Bill Guarnere of Band of Brothers Fame Dead At Age 90

World War II Veteran Bill Guarnere who was portrayed on TV's "Band of Brothers," died at the age of 90 this Saturday.

From the story on NBCPhiladelphia.com:

"Friends and family are mourning the death of a national hero. William 'Wild Bill' Guarnere, a South Philly native and World War II vet who was portrayed on the television miniseries, 'Band of Brothers,' died on Saturday at the age of 90.

"Guarnere's son, William Guarnere Jr., confirmed Sunday that his father died at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Guarnere was rushed to the hospital early Saturday and died of a ruptured aneurysm early Saturday night."

Those brave men and women who made up "The Greatest Generation" are becoming fewer and fewer. Their stories need to be preserved for future generations.

Here are videos of Bill portrayed in the show, as well as an actual interview with Guarnere in his South Philadelphia home.

More Photos From Beautiful Cairns, Australia

The temperatures we've encountered on our journey through Australia -- a vast country that encompasses many terrains and climates -- have ranged from the 40s to the 100s.
Here in the lovely resort town of Cairns we've come upon a tropical environment that suits us quite well, thank you. It's lush and green and bright with a multitude of colors and textures -- quite the opposite of the Outback.
As you can see from these photos, it's still summer in Cairns and midday temperatures have ranged in the 90s. And, there can be tropical showers at almost anytime as well as winds off the bay and ocean.
Today was a near-perfect late summer day, however and we spent much time outdoors.
Stay with us as our once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure continues!

'Home' For This Part Of Our Australian Adventure

We're in beautiful Cairns, a lovely resort town in Queesnland. Australia as we continue our incredible adventure Down Under.
While here we're staying at one of the largest hotels in town, The Pullman International.
This is our home away from home -- for now. But tomorrow we'll be traveling again and headed to Sydney.
We'll keep you posted as you follow along with us!

Governor Christie Speaks At CPAC 2014

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington D.C. today. You can see his speech in its entirety here:

Obama Administration Continues To Backpedal On Health Care

If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan... for two more years.

The Obama administration continues to backpedal on the Affordable Care Act, extending the period that consumers can purchase their health care plans that don't meet the standards of Obamacare.

From the New York Times:

"The reprieve was the latest in a series of waivers, deadline extensions and unilateral actions by the administration that have drawn criticism from the law’s opponents and supporters, many saying President Obama was testing the limits of his powers.

"The action reflects the difficulties Mr. Obama has faced in trying to build support for the Affordable Care Act and the uproar over his promise — which he later acknowledged had been overstated — that people who liked their insurance plans could keep them, no matter what.

"Under pressure from Democratic candidates, who are struggling to defend the president’s signature domestic policy, Mr. Obama in November announced a one-year reprieve for insurance plans that did not meet the minimum coverage requirements of the 2010 health care law.

"Wednesday’s action goes much further, essentially stalling for two more years one of the central tenets of the much-debated law, which was supposed to eliminate what White House officials called substandard insurance and junk policies. 

"The extension could help Democrats in tight midterm election races because it may avoid the cancellation of policies that would otherwise have occurred at the height of the political campaign season this fall."

While the administration is trying to smooth things over, saying this move allows for a better transition to the Affordable Care Act, the real truth is once again bubbling to the surface.

Obamacare wasn't ready to be thrust upon the American people. Obamacare may never be ready. The problems the web site, the difficulty with enrollment, and now extension after extension is trying to salvage the Obama administration's clout and any Democratic credibility for the upcoming elections and the next presidential bid.

My hope is that the American people will see through this move by a desperate administration and show their displeasure with this so-called Affordable Care Act in the voting booths. 

Christie Video: I'm Trying To Save The Pensions!

Good Mornin, Everybody!

A special G'day to everybody!

Yeah, We Saw Kangaroos In The Wild, Mate!

You got it -- right there in the center of the photo, mate!

Sunset, Kangaroos, Barbee On The Outback!

We're in Australia's rough 'n ready Outback country near beautiful Alice Springs. Enjoy!
BTW: Do you see the two kangaroos peering from the top of the rock in the photo above? Look closely!
All photos copyright 2014 by Dan Cirucci.

Another One Of Melbourne's Spectacular Attractions

The Crown Hotel and entertainment center in Melbourne is attached to the largest casino in the Southern Hemisphere.