As if I could lose any more respect for these malcontents

More childish antics from the Red Roof Inn of childish antics, the Democrats of the NY State Senate!

Now, that’s a long time!

Yahoo News reports…

Bernard Madoff sentenced to 150 years in prison

Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison on Monday for perpetrating Wall Street’s biggest and most brazen investment fraud, the maximum punishment for what the judge called an extraordinarily evil crime.

Cheers and applause came from the courtroom — filled with his fleeced investors — as the judge handed down the penalty.

Madoff, 71, stood passively with his hands clasped at his waist, showing no reaction when he heard the sentence that will send him to prison for the rest of his life.

He was escorted out of the courtroom by federal marshals but not handcuffed. It was not yet known where Madoff will serve his sentence. He has been held in a small Manhattan jail cell for the past three months.

U.S. District Judge Denny Chin in Manhattan said the symbolism of a 150-year prison sentence was important, given the magnitude of the breach of trust over decades. He pronounced the punishment after hearing emotional statements from nine victims, some of whom said they had lost their life savings, were forced to sell their homes and feared an old age in poverty.

“The fraud here was staggering,” Chin said before imposing a sentence equal to the maximum allowed for each of 11 crimes to which Madoff pleaded guilty in March.

Madoff sat passively throughout the hour-and-a-half hearing as his victims called him a “beast,” an “animal” and a lowlife. He wore his signature dark gray suit and black tie instead of the jail uniform he has worn since being taken into custody in March.

The confessed swindler apologized to his victims, at one point briefly turning in their direction while he spoke.

“I will live with this pain, with this torment, for the rest of my life,” he said in calm, measured tones. “I live in a tormented state knowing the pain and suffering I have created.”

A Get A Life Classic

I expect nothing less from The God of Thunder!

Word is that KISS rocker Gene Simmons has been pressed for comments on the passing of Michael Jackson, but had remained silent since the King of Pop’s death this past Thursday.

Mr. Simmons evidently finally released a statement late on Sunday afternoon, via his Facebook page.

“[I've] gotten a lot of questions from media and from quite a lot of you [regarding] Michael Jackson.

“I have refused all media requests for interviews. There are enough people in the industry being quoted. Some altruistically, some for media coverage.

“Either way… When I was going out with Diana Ross in the early ’80s, I met Michael a few times through her. We spent social time together. Found him to be gentle, charming… obviously very talented. And that was that.

“The Michael of later years is someone I didn’t recognize… nor like very much.

“When there are children involved… when there are allegations (many) of child molestation… when there are admissions of inviting countless young boys to spend weekends and sometimes Michael’s bed with them (Michael’s quote), clothed or unclothed… makes no difference… when there are payoffs to the children making the accusations in the $20,000,000 range ($20 million dollars!!! — as reported by media) ….There’s more than doubt in my mind.

“This doesn’t take into consideration Michael’s children… none of whom are biologically his. All three of whom have had a ‘strange’ upbringing. But then we don’t know much, except a ‘father’ who thought nothing of dangling his young child over the balcony (head covered in a towel), so his fans could get a thrill.

“So what’s my comment regarding Michael’s passing? I hope he finds peace. I wish his family and friends all the best in these very sad times.

“But as regards media coverage: celebs can always get media coverage.

“But what about the children who spent nights with Michael in his bed? (He has admitted on camera he has done it many times, and would continue to do it.) They need a voice. And they should have a chance to have their say. With lie detectors attached. Maybe then, away from rich celebrities, tricky lawyers and L.A. court systems that can’t seem to convict anyone…. maybe then, we’ll find out the truth about child molestation charges leveled at Michael Jackson from children (that’s plural, not singular).

“My comment? I recognize and respect his talent, but the rest is very tainted. And I want to hear the truth, once and for all.”

Gene Simmons: calling it like it is.

Lena visits Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show

Thanks for the music and the memories, Lena

Lena Zavaroni

RIP -- 1963-1999

Analysis by my brother, Bob Parks

Fearful Symmetry

Charles Foster Kane reaches dizzying heights in life quickly, while still in youth, but then starts on a downward trajectory in life where he grows stranger, more alone, and sequesters himself in a large mansion (Xanadu) until his death, when among his final thoughts is a longing for the simpler pleasures of a time when he was a child.

Michael Jackson reaches dizzying heights in life quickly, while still in youth, but then starts on a downward trajectory in life where he grows stranger, more alone, and sequesters himself in a large mansion (Neverland) until his death, but all along he conveys a longing for the simpler pleasures of a childhood he never had.

Hmmm……….

Carry Moonbeams Home in a Jar

What a performance