Monthly Archives: February 2017

Get To Work Mr. President ! …. by, Michael Hawke

26 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in U.S. Economy

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Time To Get To Work:  President Trump has started out his administration strongly. He has been appointing very solid people for his cabinet and other key posts. He also has begun to formulate his plans to keep campaign promises as the focus of his Presidency.

The one thing he is doing wrong, and it will be his undoing if he continues, is the constant back and forth attacks on the media. Whether in his tweets, in Press Conferences, or in his rallies he should understand the American people get it. We know what he thinks about the Press…”Fake News Mostly”…. but it is time to move on. He needs to get to work. I get it and I know most voters get it too.

The media has been disgraced, proven to be liars and manipulators, clearly undressed as biased and fake. Stop the attacks Mr. President, ignore their stories, treat them like you would anyone who is an obvious liar.  We need your head in the game, not in a continued fight with the lying, cheating, media.

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Giant Ball….Killing the Game We Love………by Michael Hawke

22 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by in Sports

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Giant Ball: This is the name I have given to the sport that used to be called basketball. The current game should not be confused with the real thing.  Giant Ball is boring and eventually, when the players are all 7’0″ and taller, the game will die a natural death.

I grew up loving basketball and enjoyed playing and watching the game. I watched college, pros, listened to the games on radio, and went to see the Toledo Rockets as a kid. I played high school ball and then in the Army. That was in the late 1960s and early 1970s. By 1990 the game was done, changed forever. In dire need of resuscitation…call the paramedics!

The game changed and as President Trump might say….” it changed BIGLEY” ! For the younger people today this is the only game they know. Giant Ball is all about pushing, shoving, traveling, carrying the ball while dribbling, trotting to mid court in three long strides, intimidating referees, and dunking. I do not take away the good shooting but that has been the result of a smaller ball, hoop, and shrunken court. Too easy.

What can be done to save the game you ask? Well, I have a plan. I want to start a test league trying out different sized larger courts, taller hoops, a bigger ball, and an extra referee. This would help bring back defense, the use of the entire bench…as players will get gassed running instead of trotting…they will need need breaks. This all leads to greater strategy and finesse by teams and coaches. It will bring back the average size player to complement the big guys. It will be sport once more, and not showtime.

All I need is a former NBA star to help me save the game of basketball.  Bill Walton are you listening?

Micahel Hawke

Jihad by the Birth…and Gotchya Journalism Once Again…by, Michael Hawke

21 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by in News

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Jihad is not just by the sword. Ten years ago a famous London Imam boasted in an interview that all of Europe, including Great Britain, will be under Sharia law in twenty years or less. He said they are doing “Jihad by the Birth” with all Muslim immigrants entering Europe. These Muslim families are told to have many children. The good Imam stated how many but I do not recall…it is certainly more than four and likely closer to seven or more.

Meanwhile European young couples are reproducing at the phenomenal rate of something like 1.5 kids per couple. In other words they are not even replacing themselves. Not hard to do the math here is it?  Why are the media not doing this math?  Why not you ask? Because it would take a journalist to do this…too hard, too messy, too tough dealing with complex truths.

The recent misspeak by President Trump regarding Sweden was a mistake, not a big one either. His overall reference to Sweden and their problem was what should have been taken from it. Once again though, ” Gotchya” journalist had their story…too easy!What they did though was not just get the story wrong, they misled the American people once again. They insisted all is normal and peaceful in Sweden. So irresponsible and such a lie. Sweden is done…and their immigration policies are the reason.

But lets get to the bottom line…Sweden is in deep trouble because of their bleeding heart immigration policies of the past fifteen plus years. They are sinking and will soon not be the open, accepting, tolerant to the extreme, country they pride themselves in but instead be just the opposite. They will be an Islamic society in the strictest sense.

There are “fifty” plus “no go” regions where Sharia is strictly practiced. The police do not go into these neighborhoods without permission. Trump misspoke…not a terrorism attack in Sweden….whew…. glad to know all is well and fine there. The media will not do a fair story on what is going on in Sweden and the rest of Europe. Their story, their deduction… the President got it wrong…therefore his immigration order is in error, is somehow not…constitutional. I want to laugh but it is really not funny.

This lack of “real journalism” is dangerous. I wonder what they will be writing when the first European democratic nation falls from Jihad by the Birth?  I doubt they will write President Trump had it right.

Yet today they report  all smug with their story in hand….The President is somehow a stupid….there was no terror attack in Sweden last week.

 

 

 

 

Sunday Reflections….by, Michael Hawke

19 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in Motivation, Spiritual, Uncategorized

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Baseball: The season is about to start.. At 64 I still get eager to see the players go to Spring Training. The opener will be upon us. So many lessons for the game of life from the greatest game of sport.

” There ain’t no man can avoid being born average. But there ain’t no man got to be common”.  Satchel Paige

Shoulders Back, Head Up: Most of us are not heads of state, brilliant scientists, CEOs, or supremely talented artists. We may be average, but we need not be common. Common expects too much without giving anything in return. Common always takes the lazy way out. We can do better! “Today I will endeavor to stand out from the crowd in at least one small way. I will be upbeat even if I seem to have every reason to be down and depressed”. Patricia Loren

Love: “Greater love has no one than this-that he lay down his life for his friend”. John 15:12-24

Reliance on God: “It has to begin over and over again…as if nothing has yet been done”. Gen.Y

Potential: “To unlock your potential you must first open your mind”. Mk

Facts: “Facts are stubborn thing”s.  John Adams

Education: “Without education you are nothing”.  Malcom X

 

The Daily Mix…….by, Michael Hawke

17 Friday Feb 2017

Posted by in Character, Uncategorized

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HARRISON’S FLYING: Flying an airplane is a great experience but is not for the faint of heart. For those of us who fly we see it as an “acceptable risk”. Do things right, follow the rules, be safety minded….you will likely live a long time and go places few human beings, in all of history, have only dreamed of going.

An old pilot truism states; “there are old pilots and there are bold pilots…but there are no old, bold pilots”.  Harrison Ford is an “old pilot” and he got that way by being safe and professional in his flying. He will no doubt learn what went wrong, make a mental fix, and continue to be a “pro” flying safely for many years to come. I would fly with him any day.

As an afterthought John Wayne International is a busy airport and can be tricky due to the mix of small planes and commercial jets flying in and out of the same airspace and landing on the same runway.

QUINN’S ALE HOUSE-SHERATAON SAN DIEGO: I must put in a plug for one of the best kept secrets in San Diego. Quinn’s very youthful, and friendly staff make this a great place to eat dinner, grab a happy hour, or just end the day with an ice cream and tea. Great prices, quality food and drink. Quinn’s is a fun,sophisticated, pub. Kudos to Julia, Jana, and Justin….great servers!

EXCELLENCE:  “Excellence can be attained if you Care more than others think is wise, Risk more than others think is safe, Dream more than others think is practical, and Expect more than others think is possible”.  Author Claude Bissell

DON’T LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE: My father shared this with me when I was a small boy. It has many applications that go well beyond the monetary benefits. I have remembered this and cherish it. I have also proven it true as much by not following the principle as I have by following it.

DUTY FREES US: Nothing is more freeing in life than the “force of duty”- duty to God, to self, to family, to church, to work, to country…duty frees!

STAND STRONG: Permanence, perseverance and persistence in the face of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities; it is these things that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak. You can be strong….!

 

 

 

 

PET PEEVES…….. By Michael Hawke

15 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by in humor, Uncategorized

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DAWDLING STREET CROSSERS: I wonder how these people get anything done. They make turtles look like Great Danes. They walk any slower and they will be going backwards. What makes these people fail to process that when they drive they have to wait for snails like themselves?  There should be a timer…get across before a horn beeps or get fined, and or run over.

RUDE MOTORCYCLISTS:  You are in stop and go commuter traffic on the freeway. You sit there thinking, listening to your radio, or just mindlessly half awake. Then out of nowhere a guy on a bike comes shooting up between the lanes, all legal mind you,  and buzzes so close to your car you nearly jump off the seat.  The noise and whoosh of air which made you jump also made you very mad. Off they go…there you continue to sit.

The mufflers on some bikes are so loud they could cause ear damage. These riders love to run through parking garages setting off the car alarms. They never get caught or ticketed for the noise abuse.

Lane weaving at speeds pushing a 100 mph in traffic. These guys have a death wish. I always pray they will not “eat it” in front of me as I do not want to pick these idiots up and try to save them after subjecting innocent drivers to their horrific crash.

SOCCOR PLAYERS WHO FLOP: The fake injury in professional soccer is ridiculous. It brings the game away from the great athletic sport it is and moves it toward Big Time Wrestling. Stop the flops.

BULLY BOSSES: These people are the worst. They know nothing about real leadership, are very insecure, and create toxic work environments. These bosses need to be booted.

MEDIA WHO PRETEND TO DO JOURANALISM: The drive by media, mostly to the left and liberal, have surrendered their journalistic duty in order to take part in the political parties. They specialize in disinformation, lies, and fake stories. What a shame that today people can no longer get objective news reported to them.

WEAK POLITICAL LEADERS:  The San Diego City Council is very weak. Only one board member is able to stand up to the media and lobby pressures and vote for his constituents.  In general most politicians specialize in self preservation and self centered thinking. They also feed off the corrupt lobby system.

HOMELESS PEOPLE BEGGING ON EVERY CORNER: I do not judge or begrudge them for this. I hold the municipalities at fault. I can think of ten jobs that would help the community and also benefit these people. There is so much that can be done to help them get back on track. Mostly the city just talks and talks…..things get worse and worse.

 

Sunday Reflections: …. by, Michael Hawke

12 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in Motivation, Spiritual, Uncategorized

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Pope Francis on Super Bowl:  The Pope gave a message prior to the Super Bowl in which he stressed the importance of ” Sports “. He said something to the effect that sport provides an avenue to bridge differences, build teamwork, and bring out the best in the human spirit. He did not predict the winner, or say who he wanted to win. Given the “miracle win ” by the Patriots….. there can be little doubt who the Pope rooted for.

St. Joseph Cathedral, San Diego: I attended Mass this morning at St. Josheph’s in San Diego. The church is very beautiful and the music and message were inspirational. The pastor gave a short message on giving to the poor. His name is iconic….Father Patrick J. Mulcahy. No, he was not on MASH but he is definitely a “doer” . He recently donated his kidney to a person in need.

Rosary Cathedral, Toledo Ohio: This is one of the most famous churches in North America. The Cathedral was modeled after a historical Cathedral in it’s sister city of Toledo, Spain. The cathedral has a basilica floor plan and reflects famous European cathedrals of the medieval model. Wikipedia has a thorough background from construction, which was completed in 1931 during the height of the depression, to the most recent restoration. The artwork on the ceiling is like that of the Sistine Chapel. You walk the marble floors and your footsteps echo. It is a magnificent feeling to be in this cathedral. There is no better place to quiet ones heart in mediation and prayer. My mother and father were married in this cathedral in 1945.

In Everything Give Thanks: This theme is present throughout the Scriptures. There is no more clear passage than in the book of I Thessalonians where the Apostle Paul writes in verses 6-10. Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica about the importance of spiritual growth and trusting God in all things. He does not say we should be ” thankful for all things” but says “in everything give thanks…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.

The early church in Thessalonica was under great persecution and tribulation. The Apostle Paul was writing to remind them, to encourage them, that in all things God is in control. All human beings have trials and tribulations of various sorts, some rather annoying, some very challenging and life defining. When we give thanks to God we are not saying we are joyous in the pain, but rather we are leaning on the Lord for strength and peace to get through to the finish. We must remember that God is always there with us and the key is to trust in Him to carry us through.

Proverb of the Day: Prov. 12:25 “Anxiety in the heart of man weighs it down, but a good word is makes it glad”.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 92:1 “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, Oh Most High”.

 

 

 

The Daily Mix…….. by Michael Hawke

09 Thursday Feb 2017

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SUPER BOWL LESSON:  If I have to take one lesson away from watching the New England Patriots come from way behind….did I say way behind?… to win the game it would be this; ” Never Give Up…Never Give Up….Never, Never, Never, Give Up!” This must be Tom Brady’s personal mantra.

PATRIOTS OWNER A TRUE PATRIOT: New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft was said to have held a team meeting early in the season regarding the National Anthem protests by NFL players, most notably San Francisco quarterback Colin Kapaernick.  Kraft told all his players that brave patriots have died for their right to make millions playing football and there would be no protests by the team. He then said that if any of them wanted to designate and donate to a charity of their choosing he would match their gift. I guess that is putting your money where your mouth is. Patriots win Super Bowl, 49rs finish dead last. Karma.

PRESIDENT TRUMP IS ACTING LIKE A LEADER: The reason the media and liberal elites are so in a tizzy is they have never been around a real leader.  A leader does not lift his finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing…no time to worry about the wind, whichever way it blows he is focused only on his goals and promises.   Donald Trump is a builder by nature and while he is in office he will be redesigning and building so many things with the end state being a stronger, safer, nation. God Bless him.

SEVEN TERROR COUNTRIES:  The seven countries targeted in the ban on immigrating to the United States are terrorist havens. Banning entry from these countries until better vetting can be developed is only logical. There is no right to enter the United States because of refugee status. I note that Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai, the Emerites, Jordon, and Egypt are not taking refugees from these countries. These are Arab and or Muslim countries.

The larger issue here is the Federal Courts taking control of deciding what is and what is not a national security need. This is the responsibility of the President and not the Courts. Last I checked Federal Judges do not have security clearances, are not briefed daily by the NSA and Homeland Security on terror threats, and they do not have the right to handcuff the executive branch at whim. The danger goes way beyond this matter as Presidents need to be able to be decisive when it comes to our security. The Supreme Court will rule the Judges stay is wrong but in the mean time the liberal media and the left will continue to manipulate this into an anti religion issue. Too bad the media lost their way and no longer knows how to do real journalism.  Lets hope President Trump wins this fight.

Michael Hawke

 

Sunday Reflections…….By Michael Hawke

05 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in Spiritual, Uncategorized

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ANXIETY: The 21st Century will be known as the “Anxiety Century”. Certainly no one, or almost no one, on the planet is free from anxiety. In the West we are almost universally a “stressed out people”.  We seem to go out of our way to make our lives stressful. From cell phones to drones to driverless cars things are really going hard and fast. The apostle Paul wrote in the book of Philippian’s about this problem way back in the 1st Century. The church was being persecuted widely and martyrdom of the faithful was common. He wrote the following which is quite applicable to our modern day;

Phil. 4:6-8  ” Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Whatever is true, whatever pure, whatever is right, if there is anything worthy of praise, think upon these things.”

Happy Sunday and may this verse be a help to you in the coming week.

Michael Hawke

 

“Gotchya” Media Reporting…. A Far Stretch From Professional Journalism. by….. Michael Hawke

01 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by in middle east politics, Uncategorized

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Liars: As Mark Twain once said there are three kinds of liars; there are liars, there are damned liars, and there are lawyers. I would have to say lawyers do not hold a candle to the lying and shameless manipulation the Media displays every day in our country.

Facts On The 7 Country Ban:  This is not a Muslim Ban….please get the facts right Media. This is a ban on immigrants or travelers from these countries. It is a temporary ban.

1. There are between 7 and 8 Billion people on planet Earth today. That’s a lot of folks. Most of these people live on or below the margins of the poverty level.

2. There are between 1.6 and 2 Billion Muslims.

3. There are roughly 220 Million Muslims living in the seven countries listed in the recent travel ban. This is roughly 13% of all Muslims living in the world today. Most of all those other Muslims are free to travel to the U.S.

4. The seven countries are: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Sudan.

5. In these seven countries less then 2% is other than Muslim.

6. These 7 countries are havens for terrorist and are all anti Christian and anti Jewish. They also execute gays and treat women as property. There are a variety of radical Islamic groups in these countries.

7. Vetting people coming from these countries is to insure we are only letting in good people who wish to visit and or emigrate to America. Vetting is not a new thing it a common practice by many countries including our own.

8. The Media incited these protestors by giving them a platform and by not doing their job which is to present the facts…just the facts please. The Media has forgotten how badly they lost along with Hillary Clinton. They are still clinging to their old methods, apparently forgetting the American People have figured them out. That is why Donald Trump is President. This might be a time to move back to Journalism and stay outside of the political arena.  Credibility is easy to lose but very hard to regain.

 

Michael Hawke