It seems the photographer, Sheila Pree Bright, is a little confused about what "respect" of the American flag — following proper flag etiquette — means. Only one photo truly is respectful, and that is the photo of Kristen Alexis Kucks. The only other photo that is somewhat respectful is that of Amy C. Ashton.

In describing her work on the CNN site, Bright said she wanted to give young adults, ages 18 to 25 – Gen Y – the chance to express themselves. Bright said she gave each person an American flag and told them each to pose with the flag in a way that expresses his or her identity, as well as the person’s feelings toward the United States.

Looking at the photos, I have to wonder about the true feelings a few of these people have toward the nation.

All the other photos in the series, Generation Y reflects on what it means to be American, have the flag used in a less-than-respectful manner, especially those where it is used as an article of clothing or as full clothing itself, or where is it on the floor. One shows the flag on the floor yet draped over a girl’s body as a blanket, which is disrespectful, as is the one of the guy seemingly dragging the flag across the floor with his teeth.

On this, the 233 anniversary of America’s independence, as a U.S. Army veteran who proudly and honorably served this nation, I find most of these photos an utter disgrace. The one of Madelyne Oliver, in which it looks like she’s trying to wear the flag as some Muslim garb, is utterly disgraceful and a sad statement of this country’s young adults — especially the artist’s statement that most of the folks in the photos never handled an American flag prior to the photo shoot.

Some will maintain that each of these people are expressing their “right to free speech and expression,” much as an Art Institute of Chicago student, using public funding intended to be used in support of “the arts,”  laid an American flag on the floor in February, 1989, and posted an invitation for visitors to walk or step on it. If that’s free speech and expression, so must be the act of a veteran punching the artist in the mouth.

So, what are your thoughts on the photos as we approach this year’s celebration of independence and the American way of life?

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Many likely remember that chant front childhood, but it could aptly be applied to one ice cream shop around the country. Since free ice cream is always a favorite, let me tell you how to get some of that frozen goodness this summer.

Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shops are having a "Thank Goodness It’s Monday" promotion every Monday between now and August 31.

Just stop in at any Ben and Jerry’s shop and buy yourself an ice cream sundae. Be sure to take your sweetie with you, as you will get a free ice cream sundae with your order.

So what do you need to do in order to get the extra sundae? Simply mention the promotion. No coupon is needed.

For more deal details, click here.

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All evening, news outlets have been scrambling to update their sites, sending out “breaking news” alerts, and doing in-depth reporting on pop singer Michael Jackson.

Jackson reportedly suffered a heart attack around 5 p.m. Eastern time (-0500). By 6:30 p.m., the king of pop was dead at 50.

When news of Jackson’s cardiac arrest was announced, the news outlets had to shift coverage from that of Farrah Fawcett, who died earlier today, to the hospitalization, then comatose state, and ultimately, the death of Michael Jackson.

Jackson started out in life as an extremely talented child singer, performing with his older brothers in the ’60s and ’70s group, the Jackson Five.

In his adult years, he earned the title the “King of Pop” and managed to become what many consider to be the biggest celebrity in the world.

After achieving his grand success, Jackson seemingly fell victim of his own success in a less-than-honorable fall from his throne in a series of what can only be called freakish scandals. One incident saw him dangling his son over the edge of a hotel balcony to the horror of the world. Another, and perhaps most well-known, was the multiple accusations that he had sexually molested children who had visited his fantasy of a home, the infamous Neverland Ranch. He was also married for a time to the King of Rock ’n Roll’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

No matter what is said about Jackson, he will long be remembered for a few songs that hit the top spot on record charts: Billy Jean and Thriller.

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Farrah Fawcett, the sex symbol from the 1970s, has died after a battle with cancer, her publicist said. She was 62.

Looking back at the 1970s, oh, around 1975 to 1979 or so, I fondly remember my pre-teen years when my hormones raged out of control. I think it had to do something with the almost life-size poster that hung over my desk of Farrah, shown at left, which clearly showed cleavage and the actress’ hard nipples. Looking at the scintillating poster, perhaps, made me think I was getting away with something. Only in my mind, right?

Back in the 70s, after a few movies, Farrah made a big name for herself playing a female detective in a detective agency run by a never-seen-only-heard-over-speakerphone boss, Charlie Townsend. It added to the allure of the show, especially when Charlie hinted that he had been near, or even met each of the three detectives working for him, all of whom were female.

Farrah made a name for herself and hopefully lived a good life. May she now rest in peace.

Farrah Fawcett: 1947–2009

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There are two stories on CNN that I read this morning, Teen made $50,000 smuggling drugs across border and El Paso school a haven along violent border, both seemingly take a sympathetic eye to problems many Mexicans face.

The first story, about the teen drug mule, is little more than a sob-story of a now-21-year-old – and others like him — who alleges to have made over $50,000 in a few years by smuggling drugs. The story almost serves as a step-by-step manual for getting into the business.

In the second story we read about the Lydia Patterson Institute, which is a private school established over 100 years ago. School administrators – and the article – seemingly brag that about 70 percent of its student body cross the border from Mexico and come to the U.S. daily to attend classes. According to the article, “Lydia Patterson’s faculty and administrators — many of whom are graduates of the school, and also reside in Juarez — say the school’s mission is very much the same as it was when it was founded nearly 100 years ago as a sanctuary for Mexican families fleeing the violence of the Mexican Revolution.”

Is this the kind of soft reporting, if one dares accept it as such – which I do not – and move on. If that kind of reporting does not sit well with you, either, then take action: write the station or network offices so the complaint is in the FCC file the next time the station renews its license. The other, and even more powerful act is to simply no longer watch that channel’s news.

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