Missing in Action (Overlooked News Stories)

The week’s overlooked news stories

Missing in Action: The Week’s Overlooked News Stories

Becky SarwateLeave a comment

missing

April showers apparently bring…more of the same in May. While much of the country dries out, take a look at a few stories you may have missed this week. A stubborn American in Syria, a graduating granny and possibly the most ungrateful and entitled newlyweds in history caught our attention…. 

‘Last American in Damascus’ tells a different side to life in Syria

The BeckySarwate.com team was shocked to read that any Americans still inhabit the war-torn region, but even more surprised that this gentleman has a positive outlook on his residential future. 71 year-old Thomas Webber landed in Syria back in 1975 to start a business and never left. Though he recalls a day when a rocket mortar landed at his doorstep, he maintains that he feels safe and has no plans to leave despite the urging of the U.S. government. We’re not sure if that is admirable or crazy, but we’ll continue to follow this story.

85 year-old great-grandmother fulfills a life-long dream

As the 2016 graduation season approaches its climax, we thought this article needed to be shared. Lottie Jacks will receive her diploma from Samford University this weekend – nearly 50 years after dropping out of college in 1948 to marry and start a family. Earning her degree was a dream that never died and damn it, Lottie did it! As an emotionally satisfying cherry on top, the new grad will share the stage with one of her granddaughters. The young lady is receiving a Master’s degree from the same university. This inspiring story reminds us that adages like “you can do anything to which you set your mind,” or “it’s never too late” are repeated with good reason.

Wedding couple apparently has the biggest balls of all time

This story out of somewhere in the UK (editorially inferred by the use of English Pounds as well as the word “gobsmacked”) is jaw-dropping in its sheer gall. Newlyweds, disappointed with the financial gift of a reception attendee, actually sent a letter to the guest to tell her as much. The couple even cited the woman’s recent inheritance as a reason for her to “send an adjustment.” The shocked and offended party took to an online forum to ask how for advice on handling this incredibly rude correspondence. The responses received are as entertaining as the original story. Click the link above for your daily LOL.

Missing in Action: The Week’s Overlooked News Stories

Becky SarwateLeave a comment

missing

Welcome to May! Is a reporter fired for an unusual Prince tribute a “Sign O The Times?” Can we make a supermarket terrorist eat his weapons? And a dedicated, waitressing granny enjoys a pleasant surprise from one of her customers. It’s a mixed bag this week…. 

Sports anchor fired over his love for Prince

The staff of BeckySarwate.com continues to struggle with the loss of one of the world’s all-time greatest musical minds.  As information surrounding the life and death of Prince continues to trickle out, the multi-layered devastation of his passing becomes more clear. Drug overdoses are preventable, and after a career devoted to clean living, it’s sad and ironic that pain and addiction may have produced a stereotypical rock star end for a truly unconventional artist. As we consumed everything Prince-related that circulated through the news this week, this story got our attention. A reporter from Nashville was relieved of his duties after he gently wove Prince lyrics into a sportscast.  We find the line “The clock hits 00:00. Oops, out of time. It’s the Ducks who are going to party like it’s 1999,” to be clever and, frankly, perfect. Prince was a huge sports fan and enjoyed a good pun. The reporter’s bosses didn’t agree. If we had jobs to offer, Dan Phillips wouldn’t be in the unemployment line. As the Purple One might have asked, “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?”

Michigan man sprays toxic mix of chemicals on open food in grocery stories

Toss this one in the “humans are senselessly disgusting” file. It’s our job to monitor it of course, but the news can be depressing. It reminds us of how flawed and awful man can be. But this story? Ugh. Another level. The FBI got involved in the case, and says this punk (we won’t use his name) targeted about 15 different stores in cities across Michigan, including Flint. Because Flint hasn’t suffered enough. Whatever the maximum punishment is for this sort of criminal filth, I hope the courts levy it.

Grandmother raising triplets gets a special gift

Well, we need a shower and a healthier page turn. So we bring you this heartwarming story from North Dakota. A waitress was proudly discussing her triplet grandsons on the job. Shiela Weisgerber has been raising the four year-old boys on her own since shortly after their birth. One of her tables, a husband and wife visiting the area from out of town, overheard the conversation and decided to leave a large tip and a kind note on their receipt to show their support. For every crazy poison sprayer, there are generous, empathetic people. That’s how society keeps its balance.

Missing in Action: the Week’s Overlooked News Stories

Becky SarwateLeave a comment

missing

Parents could be on the hook for kids who bully. The media fails to care about terrorism in countries with brown people. And one man does things in a wheelchair we can’t fathom, but they are awesome. Here’s what you missed during this last week of April….

Small Wisconsin town takes big step toward stopping bullies

If your kid is a jerk, you could pay the price. That’s the idea behind a new ordinance in Shawano, Wisconsin. Police in that town are working with the school district to identify bullies, then notify their parents. Mom and dad have 90 days to intervene, and if the bullying behavior continues they are slapped with a fine of $366. The fines progress if the same child is found harassing another within a year. Controversial? Yes. Effective? That remains to be seen. Either way, I’m finding it hard to argue against giving it a shot.

Another awful thing has happened in Syria, and you haven’t heard about it

The media continues its trend of cherry picking which awful acts of terrorism are worthy of coverage (basically only if it happens in the U.S. or Europe). If 27 people, including children, were killed in an airstrike at a pediatric hospital in the West, we wouldn’t be hearing about anything else. But this one happened in Aleppo, Syria so whatever.

Man in wheelchair proves we are all wimps

Ever twist an ankle and then spend time loudly lamenting your life karma, how you can’t do anything, how you wish everything was normal again? Yeah, we’re drama queens too. After reading this article, we have to cancel our pity party. This week’s feel-good story comes from 24 year-old Aaron Fotheringham,  who was born with spinal bifida. Instead of feeling sorry for himself and growing bitter, he became a record-setting extreme sports wheelchair competitor. His bad-assery is unlike anything we have seen in a while. Team Aaron!

Missing in Action: The Week’s Overlooked News Stories

Becky SarwateLeave a comment

missing

Utah believes that Internet porn amounts to a public health crisis. Why did Ben and Jerry get sent to the clink? Cubs star Jake Arrieta causes an excited fan to lead Cincinnati cops on a field chase. And the “world’s oldest dog” makes bittersweet headlines. Here’s what might have escaped your attention this week….

While the nation grapples with a sharp increase in gun violence (see Chicago’s year-to-date numbers if you’re in the mood to be horrified), the threat of a Zika virus outbreak, and an uncertain political future, Utah has found a way to make our jaws drop with a sense of misplaced priority. The state believes pornography is a public health crisis. There was a ceremonial declaration signed by Governor Gary Herbert and everything. I’ve been to Utah and witnessed its beautiful climate and infrastructure firsthand. Is this a case of statewide First World problems? Click the hyperlink, read the story and decide for yourself.

As election 2016 rolls along, we continue hearing about all the things frustrating voters: there’s too much money in politics, voting rights are under attack, we need to stop ignoring climate change, our educational system is a mess. We could go on forever about the wealth of legitimate concerns. And now there’s a group ambitiously attempting to speak out on all of these issues and more. They are a group of protestors called Democracy Awakening, and they converged on Washington earlier this week. About 300 people were arrested including the co-founders of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have a history of speaking out about social and political injustice, quite literally putting their money where their mouths are. A quote from their website reads “It all comes down to a simple idea that we believe in whole-heartedly: if you care about something, you have to be willing to risk it all—your reputation, your values, your business—for the greater good.” We find that attitude pretty delicious!

Speaking of taking chances for something you care about, one Cubs fan risked his freedom on Thursday evening to be part of history. Ace pitcher Jake Arrieta pitched his second no-hitter in as many years, and a man in the crowd was seemingly so overcome with joy, he had to be a part of the on-field celebration. He did what fan’s of all sports have merely fantasized about in those high-octane moments. His 15 minutes of fame might come with a mugshot, but we can’t help but love the guy.

When you love animals and bring them into your home, they become family. If you’re like the BeckySarwate.com team, you look at your fur babies everyday and think, as you gently pet them and look lovingly into their eyes, “I wish you could live forever.” While we know that’s not possible, we hope for as many healthy, happy years with our four-legged friends as we can get. One fortunate pet owner spent literal decades with his pup. Australian dairy farmer Brian McLaren got 30 years with his beloved dog, Maggie. That is not a typo. 30. Years. Unofficially dubbed the world’s oldest dog, Maggie passed away in her sleep this past Monday. We’re sorry to see her go but it’s clear she had a good long life and brought much joy to her family.

Missing in Action: The Week’s Overlooked News Stories

Becky SarwateLeave a comment

missing

Are new ride sharing entrepreneurs from Massachusetts guilty of sexism? Is the POTUS about to sign an executive order WITHOUT being pilloried from the right? And we wish we could interview Inky the Octopus, but he’s gone to sea. Here’s what you may have missed this week….

Ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft have faced all sorts of controversy since launching earlier this decade. Whether its taxi unions fighting them, price surge outrage, reports of violence from driver to passenger or even from passenger to driver, there is no shortage of headlines dedicated to this business model. In spite of all that, ride share companies are incredibly popular with consumers, and entrepreneurs are looking for ways to capitalize further. Cue women-only car services and a new debate. A Massachusetts couple plans to launch Chariot for Women this summer as a response to the safety issues some have experienced with existing ride share services. While the company’s intentions are admirable, questions of legality and potential discrimination have arisen and can’t be ignored in a nation continuing to strive for inclusion and equality. Click the hyperlink to learn more.

It’s no secret that President Obama exercises his right to use executive orders to get things done. What other choice does he have? Our do-nothing Congress has rendered these orders a necessity of governance. The POTUS has signed executive orders more times than many are probably aware of during his two terms in office. Most have been free from controversy, while others create a firestorm of trumped-up GOP wrath. But Obama is getting ready to sign a new executive order that (gasp!) might just possess inter-party appeal. Think you pay too much for your cable TV service? At upwards of $225 a month, I sure as hell do. If you’re tired of the usury and think something ought to be done, you’ll want to read the hyperlinked article.

The BeckySarwate.com team has found great value and comfort in locating feel-good stories amongst the rubble of global chaos. We particularly love stories about animals because they make their own rules. This week it was reported that an octopus (“Inky”) broke out of the National Aquarium of New Zealand. The hyperlinked article likens the episode to The Shawshank Redemption, but our team can’t help but think of Finding Nemo. The Pixar film was set in Australia (very close to New Zealand for the geographically challenged – like me) and featured the protagonist breaking free from the isolation of a dental office aquarium to reunite with his father. As someone who struggles heavily with the idea of animals in captivation, and likes a bit of determined chutzpah, Inky the octopus is an inspiration.