Charlie Sheen–Humanitarian????

We’ve run several stories on Charlie Sheen here at Smokes and Booze (HERE, HERE and HERE are just some examples) . To me, he is an excellent actor and a great comedian. He lives a lifestyle that some of us envy and (in a world where every is Politically Correct) he says what’s on his mind. Which I like.

Today we have a different story on Charlie, but one that I think SHOULD get out and have more publicity.

Charlie Sheen the humanitarian.

Great Job Charlie. We love you.

Charlie Sheen to raise money for baseball attack victim

SAN FRANCISCO -- Charlie Sheen will use his Saturday show in San Francisco to raise money for the Giants fan who was left in a coma after an attack outside a Giants-Dodgers game last month, the actor's rep said.

Proceeds from any merchandise sold at the actor's weekend show -- part of his six-week "Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option" tour -- will benefit the medical fund set up for assault victim Brian Stow, the rep told the Hollywood Reporter Thursday.

Stow was beaten unconscious by two men in March outside Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles after the Dodgers' Opening Day win over the Giants.

Stow's attackers were wearing Los Angeles Dodgers gear and started a fight with Stow and his friends, who were fans of the opposing Giants, police said.

No suspects have been arrested but a substantial award has been offered for information in the case.

The 42-year-old paramedic was placed in a medically-induced coma and has shown signs of brain damage.

"From the beginning, the doctors have been very honest with us," Stow's sister, Erin Collins, said in an interview earlier this month. "They've always said his chances of ever waking up out of that coma are slim. We're holding on to those slim chances."

This is not the first time the 45-year-old Sheen has used his tour to offer to raise money. He organized a last-minute walk to raise money for bipolar disease when his tour was in Toronto in April. However, the group he had promised to give the money to expressed frustration days later saying they hadn't seen any cash. Sheen's business manager later assured the group, the Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders, the actor would make the donation.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/charlie_sheen_to_raise_money_for_SzJOc8btYoRbZ1wZoeCyFN#ixzz1L7RA4Eiq

Haiti and Whiskey

I knew I could get your attention.

We all know of the events on January 12 , when an earthquake rattled Haiti and quite literally destroyed their country.

Now, I do not subscribe to the belief of the Italian Disaster Chief  (HERE) that the US hasn’t done enough, or is reacting wrongly by sending troops in.  In fact, this is probably one area I think the US has excelled, far more than any other country in the world…..but that is getting political, and that is something I try to avoid here.

In addition to the bad press that Italy is giving, there even has been a spate of Facebook status’ calling for America to look inward:

Shame on you America: the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations.and major cable stations, movie channels. 99% of people won't have the guts to copy and...... repost this.

Again, I’m not an advocate here (probably to the shock of many of you), but instead saying that we (as Freemasons, Americans, Christians or just being good people) should be helping anyone, in any way we can. 

Be it through the local Food Bank (here is ours in Columbia MO), to the Red Cross (many of you have heard my Elisabeth Dole rant), to just chucking your change in the Fireman’s Boot.  It all adds up and helps someone, somewhere.

Please give.

Now I know you are wondering….how does this tie to Smokes and Booze.

Well, first…just creating awareness can go a long way to helping.  But today, I was further inspired by a news article (HERE). 

In it, we learn of Wismond Exantus, the 24-year-old Haitian man who survived being trapped, for 11 days, when when a 4 story building collapsed upon him.

How did he survive you ask?  Through the only thing he could reach:  A bottle of whiskey, some beers and a few bags of chips and candy.

People, that is a determination to live. 

Myself, I would have abandoned hope….drank the whiskey in one night and given up.

Instead, Wismond rationed his meager supplies (using the whiskey to help him sleep), stayed calm and dreamed of riding horses and swimming in the ocean.

How could I not speak out for this guy…..he survived on what we take for granted.

Tonight I raise a toast to you Wismond…I pray that you are doing well, and that your country is soon rebuilt.  I know I will do my part.

Pints for Prostates

Every now and then (and I mean once in every 15-20 years) CNN has a good article.

Today, it happens to be Pints for Prostates (on CNN)

I think this is a great idea and I love their motto "Reaching Men through the universal language of Beer".

I know I know, everyone says that the last time I saw the inside of a Dr's Office was when I was born, but even this inspires me (plus I am 40 now) to POSSIBLY make an appointment.

We'll see how it goes.

For those interested, the real website is linked at the right....and also HERE