Jethro Tull at 50 Rocks The Rose

by

Mike Scinto

The year was 1968. I was a sophomore at Carroll High School in Dayton, Ohio. I was also the singer in a startup garage band. The drummer in that band, a student of jazz-style drums, was one of my best friends. While my preferred genre of music was classic rock I decided to check out two jazz-style albums that he thought would be break-through releases. The albums were “This Was” and “Stand Up” by a “guy” named Jethro Tull. I was an instant convert and besides loving the music, I also learned quickly that Jethro Tull wasn’t a man, but the band.

          Let’s fast-forward to last evening at The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, Ohio. Kathy and I experienced what might have been one of the final live performances of the current line-up, from the more than 36 players over the past 50 years, carrying the Jethro Tull name. The one constant in that select group has been Ian Anderson, the founder and consummate leader. Many who, like me, thought he WAS Jethro Tull, are only half wrong; without his leadership, flute and vocals there would be no Jethro Tull.

The current tour, “Ian Anderson Presents the 50^th Anniversary of Jethro Tull” (50 years and 50 dates) was a definite trip down memory lane. From the opening song, “My Sunday Feeling” which was the first Tull song I ever heard up to the hugely successful classic “Aqualung” and the encore of “Locomotive Breath”, the tunes took us on a journey from the “country jazz” roots to the hard-driven rock and roll that makes this band, and leader true classics!

The show was completely sold out and there wasn’t a vacant seat in the center, except for a brief intermission allowing attendees to catch their breath between performances and grab a cold beverage on this warm summer night. Anderson has said this would be his final tour; although I remember the same warning on the 20^th anniversary tour. By the way, several folks sitting around us had on the t-shirts from that 1988 tour. If that’s the case, Kathy and I were privileged to hear Anderson offer up these classic pieces of music history. If the band continues on we’ll take our seats for the 60^th anniversary tour a decade down the road. This was another feather in the cap of The Rose bringing current stars and seasoned legends to our region and putting Huber Heights on the performance map.

One congratulatory comment to The Rose Music Center at the Heights; we actually got to see the show! When I was 20 years old, I was standing right down front at concerts rocking out to the music. I realize now, in my seasoned years, how annoying it can be to pay for seats and the person in front of you stands up from the opening note to the encore. You either don’t see anything or have to stand the entire time. For venues it’s almost impossible to enforce a “stay in your seats” rule. The Rose DID IT! It’s the first time I’ve seen it announce and successfully enforce a stay seated rule! Hats off to The Rose! We all stood for “Aqualung” and “Locomotive Breath” but those are the classics and at the end of the show. It made for an even more enjoyable night!

The season is winding down but Yes, American Idol Live, Ziggy Marley and REO Speedwagon are yet to appear this season. For great seats and a fantastic evening, grab your tickets and your memories now at http://rosemusiccenter.com.

Daughtry Owns the Stage at The Rose Music Center at The Heights

By

Mike Scinto

When Kathy and I attend a concert, we have several observational gauges. One of those is watching how long attendees are on their feet for the show when they have perfectly good seats they purchased. We’ve attended a number of shows of different musical styles, with the players bringing the crowd to its feet for performing their classic hits, or songs with driving beats that simply prevent the audience from being able to stay seated. The longer the crowd is up, the better the performance. Using that criteria alone, Daughtry, the leader and the band that carries the singer’s name, was a runaway hit this week at The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, Ohio.

As an attendee, and a reviewer, I hope for a great concert. But as a guy with more than a few miles on his body, those seats can feel mighty comfortable! From the first glimpse of the group coming on stage for the show, until the final “Thank you Huber Heights, we love you” every person in The Rose was on their feet; for driving rock songs, to slower tunes, to the set breaks. Those seats were never occupied.

       You’d never know Chris Daughtry came in 3^rd in 2006 on American Idol. You’d think with his showmanship and command of the stage he must have been the stand-alone winner. He finished just behind winner Taylor Hicks (who?) and Katherine McPhee, now known for her acting and not her singing. Chris Daughtry never slowed down and immediately after the finale, turned down lucrative offers to front established bands in favor of staying with his existing band members and making his music, his way and collecting a truly dedicated army of fans along the way.

There are bands that turn out hit after hit for years and that’s the basis for their success. That’s not why the packed house was there that night. Daughtry hasn’t had a slew of radio hits. In fact, the best known tune the band performed that night was “Home”, one of their earliest songs. No, the crowd wanted to see the man, the performer and the owner of the stage do his music, with his band and his people out in the house. And that he did. It was a superb show start to finish.

One side observation, from all we’ve seen and heard Chris Daughtry is a good man. In an age when performers trade in girlfriends, boyfriends, and spouses, like they trade in cars, Daughtry has been married to the same lady since 2000 and is a proud Daddy too. Those qualities, at least in my view, round out the package that is Daughtry.

School may be back in session but it’s not too late for you to catch some fresh air concerts at The Rose. A few of the remaining shows this season; Dee Snider, Alice Cooper, Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull at 50, American Idol Tour and REO Speedwagon. For tickets or information about the venue or the shows, simply go to www.rosemusiccenter.com

       We’ll see you at The Rose!

The Rose; A Treasure Blooming in The Heights

By

Mike Scinto

The greater Dayton, Ohio community has suffered, as other cities across the nation have, since the economic downturn on the early and mid-2000s. To be quite honest I had, in this column and on the air, written off the “Gem City” as being on its last legs.

We interrupt this eulogy for fantastic news! There are two main venues that have generated a massive rebirth of the Dayton area and have injected the excitement of a growing and thriving entertainment experience; and all that goes along with it.

Eighteen seasons after bringing professional baseball to this area, the Dayton Dragons and 5/3 Field have breathed new life into a blighted section of downtown Dayton along the river. Along with baseball in those nearly 20 years has come the demolition of abandoned buildings and the conversion of many of those same sites into condominiums, restaurants, shops and breweries.

To be certain the Schuster Center for the Performing Arts has been a shot in the arm for downtown, but nothing like the boom with the Dragons.

Heading up a little north of Dayton, you arrive in Huber Heights. I, as a product of the ‘60s and ‘70s age of massive rock concerts and outdoor festivals, exciting music of all genres and fans wanting to feel like they’re a part of that movement, have been amazed at how The Rose Music Center at the Heights has recaptured that passion and excitement, and made it accessible to those who want to recapture memories and make new ones moving forward.

The Rose broke ground in 2013 and the first act took the stage in 2015. The 2018 season, about half way along, is the most exciting to date. Bands and individuals who command (past and present) huge dollars and much larger venues truly enjoy the uniqueness and relative intimacy of The Rose.

Kathy and I have seen The Doobie Brothers, The Monkees (at 50), ZZ Top, Blues Traveler, the cast of “Nashville” in Concert, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac) and the list goes on. We have yet to see a bad show, had a bad seat or bad experience of any kind. From parking, to entering, to post show souvenir-buying it’s how attending a show was meant to be. It’s truly an activity where you’ll know you got your money’s worth.

Huber Heights needed a shot in the arm and The Rose was just what the doctor ordered. The outdoor venue, with about 4200 seat capacity, is big enough to attract the new and seasoned acts but open and airy enough so you don’t feel like you’re suffocating. There is literally not a bad seat in The Rose. We’ve shared seats with avid fans of bands who travel nationwide to catch shows. One couple who have traveled thousands of miles over decades to see The Doobies commented The Rose was, hands down, the best place to enjoy the concert of any they had visited; and the most affordable too! And the dining, lodging and amenities in the area are icing on the cake.

            You still have plenty of opportunities for some fantastic concerts this season. In July alone Ted Nugent, Kansas and the legendary Hank Williams, Jr. In August the Rose welcomes George Thorogood and the Destroyers and Daughtry. And in September taking the stage will be Alice Cooper, Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull 50^th Anniversary Tour, Yes and the American Idol Live Tour. And that’s just a partial list!

            You feel like you’re at a neighborhood cookout where they just happen to have some of the greatest performers on tour to entertain you. And every season is bigger and better than the previous year. Be a part of this explosion in The Heights. For a complete list of dates and information visit  http://www.rosemusiccenter.com/. We’ll see you at The Rose!

Root Cause of a Scary Problem

by 

Mike Scinto 

Talk Show Host/Columnist 

How do we control one of the most emotional, maddening, frightening, life-changing issues that challenges the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; children taking guns to school to harm or kill other students and/or teachers? Is there an easy answer to that question? Is the answer stronger gun laws as it relates to ownership and background checks? Should we ban guns altogether? Should the age of those buying and owning weapons be raised?

The truth is there’s no easy answer but with each school shooting the battle lines are drawn again, tempers flare and fingers are pointed. I don’t know a single conservative or liberal who isn’t moved to tears with each occurrence of this horrendous new reality in America today.

I’m offering, for your consideration, a point that will also be controversial but one that I feel goes to the very core of the problem. It is also a point that I don’t hear discussed much as a cause, or fix for the ever-increasing frequency of these tragedies.

I believe the problem has its root in the nuclear family. Of course there are some few exceptions but if you look at these cases going back to Columbine, that most would agree was the beginning, these young shooters (or would be shooters) had stockpiles of weapons in their homes, right under the noses of their parents or guardians. Their behavior, questionable Internet activity, gathering of explosives and guns happened right in their homes. When questioned, family members scratch their heads and say their children had isolated themselves, they had been either loners or hanging out with questionable friends and while given curfews and rules, ignored or bent those rules more and more often before launching the attacks.

In the interest of full disclosure I will confess up front that I could best have been categorized as a helicopter parent. Our son didn’t like it. My wife understood but thought I went a bit overboard, but looking at him today I wouldn’t change a thing!

If he said he was going to a friend’s house, I made sure he did. If he was going to the mall or a movie, he’d better be there. If he said he was taking the car and running to the store, the mileage had better check out. I tried to do my monitoring in an inconspicuous way. I’d occasionally be spotted but generally went undetected.

One legitimate argument against my practice was that it didn’t let him develop the understanding of right and wrong on his own. It wasn’t teaching him responsibility. There’s merit to both of those statements. But as I said, I have no regrets. He’s a responsible working man on the same job long-term now and is respected and liked by coworkers and management.

I can tell you without any question he would never have stockpiled weapons, planned attacks or had such critical personality swings that would have gone unnoticed or unchallenged by his mother or me.

I’ve heard folks say they can’t watch their children 24 hours a day or be an around-the-clock nanny for them. I say that’s the very attitude that has brought us to this point today! Besides being a good husband, God put me here to parent, guide, correct and raise our children. It’s not when my job allows, when my golf foursome didn’t have a tee time or as soon as hunting season was over. My job as a parent was 24/7/365 no exceptions.

If more parents had that attitude and goal I believe the frequency of these massacres by children on children would come to a grinding halt, or at least appreciably slow down.

A couple of disclaimers; despite how I may have sounded, we were far from the perfect parents and our son had his share of issues and challenges. And I also understand that what I’m suggesting will likely not happen in America. But I felt like I had to put it out there for consideration.

You see, I believe you can ban all the weapons you want, pass all the stronger gun laws you can create and drill and educate students, teachers and first responders but until parenting becomes our first and foremost priority in life, nothing is going to change.

Please let me know if you agree or disagree at mikescintocolumns@gmail.com.

Winter Olympics; All the Excitement of Watching a Turtle Race

by

Mike Scinto

Allow me to reinforce my macho image before I begin this column. I love sports. I played sports in school, played in adult leagues as I got older, coached our son for 13 years in soccer and baseball and never passed on a chance to compete. Now that I’ve established that I’m a man’s-man, on to my message. I am feeling a bit strange right now. I’m feeling like the ugly American. At the very least

I’m feeling guilty by my total lack of interest in what my fellow planetary citizens all appear to find fascinating. I have no interest whatsoever in the Winter Olympics!

I’ve tried. Oh, I’ve tried hard! I crank on the fireplace, kick back in my lounger with my favorite snacks and adult beverage, my dog Oreo on my lap and my remote control nearby. Within a few minutes I realize I’d dozed off; and I hadn’t even opened my adult beverage yet. I tried to watch the opening ceremonies. Surely THAT would hold my interest. Shortly into it some dude from somewhere had taken his shirt off, oiled his body up and was carrying the flag in the sub-freezing South Korean night. Again, was it just me that I can’t get into it?

I decided to get a good night’s sleep. I read some manly car customizing magazines, watched the highlights of Super Bowl LII and caught up on my past episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful. I should be ready for action on night number two of the Olympics; WRONG! It was another snore fest for me.

I decided I could either do some self-evaluation or pay some over-educated shrink, up to his eyeballs in student loans, to diagnose me. I chose the first option. Why don’t I like the Winter Olympics?

I think it’s the whole package that has me turned off. I never have liked the cold weather. I’m a warm weather outdoor guy and always have been. As the years go by, the cold weather appeals to me even less. That includes sitting for several hours watching other people freezing their buns off skating, skiing, sliding and whatever else they do while the air is colder than my deep-freeze here at home.

I think I’m a bit ADHD as well; tough to concentrate sometimes. When the games are half-way around the world and the stuff I’m watching happened last night or early this morning, I get lost analyzing the technology.

It’s on NBC the most boring sports network possible. I can‘t even make fun of Bob Costas who didn’t get to go to the games or the Super Bowl after saying something about the NFL being a dead sport; not the wisest way to get to cover the networks two hottest sports events.

No, I have no interest in the Winter Olympics at all and I’m hoping it’s NOT because I need testosterone shots. But it’ll help me fall asleep at night if I’m having trouble. Guys, email me and tell me you aren’t into it either and ladies, reassure me at least some of you have a significant other who isn’t watching either; and you’re okay with that.

I suppose it’ll all be finished soon. Then I’ll be complaining about the rebirth of “professional” football in the XFL. It’s like they’re just trying to make me mad! Okay, the 5000 meters speed skating is on now. Good night!

Let me know how you feel at mikescintocolumns@gmail.com

Let Good Samaritan Go With Dignity

by 

Mike Scinto 

It never ceases to amaze me how citizens in the city of Dayton, and most of its liberal and progressive leaders, never like it when a business decides it’s not profitable to continue operating in the city. It happens with shopping centers, grocery stores, nearly empty school buildings and most recently Good Samaritan Hospital. City and community leaders believe they somehow have the unique power to make better decisions than the owners and operators of those businesses.

Premier Health made the difficult decision to close the Good Sam campus by the end of 2018. Dayton, per capita, is above the national average in the number of hospitals servicing this community; even without Good Sam. Some buildings on the hospital campus are over 60 years old. Sources told me that studies show it would cost close to $100 million just to bring the infrastructure up to code. That’s not including the huge amount to make the care facility competitive through ongoing updates.

Another interesting, and relevant fact discovered is that a large percentage of the population living around Good Samaritan Hospital actually choose Miami Valley Hospital for their care even with Good Sam in their back yard. And while we’re addressing distance to a facility, Dayton does not have a massive footprint. You’re minutes from any hospital wherever you live in Dayton. The trend of the future is away from the hospital anyway and to area urgent care facilities, then home.

It just astounds me how people will tell, or attempt to tell, private businesses when and where they can operate. The Mayor of Dayton, as is the case with most things with which she interferes, needs to stay out of it. Let the free market take its course and dictate when, and where hospitals can and will locate or cease operations.

Unfortunately Dayton is not a thriving, growing community. In fact at best its population is flat, which isn’t a good thing for growth in any business. Under the governance of the current short-sighted city leadership that isn’t likely to change. The progressives in Gem City government are swimming upstream against a strong current. Our country is in a healing mode. An important part of that gives wealth back to the people rather than a government that squeezes out as much as it can from the population. It’s also an era when government allows business to flourish, or fail, on its own without outside interference and regulation acting as an anchor.

We all have memories about friends, family, coworkers or even ourselves being served or saved by Good Samaritan. It’s never easy saying goodbye to an old friend, but sometimes by reluctantly cutting those ties, greater things arise; better health care, lower cost treatments and more state-of-the-art facilities.

I’m not an expert on what it costs to operate, promote, update and run a hospital. I’m guessing most of you aren’t either and I’m sure the person occupying the Dayton Mayor’s office, and offering jabs about the decision to close Good Samaritan, doesn’t have a clue. So Mayor, and other leaders in the community, let’s let the marketplace do what it does best on its own. It might not be what you like. It definitely will be an adjustment but attempting to interfere using emotional pleas will accomplish nothing.

Let’s take a long, hard look at what the Gem City used to be as the hub of the Miami Valley. Maybe it’s time to let go of the old “hands-on”, big government policies of the past and let the city breathe! Start by allowing Premier Health to streamline its hospital system and let Good Sam go with real dignity and not fruitless controversy and bickering.

Let me know how you feel at mikescintocolumns@gmail.com

The Doobies Still Going Strong

The Doobies Still Going Strong

By

Mike Scinto

                When my wife Kathy and I saw the Doobie Brothers in 1976 at Hemisfair Arena in San Antonio, Texas little did we know we’d be sitting on an early autumn evening at The Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, Ohio 41 years later enjoying many of the same classic tunes performed as well, or even better, by the band that seems as though it hasn’t missed a beat; The Doobie Brothers. Before I talk about the flawless, in fact nearly perfect show by the headliners, I want to tell you about the great pairing of the Doobies with the opening band for the night, J D and the Straight Shot.

                I’ve never been one to label a performer, or buy the labels attached to them. I know many of you choose what you listen to based on those labels so as best as I can do it the group is a mix of blues, classic/new rock and a dash of folk/storytelling thrown in. Kathy and I loved the show and both thought it was a perfect match and opening for the Doobie Brothers.  J D and the Straight Shot, new to both of us, featured some of their standards interspersed with new entries from their just-released album, “Good Luck and Good Night”.  Some of the tunes they shared from the new album were “The Ballad of Jacob Marley” (a different focus on the deceased business partner of Scrooge), “I know You Know I Know” and a revisit of the Three Dog Night classic “Shambala”. This band could easily be a headliner in a venue like The Rose. Because of my role as a talk show host I tend to listen to news on the radio in my travels and only occasionally to music. The greatest compliment I can pay J D and the Straight Shot: the next day I bought the new album and have lost myself in the music all the way through when I’m on the road!

                As we awaited the Doobie Brothers to take the stage we chatted with the couple sitting next to us. To say they were fans of the group would be quite an understatement. You see, they drove from St. Louis to catch the show and were turning around and heading back right after; and that’s quite a drive for one concert! And to make their story even more unique, this was the 35^th time they had taken in the Doobies! Oh, and of all they venues they had visited, they liked The Rose Music Center best.  The couple sitting directly in front of us overheard us sharing our 1976 San Antonio story and turned around and told us they saw the band on that same tour, same year, together right here in Dayton.

                There’s very little I can say here about the legendary band that hasn’t been seen, heard or experienced many times over its nearly half-century existence. As I’ve already noted the classics came one after the other all evening. The crowd was on its feet, singing along and moving to the beat. The shopping list of titles like “Jesus is Just Alright”, “Long Train Runnin”, “Takin’ It To The Streets”, “Take Me in Your Arms” and of course “China Grove” were followed by the encore of “Listen to The Music”. This wasn’t a concert, it was venturing into living history. On a side note, after the 1976 show we took a short drive “down around San Anton” and saw the real China Grove.

                How fortunate we are in the Miami Valley to have a venue like The Rose Music Center in which to fully enjoy historic shows like this as well as new artists who, in coming years, we can say that we saw them at The Rose “back when”. For any information about shows, tickets or directions visit http://www.rosemusiccenter.com/.

Nashville In Concert

By

Mike Scinto

                Music is a medium that, like no other, binds us together, reflects our joy and pain and transports us to another place and time just by hearing a few verses; no matter what else we’re doing. Every once in a while a TV show  captures those emotions and feelings and gives us a look inside the music as well as inside those who write, produce and perform it. “Nashville” on the CMT Network is one such show. It’s captured the hearts of millions, including Kathy’s and mine. We don’t miss an episode.  When we heard the cast was touring we knew we had to be a part of this event.

                Having been in radio and TV for four decades, I was more than aware of the façade actors are capable of showing us when performing on stage, or digitally on a show.  So, while I love the show “Nashville” I wasn’t sure what to expect on stage. I was aware that one of the unique aspects of the show from the beginning was that the actors were actually performing the songs they delivered.  So how would that translate to a live concert? And the characters portrayed seemed very real to us. What should we expect from the “actors” portraying them that night? I took my seat at the Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, Ohio expecting a decent show. What actually happened was that I was blown away! As you can imagine, I’ve been to many concerts over the years. The production, delivery and artistry of this show were almost unparalleled!  The actors (performers) were as real as they appeared on the show. There appeared to be no pretense about them. I went expecting to see actors attempting to come off as musicians and what I saw was musicians who were more than able to share their lives, and skills, through their acting.

                Charles Esten (Deacon), Jonathan Jackson (Avery) and Chris Carmack (Will) grabbed those of us in the audience and didn’t let go! The only thing missing was that Clare Bowen (Scarlett) was ill that night and couldn’t make it and, while we certainly missed her, the show was still outstanding! It was seriously very difficult to separate the actor from the character. Deacon, Will and Avery gave their hearts and souls to the music (which it was clear they loved) as well as to the fans. And it was equally clear they adored the fans as much as we appreciated them. They were real. The show was real and those attending on that beautiful, starlit late summer night got their money’s worth and more. We also came away realizing when we turn on “Nashville” from now on, we’re watching more than actors playing roles. We’re watching a (unrelated) family getting pure pleasure and joy from sharing their lives, real and scripted, with all of us kicking back in our family rooms watching.

As I mentioned, it was a perfect summer night with a cool breeze, in the open air at a fabulous venue that is unbelievably crowd-friendly, The Rose Music Center. You realize that the performers are top notch but the venue, by design, makes you feel like it was designed for your convenience in the plan. The helpful Rose staff, from the parking lot attendants to the ticket takers and ushers, makes you feel totally welcome.  The concessions and patio tables make you forget you’re at a stadium and feel more like a neighborhood festival and the parking is easy-in and easy-out with cooperation between the team and Huber Heights police. Oh, and there literally isn’t a bad seat in the house! I’ve been asked that time and time again by readers who’ve seen my reviews. Every seat is fantastic! There are still great concerts at The Rose this season and there are huge names from yesterday and today for your enjoyment. Don’t miss two classic members of Fleetwood Mac together on stage performing their classics and future classics from their new album entitled “Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie” when the duo takes the stage August 8, 2017. Go to http://www.rosemusiccenter.com/ and be a part of it all!

Mike Scinto is a 40 year veteran radio and TV talk show host and Osman C. Hooper award-winning columnist. He’s served as a contributor for Fox News Channel, local and national radio and TV talk show host and is a proud disabled American Veteran of the USAF. Mike has been married for 41 years and has two wonderful adult children. Reach Mike on Twitter @mikescintoshow, Facebook at facebook.com/mikescintoshow or email mikescintoshow@gmail.com

Just Call Me "Clinton", Please

               Beginning today if you see me out and about and would like to get my attention, just shout out “Hey, Clinton”! You see I’ve decided to officially change my name. The name Clinton has some magical power that keeps the owner of that name from ever facing consequences for misdeeds, planned or accidental. In other words, in Monopoly terms, it’s a perpetual “Get out of jail free” card.

                I began to suspect as much decades ago when then President Bill Clinton escaped unscathed when female after female suggested alleged inappropriate advances from the then Arkansas Governor and later President; everything from perverted comments to full-on attempted assaults. Those allegations ended, as far as we know, with the now-infamous under the desk, cigar-manipulating dalliances in the Oval Office. All he seemed to extract from those adventures was increased popularity among liberals, and outrageous speaking fee demands after leaving office.

                Keeping it in the family, wife Hillary has escaped more often than Houdini in his prime! I’m not even sure where to start with the presumptive 2016 Democrat Presidential nominee. I’ll pick her greatest hits. Let’s start with the Whitewater scam that for many younger voters is too far back to recall. Let’s just say if things had been handled properly way back then, she’d likely just be getting released from prison today rather than calling the furniture movers to slide back into the White House.

                Let’s move forward to the Benghazi tragedy. Four brave Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens lost their lives after reportedly asking for additional security hundreds of times only to fall on deaf ears in the State Department, headed by Secretary Hillary Clinton. To the untrained eye this could range from neglect to incompetence. Regardless of the label, those four souls still lost their lives. The Clinton magic worked again. She skated.

                Then I sat eagerly and watched FBI Director James Comey lay out a very convincing case against Hillary for use of a private server to share Top Secret emails that, as he explained, was a felonious act; whether intentional or accidental. She should have known better, as he stated numerous times. He methodically challenged how she dropped the ball and could, and likely did, allow critical information to leak out via the Internet. His comments would have made convincing prosecutorial opening and closing remarks at her trial. I listened to that for 14 minutes of a 17 minute press conference. I thought to myself “Justice, finally”! Then the other shoe dropped. In the concluding 3 minutes he explained why she should not be prosecuted. With the timing, delivery, washing of the hands of the Attorney General in the process it looked and sounded like a well-orchestrated draft of a Hollywood script. To be honest it stinks!

                There is still a chance, remote as it might be, there could be a challenge of the handling, or laundering, of money through the Clinton Foundation. But as I said, it’s a mere dream at this point.

                So “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” would apply here. I’m filing to officially change my name to Clinton so that anything past, present or future that I’m accused of that might be viewed as immoral, illegal or unethical will simply be swept under the carpet. On a serious note, that anybody could even think about casting a ballot for this woman who not only performed in this manner, but lied repeatedly and publicly to shield herself from it, to me is also immoral and unethical. If you choose this kind of individual for POTUS it shows a total lack of moral fiber in you. Look in the mirror.

Academy Awards; Shadow of Its Former Self

by

 Mike Scinto

As it appeared in Civitas Community Newspapers including

The Weekly Herald Record and the Xenia Gazette March 1, 2015

Do bigger-than-life Hollywood stars have an obligation to speak out in order to bring about change, or should they suppress their notoriety and stick to reading well-written scripts? Which do you admire more? And do you even pay attention when a movie star, purely by working on the big screen, addresses complex political issues as if they hold a doctorate in the field?

The Academy Awards have always been a platform for some political speech. I remember two of the most noteworthy in my lifetime. George C. Scott was the first actor to refuse the Academy Award for Best Actor (for “Patton” in 1970) after he alerted the Academy that he would refuse it on philosophical grounds saying "The whole thing is a goddamn meat parade. I don't want any part of it." Actually, while the refusal was rather flamboyant, it might not be so far from the truth. And that is especially true today. The other was actor Marlon Brando. In 1973 Brando refused to accept the Oscar for his performance in “The Godfather”. Native American Sacheen Littlefeather represented him at the ceremony. She appeared in full Apache attire and stated that because of the "poor treatment of Native Americans in the film industry" Brando would not accept the award. 

At this years’ ceremony there was a reference decrying the perceived lack of equal pay for women. Ironically that charge was leveled by actress Patricia Arquette whose net worth, estimated by busy bodies who collect that kind of data, is about $24 million.

Latin Director Alejandro González Iñárritu won Best Director for “Birdman” this year. With respect to Mexicans living in the United States (millions of whom are here illegally) he said: “I just pray they can be treated with the same dignity and respect of the ones that came before and built this incredible, immigrant nation.'' Of course he failed to acknowledge the years of waiting to come to this country through LEGAL channels for many of those earlier immigrants.

Springfield native John Legend, winning the Oscar for “Glory” for the film “Selma” along with co-recipient Common (who made an eloquent non-racial acceptance speech) added "Selma is now, because the struggle for justice is right now, continuing "There are more black men under correctional control today than were under slavery in 1850." Should that remark be focused, as it apparently is, at white America or rather used to open exploration to find out if that disproportionate number has other root causes?

The political speeches, along with what I call irreverence on the part of Neil Patrick Harris appearing (with reference to the infamous “Birdman” scene) in his tighty-whities at the microphone has brought the once-glamorous ceremony to a new low. As a side note, the viewership was the lowest in the past 6 Oscar presentations.

Kathy and I have always enjoyed watching the Academy Awards together but, speaking only for us, we’ll likely be tuning in to reruns of “The Big Bang Theory” next year. It will probably be much more relevant!

The Ferguson Riots; Is this 2014 or 1964?

 By Mike Scinto

As seen in 

The Civitas Media Newspapers Group

Prior to this month had I asked you about Ferguson, Missouri I’d be willing to bet most of you would have to whip out your smartphone and Google it. Today you’d likely to be able to tell me it is (or was) a suburb of St. Louis. I used “was” because much of that community has been battered after rioting over the deadly shooting, by police, of 22 year old Michael Brown.

There’s always a danger with a columnist commenting on an ongoing story that’s as fluid as this one because by the time you’re opening the newspaper at your dinner table, or reading it on-line, things could change. But what I’m addressing with this column is something that hasn’t changed since I was a young boy in Memphis in the 1960s; and I’m convinced now may never change in America.

I’ve yet to understand why, when a black American is shot or restrained by the police, or loses their job, the blame by civil “rights” leaders goes straight to the whites who are connected to the incident. Before any investigation takes place, and regardless of anecdotal and even eye-witness evidence, community based race-baiters and the national “Team Reverend” starring Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson start pointing the finger at the “white power” and “racist” bosses. Don’t blind them with the facts. There’s no money in that. Jackson and Sharpton, and their local counterparts, translate camera and microphone time to dollar signs.

Let me state before I go another paragraph that ever since those boyhood days in the turbulent 60s in Tennessee and Georgia, where I lived, I’ve been around relatives and friends who didn’t see color as a dividing line for race or society. At the risk of offering up a cliché, some of my best friends then and now happen to be black. Let me also say the huge majority of blacks have always been very reasonable and responsible and don’t like or agree with the jump to judgment any more than the whites around them.

I understand the hurt and anger of the family; even if the evidence tends to point to the “victim” being wrong. These are their friends and families. I get it! What I don’t get, and will never get, is how smashing a store window, stealing a flat screen TV or computer, fleeing only to come back and loot some more is helping anything. The looting, lining up in the street and defying police and throwing rocks and bottles at those cops doesn’t help the investigation which could actually uncover any injustice that may have occurred. It also creates a terrible image that is projected on TVs around the globe of the blacks in that community.

If Reverend Sharpton and Reverend Jackson truly want to do a service for the black community they claim to represent, they would come into an area like Ferguson and demand that all law-breaking stop immediately, that parents and citizens in the area, some of whom just stand by and watch it happen, take back Ferguson. And by take back I mean control the lawbreakers so a meaningful and fair investigation can take place. If the violent energy in the streets could be channeled into training in coping mechanisms within racial mixed communities, this kind of thing could truly be relegated to the dusty pages of history books. I’d sure love to see that for the generations that will follow us.

The “Obama Show” Script

 By Mike Scinto

As seen in 

The Civitas Media Newspapers Group

 

If it had been written as a Saturday Night Live skit it would be funny. Unfortunately there’s nothing comedic about the real events as they continue to unfold for President Barack Hussein Obama and the American people.

As word reached America about Iraq collapsing at the hands of Sunni militants and city after city falling in the march to Baghdad, where was our Commander-in-chief? Was he in the war room with the Joint Chiefs Staff? Was he consulting with Congressional leaders on our next moves? Was he on the phone with world leaders contemplating a strategy as the nation where so many Americans spilled their blood and so many billions were spent in a war to liberate the country was falling to insurgents? No, at that particular moment he was walking to a nearby coffee shop in Washington commenting to some school children about the colors of their M&Ms, using the moment as a photo op with some of those kids then scurrying back to catch Air Force One to fly to Palm Springs for a four day golf outing.

To be sure, Mr. Obama did instruct his staff to come up with some solutions to this crisis unfolding more every minute; with instructions not to interrupt his game unless absolutely necessary. As the leader of the strongest nation in the world was teeing up on #15, Iraqi soldiers, military leaders and civilians were being beheaded, their bodies stacked in the streets and militants taking control of virtually every part of Iraq. I suppose if he were interrupted during a shot he could take a mulligan.

I’ve honestly tried not to politicize my comments on this President giving him some benefit of the doubt that his inexperience was guiding, or misguiding his actions. But I’ve come to the realization that he doesn’t get it, doesn’t care to get it and if anything he takes on doesn’t glorify him, why bother.

Just when I think he can’t do anything else unthinkable, he writes a new chapter. Comedy shows like Saturday Night Live and sitcoms usually fold up shop for one reason; they run out of ideas for bizarre scripts. I guess if this presidency were a comedy show it would never go off the air. The star of the show always seems to outdo his previous “episode”. The only problem is that nobody’s laughing any more.

A Solution to School Violence in our Sights

By Mike Scinto

As seen in 

The Weekly Record Herald

and other fine Civitas Media Newspapers

I vividly remember the shock and horror as America watched the slaughter at Columbine High School unfold in 1999.  I’m sure all of us recall that day and the media analysis post-Columbine. That event really became the example used when those types of incidents occurred in the months and years that followed. We don’t really call them “Columbine-like” any longer. There are so many from which to choose, we don’t need that standard. Two more shootings in recent days, as the school years were winding down, has brought out the usual calls for dismantling the Second Amendment; as if that frightening solution would put to rest this kind of school violence.

I feel like I’m in the movie “Groundhog Day” as I address this. In that film star Bill Murray relives that end-of-winter forecast day over and over again. As I point out the lunacy of suggesting banning guns would be a fix to the school violence issue, I feel like I’ve said it over and over again on the radio, TV and in my column; and I have!

Guns are not the problem. People are the problem. I went to grade school and high school from 1958-1970. There were no Columbines. Now it’s rare to find a two week span where there isn’t a case of school violence. What’s changed?

Guns are MORE controlled than ever before today. I recall at the age of 10 living in suburban Memphis and owning a 12 gauge shotgun and a 22 caliber rifle. Even in grade school during hunting season we (students) would bring our guns into school and store them in our lockers so we could head out to the woods after the school day to hunt. I knew proper use of, and care of, my weapons and was not afraid but rather respected guns even at that young age. It didn’t promote violence.

Of course today if a student of any age, and at any school, brought their hunting weapon into school there would be SWAT teams and a sea of live vans for the networks on the campus as the student was strip-searched, cuffed and thrown in the police van.

The end of the nuclear family as we knew it is the reason for the problem. “Parents” more focused on career than parenting is at the root of this disease. We are given the gift of children not to “have” but to “nurture”. When parents decided to let their kids “do their own thing” is when this happened.

When parents are held criminally accountable for anything illegal their child does that’s when you'll find a solution; forced though it may be. I was a helicopter parent for our son. I can tell you where he was, who he was with and what he was doing 97% of the time until he was 18. And while he has made a few small bad decisions, we are very proud of him. If he said at 16 he was going to be at some location, I would be there (covertly) at some point to verify it. If he was NOT there, he was in his room for some number of days. If he had done or said something he shouldn't, it would happen one time only. It kept me burning candles at both ends but in my mind there is nothing more important for 18 years than the child we have been blessed with. That is our job, not a hobby. I learned that from my parents who handled me the same way.

Young people know they can threaten; threats of lawsuits, seeking emancipation, investigation by child social services are used all the time. Rather than “parent”, these adults allow their children all the freedom they want. And this is the result.

If I ever got in trouble in school I knew when I got home my father would punish me four times over; often using a belt on my bottom into my teens. He never drew blood or bruised me but it hurt. Today he’d go to jail for that. I thank God he did it!

No, the solution isn’t in disarming America and stripping away our Second Amendment rights it’s demanding that parents do what God intended for them to do in the first place; BE parents! There are obvious signs of issues with children that, if observed, can be seen. Kids who wear black trench coats to school on hot summer days, don’t participate outside the classroom with peers, have a fascination with weird Internet sites or hang posters of Charles Manson on their bedroom walls MIGHT need a little closer scrutiny.

Guns will never disappear, nor should they. I wish I could say the same about good parenting.