Monday, November 28, 2005
So...was it really a technical glitch? The CNN Cheney X-BOX "mystery" continues:
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN NOV 27 2005 17:05:23 ET XXXXX
CNN OPERATOR FIRED AFTER SUGGESTING 'X' OVER CHENEY WAS 'FREE SPEECH'
A CNN switchboard operator was fired over the holiday -- after the operator claimed the 'X' placed over Vice President's Dick Cheney's face was "free speech!"
"We did it just to make a point. Tell them to stop lying, Bush and Cheney," the CNN operator said to a caller. "Bring our soldiers home."
The caller initially phoned the network to complain about the all-news channel flashing an "X' over Cheney as he gave an address live from Washington.
"Was it not freedom of speech? Yes or No?" the CNN operator explained.
"If you don't like it, don't watch."
Laurie Goldberg, Senior Vice President for Public Relations with CNN, said in a release:
"A Turner switchboard operator was fired today after we were alerted to a conversation the operator had with a caller in which the operator lost his temper and expressed his personal views -- behavior that was totally inappropriate. His comments did not reflect the views of CNN. We are reaching out to the caller and expressing our deep regret to her and apologizing that she did not get the courtesy entitled to her. "
Developing...
So much for the glitch!~ NOW do you believe in media bias? -Eileen Byrne
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN NOV 27 2005 17:05:23 ET XXXXX
CNN OPERATOR FIRED AFTER SUGGESTING 'X' OVER CHENEY WAS 'FREE SPEECH'
A CNN switchboard operator was fired over the holiday -- after the operator claimed the 'X' placed over Vice President's Dick Cheney's face was "free speech!"
"We did it just to make a point. Tell them to stop lying, Bush and Cheney," the CNN operator said to a caller. "Bring our soldiers home."
The caller initially phoned the network to complain about the all-news channel flashing an "X' over Cheney as he gave an address live from Washington.
"Was it not freedom of speech? Yes or No?" the CNN operator explained.
"If you don't like it, don't watch."
Laurie Goldberg, Senior Vice President for Public Relations with CNN, said in a release:
"A Turner switchboard operator was fired today after we were alerted to a conversation the operator had with a caller in which the operator lost his temper and expressed his personal views -- behavior that was totally inappropriate. His comments did not reflect the views of CNN. We are reaching out to the caller and expressing our deep regret to her and apologizing that she did not get the courtesy entitled to her. "
Developing...
So much for the glitch!~ NOW do you believe in media bias? -Eileen Byrne
Thursday, November 17, 2005
When Someone Believes In You
I got an email today from a young man who was trying to get a job in radio. I had taken him to lunch a couple of times, critiqued some of his tapes and gave him advice about getting into this crazy business! Today he wrote, "Eileen, hope you remember me. I am doing mornings in Round Lake and also working at (another radio station)...so I am busy, busy, busy! I just wanted to give you an update." I wrote back...."I am so proud of you and OF COURSE I remember you." I greatly admire his perseverance and his belief in himself. Maybe I helped too. I hope so. Everyone needs someone to believe in their abilities and talent. Not only does it make us feel good but it gives us new incentive to push ourselves to achieve.
This morning, we talked about an Oklahoma City Mom, Tasha Henderson, who was frustrated with her 14-year-old daughter making bad grades, being tardy for class and mouthing off to her teachers. She chose a unique way to discipline her daughter, Coretha. She made Coretha stand at a busy Oklahoma intersection with a cardboard sign that read: "I Don't Do My Homework and I Act Up in School, so My Parents Are Preparing Me For My Future. Will work for food." Mrs. Henderson stood by her daughter at the intersection until a passing motorist called police with a report of "psychological abuse" and they were both forced to leave. The incident was then reported to the state Department of Human Services. A so-called child expert also weighed in and said this was emotional child abuse. In my view, it would be abuse to let the teen jeopardize her future by allowing her to continue her disruptive behavior. The end result of the punishment is that Mrs. Henderson has seen a significant improvement in Coretha's behavior and attitude. The "expert" had no comment about that.
Put yourself in Mrs. Henderson's shoes for a moment. You see your son or daughter spiraling out of control with self-destructive behavior. How do you rectify the situation? Would a grounding do it? Would you approach the school and ask Coretha's teacher to give detentions? Maybe, as I suggested on the air this morning, that an in-class public humiliation was in order: that Coretha should have held up the sign in front of her classmates and apologized to the teachers, instead of the city.
Whatever the punishment, I applaud the mother for caring enough about her daughter to help her. She didn't throw up her hands and give up on her child. She loved her enough to see where her behavior was heading and put a stop to it. Everyone needs someone to believe in them. Mrs. Henderson certainly believes in her daughter and showed the entire country how much.
What would you do if this was your child? I'm interested in your suggestions at eileen.f.byrne@abc.com
By the way, about the banning of the 40 oz. beer? Got a great email today from Anita:
As a recovering alcoholic I think it is ridiculous to think that only
alcoholics drink 40 ouncers, or that by ridding the public of 40 ouncers
that this will stop those people from consuming alcohol. This is the
problem with people stereotyping alcoholics. Alcoholism is a compulsion
and until you take measures to stop this, people will go to any length
(even drinking Nyquil) to get a buzz. It is a learned coping mechanism
for dealing with the pain felt with everyday life. Thankfully I have
gotten a second chance (and did not have to live under a bridge or be
homeless to do this-another stereotype that is misleading. This disease
strikes rich and poor and simply taking away 40 ouncers is not going to
do anything but make them choose something else to get their drug of
choice-alcohol.
Thanks Anita. My Dad is a recovering alcoholic as well and very proud of that fact. Banning a beer would not have helped him. Introducing him to AA did. Thank you and God Bless. Eileen
I got an email today from a young man who was trying to get a job in radio. I had taken him to lunch a couple of times, critiqued some of his tapes and gave him advice about getting into this crazy business! Today he wrote, "Eileen, hope you remember me. I am doing mornings in Round Lake and also working at (another radio station)...so I am busy, busy, busy! I just wanted to give you an update." I wrote back...."I am so proud of you and OF COURSE I remember you." I greatly admire his perseverance and his belief in himself. Maybe I helped too. I hope so. Everyone needs someone to believe in their abilities and talent. Not only does it make us feel good but it gives us new incentive to push ourselves to achieve.
This morning, we talked about an Oklahoma City Mom, Tasha Henderson, who was frustrated with her 14-year-old daughter making bad grades, being tardy for class and mouthing off to her teachers. She chose a unique way to discipline her daughter, Coretha. She made Coretha stand at a busy Oklahoma intersection with a cardboard sign that read: "I Don't Do My Homework and I Act Up in School, so My Parents Are Preparing Me For My Future. Will work for food." Mrs. Henderson stood by her daughter at the intersection until a passing motorist called police with a report of "psychological abuse" and they were both forced to leave. The incident was then reported to the state Department of Human Services. A so-called child expert also weighed in and said this was emotional child abuse. In my view, it would be abuse to let the teen jeopardize her future by allowing her to continue her disruptive behavior. The end result of the punishment is that Mrs. Henderson has seen a significant improvement in Coretha's behavior and attitude. The "expert" had no comment about that.
Put yourself in Mrs. Henderson's shoes for a moment. You see your son or daughter spiraling out of control with self-destructive behavior. How do you rectify the situation? Would a grounding do it? Would you approach the school and ask Coretha's teacher to give detentions? Maybe, as I suggested on the air this morning, that an in-class public humiliation was in order: that Coretha should have held up the sign in front of her classmates and apologized to the teachers, instead of the city.
Whatever the punishment, I applaud the mother for caring enough about her daughter to help her. She didn't throw up her hands and give up on her child. She loved her enough to see where her behavior was heading and put a stop to it. Everyone needs someone to believe in them. Mrs. Henderson certainly believes in her daughter and showed the entire country how much.
What would you do if this was your child? I'm interested in your suggestions at eileen.f.byrne@abc.com
By the way, about the banning of the 40 oz. beer? Got a great email today from Anita:
As a recovering alcoholic I think it is ridiculous to think that only
alcoholics drink 40 ouncers, or that by ridding the public of 40 ouncers
that this will stop those people from consuming alcohol. This is the
problem with people stereotyping alcoholics. Alcoholism is a compulsion
and until you take measures to stop this, people will go to any length
(even drinking Nyquil) to get a buzz. It is a learned coping mechanism
for dealing with the pain felt with everyday life. Thankfully I have
gotten a second chance (and did not have to live under a bridge or be
homeless to do this-another stereotype that is misleading. This disease
strikes rich and poor and simply taking away 40 ouncers is not going to
do anything but make them choose something else to get their drug of
choice-alcohol.
Thanks Anita. My Dad is a recovering alcoholic as well and very proud of that fact. Banning a beer would not have helped him. Introducing him to AA did. Thank you and God Bless. Eileen
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Check out the new photos online... I've posted pictures from Friday's Veteran's Day ceremony featuring the unveiling of the Elk Grove Village Memorial statue. I have worked at WLS for seven years and of all of our activities and events, I am most proud of this one. Not only were we able to raise the money for the statue and show the community that our troops DO matter...but I've made friends for life. Thank you to Mayor Craig Johnson and his staff, Matt Roan...thanks!! And to all of you who offered your services and sent in donations to make this day possible. I will never forget this day as long as I live. Thank you and God Bless you!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Happy Veteran's Day!
As I'm writing happy and veterans in the same sentence, I feel the need to edit it, as if there's something wrong with celebrating Veteran's Day. But I now know after spending some time with our wounded heroes this week, flown into Chicago by an organization called Wounded Soldiers (woundedsoldiers.net), I know that this holiday should be celebrated. These wounded men and women are celebrating life and we should honor them tomorrow by celebrating their achievements in Iraq and Afghanistan. They lost limbs, ears, eyes, in areas such as Ramadi and Fallujah. Their faces, some of them, will be permanently disfigured. They don't complain. They are proud of the work that they've accomplished and many of them look forward to returning to active duty. They paid a price for our freedom. What can we do for them, in return? Smile. Say thank you. To me, every day should be Veteran's Day because they're putting their lives on the line 365 days a year. Some people write to me and ask, "Eileen, what does that mean...they are fighting for our freedom? We don't live in Iraq. This has nothing to do with me." If that sounds like you, I'd ask you to watch the news today. Watch the horror of the 9/11 attacks (or 11/9) in Amman, Jordan. Terrorists strapping on bombs and going into hotels like The Days Inn, The Radisson SAS Hotel, the Grand Hyatt Amman. Wouldn't these terrorists love to attack hotels, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, you name it, in this country? They tried to keep us from getting on airlines. They failed, thanks to brave Americans who refuse to be intimidated....and our brave military who are fighting these monsters there so they can't get here. Terrorists hate this country because they are afraid. They are afraid that the democracy we enjoy here will spread...women driving, women working, women voting, that affects the power of fear. And that's how the terrorists stay in power.
When I got to the final outing--the Wounded Veterans luncheon at The Signature Room at noon on Tuesday, the smiles and boisterous voices and the excitement from our vets was palpable. They told me about going to The United Center to see the Bulls; they asked me if there was a Puma store nearby; they told me how much they enjoyed Second City. In short, Chicago was GREAT to our wounded heroes. One soldier said he now had a will to live. Isn't that incredible?
Let's join together and show the country how much we DO care and rejoice in the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans and celebrate THEIR day. If you are looking for a location to join in....I know where you can go. Please honor those soldiers, our heroes, our veterans, tomorrow in Elk Grove Village. I will be there too. The info is below. Happy Veteran's Day! Let's honor their lives and remember their sacrifice!
CONTACT:
Craig B. Johnson
Mayor
901 Wellington Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: (847) 357-4030
Veterans Day Ceremony & Soldier Memorial Dedication
Elk Grove Village, IL – November 11, 2005
On Friday, November 11, the Village of Elk Grove will be hosting a Veterans Day and Soldier Memorial Statue Dedication Ceremony in the Village Green, located at 901 Wellington Avenue. The event will start promptly at 11:00 a.m.
This year’s Veterans Day observance will feature a special ceremony honoring the four (4) fallen soldiers from Elk Grove Village who have died fighting the War on Terror. The four (4) soldiers being honored on the Soldier Memorial Statue are:
· Lance Corporal Phillip E. Frank of the United States Marines;
· Corporal John T. Olson of the United States Marines;
· Specialist Adriana N. Salem of the United States Army; and
· Captain James S. Cronin of the United States Air Force.
Said Mayor Craig B. Johnson, “This Soldier Memorial Statue will ensure that the Elk Grove community will always be reminded of the numerous sacrifices made by our military men and women, and the hardships experienced by their families.”
The design of this statue was the result of the vision of the families of the four (4) fallen soldiers who worked with the artists, Jim Haire and Joy Farinelli, on a custom bronze sculpture depicting a soldier with young children, representing a dual theme of military service and family.
The Veterans Day Ceremony and Memorial Dedication will also feature a United States Marine honor guard and a 21-gun salute performed by the United States Army.
In the Spring of 2005, Elk Grove Village established the Fallen Soldier Memorial to honor the service and sacrifice of the Elk Grove military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and their families who have lost a loved one.
Over the course of the year, several community wide fundraising activities were held to assist in the collection of funds. Funds raised are being used to accomplish three (3) objectives:
· Install a bronze Memorial Statue entitled “Let Freedom Ring” in our Village Green to be dedicated on Veterans Day – November 11, 2005;
· Provide college scholarships to Elk Grove high school students in the soldiers’ names; and,
· Create seed funding to assist military families in need due to military service separating the soldier from their family.
For those wishing to attend, the Village Green is located two blocks west of the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Biesterfield Road and north on Wellington Avenue, between the Municipal Building and Elk Grove Library. Parking is available at the Park District Pavilion.
James Haire was raised in Westchester, IL and graduated from Proviso West and NIU with a BFA. He has placed many sculptures throughout the Village of Elk Grove, two of which are on the Village Green. Jim Haire usually works alone but secured Joy Farinelli to help insure completion of this sculpture for the Veterans Day dedication ceremony.
Donations are still being accepted and can be made payable to:
Elk Grove Soldier Memorial
c/o Elk Grove Village Hall
901 Wellington
Elk Grove Village, Il 60007
For more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (847) 357-4030.
As I'm writing happy and veterans in the same sentence, I feel the need to edit it, as if there's something wrong with celebrating Veteran's Day. But I now know after spending some time with our wounded heroes this week, flown into Chicago by an organization called Wounded Soldiers (woundedsoldiers.net), I know that this holiday should be celebrated. These wounded men and women are celebrating life and we should honor them tomorrow by celebrating their achievements in Iraq and Afghanistan. They lost limbs, ears, eyes, in areas such as Ramadi and Fallujah. Their faces, some of them, will be permanently disfigured. They don't complain. They are proud of the work that they've accomplished and many of them look forward to returning to active duty. They paid a price for our freedom. What can we do for them, in return? Smile. Say thank you. To me, every day should be Veteran's Day because they're putting their lives on the line 365 days a year. Some people write to me and ask, "Eileen, what does that mean...they are fighting for our freedom? We don't live in Iraq. This has nothing to do with me." If that sounds like you, I'd ask you to watch the news today. Watch the horror of the 9/11 attacks (or 11/9) in Amman, Jordan. Terrorists strapping on bombs and going into hotels like The Days Inn, The Radisson SAS Hotel, the Grand Hyatt Amman. Wouldn't these terrorists love to attack hotels, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, you name it, in this country? They tried to keep us from getting on airlines. They failed, thanks to brave Americans who refuse to be intimidated....and our brave military who are fighting these monsters there so they can't get here. Terrorists hate this country because they are afraid. They are afraid that the democracy we enjoy here will spread...women driving, women working, women voting, that affects the power of fear. And that's how the terrorists stay in power.
When I got to the final outing--the Wounded Veterans luncheon at The Signature Room at noon on Tuesday, the smiles and boisterous voices and the excitement from our vets was palpable. They told me about going to The United Center to see the Bulls; they asked me if there was a Puma store nearby; they told me how much they enjoyed Second City. In short, Chicago was GREAT to our wounded heroes. One soldier said he now had a will to live. Isn't that incredible?
Let's join together and show the country how much we DO care and rejoice in the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans and celebrate THEIR day. If you are looking for a location to join in....I know where you can go. Please honor those soldiers, our heroes, our veterans, tomorrow in Elk Grove Village. I will be there too. The info is below. Happy Veteran's Day! Let's honor their lives and remember their sacrifice!
CONTACT:
Craig B. Johnson
Mayor
901 Wellington Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: (847) 357-4030
Veterans Day Ceremony & Soldier Memorial Dedication
Elk Grove Village, IL – November 11, 2005
On Friday, November 11, the Village of Elk Grove will be hosting a Veterans Day and Soldier Memorial Statue Dedication Ceremony in the Village Green, located at 901 Wellington Avenue. The event will start promptly at 11:00 a.m.
This year’s Veterans Day observance will feature a special ceremony honoring the four (4) fallen soldiers from Elk Grove Village who have died fighting the War on Terror. The four (4) soldiers being honored on the Soldier Memorial Statue are:
· Lance Corporal Phillip E. Frank of the United States Marines;
· Corporal John T. Olson of the United States Marines;
· Specialist Adriana N. Salem of the United States Army; and
· Captain James S. Cronin of the United States Air Force.
Said Mayor Craig B. Johnson, “This Soldier Memorial Statue will ensure that the Elk Grove community will always be reminded of the numerous sacrifices made by our military men and women, and the hardships experienced by their families.”
The design of this statue was the result of the vision of the families of the four (4) fallen soldiers who worked with the artists, Jim Haire and Joy Farinelli, on a custom bronze sculpture depicting a soldier with young children, representing a dual theme of military service and family.
The Veterans Day Ceremony and Memorial Dedication will also feature a United States Marine honor guard and a 21-gun salute performed by the United States Army.
In the Spring of 2005, Elk Grove Village established the Fallen Soldier Memorial to honor the service and sacrifice of the Elk Grove military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and their families who have lost a loved one.
Over the course of the year, several community wide fundraising activities were held to assist in the collection of funds. Funds raised are being used to accomplish three (3) objectives:
· Install a bronze Memorial Statue entitled “Let Freedom Ring” in our Village Green to be dedicated on Veterans Day – November 11, 2005;
· Provide college scholarships to Elk Grove high school students in the soldiers’ names; and,
· Create seed funding to assist military families in need due to military service separating the soldier from their family.
For those wishing to attend, the Village Green is located two blocks west of the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Biesterfield Road and north on Wellington Avenue, between the Municipal Building and Elk Grove Library. Parking is available at the Park District Pavilion.
James Haire was raised in Westchester, IL and graduated from Proviso West and NIU with a BFA. He has placed many sculptures throughout the Village of Elk Grove, two of which are on the Village Green. Jim Haire usually works alone but secured Joy Farinelli to help insure completion of this sculpture for the Veterans Day dedication ceremony.
Donations are still being accepted and can be made payable to:
Elk Grove Soldier Memorial
c/o Elk Grove Village Hall
901 Wellington
Elk Grove Village, Il 60007
For more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (847) 357-4030.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Happy Birthday Marines! The Marine Birthday, 230 years older and stronger, is this coming Thursday, November 10th. The Union League will be hosting the 1st Annual Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast. the Guest of Honor and Speaker is Lt. Col Mark Smith, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion 24th Marines, nicknamed by the insurgents, "The Mad Ghosts".
The breakfast begins at 7:30am and costs $25.
The Union League is at 65 W. Jackson Blvd. downtown Chicago
If you are interested in attending, you must call Sgt. Kimberly Leone at 847-803-0128. Leave your name and contact information and you will be able to pick up your ticket at the door.
Enjoy! And Happy Birthday Marines!
The breakfast begins at 7:30am and costs $25.
The Union League is at 65 W. Jackson Blvd. downtown Chicago
If you are interested in attending, you must call Sgt. Kimberly Leone at 847-803-0128. Leave your name and contact information and you will be able to pick up your ticket at the door.
Enjoy! And Happy Birthday Marines!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE
I could never keep up with the rapid-fire lyrics of that famous Billy Joel song and quite frankly, "Pope Paul, Malclom X, British poltician sex, JFK, blown away, what else do I have to say!" gives me a headache. But the suburbs of Paris have been on fire for the past eleven nights, the mainstream media seems to be ignoring the reasons and consequences of this rioting and if you've been wondering why-- I've got the simple answer. We didn't start the fire but political correctness has given radical Muslims the matches. We'll discuss this Monday morning on the show...9am-11am. We'll talk about European high unemployment rates, compounded with high immigration rates, racism in Europe and bending over backwards to keep Muslims happy.
Also, a beautiful night at Chicago Hilton and Towers Saturday night. Honoring our wounded heroes, back from Iraq. It was a night I will never forget. And the roasting of Jim McMahon was pretty cool too. He was a great sport!
Is it better to stay together for the sake of the kids? New book about divorce out. We'll do it all and FILL UP WITH $890 in free gas at 10:20am. Tune in Monday morning with me, Eileen Byrne and the Rev....Cisco Cotto. Hope you had a great weekend.
I could never keep up with the rapid-fire lyrics of that famous Billy Joel song and quite frankly, "Pope Paul, Malclom X, British poltician sex, JFK, blown away, what else do I have to say!" gives me a headache. But the suburbs of Paris have been on fire for the past eleven nights, the mainstream media seems to be ignoring the reasons and consequences of this rioting and if you've been wondering why-- I've got the simple answer. We didn't start the fire but political correctness has given radical Muslims the matches. We'll discuss this Monday morning on the show...9am-11am. We'll talk about European high unemployment rates, compounded with high immigration rates, racism in Europe and bending over backwards to keep Muslims happy.
Also, a beautiful night at Chicago Hilton and Towers Saturday night. Honoring our wounded heroes, back from Iraq. It was a night I will never forget. And the roasting of Jim McMahon was pretty cool too. He was a great sport!
Is it better to stay together for the sake of the kids? New book about divorce out. We'll do it all and FILL UP WITH $890 in free gas at 10:20am. Tune in Monday morning with me, Eileen Byrne and the Rev....Cisco Cotto. Hope you had a great weekend.