement of flogging someone with flank steak but in my ten minutes of trying to google a connection the closest I came was in the book of Samuel where King David would roast raw meat instead of eating boiled meat.   The only thing that bit of information does for me is clearly the meat in question couldn’t be corned beef.

Now…..on with the countdown.

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3 stoogesProfessional athletes, marijuana, and our government….been thinking about these topics over the weekend because they all are linked together by one common factor:  stupidity.

Follow me here….or if you can’t that’s good because it will illustrate my point at how it is said “we must all get along” when in actuality all we do is contradict ourselves.

The government has spent  one trillion dollars on the “War on Drugs” since 1971.  Millions are spent every day guarding the southwest borders  of our country so marijuana isn’t smuggled into our country.  Twenty two of our states and The District of Columbia have legalized it albeit mostly for medical purposes.  Two states, Colorado and Washington, have made marijuana legal for personal use.  If someone told me…”show up to work early, but only work to 50% of your potential, take a short lunch, spend 30 minutes juggling bowling pins and the rest of the afternoon pretend to be working at your desk but we want you to be surfing facebook and making posts of how much you hate it here”….that would make more sense.  In fact we all know the latter of my absurd situation happens quite frequently.

Professional athletes.  Quite the oxy-moron don’t ya think?  They get millions to run fast and jump high.  They sign contracts that guarantee them millions knowing they will be tested for marijuana (Yes the same plant that is legal medically in 22 states and legal in 2) yet they still insist on smoking weed.

Let’s look at the case of Cleveland Browns wide receiver:  he received a scholarship to play at Baylor…in 2010 he and a teammate were found sound asleep in the drive thru at a local Taco Bell and weed in the car.  In July 2011 he was suspended from the Baylor team for a positive marijuana test.  He transferred to Utah but decided to just sit out a year and go for the NFL.  July 2012 he gets a 5.3  million dollar deal with the Browns……that’ll by ya a lot of chicken soft tacos.  In June 2013 he was suspended by NFL for first two games of that season for………YES testing positive for weed.  He had a great year last year with the most receiving yards in the NFL and being named to the Pro Bowl.  Guess what happened May 9, 2014?  I think you have this story figured out and Gordon more than likely will be suspended for the year.   Our story doesn’t end there…a week ago…Gordon gets pulled over for speeding, cop smells weed, and one of the three passengers produces a bag with less than 200 grams of marijuana.   Ya know that’s good stuff….millionaire weed…I can picture them speeding because Taco Bell was about to close.  Gordon was ticketed just for speeding and not for possession of the pot because his friend said it was his……REALLY?   Ya want me to believe that???  Here is what probably happened:  Cue siren and lights…GORDON: “Oh shit.  Hey Levi hold this bag.   LEVI:  Are you crazy?   GORDON:  I’ll give ya $100K when we get back to the crib.    LEVI:  Gimmie that bag.

Our government and professional athletes…the best Stooge routine ever.

 

 

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Biker dannyI turned 50 this week…only child…Dad died at 57…Mom still kicking it at 74 here with me in West Palm.  I had a dream job in sports talk radio yanked from me this past week and I have just about blown through my life time savings.  I haven’t worked in three years and four months because I believe in entertaining people on the radio, creating reaction, letting people vent, I want to hear their opinion, I want to learn but those opportunities are few and far between.  If you are one of those people who believe music belongs on the radio I respectfully say to you “Hey dumb ass…you have a phone…you have all your favorite songs…get the kid with acne at AT & T to show ya how to put your ear buds in.”

I’m not bitter or angry…I’m confused.  I am not a dummy.  I’m not saying that because I’m full of myself I say that because I know that I am smart.  I’m not trying to be a dick…I just happen to be smart.  I say what people think.  I’m honest.   I tell the truth.   I don’t hide from my past because it has taught me great lessons in life.  I’m far from perfect but if anyone ever tells you “There are no bad ideas in brainstorming,”   tell them this:   “You’re full of shit.”  There ARE bad ideas…that’s okay..not every hit has to be a home run….but don’t sit there and worry that someone’s “feelings” might be hurt.  We are all in this together no matter what the cause.  Will someone have the stones to stand up and say “Hey Ted..shitty idea.”  I say stupid things and come up with dumb ass ideas all the time.  We MUST fail in order to succeed.

Having my dream job slip away could have been the knock out punch….probably should have been…but I look at it this way…they didn’t deserve me.  People SAY they wanna hear the truth right up until you give them the truth.  They want you to kiss the ring…go with the plan…and be supportive when we have a team building seminar.  What does squeezing a fucking balloon filled with sand have to do with making money?  Here’s my seminar:  “Work your ass off, offer ANY idea and/or suggestion or grab your iPad and get out of the office…..and post a selfie on the way out”

So here I sit..50 and 3 days…searching for my purpose.  Last week, for the first time in 27 years I went to a church and asked to speak to a priest.  I asked him not to quote scripture or try to recruit me back into the pews and he was very respectful of my wishes.  I asked him the same question I still ponder “What is my purpose (BTW..not married…no kids either) and his response still chills me;  “Look for your beginning….look for your roots.  They are there…but you must notice them.”  For some reason I made a connection with this man and just started to cry.  Me…who rode the Harley there and covered my tattoo of a skull giving the finger with the lettering “Judge This” out of respect…was weeping in front of someone  I had known for 20 minutes.

I want to make a difference in this world.  Even though I truly am “lost” I feel that I am closer to finding my “roots” and “beginning” than ever before.  I think we all at least should make the effort but if it involves squeezing a balloon filled with sand….I’d rather sell AMC Pacers in a used car lot.

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Champ as a dogOn December 7, 2013 I said good bye to my best friend.  He was a 14 ½ year old black lab named Champ.  I held him in my arms as he was put to sleep and his journey to the Rainbow Bridge began.  Champ was not just a dog.  He truly was the best friend I ever or will have.  We were constant companions and we really did take care of each other.

Champ never needed a leash because I had him since he was 6 weeks old and I taught him to always remain within twenty feet of me.  I could let him outside and I didn’t have to watch him.  He knew his boundaries and when he was ready to come back in he would open the gate on his own (taught him that as well) and he would just lay down patiently by the back door.

We would always sleep in my king size bed and when he got too old to make the jump I ended up sleeping on the couch so he could be near me.  For the past three years I have been sleeping on the couch and even after his passing I continue to do so.

The first two weeks without my friend I cried non-stop.  This wasn’t just a pet….I was alone without my best friend.  Those of you that knew Champ know what I am talking about.  Everyone would always say “that truly is the best dog ever.”  He was and always will be.

When I first got Champ I was stumped in choosing out a name.  I was watching the NFL Draft and they mentioned a rookie player named “Champ Bailey.”  I immediately knew the name of my friend:  He would be called “Champ.”

Today Champ Bailey is in is fifteenth NFL season with the Denver Broncos.  Champ Bailey has never been to a Super Bowl until this year.  In less than two weeks I will be cheering for Champ and his Broncos because I truly believe my best friend is a world champion as well.

I really miss my friend but honestly believe that a Super Bowl victory for Champ Bailey and his Broncos will be a fitting ending to my best friends time here on earth.  I will be watching the game with my best friend’s spirit and hope to one day shake that wonderful paw in congratulations at the Rainbow Bridge. I miss you friend.

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batmanAre you serious America?  There is a FURY about Ben Affleck being chosen as the new Batman?  Let me be the one that breaks some terrible news to you…….Batman is not real.  There isn’t a Joker.  Catwoman doesn’t exist and if ya wanna see a penguin ya better go to the zoo.  I do have good news…I found Commissioner Gordon…but he’s not in Gotham City.  He’s the High Commissioner for Canada.

Ben Affleck is an actor.  He has a wife and a family.  HE IS NOT BATMAN!!!  He lives in a very large home and not in a freaking cave.  Am I the only sane one in this lunatic parade?   Life is tough.  We all face various trials and tribulations on a daily basis.  There are many things happening in this messed up world that we should be upset about.  NOT FREAKING BATMAN!!!

Seriously….if Ben Affleck as Batman still doesn’t seem to be a mondo jovial type tundra to you….you need to go to the bat phone and call a shrink.  Put the comic book down, move out of your parent’s house, stop riding your skateboard and be an adult.  There is a world out there.  You CAN make a difference.  If this still hasn’t registered with you then at least I gave it a try.  Now go back to clearing another level on Candy Crush.

 

Danny Czekalinski hosts an internet radio show called DANNYLAND on mysourceradio.com    Listen on Thursdays at 9AM EST.  Show archives can be found HERE

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bad bossI have been told that I am “headstrong.”  The same person  also told me that potential employers don’t like that in an employee and I should “tone it down.”  What am I twelve and standing up on a moving school bus during a freaking field trip?  I am headstrong and I like headstrong people.

I respect people in authority but I’m not gonna nod my head in agreement about something I don’t agree with or think there may be a better option.  I believe a truly great boss surrounds him or herself with headstrong people.  You wanna be king of the jungle not just a herdsman of some dumb sheep.

I have actually been required to attend team building seminars where we threw around bean bags and balloons and were told “there are no bad ideas in brainstorming.”   Uh….yes there ARE bad ideas in brainstorming Mr. Einstein.  Doesn’t anyone remember “New Coke” or “Crystal Pepsi?”  If it’s a bad idea you are going to get bad results.   It seems that people SAY  they want honesty right up until it’s something that they don’t agree with.  How about this for honesty:  If you need to force your employees to play with balloons and bean bags to increase office morale….you are running a daycare and not a business.

I have always learned the most from people I disagreed with.  It forces you to think in a different direction.  I’m not saying that everyone I have disagreed with has taught me something because I’ll be honest again:  There are a LOT of stupid people in this world.  I don’t think that’s an opinion because I live in Florida and that pretty much is a statement of fact.

I will never say “what you wanna hear” but I will say “how I feel.”  If more people did this on a daily basis then we would be a much more productive society.  Again…this is just my opinion.  Maybe I’m just being headstrong.

 

Danny Czekalinski hosts a weekly LIVE internet radio show called DANNYLAND on mysourceradio.com    Listen to it Thursday mornings at 9AM EST or check out the show archives HERE

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out of workI haven’t worked since January of 2011 and I truly am thankful.  I have learned so much.  I am a workaholic by nature so it forced me to reinvent myself.  I have become a social media freak.  This truly is the way people will market and make money in the future.  Embrace it or be left behind.

I have created my own show prep site.  I have taken my late father’s passion of being an ex cop and being disgusted by police brutality and corruption and made it a web site.  I have polished my talk radio skills by establishing an internet radio show.   I have been able to spend a lot of time with my mother and she truly is an amazing human being.  I’m about to launch a new business in the next two weeks.   Things happen for a reason.

I truly was miserable in my last year of working.  I had compromised who I was and what I truly believe.  I want to make a difference.  I care about people.  I think these are turbulent times and I firmly believe that we can all learn something new each day by interacting with others.

I’m opinionated.  I know that.  I also am very open to different views  because we need to stop and listen to each other as it’s clear that no one has this “figured all out.”  Things in the past that I would dismiss I now stop and analyze.

I want this world to be a nicer place.  I want to hear “please” and “thank you.”  I want people to smile.  I think holding the door open for someone is natural.  I want to make a difference.

I’ve made mistakes and I think we all do on a daily basis.  A mistake really is an opportunity to learn and grow.  I needed to stop, listen, look around, and truly take inventory of what happens around me.  I vehemently believe that radio is a great opportunity to bond with the listener.  We are all in this together.  We all have our struggles.  We all can learn from each other.  Being caller “number nine” or hearing the latest Katy Perry song has nothing to do with this.

I used to never flinch on dropping $150 on a dinner.  Now I know when chicken breasts are on sale at my local grocery store.  I am ready for the next stage in life and my career.  I hate to say it…but I think I have finally grown up.

Danny Czekalinski hosts a weekly radio internet show called “Dannyland”   heard Thursdays at 9AM on mysourceradio.com  Show archives can be found HERE

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breast feedingThis nation truly is messed up.   Currently we are on “high alert” for a terrorist attack yet we still fear and make a big deal about “the nipple.”  I’m talking about another case of a woman getting chastised for breast feeding her child in public.

What is it about the nipple that makes us make zero sense?  Men like boobs.  Most like big boobs.  Many women spend a large amount of money to make their boobs bigger but if for some reason “the nipple” makes an appearance then a lot of people have a problem with it.  The nipple is necessary for the boob.  Without the nipple the boob would look like a house without a roof.

Men go on the internet to look at boobs.   A lot of men go to seedy clubs with loud music and ridiculous prices for beer to look at boobs.  Guys go to the beach and leer at women in bikinis just to get a look at some boobs but once ya add “the nipple then all hell breaks loose.

Breast feeding isn’t about the boob or about the nipple it’s about feeding a hungry baby.  Imagine if every time you were hungry you had to retreat to a spot of isolation to feed your pie hole.  I would much rather have a woman feed her child in public than hear the baby scream like it was in competition for “Colic Child of the Year.”

It’s time we come to our senses about the nipple—we all have them so let’s show the nipple a little respect and make them feel a little bit of love.

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Justin BieberRole models.  When I hear people complain that sports stars and celebrities OWE their fans to be a good role model I cringe.  Sports stars and celebrities live in a privileged word that is not conducive to the real world 99% of us live in.

Justin Bieber is simply a spoiled brat that is in need of a good spanking.  I would want to go backstage just to put this punk over my knee and hit him with my mother’s wooden spoon.   We are to blame, as a society, for creating this monster.  Justin Bieber (for whatever reason) is a pop star.  That’s where it should end.  He shouldn’t be expected to exemplify good morals and good behavior.  He shouldn’t be considered a “peer” among your teenage kids.  The only “role model” a child should have is their parents.  That’s the responsibility you signed up for when you decided to bring a life into this crazy world.

Justin Bieber expects to be treated differently.  He expects you to “kiss the ring.”  He illustrates his gratitude of becoming a multi-millionaire through teenage concert ticket sales by spitting on his fans from a hotel terrace.  I shouldn’t just single out Justin Bieber for the list of pop culture vermin is long and plentiful.  Kim Kardashian became a star because a video tape of Ray J putting his tool in her “no-go hole” went viral.  I’m sorry but if that is what it takes to be a “star” I will pass on the initiation.

I am amazed by those that follow and revere any of the “Real Housewives.”  If ya wanna laugh at them and their sorry existence I can understand that but to praise them and fuel their gold digging mentality really is a sad comment of your own existence.  Let’s call these women what they truly are “Pretentious whores of _________ county”  Would you let your child be baby sat by one of these botox injected skanks?   Probably not.

I think we all were at one time a “know it all” teenager that was embarrassed to be seen in public with our parents.  I also remember something my late father told me in the basement of our home in Strongsville, Ohio:  “You will eventually realize that your mother and father will be the best friends you will ever have.”

Dad…you were right.  I’m just glad you passed before I had to attempt to explain Honey Boo-Boo.