Welcome to my first written blog. Gee, I love that kind of talk. I always thought that there should be a written component to Daily Danza, although, it is easier just talking into a camera. I am not the greatest typist and my thoughts go much faster than my fingers. On a positive note, it is a way to keep you from seeing what I look like at most times. For almost all of my career, I have always been seen, only after "hair and makeup", as we say in the business. Gee, I love that kind of talk too. Believe me, I've always thought it was imperative that I looked my best, but now, with the passing of time, I mean as I get older, and the attitude of the net, I don't worry about it that nearly as much. So writing stuff may be the answer. Don't worry I will continue to regale you with my stubble. {At the moment, I am struggling with whether to use an electric or a blade, so I do neither}.
So, what to write about? I probably should stick to one subject, but as usual my stream of consciousness is hard to hold back. Let's start with, how weird is John Voight? I don't know if you've heard his comments about the President, but they ranged from Obama bringing about the end of our country, all the way to Obama being a false prophet. The anti-Christ, we hear so much about on the internet. I think it is important that we debate the policies the president is putting in place, but we should try to be agreeable when we disagree, and pulling for the country should be in everyone's interest. Name calling and fear mongering does neither side any good.
Next on my mind is the fish problem. That's called a "danzition". In the paper today there was a big article that said that many of the most popular fish stocks have been almost totally depleted around the world. The boats with their giant nets, that sweep up every thing in the ocean, and the thirty percent of the fish that are thrown back, for the most part dead, are leaving huge swaths of the ocean barren of any life. If you think farmed fish are the answer, know that it takes three pounds of caught salmon to produce one pound of farmed salmon. Can you say, unsustainable? Just ask Ted Danson, and he will tell you, we risk not having fish to eat in the near future.
The deficits. I am as worried as any republican or conservative about the amount of debt we are running up, but lets break down the deficits and see where they come from. The story of today's deficits start in Jan. 2001. Clinton leaves office, and the Congressional Budget Office says that the country will run annual surpluses of 800 billion from 2009 to 2012. Now the government is expected to run a 1.2 trillion dollar deficit in those years. That is a 2 trillion dollar swing.
It comes from four broad categories. The business cycle, meaning the 2001 recession and the current recession, reduced tax revenue and increased spending on safety net programs. That accounts for about 37 percent. 33 percent comes from Mr. Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy, the prescription drug benefit, that he signed, and the increase in interest payments on that debt. Lets also not forget the war in Iraq. Obama's main contribution to the deficit are the policies of Bush that he has continued like the war, and his tax cut for people making less than $250,000. It accounts for about 20 percent.
The stimulus package that Obama signed accounts for about 7 percent. Another 3 percent comes from his agenda on health care, education and energy. I am just pointing out that we have been at this a long time before Obama. The solution is no mystery. Some tax increases and spending cuts are what's called for. No secret, we all know this. Lastly, the election in Lebanon. The extremists were voted out and a faction, friendly to America, beat Hezbollah. For once, the people were not swayed by anti-americanism. I wonder why. Could it be that speech in Cairo. I sure hope so. Have a nice night. T
Thats very good to know... thanks
I remember reading in Marilou Henner's autobiography that Tony was introduced to the late 70's L.A. Hollywood party scene by Jeff Conway. And that Bob Crane was one of the many celebrities he would frequently run into, according to Henner (who was a big party-girl herself). In that era, apparently it was common for older Hollywood "has-been" male stars (like Crane and Richard Dawson) to latch onto up-and-coming studly talent (like Tony and Conway) to better their chances with the ladies.
Hey Tony, can you share some juicy details of the late 70's L.A. party scene? What was Bob Crane like?
What is the matter with you people? Whatever Tony does in his personal life is his own business. I read his blogs for insightful political commentary. I suggest that you grow up and do the same.
Danza's Stanzas makes a good point. I partied with Bob Crane and Bob Barker and I can tell you that Tony's trombone is not nearly as rusty as Snoop Dogg's.
I think you're right-on here Tony. I think the situation the USA is facing today is analogous to the late Bob Crane (star of "Hogan's Heros"). Do you agree?.....
Bob Crane took out ads nationwide in swingers' newsletters and used his copious royalty checks to build fully-equipped sado-masochism dungeons for the lucky ladies who responded to his ads. "He would pay for the construction of dungeons in [people's] homes," said an L.A. dominatrix who went by the name Tiffany Moonlight. "He would spend literally thousands of dollars, especially here in Los Angeles." L.A. in the 70s could be quite a hedonistic place, and although he stayed away from drugs and hardly drank at all, Crane kept close to the action.
All that to confirm that,for you Tony,fame did not make you want to be adored at any price or spend in crazy luxuries: you rock. You make people think and you seem genuine in trying to see the solutions to social problems holistically. You walk your talk then,huh?
OMG Tony, you could talk about some type of science experiment and make it sound "enticing" You definitely still have it going on Baby!!!
Have a great evening!!
Kris
RE: June 10 post. Ahmadinejad.
I too am disappointed in this turn out and I fully suspect fraud in this particular voting. It appears to be the only logical explanation or just "sticking with the devil you know" so to speak.
I do however have hope that the troubles in the middle east will be remedied and I agree with you. I believe the United States will have to take the lead and I believe President Obama is absolutely the President to do it.
Well, we know what's on the minds of women. Now let's hear from an old man (me known on your videos as Ay Oh 2 U Tony). I am a 65 year old Brooklyn native who left there at 14 years old and made my way south to Mississippi where I have been for the last 51 years. My dad was nearly sixty when I was born (he fathered 17 of us) and times were tough. I left to go live with my grandparents where I finished high school but not much else education wise. Never was one much for reading so I personally like the videos you make. I get more out of them then through words. I like visually seeing someone say whats on their mind. Helps me to see exactly what it is they are saying. Also I undestand a person better thru spoken word than written word. My favorite videos are the ones where you do talk politics and current events which is something I dont think the schools do much of anymore. Remember the days Tony when we had to search the news papers for current event articles to bring to class? Thos days are gone! Anyhoo I find you to be a bright young man who is as smart as the dickens. Sometimes even a big smart ass but you are from brooklyn so its okay with me when you are. I would like you to keep doing videos and not so much written. And please quit your belly aching about your little bit of facial stubble. Its nuthing compared to me. Check me out!
http://tonyandtracydanza.ning.com/profile/jack
Good luck on your new blog Tony!! I find it fascinating that you have such broad interests and enjoy sharing them with others. You will make such an impact on the students in Philly with your thought-provoking topics and views. Yes, we still love to see your smiling face in your videos. You are such an amazing person and we are lucky to be the recipient of all of your thoughts and talents. (I know this is a bit much, but from the heart!!!)
I hope that you were not offended by by comment Tony. I didn't mean any harm.
I am starting to get more interested in politics since I started watching your videos and reading your first blog. It is nice to see someone that is very handsome who is also very smart. (total package)
Take Care
Stephanie
How wonderful to hear your voice --
I always look forward to seeing your videos.
Thank you so very much.
I also worry about the fish situation. Check www.vitalchoice.com for a lot of good info on sustainably harvested fish and environmental info on the depletion of our waters. They ship on dry ice right to your doorstep. I love sushi and the delicious fish I buy in NY but often wonder if what I am eating is truly wild caught? Not sure if every merchant is trustworthy.
I apologize in advance for not really caring how close your "lovely" face gets to the screen, altho I do enjoy Daily Danza. Confession; I listen to it more than watch.. Nor do I suddenly find politics "hot" and what the hell is sexy typing?!
In any event, what I would like to say is that I appreciate your blog.. The raw opinions, the raw questions and answers. I live in the "Big 3" area and your blog, much like your Daily Danza, speaks from the "Regular Joe" side of life, or maybe the "lovely", politically "hot", "sexy typing" Regular Joe. - (Silent prayer to self, please God don't ever let me become a public figure, celebrity, etc.)
Interesting blog, very thought provoking.
Kudos.
I am loving you Tony I really like it when you get close to the screen,I feel like you are talking to me. Please don't take your lovely face away from us.
Hello Tony,
I kinda like the blog,since I can read it a work. I have to wait until I get home to watch your daily videos.
I don't care if you have the longest hair growing on your chin. I love the video's because we can see you smile and laugh. That is what makes them so special.
Can you tell us more about the school you are working on? I am sorry if you did in the past. I must have missed it.
Ever think of doing something with special needs children?
Take care,
Mary
I have never found politics so Hot before (ha)
You even type sexy:)
Take Care!
Stephanie