The Ventriloquist

Jury Duty

   Last week we talked about voting. This week, let's talk about another "American" privilege --- Jury Duty. I was among some 400 people who marched like sheep to the LA courthouse Thursday morning. One half went to the 5th floor and the other half went to the 11th floor. Some were reluctant to be there but I was excited --- it was my first time to watch what happens behind the scenes of a trial. It felt like I was lining up in an amusement park. The "tour guides" memorized the lengthy "ride" instructions without a script. I thought that was impressive. Every once in a while the "guide" would rattle off names and those people would be instructed to go to their "ride" in a different location within the 19 story courthouse. When my turn finally came we were led into a real courtroom with a presiding judge and lawyers. I was hoping to become a juror but when I found out my particular "ride" was expected to last about 10 days, I had to excuse myself otherwise my business would suffer. It was back to the big Jury pool for me to wait for another "ride.' There were about 4 "rides" that morning but there were no more rides after lunch --- just a lot of waiting. By 4:00 pm we were sent home. Too bad! I so wanted to watch the drama of real lawyers orate their dazzling legal vocabulary; to see the accused quivering in his pants while the teary victim beg for justice. But that will have to wait for another day.

   The remarkable US judicial system: "To be tried by a jury of your peers" --- 12 jurors, rich and poor, to determine the start of hardship for one and a relief from mental torment for another. The system isn't perfect but if you come from a dictatorship or communist regime, this is absolutely beautiful.

    America --- the land of the free ... until you step over someone else's freedom. TGIF people!

Wisdom from Joji of Antipolo, Philippines

The Ventriloquist
Contributed by Pete of Virginia

A young ventriloquist is touring Sweden and, one night, he's doing a show in a small fishing town. With his dummy on his knee, he starts going through his usual dumb blonde jokes.

Suddenly, a blonde woman in the fourth row stands on her chair and starts shouting, "I've heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype Swedish blond women that way? What does the color of a woman's hair have to do with her worth as a human being? It's men like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in the community, and from reaching our full potential as people. Its people like you that make others think that all Blondes are dumb! You and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against not only blondes, but women in general ... pathetically all in the name of humor!"

The embarrassed ventriloquist begins to apologize, and the blonde yells: "You stay out of this! I'm talking to that little dimwit on your lap!"

Videos of the week:

8th Grade Grad Speech
Contributor: Charlie of New Jersey

Watch this kid. He's got a great entertainment potential. His impressions are remarkable but considering that he's a kid who probably endured many of the candidate speeches in order to perfect his personalities make it even more amazing.

Lady Gaga Does Sound of Music
Contributor: Charlie of New Jersey

This is for you Broadway Musical fans. I do want to point something out --- she went flat in the last note and then she gently eased up to the right note. I guess even superstars make mistakes.

The Beatles in Manila
Contributor: Jun of Quezon City, Philippines

Here's a very rare footage of the Fab Four when they visited the Philippines. This was when Beatlemania had not yet reached its peak. I remember that the Marcoses who were in power at that time were snubbed. The security was bad and insults were broadcast. Despite that the fans remained loyal. Click here.

Lessons Learned About War by CIA Agent
Contributor: Shabel of Manila, Philippines

Definitely something to think about. In war, everyone thinks they're right. So who's really wrong? Listen.

Choke Hold for Women
Contributor: Raffy from Union City, CA

Definitely watch this if you are a woman. Protect yourself from those bullies! TGIF people!