GorillaOffTopic, Everything But Gorilla Trades

Last month, as we all know, wildfires in California charred over 508,000 acres of land reducing 1600 homes to ash and killing at least 14 people. This was one of California’s worst disasters and one of the worst in U.S. history to be sure. As the Gorilla watched the news coverage, he was touched by the massive efforts of the fire department, law enforcement, Red Cross, and all of the many volunteers, who participated in containing the fire. Thousands of people were enlisted to help out, and certainly the entire state of California was emotionally drained and exhausted by the time the fire was under control. 

The Gorilla was also incredibly frustrated (like so many of us) to hear that this massive disaster could quite possibly have been caused by an arsonist. The Gorilla remembers quite well what was going through his mind when the news came out that it was actually caused by a negligent child- a ten year old boy- who was simply playing with matches. It is hard not to get enraged by this fact, but after all, it was just a young boy who made a mistake right? What is even more disturbing, is the fact that this 10-year-old boy will have virtually no consequences to face for committing this terrible- albeit unintentional-act.

California prosecutors announced yesterday that they will not, in fact, file charges against this boy who admitted he started the fire, while playing with matches in his parents back yard last month. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office stated that “there is no evidence that the boy intended to ignite the brush outside his house, while playing with matches.” So authorities are reportedly referring the case to the Department of Children and Family Services to determine if further steps are necessary. That’s it? Hey, the Gorilla has kids, and he understands that children often make mistakes, ones that occasionally even cause harm to others, but then what action do we, as parents, take? We punish them, mistake or not. That is, if we are in fact, good responsible adults. It is completely and totally outrageous that this child was not punished in some way for this ENORMOUS mistake in judgement. The Los Angeles prosecutors office could very likely have many enraged citizens to answer to as fall-out from this (what the Gorilla considers) unwise decision.

If the Gorilla sounds harsh, do not misjudge him: He realizes that this was just a young boy and yes, he feels sorry for him. But that does not excuse the harm this boy caused to an entire state and thousands of people. His actions caused people to lose their lives. It should NOT be downplayed just because in our hearts we want to feel sorry for this child. The Gorilla feels sorry for the thousands who lost their homes and the many who lost loved ones. Hasn’t the prosecutor’s office ever heard of community service? This boy probably wouldn’t have been remanded to do more than that as a punishment, but at least he would have to reckon with what he did to people. The Gorilla’s heart goes out to any and all who have suffered as a result of this tragedy

If you’re like the Gorilla, you have probably visited Las Vegas several times, or perhaps it’s among your favorite places to visit. Well, as if there weren’t enough hotels and attractions to accommodate every individual who visits, there are about to be even more.  Don’t get him wrong, the Gorilla loves the idea of more growth in Vegas. In fact the term, “bring it on” pretty much relays the excitement he feels each time he hears about another new hotel being constructed there. So when in the early morning hours of today, the historic New Frontier Casino was imploded to make room for another bigger, better, more luxurious Casino/Resort, the Gorilla felt a wave of excitement!

Now, too much growth is just, well, too much, right? Well, yes, that is certainly true where preserving areas of wildlife and endangered species’ habitats are concerned, but not in this mecca of adult (and now more family) oriented play and fun. The New Frontier’s implosion now makes way for a multi-billion dollar resort bearing the Plaza brand and is set to open in 2010. Israeli billionaire and Elad Group owner, Yitzhak Tshuva, is partnering to build an $8 billion mega-resort where the New Frontier once stood. The New Frontier earned historical accolades by becoming the Strip’s first theme casino and hosting Elvis’s debut in the city. The hotel first opened in 1942 with a light-hearted cowboy village theme. The hotel became known for it’s bikini bull riding, cheap hotel rooms, and $5 craps before it closed for good in July.

The destruction of the New Frontier was the latest step in what is planned to be a very expensive facelift for the northern Strip. The Stardust hotel-casino was imploded in March. Tshuva promises to build “one of the most magnificent hotels in the world” on the site and will include over 3500 rooms, private residences, retail space, and a casino, all bearing the Plaza brand catering to upscale clientele. Just when it seems that Vegas couldn’t get any more beautiful and exciting, it does, and the Gorilla is looking forward to his next visit to check it all out. Keep your eye out for this primate at the Blackjack tables. Viva Las Vegas!

Yes, even the Gorilla is a skeptic, but haven’t you ever wondered if we truly are “alone” in the universe? We have all pondered that question- or at least those with some degree of intelligence have. After all, we are one little planet in the middle of the Milky Way, centered among literally millions of stars and other planets. We can’t be naive. Actually certain U.S. Government officials now share this view and are planning a rather large gathering of folks to discuss it. What? The government is actually allowing a publicly shared meeting of officials to explore the possibility that all of those thousands and thousands of UFO sightings may actually have some validity? Why yes, it’s true. Even the government can’t deny these reports any longer.

There have been just too many reports and sightings from high ranking military personnel- respected high ranking officials- to just sweep it under the carpet, as they have for so many years past. So, today, November 12, 2007, history will be made, when an unprecedented event will take place in the nation’s capitol. It will take place at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. and it will include former high ranking government employees, military officials, and pilots, who will gather to share stories from their own personal experiences. The point is to get the U.S. Government to take an active role in investigating UFO sightings. Among those attending the meeting will be former governor of Arizona, Fife Symington, and Nick Pope, former official for the UK Ministry of Defense for 21 years. Both men have had personal experiences with UFO sightings. In fact, Fife Symington was a diehard skeptic of UFO sightings and even ridiculed those people who witnessed the famous “lights over Arizona” case in 1997. That was, until he himself claimed to have personally witnessed an actual Unidentified Flying Object. “The U.S. government  is taking it seriously,” he says. “I don’t think there’s any way they can’t at this point.” The panel will be discussing some of the most major events (sightings) in history, most of which were reported by high ranking military officials and pilots. Some will share stories for the first time ever, after having been tight-lipped about their experiences for years at the urgency of the U.S. government. The Gorilla will be anxiously awaiting the outcome of this controversial meeting! It is exciting to think of the possibilities that might from such an unprecedented event!

A popular chinese-made kids craft toy is being recalled after 5 children in the U.S and Australia ingested a chemical that converts to the deadly “date rape” drug, after swallowing some of the toy’s parts. The popular toy called Aqua Dots, is used in arts and crafts projects and can be fused together when sprayed with water. The popular toys are called Bindeez in Australia where they were named “Toy of the Year” at an industry function earlier this year. The incidents occurred in both the U.S. and Australia, but it is not known yet whether the Aqua Dots beads are made in the same factories as the Bindeez product. Both of them are sold by the Australia-based Moose Enterprises. Apparently, scientists have found that a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug, gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB). When eaten, it can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and even death! It is just unbelievable to the Gorilla that even some children’s toys can’t be declared safe these days. What is the world coming to if our children cannot safely play with their own toys? Unfortunately, this is only one of several toy recalls going on at the present time. Many are due to toxic lead paint in certain toy products. Of all the shocking and terrible things that go on in the world, it is sad to think that products used by children cannot be properly tested and screened prior to being put on our local toy store’s shelves.

If you’re like the Gorilla, you have probably been channel surfing on your TV and have come across at least one overzealous looking man or woman on a stage, preaching and shouting all in the name of “the Lord’s work.” Many are highly successful in their “missions,” bragging upwards of 20,000 and even 50,000 people in a congregation. One of these ministries, the ‘Without Walls’ Church, run by pastor Paula White, has over 22,000 members, and is famous for it’s “prosperity preaching.” They urge members that “the more they give, the more they will receive.”  And how about the infamous Benny Hinn? He claims to heal people from sometimes serious conditions and illnesses, and has boasted a thriving ministry for years, taking in millions of dollars annually to his church, the ”World Healing Center.”

Many of these organizations are now being investigated for alleged financial misconduct by Republican Senator, Charles Grassley. He says that federal law grants churches ‘tax exempt’ status, but the law does not require them to state how the money is spent. He also points out the obvious: that for some of these ministries, their pastors and/or executives, are driving around in Bentleys and Rolls Royces. They are flying around in corporate Jets owned by the ministry, and they are living in multi-million dollar mansions. One church pastor even had a $23,000 commode installed in his home. Ah yes, the “Lord’s work” pays very well!The senator initiated the investigation due to news reports of misconduct and whistle blowers, who complained that they felt the church’s funds were being misused. The law, as it stands, prohibits leaders from using funds to enhance their lives. The senator says he “doesn’t know if funds are being misused,” but says that the laws may have to be updated to ensure that they are not. While there are seemingly legitimate individuals preaching on TV (like Joel Osteen), the Gorilla simply says, “Amen to that,” when it comes to cracking down on the not-so-legitimate preachers. It is about time!

Many older Americans have fond memories of school days and saying the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning to begin the school day. Ah! Those were the good old days for sure!  The Gorilla himself has these same fond memories. But for the most part, those memories have faded, and the idea of pledging our “allegiance to the flag” has become controversial. The belief is that it may offend someone of another culture (someone who possibly hates America?), or perhaps someone who doesn’t believe in God, or at least “One Nation Under God.”  The result? In the public school system, it is no longer recited. What of patriotism then? How does one promote our American patriotism if it is not even allowed to be promoted in our children’s schools? Well, this is the exact sentiment of the school system of Bakersfield, California, so they set out to make some changes.

A non-profit group called “In God We Trust-America Inc.” suggested placing several patriotic displays around the classrooms in the schools in order to promote patriotism. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the idea was met with controversy. The displays would be posters highlighting  the U.S. Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and The Declaration of Independence. The controversy stemmed from the idea that the posters were reflective a “spiritual point of view” and had no place in the school. In fact, when the idea was voted on by the Board of Trustees for the Bakersfield school system, its very own president was the only one who voted against it, citing this same opinion. Jacquie Sullivan, a Bakersfield councilwoman and President of “In God We Trust-America Inc.” stated: “It’s not political. It’s not religious. It’s patriotism. American patriotism is love of God and love of country. It’s pride in our country.” Ms. Sullivan believes most Americans, even transplants from other countries, will love the idea. She believes it is our heritage and history and should be taught to every American citizen. The Gorilla could not agree more. After all, Americans should be proud of their heritage, just as citizens from other nations are equally proud of their own cultures. By the way, the proposal was passed successfully by a 4-1 vote by the trustees. The patriotic gestures will be proudly displayed in over 2,300 classrooms and offices in Bakersfield. Hey, why not start with the largest school district in the country? Good for you Bakersfield. Hopefully other school districts in the U.S will follow suit!  

The University of Delaware came under fire recently for its unusual questioning of student’s by their resident assistants.  The Orwellian program requires the approximately 7,000 students in Delaware’s residence halls to basically adopt the university’s views on issues ranging from politics, to race, sexuality, sociology, moral philosophy, and environmentalism.  One student came forward complaining that the line of questioning by his resident assistant, who was put in charge of the interviews, was “creepy” and unjust. This particular student was actually asked a question about his sexuality. Some students testified that the questions were suggestive of racism, and others suggested religious points of view. But all questions were persuasive in nature and were considered to be a type of direct “thought reform.”    

So, another food recall? This is getting ridiculous as far as the Gorilla is concerned. General Mills now says it’s recalling several brands of its Totino’s brand pizzas due to an outbreak of E. coli. It is suspected that the problem may stem from pepperoni produced at an Ohio plant. The company says that state and federal authorities have been investigating 21 E. coli cases in 10 states. 9 of those reported eating the popular Totino’s brand pizza, before becoming ill.

Recently, Topps Meat Co LLC, the biggest manufacturer of frozen hamburgers in the country, went out of business after the recall of 21.7 million pounds of beef linked to 30 cases of E. coli-related illness, literally crushing the meat company’s business. It was the fifth-largest meat or poultry recall in U.S. history, the USDA said. No deaths were reported in the outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7, which can cause debilitating diarrhea and dehydration.

So, what’s going on with our meat supply in the U.S.? Why isn’t the Federal government enacting tighter restrictions and regulations for suppliers of frozen prepared meats? It is a well know fact that healthy livestock carries the E. coli bacteria in their intestines. That is unavoidable unless you don’t eat meat, so when the meat comes to us raw, it is our responsibility to handle it properly by washing our hands thoroughly, after handling and cooking it to the proper temperature. But when it comes to prepared meats (cooked) that come to us frozen, we certainly have no control over how it was previously handled prior to arriving in our kitchens. What’s a meat-lover to do? The Gorilla is starting to consider something he never would have in the past; becoming a vegetarian. Not a bad idea!

Nobody, wants a sex offender living across the street from their kids or themselves, so when Jessica’s Law was passed in 2006, many citizens were relieved. The law was named after a Florida girl, 9 year old Jessica Lunsford, who was kidnapped, raped, and buried alive near her home in 2005. In Florida, the law states that registered sex offenders cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school, park, or anywhere that children gather. In California, it’s 2,000 feet. But in 22 other states that distance can range from 500-2,000 feet. And some states only impose the ordinance around schools.

So, all in all, it sounds like a win-win situation for everyone, right? Wrong! In California, almost all of San Francisco’s housing is within 2,000 feet of a school or park, so where are these sex offenders to go?  Well, in many states, the answer is nowhere. Not “nowhere” literally, but more and more sex offenders are reporting that they are homeless in order to avoid being tracked by the state. In California and Florida especially, the problem is huge. Many of these convicted criminals simply cannot find suitable housing and are avoiding re-arrest by reporting that they are homeless. ”They drop off the registry because they don’t want to admit living in a prohibited zone,” said Corwin Ritchie, executive director of the association of Iowa prosecutors.

So the problem which exists now is that these  ”homeless” sex offenders are very difficult to track. Many are living under bridges and on the streets. Some parole officers say that offenders are registering as homeless so that they may sneak back and do it again (commit a criminal sexual offense ), without being tracked. Many of these transient offenders currently do not wear the GPS tracking device required by Jessica’s Law, so it is easy for them to get away with it. How should states deal with this issue? While the Gorilla believes that this law has accomplished what it has set out to do, some states are showing a fairly large increase in its numbers of homeless sex offenders since only August of this year. Are we really solving the problem, or just encouraging sex offenders to get more creative and clever when it comes to “getting away” with their crimes?