Planet News Views

2008-11-05T07:25:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!

Obama won the U.S. presidential election and will be the first black president of the United States.

Thanks for dropping by

2008-07-01T16:45:00.001-06:00

The most recent entry was put back on this blog to the date it was originally posted. I plan to write another post about a similar topic. Have a great week!

Keep Blogging, Love People, and Win the Peace!

2008-06-14T05:53:00.005-06:00

Hello! Thanks for checking out my blog. During the past couple of months I've been adding to my blogroll with outstanding blogs by other people in several countries. I decided to add my blogs, Fast Food Yummy and Planet News Views, under the blogroll heading of "Blogs on Earth" because I'm happy to be listed with many other bloggers. It may change somewhat at a later date.

The reason why I didn't organize the blogs according to topics, countries, regions, 'friends' or 'bloggers I'm acquainted with' vs. 'other blogs I like' is: They are all great blogs, written by cool people; and we are all living and writing on the same planet, which is all that matters to me and, in my opinion, all that should matter to anyone.

As long as we love one another, this world will not only survive wars, famines, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and anything else thrown at us, we will also become better. It's pretty cool to think about what great things 'the human race' can accomplish if we stop running against each other to beat the other guy or gal, but rather run side by side, and by that I mean work together for the good of all people. Alright, take care and keep telling other people they matter to you.

Win the Peace!

How good are Rockets minus Yao Ming?

2008-03-08T15:00:00.006-07:00

The Houston Rockets have won 17 games in a row going into tonight's game against the the New Orleans Hornets. Houston's All-Star center Yao Ming recently suffered a foot injury and is out for the rest of the season. NBA fans are wondering whether the Rockets, minus Yao, can still contend for a championship.

I'm interested in hearing what readers think will happen in the NBA playoffs. Is the loss of Yao Ming going to keep the Rockets from 'lifting off' in postseason? You tell me.

By the way, yesterday I came across a great blog about the Chinese center, which I know you will enjoy reading. The blog is called "Yao Central" and I like it a lot! Just click on the blog name, and check it out.

2008-03-08T12:08:00.007-07:00

I'm here this afternoon and hoping to add more links. It's interesting to visit other blogs and know more about what's going on in the world. Sitting in front of a computer for hours can get kind of boring, but seeing as we are all spread out by hundreds or thousands of miles, this is an acceptable substitute for actually hanging out together. Hope you have a great weekend!

Democratic race for President has excitement of championship game

2008-03-07T05:25:00.005-07:00

John McCain reached the number of delegates needed for the Republican presidential nomination with his wins Tuesday; Barack Obama struggled in key Democratic primaries due to tough--some say negative, or even nasty-- campaigning by Hillary Clinton, which helped her win the Ohio and Texas contests and make this an edge-of-your-seat Democratic nomination process.

Opinion
By Scott McLean

It was another one of those late nights when there's so much excitement and tension that sleeping is impossible. On those occasions, I sort of forget how many cups of coffee I've had to drink and try to figure out what's going on with an election, this time important primaries, and just feel some pride in my perseverance, pointless as it might seem to someone not interested in presidential races.

I like the way Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are making it such a close race.

In terms of intensity and suspense, Barack vs. Hillary sort of reminds me of the big game in professional football. I'm sure most of you remember the thrilling fourth quarter. Unpredictable games and competitive presidential races make it hard to guess what will happen next. Some writers appear confident they 'know' who the Democratic nominee will be. Well, they hope they are right.

But on Tuesday, Clinton showed she wasn't going to simply give up, or lose the nomination to Senator Barack Obama without first proving she could get big-time, clutch wins in two key contests.

Clinton was able to stop Obama's momentum, at least temporarily, and stay in the race. Her campaign success this week could attract new supporters. She must also win over superdelegates, but it won't be a topic on this blog. However, I will try to provide more links, as I find them. Thanks for reading my blog. Take care.

Race for President

2008-02-26T02:20:00.001-07:00

If you've been following the Democratic nomination process, then I'm sure you know Senator Barack Obama is ahead of Senator Hillary Clinton. It's not looking good for her right now. Clinton needs wins in the Ohio and Texas primaries on March 4 to get back the momentum and stay close in the delegate count.

Senator John McCain is expected to be the Republican nominee, and he almost has the number of delegates needed for the nomination. McCain must find a way to gain support from more conservatives, yet not upset Republican moderates, and also reach out to independents and moderate-to-conservative Democrats.

My goal at this time is to add more links to news web sites and political blogs that focus on the U.S. presidential race.

The sites or blogs (listed as links or blogroll) have a variety of topics and are written and published by people in many countries. I enjoy reading other blogs, when I can find the time, and sometimes leave comments. Thanks for reading my blog.

New links to websites and blogs

2007-09-22T05:10:00.000-06:00

I'm currently updating links to news websites and blogs around the world. These are sites which I enjoy looking at when I have time.

While these sites and blogs are interesting to me and have good information and articles, I take no responsibility for what's published on any of them. Some may include posts, articles or photos of an adult nature. Those are solely the decisions of their writers, photographers, editors, publishers and visitors.

My goal is to provide a place where people can quickly and easily access news sources, information and entertainment from all over the world.

Cultural Center in Eastern Oregon celebrates 10th anniversary with opening of a Japanese garden

2007-09-09T16:45:00.000-06:00

Traditional Japanese dances were performed by Toei Kai dancers as part of the ceremony. One of the dances is pictured below.

Photos: Scott McLean

Japanese Garden party begins with a 'beat'

2007-09-08T21:25:00.000-06:00

The Japanese garden in eastern Oregon officially
opens to the public as unique drumming sounds fill the air.

Sangha Taiko drummers put an exclamation
point on the grand opening of the Hikaru Mizu Garden
at Four Rivers Cultural Center (located in Ontario, Oregon, USA)

Photos: Scott McLean

My name is Scott

2007-09-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

And I'm back!!!!

You don't believe me?? It's me. I'm serious.

I could write a long, boring article about the scandals in politics these days. But I'm not going to do it this week. And maybe not even next week or the week after that. So, now aren't you glad you are here?! I know I am.

Today and tomorrow, Planet News Views will have (an exclusive?? but I might allow reprinting or publishing of these) photos of a grand opening I attended as a photographer/writer this afternoon. Please check back to see these cool photos.

Thanks for reading Planet News Views!!!

2007-04-29T04:10:00.000-06:00

Of course the photo was edited...

I would like to say thank you to all the readers of Planet News Views!!!

I'm happy to have had the opportunity to know you and other bloggers all over the world. Due to exciting times in my life, I've decided to reduce my blogging and spend more time with people. But I hope to do some writing when I'm not too busy.

I wish you the best! Take care!

Scott

MLB Season Could Have a Few Surprises

2007-04-02T05:47:00.000-06:00

By Scott McLean

It seems like just yesterday that the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series.

They proved a ballclub can sneak into the playoffs and play their best baseball when it really matters.

Last year, I predicted the White Sox would again be the best American League team, but they struggled during the last month of the season and didn't make the playoffs.

The Detroit Tigers were the surprise team last year, settling for a wild-card berth, then reaching the World Series anyway.

Before last season began, I didn't think the Tigers would even be a .500 ballclub. But I was wrong.

The National League had it's own surprise team in the playoffs.

New York was great during the regular season! I'm not referring to the Yankees, but the Mets.

However, when their best pitcher, Pedro Martinez, got injured and didn't pitch in the playoffs, the Mets got knocked off by the Cardinals.

When Pedro is hurt and his team loses, it's proof that he's the most valuable pitcher in the league, if not the most valuable player of all. With Pedro, the Mets would have been tough to beat.

Will we hear more from the Mets this year? With good pitching, they should still be to win again in '07, just as the Yankees usually win their division.

Like the Yankees, the Mets also have a powerful lineup, featuring sluggers Carlos Beltran (the player I would have picked for MVP), Carlos Delgado and David Wright.

I predict the Mets will push through to the World Series this year, but it won't be easy...

With Lou Piniella taking over as manager of the Chicago Cubs, one has to wonder whether this just might be the year Cubs fans have been waiting for.

The Cubs could be the surprise NL team this season if they can get consistently good pitching. We will have to wait and see what happens.

What could have been a bigger surprise last year than Detroit?! Maybe that's why I'm unable to figure out which team might go from losers to AL winners this year.

If you think you know the team that will rise from a lousy record last season to the best record this year, please feel free to leave a comment.

I'd like to hear from you. Thanks and enjoy the baseball games!!!

U.S. Politics Made Difficult

2007-03-30T23:30:00.000-06:00

When people in other countries read about U.S. politics, especially in the last few weeks, they must have a difficult time knowing what will happen next. I'm even finding it hard to figure out.

The toughest part for me to understand is why President Bush and Congress don't seem to be able to reach an agreement on how to bring an end to the war in Iraq.

Then there's the question I'm sure has been causing plenty of stress-related headaches: Will there be a war between U.S. and Iran, with possibly other countries getting involved? That would be a terrible idea if you ask me. Just think how difficult it would be to have war in both countries at the same time.

In my opinion, getting the troops out of Iraq over a year or slightly more is what needs to be done and Congress is trying to do it by way of the budget. However, the president keeps telling Congress that he would veto such legislation if it reaches his desk.

Obama Runs Strong Race

2007-03-20T22:45:00.000-06:00

Commentary
By Scott McLean

Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) has been in the news quite often this year because he is a major U.S. presidential candidate.

However, Obama is not the first African American candidate with a chance to win, despite some people thinking that's the case. Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, was an effective candidate in the Democratic primaries nearly two decades ago.

He didn't win the nomination. But he did make it possible for other African Americans to run for president, win the election or at least the nomination.

I attended a Jackson speech about two decades ago or less, although I don't recall what year it took place and whether it was during a campaign or at another time. (I'll get back to you if I can find my notes.) But I do know this: Jackson's charisma and focus on issues really impressed me.

"What an outstanding speaker!" I thought to myself. By the time he finished the speech, I knew from then on that I would pay more attention to Jesse Jackson in the news.

By contrast, Obama doesn't come across as a guy who can bring an audience to their feet, make them cheer, smile and feel good the way Jackson had. But that's not his style, nor is it necessary to win the nomination.

Obama's strengths are that he is articulate and appears to have a good grasp of the issues, which makes him a credible candidate.

Because Obama is a U.S. Senator, he will be able to get media exposure, develop name familiarity among voters and raise money for his presidential campaign.

This has been a particularly good month for Obama, who appears to be picking up a large number of supporters and reaching others who would consider voting for him.

According to a Harris Poll made public last week, available to the media on PR Newswire, Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) had very similar poll numbers pointing to almost the same amount of support, whereas Clinton was ahead in previous polls.

Hi! I'm glad you are here!

2007-03-11T22:30:00.000-06:00

I've been posting over at the food blog while taking a rest from writing on serious topics. And my eyes needed a break as well. I hope to add some new entries here this week.

Oh, by the way, most of the snow melted the afternoon of the photo, and it was all gone a day or two later, which was exactly the way I wanted it.

Anyone Want Some Snow?

2007-02-27T08:08:00.001-07:00

I'd rather be in a tropical paradise!

March is almost here. But early this morning it snowed. It hadn't snowed in several weeks.

I'm ready for spring, baseball and eating ice cream outside. Yes, I need more patience, and some coffee...

Blaming the Cold Night For My 'Frozen' Mind

2007-02-23T23:40:00.000-07:00

There are days when nothing seems to go right. Writers have tough moments that can turn to hours, often blamed on writer's block. Variations of my own very personal 'mind freeze' exist.

It could be that ideas dance around in my mind, but the words don't want to join them. And other times ideas are nowhere to be found, but an endless stream of words appear that make little sense as a whole.

In the old days, back when people were using typewriters, balls of paper were scattered on my floor, all around the wastebasket.

Just think how many trees that paper equaled when multiplied by all the typerwriters. Of course, since the shift to computers the modern world has found countless other ways to plunder the forests, which, though this may seem a strange idea, should have rights to survive forever.

Yeah, you're right: It's the espresso talking. Or at least it's helping a bit to jumpstart my mind.

Just kicking back with an espresso drink is a lot of fun, whether that's on my home turf or on a trip, such as when I visited Makati, Philippines.

Editorial Note: Responsibility and Mobile Phones

2007-02-21T23:42:00.000-07:00

This is a note to clarify what was posted last time.

Each day we go faster to the future, at least in terms of technology. Mobile phones have changed our lives.

When I visited the Philippines a few years ago, at the beginning it felt like I was in a futuristic sci-fi movie, with phones everywhere and people quite attached to them.

While cell phones (as they are commonly referred to in the U.S.) are popular in America, I don't recall a fascination with reading and sending text messages. I'm sure many other countries besides the Philippines, especially Asian countries, are way out ahead of the U.S. in this regard. Cool!

By comparison, when I was in Thailand, I didn't see as many people sending text messages, although the popularity of mobile phones there is obvious.

After riding buses, taxis and getting stuck in traffic, I can see how important it is to have a mobile phone to let people know what's going on. I'm not against mobile phones, I just think overuse is not wise when with others.

I think it's up to each person to set sensible limits on when they will use a mobile phone. I'm also opposed to rules or laws (except no mobile phone while driving) because people need to become more responsible.

Nobody should have to say to a person not to use their phone in the church, although I saw this one time during my trip.

Many times people ignore or even neglect the people with them because they are sending text messages or talking on the phone. That's wrong.

It's not for any of us to force them to behave. After all, most of the people I'm referring to are adults. It's difficult to believe people need someone to tell them when they can and cannot use their phones. And there's no need for it if they are responsible phone users.

Hi! Thanks for stopping by

2007-02-19T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a great week! I'll be back soon. Take care!

Popularity of Mobile Phones and Time with People

2007-02-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

Opinion
By Scott McLean

I don't own a mobile phone. If it were my choice, I'd never own one. While it makes sense to carry a phone in case of an emergency, I like to focus entirely on the people I'm with and when I'm alone don't want to talk on a phone.

A few years ago, the day I arrived in Makati (a very cool city, by the way), I couldn't believe how many people were using their phones in public, as they were walking down the street, dining in restaurants or hanging out in a coffee shops. Who were they calling without actually speaking to anyone?? Maybe they were accessing their voice mail, I reasoned.

No, it turned out many of them were reading or sending text messages (it hadn't caught on yet in the U.S.), which I was told is cheaper than talking on the phone. Well, that's cool! I'm not against saving money.

But then the same feeling I had years ago when I was in an airport and everyone was talking on phones (they didn't pay attention to the people with them), that nervous tension took a hold of me.

At the time, I was a victim of people close to me paying more attention to "their damn phones" than to me. It felt lousy! I didn't want to form deep relationships and friendships with mobile phones.

I like people, not phones. But some people value things (phones, cars, computers, etc.) more than time with their family and friends.

I'll write more on this topic later.

U.S. House Ready to Debate Troops Resolution

2007-02-12T23:06:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, the House will begin debating a concurrent resolution showing opposition to President Bush's decision to send more than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has taken strong opposition to the increase in troops. Statements by Pelosi and fellow House Democrats were part of a news release, which can be read at the online Office of Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

The following statement from Speaker Nancy Pelosi summarizes what's going to happen: "This week, at long last, the House of Representatives will have an honest and open debate on Iraq where all voices will be heard. Every Member of the House will have an opportunity to vote on a bipartisan resolution that will commend our brave men and women in uniform for their courageous work in Iraq and Afghanistan and will express our strong disapproval of the President's proposal for an escalation of our military involvement in Iraq."

For more information or the exact wording of the resolution, please click on the link: Office of the Majority Leader.

Senate Democrats Want Debate on Iraq War Escalation

2007-02-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

By Scott McLean

Senate Republicans on Monday blocked debate on President Bush's plan for additional troops in Iraq, but a group of Senate Democrats are demanding a Senate debate.

According to a news release from the Senate Democratic Communications Center on PR Newswire, in a press conference on Wednesday, "Democratic Senators Patty Murray, John Kerry, Jack Reed, and Sheldon Whitehouse will join veterans of the Iraq war to call on Senate Republicans to stop blocking a debate on the president's plan to escalate the war."

The release went on to give the following statement: "Before sending another 48,000 young Americans into battle, the Congress owes it to our troops, their families, and their communities to have an honest and open discussion about their mission."

An increase of 21,500 troops, called for by President Bush, is the number we have heard over and over. However, to determine budget costs, the Congressional Budget Office looked at a scenario requiring 20,000 combat troops and 28,000 support troops, which would bring the total to 48,000, according to documents in the Congressional Budget Office website.

The Senate Democrats leading the opposition to the Iraq War surge are using this figure, and one has to wonder just how much the Bush administration plans to escalate the war.

Not Getting Younger

2007-02-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Getting Greener

Recently, and with few people noticing (thank goodness!), I got--to put my spin on it--not younger. That means I blew out candles on a cake? No, actually I didn't have that kind of cake. Instead, I ate a thick, delicious slice of cheesecake, which has been my favorite since I was, well, much younger.

Sorry I was unable to get online last week due to some problem with the Internet connection. It gave me time to look through my photos and find an interesting one.

In the above photo, taken in Thailand in 2005, it looks like a tree is growing on the top of my head. I don't think I'd be smiling, though, if that were the case. However, I do like the color green, as is obvious from my green T-shirt, and I also love nature, especially trees. Just not growing on my head! haha

Have a great day! See you again soon!

2007-01-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

I've been having problems getting online this week. Some work needs to be done on the home computer before I'll be able to publish the blog. Right now I'm at the only place I know of with Internet for miles around. Anyway, I'll return again before long. Until then, take care!