SKYWATCH Friday -- Sunset Serenity

Peace, and serenity near Wiggins Pass in Naples, Florida. Perhaps the best sunset photo I have made in the past couple of years.

Look up. You never know what you'll see -- day or night.

I Have A Dream . . .

I have a dream that one day, ONE DAY, black republicans will not be turned into non-persons by The Establishment.

Witness -- How Tim Scott, America's only sitting african-American United States Senator, was not invited to participate in the 50th anniversary commemoration of Rev. Martin Luther King's "March on Washington."

For shame.

You GO Missouri!

Politicos from both sides of the political aisle in Missouri's state house are preparing to override their governor's veto of a bill that would, more or less, nullify all federal firearms legislation in that state.

"Don't tell me, SHOW me," was always the mantra of my fav journalism prof way back in college. Today, call it Missouri . . . THE Show Me State.

A dear friend of mine, who passed several years ago, used to have a statewide radio show where he regularly took to task "weenie" politicians who were too politically correct, and VERY squishy on firearms regulation.

No weenie factor here!

Those Duck Guys

At the office last week, a conversation ensued about reality TV, which I rarely catch.  I spent six months in Florida earlier this year, and said for all to hear that THAT was the best reality and an evening walk on the beach beat anything on the tube.

Well . . . perhaps with the exception of one show. Duck Dynasty.

I started rattling off all the reasons I love the show that has exploded in viewership -- even among those who would make fun of these self-described "millionaire rednecks."

"They are themselves," "they love guns," "they are grounded and down-to-Earth," and "they love guns," were among my arguments for watching. This week, a writer commented with the 5 Top Reasons Why Duck Dynasty Is A Great All-American Show. With only a couple small deviations, I concur with the majority of his logic and reasoning. With some different words, he hit on my three main ideas, and added a couple more. Even their core faith does not bother me, because it is theirs. Its how they live. And those Christianity and faith is mentioned pretty much in every episode, millions tune in each week. It has even beat Fox's American Idol, ABC's Modern Family, and CBS's new fall hit Under the Dome.

The geniu$ who talked the exec$ at Art$ & Entertainment network into airing an un$cripted $how ba$ed on the Duckmen of Lousiana (famou$ on the Outdoor Channel and Youtube videos) $hould be $itting pretty right about now, IMHO.

Miss Kay has grown on me. Willie's frustration makes me laugh, but the man figured out early how to exploit new means to market the Duck Commander brand. Phil's early sticktoitiveness and unwillingness to quit pushing his calls on people who thought he was crazy (I think Dave Thomas of Wendy's fame experienced the same) is instructive and motivates me.

A close friend and I were discussing DD some months back. I mentioned I had started watching it. I said there is one bro I really relate to. She interrupted, immediately stating who I am drawn to. And was correct. Jase, the prankster, gives ongoing, dry and often sarcastic commentary in a tone of logic and reason to which I can totally relate.

Gotta have a dark sense of humor, and a bit of Captain Obvious inside to get it . . .

And when a Duck Dynasty episode airs, either new or in rerun, I am Happy Happy Happy!

Nothing Creepy Here

Facial scanning is making gains in surveillance system under development by the U.S. government.

The "Biometric Optical Surveillance System (BOSS) is a crowd-scanning system being tested by the Department of Homeland Security.

BOSS, huh?  Kinda says a lot!

SKYWATCH FRIDAY: Wisps Over Naples, Florida

A close-up of wispy cumulus clouds, glowing at sunset over SW Florida.

Check out all the great "sky" shots by heading over to SkyWatch Friday. Remember to look up . . . you never know what you'll find.

Claude DeBussy

He penned one of the world's most beautiful scores, Clair de Lune.

Today is the 151st anniversary of the birth of the French composer, Claude Debussy. Appropriate that his birthday is this week, as we have seen one of the most beautiful full moons. Specifically, the Blue Moon that rose in the east the night of August 20.

Clair de lune's meaning?  Moonlight.