By Brett Matthew West
"Aladdin"
FADE IN
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for January 1, 2019. I'm your hostess with the mostest Candice Burgeron.
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Hey, Colton, did you know old stories like fables, ancient legends, and fairy tales tend to remain in the literary world the longest?
Colton: That's true, Candice. They provide most of the fodder for modern superhero movies and fantasy fiction. And, Aladdin is one of the best loved and most adapted of these tales.
Candice: There are hundreds, well maybe dozens of television and movie transformations of Aladdin. These include the newest version by the poet Yasmine Seale. However, Colton, did you know the origins of Aladdin are ambiguous?
Colton: The original story of Aladdin was introduced to the Western world by France some time in the 18th century.
Candice: Aladdin was part of One Thousand And One Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age that dates back to between the 8th and the 14th centuries. Antoine Galland translated this compulation.
Colton: Galland claimed Aladdin came from a manuscript a Maronite Christian traveler from Aleppo presented to him in 1709. However, scholars have long since been suspect of Galland's story.
Candice: That was until very recently, Colton. The discovery of Syrian adventurer Hanna Diyab's memoirs seem to validate Galland's version of how he came to be in possession of Aladdin.
Colton: Now, Yasmine Seale's new interpretation returns the story back to its roots. By drawing from her Syrian-French heritage, Seale combines both Arabic and French sources in this production.
Candice: Yasmine Seale's Aladdin provides deceptively simple cadences of classic storytelling. There's also an intriguing Chinese connection.
Colton: A Chinese connection?
Candice: One that seems to have been lost over the years by many retellings of Aladdin, especially by film and stage revisions in particular.
Colton: These variations tend to set Aladdin in an Arab-influenced Middle Eastern backdrop.
Candice: Like most young boys his age, Aladdin possesses some wild tendencies, as well as the indolent ways of a street urchin.
Colton: A Maghrebi magician pretends to be his uncle. He draws Aladdin outside the defenses of the city's walls under the pretense of showing him the scenic gardens. Instead, he takes Aladdin to a remote room hidden beneath a stone.
Candice: The magician gives Aladdin a magic ring and sends him into the secret room in search of treasure.
Colton: Aladdin outsmarts the magician, who intends to leave him for dead. He takes the jewels he finds...
Candice: And, a magic lantern.
Colton: Then, heads back home.
Candice: When he spies on the sultan's daughter Badr al-Budur, Aladdin vows to marry her. He wins her hand and builds a fancy palace with the help of the genies who inhabit the lantern.
Colton: However, the evil magician, and his brother, reappear. They cause Aladdin all sorts of problems.
Candice: Here's where Yasmine Seale's version of Aladdin may surprise readers.
Colton: Surprise me, Candice.
Candice: Seale creates a delightful narrative and evokes the mesmerizing voice of Schehrazade, who is recounting this cliffhanger-filled yarn to her sultan husband, in an effort to stay alive.
Colton: Steeped in magic, Seale's translation of Aladdin is stripped of many of the phony adornments that tend to dilute its essence.
Candice: Yasmine Seale's story is an enjoyable retelling of the adventures of a wily peasant boy who grows up to become a beloved ruler.
Colton: Especially for young readers, and those who love Aladdin, Yasmine Seale's version is published by Liveright Publishing and contains an ISBN of 97816314951668.
Candice: That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers, Colton.
Colton: Well, smarty-pants. In that case, we'd better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
The sheltie, by Anne, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks Anne, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Movies"
FADE IN
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
Colton: And, I'm your other host, Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Hollywood's major movies seem to be holding their own when it comes to entertainment dollars.
Colton: Films such as "Bumblebee" and "Mary Poppins Returns" are very popular in theaters across the country.
Candice: And, "Aquaman" leads the way after its opening weekend performance to the tune of sixty-eight million dollars.
Colton: These successes cap a record-breaking 2019 at the box office.
Candice: They also seem to indicate movie theaters are not fading as many experts thought to be happening.
Colton: Movie-ticket revenues are also up for 2018.
Candice: However, these reports come with some dark clouds that portend the longevity of movie theaters may be far from assured.
Colton: One of these concerns is only a few movies lead the box office charge.
Candice: For 2018, it has been ten films out of the more than 700 movies released.
Colton: Animated motion pictures and superhero adventures are keeping the movie industry numbers afloat.
Candice: As an economic indicator, the movie box office only partly exposes the studios' financial health.
Colton: This indicator fails to reflect such factors as marketing and production costs. And, these keep rising yearly.
Candice: In 2017, admissions to America's 41,000 movie theaters dropped to 1.24 billion attendees.
Colton: This was the fewest number of tickets sold since 1995.
Candice: The March 2018 release of "Black Panther" grossed more than 700 million dollars in revenues.
Colton: The third most of all time. This performance was closely followed by "Avenger: Infinity Wars" that grossed 679 million dollars.
Candice: Overall, the American box office set a new record on the strength of these figures, more than 111.38 billion dollars.
Colton: It seems like the movie box office is in good shape headed into 2019.
Candice: Well, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case, smarty-pants, we better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
Buddy, by cleo85, selected to complement by blog entry.
So, thanks cleo85, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my blog entry. |
By Brett Matthew West
"American Jobs"
FADE IN
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: I recently came across some impressive information pertaining to job growth I thought we might share with our readers, Colton.
Colton: What information is that, Candice?
Candice: Did you know there were 250,000 jobs added to the employment market in October of 2018? There was also a 3.1 percent year-over-year wage growth during this same period.
Colton: This is the highest wage increase since the recession began.
Candice: However, the quit rate of workers is the highest it's been since February of 2001.
Colton: These are workers departing their current positions in search of hopefully a better opportunity somewhere else.
Candice: On the down side, most of these workers opt for large companies and shun small businesses. This happens to the tune of one job being available for every four applicants who apply.
Colton: Taking a look at small businesses, there is one job available for every two workers who apply for them.
Candice: And, the trend grows even more extreme at the industry level.
Colton: There, job creation increases but the number of applicants continues to decrease. Agricultural, automotive, storage, and transportation businesses are especially feeling the brunt of this crunch.
Candice: The health of the economy demonstrates robust job growth, with only healthcare declining in small business job openings.
Colton: Rapid consolidation, and mega healthcare systems' mergers, appear to create this decline in healthcare job openings at that level.
Candice: Other industries that see the number of applicants decline at the small employer level are engineering, technology, business, and retailers.
Colton: This has been a trend for the last seven months.
Candice: Most job growth for large corporations occurs at the beginning, and the middle, of the year. There is also a large seasonal pattern demonstrated in this growth.
Colton: Many full time employees start job hunting in January.
Candice: August appears to be the month when a vast majority of seasonal workers start theirs.
Colton: It seems a high percentage of employees at small businesses work there because they feel they can make an impact on the company. On the other hand, many workers at large corporations tend to seek better wages and advancement opportunities.
Candice: Well, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case, smarty-pants, we'd better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
the old sugar factory, by supergold, selected to complement my blog entry.
So, thanks supergold, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my blog entry. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Robots"
FADE IN
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt. Attention all robots! The United States military needs you...now!
Candice: That's correct, Colton. And, these robots are not wanted for fighting. At least, not yet.
Colton: They won't take up arms, but the companies vying to build them are engaged in a battle royal for a half-billion dollar contract to construct three thousand of these backpack-sized robots.
Candice: Robots already serve in the Army. They scout enemy positions and diffuse explosives.
Colton: Five thousand robots of various shapes and sizes are envisioned for the Army alone.
Candice: China and Russia reportedly have already invested in sea, ground, and aerial robots.
Colton: Drones made by the Chinese company DJI are suspected to have the capability of spying on the United States. This led to their ban for use by soldiers in 2017.
Candice: At a defense exposition held in Egypt in December some US companies reported seeing Chinese versions of their robots.
Colton: These fears of Chinese robots came to fruition in a bitter competition between the Massachusetts-based Endeavor Robotics and the Israeli firm Roboteam over major contracts to construct the newest generation of Army ground robots.
Candice: These robots are designed to be more easily deployed than the remote-controlled rovers that have helped the Army for the last fifteen years.
Colton: The largest contract, one estimated to be valued at some 429 million dollars, requires twenty-five robots that are lightweight, maneuverable, and easily carried by infantry soldiers for long distances. Also, in late 2017, a 100 million dollar contract was awarded for a midsized reconnaissance and bomb-disabling robot called the Contaur.
Candice: Well, that about wraps us up for another edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case, smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
The Wall.e model robot, by collins24, selected to complement my blog entry.
So, thanks collins24, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my blog entry. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Nazi Souvenirs"
FADE IN
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Today we are very honored to have the holocaust expert Doctor Rhonda Rosenthal join us for our roundtable discussion.
Colton: Welcome, Doctor Rosenthal. And, thanks for joining us today to share some of your invaluable insights into this unique phenomenon.
Dr. Rosenthal: My pleasure, Colton. Appreciate the invitation.
Candice: Josef Mengele's journals and Adolf Hitler's ring featuring a swastika made of sixteen rubies.
Colton: Not to mention Hitler's telephone removed from his Fuhrerbunker in Berlin.
Dr. Rosenthal: Let's don't forget the Adolf Hitler-inscribed propaganda photograph depicting the Nazi leader hugging the Jewish girl Rosa Bernile Nienau.
Candice: Doctor Rosenthal, didn't Hitler seem to have a genuine fondness for Rosa Nienau although he claimed to despise Jews?
Dr. Rosenthal: Yes, they shared the same birthday of April 20. Hitler frequently referred to her as "the Fuhrer's child" and she often called him "Uncle Hitler".
Candice: These items we've mentioned, I'm sure they were auctioned off for a pretty penny. However, the question remains why?
Dr. Rosenthal: Because, Candice, there's big money to be made in the Nazi artifact market.
Colton: But, at a time of growing anti-Semitism and anti-white nationalism?
Dr. Rosenthal: The selling of Third Reich relics, genuine or imitation, stirs up quite a debate, Colton.
Candice: Some major online players have come down hard against this practice though, haven't they Doctor Rosenthal?
Dr. Rosenthal: The British auction house Christie's, Sotheby's, Facebook, and even eBay have all taken that stance. They've gone as far as to curb, or even ban, these sales.
Colton: Isn't it true the demand for Third Reich items keeps multiplying?
Dr. Rosenthal: There appears to be several causes for this increase, Colton. For instance, many people fear that humanity is forgetting the Nazis existed, as well as the extent of harm they caused.
Candice: A lot of this material came home with soldiers after World War Two ended. These soldiers are growing older and are selling off the memorabilia they collected while fighting in Germany.
Colton: Many Jewish organizations have publicly denounced these transactions, but not all of them. Why is that Doctor Rosenthal?
Dr. Rosenthal: The reason most often offered to explain this decision is because they feel some of Hitler's, and the Nazi regime's, items are worth saving even though they believe the anti-Semitic history should not be forgotten.
Candice: But, selling these items to the highest bidder? C'mon! Doesn't that border on immoral, Doctor Rosenthal?
Dr. Rosenthal: Although a minority, there are individuals who believe such objects as Nazi writings revealing their murderous intentions should be preserved.
Colton: Doesn't the preservation of Nazi collectibles serve to inflate Hitler's mystic?
Candice: Not to mention bolster anti-Semites. I mean, bigots must receive nourishment from seeing these items out in the public sector.
Dr. Rosenthal: Other modern trends that tend to drive the desire for Nazi objects are World War Two movies, documentaries, and what at one time appeared to be an endless supply of Nazi programming provided by the History Channel. These serve to pique the curiosity of those individuals interesting in harvesting Nazi souvenirs. And, the image of Adolf Hitler still resonates with extremists.
Colton: Doctor Rosenthal, isn't it true that one of Mengele's notebooks sold for about fifty thousand dollars to an orthodox Jewish man?
Dr. Rosenthal: Sad to admit that is correct, Colton. The buyer's grandmother survived the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
Candice: Profiting from the sale of Nazi tokens is repulsive!
Colton: That includes the sales of Nazi poems, letters, and the propaganda school papers of Joseph Goebbels.
Dr. Rosenthal: Let's don't forget the interrogation notes of Hitler's doctor Theodor Morell, that proved he received female hormones.
Candice: Or the blood-stained fabric from the sofa where Hitler shot himself on April 30, 1945. Why would anybody want something as ominous as that?
Colton: That's something to consider, Candice. Why would they?
Candice: We would like to thank our special guest, Doctor Rhonda Rosenthal for joining us today.
Dr. Rosenthal: My pleasure, Candice. Thank you for having me here to impart a small portion of my knowledge on this highly debated issue.
Candice: Well, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
Scottie, by Anne, selected to complement my blog entry.
So, thanks Anne, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my blog entry. |
By Brett Matthew West
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest. Today, I'm miffed!
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt. That makes two of us, Candice.
Candice: Nine hundred errors. Count them, Colton. Nine hundred times Wells Fargo has admitted to making mistakes in judgment that cost customers their homes. That's unfathomable to me!
Colton: If the truth be told there's probably a whole lot more than those yet to surface.
Candice: My indictment against Wells Fargo in this matter is this: how can anybody who calls themselves a bank be that inept?
Colton: These foreclosures distressed homeowners were forced into over the course of several years destroyed many lives.
Candice: Not to mention what was done to their credit ratings. All because Wells Fargo committed an array of needless mistakes. Maybe they should watch where they're walking.
Colton: In just the last two years alone, Wells Fargo has paid more than a staggering one billion dollars in fines.
Candice: To me, that number should be much higher! Wells Fargo opened millions upon millions of bogus, did you hear what I just said, Colton? I said, Wells Fargo opened millions upon millions of bogus accounts customers did not want, need, or desire. Sounds like a case of greed to me.
Colton: They also erroneously repossessed thousands of customers' means of transportation. Can one of our listeners please explain to me what Wells Fargo was thinking in doing this?
Candice: That's one of the problems here, Colton. Wells Fargo was not thinking. Oh, but, in addition to all this we have talked about so far, Wells Fargo has also been criticized for eliminating 26,000 jobs while reaping a corporate tax cut that boosted profits 3.7 billion dollars in 2018. And, they couldn't afford to pay workers? I wonder who's pockets those billions of dollars greased?
Colton: Wells Fargo did apologize for those boatloads of errors.
Candice: For many of these customers, isn't it a little too late for Wells Fargo to apologize? That won't restore the lives Wells Fargo stole away from them. And, believe me, Colton. Wells Fargo has a very long way to go to restore its image.
Colton: I wholeheartedly agree with you, Candice. Wells Fargo has offered customers who lost their homes the opportunity to enter mediation or receive a token pittance in compensation for their losses.
Candice: Wells Fargo first began these chains of mistakes in 2010. They have been ongoing for eight years, people! And, Wells Fargo did not correct them until April of 2018. Of course they blame the whole situation on a "computer error". My a..!
Colton: That's supposed to explain Wells Fargo denying help to homeowners after foreclosure attorney fees were improperly used?
Candice: What about Wells Fargo's failure to find these problems when they occurred or to maintain its systems? Or the fact Wells Fargo hid these problems for several years?
Colton: At least a class-action lawsuit has been brought against Wells Fargo by several of the approximately 545 customers who lost their homes to foreclosure unnecessarily.
Candice: Too bad!
Colton: As they say, every penny counts. And, I hope these people receive all they have coming to them in this matter.
Candice: I have no sympathy for Wells Fargo. None whatsoever. The not so poor little babies there should have known better. Well, Colton, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice, and today she's quite a firebrand!
Candice: And, he's Colton. At least he agrees with me about this Wells Fargo fiasco.
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Annie, by Anne, selected to complement my blog entry.
So, thanks Anne, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my blog entry. |
By Brett Matthew West
Candice; Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Monday, January 7, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Here's some good news for our loyal listeners. Starting today you will have an opportunity to phone in and ask Colton and I questions about the topic we are discussing.
Colton: Candice, are you aware that many cities are at risk of having their drinking water contaminated by unregulated chemicals known as PFAS? Did you also know that these PFAS in drinking water could potentially affect millions of American citizens?
Candice: PFAS? What's that? I'm not sure I've ever heard of them.
Colton: Don't feel alone, Candice. Most people have no idea what PFAS are. So, allow me to clue you in. PFAS are an unregulated class of man-made chemicals that have long been used in such products as water-repellent fabrics, nonstick cookware, fire-fighting foam, and grease-resistant paper. And, a major health hazard concerning PFAS is that these chemicals do not break down in the environment.
Candice: We'll continue with this interesting discussion, but first let's try out our new telephone lines, Colton. Are you there, caller?
Caller Number One: Yes I am, Candice. Thanks for taking my call. Colton, are there any health issues associated with these PFAS?
Colton: Weakened immunities, the potential for infertility, thyroid disease, and even certain cancers have all been linked to PFAS.
Candice: This sounds like a serious national problem people can't run away from.
Colton: According to a Harvard study, the public supplies that provide water to more than six million Americans have tested above the EPA recommended threshold for PFAS. However, this level is only an EPA guideline because the federal government does not regulate PFAS.
Candice: But, shouldn't a national strategy address this situation?
Colton: Good luck with that one, Candice. Because, affected communities are still waiting. This includes many towns near military bases where PFAS-laden foams have long been used in training exercises. What's more, most people have no knowledge they are even being affected by PFAS.
Candice: Caller Number Two is Meredith Madison from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. You're on the air with Candice and Colton.
Meredith Madison: My question is this, wouldn't the detection of PFAS in drinking water raise several questions given the lack of regulation of these chemicals and their potential long-term health effects?
Colton: That's a good question, Meredith. There have been two particular types of PFAS phased out because they were ending up in the bloodstreams of nearly every American citizen. These are PFOA, which is more commonly known as C8, and was used to make Teflon. And, the other is PFOS. This chemical was used to make Scotchgard water repellent. However, thousands of PFAS chemicals remain in use, and pose threats to American drinking water resources, such as lead and arsenic.
Candice: Aren't industries required to report what chemicals they use in the production of their products?
Colton: Nope! And, there are so many of them that pop up in the least expected places. What's more, the EPA sought to block the publication of a federal health study of the affects of PFAS contamination.
Candice: Caller Number Three I'm told is Martin Nash from Rutland, Vermont. What's your question, Martin?
Martin Nash: Why would the EPA want to block the publication of a federal heath study of the affects of PFAS, Colton?
Colton: Because, Martin, as one administrator stated at the time, this study could result in a public relations nightmare.
Candice: Isn't the health of all Americans much more important than a public relations nightmare?
Colton: Yes it is, Candice. And, this study in question was eventually released. The keynote of the publication indicated the EPA's existing non-enforceable standard remains inadequate to protect the public health. Moreover, little has happened since then to improve the situation.
Candice: You've got to be kidding me, right? Couldn't states regulate PFAS on their own volition?
Colton: Yes they can, and some have taken measures to regulate PFAS in their drinking water. However, the need for federal attention remains long overdue.
Candice: Well, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
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I intended this Talk Show to be part of my new blog. However, surprisingly to me any way, and indicated by several PMs I have received, some members have asked me to keep this series here. It appears to be gaining a following on FanStory. So, that is what I am going to do. At least, for now. If you enjoy Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton) why not fan us so you don't miss any exciting episodes that air Mondays through Fridays right here exclusively on FanStory?
| Author Notes |
water's memory, by CammyCards, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks CammyCards, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Tuesday, January 8, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Yesterday we discussed PFAS in America's drinking water. A couple of our FanStory readers raised a question about what cities are doing to eliminate these hazards. Many towns now use granular activated carbon to improve water filtration.
Colton: GAC filtration is the current recognized technology for removing PFAS from drinking water. Thanks for the question.
Candice: I'd like to remind our readers, if any of them have something they'd like to ask us, or request further clarification on topics we discuss, they should feel free to send their inquiries to Cracker Croakers and we will do our best to respond.
Colton: That's what we're here for, Candice...our readers.
Candice: Barbara Williams in Loma Linda, California sent us an email. She wants to know when WarnerMedia and Disney launch their new streaming services later in 2019 how this competition will affect Netflix and the current video streaming service available for downloading?
Colton: For starters, Barbara, Netflix viewers will not be able to watch blockbuster movies that belong exclusively to Disney. WarnerMedia will also display their top films or HBO.
Candice: Roger McAlister in Denison, Texas sent us this email inquiring does this change in streaming mean consumers will pay more for shows they want to view or lose them altogether?
Colton: People will have a larger selection of what they want to stream. However, the market will continue to further fragment.
Candice: All because media companies want to capitalize on the popularity of streaming videos and the profits garnished by doing so.
Colton: Doesn't everything always get back to making money, Candice? In 2018, nearly 55 percent of all American households subscribed to paid video streaming services.
Candice: Let's take another email. This one is from Phoebe Alderman in Eugene, Oregon. She wants to know what programs will the new Disney Plus streaming service offer?
Colton: Well, Phoebe, that change will be led by new Star Wars and Marvel programs. In addition, its extensive cache of live-action and animated movies and shows will dominate.
Candice: AT&T's service will be one consisting of three tiers that are centered around HBO. Their lowest level will provide movies.
Colton: Their mid-level will offer newer films and original programs.
Candice: And, their highest level will provide consumers such programs as "Friends". Let's take one final email for this show. It comes from Darren Dowd in Marietta, Georgia. Darren desires to know how individual channels are going to enter the down-streaming act?
Colton: Well, Darren, such channels as EPSN and Showtime will launch a direct-to-consumers service projected to begin within the next five years. This means every major television network will join the bandwagon.
Candice: To demonstrate the popularity of streaming online, Netflix reported that 45 million subscribers worldwide watched the thriller "Bird Box" the first week the movie was released.
Colton: This became the largest first-week success of any film in Netflix's twelve year history.
Candice: This staggering number of viewers watched "Bird Box" from December 21 to December 27.
Colton: That adds up to about one-third of Netflix's total number of subscribers who watched the movie during the Christmas week.
Candice: Tune in again tomorrow when we will continue to examine these pending changes to the popular world of streaming videos. Joining us at the round table will be consumer watchdog Delores Riggins.
Colton: That ought to make for a lively discussion.
Candice: Well, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case, smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton; And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croackes (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Jedi, by MKFlood, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks MKFlood, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
(This is the conclusion of the information provided in Chapter 8. If you so desire to read the rest of this edition (Chapter 8, or any/all previous editions of Cracker Croakers) there are blue numbers at the top of the page. Click on them and they will take you to all the previous editions of Cracker Croakers).
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Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Wednesday, January 9, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest. On yesterday's program we began discussing pending changes in the popular world of video down-streaming. Today, we will continue our discussion.
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Joining us at the round table is consumer watchdog Delores Riggins. Welcome, Delores, to Cracker Croakers.
Delores Riggins: Thanks for having me, Candice. The cost of streaming videos continues to soar. In December, Netflix spent 100 million dollars to license "Friends" from WarnerMedia. Currently, Netflix charges a fee ranging from 8 to 14 dollars a month for its service.
Colton: True, media companies collect a lot of money when they sell their programs to Netflix and others.
Candice: For streaming services with ad-based options the data of who bings on what shows equal more advertising cash.
Colton: Those services who rely on subscription dollars can better tailor their programs to suit the individual taste of consumers.
Delores Riggins: What media companies need to better realize is they'd best create a positive relationship with their audiences, or with more choices available to them, those same customers will go to other providers.
Candice: Couldn't multiple streaming companies overwhelm consumers and force them to subscribe to several services to receive the full gambit of what is available to them now?
Colton: What the market appears headed for are companies like Hulu that offer a wide range of videos from various sources.
Candice: Or maybe Sling, who provides a selection of live channles.
Colton: And, Disney-Plus type companies who offer specific services for consumers to select from.
Delores Riggins: What needs to be guarded against is that this explosion of new streaming services does not become an unaffordable cost for many consumers. Currently, these costs are projected to near more than 100 dollars a month.
Candice: It's unlikely any one service could charge more than perhaps 10 dollars a month.
Colton: The bigger question is how many streamers are customers going to be willing to commit to?
Delores Riggins: Consumers would save money if they were allowed to bundle packages together. For instance, Starz, HBO, and Showtime can all be added to Amazon Prime.
Candice: What is the best way for consumers to deal with these changes?
Delores Riggins: In this fast paced, high tech world we live in today, consumers need to have the patience of Job. That will go a long way in forcing streaming companies to keep the prices for consumers down and offer them more services for their money.
Candice: There you have it straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. We'd like to thank our special guest Delores Riggins for joining us today. Well, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case, smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Star Wars Fanatic, by MKFlood, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks MKFlood, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Thursday, January 10, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Colton, I do believe Cracker Croakers is gaining somewhat of a following. We're being asked how to find earlier editions of our show.
Colton: That's an easy one to answer for our audience. All they need to do is go to the top of the page. There, they will locate blue numbers. Just click on those numbers and all the previous editions of Cracker Croakers instantly become available for them to enjoy.
Candice: Colton, are you aware GPS tracking devices can help keep your family safe?
Colton: They sure can, Candice. GPS is a handy little tool to have when you're attempting to find a destination in unfamiliar territories.
Candice: GPS tracking devices are much more useful than that, Colton. Almost everybody owns a cell phone...
Colton: Tell me about it. You see people talking on them, and texting all the time, while they should be paying attention to their driving.
Candice: Don't I know that! But, as long as a cell phone is turned on, apps like Find Friends and Find My iPhone, will pinpoint the exact location of all cell phones on your family plan.
Colton: Electronic fences, or geo-fences as they are more commonly called, allow you to essentially draw a digital map that could include such locations as your home, your child's school, and other such variables.
Candice: Then, every time a cell phone on the map relocates from one destination to another you'll receive a notification.
Colton: GPS tracking devices are also extremely helpful if you have elderly parents, or one with dementia who may wander off.
Candice: Fall detection is another feature of GPS trackers. These can alert you, and call 911 in an emergency situation, should the person wearing the tracker fall and need assistance.
Colton: Kind of like that Life Alert commercial on TV that says, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up!" But, seriously, GPS devices work through satellites and cell towers. However, for these trackers to function properly, your cellular service provider must cover the area where the device operates.
Candice: Many GPS trackers report back to your home base every thirty seconds.
Colton: That sounds like a major inconvenience.
Candice: Not really, Colton, especially when you're tracking someone.
Colton: Other potential concerns with GPS signals are that certain areas can block their transmissions and cell service can be spotty at best. These adversely affect the efficiency of the GPS tracker.
Candice: Interestingly enough, Colton, a GPS tracker will continue recording information, but not report it if the device doesn't receive cell service. Once the tracker reconnects to a cell tower again that tracking history is then reported by the device.
Colton: There are some ramifications that come with GPS trackers, particularly if you use them for the wrong reasons. These can land you in serious legal difficulties.
Candice: One big no-no are spying apps. These allow the tracking of someone's cell phone without their knowledge and can result in criminal charges for violating that person's right to privacy.
Colton: Using a GPS tracking device to illegally track a person without a reasonable cause violates the 4th Amendment that protects citizens against unreasonable search and seizure.
Candice: So, you can't legally stick a GPS tracker on someone's vehicle without them knowing so. The commission of this act could result in your being arrested for aggravated stalking.
Colton: There are several GPS tracking devices available you can purchase outright and pay a monthly service fee for.
Candice: One of these that is used wherever T-Mobile coverage is available is called GPS Smartsole. Designed particularly for senior citizens and children, this tracker is located in the insole of a shoe. It logs the wearer's location. Safe zones can be established for the user. However, the battery life of the device typically only lasts up to three days.
Colton: Verizon's GizmoWatch is another. This tracker is a smartwatch that allows you up to ten contacts for two-way voice calls and messaging.
Candice: Probably my preferred tracker is the Amber Alert GPS Smart Locator. This pocket-sized GPS device can run up to 40 hours on one charge. You can establish geo-fence boundaries and communicate using a two-way voice function. Best of all, this tracker alerts you if your child comes within 500 feet of a registered sex offender. Having two small children of my own, I really favor that feature.
Colton: To find the GPS tracker that best suits their own needs there are other devices on the market our audience may want to check out for themselves.
Candice: Well, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case, smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton; And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
My blooming Cell phone, by AVMurray, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks AVMurray, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
Candice: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Friday, January 11, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
Colton: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Today, I thought we'd add a little flair especially for the British segment of our audience, both here and on the other side of the pond.
Colton: What's that, Candice?
Candice: Talk about Mary Beard.
Colton: Mary Beard is Britain's most beloved intellectual. This past summer she was honored by Queen Elizabeth who named her a dame.
Candice: Did you know, Colton, a three-thousand-year-old carbonized piece of cake from ancient Egypt began Mary Beard down the road of loving art when she was five years old?
Colton: The story goes Mary wanted an up close and personal gaze at that piece of cake so the curator of the British Museum opened up the case the prize was located in and placed it right in front of her.
Candice: Just like that piece of cake, Mary Beard has opened up many doors to history in her lengthy tenure as a classics professor at Cambridge.
Colton: Mary Beard has also become a recognized television host, bestselling author, and revisionist.
Candice: Her book SQPR: A History of Ancient Rome is an excellent social commentary. She has also been featured in the BBC series "Civilization".
Colton: Her new book How Do We Look: The Body, the Divine, and the Question of Civilization explores the reception and depiction of ancient art in readable prose as well as a cache of accompanying pictures.
Candice: Such treasures as images of the human body, taken from around the world, and pictures of ancient gods, are shared in her book.
Colton: Exotic locations including Angkor Vat in Cambodia, art-filled caves in India, the Olmec colossal heads on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, Chinese terra-cotta warriors, and a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey highlight her book.
Candice: How Do We Look is a plain-spoken and down-to-earth guide filled with a cavalcade of artistic masterpieces.
Colton: In one particular instance, Mary Beard climbs alongside the 65-foot tall Colossi of Memnon statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in the Theban Necropolis.
Candice: These stone marvels are located west of the Nile River near Luxor. Later, Mary Beard details how her adventures affected her.
Colton: As Mary explained in a recent interview...
Mary Beard: If I look impressed and a bit moved, it's because I was. It's kind of exciting and slightly terrifying in a way, to be so up close to those things.
Colton: However, unlike many other art historians, Mary Beard does not focus simply on the lives of artists, or their methods of creativity. In that same interview she explaines...
Mary Beard: I think that just as or more interesting is what people made of the art, how they saw it, and what they did with it over the last 2,000 years.
Candice: She cites as an example of what she is talking about the Aphrodite of Knidos in Asia Minor created by the Greek sculptor Praxiteles around 330BC. He was the first artist to sculpt the nude female form in a life-sized statue. Let's allow Mary to explain in this interview we keep quoting from.
Mary Beard: The idea of displaying the naked female body was once really "in your face". Now, nudes have become part of the stereotype of the greatest hits of world art.
Colton: Mary Beard 's unique taste in art is further demonstrated by her preference to see artworks in their original settings such as the unfinished sculpture still found in the quarry in Naxos, Greece. She says...
Mary Beard: This sculpture has been in the world of this village for two and a half thousand years now. You start to see how these things are incorporated into our own lives and the lives of people of the past.
Candice: Mary Beard's book How Do We Look: The Body, the Devine, and the Question of Civilization is published by Liveright Publishers.
Colton: The book, for those who desire to learn more, contains an ISBN of 9781631494406. An audio book, and an eBook version are also available.
Candice: Well, that about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
Colton: In that case, smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
Candice: And, he's Colton!
Candice and Colton: And, we invite you to join us again Monday for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Greek Godness, by GaliaG, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks GaliaG, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Monday, January 14, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE: Zombies. Plain and simple. That's todays topic, Colton. There is a current phenomenon that turns many American citizens into a zombie-like state. I'm talking about a persistent epidemic that appears rampant on our shores.
COLTON: There are several steps involved in this process. First, they slowly degrade into lesser versions of themselves. Then, they begin neglecting their daily routines.
CANDICE: Following these declines, their physical appearances become noticeably altered and their emotions freeze. No longer are they animated.
COLTON: They seem to fall apart. They walk absently and are lethargic. However, the cause of their malady is not some strange bacterial or viral assault.
CANDICE: No, they are addicted to prescription drugs. The scary part is getting their pills is not hard to do. And, the addiction can be prevalent. In fact, prescription medications have become some of the most recently abused drugs.
COLTON: Statistics indicate prescription drug abuse has skyrocketed and grown into a national health concern.
CANDICE: People under stress rely on tranquillizers to cope with daily existence. And, according to the United Nations, women more so than men, prefer to ingest pills from their doctors.
COLTON: Candice, did you know there are some 200 million antidepressant prescriptions written in the United States on a yearly basis?
CANDICE: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more Americans die from overdoses of prescription medications than all forms of illegal drugs combined. Combined, Colton!
COLTON: Here's another not-so curious fact. There are more accidental prescription drug deaths in the US each year than highway fatalities.
CANDICE: Speaking of lethal cocktails, alcohol and prescription medications both calm the central nervous system. Combine the two together and voila the mixture is often deadly.
COLTON: Some of the most frequently abused painkillers are Percocet, Vicodin, and Oxycontin. Moreover, prescription drug abuse does not just affect adults.
CANDICE: The problem trickles down to teenagers, who throw pill parties where they snatch medications from their parents, dump them into a bowl, and ingest the pills without knowing what's in them. Not a real smart idea, Colton. The results of such actions often lead to a gravesite.
COLTON: Children even younger than that can develop a drug habit. Those who start out early in life typically continue their habits when they become adults. Candice, do you know the most common reason given for this addiction and where it stems from?
CANDICE: Tell me, Colton.
COLTON: Pills for the relief of pain from a medical problem.
CANDICE: Let's examine three classes of prescription medications that usually work by suppressing chemical reactions in a user's brain. Sedatives, most often tranquillizers, treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Stimulants are generally prescribed for attention deficit disorders, and opiates for chronic pain.
COLTON: Abusers use psychotropic drugs like Prozac and Abilify to treat schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression.
CANDICE: The availability of prescription medications is higher than its ever been before. Some doctors routinely prescribe them for health issues. Also, because of Internet pharmacies, prescription drugs are more readily obtainable.
COLTON: Most prescription drugs offer a pleasurable sensation. Therefore, people start taking more and more of them to enhance that feeling.
CANDICE: This leads to a tolerance to the drug being acquired. Then, additional medicine is required to produce the initial effect the drug was prescribed for.
COLTON: Employment problems, job loss, personal relationships, legal issues, and psychological troubles are but a few areas of an abuser's life that can be negatively impacted by prescription medication misuse.
CANDICE: Tell-tale signs of prescription drug abuse can include difficulty focusing or concentrating, acting like they are in a perpetual fog, and social withdrawal. Habitually, the abuser does not possess a clear mind.
COLTON: These malfunctions may be the results of the abuser suffering from a slowed rate of breathing, a decreased heart rate, and depressed blood pressure. All ailments that demonstrate they are not functioning at full capacity.
CANDICE: There are several signs of prescription medicine abuse. Among these are being confused, usually about the time or their surroundings. An intoxicated appearance, though they are not drunk, is another.
COLTON: So are involuntary movements and gestures, as well as difficulty with remembering. Throw in poor judgment and decision-making abilities and you can see the adverse effects abusing prescription drugs can have on a person.
CANDICE: People addicted to these drugs may also be hooked on other, harsher, ones too.
COLTON: Programs like dialectic behavior therapy often produce better results than drug therapies when attempting to wean an addict off prescription medication habits. These therapies assist the abuser in managing their symptoms.
CANDICE: Some other possible aides may be self-hypnosis and guided imagery. Hey, whatever works. Chiropractic treatments and physical therapies may also be useful to help abusers better cope with their pain.
COLTON: Without the proper assistance obtaining prescription medications to satisfy their addiction can easily become the one reason abusers have for existing.
CANDICE: That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE: And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Zombie Emerging, by meg119, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks meg119, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Tuesday, January 15, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE: News flash, Colton! Thirty billion dollars. That was the astronomical amount of money recently spent in one year for five million television, newspaper, and online advertisements. Take a wild guess what these ads were for.
COLTON: Medicines, medical devices, health tests, and hospitals. Most of these were consumer-based ads but marketing to doctors and healthcare providers is also big money.
CANDICE: A vast majority of these ads paid for free drug samples. Why? Because marketing drives more testing and medical treatments that oftentimes patients do not require.
COLTON: This analyzed data comes from the Food and Drug Administration, as well as medicine and medical research.
CANDICE: A spiraling upward trend in medical advertising suggests consumers need to remain skeptical about the flood of marketing claims they are subjected to.
COLTON: Interestingly, an American Medical Association Journal entry reports medical marketing does not need to apologize since it has benefitted consumers by making them more informed.
CANDICE: This same journal entry attempts to shift the blame, and the responsibility, when it further states it is doctors who need to help their patients understand what these products claim. The report goes on to express more doctors need to be better educated about deceptive marketing.
COLTON: One-third of the dollars spent on medical marketing targeted consumers directly. Did you know Candice, the United States is one of only two countries in the world to allow prescription medicine advertising?
CANDICE: The amount of money spent on disease-awareness ads more than doubled to 401 campaigns. Of course, drug names were not mentioned in these ads. But, manufacturers of medicines frequently use these ads to "sell" exotic diseases that must be treated by their costly new products. A Catch-22 if ever there was one.
COLTON: Advertising directed at doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers increased to about two-thirds of the dollars spent on advertising. And, amazingly, some 12 billion dollars was allocated for free drug samples.
CANDICE: Doctors with financial connections to drug makers and medical device manufacturers are listed on the federal government's Open Payment's website. How many of our audience members were aware of that juicy little tidbit? By 2022, this listing is scheduled to expand to include nurses with advanced training and physician assistants.
COLTON: Federal laws require all advertisements to be truthful and backed by scientific evidence. The Federal Trade Commission regulates over-the-counter products, and the Food and Drug Administration oversees prescription drug and medical device ads. The question I have regarding this situation is how closely do they really oversee these advertisements?
CANDICE: Well if you asked me I'd say that spotty oversight by both agencies appears to be in play according to this recently released study. It further cites as an example FDA violation letters for misleading drug marketing dropped to eleven incidents.
COLTON: Eleven incidents? C'mon! Could that possibly mean FDA regulators are so overwhelmed by all these new ads they can not keep up with the volume of the barrage?
CANDICE: On the other hand, FDA violation letters for the marketing of unapproved genetic tests has increased resulting in eleven billion dollars in fines for off-label or deceptive marketing ads.
COLTON: The American Medical Association has previously supported a ban on direct-to-consumers advertising for prescription medicines.
CANDICE: The AMA also states doctors should not accept gifts or payments from the medical industry in an effort to influence their prescribing habits. That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE: And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Below Heaven and Above Earth, by Brucelorio, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks Brucelorio, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
COLTON: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Wednesday, January 15, 2019. I'm your host Colton Wyatt. Candice Bergeron is on assignment. She'll rejoin us tomorrow. Today, I'm going to discuss the 1st Amendment. Everybody knows the first ten amendments of the United States Constitution provide the Bill of Rights Carefully constructed by the Founders of our great nation, the Bill of Rights guarantee our liberties are not infringed on. They also protect us from the government...and on occasion, from ourselves.
The 1st Amendment is called "freedom of speech," "freedom of assembly," "freedom of religion," and "freedom of the press". Guess what, the 1st Amendment is all of these and a bag of chips. We owe it to ourselves to exercise these rights responsibly. Unfortunately, the 1st Amendment is far too frequently abused by those who do not fully comprehend what the Founding Fathers of the United States established.
What exactly does the 1st Amendment say? It reads "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibit the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
What needs to be remembered is that freedom of assembly does not justify looting and rioting by those who believe they have been maltreated in an unjust manner. American citizens possess the right to express their opinions.
The freedom of press does not provide provisions for media personnel to conjure malicious lies or to misrepresent the truth. The American public has developed a certain disdain for the press, especially those who unabashedly have forgotten journalism should be unbiased. Deception, blame, and hatred are the new watchwords that have replaced diligence, reliability, and responsibility for too many media personnel.
Reported news inevitably becomes online discussion, and social media has become a good outlet to debate views. However, not everything on the Internet can be believed. Oftentimes those stories are embellished and important fragments of facts are omitted. Unfortunately, and too often, so is news reported on television, on the radio, and in print. Ever heard the expression whatever sells the most copies?
Yes, the overall credibility of the press has been compromised, but its necessity has not been diminished. Investigative reporting produces many acts of corruption and misconduct that otherwise may be overlooked.
Keep in mind the role of the media is not to be the judge, jury, and executioner. It is to report the news accurately and inform the public. They are quite capable of forming their own conclusions. Fake news is to be loathed and, no doubt about it, bad news exists. However, good news reporting should not be compared to the bad apples.
Two reasons prevail as to why the media is disliked by some members of the public who wish to squelch the media unless there is something gained by the story: ambiguity and misrepresentation. It is my opinion all aspects of the 1st Amendment must be exercised in a responsible manner and never compromised. This is how I see the issue.
I invite you to join Candice and I again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
No News is Good News, by avmurray, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks avmurray, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Thursday, January 17, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE: What's the flavor of the day for today, Colton?
COLTON: Well, while researching other apps I came across this one called Greenlight I thought might interest you since you have two young rugrats running around the house.
CANDICE: Greenlight? I've never heard of that one before. So, tell me all about this app, Colton.
COLTON: As you know Candice, I don't endorse any product we discuss here on Cracker Croakers, so you'll have to decide for yourself if this is one you want to look into further. I will tell you Greenlight is designed to help parents raise more financially-smarter children.
CANDICE: It's never too early for children to learn the ins and outs of financial responsibilities.
COLTON: With a variety of controls parents can manage from their phones, Greenlight is a debit card particularly for the younger set through the college years. Two nifty little features are the amount of money the kid can spend on the card and where they can spend the cashola are decided by the parent.
CANDICE: Alright Colton. You have my interest, so tell me more about Greenlight.
COLTON: Greenlight has three unique types of accounts. There's a spending account, a savings account, and a charitable giving account. Greenlight is designed to teach young users how to make responsible financial decisions as well as the importance of saving money.
CANDICE: Lessons they can well learn. How does Greenlight work, Colton?
COLTON: The users see how much money they have and where they are allowed to spend it. And, that can be the exact store if the parents want to set their account up that way.
CANDICE: What does Greenlight offer parents?
COLTON: Parents control what their children can do with their Greenlight debit card. Other features of this app are an automated allowance and a Parent-Paid Savings Interest component. There are several others available as well. And, if the cardholder attempts to use their Greenlight anywhere except the designated store, or exceed the limit of funds available to them, the transaction will not complete.
CANDICE: What is the parent-paid interest on savings you mentioned, Colton?
COLTON: The Greenlight Educational Savings Account permits parents to pay interest on their child's savings. This is calculated and paid monthly on the average daily balance of what the child keeps in their savings during the month. The Parent's Wallet feature of Greenlight conveniently credits this amount to the child's savings account.
CANDICE: I've recently begun providing my children an allowance. If I wanted to could I do so using Greenlight?
COLTON: Sure can. Parents can establish an automated payment schedule and it can be customized for the individual offspring. This can be a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payment and on whatever day the parent wants the payment to be made. Another benefit is these payments can be split any way the parent wants to between the child's savings, giving, and spending accounts.
CANDICE: Is there anything else about Greenligt a parent should know?
COLTON: Let's say your child needs cash for some reason. Parents can add money to their youngster's ATM feature and set a specific amount the child can withdraw from an ATM machine. Only the amount set can be taken out of the ATM, no more.
CANDICE: This information sounds like something I may want to investigate for my children's use.
COLTON: Well, most people learn by doing. That's also a good method of teaching financial stability. And, Greenlight provides children the opportunity to experience personal finances in the real world. This can help prepare them for a brighter future.
CSANDICE: So, Greenlight allows its users to virtually see they have available. That would certainly teach my two if they want to keep the bar moving toward something they desire how to arrive there the soonest.
COLTON: Not to mention teaching them how to live on a budget.
CANDICE: How can members of our audience learn more about Greenlight for themselves, Colton?
COLTON: Simply go to greenlightcard.com.
CANDICE: That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE: And, he's Colton, the tech savvy member of our team.
CANDICE AND COLTON: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Go, by DeniseM, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks DeniseM, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Friday, January 18, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
Candice: Colton, you're the high tech wizard on this show so tell us what this EMF stuff is, why the public needs to be aware of this danger, and what they can do to protect themselves from this unwanted invader.
COLTON: Our modern world is full of people attached to their electronic gadgets. You see them everywhere.
CANDICE: Don't forget, the technology industry is more than happy to keep supplying all the latest unlimited mobility, connection, and convenience innovations it can muster.
COLTON: That includes the 5G generation of infrastructure designed to advance communications to the highest levels yet developed. Toss in smartphones, and smart houses, and the list seems to grow endless.
CANDICE: Not to mention being free from all the wires and plugs that once bound consumers to their favorite electronics. However, isn't there a price to be paid in increased health risks from all this gadgetry? Something called electromagnetic fields.
COLTON: EMFs are continuously generated by all sorts of electronics.
CANDICE: Colton, what exactly are EMFs? Perhaps you could expand on that term for those in our audience who don't know what these health risks are?
COLTON: EMFs are invisible radiation waves permeating from electronic gadgets that fill every corner of modern life. Among these health concerns are broken DNA bonds. There may also be leaks in the blood-brain barrier caused by EMFs. And, the loss of calcium from cellular membranes could occur.
CANDICE: These sound like potentially serious issues, Colton.
COLTON: EMFs sometimes possess imperceptible biological effects, as well as cumulative ones. These may affect your skin, lungs, heart, brain and central nervous system. Electronic pollution can be combatted though. A good resource to learn ways to accomplish this may be to read New York Times Bestselling Author Ann Louise Gittleman's book Zapped, Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn't Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution.
CANDICE: Colton, were you aware the World Health Organization classifies radiofrequency radiation as an EMF and a Group 2B carcinogen?
COLTON: The potential for the wider spread of this health risk is only going to increase with 5G as companies install millions of transmitters on utility poles and lampposts all around the country. This is going to send unprecedented levels of EMFs into American neighborhoods because these transmitters are being placed much closer to the human population than ever before.
CANDICE: Let's take some questions from our audience members now. How about the gentleman in the plaid shirt there on the front row? Stand up sir, tell us your name, and let us know what's on your mind.
JOHN SYLVESTER: Name's John Sylvester from O'Fallon, Missouri. Out there you have to show us. So, Colton, you said the potential for 5G has grown. Which provider is the best?
COLTON: Verizon was the first provider to attain the 5G goal but AT&T seems to be the global standard. Even Verizon plans to switch out its equipment, allegedly at no cost to consumers.
CANDICE: How about another inquiry from the lady in the second row wearing the green dress. What is your name and where are you from?
VERONICA CARMICHAEL: Hi Candice! My name is Veronica Carmichael. I'm from Terre Haute, Indiana and I never miss your show. My question is I'm looking for high performance in my cell phone. Colton, can I achieve this with 5G?
COLTON: 5G provides high data rates, a higher system capacity, and cost reduction. So, yes Veronica, you get high performance with 5G.
CANDICE: Let's take one final question from our audience today. How about the middle seat on the front row? What is your name and where are you from?
TONY VALENZIA: I'm Tony Valenzia from the Bronx, New York. What harm exactly can EMFs produce?
COLTON: Breast cancer in women, and prostrate cancer in men, have been attributed to EMFs. These frequencies may also contribute to the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
TONY VALENZIA: I heard the boys down at the factory where I work talking around the water cooler one day about this EMF stuff. They said there ain't no proof EMFs can harm you.
COLTON: Industry insiders like to compare the damages of EMFs to second-hand cigarette smoke. And, we all know the hazards of that. However, many more people are subjected to the potential risks of EMFs than second-hand smoke. And, present research findings indicate hormones, melatonin, estrogen, and serotonin are all impacted by EMFs. The slightest alteration of these can result in critical health issues.
CANDICE: People can read about further problems associated with this type of electronic pollution in Dirty Electricity: Electrification and the Diseases of Civilization by Doctor Samuel Milham. So, tell us Colton, what are some ways to minimize the effects of EMFs?
COLTON: EMFs tend to decrease with distance. Therefore, you may want to ditch the electric blanket, maybe switch to a battery-powered alarm clock, or even move your bed away from power outlets. All of these are easy means of cutting down on the amount of EMFs you are exposed to. You may also want to disable your WI-FI router at night and remove digital gadgets from your bedroom.
CANDICE: Is that all a person can do to protect themself, Colton?
COLTON: Smart meters, electric shavers, cordless phones and hair dryers all transmit EMFs. And, one of the biggest culprits are printers with their wireless turned on. This one item alone transmits frequencies in the thousands of microwatts per square meter.
CANDICE: Cell phones are prolific producers of EMFs. Therefore, you may want to use a speakerphone or air tube headset whenever you can. Also, it is highly recommended to never carry your cell phone against your body when the contraption is on.
COLTON: Additionally, opt for a wired computer mouse, a wired keyboard, wired internet, and only turn on WI-FI when needed.
CANDICE: We want our audience members to remember to enjoy their electronics but use them wisely to help keep themselves healthy. That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE: And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON: And, we invite you to join us again Monday for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Cell Phone Addiction, by seshadri screenivason, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks seshadri sceenivason, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Monday, January 21, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON: And, I'm your other host, Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE: Today our nation pauses to remember the life and times of Mike King, Junior.
COLTON; Mike King, Junior? A, Candice, don't you have your facts a little discombobulated there?
CANDICE: Nope, I have all my ducks lined up in a neat little row. After all, I am dyslexic. But today, we're going to look at a different side of Mike King, Junior than most people remember on this federal holiday.
COLTON: Born on January 15, 1929, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Mike King, Junior is perhaps best remembered as the leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Some of his other claims to fame were the Montgomery bus boycott, the struggle against segregation in places like Albany, Georgia, and being the first President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
CANDICE: Mike King, Junior also spearheaded the March on Washington, D.C. and presented his "I Have A Dream" speech in the process.
COLTON: What Candice hasn't told our audience yet is that Mike King was the name listed on his April 12, 1934-filed birth certificate. Later, he would have a different name that would become famous in the world of activism. His birth certificate wasn't revised to reflect this new identity until July 23, 1957 and he became Martin Luther King, Junior.
CANDICE: The story behind King's name change began in 1934 when his father was the senior pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and a prominent citizen in Atlanta, Georgia.
COLTON: The church sent the elder King on a multi-country trip to Tunisia, Egypt, Jerusalem, Rome, Bethlehem, and Berlin, Germany. There, he attended a Baptist World Alliance meeting.
CANDICE: It was on this trip that Germany, in particular, held a profound effect on Mike King, Senior. His journey took him to Berlin one year after Adolf Hitler became the Chancellor and he toured the country where the German monk Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg castle church in 1517 that challenged Catholicism.
COLTON: This singular action led to the Protestant Reformation that split Western Christianity. While on this trip to Berlin, the senior King also witnessed the rise of Nazism.
CANDICE: At that point, the Baptist World Alliance declared their outcry concerning racial animosity, oppression against the Jewish people, colored people, and races in all parts of the world.
COLTON: Upon his return home, the trip also changed Mike King, Senior. Shortly thereafter, he changed his name to Martin Luther King, Senior and his son's name to Martin Luther King, Junior.
CANDICE: Another interesting note about Martin Luther King is that his father worked on a plantation in Stockbridge, Georgia as a sharecropper. He left the plantation after accusing the property owner of cheating his father out of money.
COLTON: Once he arrived in Atlanta, Mike King, Senior remade himself from a modestly educated preacher without a significant church into a Morehouse College graduate, and the pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1930 following his father-in-law's death.
CANDICE: During this timeframe, he was mainly known as M.L. because in the South of those days many Blacks didn't want to be called by their first names. There is no known record of why Mike King, Senior changed his name to Martin Luther King, Senior.
COLTON: Reportedly, he had an uncle named Martin, and one named Luther, and followed his father's wishes to change his name. Martine Luther King, Junior originally shrank from using the name. It wasn't until after the Montgomery bus boycott he publicly commented about having "earned the name".
CANDICE: On April 3, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee where he'd returned to help the sanitation workers' strike, in what would be his final sermon, one that was delivered at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple, Martin Luther King, Junior revealed why his father changed his name to Martin.
COLTON: Here is what he said and I quote, "If I were standing at the beginning of time, with the possibility of taking a kind of general and panoramic view of the whole of human history up to now, and the Almighty said to me, "Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in?" I would take my mental flight by Egypt and I would watch God's children in their magnificent trek from the dark dungeons of Egypt through, or rather across the Red Sea, through the wilderness on to the promised land."
CANDICE: King, Senior than spoke of traveling through what he referred to as the "heyday of the Roman Empire, then moving on to the day of the Renaissance. I would even go by the way that the man for whom I'm named had his habitat, and I would watch Martin Luther as he tacks his 95 Theses on the door at the church at Wittenberg."
COLTON: The night following this speech, an infamous shot rang out as Martin Luther King, Junior prepared to go to dinner. The shot was fired by James Earl Ray, who served 29 years in prison for the assassination, and died there from hepatitis.
CANDICE: Martin Luther King, Junior died on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE: And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by VMarguarite, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks VMarguarite, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Monday, January 21, 2019. I'm your hostess with the mostest Candice Bergeron.
COLTON: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE: Helping to keep our audience healthy is very important to Colton and I, so today we are going to talk about an ailment the Center for Disease Control estimates kills upwards of 49,000 Americans yearly. That's okay, you can pick your bottom jaw up off the ground now. When I first heard these staggering numbers I about flipped out and knew Cracker Croakers would have to discuss the flu in detail.
COLTON: Many other reputable organizations drop the bottom out of that astronomical number and place the actual number of flu-caused deaths in the United States closer to 300 annually.
CANDICE: The flu season typically runs from December to February. So, we are currently right in the middle of the 2019 season. According to the CDC the southern, western, and northeastern portions of the United States are being hardest hit by this year's flu. And, once again it seems to be the A Strain H1N1 virus causing most cases.
COLTON: Nine states in particular are experiencing high incidents of the ailment including Colorado, Arizona, and California in the West, with Florida, Kentucky, and Alabama leading the charge in the south. In the Northeast Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut report the highest number of cases in that region of the country.
CANDICE: Our guest at the round table is Doctor Dorothea Evans, a specialist in the H1N1 flu virus. Welcome Doctor Evans to Cracker Croakers. Can you elaborate on some of the indicators of the flu, doctor?
DR. Evans: Thanks for having me here today, Candice. There are several indicators of the flu. Among them are fatigue, chills, headaches, body aches and pains, a stuffy or runny nose, a sore throat, a high fever, and a lingering cough. The flu can be enough to make you want to seal yourself inside a protective bubble and not come out again.
COLTON: Isn't It true Doctor Evans the flu is a virus not a bacterial infection, and the flu can last up to a week?
DR. EVANS: The cough and fatigue caused by the flu can persist for two weeks or longer. It can take between one and four days for symptoms of the flu to manifest once you've contracted the virus.
CANDICE: How can a person with the flu pass the ailment on to someone else, Doctor Evans?
DR. EVANS: The flu virus is usually spread by airborne droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even speaks. These droplets infest others by landing on their nose or mouth.
COLTON: Can't you also become contaminated by touching surfaces where those droplets settle then touching your nose?
DR. EVANS: Another key point to remember is a person infected with the flu can be contagious the day before they display symptoms. In some cases, people can become infected by the flu virus but are asymptomatic. Even still, they can spread the flu virus to others. Do you realize nearly three-quarters of all people with the flu fall into this asymptomatic category?
CANDICE: An infected person can spread the flu to others for up to ten days. Okay, Doctor Evans, let's say you have the flu. What should you do?
DR. EVANS: Well, at this point, Candice, you're highly contagious. You shouldn't ignore the symptoms and optimally you should seek antiviral treatment within 48 hours. With the sooner you start feeling the symptoms of the flu, the sooner you seek treatment, being the better.
COLTON: You should also do everyone else in the waiting room the small favor of wearing a paper mask.
DR. EVANS: True, and if you do not have a paper mask, the staff will provide you one.
CANDICE: What kind of treatment can you expect in this situation, Doctor Evans?
DR. EVANS: Your doctor will swab your mouth and this will be tested for the flu virus. Once confirmed, your caregiver should provide you a prescription for an antiviral drug. Tamiflu the most frequently prescribed. You should take this right away.
COLTON: Are there other medications a person with the flu may be prescribed Doctor Evans?
DR. EVANS: The Center for Disease Control recommends the generic version of Tamiflu which is known as Oseltamivir, Relenza, Rapivab, and Xofluza, which came on the market on October 24, 2018. All of these medications are FDA-approved antivirals.
CANDICE: Xofluza is a novel drug that provides an important treatment option.
DR. EVANS: That is correct, Candice. Xofluza is taken as a single oral dose and is fights cap snatching. This inhibits the liberation of viruses from the infected cell surface.
COLTON: Don't these medications come an in a variety of forms, Doctor Evans?
DR. EVANS: Yes they do, Colton. Each one of them is prescription-only and may come in a pill form, as an inhaled powder, as a liquid, or an IV solution. Based on your health conditions and age, your caregiver will determine which form is proper for you.
CANDICE: How do antiviral medications work, Doctor Evans?
DR. EVANS: Antiviral medications lessen the severity of the ailment and its duration. They may also prevent more serious complications of the flu including pneumonia, ear infections, and hospitalization. However, there is a word of caution I feel I need to provide your audience members about buying Tamiflu from online sources outside of the United States.
CANDICE: Danger alert! Go ahead, Doctor Evans, what is this concern about purchasing Tamiflu from online sources outside of the United States.
DR. EVANS: Purchasing Tamiflu from online sources outside of the United States may be risky in that the product might contain hazardous ingredients and not comply with FDA regulations.
COLTON: Why do antibiotics not work in combatting the flu, Dr. Evans?
DR. EVANS: Because, as we discussed earlier, Colton, the flu is a virus, not a bacterial infection. And, viruses reproduce quickly.
CANDICE: So, that's why when you get the flu it doesn't take long to feel cruddy.
DR. EVANS: Another reason the flu is so challenging is that not only does the virus replicate quickly, its genes also mutate. Additionally, these genes can change as the flu is passed from one person to another creating new mutated strains of the virus.
COLTON: So, that explains why you can catch the flu more than one time in any given season.
DR. EVANS: Your immune system cells contain memory. However, when the flu virus mutates these immune memory cells usually do not recognize them.
CANDICE: Did you know that other animals such as pigs, horses, and birds can all host the flu?
DR. EVANS: Transmissions within groups of animals can change the virus significantly. And, when people contract the flu from animals, which fortunately does not often occur, these strains can rampantly spread because the human body does not recognize them. That's why vaccination against the flu is so effective.
CANDICE: Any other juices tidbits you wish to share with us today, Doctor Evans?
DR. EVANS: Antiviral medications do not kill the flu virus. They slow its progress, as well as stop the ailment from multiplying and spreading throughout the body. In order to receive antiviral treatment, people with high risks of complications from the flu should see their caregiver immediately.
CANDICE: We'd like to that our special guest Doctor Dorothea Evans for imparting her vast knowledge about the many aspects of the flu with our audience today. That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE: And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON: And, we'd like to invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
On The Rocks!, by bd shutterspeed, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks bd shuttrspeed, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Wednesday, January 23, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE: Today Cracker Croakers is proud to present a public service announcement for our older audience members. Of the five senses each person possesses, taste and smell are probably the most important ones for good health.
COLTON: While hearing, feeling, and seeing add to the overall quality of life, the sense of taste and the sense of smell are vital to maintaining a healthy existence.
CANDICE: The sense of smell allows you to inhale fragrant aromas such as roses. In turn, these can offer stress relief and provide comfort through such qualities as aromatherapy. The sense of smell allows a person to detect potential hazards in their immediate environment. Things like spoiled food, smoke, and fuel leaks.
COLTON: The Mayo Clinic states as a person ages, after about sixty years old, they naturally begin to lose their sense of taste and their sense of smell. And, the National Institute on Aging confirms this report.
CANDICE: A person usually has somewhere around 900 taste buds. Many flavors are linked to aromas that start at nerve endings in the lining of their nose.
COLTON: This is one important way the senses of taste and smell work together in concert with one another.
CANDICE: Over time, the number of taste buds decreases and the ones they maintain may start to shrink. A person's sensitivity to the five senses follows suit, making it harder for them to distinguish flavors.
COLTON: When a person reaches the age of seventy, their sense of smell can lessen due to losing nerve endings and having a smaller amount of mucus in their nose.
CANDICE: Daily life can become vastly diminished with the loss of sensory nerves in an older person's nose and fewer taste buds in their mouths.
COLTON: These subtle changes can lead to depression, extreme weight loss, a disregard for food, overusing salt and sugar to flavor foods, and the elimination of the enjoyment of eating.
CANDICE: The loss of the sense of taste, and the destruction of the sense of smell, may also be connected to such ailments as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
COLTON: Other possible contributors to a person losing their senses of taste and smell includes colds, the flu, medications, the lack of saliva, and various cancer treatments. In some cases, changing treatments and medications could help.
CANDICE: People experiencing the loss of taste should consult with their doctors. Doing so will rule out more serious health issues and may even assist them restore pleasures derived from good sense of taste and smell capabilities.
COLTON: Otolaryngologists specialize in diseases of the nose, throat and ears. These doctors may be able to assist patients with the difficulties associated with the loss of the senses of taste and smell. Neurologists may serve the same purpose, as may other specialists.
CANDICE: The declination of the senses of taste and smell may be slowed by such activities as gardening, cooking, and the discovery of new aromas a person has not previously associated themselves with.
COLTON: The loss of the senses of taste and smell may be treatable. However, the condition cannot be reversed. Unfortunately, it's just a natural part of growing older. See what we have to look forward to once we arrive there?
CANDICE: That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE: And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Tasty Treats, by VMarguarite, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks VMarguarite, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Thursday, January 24, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON: And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE: There appears to be a growing trendy market for brain stimulation devices. Products like the TENS Unit 3000, the TDCS Transcranial Stimulator, and the BigStem Interferential Device that is often used for bi-polar stimulation. However, most of this technology remains unproven according to several experts in the field.
COLTON: This market Candice refers to is expected to exceed more than three billion dollars in sales in one year's time. But, according to an essay recently published in Science Magazine, the peer-reviewed academic journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, better information about direct-to-consumer neurotechnology products is required where these devices are concerned.
CANDICE: Some of these advanced products purport to monitor brain activity. They also are alleged to provide low levels of electrical stimulation to the brain through transcranial direct current stimulation. In turn, this is supposed to offer the goal of improving cognitive and athletic performance as well as improved mental health.
COLTON: Often marketed as science-based, another proposed feature of these devices are apps and games designed to sharpen thinking and monitor mental health.
CANDICE: Opponents of these devices claim many companies offering them have performed very little research on their effectiveness. That's not good! Others state they are based loosely on laboratory science and lack real-world application in home settings.
COLTON: Critics provide such evidence as products designed to monitor brain activities with EEGs use fewer electrodes than those in labs do.
CANDICE: Another negative affect of these devices is that the electrodes are placed by untrained consumers. Therefore, scientists continue to debate most of the approaches of products pitched directly to the buying public.
COLTON: Further issues could well develop if consumers used these products more frequently than recommended.
CANDICE: Statistics indicate about one-third of the respondents in a recent survey were noted for using the devices to self-test depression, which they are not meant for.
COLTON: In 2016, 39 researchers signed a letter to the transcranial direct current stimulation community that outlined their disagreements with do-it-yourself at-home brain stimulation without scientific research to back the device's claims up. This letter can be found in the Annals of Neurology and Neurological Science.
CANDICE: Possible health risks associated with these devices include burns to the skin. There may also be long-term unexpected affects caused by brain stimulation.
COLTON: Electrical stimulation directed at one portion of the brain affects more of the brain than most people realize. And, different people are sometimes affected in different contradictory ways than planned.
CANDICE: It is not yet known how long the positive and negative affects of brain stimulation with these devices last.
COLTON: Some evidence has been established that brain training games can improve the functioning in certain cognitive regions of the brain. Any broader impacts that translate into better everyday functioning abilities remain extremely controversial.
CANDICE: Sold at various locations, brain and EEG devices come prepackaged in a variety of shapes. Some contain electrodes while others possess headsets or headphones. And, their prices can range between 150 to 300 dollars.
COLTON: Neurotechnologies have avoided FDA regulations by limiting their proclamation to wellness for consumers. Consumers need better information about these devices to make more and better decisions concerning their use. The question remains as to what science actually supports about them and where the gaps in knowledge about them lies.
CANDICE: That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON: In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE: And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON: And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
| Author Notes |
Plum Tuckered Out, by eileen0204, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks eileen0204, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
CANDICE: Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Friday, January 25, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest. Colton is on an extended weekend in Belize. Must be a charmed life some of us live Buddy-Boy. For today's show, I thought I'd share with our audience a recent little treasure I discovered.
Colton and I are both avid readers of many different genres. One of my favorite is a good whodunit. A Holmes-esque plot, Chinese lore overtones, Confucian virtues, and mythical creatures combine to produce a sumptuous garden maze called The Night Tiger.
Quick-witted and ambitious, Ji Lin is the female main character of this novel. She's also stuck as an apprentice dressmaker, and moonlights as a dancehall girl, to assist in paying off her mother's mahjong debts. A gruesome souvenir drags Ji Lin into a world of superstitions and dark secrets.
In the meantime, Ren, the Chinese houseboy, and main male character of the novel, is tasked with finding his dead master's severed finger to prevent him the dread of wandering the earth alone forever. He has 49 days to accomplish his mission, and the clock is running. As days pass by, unexplained deaths, and men who turn into tigers, dot the landscape. Throw in a healthy dose of modern idealism, forbidden love, as well as sibling rivalry, and The Night Tiger becomes a dazzling, propulsive read.
The novel's author, Yangsze Choo, was born in Malaysia, speaks with a British accent, and grew up in exotic locales like the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and Germany. She enjoys jolting conversations with comments such as "scamper on a treadmill like a hamster". She also likes the Cafe Restaurant app that offers the clink and murmur of a coffee shop so writers don't feel lonely while they pen their masterpieces.
Set in colonial Malaya of the 1930s, The Night Tiger lurks in a thicketed underbrush of unresolved murders and mysteries. Choo draws on her parents as sources of several of the fables winding their way through the fabric of her novel. She explained this feature in a recent interview.
YANGSZE CHOW: Growing up I realized that there was very little literature on Malaya. And, what there was was primarily written by British writers like Somerset Maugham.
CANDICE: For our audience members who may not know, Somerset Maugham wrote the classic novel Of Human Bondage.
YANGZSE CHOO: Having my mom's stories about her friend the maid, I thought there is a whole other story about the local people.
CANDICE: One of my favorite parts of The Night Tiger details with how Ren, who is haunted by the death of his twin brother, services his master who believes he turns into a murderous weretiger. The doctor dispatches Ren to serve a guilt-ridden reprobate who is also a British surgeon. At that location, deadly tiger attacks begin occurring.
Yangsze Choo created her Ji Lin character from an unpublished novel she spent eight years writing but keeps hidden away believing it's not worthy of publication. In the interview I mentioned earlier, she stated:
YANGSZE CHOO: While researching that failed novel, I read a book by an author who wrote about visiting a strange dancehall where all the girls were for hire but afterward were strictly segregated. It was weirdly prudish.
CANDICE: Choo magnificently monopolizes that strangeness in The Night Tiger. By bringing Ji Lin and Ren together, Choo creates an intricate and rich novel. However, one of the most enjoyable pleasures of the book is its remarkable understory in the unbalanced relationship between the British and their servants. And, Choo's themes concerning the Chinese fascination with lucky numbers adds another ambiance to the story. Let her explain:
YANGSZE CHOO: Their belief that certain rituals would guarantee you happiness was in the back of my mind.
CANDICE: The traditional Confucian virtues Choo named her characters after were too.
YANGSZE CHOO: I'm not that clever, but it's curious how my characters have become the opposites of those virtues.
CANDICE: Choo's abiding interest in the nature of twins deepens the storyline.
YANGSZE CHOO: The idea is interesting because this whole novel is about different worlds such as natives and colonials, the world of night and the world of day, the world of the living and the world of the dead. It's about a lot of our unresolved fears.
CANDICE: Published by Flatiron Publishers, The Night Tiger is a fascinating 384-page read. There is also an audio, and an eBook, version of this historical fiction novel available. You can find The Night Tiger under the ISBN of 9781250175458.
That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers. However, I invite you to join Colton and I again on Monday for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton). That's if we can get Colton to return from his weekend jaunt to Belize. I'm so envious! Maybe he'll at least bring me back a hand-woven intricately designed Mayan basket. That would be so nice of him. I don't know if his new main squeeze Veronica would like it very well, but one can always hope.
| Author Notes |
Tiger on the move, by Lilibug6, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks Lilibug6, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Twitter and Fake News"
FADE IN:
In the KVCC studio, Candice Bergeron and Colton Wyatt place cue cards on top of the round table they are seated at as the lights come up. A cup of coffee, with two unopened packs of sugar, two creamers, and a spoon sits in front of Candice. A tall glass of iced tea in front of Colton. A tray of uneaten Danish is found in between. The studio audience quiets as the camera rolls.
CANDICE
Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Monday, January 28, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON
And, I'm your other host, Colton Wyatt. Today's edition of Cracker Croakers comes straight from the you've-got-to-be-bullshi.....me category.
CANDICE:
Whoa! Calm down, Colton. Remember this is a family show so we have to keep our language clean. It's been a long time since I've seen the Irish side of your temper flare. But, believe me. I agree one hundred percent with you about this one.
COLTON:
Some news reporters would not know the truth if it walked up and slapped them squarely across the face. Take for instance this juicy tidbit that claims, are you ready for this? Older people, over the age of 65, spread the vast majority of fake news. My a..!
CANDICE:
At least that is the recent report from a certain Northeastern University political and computer science professor named David Lazer, the co-author of a recent study published in the Science journal supposedly regarding Twitter users. Unlike much of what comes out of Russia, Macedonia, and Romania, the three leading countries where most fake news tends to originate from, we ain't making this stuff up, folks.
COLTON:
David Lazer is fairly well known in the academic world. He devotes much of his efforts to computational social science. This field of study uses computers to model, simulate, and analyze social phenomena. According to Lazer, 99 percent of Twitter users spread virtually no fake information in the most heated part of the 2016 election year. And, platypuses fly too! But, only on days that end in the letter "y".
CANDICE:
According to Lazer's report, obviously in my opinion any way, as slanted as it is, there were only 16 Twitter accounts who tweeted out nearly 80 percent of the misinformation masquerading as news during this time. Folks, do you understand that number and what it implies?
COLTON:
I sure do. And-a, I wasn't born yesterday. Nor do I fall for everything I read. Here is a direct quote from David Lazer himself, "Spreading fake information is taking place in a very seamy, but small, corner of Twitter."
CANDICE:
Perhaps David Lazer should reexamine his information, and this time report it correctly. I really wish we had Lazer here at the round table with us to explain how he deduced his results.
COLTON:
Lazer also states misinformation super sharers flooded Twitter an average of 308 pieces of fakery each between August 1 and December 6 in 2016. If that isn't a crock of horse dung you tell me what is!
CANDICE:
Can somebody please clue me in on where Lazer dreamed these numbers up from?
COLTON:
Lazer also states the vast majority of people are exposed to very little fake news despite the fact that there's a concerted effort to push it into the system.
CANDICE:
Yea, perhaps by people the likes of David Lazer and his type of reporting?
COLTON:
According to this Science journal study, there were 16,442 accounts analyzed with a random pool of voter records that matched names to Twitter users. Certain accounts were then subsequently screened out.
CANDICE:
I wonder why? That in itself should inform our audience how biased this study was.
COLTON:
Lazer did not bother to interview any of the study's participants. He simply ranked them based on what he read on Twitter.
CANDICE:
The Head of the Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania found several problems with Lazer's study, particularly how he determined fake information sites.
COLTON:
For instance, those accounts Lazer categorized as left-leaning or centrists, according to him only spread five percent of fake information. While on the other hand, for those Lazer found to be right-leaning the number rose to eleven percent. And, for those on the extreme right, that number increased to 21 percent.
CANDICE:
Add those numbers up and in every math book in the United States they equal 42 percent. So, tell us Mister Lazer, if you possible can, where the other 58 percent of fake news on Twitter your report failed to attribute to any of your control groups are hidden at? Or perhaps they just magically and mysteriously went bye-bye?
COLTON:
Summing up a comment from a Texas A&M University historian of political rhetoric, and one I completely support by the way, this study once again indicates, as I discussed at length in a previous edition of our show, there are those reporters who are propagandists trying to manipulate the public sphere. These are the news reporters you have to take with a certain grain of salt.
CANDICE:
That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON:
In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE:
And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON:
And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
COLTON:
I truly believe some people will stop at nothing to state their opinion, no matter whether it is fake news or not. We're outta here.
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
Topsy-Turvy, by SCHATZLING, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks SCHATZLING, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Military Transgenders"
FADE IN
Candice Bergeron and Colton Wyatt perch on chairs opposite each other at the round table in the KVCC studio as the lights come up. A GI Joe action figure, and a rainbow flag stand on top of the table. The audience quiets as the camera rolls.
CANDICE
Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Tuesday, January 29, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON
And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE
Colton, aren't you a veteran?
COLTON
Army proud! Fourteen years.
CANDICE
Thank you for your service.
COLTON
No problem.
CANDICE
In fact, everybody in the audience today I want you to do just that. Tell a veteran how much you appreciate what they do for us all every day. That also ushers us into talking about a hot button, controversial subject no matter which side of the coin you come down on. And, that is should transgenders have the right to serve in the military?
COLTON
On January 22, 2019, a highly divided United States Supreme Court voted five to four to give the green light to ban or restrict transgenders and how they're allowed to serve.
CANDICE
In the short term, activists battling for the rights of transgenders to serve in the military expect anguishing consequences if their rights are restricted as they are expected to be.
COLTON
Long term, these same activists plan to battle so transgenders can openly serve. They also intend to keep state legal challenges continuing until this right is won.
CANDICE
Colton, I won't ask you for your opinion. I think I know you well enough to know what your answer to my question would be. But, for those in our audience who may not know, Lambda is a national organization committed to achieving the full civil rights of the LGBT community. Their Legal Director, Sharon McGowan, was quoted as claiming she's absolutely optimistic with respect to the long term prospects of transgenders being allowed to serve. She also acknowledged her bigger concern was how long the "long run" would be?
COLTON
Andy Blevin, the Executive Director of OutServe-SLDN, an organization that represents LGBT military personnel is also involved in litigation to help ensure transgenders the right to serve in the military.
CANDICE
In 2016, transgenders were told they could serve openly. Then, in 2017 that course was changed when the current administration proclaimed its intended ban on all transgender military members having the right to serve.
COLTON
Blevins called the Supreme Court decision a setback, referring to the vote as nothing more than a speed bump along the road of transgenders and their right to serve.
CANDICE
However, if these lawsuits on behalf of transgenders fail to reach the Supreme Court isn't it rather obvious what their outcomes will be?
COLTON
The solidified conservative majority of the Supreme Court is more than likely to uphold the ban on transgenders serving in the military.
CANDICE
Peter Perkowski, the Legal Director of OutServe-SLDN, agreed when he remarked a "certain segment" of the Supreme Court is hostile to issues involving the LGBTQ community. Perkowski went as far as to say he makes no predictions on the outcomes of these legal matters.
COLTON
According to a recent Pentagon report there are 8,980 transgender military members currently serving in the armed forces. While the slim prospect of them continuing to serve remains, it may be those transgenders desiring to enlist who are barred from doing so.
CANDICE
This decision by the Supreme Court also allows for transgender service members to continue serving in accordance to their biological gender unless they started a gender-transition under the Obama-era rules.
COLTON
Although current public opinion tends to favor transgender military service, the Republican-controlled Senate is not expected to block the transgender ban.
CANDICE
According to Lambda Legal top military commanders proclaim minimal problems have arisen under the Obama administration's allowing transgenders to serve.
COLTON
The transgender question permitting them to serve in the military is not about national security or unit cohesion. And, that brings us back to Square One with the real question being is the military's top priority to protect America or is it to help transgenders on their path to self-actualization?
CANDICE
An interesting observation there, Colton. That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON
In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE
And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON
And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
The Soldier and his Dog, by avmurray, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks avmurray, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Pro Military Transgenders"
FADE IN
Candice Bergeron and Colton Wyatt are seated around the round table in the KVCC studio as the lights come up. A GI Joe action figure and a rainbow flag are on the table in front of them. The audience quiets as the camera rolls.
CANDICE
Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Wednesday, January 30, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron, your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON
And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE
At the end of yesterday's show, an audience member asked Colton and I if we could expand on the topic of transgenders openly serving in the military. We agreed this controversial theme needed more attention. Also, be on the lookout for new changes coming soon to Cracker Croakers in an effort to provide an even better product to our loyal audience. If you have recommendations on possible improvements to the show, Colton and I are all ears and willing to hear what you offer. Now, on to today's edition. Colton, yesterday you made the astute observation is it the military's main purpose to defend America or to help transgenders reach their self-actualization? Our first viewpoint for today comes from a Pentagon spokesperson who stated the military treats all transgender members with respect and dignity.
COLTON
As they should be treated.
CANDICE This Pentagon spokesperson also said it is critical that the Department of Defense be allowed to implement personnel policies that are determined necessary to ensure the most lethal and combat effective fighting force in the world is the American military.
COLTON
The question is do transgender military members lessen that effectiveness?
CANDICE (gives Colton a quizzical look)
That is a real good question, Colton. Let's consider what our next source, the American Military Partner Association offers about the value of transgenders serving in the military.
COLTON
Oh yes, our "friends" from the largest LGBTQ organization of military families in the United States. I wonder what they have to chime into this discussion?
CANDICE
Their position remains being hopeful justice will ultimately prevail over what they term blatant bigotry and discrimination when the courts hear the full arguments of their case.
COLTON
Shannon Minster is the Legal Director of the Boston-base LGBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders organization who primarily services LGBTQ and HIV+ people in New England.
CANDICE
She called the policy barring transgenders from serving or enlisting unless they serve in their biological sex, and do not seek to undergo gender transitions, a slap in the face to transgenders who place their lives on the line every day in defense of the United States.
COLTON
And, what is wrong with transgenders serving in their biological sex, or not allowing them to undergo gender transitions while in the military?
CANDICE (gives Colton a quick, quizzical, glance)
Previously, the top leaders of the Navy and the Marine Corps told the Senate Armed Services Committee they have experienced little morale, discipline, or unit readiness problems with transgender troops.
COLTON
Another Pentagon spokesperson vowed the military will, at least for now, continue to retain transgenders in compliance with federal court rulings. He also confirmed no transgenders have yet been forced out of the military, and will not be, pending final resolution of ongoing legal actions.
CANDICE
An article in the Spart*A advocacy group's publication reflects the feelings of transgenders in the military who claim they will lace their boots in service of the nation. This organization of current LGBTQ service members and LGBTQ veterans, feels it would be incredibly unfortunate if transgenders are forced from the military and treated differently than other Americans.
COLTON
Matt Thorn, the head of the OutServe-SLDN organization, remarked the removal of transgender military members would hamper the United States' ability to build the world's most lethal military. He further stated barring transgenders from openly serving would undermine America's readiness and lethality. I pose the question of would it?
CANDICE
Doctor Arthur Evans, Junior, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Psychological Association believes the policy of barring transgenders from openly serving in the military is nothing more than a misuse of psychological science to stigmatize transgenders and justify limiting their ability to serve in uniform.
COLTON
His keynote appears to be the military should cover the vast expenses associated with transgenders transitioning to the opposite sex. One of the biggest issues of transgenders serving in the military is the free cost to them of changing their gender. On the civilian market that can easily exceed more than 100,000 dollars. That alone is one of the main reasons I oppose transgenders serving.
CANDICE (Stunned by Colton's revelation)
Tomorrow we will examine the other side of this controversy.
COLTON
When we do we will explore those who oppose transgenders serving in the military and their supportive reasons for doing so.
CANDICE
That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON
In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE
And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON
And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
FADE OUT
CANDICE (off camera)
You surprised me, Colton. I didn't know you felt that strongly about transgenders being allowed to openly serve in the military.
Colton does not respond
| Author Notes |
Taking Time Out, by jgrace, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks jgrace, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Con Military Transgenders"
FADE IN
Candice Bergeron and Colton Wyatt are seated across the round table from one another as the lights come up. A GI Joe action figure stands on the table in front of them. The audience quiets as the camera rolls.
CANDICE
Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Thursday, January 31, 2019. I'm Candice Bergeron your hostess with the mostest.
COLTON
And, I'm your other host Colton Wyatt.
CANDICE (Curious)
Colton, where is the rainbow flag that we've had on the table the last two shows representing the LGBTQ community?
COLTON (Nonchalantly)
Oh that? I removed the flag before we came on the air.
CANDICE (Annoyed)
Up to now, we've been discussing the hot button controversial topic of transgenders being allowed to openly serve in the military. We'll continue that subject...
COLTON (Cuts her off)
Agnes Gordon Schaffer of the Rand Corporation stated the Defense Department asked their organization to conduct a study on the cost of transgender surgeries for military personnel. That figure came up to a whopping eight million dollars a year. In regards to the disruption of the military by allowing transgenders to openly serve, this same report indicated the impact of readiness could be significant based on the number of personnel who transitioned annually. We've already stated those costs can exceed more than 100,000 dollars per trangender.
CANDICE (Begins again)
There is also the problem of deploying transgenders in times of military crises.
COLTON (Interrupts her)
The recommendation is that only those transgenders who do not require a gender change remain deployable. This could become extremely detrimental to units engaged in defense of the United States. Military members in the middle of gender dysphoria frequently experience significant distress and difficulty functioning. Speaking from experience, combat operations can be challenging, highly stressful, and inherently dangerous. I know, I've been there and done that. There is widespread concern about how transgenders, who are dissatisfied with their lives in general because of the fact they are their biological selves, not their transitioned selves, would respond in these environments.
CANDICE
The Secretary of Homeland Security oversees the Coast Guard. He, and the Secretary of Defense, who oversees the rest of the military, have the authority to implement appropriate policies concerning all military personnel.
COLTON
That includes transgenders. The primary goal of the American military must always remain decisive and overwhelming victory against all enemies. The United States military can not become burdened with the tremendous disruption of transgenders in the service entails.
CANDICE (Scoffs)
Colton, can you provide a more concise depiction of how transgenders openly serving in the military could cause this disruption you're so adamant about?
COLTON
Sure can, Candice, and let's start with a real easy one first. Medical treatments for military transgenders can range from hormone-replacement therapies to gender-confirmation surgeries. There are also cross-sex hormone treatments and mental health considerations for transgenders that may interfere with their deployability. Now, let's consider another issue with transgenders and their potential impact on their units in times of crises. Transgenders who attempt to conceal their trans identities during their military service can suffer several emotionally draining episodes that may heavily impact their readiness to engage in conflict. These may also make them reclusive and therefore unreliable in high-stress situations. Does that knock the socks off your feet there Candice?
CANDICE (Does not respond to Colton's inquiry)
According to Military Times, an independent news source that covers most things military, many senior military leaders oppose integrating transgenders into troops.
COLTON
And, well they should because if deployment becomes necessary, the Department of Defense would need to choose the best course of action to take regarding the implementation of transgenders into those plans. Why should transgenders be offered special considerations while all other service members are required to deploy?
CANDICE
There is a high number of transgenders who serve in the military.
COLTON (Interrupts her)
Some sources place this number at twice, or better, the number of non-transgenders who serve.
CANDICE (Obviously perturbed)
Would you like to take over the rest of this show, Colton? I mean, you've interrupted me several times today.
COLTON (Shrugs his shoulders)
I could. As I was saying, the number of transgenders who currently serve in the military could potentially lead to a high rate of service members unprepared to fight because of the emotional issues involved with being transgender. That affects the overall preparedness of the Armed Forces.
CANDICE
Can I speak now?
COLTON
Sure. Go ahead.
CANDICE
The required standard for all service members in these times of multiple deployments and serving in the harshest environments, without the need for continuous medical treatments is reality if the United States is going to win on the battlefield. (Under her breath) Kind of like what we have in here today.
COLTON (Ignores her remark)
It is also imperative that transgenders be able to withstand the extreme stresses of the hardest crucibles of combat. This becomes something rather questionable concerning their constant need for hormone therapies, medical treatments, recovery times from surgeries, and the inclination for transgenders to commit suicide at much higher rates than the national average. The stakes are simply much too high to experiment with our country's defense or inadvertently cause additional harm to transgenders.
CANDICE
Go ahead and tell the world exactly how you feel, Colton.
COLTON
I'm not saying transgenders should be prevented from self-actualization. What I believe is transgenders should make their journey to self-fulfillment outside of the realm of the United States military having to foot the bill for their transitions at the risk of our national defenses.
CANDICE (Shakes her head)
That about wraps us up for this edition of Cracker Croakers.
COLTON (Notices her actions)
What?
CANDICE
We'll discuss this matter off the air.
COLTON
In that case smarty-pants, I suppose we better say adieu. She's Candice!
CANDICE
And, he's Colton!
CANDICE AND COLTON
And, we invite you to join us again tomorrow for another entertaining edition of Cracker Croakers (Featuring Candice and Colton).
CANDICE (Yanks her microphone off and tosses it on the table)
There may be two of us tomorrow. Or, there may only be one of us remaining after the dust from today settles. If you no longer welcome my input on this show, I'll quit!
COLTON (Smirks)
Sensitive females. Just do us both a major favor and come better prepared tomorrow so I don't have to carry the show myself.
(With dissention in the ranks, Candice storms off!)
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
Ship, by GaliaG, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks GaliaG, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"National Freedom Day"
FADE IN
Colton Wyatt is confidently seated at the round table in the KVCC studio as the lights come up. Candice Bergeron is conspicuously absent. Puzzled audience members murmur about her disappearance. They quiet as the camera rolls.
COLTON
Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Friday, February 1, 2019. I'm your host Colton Wyatt. Candice Bergeron is on an extended leave of absence. After yesterday's shoddy performance who can blame her? However, we all know that the show must go on. Will she return? Time will tell. In the meanwhile, I have a question for our audience members. Can you there in the plaid shirt on the front row tell me the significance of the number thirteen and how it relates to this special holiday today?
UNIDENTIFIED AUDIENCE MEMBER (In a slow, "aw shucks" tone)
Well, no sir, I reckon I can't. I just moseyed in here to check things out and see what was going on.
COLTON
You did know today's a holiday, didn't you?
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Nope, I did not. Guess I forgot.
COLTON
Well, I'll inform you then. The original idea of Richard Robert Wright, Senior, February 1st is recognized as National Freedom Day and holds a place of noteworthiness in the annals of the United States. Let's talk to the lady in the end chair of the third row. What's your name and where are you from?
(She stands up)
GISELE ELDORADO (in thick Spanish accent)
Se senor, I'm from Mexico.
COLTON
Glad to know we have an international audience. Are you aware of who Richard Wright was and can you tell me anything about him?
GISELE ELDORADO (sheepishly and blushing)
No senor. I know nothing about America.
COLTON (half-grins)
One of the best parts of Cracker Croakers is I get to ask audience members questions to find out what they know about the topics we discuss. Richard Wright was a college founder and president, a politician, a military officer, and a civil rights advocate. Wright was also a bank entrepreneur as well as the founder of the National Freedom Day Association. Moreover, he was born a slave in Dalton, Georgia. He attended the Storrs School for the children of Freedmen. His claim to fame during that time was allegedly to have told Union General Oliver Otis Howard to deliver the message of "we are rising" to the North. The Fireside Poet John Greenleaf Whittier penned a well known poem inspired by that quote.
(A hand goes up on the opposite side of the room. Colton notices the gesture)
COLTON
Stand up sir, tell me your name and where you're from.
JOSHUA BRYANT (well spoken)
Colton, my name is Joshua Bryant and I'm from Hastings, Nebraska. I really like Cracker Croakers. It is my new favorite show. Thanks for allowing me to converse with you. Richard Wright became the valedictorian of Atlanta University's first commencement ceremony. And, later on, President William McKinley appointed him Paymaster of the United States Volunteers. This made Wright the first Black Paymaster in the Army. Wright was also the highest ranking Black officer in the Spanish-American War.
COLTON
Well, Josh. You seem to be up on Richard Wright.
JOSHUA BRYANT
I'm a graduate student at the University of Nebraska pursuing my degree in Political Science.
COLTON (Invitingly)
Come on up here and join me at the round table, Josh.
(Joshua Bryant seats himself across from Colton.)
COLTON
Now, back to our show. Richard Wright went on to become the first president of the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth in Savannah, Georgia and developed into one of the leading figures of Black higher education in the United States. In 1921, while residing in Philadelphia, Wright created the Philadelphia Citizens and Southern Bank and Trust Company. This was the first Black bank company. He also founded the Negros Banking Association, which was the first African-American banking association.
(Colton slides Joshua Bryant cue cards. He picks them up.)
JOSHUA BRYANT
As a civil rights leader, Wright was instrumental in the creation of President Harry Truman's Committee on Civil Rights that led to the Civil Rights Section of the Justice Department and the desegregation of the Executive Branch of the federal government.
COLTON
As well as the desegregation of the military. Richard Wright, Senior invited national and local leaders to meet in Philadelphia to establish plans to make February 1 the day for memorializing the signing of the 13th Amendment by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865.
JOSHUA BRYANT
Thereafter, Congress passed legislation establishing February 1 as National Freedom Day and President Harry Truman signed the proclamation into law on June 30, 1948.
COLTON
National Freedom Day became a forerunner of Black History Day and Black History Month which strives to recognize the accomplishments of Blacks in every area of endeavor throughout American history.
(Colton glances at Joshua Bryant)
COLTON
Maybe we have a replacement for Candice should she decide not to return to the show?
(He shakes Joshua Bryant's hand. A big smile crosses the guest's face.)
COLTON
Give it up for Joshua Bryant!
(A round of applause erupts as Joshua Bryant departs the round table)
COLTON
Now that you know the story behind National Freedom Day go out there and celebrate the occasion like all holidays should be celebrated! Then, join me again Monday for another edition of Cracker Croakers. (Colton pauses then adds) You know, I kind of like winging the show. It gives it a more down homey feel for me. What do you all think?
(A round of applause comes from the audience)
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
Words by Ms. Keller, by SCHATZLING, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks SCHATZLING, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Video Games"
FADE IN
COLTON
Hello, Terre Haute! We are on location here in the heart of Indiana as we bring Cracker Croakers to you this morning to begin our week on the road. It's Monday, February 4, 2019 and we're standing at the Crossroads of America. In case you didn't know that's what the intersection of 3rd Street and Wabash Avenue is famous for. I'm your host Colton Wyatt. While it may be a frigid 28 degrees outside, things are just getting heated up here at the National Gaming Association Convention because our guest this morning is none other than the acclaimed Vernon Perriwinkle! Have you ever enjoyed a rousing game of "Fortnite," "Minecraft," "Grand Theft Auto Five," or maybe even "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege"? Our very special guest is about to discuss some of the latest innovations in the gaming world. If you are a player you're certainly not going to want to miss this. So, let's get right to today's show and welcome Vernon Perriwinkle to Cracker Croakers.
(A round of applause is heard)
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
Thanks for having me on Cracker Croakers, Colton, the hottest "IT" show on television today.
(The crowd quiets as the camera rolls)
COLTON:
Isn't it true, Vernon, that in order to play games like "Minecraft" you have to download the game and wait for it to load on your Xbox before you can launch the game? That seems like a lengthy delay to me.
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
Yes, and that can be rather frustrating to a lot of players, Colton. However, here's the exciting news I'm here to tell you about this morning. That process you just described could soon be a thing of the past.
COLTON
Aren't Verizon, Microsoft, and other major players in the gaming world looking for better ways to install and download their games?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE: (With emphasis)
All the time! These companies you mentioned are indeed searching for Internet-based game servers capable of doing for video what Netflix has already done for TV.
COLTON:
Can you explain exactly what these companies are trying to accomplish?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
Instead of running directly from a device high quality games could be streamed from a data center with their images performed by powerful servers and piped online to personal computers, phones, and game consoles. This would dramatically increase the speed of downloading games.
COLTON:
Doesn't playing games over the Internet require highly responsive technology that interprets a player's actions, processes them within milliseconds, then relays the results back to the player and their opponents simultaneously?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
Up to now, that issue has challenged game companies for several years. However, advances in the power of computers, high-speed broadband, and various other innovations make the possibility of this technology much closer to reality than it has ever been before.
COLTON:
Can you talk about some current trends in the gaming world? I'm sure our audience would like to be informed of what's going on in that arena.
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
A couple hot button ones are subscription-based game streaming and game streaming services that move the sales of games from boxes to digital consumption for mobile and online entertainment. This in itself will change the landscape for games and companies competing for consumer attention.
COLTON:
Now let's talk about how cloud-based gaming affects consumer attention when it comes to which streaming service they will obtain their games from.
VERNON PERRIWINKLE: (Emphatically)
Colton, we are talking about the potential of billions of dollars in profits for streaming companies. And, what makes this idea so attractive to them is the capability to turn the weakest laptop, phone, pc, or game console into a fully functional game rig. This will make playing games on whatever device you have much easier.
COLTON: (Curious)
Vernon, what are some of the most popular cloud-based gaming companies?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE: (Patiently)
Microsoft xCloud, Verizon Gaming, and Google's Project Stream lead the pack. Also, Amazon and Apple appear to be designing their own clouds too.
COLTON:
Hasn't the interest in cloud-based gaming shifted recently?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
Mobile gaming popularity has caused Epic Games, the publisher of the extremely popular "Fortnite" to be in the process of creating their own app marketplace for games.
COLTON:
Doesn't that circumvent traditional app middlemen like Google?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE: (Quietly, like he's offering an insider secret)
Perhaps, but it is rumored Google may be eliminating app downloads altogether.
COLTON:(Surprised)
But, don't Google servers reproduce the high-fidelity graphics of single-player games like "Assassin's Creed"?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE: (Shakes his head)
"Assassin's Creed" does not provide fast-twitch, compatible multi-player capabilities, which is a staple of the modern gaming culture.
COLTON: (Delves into the topic)
How has the technology surrounding video games affected modern society?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE
Technology is a societal constant. In fact, most people probably could not function without the available technology. Video games have a tremendous effect on our modern culture.
COLTON:
Would you say that classic games like Space Invaders in 1978, and even earlier than that, Pong in 1972, kick-started the influence of video games on our American culture?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
Donkey Kong, and Mario, from 1981 also strongly impacted our culture. So did Pokemon and Sonic the Hedgehog. These have all become cultural icons. Did you know Pokemon has a day each month dedicated to it? These days are known as Pokemon GO Community Days.
COLTON:
That's interesting. However, isn't there a certain stigma associated with the violent nature of many video games?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
Most designers of video games are cognizant of the role violent actions serve in their games. But, it's really not all that different from movies and books and the violence depicted in them.
COLTON:
What are some examples of products that have been produced from video games?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
There have been multiple movies, toys, games, trading cards, and at least one TV show. Today's world has been molded and shaped by video game characters we've all grown to love.
COLTON:
One last question, Vernon. How have video games affected education of the young?
VERNON PERRIWINKLE:
Video games present clear and meaningful goals, adjustable difficulty levels, a scoring system, the elements of surprise, and fantasy metaphors. Video games also allow the manipulation of unalterable variables. And, finally, they allow players to use phenomena in new perspectives as well as obscure actions.
COLTON:
There you have the latest updates for all of you fans of the gaming world. We would like to thank Vernon Perriwinkle for being our special guest on Cracker Croakers today and for taking the time to inform our audience about these latest developments. Be sure to join us again tomorrow as we come to you live from the Pacific Northwest. See you soon Portland!
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
GTA 5 Ad 2, by Bruceiorio, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks Bruceiorio, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Measles Epidemic"
FADE IN
COLTON
When I came across the yahoo headline "Vaccination Debate Revised Over Measles Outbreak," I knew I had to bring Cracker Croakers to Portland for a firsthand examination of the controversial debate that rages here concerning this topic. So, welcome to Cracker Croakers for Tuesday, February 5, 2019. I'm your host Colton Wyatt. Joining me on this morning's panel are pediatricians Lynda Stephens and Erica Cloud representing the Multnomah County Public Health Department. Good morning to you both. Let's cut right to the chase, shall we? What do parents' philosophical exemptions have to do with not getting their children vaccinated against a disease eradicated in 2000 in the United States?
DR. LYNDA STEPHENS
It's not that measles has not been eradicated in the United States. The issue stems from overseas travelers returning back to the Portland area. We know of six cases that have surfaced and there is concern of more incidents popping up in the unvaccinated.
DR. ERICA CLOUD
The concern is so vast even the governor of Washington declared a state of emergency for our neighbors to the north. There is also a possibility the situation with this exquisitely contagious disease may flounder for months.
COLTON
In most cases, I believe 43 to be exact at the last count, hasn't it been children under the age of ten who have demonstrated measles? How can this be happening?
DR. ERICA CLOUD
One dose of the measles vaccine is 93 percent effective at preventing measles. The recommended two doses are effective up to 97 percent.
DR. LYNDA STEPHENS
The problem, Colton, particularly up in Clark County, Washington, is that the state permits a nonmedical exemption parents and guardians can receive to allow their children to attend school without being vaccinated simply if the parents object to the vaccine.
COLTON
Why do Oregon and Washington have such high vaccine exemption rates? Are the current numbers not 4 percent of secondary school students in Oregon and 7.5 percent of kindergarteners in Washington?
DR. LYNDA STEPHENS
The whole matter surrounding this epidemic focuses around parental rights. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Oregon and Washington are among the 17 states that allow nonmedical exemptions for vaccines for moral and personal reasons.
DR. ERICA CLOUD
Most of these exemptions are located in scattered communities throughout the two states as well as in private and alternative schools.
COLTON
In the meantime, unvaccinated kids, and those they associate with, run a rampant risk of contracting measles all because some parent disagrees with the vaccine. Can somebody tell me what's wrong with this picture?
DR. ERICA CLOUD
Some parents have the misconception that the measles vaccine will cause their children to develop autism.
DR. LYNDA STEPHENS
Another problem is some parents do not want outside authorities mandating what is injected into their children's bodies. Others have concerns about the combination of the measles, mumps, and rubella immunization.
COLTON
Isn't the MMR the normal procedure for combatting measles?
DR. LYNDA STEPHENS
Yes it is and very effectively for several years now. Currently, in Vancouver, Washington a measure was recently introduced that disallows these personal exemptions particularly for the MMR vaccine.
DR. ERICA CLOUD
Right now, the Washington State Legislature is concentrating their efforts on getting this measure passed to require all children receive the MMR vaccination. There are additional plans for broader proposals as well.
COLTON
At seven percent, Oregon has the highest vaccine exemption rate in the United States. This is what I'd like to ask you two medical practitioners about.
DR. LYNDA STEPHENS
In the wake of the present measles outbreak, what most parents opposed to the MMR vaccine realize is they don't necessarily need to understand the issue. That's a red flag.
DR. ERICA CLOUD
However, on the brighter side of this controversy, Oregon may become the first state to revoke these exemptions.
COLTON
How can parents qualify for these nonmedical exemptions that seem to be handed out like candy on Halloween?
DR. ERICA CLOUD
There are two ways parents can accomplish this. Either watch an online educational video and submit a certificate of completion, or talk to a healthcare provider and have them sign a Vaccine Education Certificate.
DR. LYNDA STEPHENS
These videos require fifteen minutes to an hour to view based on the number of exemptions the parent claims. They must also print out the Vaccine Education Certificate, and the nonmedical exemption section of the Certificate of Immunization Status Form, then give them to the child's school. Therefore, obtaining these nonmedical exemptions becomes a fairly simple process.
COLTON (In disbelief)
That's all that is required for parents to receive the exemption?
DR. ERICA CLOUD
Moreover, college students can receive an exemption by viewing the College Measles Module, signing the Vaccine Education Certificate, and turning it into their college. They can also talk to their healthcare provider and receive a signed Vaccine Education Certificate.
COLTON
So, what are the two of you attempting to accomplish by being here on Cracker Croakers today?
DR. ERICA CLOUD
We want the public to know the measles vaccine is effective at preventing the disease. We also want to make them aware once a person contracts the measles there is no specific treatment option available. Furthermore, no other vaccine-preventable disease causes more deaths than the measles. And, most victims who succumb to this ailment are less than five years old.
DR. LYNDA STEPHENS
Since the recent outbreak of measles in this part of the country appears to come from overseas travelers, we want to strongly suggest adult international travelers receive two doses of the measles vaccine prior to their departure. This simple act goes a long way in preventing them from contracting the disease. However, statistics indicate less than 50 percent of overseas travelers take advantage of this opportunity prior to their departure. More than 90 percent of these non-protected people will become ill if they are exposed to the measles while overseas.
COLTON
This is good advice that will spare children the unnecessary burdens of dealing with a disease that is avoidable, that they contract anyway, because their parents disagree with the vaccine for personal or philosophical reasons. That simply is not a good enough excuse to put your child through the stress, drama, and turmoil of the measles when it is preventable. I'd like to thank Dr. Lynda Stephens and Dr. Erica Cloud for being my guests this morning. Join us again tomorrow when we come to you from Logan, Utah.
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
For those of you not familiar with Cracker Croakers, the show is formatted as a daily television Talk Show with Colton Wyatt the host. While the characters are fictional, the topics discussed are real life issues.
I've decided to promote this edition for four days to see what the response is. Normally, I promote them for two. There does not seem to be much difference in the number of reviews received for script and prose writers between the two. I attribute that to having to chase Funny Money to promote your writing. If this show interests you, click on the blue numbers on the top of the page. This will enable you to read all previous editions. Healers, by VMarguarite, selected to complement my script. So, thanks VMarguarite, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
(A note for the regular readers of our show. Crack Croakers will be taking a short hiatus in order for us to respond to the many reviews and pms we have received and are way behind on due to daily time constraints. However, the show will return shortly thereafter.)
"Cardiovascular Disease"
FADE IN
COLTON
What's up, Logan, Utah! It's Wednesday, February 6, 2019. Our show this morning is designed especially for the women in our audience. But don't fret men, you'll get your time to shine in the spotlight too. I'm your host Colton Wyatt and you're watching Cracker Croakers. Women, you have what you believe is a little touch of indigestion. You shy away from the warning signal and don't give it a second thought. Later, they rush you to the ER where you're thankful to be alive. Afterwards, you take up such creative outlets as meditation and clean up your diet to a much healthier one. Perhaps you even lead a support group of female heart patients, who like you, never saw a heart attack coming. Welcome Maranda Tifton to Cracker Croakers. She is a cardiology professor at Bridgeport University.
MARANDA TIFTON
Most caregivers are women who oversee their husbands, their friends, and their families' good health. But, frequently forget to care for themselves. This scenario you described Colton has happened to approximately 44 million women in the United States who have suffered cardiovascular disease.
COLTON
Isn't it true that until recently this insidious monster was considered a "man's disease?"
MARANDA TIFTON
Indeed it was. However, here's reality. Cardiovascular disease slaughters one in three women each year. This makes the ailment the number one killer of women.
COLTON
These statistics are according to the American Heart Association. Interestingly enough, 1 in every 26 women die from breast cancer. In 2004, the AHA began its Go Red for Women campaign. The success of this program has been amazing!
MARANDA TIFTON
Unfortunately, only seventeen percent of women consider cardiovascular disease as something they should pay heed to. Women, this number should be much higher because as many as 90 percent of cardiovascular disease cases are avoidable.
COLTON
You make an interest comment there, Maranda. But, could you better inform our audience about some ways women can reduce their risks of cardiovascular disease?
MARANDA TIFTON
Women can achieve this goal through such things as lifestyle changes and improved diets. On occasion, natural remedies have reversed cardiovascular disease. With the proper care, most incidents of the ailment can be prevented.
COLTON
Let's return back to the late 1990s for a moment. That was when research first determined women were as likely as men to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and much more likely to die from the ailment. What are some telltale signs a woman probably has cardiovascular disease?
MARANDA TIFTON
Chest pains, fatigue, indigestion, shortness of breath, neck pain, nausea, jaw pain, backaches, and anxiety can all indicate cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, they can also be easily overlooked by doctors.
COLTON
So tell us, Maranda, what is the "not now" factor in the area of cardiovascular disease?
MARANDA TIFTON
The "not now" factor is women who display these symptoms for months but claim they don't have time to take care of them.
COLTON
Don't women also have vulnerabilities to developing cardiovascular disease men don't share?
MARANDA TIFTON
They sure do. For instance, smoking while taking birth control pills, as well as pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. The later being indicative of high blood pressure. There can also be lower levels of estrogen during menopause and perimenopause. And, good cholesterol, high bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and arterial plaque all must be considered.
COLTON
What are some side effects of the statins often prescribed for heart disease?
MARANDA TIFTON
Statins are known to cause chronic muscle pain, increased blood sugar, and memory loss. Hypertension medications can create kidney damage and fainting spells.
COLTON
What are some dietary alterations that may lessen cardiovascular disease for women?
MARANDA TIFTON
A plant-based Mediterranean diet is a good place to start. Women may also want to consider less saturated fats, eating more leafy greens, whole grains, fatty fish, olive oil, and avocados.
COLTON
Haven't some specific foods proven to lower cholesterol and blood pressure?
MARANDA TIFTON
Nuts two or more times a week. Blueberries and strawberries, dark purple and red fruits, pomegranate juice, and kale and broccoli for more vitamin K. A serving of these two lowers the risk of heart disease by 23 percent.
COLTON
What about adding supplements to a woman's diet to help fight cardiovascular disease? Any suggestions along those lines, Maranda?
MARANDA TIFTON
They can try Coenzyme Q10 found in sardines, asparagus, and cauliflower. This is a powerful antioxidant. There's also nicotinamide riboside that mimics the impacts of calorie restrictions. Garlic lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Red yeast rice extract lowers bad cholesterol. And, Omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts, flax seeds, and hemp are all good vegan sources that lower triglycerides in those women already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
COLTON
There you have several methods of taking better care of yourselves, and your hearts, women. Quit being so hard-headed and listen. Join us again when we will be coming to you from Philly. Maybe we will enjoy a cheesesteak there.
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
Broken Heart, by GaliaG, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks GaliaG, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
(Cracker Croakers is back on the air! Did you miss us while we were on hiatus? If we have not responded to your reviews and pms bear with us. We will!)
COLTON WYATT
Duval County encompasses the Jacksonville, Florida area. Recently, State Representative Jason Fischer was quoted as claiming, "It {driverless vehicles} increases mobility for our society in a way that's hard to quantify - for people with disabilities, people who are vision-impaired or cannot drive at night". However, the question remains how true this statement actually is concerning autonomous vehicles. I'm your host Colton Wyatt and welcome to Cracker Croakers for Monday, February 11, 2019. Joining me on the panel this morning are representatives from both sides of this issue. My first question is for Marvin Velez, a watchdog for Citizens Opposed To Autonomous Automobiles. Let me ask you this, Marvin, is it time Florida, and the rest of the United States for that matter, prepares for a future dominated by driverless vehicles?
MARVIN VELEZ
Florida is a pioneering state for autonomous vehicle development but that does not necessarily mean the general public is ready for these vehicles.
GEORGE MADISON (Anxious to join the discussion)
Wait just one minute there, Mr. Velez. Autonomous vehicle development eliminates requirements for human operators to always be on hand to take control of vehicles fully capable of being controlled by software systems.
MARVIN VELEZ
Correction, Mr. Madison. Eliminating the human safety net would lead to more crashes involving your prized autonomous vehicles because this technology you squabble about isn't ready for everyday use.
GEORGE MADISON (Shakes his head)
Squabble? What eliminating the human safety net would actually do, Mr. Velez, is make roads safer. This was established by a 2017 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report that concluded as many as 94 percent of serious automobile crashes are the direct result of human errors.
COLTON WYATT (Looks at both of them)
Isn't it true that currently companies in Florida cannot test autonomous vehicles because current laws on the books in that state prohibit driverless vehicles on public property?
GEORGE MADISON
To set the record straight, Colton, these vehicles can be tested on public property. And, there are all sorts of economic opportunities involved here.
MARVIN VELEZ
What these proposals need is much debate and revision. Hopefully, the Spring session of the Florida Senate hearings will do just that because these autonomous vehicles do not presently comply with federal safety standards or even the laws of the state in which autonomous vehicle builders want to test them.
GEORGE MADISON
Mr. Velez, I wish you'd get your information correct. Autonomous vehicles are exempt from the requirements and restrictions imposed upon human drivers. Not only that, sir, but whoever is in the driver's seat of these vehicles can watch movies or television from a dashboard-mounted video screen.
MARVIN VELEZ
Well, isn't that hoity-toity? NOT!
COLTON WYATT
Let me throw this out there for your response. As long as the autonomous vehicle's driving system is capable of summoning authorities after a crash it's reported there's no need to require a human to stand at the crash site.
MARVIN VELEZ
Surely anyone can see the fallacy of this situation that was first mentioned by the director of infrastructure and governance policy for the advocacy program Autonomous Florida.
GEORGE MADISON
Mr. Velez, this advocacy program is rather valid as it was created in 2018 by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. No longer is it fair for a human to speak for an algorithm.
COLTON WYATT
Considered groundbreaking at the time, Florida lawmakers enacted the state's current law in 2012.
MARVIN VELEZ
That law as written, requires a human operator be inside or outside autonomous vehicles on public roads. Moreover, they must be ready to assume manual control of the vehicle in case of a technical failure. So much for your prized driverless cars not needing humans to operate them, Mr. Madison.
GEORGE MADISON
Fortunately, the ride-sharing company Uber came along to deploy driverless technology and announce fleets of autonomous vehicles would be created. This will allow millennials to subscribe to car services that can be ordered on demand. The wave of the future is now.
MARVIN VELEZ
What is fortunate Mr. Madison is that several high-profile crashes have made experts with any sense at all rethink how fast autonomous vehicles are placed on the highways.
COLTON WYATT
Let's examine some current autonomous vehicle programs throughout the state of Florida. Mr. Madison, we'll start with you. What can you tell us about Ford's Smart Mobility project in Miami?
GEORGE MADISON
The Legacy automaker, in conjunction with Argo AI, is testing its Virtual Driver System on the streets of Miami.
MARVIN VELEZ (Cuts him off)
I should add, Miami is one of the country's most congested cities and that makes these tests dangerous to the general public.
GEORGE MADISON (Annoyed)
Before I was so rudely interrupted by Mr. Velez, who will get his turn to speak, I was about to inform you that Miami is an ideal laboratory for teaching an autonomous vehicle system to interact with a human-centered environment. Testing is also underway in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and the nation's capitol of Washington, D.C.. Even Mr. Velez should be able to detail what's happening with Voyage in The Villages.
MARVIN VELEZ
The Villages is perhaps one of the largest retirement communities in the United States. Autonomous vehicle manufacturers believe they have a captive audience halfway between Orlando and Gainesville because of the 125,000 residents who live on The Villages 750 miles of privately, Mr. Madison, owned roads.
GEORGE MADISON
I'll take over from here otherwise Mr. Velez may not present this information accurately. These Villagers, as the residents are popularly known by, have the Chrysler Pacifica at their disposal anytime they wish to ride to the town squares, which are the centers of attraction for The Villages. Or, maybe they wish to play golf on one of the property's many PGA-approved courses, or need a lift to a healthcare facility as these residents are mainly senior citizens.
MARVIN VELEZ
Mr. Madison, I am quite capable of completing what I began to say before you so boldly chimed in. Voyage chose The Villages because the environment is simpler and has well-maintained two-lane roads for conveyance. Not only that, but Voyage's fleet only travels 20 miles per hour, which does nothing for testing their autonomous vehicles at higher road speeds.
GEORGE MADISON
Twenty miles per hour is ample time for the autonomous vehicle's sensors to perceive, predict, and react to whatever occurs on the road, Mr. Velez.
COLTON WYATT
That brings us to Transday. Which one of you wants to tell our audience about them? Perhaps you, Mr. Velez?
MARVIN VELEZ (Glares at Mr. Madison, who sits smirking)
If I can speak without Mr. Madison's constant interference, I will be glad to tell you about Transday. They operate driverless shuttles, that have been referred to as "toasters on wheels," in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and near the Lee and Charlotte Counties' border in the southwestern portion of Florida. Providing riders simple benches to sit on, these vehicles operate on small tires, at approximately 10 miles per hour. (Insulting) They also remind of stagecoaches from the Old West!
COLTON WYATT
Mr. Madison, why don't you tell us about Starsky Robotics, the other current autonomous vehicle operation in Florida.
GEORGE MADISON
Starsky Robotics is a self-driving trucking company that achieved an industry first in Florida in 2018. They piloted a semi-truck eight miles on an interstate without a driver. Additionally, long hauls of freight will be transported by these trucks, excluding the first and last mile of the route, which is remotely controlled by tele-operators.
MARVIN VELEZ
Did you hear him? Tele-operators remotely controlling 80,000 pound vehicles on major interstates without a driver! And, just what makes interstates such easy environments to automate?
GEORGE MADISON
Interstates have good lanes, good markings, and no cross streets.
MARVIN VELEZ (Laughs)
None that I've ever seen fit that bill.
COLTON WYATT
Along with Florida Polytechnic University, the state's Department of Transportation, and Central Florida Automated Vehicle Partners, the Florida Turnpike Enterprise is the agency currently in cahoots in the construction of a 400-acre testing course called SunTrax.
GEORGE MADISON
Autonomous vehicles are going to transform the way people and goods are moved in a way that's hard to imagine!
MARVIN VELEZ (Firmly)
What autonomous vehicles are going to result in is more innocent people being killed in crashes along America's roadways.
COLTON WYATT
All that remains to be determined. Thanks to our guests on today's program. That wraps us up, but join us again for another edition of Cracker Croakers.
| Author Notes |
Out to pasture, by Photopeb, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks Photopeb, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"AI - The Fake News Generator"
INT. DAY. KVCC STUDIO.
FADE IN
COLTON
Good morning and welcome to Cracker Croakers for Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Need more proof artificial intelligence is a hazard? Here it is in a nutshell. OpenAI, a research group founded by ELON MUSK has demonstrated a piece of software that produces authentic-looking and FAKE news after being provided a short amount of information. Here's the example.
(Holds up a piece of paper for the audience to see)
The text offered to the AI system reads: "A train carriage containing controlled nuclear materials was stolen in Cincinnati today. Its whereabouts are unknown." This did not really happen, people. So, don't anyone panic.
(Lays the paper down on the desk)
The point is, from this the software in question generated a convincing FAKE seven-paragraph news story that included quotes from government officials. All of it completely untrue.
New York University scientist SAM BOWMAN stated, "The texts that they {AI} are able to generate from prompts are fairly stunning. This AI system is able to do things that are qualitatively much more sophisticated than anything we've seen before." Note that Sam Bowman was not part of the OpenAI project.
OpenAI is aware of the concerns surrounding their software's FAKE news. This disinformation can produce things that sound coherent but are not accurate. Surprisingly, perhaps, OpenAI chose not to publish or release the most sophisticated versions of its software. And why should they if all it knows how to do is produce FAKE news?
What OpenAI did do was release a tool that allows journalists, policymakers, writers, and artists to experiment with the algorithm to try and identify what kinds of text it can generate. That may be all well and good, but software being able to near-instantly generate FAKE news articles comes at a heightened time of global concerns over technology's role in spreading disinformation. Is there any wonder why every time you pick up a newspaper, or read something online, you worry if it is FAKE or not?
How OpenAI's FAKE news generator functions is known as language modeling. This involves predicting the next word of a piece of text based on the knowledge of all previous words. Kind of like auto-complete works when you type an email on a mobile phone. OpenAI's software can also be used for translation and answering open-ended questions.
Perhaps what this type of AI software should be reserved for is helping creative writers generate ideas or dialogue. Maybe even checking for grammatical errors in text, or searching for bugs in software codes. But, what it most definitely should not be used for is generating FAKE news.
(Shakes his head in disbelief)
Until the next time.
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
The word fake is capitalized in order to show it being stressed.
The capitalizations of the names is correct because the first time a person's name is mentioned in a script that is the way they are written. City News, by cleo85, selected to complement my script. So, thanks cleo85, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
By Brett Matthew West
"Solar Energy Debate"
INT. DAY. KVCC STUDIO.
FADE IN
COLTON
Welcome to Cracker Croakers for Tuesday, February 26, 2019. My guest at the round table this morning is ELMER MUELLER, a proponent of the solar energy craze currently sweeping the country. Let's get right into my first question, Elmer. I am really skeptical about solar energy and its purported benefits. So, how are you going to convince me to go solar?
ELMER MUELLER
Keep in mind, Colton, 2019 is the last year consumers can receive a thirty percent federal tax credit by having a residential solar energy system installed on their home. After that, this credit will drop to twenty-six percent in 2020, and twenty-two percent in 2021. Then, it drops altogether. Undoubtedly, this alone will drive our market upward because people will rush out to get the tax credit before it's gone forever.
COLTON
Doesn't the price of installing a residential home solar energy system exceed 70,000 dollars? I find that outrageous. It's also one of the biggest reasons I haven't gone solar and don't plan to.
ELMER MUELLER
Actually, Colton, the costs associated with solar materials using American-made products, and their installation, have dropped significantly. Now the price to go solar averages about 28,000 dollars out the door. This makes solar units much more cost effective.
COLTON
Isn't the selection of solar contractors limited? Our buyers like to have many options to chose from, especially when making that significant a purchase.
ELMER MUELLER
Recently, more manufacturers have entered the market. Additionally, 29 states, and the District of Columbia, now have renewable portfolio standards that require the increased production of solar energy.
COLTON
What about those people who have very little interest in the environmental side of solar energy?
ELMER MUELLER
They too can save more money with a solar energy source than if they purchased their electrical power off the grid.
COLTON
Why don't you tell us about this REAP program the US Department of Agriculture offers, Elmer?
ELMER MUELLER
If you own a business in a rural area you may qualify for a grant under the Rural Energy for America Program. This is 30,000 dollars that can be used to install a solar system for that business.
COLTON
Isn't Massachusetts America's largest employer for solar jobs?
ELMER MUELLER
Not any longer. According to a report from the Solar Foundation, Florida actually saw an increase of 1,769 solar jobs in 2018. That gives the Sunshine State 10,358 solar workers. However, even they lag well behind California with its 76,878 solar jobs.
COLTON
Doesn't the solar business easily attract many "fly-by-night" operators?
ELMER MUELLER
Unfortunately, it can. And, there is no recourse against that happening. So, consumers must be sure they check the contractor's license prior to doing business with them. They should also get at least three job bids before selecting a contractor to install their solar unit. In addition to that, they should ask to see the contractor's evidence of insurance and make sure the contractor defines the materials to be used.
COLTON
Can't an electrical contractor install a solar unit?
ELMER MUELLER
Yes they can. But, it is highly recommended a solar contractor be used instead because they have specialized training in installing these systems. Not only that, but the system needs to be designed by a professional engineer.
COLTON
Legitimate contractors can be found listed with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or NABCEP. Why should consumers be leery of the multitude of lead generators for solar energy, Elmer?
ELMER MUELLER
These people do not have a solar company behind them. But, during the phone call they'll tell you all sorts of wonderful things about solar energy systems.
COLTON
Then, they sell these leads to whoever will pay for them. Welcome to the world of telemarketing. This becomes a case of buyer beware. Folks, use a little sense when these lead generators contact you. Ask them if they use their own staff? Are they licensed? Or are they simply generating bids? If so, run away in the opposite direction as fast as your two fat little feet will carry you! Better still, avoid them altogether and don't even give them the time of day on the phone. Get knowledgeable about what you're doing.
(Turns to Elmer Mueller)
COLTON
What do you think, folks? Are you anymore convinced about the benefits of solar energy than you were before we started today's show? For me, the jury's still deliberating. I want to thank Elmer Mueller for being my guest today. Until the next time.
FADE OUT
| Author Notes |
Sunset Thrills, by Wolfdancer13, selected to complement my script.
So, thanks Wolfdancer13, for the use of your picture. It goes so nicely with my script. |
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