San Jose Should Disown Joey Chestnut

Jul 07, 2010, by Pete Campbell People, Culture, Media Comments (34)

Hard to believe that the Mercury News would provide space on its front page (let alone any page) to cover the annual spectacle that is the Nathan’s hot-dog eating contest.  Why would anyone have even the slightest interest in such an exhibition of gluttony?  Unfortunately for us, San Jose gets its name attached to the madness, as the “winner” of the event, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, lives in San Jose.  Why would anyone celebrate this guy?  Is there any way that we can distance ourselves from Mr. Chestnut?

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July 4th, 2400 A.D.

Jun 29, 2010, by Joseph DiSalvo People Comments (13)

Should your son or daughter earn a college degree? I know college is not for everyone.

However, if you want a future for your children that equals the opportunity you had in your life, an undergraduate college degree is nearly imperative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 4.7 percent of those with college degrees are unemployed in 2010.

The 2010 high school graduation season is now just a memory. Even though we celebrate the accomplishment of commencement from high school with gifts and praise, it is not the ticket to life’s success it once was.

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Pot Clubs Tap a Vein to Help Red Cross

Jun 11, 2010, by Jessica Fromm People Comments (9)

The American Red Cross and Harborside Health Center of San Jose are teaming up for the first ever pot club blood drive. Next Tuesday, June 15, Harborside will host a blood donation event at its 2106 Ringwood Ave. location from noon to 6pm.

Naveen Aggarwal, the community outreach coordinator for Harborside San Jose, says that this event marks the first time ever that the Red Cross has partnered with a medical cannabis collective.

“This is completely the first time,” Aggarwal says. “I’ve heard of it attempted in L.A. a while ago. But that didn’t have much success as far as having a lot of donors, and this is definitely the first thing of its kind with the involvement of Red Cross.”

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Repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Jun 07, 2010, by Joseph DiSalvo People Comments (8)

Sitting in section 101 at the Oracle Arena on Saturday night, I was struck by something rock star Tom Petty said during his song “Mystic Eyes.” He came to the microphone and said “wouldn’t it be great if, for one moment, everything was all right.” I shouted in agreement then.

Twelve hours later, however, I found myself wondering what that statement would really mean to most baby-boomers filling that sold-out concert. I am certain we would not get unanimity on any issue, but the subject of this column might have the most agreement.

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San Jose Fights Autism

Jun 02, 2010, by Pete Campbell People Comments (1)

San Jose will take up its fight against Autism through two upcoming events. This Saturday, June 5, there will be a “Walk Now For Autism Speaks” event at History Park. In addition to the fundraising walk there will be activities for kids, resources for families, light refreshments, and entertainment. Registration for the event starts at 9am, and the walk begins at 10am. History San Jose is at Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Road.

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Walk Now for Autism Awareness

Apr 02, 2010, by Pete Campbell People Comments (2)

Today, April 2, 2010, is International Autism Awareness Day. We should all become aware of the fact that autism is a growing epidemic.  According to Autism Speaks, one of the biggest advocacy groups for the autism community, every 20 minutes, another family receives the devastating news that their child has been diagnosed with autism. The prevalence of autism is growing, and nobody knows why. Roughly one in 110 children are being diagnosed with the disease. For boys, the rate is even higher, with one in 70 being diagnosed on the spectrum.

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