brandonhaskins.mov

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

Celebrating Graduates

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

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

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

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

Apostle Claver Part 2

Apostle Claver Part 3

Scinto to Tea Partiers: “Slow Your Roll”

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

A Warm Feeling on a Cold Winter Day

By

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

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

Holding On To What is Ours

By

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

Grabbing a Slice of Life

By

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”

“The List”

By

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!