Saturday, January 27, 2018

21 Days

Good Saturday morning to you, as it is around the 1:00 AM hour, Eastern Standard time. I was racking my brain, in regards to the title of this blog entry. At first, I was thinking of a couple song titles. I was considering the last U.S. number one song by The Beatles and a hit by Roger Whittaker that was later covered by Elvis Presley in 1976; however, I kept it simple with "21 Days".

On Monday, January 22, 2018, I was notified by the client that they are going with a different guard service in thirty days. That is the life of working for a guard service (even though I have worked for only one). This is not the first time I have gone through this. Nearly four years ago, I went through a similar transition of my position being outsourced to the guard I have worked for. It was seamless, especially after I obtained my SORA license. That credential is upcoming for renewal, and I do plan on renewing it, since it means that I can obtain practically any security job in New Jersey. With that in mind, I do have options available. I am going to weigh what is out there before making up my mind. I have an idea as to which direction I may be heading, but will not say until there is a firm agreement.

As the sunset date of February 17th approaches, I can look back and reflect on my tenure and experience with the guard service. Within a one year period of time, I was promoted from Officer, to Sergeant, and finally Lieutenant, the position I have had for the past eighteen months. Besides covering a post, I did scheduling, handling payroll, and helping new hires obtain their SORA license. Some would say that the pay wasn't the greatest, but I did the best I could for what I was getting paid for. In a way, they are probably glad that they won't be paying me overtime (LOL). That is the life of being in management, no matter what profession. Maybe I will be fortunate enough, in that I will have "guaranteed" days off. As for somebody that is approaching their mid-forties like me, is it about job security or money? Stay tuned, as the decision will be finalized within twenty-one days.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bill

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Neil Diamond Thanks Fans for Making Him 'Smile' by Donating Ticket Refunds to Parkinson's Research By Karen Mizoguchi


Source: http://people.com/music/neil-diamond-thanks-fans-donating-ticket-refunds-parkinsons/

January 23, 2018

After announcing his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Neil Diamond and his wife Katie are overwhelmed by the fan support.

The music legend, responsible for hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “America” and “Cracklin’ Rosie,” shared a statement on his website Monday evening revealing that he canceled concert dates in Australia and New Zealand based on doctor’s advice.

“Wow, I’ve received a bunch of messages from people in Aus & NZ who are donating their ticket refunds to good causes: Parkinson’s research, animal rescue groups, fire victim funds, etc,” Katie, 46, tweeted on Tuesday.

“My heart is so full of joy to see this silver lining. Faith in humanity = restored. Thank you!” she added.


Neil Diamond and wife Katie in November 2016 Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Neil also shared his gratitude and appreciation to his fan base with a tweet of his own.

“This makes me smile. Thank you. Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support. It makes a difference,” he tweeted, responding to his wife’s message.

RELATED: Celebrate Neil Diamond’s 50th Anniversary Tour with These 7 Fascinating Stories Behind His Biggest Hits

Due to the onset of the Parkinson’s disease, it has become “difficult to travel and perform on a large scale basis” but has yet to affect “his writing, recording and development of new projects,” according to the statement.

“I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come. My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world,” Diamond said. “You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”


Neil Diamond in October 2014 Monica Schipper/Getty

RELATED: Neil Diamond Leads Massive ‘Sweet Caroline’ Sing-Along in Times Square for New Year’s Eve

Fans from around the world, including his celebrity friends, shared their well wishes. Micky Dolenz of the Monkees and songwriting icon Neil Sedaka paid tribute to Diamond in statements to PEOPLE.

“Needless to say, I am dismayed at the news that one of the greatest songwriter/performers of my generation is having to curtail his activities due to illness,” Dolenz told PEOPLE in a statement. “Through his music, Neil brought untold joy to countless fans and to the world in general. I wish you all the best, Neil, and a remain a ‘Believer’ in everything you do.”

Meanwhile, Sedaka shared a memory from their childhood growing up together.

“Along with everyone else, I was shocked to hear this news,” he said to PEOPLE. “We lived across the street from each other in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. He is the most talented of the singer/songwriters/performers that I watched hone their craft at the Brill Building. His recordings and his writings are just superb. He’s an all-around great guy. For all the joy he has brought to the world, I know it will come back to him tenfold. Sending all my love to him and his family.”

Fellow singer Barry Manilow immediately tweeted follow Diamond’s announcement: “#Neil Diamond So,so sorry to hear about the great Neil Diamond’s illness. I’m rooting for you Neil! Fight on from another Brooklyn boy!:

Reba McEntire, Josh Groban, Nancy Sinatra, Brian Wilson, and many others also expressed their admiration for the music titan.

The Recording Academy will honor Diamond with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award during the Grammy Awards on Jan. 28, airing on CBS at 7:30 p.m. EST.