The Chrysler Corporation has declared the recall of nearly 700,000 vehicles. The first cars on the list are the 2006-2010 models of their Jeep brand. A brake fluid problem is the cause of that recall. There are other cars on the recall list as well. The Dodge Grand Caravans and Chrysler Town & Country models are being recalled due to wiring problems in the sliding doors.

Chrysler says it will notify owners of the vehicles fix them free of charge. I like these “responsible corporations” nowadays who look out for their customers and take responsibility for their products I hope this trend keeps up!

The spilling oil from the Deepwater Horizon is still spewing out of the pipe even though it has been capped. While the effort to cap the pipe is finally somewhat successful as some of the oil is being captured, there is still a long way to go. BP crews are working to capture more and more oil as time goes by. The problem is that the environment is being overwhelmed by the oil slicks.

Animals, plants, and humans are feeling the effects of the oil and the outlook is not good. Experts say it could many years for the damage to go away despite the massive cleanup that is planned. BP continues to claim that it will pay for the damages and set things to right. I sure hope they keep their promise!

Every year we all look forward to a great holiday. The Memorial Day weekend is a time for picnics and barbeques. It is easy to get caught up in the celebration and forget about how the holiday started. The holiday is for the remembrance and honoring of our nations fallen soldiers.

The holiday was first started by General John A. Logan who was a civil war general. The holiday was then known as Decoration Day and has run continuously until now. I think every American should take a minute to reflect on those who have given their lives to defend our country.

Last Sunday, the world of rock lost one of its greatest voices. At age 67, Ronnie James Dio passed away from stomach cancer. Best known for taking over the front man spot from Ozzy Osborne as the lead singer for Black Sabbath, Ronnie rocked the world. He also went out on his own for awhile and produced the hit song “Holy Diver”.

His loss has affected us all and many around the world will miss him.

While I still love the great state of Virginia, I am not surprised to hear the latest news about the parole board. It seems that 11 inmates have gotten together and are suing over the fact that the parole board is ignoring state law. The law requires that the board thoroughly investigates if inmates are rehabilitated and should be released. The law affects inmates who were locked up before 1995.

Inmates complain that their rights have been violated and will have their day in the U.S. District Court in Richmond. The state denies the claims and wants the case dismissed. As a former member of this group of inmates, I feel that the state of Virginia has not followed this law and are in violation of it. I just hope the court feels the same way as I do!