In Memory of Erin Moran (October 18, 1960 – April 22, 2017) - Happy Days' Joanie Cunningham

Happy Daysstarted out as a show about a Mid-Western family that was making its way through life in the 1950s. The family featured parents Howard & Marion Cunningham, and their three children; Richie (played by Ron Howard), Joanie (played by Erin Moran), and their older brother, the seldom-seen Chuck. Chuck was a college basketball player, but the show focused on Richie’s life in high school, so Chuck was removed from the show without explanation, leaving Richie as the older brother and Joanie as the smart-aleck little sister, with no story lines of her own.

Over time, Moran, and the character of Joanie, grew up and developed such that the writers were forced to start writing more with her in mind. With Joanie’s friend Jenny Piccolo finally appearing in the flesh, and with Joanie’s budding relationship with The Fonz’ cousin Chachi, Joanie became a pivotal part of the show. So, when Richie and his friend Ralph Malph left the show, Joanie became one of the featured characters on Happy Days. Joanie and Chachi became so popular that the creators of Happy Days spun the couple off into their own show. 

The backside of Moran’s life was not what many of her fans would have hoped for her; amid rumors of sexual molestation, financial hardship and substance abuse. However, viewers and fans should remember Erin Moran as Joanie Cunningham; Richie’s little sister, Chachi’s girlfriend, and as “Shortcake”, the nickname given to her by The Fonz.

Things That I Learned From the Word

Good News! Things That I Learned From the Word, my first completed manuscript has been published and is available to the public. How do we establish a relationship with God? What does it mean to live a Christian life? What obstacles will the world place on the path of our Christian walk? These are questions that Christians, particularly new Christians, are concerned about and Things That I Learned From the Word, helps old and new believers to gain answers to these and other questions.

In this book, I attempt to illustrate the joy of living a Christ-centered life. Things That I Learned From the Word also discusses the hardships of a Christian life, as some in society work hard to discourage Christianity. This book is not just what I learned from the word of God, but what I hope to share with everyone, as the readers of the book attempt to learn more about God and God’s word for themselves.

Things That I Learned From the Word is available at Amazon (goo.gl/nj7ywA). Be sure to pick up your copy today. 

Darren Sharper Gets 18 Years in Prison for Serial Rape - What Does This Mean for Bill Cosby?

Former NFL Pro Bowl Safety Darren Sharper was sentenced to 18 years and 4 months in jail after having been found guilty for drugging and sexually assaulting somewhere between 9 and 16 women. The sentence, which reports state is 15 months short of the maximum for a crime of this magnitude, could see Sharper jailed for up to 14 years, if he doesn’t serve the full term, or if other charges are not added to his sentence. However, the interesting part of this story is not what happened to Sharper, but how Sharper’s conviction and sentencing affects another celebrity who is in the news for similar crimes; that person being none other than Mr. Bill Cosby.

The similarities between the two celebrities lie in the fact that both men are famous people, and that both men are accused of the same crime. However, the similarities in these two cases would seem to end with those facts, as the differences are numerous.

First, Sharper was convicted of having sexually assaulted somewhere between 9 and 16 women, and as a result, was sentenced to 18 years in prison. According to reports, Cosby is accused of having drugged and engaged in non-consensual sex with more than 60 women. Mathematically, if Sharper’s number turns out to be 15 women, then at four times as many, Cosby could be in line for a sentence of 73 years and 4 months. On the other hand, if Sharper’s number is actually only 10 women, then Cosby’s sentence could be 91 years and 8 months, five times as long as Sharper’s for five times as many women.

The next thing to consider is the fact that Sharper, at only 40 years of age, would, if he served the entire sentence, be only 59 years and one month old when we was released. If Bill Cosby were to be sentenced at some point during 2016, and if he is given a sentence similar to Sharper’s, he would be 97 years old if he lived through the entire term of imprisonment. Cosby’s advanced age might be an important factor, and one that could conceivably counteract the difference in the number of women of which he is accused as opposed to Darren Sharper, as a judge might not want Mr. Cosby to die in prison.

Perhaps the most important factor to consider is that while Darren Sharper was a top professional football player during his years in the NFL, Bill Cosby is, well…Bill Cosby.

Bill Cosby has been called “America’s Father” as the result of his successful sitcom “The Cosby Show”. He has also been heavily involved in education through ‘Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” and through his appearances on “Sesame Street” and “The Electric Company”. Cosby has also been at the forefront of Civil Rights Activism, while at the same time, attempting to hold African-Americans accountable for their own life outcomes, as evidenced by his legendary “Pound Cake” speech. While not discounting the accomplishments of Darren Sharper, there are very few people in the world that might not have some idea of who Bill Cosby is, and of what he has done during his life, and this might also factor into his criminal trial. Just as with O.J. Simpson, there might be jurists who are not willing to convict Bill Cosby because he is Bill Cosby, and if they do, his sentence might not be as severe as Sharper’s because he is Bill Cosby, and will be in or near his eighties when he is sentenced.

Darren Sharper was sentenced to 18 years and 4 months for drugging and sexually assaulting somewhere between 9 and 16 women. With a sentence of that length being handed down, how does it affect Bill Cosby, who is accused of doing the same to nearly four times as many women? As Mr. Cosby’s situation plays out, we can only wonder what mitigating circumstances might have an effect on the outcome of his criminal proceedings.

Just Because You Can Say Something, Does Not Mean That You Have To

During Olympic coverage for the BBC, a reporter appeared on camera in a skirt that stopped well above her knees, and in typical fashion, social media went crazy with the debate over whether or not her skirt was appropriate. This event was a reminder of the Republican National Convention and reporter Megan Kelly’s “thin-strapped” top. Once again, social media was set ablaze with comments, and the world was divided with their opinions, as the issue became less about the outfits and more about the opinions.

What social media has done is provided everyone who has the ability to type or text an outlet to voice their opinions on any and everything, and that includes this blog. However, just because everyone has, and is entitled to an opinion, does not mean that they all need to be heard, especially regarding topics of what a reporter wears on television with all of the celebutantes posting nude or semi-nude pictures on the internet seemingly every day.

Social media is a mechanism whereby people can say whatever they want while allowing the world into their innermost thoughts and feelings. There have been stories of people falling victim to great personal harm because of their persistent need to let the world know what they were doing and thinking. Nevertheless, just because we have the right and ability to say something, this does not mean that we are obligated to.

Surely, we all have something more important to be concerned with than what a reporter is wearing during the broadcast of a sporting event near water in a humid country. It would seem that, during an event teeming with nationalism, every viewer would be more concerned with the opportunities for their home country to accumulate victories. Here, just as at the RNC, seemingly, viewers would be more concerned with the message than with how the messenger is dressed, and there were plenty of comments on the events as well.

I am not saying that people should not be able to voice their opinions, or voice them publicly, because after all, what would I do for a living? However, when the top trending topic on Twitter is the length of a female reporter’s skirt during a summer afternoon in Brazil, it would seem that social media has allowed events like the Olympics and the Political Conventions to be reduced to superficial topics such as outfits that seem inappropriate to some while sexually arousing others. Maybe we should think before we tweet. 

Kanye versus Taylor is a Waste of Time

Perhaps, one of the saddest things going on in society today is the feud between Kanye West and Taylor Swift. This situation is getting more press than the upcoming Presidential election, because this is what we as a society care more about. Sadly, though, society cares about this sort of thing, so a senseless feud like this one makes news and will continue to do so.

In 2009, at the MTV Video Music Awards, Swift became the first solely country music act to win an award when she received the  Best Female Video award for 2009 for her video for the song "You Belong with Me". During her acceptance speech, Kanye West appeared on stage to proclaim his belief that Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” was one of the “best videos of all time”, and was more deserving of the award. What followed was apologies, interviews, a quiet phase, and then suddenly, Taylor and Kanye are the hot topic of the day with the addition of Kanye’s wife, Kim Kardashian.

The latest episode of this saga is the lyrics to a new Kanye West song features references to Taylor Swift that may or may not be complimentary, depending on your perspective, but the truth is that this is an issue that does not need to be garnering the amount of attention that it is receiving. This seems like the writer of a soap opera has run out of ideas, so he takes his most polarizing characters and pits them against one another, hoping to increase viewership.

Each of the individuals in the saga, including Kim Kardashian, have careers that need their immediate attention, so a situation like this one would seemingly be nothing more than a distraction. However, as the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad publicity. Some celebrities need nothing more than to have their names mentioned to be satisfied with their career arcs, even if the mention comes with a negative connotation. In these instances, continuing drama such as this isl welcomed.

The problem, as I see it, is that these are not three marginal celebrities who need the attention because their careers are struggling. These three individuals, including Kim, are among the tops in their fields and as such, do not need random mentions simply because they have a dispute with someone else.

If these two are truly feuding, and it is not simply an elaborate publicity stunt, the best revenge each can enact on the other would be success. If each were to strive to be the best that they could be in order to outdo the other, each of their careers would be elevated, even beyond where they currently exist within the universe, and once this happens, the real winners of this battle would be the fans.

Ali Lost it All for a Cause, but Would Anyone Else Do the Same?

With the recent passing of Muhammad Ali, much is being remembered about his life and about his impact on society. His protesting of the Vietnam War, and his willingness to go to jail rather than to fight against an enemy in a foreign lane, when there was much fighting to do here at home, is what most people remember. Unfortunately, this is only a part of the story, and the rest of the tale is what sets Ali apart from most other celebrities.

Prior to his suspension from boxing, Muhammad Ali was the Heavyweight Champion of the World in professional boxing, had won the title and had successfully defended it nine times. After his last fight before the suspension, Ali boasted a record of 29 wins against no losses with 23 knockouts. At the time, Ali was dominating his sport like few others had or will have. However, according to some recollections of Ali’s life, the champ lost considerable amounts of money during the suspension, and by the time he was again allowed to fight, Ali was said to have very little to show for his dominance of his sport, and this brings up a very interesting question: how many current celebrities would be willing to sacrifice career, fame, and all that is attached to it in order to take a stand on an issue?

There are some actors who feel that they have been blackballed by Hollywood, or labeled hard to work with because they spoke out against something related to the work, but Ali’s stance had nothing to do with boxing. Ali’s protest was political in nature, and the government at the time felt that Ali’s career was the best weapon to use against Ali’s stance on a war that ultimately cost nearly 60,000 soldiers their lives, and has permanently affected the lives of many others who were involved. Again, though, one has to ask how many currently rich and famous individuals would be willing to lose everything for the sake of a political stance.

Many celebrities and famous athletes, particularly African-American ones, are condemned because they are unwilling to take a stance, though in truth, they have all probably learned from Ali’s example. These people are probably unwilling to lose their ability to work and earn a living while forfeiting much of their fortunes. This is a choice that some make, and no one can speak out against a choice that someone makes regarding the management of their own lives. However, the unwillingness of some to take a similar stance is what makes Muhammad Ali’s choice all the more astounding.

Muhammad Ali, whether or not he was being coached by the Nation of Islam to speak out against the war, ultimately was the one who spoke the words, and was the one who chose not to accept induction into the Armed Forces. Ali made the choice to stand against the government and it was this choice that changed his life forever. Other celebrities might not be willing to sacrifice everything for a cause that they feel strongly about, but Ali was, and it is this sacrifice that will place Ali’s memory into historical discussions long after his untimely passing. 

Movies That I Cannot Surf Past

Recently, I was sitting at home, surfing channels on my television, when I came upon the third installment of Ralph Macchio’s Karate Kid series. You remember the one, where Mr. Miyagi refused to train Daniel LaRusso for the All-Valley, Under 18 Karate Tournament that he won the year before as the only significant event in his life. The one where Daniel is scheduled to face Mike Barnes, Karate’s Bad Boy, who is skilled enough to kick the crap out of Daniel even with Miyagi’s help, until Daniel beats him using the kata that he learned from Miyagi. The one that every time my wife sees me watching it she says “Oh God, not that movie again”. Anyway, if you haven’t seen the movie, I just spoiled the ending.

The point is, I was flipping channels, I saw that the movie was on, and I was compelled to watch, which lead me to ask myself, “What other movies are there that I am unable to surf past?” So, I compiled my Top 10 list, in no particular order.

1. Obviously, the Karate Kid Movies - Just the ones that feature Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso. I liked the Hilary Swank movie, as well as the Jaden Smith/Jackie Chan remake, but they don’t attract me like the Macchio films do. I guess it’s because Daniel is so much more of a loser than Swank’s and Smith’s characters are, that no matter how many times I see Daniel beat whoever the opponent is, I want to see it again because I still can’t believe that as lame as he was, he kept winning.

2. Blazing Saddles – My wife thinks that this is the most racist film ever made; and the 13 uses of the word ‘nigger’ might bear that out. However, I think that this is one of the funniest films ever, and for the same reason that she hates it. The black guy is the smartest guy in the room, and he uses that to help the white people who hate his guts. Harvey Korman as Hedly Lamarr is priceless in this film, and the racism is played for laughs. Cleavon Little’s Sherriff Bart is the most unassuming hero on film.

3. Enter the Dragon – Bruce Lee’s seminal film is not just about martial arts. Bruce plays a spy who goes undercover at a martial arts tournament in order to break up an opium ring, with the caveat that he will also be able to get revenge against the man who tormented Bruce’s sister to the point of her killing herself. Beyond the martial arts is the exposure of the drug ring, as the tournament is a front for bad guy Mr. Han to recruit soldiers for his cause. For me though, watching Bruce’s fight scenes makes me care very little about the rest of the film. Watching Bruce Lee perform is like watching Baryshnikov dance or Michael Jordan play basketball.

4. My Cousin Vinny – Perhaps the oddest film that has or will ever receive an Academy Award in an acting category (Marisa Tomei – Best Supporting Actress), this one is one of the few that truly defines my taste in entertainment. Before I felt that I could write a little bit (which was at a very young age), I wanted to be a lawyer. Today, while my wife is fascinated with medical dramas, I like the human chess of a lawyer show, and My Cousin Vinny is one of the best. I know that this is another Macchio flick, but this movie is more about the court case and the dynamics between Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei, and Joe Pesci and Fred Gwynne, the judge.

5. The Marx Brothers – Not all of the Marx Brothers movies, but just a few (Monkey Business, Night at the Opera, Duck Soup, Go West, Horse Feathers). Any of these five movies, if they are on, I will watch no matter what else is on television. The others, I will watch, depending on what else is on. That is not to say that I hate those, but these five, in my opinion, are the best five movies. The others have many of the same features, but there is either something missing (like a cohesive story in the Coconuts) or too much of something (like the music and singing in Day at the Races).

6. 12 Angry Men – Here, I am talking about the 1957, Henry Fonda film, though the 1997 remake with Jack Lemmon and Tony Danza is good too. This is a courtroom movie, but the entire film, except for one minute at the beginning and one minute at the end, takes place in the jury room. One unique note is that none of the characters have names, until the end when two of the men introduce themselves to one another. The film touches on a variety of subjects, including fatherhood, bigotry, personal relevance or the need to belong or matter, justice and the law, and this movie is much deeper than 12 men deciding the fate of a convicted murderer, which is why it is on this list.

7. Anatomy of a Murder – This film, from 1959, stars James Stewart as a defense attorney who is charged with defending a soldier who is accused of murdering the man who is accused of raping his wife. There is a scene in this movie where the judge has to forewarn the jury about laughing and snickering over the use of the word ‘panties’ during the testimony of the soldier’s wife. This scene makes me see how far entertainment and Hollywood have come and how different times are today. And of course, this is another lawyer movie.

8. The Addams Family – I always felt that Gomez Addams, as played by John Astin in the Addams Family television show, was the coolest guy on television. Raul Julia, who played Gomez in the film, took that cool to a whole other level. Everything that I remembered about the television show was in place, but ramped up just a bit, and Christopher Lloyd as Fester, was perfect casting. When Gomez does the series of backflips while dueling with his lawyer Tully, lands in his chair, catches his sword in one hand and his pen in the other, I knew that his would be a classic film, and I was not wrong.

9. A Knight’s Tale – I don’t really know why I like this movie so much, I just do. For a long time, I had never seen the first 45 minutes of the film and had no idea why Sir William was jousting, except that he was trying to step out beyond his father’s vision for him. Once I saw the entire film in one sitting, I was hooked. Sir William is a prick, but his aides are loyal to him, even though they know that he is wagering their futures on what is seemingly a longshot. Chaucer’s introductions  of William at the tournaments are the types of speeches that drama students should memorize as monologues for audition pieces, and the addition of modern music into a period piece makes the film that much more enjoyable. After all, who doesn’t want to watch a medieval era film featuring two men jousting in a tournament while Queen’s “We Will Rock You” is playing in the background and the spectators are clapping in time with the beat of the song?

10. Major League 1 & 2 – While I liked Major League 3, it did not do it for me as much as the other two, partially because much of the cast had been changed. Substituting Wesley Snipes from #1 for Omar Epps in #2 only had a minor effect on the film, but didn’t change the overall dynamic of the stories. Just like other films of that era, it was written in the Rocky style; down on your luck, given an opportunity, the obstacles seem insurmountable, winning in the end against all odds. In the late 1980s, that’s what movies were, and these two did it well.

Well, that is my list, and I welcome your comments and would love to know which films you can’t surf past. Oh, by the way, here are the films that just missed making this list:

1. Happy Gilmore – Adam Sandler’s best film in my opinion
2. Held Up – Jamie Foxx trapped in a small town convenience store while it is being robbed
3. Oscar – Sly Stallone as a mob boss trying to go straight in honor of his dying father’s last wish
4. Tap – I have always had an affection for tap dancing
5. Crossroads – Another Macchio film, but the guitar work of Steve Vai makes this film for me
6. Drumline – I was in the marching band in high school and the wife thinks that I am reliving those days
7. The Original Kings of Comedy – Bernie Mac’s set was the funniest stand-up that I had ever seen to that point, and there haven’t been many better since