Muhammad Ali Dies At Age 74

Float Like A Butterfly...

El Segundo Firefighter Clayton Holt's TV Appearance On The Doctors

Here is a sexy firefighter from my past, El Segundo Firefighter Clayton Holt, still rocking the muscular physique. Check out how giddy he made TV Host Dr. Jennifer Ashton. 

Don't worry Dr. Ashton, I had the same reaction when I dated him. And yes, he is all that! I still have a school girl crush on this one.

LACoFD Comes To The Rescue Of CHP Officer In Malibu

This is interesting. I have a close friend who is a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. David and I communicate on a daily basis. On this particular night an emergency situation occurred in Malibu, CA that required his services. A female CHP Officer was the victim of a hit and run accident and was struck by a vehicle at approximately 9:15 PM [See the story below.] David called me to relax and talk like we always do at exactly 9:15 PM, the same time the incident happened, and I missed the call. Had I picked up the phone, he would have been caught off guard when the call came through to the LACoFD. Instead, he was alert and ready to roll out to the scene. When I didn’t hear back from him after the missed call, I figured something had gone down and it was confirmed when I turned on the evening news. This is what it is like when you have cops and firefighters in your life. You have to be patient and understanding at all times. The fact that I missed the call at 9:15 PM as the CHP Officer got hit by a car at approximately 9:15 PM was no accident. What a trip.

CHP OFFICER ‘DOING BETTER’ AFTER BEING STRUCK BY HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER NEAR MALIBU

Posted On KTLA.com May 26, 2016 At 9:15 AM

A California Highway Patrol officer was “doing better” Thursday after being seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash near Malibu the night before, authorities said.

Officer Flores was hit about 9:15 p.m. on Topanga Canyon Boulevard just north of Pacific Coast Highway, according to CHP Officer Patrick Kimball.

Flores was standing outside her patrol car directing traffic at the scene of an earlier non-injury crash when she was struck by a gray Cadillac traveling northbound at an unknown rate of speed, the CHP stated in a news release.

One of the people involved in the earlier non-injury crash rushed to help Flores and used her radio to call for assistance.

Flores, a 14-year veteran of the CHP, was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center in serious condition.

The driver of the Cadillac, later identified by authorities as 76-year-old Prashant Amin, fled the scene but was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run a few miles away, according to Kimball.

Flores “appeared to be doing better” and was in moderate condition as of Thursday morning, Kimball said.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.

Ownership Statement: The written content of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane which is deemed and construed to be original is the sole and exclusive property of the author, Jacqueline Sebiane.  All right, title and interest in and to the intellectual property rights of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane shall vest solely in the author.  Any unauthorized use or duplication of the written content of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane, or any portion thereof, is expressly prohibited.  

Real Life Hero LAPD Officer Donald Thompson

This heroic act by LAPD Officer Donald Thompson deserves an honorable mention. So often the media spotlights questionable incidents of use of force and police misconduct. It is my pleasure to post this story to remind people that police officers risk their lives every day to protect ours.

LOS ANGELES (KABC)

A Los Angeles cop who put his life on the line to pull a driver from a fiery wreck on the 405 Freeway is being honored with the Medal of Valor from President Obama.

Officer Donald Thompson, a bomb technician with the LAPD remembers Christmas 2013 like it was yesterday.

A driver going north on the 405 experienced a medical emergency and slammed his vehicle into the center divider. The vehicle exploded into flames.

Thompson, who was on his way to work, acted quickly, scaling two freeway dividers to get to the unconscious driver, who was seat-belted inside

"I could just feel the heat increasing and increasing," Thompson said. "My exposed skin was just feeling it, everything was happening so fast. I thought this might be the moment that I might pass away."

Thompson didn't give up, finally unbuckling the seat belt and pulling the 72-year-old driver to safety.

His heroic actions are now being recognized by the White House. Obama will award Thompson the public safety officer Medal of Valor on Monday.

Thompson says receiving the medal and meeting the president will be a highlight - but the true reward came when he finally met the man he saved.

"That was the defining moment," Thompson said. "From that point on, I just knew that no award, whether it's a medal, a certificate, a ribbon, proclamation can take the place of someone looking you straight in the eye and saying thank you for saving my life."

A Day At Work As A Paramedic For The L.A.County Fire Department

Just another day at work for my long-time friend David Agerbeek; a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.  He gave me this picture and asked me to post it on my blog so I did. A picture is worth a thousand words!

I use to have a thing for firefighters. I dated so many.  I had a lot of visits to different fire stations and even went on calls on the Rescue Truck and different Engines. This was thrilling and scary as you never knew what to expect when you got to a call.  David was one of my besties for a very long time. I loved having a meal with the firefighters at Station 106 as well as rushing to a call on the Rescue Truck. Thanks for that memory David. You might not think so but I do miss hanging out with you... all those meals we had together, shopping at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, meeting up at the gym for years, going to church and hanging out at your condo, the beach, etc. 

Prolific Music Icon Prince Dies At Age 57

Eclectic music legend Prince died today just two months short of his 58^th birthday. Prince was very much an enigma. His music, a mix of funk and rock-n-roll, was so unique and will live on forever in history. Prince was 100% a super star. I remember one night I was at a night club on the Sunset strip in Hollywood. The music was pumping and the dance floor was jumping. And when I looked to the left of me I saw Prince all by himself standing up against the wall wearing very dark shades just hanging in the club with his body guards nearby keeping a watchful eye on him. And the next time I saw him was when I had an exclusive VIP pass to one of his appearances on the Arsenio Hall Show on Valentine’s Day where he performed The Most Beautiful Girl In The World and gave the audience a rare, customized piece of music memorabilia. Amazing!

Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant's Final Game

After an esteemed 20 year career as a Los Angeles Laker, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant played his last game tonight at the Staples Center; home of the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only did Kobe maneuver a high-pressure comeback for the Lakers in the last couple of minutes of the game for a 101 - 96 win over the Utah Jazz but he ended his career with a bang with a historic season-high 60 point game bringing down the house for one last time. You rock Kobe!

Donald Trump's Twitter Account

I decided to check out Donald Trump’s twitter account, Donald J. Trump@realDonaldTrump, after reading a story about his successor host to Celebrity Apprentice, Arnold Schwarzenegger, for the 2016/2017 TV season. All I can say about Mr. Trump’s twitter account is… Oh my goodness! The tweets were entertaining. Mr. Trump is very direct. It is no wonder that his candidacy and campaigning for President of the United States of America elicits visceral reactions from the masses.

VH1s Family Therapy With Dr. Jen

Have you seen this show? It is very interesting. Tiffany “New York” Pollard’s mother Sister Patterson is extremely polarizing on the show. Her anger issues are intense and disrupt the therapeutic process of all the other patients. Renown mental health professional Dr. Christian Conte who specializes in anger management is a therapist on the show. Even he is taken aback by the intensity of Sister Patterson angry, irrational outbursts.

If your family is broken or dysfunctional then you stand to benefit from watching this show. Below is the show’s synopsis…

VH1 will explore the difficult and complex ties that bind in the newest series VH1 Family Therapy With Dr. Jenn. The families seeking therapy are: Tiffany "New York" Pollard and her mother Sister Patterson, celebrity exes Dina Lohan and Michael Lohan, Damon Dash and brothers Jeremy Dash and Bobby Dash, Reality TV star Bam Margera and his mother April Margera, and Teen Mom's Briana Dejesus and her sister Brittany Dejesus.

Blood is thicker than water but the harsh spotlight of fame can thin it out for some families. While fame and fortune can give you almost everything you desire, it certainly doesn't buy happiness, heal past wounds or solve deep-rooted family issues.

From John Irwin's Irwin Entertainment, the producers of Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew, new series VH1 Family Therapy With Dr. Jenn hopes to shed a little light on the complicated and often misunderstood world of celebrity families who still have to grapple with universal issues – but under a microscope. The new series features five families at a crossroads in their relationship as they undergo three weeks of intensive family therapy. Under the guidance of Dr. Jenn Mann (who will serve as primary therapist and host for the series), the family members will participate in group and individual therapy along with relationship exercises out in the "real world" to see if they can rebuild their relationships or if it's simply time for them to move on.

Spring Equinox 2016

St. Patrick's Day 2016

Here’s one of my favorites from House of Pain… 

On The Road With BMW Motorsport Race Car Driver Bill Auberlen

"Big Ang" Raiola of Mob Wives Dies At Age 55

Big Ang of VH1's Mob Wives died this morning of brain cancer. This is so sad. I loved watching the larger-than-life diva on Mob Wives and Couple's Therapy. She was so animated yet straight forward and unashamed to be herself. Big Ang was a habitual smoker. Cigarettes are not glamorous. They are highly addictive and riddled with carcinogens. They kill people. Please do not smoke people. 

Rest In Peace Big Ang. You are loved by adoring fans all over the world and will be missed.

Love By Jacqueline Sebiane

Happy Valentine’s Day. May you be open to giving and receiving love unconditionally. There is no scientific explanation for this feeling; that is, it is unknown to man what part of the body causes us to feel love.  Love is a pure, inexplicable gift from God. And all gifts from God must be cherished. Respect and appreciate this special gift for time is fleeting.

Be A Best Buddy By Jacqueline Sebiane

This is a great philanthropic organization founded by Anthony Paul Kennedy Shriver; Maria Shriver's brother. Eunice Shriver instilled good values in her children. It is so important as a human being to be empathetic and to serve those in need. Be selfless and take the time to do something good to help others. Your heart will thank you.

Mission

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Who We Serve

The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.

Programs

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with IDD. For individuals within this community, Best Buddies helps them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communications skills, and feel valued by society.

Tee Major... No Words Necessary

Challenge yourself, test your will and get in shape. Do it for YOU.

                              Tee Major's Bad Ass Workout Moves

Sean Penn On "El Chapo" Guzman

This video is interesting and controversial.

View More: Crime News|Live News|More News Videos

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck On The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck flanked by Erika Girardi and Attorney Tom Girardi

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck made a guest appearance on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Has Chief Beck gone Hollywood? 

Power Ball January 13, 2016

What would you do with $1.4 Billion? It could happen. It is highly improbable that you would pick or guess the the winning numbers but if it is your destiny it will happen. Good luck!

Sylvester Stallone At The 73rd Annual Gold Globe Awards

Congratulations to Sly Stallone for winning a Golden Globe for best supporting actor for his performance in the movie Creed. The standing ovation he received at the award ceremony in Los Angeles, California was well deserved and was indicative of the respect his peers had for him.

Sylvester Stallone is such a nice guy. It was such an honor and a privilege for me to have been a part of his close inner circle years ago when I worked in the area Entertainment Law. It was truly one of the highlights of my life to have traveled to Italy with Sly for the filming of one of his movies at Cinecitta Movie Studio in Rome, Italy. I remember sitting in a director’s chair one night on the set at Cinecitta watching Sly do take after take of a scene involving fire. It was about 4 AM. It was freezing cold and drizzling rain. I was huddled under a tarp with Sly’s best friend and Associate Producer the late Tony Munafo and Food Network Star Giada De Laurentis’ aunt Raffaela De Laurentis. I remember in that moment thinking how surreal it was for me to be in Italy in the inner circle of a world class movie star watching him make a movie and wondering how I got there.

During Sly’s acceptance speech at the Golden Globe Award ceremonies, Sly stated that he was the sum total of everyone he’d ever met. What Sly meant is that each person of any significance who passes through our lives has an impact in shaping our character and leading us down the path that is our life. Sly also thanked his “imaginary friend Rocky Balboa” referring to the iconic movie character that literally changed the direction of his life from living in the struggle to a life of fame and fortune. And one of the unsung heroes of Sly's dream-filled journey has been my former boss high profile entertainment attorney Jake Bloom. Every time I see Sylvester Stallone my mind travels back to a beautiful time in my life living the dream.

Ownership Statement: The written content of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane which is deemed and construed to be original is the sole and exclusive property of the author, Jacqueline Sebiane.  All right, title and interest in and to the intellectual property rights of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane shall vest solely in the author.  Any unauthorized use or duplication of the written content of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane, or any portion thereof, is expressly prohibited.  

A Christmas Message From Pope Francis

Solemnity of the Lord's Birth 

Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica, at 12:00 

"URBI ET ORBI" Blessing

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS

POPE FRANCIS

CHRISTMAS DAY 2015

  

Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Christmas!

Christ is born for us, let us rejoice in the day of our salvation!

Let us open our hearts to receive the grace of this day, which is Christ himself.  Jesus is the radiant “day” which has dawned on the horizon of humanity.  A day of mercy, in which God our Father has revealed his great tenderness to the entire world.  A day of light, which dispels the darkness of fear and anxiety. A day of peace, which makes for encounter, dialogue and, above all, reconciliation.  A day of joy: a “great joy” for the poor, the lowly and for all the people (cf. Lk 2:10).

On this day, Jesus, the Saviour is born of the Virgin Mary.  The Crib makes us see the “sign” which God has given us: “a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Lk 2:12).  Like the shepherds of Bethlehem, may we too set out to see this sign, this event which is renewed yearly in the Church.  Christmas is an event which is renewed in every family, parish and community which receives the love of God made incarnate in Jesus Christ.  Like Mary, the Church shows to everyone the “sign” of God: the Child whom she bore in her womb and to whom she gave birth, yet who is the Son of the Most High, since he “is of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 1:20).  He is truly the Saviour, for he is the Lamb of God who takes upon himself the sin of the world (cf. Jn 1:29).  With the shepherds, let us bow down before the Lamb, let us worship God’s goodness made flesh, and let us allow tears of repentance to fill our eyes and cleanse our hearts.  This is something we all need!

He alone, he alone can save us.  Only God’s mercy can free humanity from the many forms of evil, at times monstrous evil, which selfishness spawns in our midst.  The grace of God can convert hearts and offer mankind a way out of humanly insoluble situations.

Where God is born, hope is born.  He brings hope.  Where God is born, peace is born.  And where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war.  Yet precisely where the incarnate Son of God came into the world, tensions and violence persist, and peace remains a gift to be implored and built.  May Israelis and Palestinians resume direct dialogue and reach an agreement which will enable the two peoples to live together in harmony, ending a conflict which has long set them at odds, with grave repercussions for the entire region.

We pray to the Lord that the agreement reached in the United Nations may succeed in halting as quickly as possible the clash of arms in Syria and in remedying the extremely grave humanitarian situation of its suffering people.  It is likewise urgent that the agreement on Libya be supported by all, so as to overcome the grave divisions and violence afflicting the country.  May the attention of the international community be unanimously directed to ending the atrocities which in those countries, as well as in Iraq, Libya, Yemen and sub-Saharan Africa, even now reap numerous victims, cause immense suffering and do not even spare the historical and cultural patrimony of entire peoples. My thoughts also turn to those affected by brutal acts of terrorism, particularly the recent massacres which took place in Egyptian airspace, in Beirut, Paris, Bamako and Tunis.

To our brothers and sisters who in many parts of the world are being persecuted for their faith, may the Child Jesus grant consolation and strength.  They are our martyrs of today.

We also pray for peace and concord among the peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and South Sudan, that dialogue may lead to a strengthened common commitment to the building of civil societies animated by a sincere spirit of reconciliation and of mutual understanding.

May Christmas also bring true peace to Ukraine, offer comfort to those suffering from the effects of the conflict, and inspire willingness to carry out the agreements made to restore concord in the entire country.

May the joy of this day illumine the efforts of the Colombian people so that, inspired by hope, they may continue their commitment to working for the desired peace.

Where God is born, hope is born; and where hope is born, persons regain their dignity.  Yet even today great numbers of men and woman are deprived of their human dignity and, like the child Jesus, suffer cold, poverty, and rejection.  May our closeness today be felt by those who are most vulnerable, especially child soldiers, women who suffer violence, and the victims of human trafficking and the drug trade.

Nor may our encouragement be lacking to all those fleeing extreme poverty or war, travelling all too often in inhumane conditions and not infrequently at the risk of their lives.  May God repay all those, both individuals and states, who generously work to provide assistance and welcome to the numerous migrants and refugees, helping them to build a dignified future for themselves and for their dear ones, and to be integrated in the societies which receive them.

On this festal day may the Lord grant renewed hope to all those who lack employment – and they are so many!; may he sustain the commitment of those with public responsibilities in political and economic life, that they may work to pursue the common good and to protect the dignity of every human life.

Where God is born, mercy flourishes.  Mercy is the most precious gift which God gives us, especially during this Jubilee year in which we are called to discover that tender love of our heavenly Father for each of us.  May the Lord enable prisoners in particular to experience his merciful love, which heals wounds and triumphs over evil.

Today, then, let us together rejoice in the day of our salvation.   As we contemplate the Crib, let us gaze on the open arms of Jesus, which show us the merciful embrace of God, as we hear the cries of the Child who whispers to us: “for my brethren and companions’ sake, I will say: Peace be within you” (Ps 121[122]:8).

Driver Runs Over Pedestrians On The Vegas Strip 12/20/2015

Wow. I literally just got home from Bellagio in Las Vegas where the tragedy described below took place. My luggage is not even unpacked yet. Thank God I made it out of there in the nick of time. It gave me the chills when I heard this story on the news. I cross the street from Bellagio to Planet Hollywood all the time directly where this incident took place. Look at the chaos in the picture. It is really something when the intentional or negligent acts of one person cause so much harm to innocent people who are just out trying to enjoy life.

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -

Police said that a crash that killed 1 person and injured 36 others along the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday night may have been intentional, but was not an act of terrorism.

The crash happened at 6:38 p.m. on Las Vegas Boulevard just in front of the Paris hotel-casino.

According to Las Vegas Metro police, a vehicle veered onto the sidewalk and hit several people. The driver then steered back into the street before steering back onto the sidewalk and hitting another group of people. The driver fled the scene of the crash, but was found at an off-Strip hotel-casino near the intersection of Koval Lane and Flamingo Road.

Initially, 34 people were taken to an area hospital for treatment, according to police. One of those people succumbed to their injuries. Seven of them were listed in critical condition. The remaining 26 were being treated for less-serious injuries. Four people were treated at the scene and released.

Danita Cohen, spokeswoman for University Medical Center, said the hospital received many of the patients, and their injuries range from broken bones to head injuries. She said most of them are adults, but an 11-year-old is among the victims and is listed in serious condition. She said many of the patients are from Montreal, Canada.

Other victims were taken to Sunrise and Spring Valley hospitals for treatment.

Police said the woman driver of the vehicle has been arrested in connection with the crash. While her identity was not immediately released, police said she had only been in Las Vegas for a short time. They said a 3-year-old was in the car with the woman at the time of the crash. The child was unharmed.

Las Vegas Boulevard was closed to traffic from Harmon Avenue to Flamingo Road while police were at the scene. The closure was expected to remain in place through much of Sunday night, police said.

Police said the investigation is in the initial stage and that video footage from multiple cameras will be reviewed to help piece together what happened. 

My Past...Detective Jerry Gibson, LAPD

Isn’t life interesting? I’ve been waiting for quite some time for images of my ex-love interest Detective Jerry Gibson of the Los Angeles Police Department to surface in the media. I took my blog postings about Detective Gibson down some time ago because after examining my feelings, I realized that my intentions with him were pure and that I really liked him. His intentions, on the other hand, were less than honest even though the physical and mental chemistry between us was on point. 

Sometimes you innocently let someone into your inner sanctity only for them to violate your trust or disrespect you. It can be very difficult to shake the stain that a person like that leaves on your life. However, once you realize that the issue is with them and not you, it will be easier to find the inner peace you need to move on. Detective Gibson left me with a lot of question marks in my mind but you have to let what is meant to be, be.

Related Post: https://jacqibone.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-ugly-truth-about-lapd-detective.html

Ownership Statement: The written content of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane which is deemed and construed to be original is the sole and exclusive property of the author, Jacqueline Sebiane.  All right, title and interest in and to the intellectual property rights of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane shall vest solely in the author.  Any unauthorized use or duplication of the written content of The Blog by Jacqueline Sebiane, or any portion thereof, is expressly prohibited.  

Beat The Trojans; UCLA vs. USC 2015

UCLA vs. USC 11/28/2015; let the cross-town rivalry begin. Let’s make it four years in a row Bruins!

If you are a South Bay Bruin, I’ll see you at the watch party at Rock-N-Brews in Redondo Beach, CA which starts at 12:30 PM.

Bruin Alma Mater

Hail to the hills of Westwood,
To the mighty sea below;
Hail to our Alma Mater,
She will conquer every foe.

For we’re loyal to the Southland,
Her honor we’ll uphold;
We’ll gladly give our hearts to thee,
To the Blue and to the Gold.

* Written by Jeane Emerson, Class of 1929

Thanksgiving In America 2015

My Drive To Breakfast On Thanksgiving Morning

Today I spent the American Thanksgiving holiday in an unconventional manner. It was an amazingly beautiful day, as you can see from the picture I’ve posted above, but it was neither a remarkable nor unremarkable day. You see I recently lost my father on 10/9/2015 and the pain is indescribable. My family fights over anything, everything and nothing. It is tragic when the people who are supposed to be the closest to you are the most distant at such a difficult time.  I am very spiritual though and I believe that God gives us pain to see what we will do with it. I accept my pain and know that it is my moral responsibility to help others who are also in pain.  The holidays are supposed to be enjoyable but ironically the holidays are a time when many people feel the most sad and empty. Not everyone has a loving family to be with or sometimes those we love just cannot be with us. And the emptiness caused by the death of someone we love is overwhelming, hard to understand and magnified during the holidays.

Two years ago I wrote a beautiful posting on Thanksgiving Day. Here is an excerpt from that posting “I realized at that moment how blessed I truly am.  I have food to eat and water to drink.  I have a home to live in, a warm bed to sleep in and a car to drive.  I have money to spend and a way to earn money.  I can walk.  I can see.  And I have a healthy functioning brain.  I am disease free.  And both of my parents are alive.  My list of blessings is long.  I realize that there are people who have no home, no food, no water, little or no money and no opportunity to make money.  Some people have cancer or other serious diseases.  Some are suffering in the hospital.  Some are addicted to drugs.  There are people who are mentally disabled.  And people who are experiencing deep physical or emotional pain.” Little did I know when writing that posting two years ago that one of my parents would not be alive on Thanksgiving Day 2015.  My father had a severe ischemic stroke that changed the course of his life causing him to suffer in the hospital and to die too soon. It is mind blowing when I read my own words about my blessing of having food and water to drink, having a healthy functioning brain and being able to walk. I did not know while writing those words that two years later my father would not have a healthy functioning brain, would not be able to eat or drink, would not be able to walk, would have suffered in the hospital and that I would be the one in deep emotional pain. My father pleaded for water at the end of his life. He could not have any water because he could not swallow properly. It was gut wrenching. I will never be the same and I think of my father's agonizing condition literally every time I eat food and drink water.  

So my message to you today is to please understand that at any moment your circumstances can change and every day is a day to be thankful for your blessings. And if you are feeling pain, you are not alone. Give your pain a purpose. Use the experience that has caused you pain to help others in despair. God bless you. 

Paris, France 11/13/2015

Terrorists attacked Paris, France on 11/13/2015 in an orchestrated, collaborative act of pure evil. Over 100 innocent people were massacred and countless others injured for reasons which are just incomprehensible. These horrible events, which are getting more and more commonplace, remind us of how fragile life is and how vulnerable we all are as human beings. Have you ever encountered evil and hatred up close? I have but I fear no evil for I walk in the shadow of the Almighty One.

Please bow your head in a moment of silence and pray for Paris, France. Be fearless and strong and carry-on. And remember that good conquers evil. God bless.  

Déclaration à la suite des attaques à Paris by elysee

In Honor of America's Veterans

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

A PROCLAMATION 

The United States military is the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known.  The brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute spirit and unmatched selflessness, and their service reminds us there are few things more American than giving of ourselves to make a difference in the lives of others.  On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the families who stand alongside them. 

Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our veterans when they return home, and my Administration is committed to ensuring our heroes and their loved ones have every chance to share in the promise they risked their lives to defend.  We have made it easier for veterans to convert their military skills to the civilian workforce, enabled more veterans and their family members to attain Federal education benefits, and expanded access to timely, quality health care for all veterans.  Just as every veteran deserves the support and benefits they have earned, those who have given everything to defend our homeland deserve a place of their own to call home.  To uphold this ideal, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative has forged partnerships with local leaders across America to uphold the dignity of every veteran and work to end veterans' homelessness.  No one who fights for our country should have to fight for the care they deserve.  Earlier this year, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which fills critical gaps in mental health care by raising awareness and taking steps to improve access to care for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war.

Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world.  They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families.  On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in all they do.

With respect for, and in recognition of, the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2015, as Veterans Day.  I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers.  I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.  I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.  

BARACK OBAMA

* Source of official information in this blog posting is The White House, Office of the Press Secretary.

Your Parents By Jacqueline Sebiane

Recently I experienced a pivotal moment in my life; a devastating event that has left an inexplicably deep wound in my heart. On September 9, 2015 I found my father in a very bad state. Within an instant of seeing him I knew it was a 9-1-1 emergency. The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived very quickly and rushed him to the hospital. Not long after I arrived at the hospital an ER Neurologist showed me a scan of my father’s brain and told me he’d had a major stroke and that it was a life changing event. His brain was swollen and bleeding. Due to his age and medical condition, the ER doctors could not do anything to treat the swelling. The Ischemic stroke left my father completely paralyzed and unable to properly swallow or talk. For an entire month I watched a grown man reduced to nothingness as he laid in a bed in agonizing pain unable to eat, drink or move and completely at the mercy of others. There are no words to describe what if feels like to see your father in this condition clinging to life with an uncertain future. Each time I went to see my father, I put my ear to his heart and closed my eyes to listen to his heartbeat not knowing if it would be the last time. On October 9, 2015, exactly one month from the day my father had a stroke, my father took his last breath and his spirit ascended into heaven to be with almighty God.

Readers, if you are blessed enough to have one or both of your parents still living, please cherish each moment with your parents. If you have any pain or resentment from your upbringing, ask God to heal your heart so you can fully give love to your parents. The pain of losing a parent is indescribable.

On the last day that I saw my father, my nephew Ben and I played a beautiful love song, All Of Me by John Legend, at my father’s bedside. We watched in silence as my mother held my father’s hand while the song played. I will never forget my father’s eyes as he held my mother’s hand while listening to the music. The love in the room was very profound.

This song is dedicated to my father Efrain and my mother Daisy.

Floyd Mayweather's Final Career Fight Live In Vegas

Don’t miss Floyd Mayweather’s final career fight against Andre Berto on September 12, 2015 at the MGM Grand. Place your bets and get ready for the action. See you in Vegas. 

Bill Auberlen Drives The McLaren F1 GTR

My long-time friend Bill Auberlen doing what he does for BMW Motorsport. If you are regular visitor of my blog you know that I had to put Bill to the curb. He was my friend for a long time and I kind of miss the unique bond I had with him. What can you do though. You have to let what is, be what it is.