The Mike Scinto Perspective

Decades in jail for improper sexual conduct in the service;not a fair punishmenet

2011-01-24T17:43:00.004-05:00

I understand military deportment as well as anyone, having taught it. But I have to say the CMSGT who entered a plea of guilty on 13 counts of sexual misconduct, and facing trial on 5 more, is looking at decades in military prison and dishonorable discharge as well as loss of all benefits. It's way too severe in my opinion.

As I understand the charges, adultery, sexual harassment and sending explicit photos of himself in emails, while certainly is something that should be punished, I think jail time and erasing his 27 years of excellent service to his country is a travesty of justice. I am not condoning it, just saying decades in jail doesn't serve any purpose and to take away his service, pay and benefits is way too harsh. It's misconduct on the part of the military justice system.

brandonhaskins.mov

2010-07-11T11:02:00.001-04:00

Brandon Haskins was shot and killed, allegedly by his stepfather, in July of 2010 and we all miss him so much.

Celebrating Graduates

2010-06-09T08:29:00.001-04:00

Celebrating Graduates

By Mike Scinto

Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that Zak came home with us and we were able to carry him in the palms of our hands. The first few nights when he fell asleep with us in bed (I know, that wasn’t the wisest thing to do) we were afraid we’d roll over on him during the night. But of course that sixth sense kicked in and that never happened. And now, reality has set in that he’s an adult and it has hit like a ton of bricks.

I tend to be the overly emotional member of the family and Kathy will attest to that. I am sentimental to the max and cling to memories of our past. She says you don’t need “things” or even photos to remember, but that’s how my mind works I suppose. I can hear something, see something or touch something and it’s as if it just happened, and in detail.

In the past few months Zak has started driving on his own (he was a late bloomer in that department, as were many of his peers). I couldn’t wait until I turned 15 ½ to get my “temps”. He turned 18 and became “legal” in March. And we just watched as he marched down the aisle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WENU22kIN6Y and received his high school diploma. For a guy who has probably been a bit too “hands on” as our son traversed the halls of his various school buildings, those events were quite a shock!

Look, he and I are going at it tooth and nail as many teens testing their wings do with their parents. I feel frustration, anger and fear. But, far outweighing that is the pride that I feel and unconditional love I, no WE, have for him.

I have shared in this column on a couple of occasions my belief that families should live near each other to experience and share in each others’ lives. I know in this day and age, we spread out across this continent and the globe. But what a loss! Think about those families you know, or even your own family. You may see Mom and Dad, brother or sister, nieces or nephews or even sons, daughters and grandchildren a few times a year at holidays. No job, career or lifestyle (in my humble opinion) is worth that. The family, and unique family support capability, is irreplaceable. I know there are families that bicker like cats and dogs, but beneath it all, they are still family. What a bond!

Today many jobs can be done in a remote location far away from the brick and mortar office building. Kathy has a coworker she has worked with on her team for 30 plus years who lives in a remote part of Canada. So “here” is only is where you can accomplish your tasks.

Zak may or may not share those views. Frankly, until I was in my late 20’s, I didn’t get it. But I hope, as he enters this phase of his education and life, he considers that we need and love him, want his success and happiness above all else and I, and I am sure Kathy, would love to see those things achieved where we could enjoy hobbies, sports and family dinners together on a regular basis. I think it’s the way it should be because no matter how close a friendship, it can never replace family.

Congratulations Zak and all your graduates. May they find what they seek in life and enjoy great success in those pursuits. And may they always cherish their family!

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Mike Scinto has served as a radio talk show host for three decades. He can be heard on the syndicated “The Mike Gallagher Show” and seen as a contributor on the Fox News Channel. You can reach Mike by phone at 937-506-4288, via his blog at http://mikescinto.blogspot.com/ or by email at mikescintocolumn@gmail.com. Become Mike’s friend on Facebook and learn about upcoming events and appearances.

Every Day Should Be Memorial Day

2010-06-02T08:33:00.003-04:00

Every Day Should Be Memorial Day

By Mike Scinto

By the time you read this column the “official” day of commemoration for our fallen heroes who risked life and limb to defend our country will have passed by a few days. But I think every day should be treated as “Memorial Day” when it comes to the kinds of sacrifices our soldiers have given, and continue to give.

As we travel through our busy schedules; projects at work, the kids in school, sports, economic issues and numerous other things that occupy our minds, men and women are in unbelievably scary, dangerous and deadly situations so our way of life can continue.

I am proud to say that I am a disabled United States Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam era. My late father, who we lost in 2003, was a Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal Campaign survivor. My father-in-law served several tours as a fighter pilot in Vietnam before retiring from the United States Air Force. I am so proud of both of them and of all the other veterans, living and deceased, who populate our family tree.

As of this writing I have to offer this observation. It was announced that rather than the American Presidential tradition, Barrack Obama had decided to pass on the breakfast with family members of fallen heroes and the laying of the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery. He had decided instead to go hang with his buddies back home in Chicago. I am aware that other Presidents have opted to hand that duty over to their VPs. But none of those Commanders-In Chief have in so many other ways shown a complete lack of respect for our country, way of life or traditions.

As I said, when you read this, the actual commemorative day is past. But you can still visit your friends’ or relatives’ graves. Call a family member of a fallen veteran who is still living. Or just go visit one of the most impressive, awe-inspiring and respectful sites in America; the National Cemetery on the grounds of the Dayton VA. It’s a visit you will truly feel and will want to make again; whether it’s Memorial Day or not.

God Bless our American Veterans; living and dead, past present and future!

Keep The Internet Free

2010-05-26T08:41:00.000-04:00

Keep the Internet Free

By Mike Scinto

Let’s start with the bottom line this time. Lawmakers, keep your hands off the Internet! I keep hearing rumblings that Congress would like to control Internet content, and states would like to control profit in order to get their cut of the pie. Obama has indicated he’d like to be able to “take control” of the web if it is in the national interest.

The Internet is a wonderful tool, research outlet, shopping mall and personal organizer. One of the things that excites people from 5 to 75 is the fact that, for the most part, it is open and easy access to everything. Once the government, at any level, gets into it; well it’s all over.

Actually, since the Internet is global, my guess is any attempt at controls would be short-lived. There are enough certified geeks who could get around anything the government could throw at the Net.

Okay, there are inherent problems with having instant access to everything. It allows pedophiles a cyber playground. Would-be terrorists can see how to build their next bomb. Students can easily plagiarize and cheat on exams. But all of those activities will go on with or without the on-line world.

I believe the good far outweighs the bad. Let’s keep the beauty of cyberspace free, unregulated and open 24/7/365. Admittedly our young people, and some of us fossils, spend much too much time on line. That has to be dealt with at a personal level, not through government over-regulation.

Let’s all hope this fantastic tool of our generations, will remain of the people, by the people and for the people.

Watering Down The Media

2010-05-19T08:37:00.002-04:00

Watering Down the Media

By Mike Scinto

I suppose the media purist in me is about to come out, but I feel it needs to. All areas of broadcast media have compromised themselves so much that I’m not sure they can, or will, ever reform; I’m not even sure the current state of media isn’t so accepted that there’s no need for reformation.

Ask those trained in true journalism and they will tell you there’s no place for even the hint of conflict of interest. Until recent years I’ve never heard “journalists/reporters” endorsing products. Now, every other commercial on local radio (not just here but in most markets) is being read by a reporter who’s been handed the copy after they get out of the news booth. How can a reporter maintain credibility and integrity pushing a good or service? What happens when that good or service is under investigation for some illegal or unethical activity? Does the same “journalist” read the story on the air? Do they downplay or completely ignore the story?

On a tangent from the whole issue of reporting the news and reading advertising copy; the grammar some of these “reporters” use is atrocious! If they are going to sell their souls to hawk a product, at least make sure the copy is written using proper grammar. I know they don’t write them, they just read them, but come on, it’s their voices that are the instrument of sales.

What makes a TV or movie star an expert on politics? Why are they sought out for their take on hot issues? Look at Tom Cruise and his attacks on psychiatry and patients with ADD and postpartum depression. Why does anybody care what this airhead thinks about anything other than when filming begins on his next flick?

Martin Sheen became a spokesman for farm laborers after several protest related arrests. The news microphones and morning “news” shows were all over him for his take on the labor movement. Hey, get a grip; he only PLAYED a President on TV!

Of course actors have a right to their own feelings on issues. But when they use news outlets to make their case, I have a problem. My problem really isn’t with the actors, although they know what they’re doing, it’s with the untrained, unskilled editors and reporters who suck up to this liberal vermin.

I suppose in our homogenized, cost-conscious society we get what we pay for. That’s unfortunate that those faces and voices that we come to depend on and trust don’t really care themselves. At least I’m honest enough with myself, and those who listen to and read my words, to make them aware that I am not a newsman. My journalism training long ago took a back seat to my desire to offer my opinion for your consideration; just as I have done with respect to the blurring role of faces in the media.

Apostle Claver Part 1

2010-04-16T14:24:00.001-04:00

Apostle Claver Part 2

2010-04-16T14:24:00.000-04:00

Apostle Claver Part 3

2010-04-16T14:23:00.000-04:00

Scinto to Tea Partiers: “Slow Your Roll”

2010-02-24T09:41:00.000-05:00

Scinto to Tea Partiers: “Slow Your Roll”

By Mike Scinto

If you’re a Republican, or call yourself a political conservative, you probably had much the same reaction to this past year’s tea parties to “take back America” for the people. It was great to again see a conservative, small government-lower taxes attitude taking shape; especially after our direction since this President took office. But fears I expressed this past fall seem to be taking shape right before my eyes.

Whether you view it as good or bad, we are a two party governmental system. We haven’t always been, but for as long as those of you reading this have been alive that’s been the case. And it is likely to be the case for the rest of our years. As a Republican I’ve certainly not always liked the offerings handed me by primary elections, caucuses or political appointment. But that’s how it is.

I began voting in 1970. I’ve voted in every election, and special election, since then. I can tell you I have never voted “party line” just for the sake of saying I punched the “R” on the ballot. But I can tell you in all but one election, I have stayed true to the party; always based on policy and attitude not on what followed their name on the ballot.

The one time I strayed (and I’m not proud of it in hindsight) was when I voted for a former Republican who ran as an Independent; my vote was cast for John Anderson over Republican Ronald Reagan in the 1980 Presidential election.

I mentioned Anderson. There have been a handful of third party candidates who have stirred the pot even a little bit in recent decades; George Wallace and Ross Perot are the other two prominent “outsiders”. It is the Perot candidacy that I think most mirrors the possible problems for conservatives in 2010 and 2012.

While it is debatable whether Perot was more a Democrat or a Republican, it is very obvious to me the votes that went to Perot likely contributed to the defeat of George H. W. Bush and catapulted Bill Clinton into office.

There are already several “Tea Party” candidates running against Republicans in the primaries for national offices in state elections. The “Tea Party” can only do damage as a political party at this juncture. Even if they are elected to office, what will that do to the most prominent challenge; bringing a true conservative message back to mainstream Republicans running for Congress and to ouster this socialist President in 2012?

At a time when Obama and his Democrat legion on The Hill are heading downhill in the polls faster than Lindsey Vonn in her gold medal Olympic Downhill win, we (Republicans) can’t lose focus on the target.

While their message is one we should all hear loud and clear, the method of expressing it is another thing. These activists for returning to a government our founders could believe in would serve best working from within Republican ranks; serving on steering committees and leadership boards within the GOP. Anything beyond that and the movement risks becoming part of the problem, not the solution.

A Warm Feeling on a Cold Winter Day

2010-02-10T08:27:00.000-05:00

A Warm Feeling on a Cold Winter Day

Mike Scinto

In my line(s) of work (radio/TV and writing) I have become increasingly cognizant of the fact that things we say or do can impact others totally without our ever knowing it. Kathy and I were moved recently when, out of the blue, I received such an acknowledgment via my Facebook account. I want to share it with you just as I saw it. Since I didn’t ask her permission, I have eliminated any business names and the writer’s last name.

Hi Mike! I have wanted to contact you for years and wasn't sure how to go about it. Took a chance I might find you on Facebook and here you are!

              I'm sure you don't remember me but I used to work as a photographer at (A Local) studio. I photographed you, your beautiful wife, and son, Zak a few different times. There was one time in particular that I will remember, I think forever!! It was during our busy holiday season and on this evening, we were extremely busy and the other photographer had to leave early due to a family emergency. You and your family had been in earlier and had returned to view your proofs. In the mean time, a former customer came in that was doing a reshoot and was not happy that I would be the photographer taking her photo that evening. There was a huge scene and of course there were many customers in the store at the time!! I was young and on the verge of tears when I returned to you and your family in the proof viewing room. I can't remember what you said to me exactly but you made some sort of comment about what had just happened to try and make me feel better because you could tell I was obviously upset. And the reason for me contacting you is to tell you how much that meant to me!! It has always stuck with me.

              Whenever I hear the phrase about “a person may not remember what you say but they'll remember how you made them feel” I honestly think about you and how you helped me that evening. I know this may all sound really corny but I just wanted to let you know that you made a difference to someone....to me. Thank you for that!

            Sincerely,    Sallie

As I told Sallie in my reply, while we don’t remember the details, we certainly remember the event…….but not with the impact Sallie shared. Don’t miss your opportunity to impact lives. It likely won’t be a planned impact, and you may never be as fortunate as we were to find out about it, but you will touch lives by offering a caring word of consolation or understanding. But remember the flip side; a negative attitude can likely have the reverse affect. I love Facebook!

High-Speed White Elephant

2010-02-03T16:59:00.001-05:00

High-Speed White Elephant
by

Mike Scinto

     Last week President Obama, with his trusty sidekick Joe Biden close by on his leash, announced plans to pump eight billion dollars into high speed rail systems across the country. Four hundred million of that will be earmarked for Ohio. The administration might as well flush it down the West Wing lavatory. At least it might serve a useful purpose; at least it would be in good company there!

     In my 34 years of hosting a radio talk show, I have heard the dream of high speed rail come, and go. I can’t count the number of groups who supported it, telling listeners it was the future of intercity and interstate travel. Most of those train peddlers are selling vacuum cleaners or encyclopedias door to door now. Shows my age; I meant selling them via the Internet.

     During the same three decades I watched Amtrak fade into almost total oblivion. I saw Ohioans growing more and more independent with individual travel means. We, unlike commuters in the Northeast Corridor who do use trains, prefer to have our own cars at our disposal. A drive from Cincinnati to Cleveland will take 3½ hours at the most. It tends to be a scenic, leisurely drive and even at today’s gas prices is not cost-prohibitive.

     I admit this is anecdotal (mainly because I got so many conflicting answers) but I have been told that “high-speed” in Ohio doesn’t mean the same as in Japan or Europe. Because of our population density, the top speed under current law would be 79 MPH (plus stops). Ask any State Trooper between Cincy and Cleveland on I-71 and they’ll tell you that would be slower than most drivers……… and non-stop too!
Contrast that with purchasing a ticket, waiting for a train that’s likely to be behind schedule, sitting in an uncomfortable seat next to a guy who snores or didn’t take his weekly bath and you question why you didn’t just drive.

     There have been no definitive studies that say we want high-speed rail, or need it; or would use it for that matter. And while it would create jobs, if we HAVE to use that money stolen from taxpayers called “stimulus”, you mean there aren’t better things to spend it on?

     If this system is the panacea that’s being hyped, why hasn’t some money individual, or team, jumped on board (no pun intended)? Why is taxpayer money being used to build this white elephant?

     I’ve got a better idea. If Obama feels compelled to spend that stimulus money, try this. There are approximately eleven million Ohioans. Our cut of this project is 400 million. That would be about 37 bucks per Buckeye. Send us each a check and we can all use it to buy a half tank of gas to drive to Columbus next year for John Kasich’s and Mike DeWine’s swearing in as Governor and Attorney General, respectively, of Ohio. Now that’s money well spent!

Holding On To What is Ours

2010-01-27T09:12:00.000-05:00

Holding On To What is Ours

Mike Scinto

There’s a suspicious looking pickup truck rolling up and down your block. The truck has out-of-state plates and two unsavory characters in the front seat. It’s made several passes. You head out the door as you watch this mysterious vehicle approach again, slip your door key under the mat for the cleaning lady so that she might herself in and then head off, briefcase in hand, to another day at the office. You return home that night and find you’ve been cleaned out. And you wonder how that could have happened!

Well, if you guessed I was headed someplace with that little metaphor, you’re right. The American people are that homeowner and the current elected officials (at least the majority of them) are the guys in the truck. Now I don’t mean to imply that Obama, Reid and Pelosi are thieves; they’re not. But, in an effort to change what has made America great, they have to “steal” from its citizens.

Americans seem content to give up on blocking outsiders who would sneak across our borders, take our jobs, use our health care system and run freely through our system. We seem okay with forbidding the “profiling” of those of Islamic backgrounds at airports, even though that is where our biggest terrorist threat seems to be hiding (certainly not with ALL Islamic people). It doesn’t bother us that our government owns our auto manufacturers, banks, mortgage companies and controls their lending policies. Some have been convinced that the government can somehow run our health care system when it can’t even spot a terrorist in its own military ranks (Major Nidal Hassan-Fort Hood) or a one-way ticketed, cash-carrying, no baggage-toting, would-be underwear bomber flying into Detroit from overseas.

Recent events suggest we may be starting to see the light. Americans have, through tea parties, phone calls and petitions said (in growing numbers) that we don’t want control of our health care system handed over to Washington. In Massachusetts the election of Republican Scott Brown to fill the Senate seat held by the late Ted Kennedy still has the pundits scratching their heads. These are just two of the more pronounced awakenings.

This is a pivotal year; locally, state-wide and certainly in Congress. We must be vigilant. We can’t be distracted or mislead. Our focus must be on the goal line. And we can do it! We are, after all, Americans. You might think the guys in the pickup truck are just innocently trying to make your neighborhood a nicer place to live. But their ultimate goal is to own everything they can get their hands on by the time they leave. We can let them clean us out, or we can stand fast and send them packing. The choice is ours!

Grabbing a Slice of Life

2010-01-20T09:20:00.000-05:00

Grabbing a Slice of Life

Mike Scinto

My father was born and raised in a house on Park Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was one of five children in this Italian-American neighborhood near the center of town. Stella, the only female sibling in the family lived in the neighborhood her entire life. Tony, a right-out-of-“Grease” leather-jacketed tough guy lived in an apartment across the street with his wife and son. Lenny moved to a nice house in the suburbs post-war. Ernie married young, divorced and lived in a room in the large family home his entire life.

My father, post World War II, met my mother in Memphis and the rest, as they say, is history. That’s where my brother and I were born and spent our pre-teen years.

This column isn’t meant to dig into the roots of my family tree but was simply setting up the background of this New England-rooted family and its love for the great American food…..pizza, and the best parlor to ever bake it, Jennie’s Pizzeria (still in business I might add). If I were to be asked for my two favorite foods on the planet, they would be pizza and bar-b-que; the Memphis, Bridgeport influences of course.

If you Google it, I’m sure you can find millions of anecdotal stories of the origin of tomato pie (pizza). My grandmother’s explanation has always rung true for me. In the “old country” women would take leftover dough and flatten it out. She would spread some freshly ground tomatoes, oregano, olive oil and a light sprinkling of ground parmesan cheese on top. Voila! It’s tomato pie. And I am true to Grandma.

The thinner the crust is, the better. You need to take that big old pie shaped slice and fold it in half to take a bite. But as much as I love this traditional American food, getting a pizza place to make it that way for me is nearly impossible.

If I say “extra sauce and light cheese please” they act like they can’t believe anybody would really want a “plain” pizza with light cheese and, seemingly to “get my mind right”, they load on the cheese anyway. I had Zak hooked on the correct way to eat pizza until his Mom suggested pepperoni………..and extra cheese. The interloper won him over. It’s as if he went over to the dark side to join Darth Momma.

Elvis liked bar-b-que pizza. I’ve eaten margarita pizza, sampled Hawaiian pie and munched on dough with green onions and ham. I felt like I was back in my Catholic childhood when I snuck into a protestant church with a friend. It was so wrong!

So you go on ordering your gourmet “pizzas”, cut in squares and baked in a deep dish, and I’ll stay true to my Italian-New England roots and eat tomato pie the way it was meant to be eaten. And you can only dream about how GOOD truly tastes!

“The List”

2010-01-13T11:37:00.001-05:00

“The List”

Mike Scinto

Are you on “The List”? If you are, you know it by now. If you’re not, you’ll likely be wondering why after reading this. But it is open to additions (and deletions). I’m talking about the Scinto Family Christmas card list.

I’m sure there’s a master list somewhere but all I have is in bits and pieces on this laptop, or that desktop. Some of it is on my external hard drive and some is simply in Kathy’s old handwritten address book.

I’m not even privy to the origins of the list or the criteria for staying on, or being banished from, the list. So, at best, these are guesses since my sole role is creating the annual newsletter/update, printing off the labels and taking them to the post office.

I believe the very first parchment with names of the fortunate ones was penned following our wedding nearly 35 years ago. But that original list is hidden better than the Holy Grail. It somehow comes together (most years anyway) and sneaks into my database.

Once you’re on it, it’s tantamount to a lifetime appointment. I’m sure divorce, prison or death can mean an exit for you. In some cases there seems to be a two year rule; If you don’t reciprocate with a card for 24 months you’re thrown under the bus for good………or until you prove yourself worthy again; that is to the “Keeper of the List”.

I know I saw names on there this year that we haven’t heard from in a couple of decades. When I sheepishly ask her about them, I get “the stare” and go back to printing labels.

Don’t shoot the messenger. I’m just delivering the message for Kathy (unofficially). I’m almost afraid to suggest it but if you’d like to make the list, you might discretely ask her. But don’t push it! Be good, try not to cross her this year and you may just have something special in your mailbox about ten months from now……..then again, you may not!

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-23T18:39:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas 2009!
By
Mike Scinto

It’s here again and this year we’re ready! Christmas is here. This Holiday encompasses so many different emotions, ideologies, spiritual experiences and sentimentalities. As a Christian, I am well aware of the significance of the celebrations, and reverence, surrounding the birth of our Savior. As a big kid I just get downright excited!

Would it shock you if I told you that a guy in his 50s believes in Santa Claus? I do. Without going in-depth into the evolution of the spirit of St. Nicholas, suffice it to say I believe things happen at this time of year, miraculous things, that can’t just be explained away.

I am fortunately married to a lady who loves gaudy outside, and inside, decorations. To quote Kathy “you can’t have too many decorations”. So this year I kicked it up a notch. I started well before Halloween with our outdoor lighting. I’m not quite Chevy Chase’s Clark “Sparky” Griswold, but Zak says I am heading in that direction.
Zak is 17 now and is still excited about the season and Carly is always excited about anything involving Elmo, her musical toys or the sound of ripping off wrapping paper!

Over the years on my show I’ve dealt with the myriad stories about some Scrooge or another in government ripping apart a nativity scene in Any Town, America because the ACLU said it was a violation of the so-called “separation of church and state”. I’ve deliberately tried to ignore those stories this year although I’m sure one or two will come up while hosting the national show these next couple of weeks.

So continue, or start, your own seasonal family traditions. Reach out to those who may be alone or depressed. Remember in your heart and soul the real “Reason for the Season”. And don’t forget to let the kid in you come out. I can tell you, it feels GREAT! Merry Christmas from the entire Scinto Family!

Your Camcorder Can Be a Treasure Chest

2009-12-16T09:26:00.000-05:00

Your Camcorder Can Be a Treasure Chest

Mike Scinto

I actually had three inspirations for writing this column. The column itself is my Christmas gift to you and I hope you take advantage of it.

I recently spoke at a ceremony honoring our veterans during Veterans’ Day week. As I relayed a story about my own Dad it stirred some thoughts in the back my mind. I talked about my Dad’s memories of his breakfast-cut-short on December 7^th, 1941. You see, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Pearl Harbor on that “day that will live in infamy”. He then served in the Guadalcanal Campaign. I heard his recollections of those momentous events all through my years growing up.

I was fortunate. Because I hosted radio and TV shows I have several hours of those stories on audio and video tape shot for my shows. It paints a more realistic and colorful picture than me trying to pass the story on to our children or other family and friends than I could ever do as I try to recapture it now that he has passed on.

The second thing that inspired me to write this was our own thanksgiving feast, and the funeral of a wonderful man we’ve known, our sister-in-law’s father. It made me realize what I had known for years; there are generations of living memories out there that won’t be with us forever.

The third inspiration is trying to discover if this could present an avocation for me. I have been Blessed to have a job that is a passion for the past 34 years. I plan to host radio and TV shows for many more years to come. But, if there is a market, I would like to utilize my gift in a job that I could enjoy just as much; memory preservation archivist.

Let’s tie all this together. The oral (and visual) stories our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents or even friends can share are priceless! Watching a DVD of your uncle who fought in the Korean War, or traveled around the globe on his job, sure beats a second hand account that may be shaky at best and that will eventually fade into oblivion.

I doubt there is a family out there that doesn’t have at least one camcorder or could borrow one from a friend. The rest is making time to have the person whose brain you want to pick sit down and open up. It would be the best hour or two you could spend on many levels and would create an irreplaceable heirloom.

I realize there are people who cringe at the thought of “interviewing” somebody or being on tape themselves. And some of these “vaults of living memories” may appear too shy to open up. Thinking out loud, that is where I could envision me, or an outgoing family member of yours, coming into the picture. I’ve learned over the years that, with the right approach, even the most shy of interviewees will let it all out after the right button is pushed. And then you have it. And it will always be there for your family to enjoy, and share.

So consider archiving those memories. And what better time than on your Christmas visits. I only wish there were tape recorders or camcorders when I was a teen so I could now share my Grandparents’ stories with Kathy, Zak and Carly. The wisdom in their words and the sincerity in their expressions would touch us all.

Issue #3 a Real Roll of the Dice for Scinto

2009-10-08T17:33:00.009-04:00

By Mike Scinto

I need some help. I don’t say that very often, but I’m saying it now. I need your input to help me decide how to vote on Issue 3 in the upcoming election. Oh, I understand the issue. I just don’t know which side I favor. I’m riding the proverbial fence until it’s, well, quite painful!

In case you’ve been in a monastery or biosphere and don’t know about issue 3, it’s a proposed Constitutional Amendment (to the Ohio Constitution) that would open the state up to legalized casino gambling specifically in 4 key locations – Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, and Cincinnati

I believe gambling, if it’s for financial gain, is for fools. I would just as soon use my cash to start one of my autumn bonfires as use it to feed the craps tables, slot machines or roulette wheels. It would serve a more useful purpose that way; for my wallet anyway.

I also believe that a good number of patrons frequenting casinos are folks who should not be there. They may be on government assistance, have a gambling addiction or are bordering on both of those areas. My compassionate side asks if we want to feed those desires and needs. Is that how we want to “fix” our economy, through the misguided greed of those less fortunate?

The Conservative/Libertarian in me, who wants an individual to be free to make his or her own choices without government edicts, says if that’s what you want to do with your money, it’s not my problem!

The parent/good neighbor in me acknowledges that, as contradictory as it might sound, I don’t want prostitution (another vice)to be legalized and a brothel to open up in the vacant property down the block. It just isn’t right. So we do allow our morals to dictate behaviors………at least I allow them to affect MY judgment.

I don’t believe the 34,000 new jobs propaganda, the claims that jobs will ONLY be filled by unseemly characters from out of state, or that the money generated will repair our sagging economy. I think there are grains of truth on both sides of the issue. I still remember when Governor Jack Gilligan told us that the Ohio Lottery would assure a solid monetary foundation for our schools in Ohio. What happened to that promise? But Buckeyes bought it hook, line and sinker.

I absolutely believe gambling attracts unsavory characters, is a major enticement to those trying to find an easy way out of life’s financial woes and can be a crippling noose around the necks of those who (depending on whether or not you buy the addiction angle) can’t stay away from it. It did, after all, destroy the lives and dreams of many players including two famous area legends; Pete Rose and Art Schlichter, the Ohio State quarterback who had such great potential until gambling took its hold on him. I also acknowledge that some of us, including this writer, might like spending a Friday night having some fun at a local casino.

It really is a conundrum for me. I would love to hear your input. Drop me a line and share your views on this one before I have to go into the voting booth. While I don’t let others’ opinions control my decisions, I do weigh those views. My contact information, as always, is listed at the end of this column. I look forward to hearing from you.

________________________________

Please Deposit $.50 for Your Next 3 Minutes

2009-09-16T17:41:00.004-04:00

by Mike Scinto

It doesn’t take much to get my inquisitive mind wandering. This past weekend, it was my cell phone. It wasn’t charged as I was about to make a run into town, so I had to leave it behind. We live in the township and the trip back and forth (including stops) could have taken as much as an hour. What was I going to do? My communication with the outside world was gone! I felt like one of the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 on “Lost”.

My first thought was to look in the garage for my old Midland 40 channel CB radio from the 1970s. That baby got me out of more than a few tight situations. I found it but couldn’t bring myself to dislocate the poor insects that had taken up residence in there. They looked like they were preparing for winter. So I suppose this journey had to be made sans radio or phone. Could I make it?

I did. And I’m here to tell about it. That little bout of insecurity likely takes place in homes like ours, and yours, almost daily. And that made me ask the question about how things in our lives have changed; and was it really for the better?

You see, I reminded myself that not so long ago, if you weren’t anchored to a wall in your house by a twisted up wire that seemed to get shorter with time, you couldn’t be on the phone at all. And if you were planning to call Uncle Billy in Missouri, you’d better have deep pockets to cover the long distance charges.

If your phone service was down, you could always run to the nearby corner gas station or shopping center and use one of the myriad of pay phones you’d practically trip over. In my recent panic I did a visual search of the territory I covered, in case of an emergency; not a phone booth to be seen ANYWHERE! All I saw were the empty shells where that link with the outside world used to reside, awaiting our dimes and quarters; and perhaps Clark Kent’s quick change into Superman. I guess he has to use the back seat of his car now.

I don’t know about you but I feel absolutely naked when I am out in the real world without my phone. And try to get a teen to part with theirs. This is not one of those “I remember when gas used to be a nickel a gallon” stories from the turn of the last century. This has happened in the blink of an eye. The technology is growing so fast it’s really hard to keep up.

My wife and I just recently joined the iphone crowd. I’m not bragging. They had to get me there kicking and screaming until I realized how amazing this little thing can be. My wife is a systems engineer, and has been for three decades. Our phones, besides calling Uncle Billy for free, can do calculations it used to take an entire room of her mainframes to handle. It’s a phone, a road map, a computer, an alarm clock, a trip planner, an egg timer, a phone book, a Day-Timer and a gaming device. It fits in my shirt pocket!

Our problems today don’t revolve around that anchored landline. No, the problem today is watching out for the other drivers texting while behind the wheel going 80 MPH. Then there are the drivers who used to be easily distracted by a carload of passengers yakking away, now doing the same thing into their handheld devices. And what about the choice of restaurant, not being based on the menu but on whether the establishment offers free Wi-Fi?

So the $64,000 question is; are we better off with these little gadgets that connect us with the world? My answer is that we probably are, as long as we don’t become even more dependent on them than our old landline phones had to be to that wall mount.

____________________________________________________________

August 9, 1975 A 34th Anniversary Dinner

2009-08-10T09:32:00.007-04:00

Marty and Barb Malloy and Mike and Kathy Scinto-August 9, 2009 Celebrating Our 34th Anniversaries Together at Brio

Break out the Shackles-by Mike Scinto

2009-06-03T12:23:00.004-04:00

A reader recently provided me with the following dissertation:

"A Democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on the majority always vote for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that a Democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the worlds greatest civilizations has been two hundred years. These nations have progressed through this sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith; from spiritual faith to great courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to abundance; from abundance to selfishness; from selfishness to complacency; from complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependence; from dependency back again to bondage."

Keep in mind we are not a democracy, as the reader points out, but a republic. However the message of this writing could apply to both forms of government and, more importantly, transcends that message. It is a roadmap for our journey as a nation; and I might add we are frightfully close to our destination in that journey with the socialist who now sits in the White House.

These words were written over two hundred years ago by English historian Alexander Fraser Tyler about the fall of the Athenian Republic but hold so true today about the “ME” generation in America.

The reader points out that we have become apathetic and self-centered. We expect to be cared for from womb to tomb. We took a Social Security system that was supposed to supplement our retirement years and turned it into our sole means of support, thus nearly destroying it. Our banks and major corporations are now being commanded by King Obama. The free market system which, unfettered, is designed to function at its best is being dismantled. Obama Motor Car Company now replaces the “Big Three”. We give Americans a free pass if they choose not to work, defend their country or obey our laws. And now we have elected a President who is enabling us continuing to continue those practices; heck, he WANTS us to!

We don’t bother to go carry out what was our most cherished birthright, the right to vote. And many of those who do at least bother, have no clue for whom, or what, they are casting their ballot.

Yes, if you carefully study Tyler’s words again, you’ll see we have just about run full circle. And, as my reader so aptly concluded his letter to me; How soon bondage?

Ambassador Alan Keyes on the Legitimacy of “President” Obama and more

2009-04-27T08:30:00.004-04:00

It was my sincere honor, and pleasure to dine with Ambassador Keyes in 2000. He is genuine, direct and usually right. I found this commentary on Barack Obama posted and wanted to share it with all of you.

Mike Scinto with Fox News Sunday Host Chris Wallace 4/17/09

2009-04-24T08:12:00.003-04:00

“Amerika” the Changed; Let’s Hum a Few Bars-by Mike Scinto

2009-04-08T12:28:00.003-04:00

Folks, what’s happening to our country is beyond novel, interesting, historic or part of “how the system works”. What this President is doing amounts to dictatorial power-grabbing and we are just letting him, along with the help of Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and the other Liberal numbskulls, rewrite our laws, destroy free enterprise and irreparably alter our economic system; bankrupting our great country for our children and grandchildren.

This past week Barack Obama fired Rick Wagoner, CEO of General Motors, and dictated which models of cars the once great carmaker would be “allowed” to continue to build. He planted his own hack in the CEO’s chair to make sure the Obama magic can really go to work at GM. And we’re just sitting back and watching!

We are letting him dictate to Chrysler that it merge (again) with a foreign car maker. Again, we’re just kicked back in the Lazy Boy watching King Barack I bark out the commands for his minions to carry out.

If it weren’t so serious, it would almost be sit-com funny. Who would have thought that a young, inexperienced lawyer would assume the highest office in this land and proceed to dismantle it and reform it into a Euro-Socialistic state. Well, I suppose if you had looked at his limited track record as an office holder, and what he SAID he wanted to do while campaigning, maybe you would have figured that out……..Duh!

What’s next? Will he come to our quaint little dot on a map and tell us how to spend our tax money? Will he direct our Parks Board on which projects are good and which should be scrapped? Could he possibly decide that our economy could be better served if our local hardware store and grocery store (which I prefer to frequent) folded and let ONLY Menard’s and Wal-Mart handle the business? And don’t you think for a minute he can’t do it. Oh, maybe not by sending in one of his flunkies, but through his hands-on control of the Commerce Department and the IRS; the reins of which he turned over to a man who really didn’t think paying HIS taxes was that important anyway.

You folks who were swept up in the majesty of the new “Camelot” still believe this “change” is for the better. We tried to warn you. I was tarred and feathered and run off the Mum Festival stage for making a joke about His Highness. I was thrown out of a thirty year career by refusing to bow at his altar and accept his “stimulus” package as anything but a blueprint to national bankruptcy. And fear not, the rest of you will get yours too. He has enough in his bag of tricks to work his magic on every one of us to some degree.

How do we fix it? It may very well be too late. But we need to write, call, let our voices be heard in places like our local, state and national office holder’s phone lines, email boxes and through snail mail. And we don’t stop. We sound off continuously in places like the Independent Voice blog site; one of the few places (at least for now) the King can’t stop us. Or, as some of you have chosen to do in the past, just roll over and let His Majesty’s men rub your tummy and make everything right for you.

There’s a scary, but all too real scenario that could play out. You see, this great nation has managed to overcome greater obstacles than this would-be dictator. And it may just be strong enough to overcome his power and come out of the financial struggles on its own. If that happens, he’ll get credit and will be able to write his ticket for the next 7 ½ years. But trust me; someday future generations will pay the multi-trillion dollar price tag of this sweeping change blowing across our land! But, not to worry, as with the G-20 conference, I’m sure Michelle’s wardrobe and fashion will take our minds off the real problems at hand.

Censorship is Alive and Well in the Gem City

2009-03-03T12:05:00.001-05:00

As our President’s stimulus package continues to drag the stock market down to decades-old positions and millions are becoming statistics as companies brace for the new tax burdens they will be facing, Yours Truly joined the ranks of those suffering under the Obama-Reid-Pelosi regime. What I am about to relate, I assure you, is NOT sour grapes…….but you take from it what you will.

I was told yesterday, almost ten years to the day after moving my radio talk show to the black-oriented Liberal WDAO radio, that the show needed to go in a different direction. What I believe, based on many signals, is that it meant it needed to go in the Obama direction. And that Kool-Aid didn’t wash down well with me at all.

Posted here is the sign that I stared at since the inauguration. It says that Obama must be referred to as President Barack Obama. And if a caller slipped through and just said “Obama”, or if I said “Obama Administration” I was called on the carpet. These weren’t negative references either, but commonly accepted terminology for all administrations. This was quite obviously a term of my employment.

My thoughts may have become all-too-apparent in my facial expressions as I wondered why, during the previous eight years, I didn’t see a similar memo when callers referred to George W. Bush as a war monger, drunk, moron or other tasteless terms. They called Bush everything BUT “President George W. Bush”.

And even though I tried my best to walk that thin line, I had several confrontations with the owner about my lack of support for the stimulus package. It came to the point that he suggested we just not talk about the economic plans at all if it meant dissension.

Heck, here I am, a white conservative talk show host on a liberal black radio station and for about two months prior to the most historic election battle in our nation’s history, we couldn’t’ talk about the Presidential race at all! We couldn’t mention Obama or McCain…….period! And we heard about it if we let a caller slip through and mention one of their names or the race itself. Is that what a talk radio show is supposed to be like? I must have missed that page in the manual.

Look, Jim Johnson (WDAO Owner and General Manger) is my friend and has been for 30 plus years. He can be a very nice man and has a good technology skill………..he can build a radio studio from scratch. I just question his motivation in handling this censorship issue the way he did. Look, it’s not a crime, or even a character flaw. It just means he could be shortchanging himself and the people of this community, both black and white.

Censorship on the public airwaves is bad enough. Being less than honest about your reasons for that censorship is even worse. I can only assume that WDAO has already gotten its marching orders from the Obama camp to begin the elimination of conservatives from the air before the “Fairness” Doctrine can kick in. At the very least I feel very comfortable that I have maintained my integrity throughout this situation.

WDAO was the only station left in the market offering a local balanced (until recently) channel for the community to speak out. I can only hope the other fine radio stations (some of which I have been affiliated with over the decades) decide to assume that role. And I encourage you to suggest that to them with a very loud voice. Or we may only hear what station owners, like my former employer, DECIDE we can hear!

Now in his 33^rd year Mike Scinto has served as a radio talk show host. Call Mike at 937-506-4288. Email him at mike@themikescintoshow.com. And visit Mike Scinto at http://www.facebook.com or http://www.youtube.com/scintoonfilm.

Gladys Kravitz is Alive and Well

2009-02-09T10:58:00.002-05:00

Gladys Kravitz is Alive and Well

Remember Gladys Kravitz? If you’re a Gen-Xer or younger probably not…….unless you watch reruns. Kravitz was the neighbor of Darrin and Samantha Stephens on the TV series “Bewitched”. She was the quintessential nosey neighbor with that nose planted firmly in the living room window to report on all goings on in and around the street. She seemed to live for that role and it was what kept her going. I suggest that Gladys isn’t dead, she has just morphed. She has shape-shifted into the American media and, for that matter, most of us!

The latest incarnation of Gladys has been with the recent octuplet births in California. This is a story that has grown a life of its own when, in fact, it’s none of our business.

In case you’ve been comatose or in a monastery for the past week or so, a hospital team announced that single mother Nadya Suleman, along with a team of IVF docs, decided to impregnate her after already giving birth to her earlier six children. We later learned her reason; she wanted to be a mother.

The media wolves soon set up camp outside the hospital, and her parents’ home where Nadya lives. The family now has to live with microphones, cameras and paparazzi at every turn outside their modest home. The talk shows, columnists (gee, like me I suppose) and amateur shrinks and social workers around the water cooler are evaluating her motives and sanity. Even her mother has finally broken down and made the comment that Nadya’s decision was "really unconscionable" since she has no visible means of support for herself or the 14 children. She is alleged to have a publicist bringing her multi-million dollar offers for her story (which I would guess could solve the support question). I have even seen several of the TV rags saying Nadya pumped her lips up so she would resemble actress Angelina Jolie.

I listened to a mainstream talk radio host who is an “ordained Christian minister” call her everything but normal. He attacked her, in-vitro fertilization in general, her parents, the doctors and his own mother for this disgraceful situation. I guess he was that guy in the crowd in the Bible who was so without sin he could cast that first stone.

I am not excusing or rationalizing. I am not claiming to know her thought process, or if there are some crossed wires in her noggin. I choose not to speculate on motives or ultimate financial gains. The bottom line is that I don’t care because it’s none of my business! And, it’s none of yours either!

Now if you want to use that “taxpayers like us will have to support them” line, forget it. In the whole scheme of things, we waste a trillion times more in social giveaway programs already than they will ever need…….and you sent those big spenders back to Congress four months ago…..with a new leader!

This ravaging of Nadya as a person is tantamount to character assassination and spiritual murder. And the sad thing is that we’ll eventually back off this one (once all the meat is off the bones) but it’ll take us no time at all to find another to fill our curiosity gullets.

Rain:A Tribute to The Beatles

2008-12-14T19:26:00.004-05:00

It was like stepping back in time! Awesome!

Ever wonder why...............

2008-12-13T16:27:00.009-05:00

.......they're called JUMBO SHRIMP?

.......they have a SEAFOOD RESTAURANT at SEAWORLD? Are we eating the slow learners?

.......they call SPAYING AND NEUTERING getting FIXED? Isn't it getting BROKEN?

.......businesses will post signs that say "NO PETS EXCEPT FOR GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND"? Now just who is going to read that?

.......doctors seemingly always want to PRACTICE MEDICINE? Wouldn't you think for their salaries they'd have it down?

.......psychics need to work at all? And wouldn't they know you were coming to see them WITHOUT you needing to call and make an appointment?

.......prisons won't execute an inmate on death row if they have the flu? They have to wait until they're well enough to die.

Mike's Columns

2008-12-05T08:22:00.002-05:00

Bottoms Up!

12/3/08

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."

"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."

His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

Nearby there stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

Jesus said to the servants "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."

They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

I began with John 2:1-11 to offset any “religious” objections to what I am about to bemoan. We demonize alcohol in this country, and in doing so make it more of a problem than it should ever have been. From pulpits, town council chambers and holier-than-thou do-gooders the fruit of the vine is blamed for every evil thing in our society.

Our family Thanksgiving holiday was spent with in rural Mississippi. I found out, after the fact, that I could have been thrown in the slammer had I been stopped at a checkpoint en route to the family home. You see, I had some beer in my cooler that I was transporting from our home here in Ohio to The Magnolia State. It wasn’t open, and I hadn’t been drinking it; it merely existed. And that, My Friends, is a crime.

I had to drive 30 miles to the nearest Wal-Mart (told you it was a small town) only to find out that county was “dry” and I couldn’t get my wife’s celebratory wine after all. When visiting neighboring Tennessee, which we do so often, one community allows you to have beer and wine but they can’t sell it in the restaurant. You can bring in anything you want to drink with your meal. There are other communities in the same state where you would be arrested for trying the same thing.

Right here in the Buckeye State, there are many varying laws in municipalities. A few years ago New Carlisle was a dry city but you could take two steps over the city limits sign and buy all you wanted. I think it’s still a dry community.

Elsewhere in the state (somewhat anecdotal because all the rules make my head spin) you can’t buy wine at all but can buy beer after 1:00 PM on Sundays and none between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM………I’m sure I messed up the times, but you get the picture.

If I want to get smashed, why wouldn’t I just buy my booze on Friday and save it for the forbidden times? Or I could stock up during the week.

We allow 18 year olds to face mutilation, amputation and even death in a war zone but they have to wait three more years after that to buy alcohol on the economy.

When something is forbidden and viewed as taboo by “us old folks”, but we do it anyway, it’s a red flag being waived for kids, even good ones, to become investigative.

Again anecdotal, but I have heard France has a much lower alcoholism rate than most civilized countries. They raise their children appreciating fine wine and it becomes a part of everyday life, and not an adventure to pop a cork behind the woodshed.

One of my opening and closing remarks on my show (which drives many of my listeners into fits of rage) is “Two adult beverages a day, that’s all I ask”. Study upon study has shown that drinking, in moderation is not only okay, but actually healthy with some few exceptions.

The key is moderation. I can O.D. on Twinkies, cough syrup or even (and this is a true case recently reported from California) drinking water!

This is not a suggestion that our high schoolers go out and get blasted. What I am saying is; rewrite our antiquated laws and allow the purchase of alcohol any time, educate your children, don’t just warn them, and realize that it’s no sin, or crime, to kick back after a long day and have a drink. Of course, never drive after indulging and don’t overdo. But, as the spiked eggnog is lifted in a toast, don’t feel guilty this Holiday season to shout out “Cheers”!

------------------------------------------

Print is NOT Dead

When I started in radio and TV in Dayton over three decades ago there were two newspapers; the morning Journal Herald and the afternoon Daily News. The Herald was my favorite since I tended to read morning papers more and it was conservative. By 1987 the Herald was no more, and the Daily News took over the morning slot.

In 1985 I started my only year of hosting a radio show in a market other than Dayton. I had a huge picture window studio across the street from the state house in Columbus for a year. The morning paper in Columbus was the Citizen-Journal (another conservative offering). The afternoon paper was the Dispatch. The C-J, as it was called, folded on December 31, 1985 with the banner headline “Goodbye Columbus”. The Dispatch then became the sole paper and moved to mornings.

I broadened my radio and TV horizons by starting my newspaper column in 2000 at the Tipp Herald. The Independent Voice came along a few years later and the Herald became an insert in an out-of-town paper.

Now, either I am a paper killer, print is dead or the times, they-are-a-changin’. If I were the paranoid type, I might think it was me.

Truth be known, circulation is down at many print publications and papers are folding every day. But there are some very real reasons why print isn’t taking its final breaths.

In my opinion, the national papers that try to compete with a multitude of 24 hour news channels are doomed. The news on the tube is instantaneous, in virtually every home and can be viewed on almost every kind of personal gizmo on the market. Why wait until Wednesday morning to read “Obama Wins” win you watched it happen Tuesday evening.

In the better part of a decade that I wrote for the other Tipp paper, using my same irritating yet enlightening style, I can count on one hand the number of comments I received about my writings……….and in a paper with a relatively higher circulation. In the couple of months they’ve let me pour salt on wounds in the Independent Voice, I’ve been pelted with tomatoes or hugged and kissed at nearly every turn for my opinions. Well, perhaps it hasn’t been quite that physical, but a day doesn’t go by that somebody doesn’t comment on something I wrote………..and by the way, most say I look more like Indiana Jones than John Muldowney with the hat on……..…or course I knew that.

My wife, Kathy is probably right. Her explanation is that those who read the Independent Voice tend to be those who are activists, and care more about the news and life itself in a very “hands-on” way.

If it sounds like I am fishing for brownie points from my Editor and Publisher, I’m not. I won’t get a raise for writing this. It’s simply the truth. This paper is growing and is now the only local outlet for a couple of basic reasons; it hasn’t lost sight of its local focus and it’s offering a very up-do-date Internet option for those who prefer to travel that route solely, or to complement the print version.

Joe and Mary still love to hold their son Johnny’s touchdown story, and /or photo, in their hands at the breakfast table, then clip it and put a copy on the fridge and send one to Grandma living in Topeka. They can also email Uncle Ernie in London to check out the web page. But it’s local. Even when one of my opinion columns is about something in Washington or Columbus, I’m local and you can grab me by the scruff of the neck and slam me up against the wall to make your point………..although I recommend against that method of expression since I hold two black belts………and one is reversible!

No, print isn’t dead. In fact I believe it has a whole lot of life left in it as long as it remembers what the focus, and the market, should be. I mean, when I sit down to read in my favorite reading room at home, it’s a little tough to balance my desktop at the same time……think about it. If you live out in the township and didn’t get that, drop me a line….I’ll explain it. Of course, don’t some of you out there still read by the light of the half-moon cut just above the door of your reading room anyway? Remember my black belts! And make note of my new blog address…..check it out!

Big Three Bailout News on The Mike Scinto Show

2008-12-03T11:02:00.002-05:00

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5977388869892608434&hl=en

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2008!

2008-11-27T05:02:00.003-05:00

From Aberdeen, Mississippi!

http://www.aberdeenms.us/

Archived Postings

2008-10-28T10:43:00.001-04:00

MAKE SURE TO GO TO MY BLOG ARCHIVES TO READ ALL POSTINGS

"The Oaks" in Sevierville, TN amidst the splendor of the Smoky Mts.

2008-10-24T13:00:00.019-04:00

Look for a complete account of our stay and contact information about how you can stay at "The Oaks" coming up in this blog and in our column.

The Dayton Dragons Section 105 Way Over The Hill Gang

2008-10-19T13:23:00.006-04:00

Poor Mike strained his back trying to uproot a dandelion, and we're told by Rae, whined about it. But this is our tribute to him as we're all hunched over to commiserate with Mikey.

2008 Saurkraut Festival

2008-10-11T23:30:00.002-04:00

I’m Fired!

2008-10-08T16:26:00.001-04:00

Column

There’s an episode of Seinfeld in which Kramer goes into a Manhattan office to use the bathroom and gets pulled into an executive meeting, likes it and sticks around with his three piece suit and briefcase. He does the 9 to 5 every day and even generates a report from his “work”. When his “boss” reads it he calls Kramer into his office. He explains to Kramer that the report is gibberish and really bears no resemblance to anything related to business. He tells Kramer he has to let him go. Kramer says “But I don’t really even work here”. The boss says “I know. That’s what makes this so difficult”.

Well, if the stories I’ve heard are true this week, I’ve been fired from announcing the Mum Festival Parade; and I didn’t even work there! At least I never SAW a paycheck.

I learned today that a person, or persons, took umbrage with something I said at this year’s parade. As the Democratic Party float passed the review stand, I suggested that Barack Obama might be in the car pulling the float since he was likely embarrassed after losing the debate the previous evening to John McCain. That person, or persons, fired off an email to the City Council wanting that body to do something about what I said. I also heard that a former big-wig with the Mum Festival Committee would be addressing the next Mum meeting about my comments. And then I was told that a member of the Committee responded to the slightly off-kilter complainant by stating that I certainly wouldn’t be returning to that microphone next year. All this information is second hand, so my comments will be addressed to the parties involved IF it actually happened the way I was told.

First of all, lighten up! You might be surprised what cracking a smile would mean to your health. If you think those comments were that bad, you have a real perception problem. I understand Ohio, and the Miami Valley is important in this presidential election but being prudish isn’t helping and I can only imagine how you’ll behave when your candidate loses in November………and he will lose. You’ll be fit to be tied.

The Council has nothing to do with the Mum Festival or what I say. Why would you waste their time whining about your personal problems? Maybe you should go burn some objectionable books outside the library, or stop by the school board to make sure the texts meet your standards. Hey, I have an idea; perhaps you could join with like-minded concerned citizens to screen all comments made in Tipp City or Monroe Township to see if they pass the politically correct test for free speech before we’re allowed to print or speak them.

And if, in fact, that committee member did succumb to the un-American grumblings of this/these censorship hooligans, then that member lacks any modicum of integrity…..and didn’t even have the intestinal fortitude to contact me first. They preferred sucking up to the griper. But I suppose taking the easier way out is less stressful.

If the committee wants a robot to sit and read a script in what amounts to a computer-generated, simulated voice, that’s fine. My wife told me I sounded like I was certainly entertaining myself with my witticisms anyway. And I was. I thought I was quite clever. But I don’t need to be on stage to do that. I can just as easily play to a small room.

I was asked for the past two years to announce the Mum Festival Parade. I actually prefer watching with my family and friends but I believe we must support our community when asked. By the way, aside from the individual who asked me to help out, there’s been no “Thank you” stream flowing in my direction from the committee, just this kind of garbage.

You see, unlike a handful of you busy-bodies in the area, I believe in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I will continue to speak my mind in public forums, in private gatherings and in this fine publication until the editor tells me to shut up. I wonder if this is a common attitude with those in “that” political camp. And if you really don’t like what I say, I’ll bet they’d be happy to put you (and you know who you are) up in the Hotel Havana. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Castro’s restraints put on parade commentators there………its’ right up your alley.

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Mike Scinto is a Radio Talk Show Host and hosts the longest running show in Southwestern Ohio. You can catch him weekdays from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM on 1210-AM. Mike is a regular guest host on the national Mike Gallagher Show and is a contributor to cable’s Fox News Channel. You can visit http://myspace.com/mikescintoshow or email mike@themikescintoshow.com. You can also reach Mike by calling 937-506-4288 and visit his blog at http://mikescinto.blogspot.com .

Pigs in the Park

2008-10-01T16:25:00.002-04:00

http://tippvoice.com

Column

It’s really sad when you have to tell people that they’re slobs and they’re affecting not only their little world but those around them as well. Well they’re in our midst as we speak.

I’ve found Kyle Park to be quite a respite from the hectic, everyday world. I go there in the morning with our dog, I coach soccer there, our family walks the trail around the perimeter and I’ve even written columns in the past about how clean and well maintained the park is right down to the rest rooms. It’s been a pleasure to use this gift from the Kyle family. But as it grows, so do the inconsiderate, grotesque violations of the park.

Before I get started with my rant, let me say I still believe it is one of the best maintained, groomed and patrolled parks I’ve seen in any city, large or small.

I’ve noticed, especially over the past year or so, more trash, acts of vandalism and general lack of concern for the facility by patrons. As I said, I am there at all hours of the day and evening almost every day. And while the problem isn’t pervasive, it is annoying.

I constantly see the picnic tables at the Timmer Pavilion pulled together and dangling off the concrete from skateboarders who used the tables for their acrobatics. I have nothing against skateboarders, we have one of our own, but I do recognize the liability of doing it in a totally unsupervised area seemingly inviting a broken skull to happen. And I wonder if they would leave their own backyard in the same disarray?

The bathrooms that I once wrote were clean enough to eat off the floor (not literally, of course) are sometimes as trashed as the facilities at a baseball stadium or concert arena.

I recently saw where a car had been parked by the new baseball diamonds and the occupants had obviously emptied all their ash trays and trash bags out both side doors. Several months ago as I went for a stroll, I had to step over a used condom in the parking lot. Where possible, and time permitting, I try to pick up what I can, although I must admit, I couldn’t bring my ungloved self to pick up the prophylactic.

And most of us have been there after one of the porta-potties has been tipped over; quite a pleasant aroma to complement the honeysuckle on a spring or summer morning.

I served on the old Parks Advisory Committee some years ago, and if memory serves me correctly, the policy at the park back then was that it was closed from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM every night. Unless there were problems though, it wasn’t really enforced. By the time we get the kids to bed, chores wrapped up for the day and are winding down it is usually after 11:00 PM. I will head for the park to take a quick walk/jog around the park. Or I will use that time of quiet to prepare for a radio show or write my column on this laptop.

Several nights ago I arrived a little after 11:00 and as I headed around the baseball loop, I saw the flashing red lights of a police cruiser. I wondered if I was being taped for an episode of “Cops”. Apparently he had been parked with his lights off watching for people coming into the park. He explained I couldn’t be there after 11:00. I felt like a criminal in my beloved Kyle Park. I know the officer was just doing what he needed to do, and he was very polite, but when he said I’d have to leave the park because it was closed I felt like Tipp City had “come of age”.

The serenity, beauty and uniqueness had somehow been stolen because of a few punks and slobs who should be living in a sewer instead of a community of civilized people. To those reading this; if the shoe fits, wear it.

Again, I have no complaints with the parks folks. They work very hard to maintain a gorgeous park for all. And for the most part, it remains that way. But they can’t be there 24/7. Pick up after yourself, and help keep our public, family areas something of which we can be proud. If not we’ll look like every other two-bit community.

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Paul Newman Remembered

2008-09-27T22:07:00.004-04:00

Tribute

I won't list movie after movie but will simply say, while Newman's liberal politics were 180 degrees from mine, his acting in "Cool Hand Luke", "The Sting" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" made you believe each of those characters lived inside him........the sign of a great thespian. He will be missed!

This Past Week In a Nutshell

2008-09-27T21:21:00.010-04:00

Journal

This past week has flown by. Of course, it all flies by any more!

Carly went back to school.....and did fine! It's still a long road back but it's moving smoothly now.....or seems to be. She is doing well with her G-Tube and is eating okay anyway for her teachers.

Zak had his best first month-plus at school of his high school years. I hope I didn't jinx that! He celebrated 6 months with his girlfriend Taylor and they seem to complement each other very well...she's a nice girl.

My Mom has continued to have health issues and has been in and out of the hospital this week and as of this writing is being assessed for a broken elbow and dislocated hip (falling while in the hospital) and her ability to live unassisted in her apartment.

We had our first dinner out in a while with Pat and Pamela Hale and it was fun. Later that night we watched Tipp High School continue its undefeated season beating Bellefontaine in a close, well-fought game.

Saturday morning Pat Hale and I announced the 50th annual Mum Festival in Tipp City (pictured above). Kathy and I, Zak and Taylor then took in the Festival. It was a full day.

Soccer Mom Melanie Haim had her concelaed carry permit yanked for this. Another violation of our Second Ammendment rights!

2008-09-26T11:00:00.001-04:00

Programming for Friday, September 26, 2008

2008-09-26T08:31:00.005-04:00

From the desk of Mike Scinto, Talk Show Host/Newspaper Columnist

** Programming Information **

http://mikescinto.blogspot.com

http://myspace.com/mikescintoshow

mike@themikescintoshow.com

Personal Line 937-506-4288

Fax: 1-866-375-6934 Toll Free-THE BEST Internet fax service available myfax.com

For the show Friday September 26, 2008

Today on Expressions II with Mike Scinto:

**Giving teachers a bonus for passing excellent students; sounds like a great idea, right? Mike Scinto says “Find out who says it’s a bad idea……and I’ll give you a hint. It’s spelled U-N-I-O-N.

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**Arnold signs a bill in California that says you’d better not be texting while driving.

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**Scientists are back with stats that say the kids who use cell phones regularly are 5 times more likely to develop brain tumors. Scinto asks “Do you buy it and are you going to back off cell phone use or make your kids or grandkids”?

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**As of yesterday in Nebraska you can dump your kids, up to age 19, at a hospital emergency room and you’re no longer responsible for them. “Can you think of a more disgusting program for losers and quitters?” Scinto asks.

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**Scinto’s here. Don’t miss a minute of it Friday (today) at Noon exclusively on

1210 AM WDAO.

The Mike Scinto Perspective

**Decades in jail for improper sexual conduct in the service;not a fair punishmenet**

brandonhaskins.mov

Celebrating Graduates

Every Day Should Be Memorial Day

Keep The Internet Free

Watering Down The Media

Apostle Claver Part 1

Apostle Claver Part 2

Apostle Claver Part 3

Scinto to Tea Partiers: “Slow Your Roll”

A Warm Feeling on a Cold Winter Day

High-Speed White Elephant

Holding On To What is Ours

Grabbing a Slice of Life

“The List”

Merry Christmas 2009!

Your Camcorder Can Be a Treasure Chest

Issue #3 a Real Roll of the Dice for Scinto

Please Deposit $.50 for Your Next 3 Minutes

August 9, 1975 A 34th Anniversary Dinner

Break out the Shackles-by Mike Scinto

Ambassador Alan Keyes on the Legitimacy of “President” Obama and more

Mike Scinto with Fox News Sunday Host Chris Wallace 4/17/09

“Amerika” the Changed; Let’s Hum a Few Bars-by Mike Scinto

Censorship is Alive and Well in the Gem City

Gladys Kravitz is Alive and Well

Rain:A Tribute to The Beatles

Ever wonder why...............

Mike's Columns

Big Three Bailout News on The Mike Scinto Show

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2008!

Archived Postings

"The Oaks" in Sevierville, TN amidst the splendor of the Smoky Mts.

The Dayton Dragons Section 105 Way Over The Hill Gang

2008 Saurkraut Festival

I’m Fired!

Pigs in the Park

Paul Newman Remembered

This Past Week In a Nutshell

Soccer Mom Melanie Haim had her concelaed carry permit yanked for this. Another violation of our Second Ammendment rights!

Programming for Friday, September 26, 2008

Decades in jail for improper sexual conduct in the service;not a fair punishmenet