Homeless Man With "Golden-Voice" Gets A Chance

futurepilot16 · Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:19 am

This is an absolutely heart warming story:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40916364/ns/us_news-wonderful_world/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTysXITBCmk&feature=player_embedded

I hope he excels at his second chance at life!

Superfly · Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:51 am

Great story. Glad to hear he was able to score a fantastic gig like this. I hope his radio spot is on an XM radio broadcast because I hear that terrestrial radio is on the way out. Hate to see him back on the streets again.

PC12Fan · Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:44 pm

I think this is fantastic news!! I first saw the video on another website and you could tell that even poeple that would have negative comments to say were pleading / hoping that someone would cut this guy a break. Looks like something good will happen for this man. I wish him the best of luck.

Make us proud Mr. Williams!

hka098 · Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:02 pm

Wow! Good news, for a change...

casinterest · Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:15 pm

He definately has a voice for Radio. Hopefully he has put hir personal demons to rest.

Mudboy · Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:29 pm

I hope he does well. His voice reminds me of the guy on Wayne's Wolrd 2, that kept going ahha, ahha, ahha...........

Inbound · Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:14 pm

Imagine that voice as your captain speaking hehe....

Great story. Good luck with your second chance at life, Mr. Williams.

airportugal310 · Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:28 pm

Very gracious fellow...I've watched the video 3 times and I am glad something like this came to light.

luv2fly · Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:01 am

I wish him the best as this is happening in my state of Ohio. Although I hope he does some good for all the other homeless people still on the street.

aa61hvy · Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:06 am

I was speechless when I first saw the video. Amazing stuff. I was very happy when I saw he received a job.

Best of luck to him and hopefully he can continue to keep clean!

stratosphere · Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:08 am

Nice ....But hopefully he can use his gift and this opportunity to make great things for himself. He has a huge opportunity now I hope he makes the best of it and kicks his demons.

Cadet985 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:13 am

Quoting futurepilot16 (Thread starter):

This is bull$%^&. I went to school for 5 years to get into that field, and this guy just eases his way in. Hell. If I knew that all I needed to do was live on the streets and be stoned off my ass half the time, I'd have done that. How dare this man get a job in the broadcasting field ahead of better, more qualified individuals like myself - who I might add, can pass drug tests, and don't have police records.

Marc

[Edited 2011-01-06 18:14:53]

futurepilot16 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:21 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 11):

This is bull$%^&. I went to school for 5 years to get into that field, and this guy just eases his way in. Hell. If I knew that all I needed to do was live on the streets and be stoned off my ass half the time, I'd have done that. How dare this man get a job in the broadcasting field ahead of better, more qualified individuals like myself - who I might add, can pass drug tests, and don't have police records.

Umm, he went to school for it as well, take the time out to actually READ the story before you comment. Bitter much???

airportugal310 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:23 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 11):
This is bull$%^&. I went to school for 5 years to get into that field, and this guy just eases his way in. Hell. If I knew that all I needed to do was live on the streets and be stoned off my ass half the time, I'd have done that. How dare this man get a job in the broadcasting field ahead of better, more qualified individuals like myself - who I might add, can pass drug tests, and don't have police records.

Marc

I really hope you are kidding, but I don't think you are...

The guy clearly has a gift, as to why you think that is BS is beyond me. What exactly makes you more qualified than him? That you don't have a police record? That because you went to school somehow makes you more likely to excel at talking on the radio? Please explain that logic...

Get a clue regarding how the real world works, and then preach to us from your soapbox.

[Edited 2011-01-06 18:24:06]

Cadet985 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:28 am

Quoting Airportugal310 (Reply 13):

I really hope you are kidding, but I don't think you are...

I am not kidding. I have had 5 years of journalistic training, including 5 years on radio. I have interned at one of the largest news outlets on the planet, and yet cannot find a job.

Quoting Airportugal310 (Reply 13):
That because you went to school somehow makes you more likely to excel at talking on the radio?

I have experience, knowledge, training, and a degree. All this guy has are the trackmarks on his arm from shooting up for so long.

Cadet985 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:31 am

Quoting futurepilot16 (Reply 12):
Umm, he went to school for it as well, take the time out to actually READ the story before you comment. Bitter much???

He went to school for voice training. That doesn't necessairily mean college.

Mudboy · Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:06 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 14):
I have experience, knowledge, training, and a degree. All this guy has are the trackmarks on his arm from shooting up for so long.

I think you are forgetting one thing, he has an incredible voice for radio. Seriously, do people care about the degrees a radio personality has hanging on his wall, or how good they sound on the radio? What got this guy the attention? His Voice! Would the story have been as great, if he were a Harvard Grad, with a normal voice?
Life is tough for everyone, but just because someone catches a break and you don't, you don't have to bash them for it. This guy fell down the drain and lost everything, and dug himself out of a hole, most people don't even try. Life is not about how many times you get knocked down, it is about how many times you get back up. I hope this guy embraces this second chance, and I just hope the media is not waiting for him to fall back on his face.
Stay Safe!

scrubbsywg · Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:36 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 11):

This is bull$%^&. I went to school for 5 years to get into that field, and this guy just eases his way in. Hell. If I knew that all I needed to do was live on the streets and be stoned off my ass half the time, I'd have done that. How dare this man get a job in the broadcasting field ahead of better, more qualified individuals like myself - who I might add, can pass drug tests, and don't have police records.

This man is going to be using his voice to do work, not necessarily any other skills. Did you get your university degree because you wanted to have a career in radio because of your voice? Do you want to do voiceovers? This guy is getting these gigs because of his voice and that alone. If your voice is as good as this guys, then you have a case.

Besides, getting any entry level type jobs is rarely about experience/education alone, no matter what the field. I've beat out "better, more qualified"(which is a term relative to who is saying it) candidates for jobs(some who were friends of mine); I didn't have the better marks or even the most relevant experience. Things like interview skills, ability to learn, and the ability to give a good first impression often help a lot.

futurepilot16 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:46 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 15):
He went to school for voice training. That doesn't necessairily mean college.

Kobe Bryant didn't go to college for Basketball, but yet he's the best player in the world, same for LeBron. Should all the thousands of college basketball players who don't make it into the NBA be upset at those who didn't go to college? Just consider him a 50 something year old Kobe Bryant of radio

jetblue777 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:49 am

Quoting Mudboy (Reply 16):

I would also love to hear his voice over the PA Big grin

[Edited 2011-01-06 19:55:28]

Yellowstone · Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:10 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 14):
I am not kidding. I have had 5 years of journalistic training, including 5 years on radio. I have interned at one of the largest news outlets on the planet, and yet cannot find a job.

Have you got a roof over your head and food on your plate? Then you're doing better than this guy was. Your whining is out of place.

Cadet985 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:37 am

Quoting Yellowstone (Reply 20):
Have you got a roof over your head and food on your plate? Then you're doing better than this guy was. Your whining is out of place.

I'm out of place? I graduated almost 2 years ago. I've sent out well in excess of 1000 resumes to TV and radio stations all across the country...from Maine to California. Hell, I can't even get a job at Walmart, Wawa, Target, Best Buy, etc. because I'm "overqualified." This guy has a sob story and gets a job? I have a sob story too. It's not as bad as his, but it's pretty bad.

Bitter at this guy? You bet I am.

I am bitter at ANYONE middle aged or older who lost their job, and got another one, while a VERY low percentage of recent college grads can even find a job.

Marc

stratosphere · Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:16 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 21):
I'm out of place? I graduated almost 2 years ago. I've sent out well in excess of 1000 resumes to TV and radio stations all across the country...from Maine to California. Hell, I can't even get a job at Walmart, Wawa, Target, Best Buy, etc. because I'm "overqualified." This guy has a sob story and gets a job? I have a sob story too. It's not as bad as his, but it's pretty bad.

Bitter at this guy? You bet I am.

I am bitter at ANYONE middle aged or older who lost their job, and got another one, while a VERY low percentage of recent college grads can even find a job.

WOAH? Dude you are all of what 25 at the most according to your profile. Get used to being stomped on early in life. If you are this angry this early in your career you are in for a rough ride. Life is what you make it...Yeah this drunk homeless dude was found and overnight is a sensation and got a job. Not much different from your Michael Vicks who are total scumbags to society but have a talent and can make a fortune. But this guy is not like Vick in the fact that he never did anything vile like Vick did. Just saying life is anything but fair. You are still young and will find your place in society. I learned long ago I had to let go of that anger of what I thought I deserved. I still have plenty of anger as I got older just put it in a different place...

airportugal310 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:22 am

Cadet,

While I can't necessarily understand your frustrations (having worked my way up the ladder from a job I got the year prior to graduating college), your original post stunk of elitism.

In particular:

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 11):
I went to school for 5 years to get into that field

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 11):
How dare

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 11):
better, more qualified individuals like myself

The only time I hear the "how dare you" line is from folks who don't initially get their way. I come from a state where that is a politician's favorite line, along with "don't you know who I am?!".

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 14):
I have experience, knowledge, training, and a degree

That will all count for something when, at least in the US, budgets stop being slashed left and right. Until then, you are already at a disadvantage, behind those who have FAR more experience than you and are also on the job hunt.

What this guy has, which to listeners like myself is somewhat important, is a voice I wouldn't mind listening to on the way home.

Hang in there...

PC12Fan · Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:42 pm

I think somebody needs a hug.

Like the song says, sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. Just because you went through all the work and training does not mean you are entitled to anything. This guy has a major advantage - his voice. And IMO, he also has a much better attitude.

futurepilot16 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:52 pm

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 21):
I am bitter at ANYONE middle aged or older who lost their job, and got another one, while a VERY low percentage of recent college grads can even find a job.

Tough luck. Try another profession maybe

Quoting PC12Fan (Reply 24):

Like the song says, sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. Just because you went through all the work and training does not mean you are entitled to anything. This guy has a major advantage - his voice. And IMO, he also has a much better attitude.

Couldn't have said it better.

Mudboy · Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:06 pm

Quoting PC12Fan (Reply 24):
Like the song says, sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. Just because you went through all the work and training does not mean you are entitled to anything. This guy has a major advantage - his voice. And IMO, he also has a much better attitude.

I always say, as bad as you think you have it, somebody has it way worse, and would probably give anything to have it as bad as you!

einsteinboricua · Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:08 pm

Ted Williams has been hired by MSNBC to do voice overs.
http://tedwilliamsblog.com/2011/01/ted-williams-hired-by-msnbc/

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 21):
Quoting Yellowstone (Reply 20):
Have you got a roof over your head and food on your plate? Then you're doing better than this guy was. Your whining is out of place.

I'm out of place? I graduated almost 2 years ago. I've sent out well in excess of 1000 resumes to TV and radio stations all across the country...from Maine to California. Hell, I can't even get a job at Walmart, Wawa, Target, Best Buy, etc. because I'm "overqualified." This guy has a sob story and gets a job? I have a sob story too. It's not as bad as his, but it's pretty bad.

Bitter at this guy? You bet I am.

I am bitter at ANYONE middle aged or older who lost their job, and got another one, while a VERY low percentage of recent college grads can even find a job.

Marc

Well, I can tell you one thing. With this attitude, you won't make it far. if your voice is as good as his, make a YouTube video and maybe you'll become a celebrity. But with an attitude of "I deserve that rather than him/her"...that is frowned upon anywhere you go. Like Yellowstone said, be grateful that you have a roof over your head and that (I presume) your life has not had downturns like this guy's. And above all, despite not getting what you wanted (because, that's a problem with everyone. It's always about they want.), be glad that a man now has a chance to remake his life and not contributing to problems anywhere.

ronglimeng · Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:53 pm

I wish the best for this guy but...

right now it seems he has caught a lucky break and it is unclear whether he has really been able to throw off any of the demons that have caused him trouble. In the rush to put out a "feel good" story, his likely vulnerability and fragility seem to have been ignored.

I have a bad feeling that he is just being fed into the news/entertainment machine and that this is not going to end well.

Best of luck to him and I hope he now has people back around him who can help him.

slider · Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:54 pm

Sorry Cadet, whilst I feel for your immediate challenges, I’m not buying.

Look, I do think that more is being made of this than probably should be only because I think companies are tripping over themselves to exploit Mr. Williams for cheap and insincere charity in some cases, but I think on balance this is not only the feel-good story of the year so far, but also a deeper more meaningful illustration of the BEST IDEALS that our country stands for.

In no other country on earth would something like this happen. Mr. Williams, a homeless former addict who, in that video, was fully candid, open and forthcoming about having had a rough road with addiction, and now gets an opportunity.

Moreover, as I told my kids, this is the best living example to everyone that EVERY person has worth and EVERY individual matters. Not only is our God the god of second chances, but our nation allows ANYONE with gifts and talents to rise above if given an opportunity. Mr. Williams’ kept his dream alive under adverse circumstances that would have broken or embittered many other men. Every homeless person—every person period—has a story, has talents, abilities, and has the same emotions and aspirations as anyone else. Everyone has value—Mr. Williams epitomizes the fundamental principles of our country in many ways.

It’s a story Hollywood would be hard-pressed to write and yet it’s REALITY here.

He may be given this admittedly quite rare and lavish opportunity, but now it’s still up to him to keep it. To not only stay clean, be responsible, but do a job reliably at a high level of performance. This is the kind of meritocracy that we live in. And yeah Cadet, there IS sometimes luck involved. But stay optimistic, keep working, keep trying. Easy to be discouraged, but instead of being spiteful because of Mr. Williams, maybe let his story inspire you instead.

Aaron747 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:25 pm

Quoting Slider (Reply 29):
In no other country on earth would something like this happen.

Did God speak to you personally about American exceptionalism?

What an utterly illogical statement of American exceptionalism.

Let's take the case of Shiho Fujita, shall we? This chick never went to college, was constantly harassed by cops for her looks, and couldn't land a job. The article doesn't mention it, but it's well-known in Japan that prior to becoming an entrepreneur she was a drug addict and owed debts to an abusive organized crime boyfriend. In spite of all that adversity, she is now one of Japan's most successful young marketers.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20061122f1.html

Her company even started a rice farm as a marketing gimmick called "Cute Agriculture".

Don't give me this crap about this kind of stuff only being possible in the US. Luck, talent and hard work will yield good results in most capitalist societies.

bmacleod · Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:27 pm

One great story coming out of the great recession.

Looking at a distance, you'd think he was directly related to President Obama. He has Obama's eyes for sure.

n6238p · Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:45 pm

I'm going to go against the grain here and say I'm not buying the feel good part about this story. This man is turning into the Michael Vick of broadcasting. He had his breaks in the past, he's had chances. Maybe not at a national level but fact of the matter is that he was a guy with a gift and he threw it away. Someone found a voice-over he did back in 2008 so its not like people in the media haven't discovered him before.

Now a quick video and a few sensationalist stories on the news and we're all ready to welcome back a convicted felon with a rap sheet that goes back almost 20 years. That is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Aaron747 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:48 pm

Quoting N6238P (Reply 32):
we're all ready to welcome back a convicted felon with a rap sheet that goes back almost 20 years.

I understand where you're coming from, but it's important to remember that clinically, drug addiction begins with a choice, but evolves into a disease. Not making excuses for crimes committed - you do it, you serve the time - but why they were done needs to be put into context. He isn't necessarily a bad guy.

Zentraedi · Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:54 pm

Quoting N6238P (Reply 32):
Now a quick video and a few sensationalist stories on the news and we're all ready to welcome back a convicted felon with a rap sheet that goes back almost 20 years. That is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Wait, what? So, you want him to stay homeless, sit, and mull about what a bad boy he's been?

Why can't you just be happy that someone is getting on with his life in an honest and productive manner?

Seems pretty spiteful.

futurepilot16 · Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:56 pm

Quoting N6238P (Reply 32):
Now a quick video and a few sensationalist stories on the news and we're all ready to welcome back a convicted felon with a rap sheet that goes back almost 20 years. That is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

I'm really glad people who have this kind of opinion really doesn't have the final say in this country. People make mistakes, especially with addictions. It ruins lives, and the simple fact that this man has fought back against his demons are a miracle enough. I know if it were up to you, guys like this would be locked away in some Maximum security facility in the midwest just so that the rest of society can go on with their lives and forget that they exist. To me that's just very wrong!

PC12Fan · Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:17 pm

Quoting N6238P (Reply 32):
Now a quick video and a few sensationalist stories on the news and we're all ready to welcome back a convicted felon with a rap sheet that goes back almost 20 years. That is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Some - not all, actually do better their lives. To dismiss them all in a blink of an eye is a bit close minded. I agree with you with dealing with the scum that continue to break the law with no remorse. But this guy is trying to make something good of his life now. Why not throw him a bone?

n6238p · Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:34 pm

Quoting Zentraedi (Reply 34):
Why can't you just be happy that someone is getting on with his life in an honest and productive manner?

Really? Because he's been sober for 2 years he claims and he has arrests for various offenses between now and then. Real honest guy we got here.

Quoting futurepilot16 (Reply 35):
I know if it were up to you, guys like this would be locked away in some Maximum security facility in the midwest just so that the rest of society can go on with their lives and forget that they exist. To me that's just very wrong!

I know I can't believe I think that either! I never knew this about myself.

Quoting PC12Fan (Reply 36):
Why not throw him a bone?

I do not think we do enough as a country to help the homeless but don't you think just giving him everything is a bit counter productive. Its great he has beaten his addiction but does this mean he should just get job offers, homes, gifts, money just at the snap of a finger? How is this helping him? What does he learn from this? What do we learn? So far the only lesson I learn from this is I can screw everything up but eventually someone will bail me out.

BAKJet · Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:46 pm

Quoting Mudboy (Reply 16):
and dug himself out of a hole

Ummm, he dug himself into that very same hole.

Quoting ronglimeng (Reply 28):

I wish the best for this guy but...

right now it seems he has caught a lucky break and it is unclear whether he has really been able to throw off any of the demons that have caused him trouble. In the rush to put out a "feel good" story, his likely vulnerability and fragility seem to have been ignored.

I have a bad feeling that he is just being fed into the news/entertainment machine and that this is not going to end well.

I agree. Does anyone (except him) really know his background, except what he has told us? He could have mental health issues, why should we trust him that he's not still an addict (I'm pretty sure he'd say that he was clean no matter what) and ,it may just be me, but he "praised god" A TON on the Morning Show or Good Morning America, or whatever it was, and that made is seem like he was hiding something and was trying to gain support among the ultra-religious crowd.

Zentraedi · Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:01 pm

Quoting N6238P (Reply 37):
Really? Because he's been sober for 2 years he claims and he has arrests for various offenses between now and then. Real honest guy we got here.

So...therefore he's not allowed to move on with his life? Seriously, what do you think he should do? Crawl into a hole and die?

Sounds petty and spiteful.

n6238p · Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:27 pm

How is anything that is happening to this man normal? I think it is ridiculous the attention he's getting and the absolute blind job offers from major corporations for major positions are even worse. Most of these companies calling into radio shows and television programs are only trying to plug their crap anyways. MTV, the Cavilers, GMA, etc only care about this story because it gets them ratings. If they really cared about the homeless they would have pulled tons of down on their luck people off the streets and into their corporations.

PC12Fan · Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:25 pm

There is one major factor that makes it different from the rest - the voice. It's being supplemented by the "appearance" that this guy truly is genuine. I think he's being more than sincere.

But if he's pulling a sham, he's doing a helluva job of it.

Maverick623 · Sat Jan 08, 2011 12:57 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 21):

I'm out of place? I graduated almost 2 years ago. I've sent out well in excess of 1000 resumes to TV and radio stations all across the country...from Maine to California. Hell, I can't even get a job at Walmart, Wawa, Target, Best Buy, etc. because I'm "overqualified." This guy has a sob story and gets a job? I have a sob story too. It's not as bad as his, but it's pretty bad.

Bitter at this guy? You bet I am.

I am bitter at ANYONE middle aged or older who lost their job, and got another one, while a VERY low percentage of recent college grads can even find a job.

For someone who supposedly went to college for this, you know jack shit about the entertainment industry. They don't give a damn which dean signed whose paper. They want talent. They want someone who draws in viewers. I dunno, maybe you slept in through the first day of Showbiz 101.

And as far as your attitude about "middle aged or older guys" getting jobs instead of you, I guarantee you if the roles were reversed, you'd be bitching about the dumb youth who have no real-world experience (just a classroom setting) getting jobs instead of you, the experienced know-it-all with a family to support.

And honestly, don't be mad just because you bought into the whole "college degrees are everything" crap. I made a choice to drop out and take a job I wanted. Just a mere 4 years later, I make over 15 bucks an hour, plenty of overtime available, and several opportunities to advance. And when a job comes up that requires a piece of paper, I'll go back and finish my degree.

I also have a sneaking suspicion that your holier-than-thou attitude is responsible for you not being able to land any job, not your "over-qualification" statement (which is truly only made by those with inflated egos).

Mortyman · Sat Jan 08, 2011 1:21 am

Quoting Slider (Reply 29):
In no other country on earth would something like this happen

Oh, please. I'm not sure I should laugh or cry about this statement. You can't be serious !

[Edited 2011-01-07 17:24:44]

D L X · Sat Jan 08, 2011 1:50 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 14):
I am not kidding. I have had 5 years of journalistic training, including 5 years on radio. I have interned at one of the largest news outlets on the planet, and yet cannot find a job.

Well, you should march your way right up to the nearest radio station and tell them that you are entitled to a job. However, brace yourself when you do. You might find that the homeless drug shooter that just got your gig has something else that you might not have: talent.

Seriously dude, bad form with all this entitlement stuff. It's like being pissed off that meatheads that didn't go to grad school and all that make 100x as much money as you just because they can throw a baseball really fast.

Quoting BAKJet (Reply 38):
Ummm, he dug himself into that very same hole.

I'm sorry, but are you really giving him NO credit for bringing himself back? Wow.

Cadet985 · Sat Jan 08, 2011 2:00 am

Quoting Maverick623 (Reply 42):
you know jack shit about the entertainment industry

Quoting Maverick623 (Reply 42):
Showbiz 101

You're right. I know jack shit about the entertainment industry. That's because the entertainment industry is a bunch of bull. I studied JOURNALISM and BROADCASTING. I studied production and radio and TV station operations. I studied hard news. Not who Paris Hilton is blowing this week, or who's sleeping with who, or who's coming out of the closet.

Marc

D L X · Sat Jan 08, 2011 2:15 am

Quoting Cadet985 (Reply 45):
I studied JOURNALISM and BROADCASTING.

Then you're not even in competition with this guy! Why are you so sour to him?

einsteinboricua · Sat Jan 08, 2011 2:21 am

Quoting N6238P (Reply 32):
Now a quick video and a few sensationalist stories on the news and we're all ready to welcome back a convicted felon with a rap sheet that goes back almost 20 years. That is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Isn't that what we all do? Don't we support the countless of singers and actors that fall into drugs and then come back?...it's quite simple: these people knew when to stop and rebuilt their lives, sometimes without outside help. To me, this is worthy of my support.

Quoting ronglimeng (Reply 28):

I wish the best for this guy but...

right now it seems he has caught a lucky break and it is unclear whether he has really been able to throw off any of the demons that have caused him trouble. In the rush to put out a "feel good" story, his likely vulnerability and fragility seem to have been ignored.

I have a bad feeling that he is just being fed into the news/entertainment machine and that this is not going to end well.

Best of luck to him and I hope he now has people back around him who can help him.

I don't think this will happen at all. He already has a nice job, he knows how bad it can get. I have faith that he has learned a lesson. Unlike many other celebrities who only get 15 days of fame because of their 15 second YouTube video and are never heard from again, this guy has talent and looks to have a will to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even if he does disappear from radar, I still think he will try to remain the reformed person he is now.

Quoting Mortyman (Reply 43):
Quoting Slider (Reply 29):
In no other country on earth would something like this happen

Oh, please. I'm not sure I should laugh or cry about this statement. You can't be serious !

Well, to be honest, I haven't heard cases like these anywhere else which is why I tend to agree with Slider. Can it happen? Absolutely. Has it happened? I haven't heard (and if I have, then I have short-term memory...)

Mudboy · Sat Jan 08, 2011 3:26 am

Quoting N6238P (Reply 37):
Really? Because he's been sober for 2 years he claims and he has arrests for various offenses between now and then. Real honest guy we got here.

Quoting BAKJet (Reply 38):
Ummm, he dug himself into that very same hole.

So when you fall down a hole, you expect everyone to just stay there right? Are we just to walk past those that make mistakes because we are so special? From everything I have seen from this guy of late, he seems genuine and what people fail to see, is that this may give inspiration to others, to not give up on life. Yes there are many people that have been offered help over and over, and they wish to continue down the path of destruction. This man is not one of those people. I slept in a bed last night, got something to eat when I woke up, and watched TV before I went to work, meanwhile someone somewhere, is just trying to stay warm, and wonder where their next meal is going to come from? I try to keep myself in check, and realize, I could have it way worse. I have worked hard, and been lucky on a few occasions, but not everyone is as fortunate. This is a great story, but I have no doubt that everything about this guys past, will be dug up by the media, good or bad?
I am happy for this guy, and saddened by all the haters. When we stop caring about our fellow man, we cease to be human, and remember to err, is to be human.
Stay Safe

BAKJet · Sat Jan 08, 2011 3:39 am

Quoting D L X (Reply 44):
Quoting BAKJet (Reply 38):
Ummm, he dug himself into that very same hole.

I'm sorry, but are you really giving him NO credit for bringing himself back? Wow.

Ok, let me say, I think this story is great and if he can keep it up, then awsome for him. But, I just feel like people are totally ignoring the fact that he wasn't just laid-off due to budget cuts, he was fired for (I assume) drug and alcohol abuse.

Quoting Mudboy (Reply 48):
So when you fall down a hole, you expect everyone to just stay there right? Are we just to walk past those that make mistakes because we are so special? From everything I have seen from this guy of late, he seems genuine and what people fail to see, is that this may give inspiration to others, to not give up on life. Yes there are many people that have been offered help over and over, and they wish to continue down the path of destruction. This man is not one of those people. I slept in a bed last night, got something to eat when I woke up, and watched TV before I went to work, meanwhile someone somewhere, is just trying to stay warm, and wonder where their next meal is going to come from? I try to keep myself in check, and realize, I could have it way worse. I have worked hard, and been lucky on a few occasions, but not everyone is as fortunate. This is a great story, but I have no doubt that everything about this guys past, will be dug up by the media, good or bad?
I am happy for this guy, and saddened by all the haters. When we stop caring about our fellow man, we cease to be human, and remember to err, is to be human.

Look, I care for my fellow humans, I do charity work in some way almost weekly. I believe that his man SHOULD be given a second chance, as should everyone, because, YES, everyone screws up. But, this is an awfully big second chance and, while this guy is suddenly catapulted to the top, hundreds of thousands, if not million of people, remain homeless and hungry due to no fault of their own. While this guy is being given a second chance, others have never even been give a first chance.

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