It's important to remember that just plugging the word "vaccine" into Google doesn't make you a researcher.
I'm not sure why people are so anti-vaccine in 2017. I think part of it is because of our short memories-people no longer die under age five of yellow fever and diphtheria. The same can be said for polio. Don't lecture me about vaccines being bad when you personally don't have to deal with life in an iron lung. The guy on the internet does not know more than your doctor, no matter he might claim.
The same can be said about depression as well. Over medication might be a problem, in particular with antibiotics. To people suffering with depression though, medications can keep us sane. Just because you know one person who takes Prozac and is still depressed that doesn't negate the rest of us who rely on the medication in order to wake up in the morning without crippling feelings of doubt and doom.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
The Oscars
Every year I host an online Oscar party. Everyone is invited, you can being your own booze and cigars and there is only one rule. No one can talk about the Oscars. At all. Period. My bull terrier is specially trained to attack and kill anyone who mentions anything about award shows that night. I will not stop her.
I get it-we all have different interests. My entertainment tastes lean much more towards music than they do movies. I don't watch the Grammys either for the record. Most award shows either enforce the obvious (Do we really need awards to know that Meryl Strep is a great actress? Really?) or exist solely for deeply insecure people to get reassurance on how wonderful they are (Remember the Blockbuster awards? Even the winners don't care about that one).
Do plumbers, truck drivers and carpenters need yearly awards to be told how wonderful they are? Of course not. If they weren't good at their job, they'd starve to death. They are too busy working to pat themselves on the back.
I get it-we all have different interests. My entertainment tastes lean much more towards music than they do movies. I don't watch the Grammys either for the record. Most award shows either enforce the obvious (Do we really need awards to know that Meryl Strep is a great actress? Really?) or exist solely for deeply insecure people to get reassurance on how wonderful they are (Remember the Blockbuster awards? Even the winners don't care about that one).
Do plumbers, truck drivers and carpenters need yearly awards to be told how wonderful they are? Of course not. If they weren't good at their job, they'd starve to death. They are too busy working to pat themselves on the back.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Scripture Sunday Alma 15:16
No matter what the reason is, betrayal by friends and family can be among the worst things that happens to someone. While no scripture passage can make the pain easier to deal with, it is comforting sometimes to know that it's happened in the past. Like many other subjects that we have to deal with today, the Book of Mormon has scripture verses about that as well.
We don't know the details of course and the "good news" is that they still had each other-but being LDS we sometimes have to deal with the disapproval we once considered friends. In the worst cases, people we were once very close too no longer speak or associate with us. Thankfully, this has never happened to me-but I know a few converts who sadly have dealt with this.
We don't know the details of course and the "good news" is that they still had each other-but being LDS we sometimes have to deal with the disapproval we once considered friends. In the worst cases, people we were once very close too no longer speak or associate with us. Thankfully, this has never happened to me-but I know a few converts who sadly have dealt with this.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Alan Colmes, RIP
Alan Colmes, the former Foxnews anchor passed away at the young age of 66 on Thursday. It's very tragic. He was young-sixty six in todays society is certainly not what it was thirty or forty years ago. I do not know how he died, but apparently it was only a "brief illness"-so that's tragic as well. It was out of the blue and unexpected.
I liked the show he was on for many years-Hannity and Colmes. Even though I agreed with Hannity more than Colmes, I personally liked Colmes better. I had the pleasure of a brief email exchange with him way back, probably before 2006. I liked his style and the respect he showed those who disagreed with him, while I thought then (and still do today) that Hannity was snobbish and condescending-how an aging glory days athlete would act. Colmes emailed me back and said something along the lines of "Thanks for watching and I really appreciate the kind words." Very sweet of him to do that-he probably got thousands of emails a day.
In a world of screaming of each other, Colmes was one of the last kind and decent people in journalism.
I liked the show he was on for many years-Hannity and Colmes. Even though I agreed with Hannity more than Colmes, I personally liked Colmes better. I had the pleasure of a brief email exchange with him way back, probably before 2006. I liked his style and the respect he showed those who disagreed with him, while I thought then (and still do today) that Hannity was snobbish and condescending-how an aging glory days athlete would act. Colmes emailed me back and said something along the lines of "Thanks for watching and I really appreciate the kind words." Very sweet of him to do that-he probably got thousands of emails a day.
In a world of screaming of each other, Colmes was one of the last kind and decent people in journalism.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Album of the weekend
Poison-Look What the Cat Dragged In
While I think "Open Up and Say Ahh" is their best overall album "Look What the Cat Dragged In" is also good. The title track is a sure fire classic and is among the better hair band anthems of the time. The subject matter of partying all night and sleeping all day is truly how these bands really lived or how they wanted to present to the public how they lived. It's one of my favorite songs of the era. So is "Talk Dirty to Me" another tawdry 1980's song and one of their biggest hits.
I recently saw Bret Michaels live after a Tampa Rays game. For a guy who suffered some serious health problems it was truly wonderful to see him bouncing around the stage and singing with energy and passion. Poison is a sometimes forgotten about or viewed as an afterthought when talking about 80's hair bands but they'll never be forgotten by true fans of the genre.
While I think "Open Up and Say Ahh" is their best overall album "Look What the Cat Dragged In" is also good. The title track is a sure fire classic and is among the better hair band anthems of the time. The subject matter of partying all night and sleeping all day is truly how these bands really lived or how they wanted to present to the public how they lived. It's one of my favorite songs of the era. So is "Talk Dirty to Me" another tawdry 1980's song and one of their biggest hits.
I recently saw Bret Michaels live after a Tampa Rays game. For a guy who suffered some serious health problems it was truly wonderful to see him bouncing around the stage and singing with energy and passion. Poison is a sometimes forgotten about or viewed as an afterthought when talking about 80's hair bands but they'll never be forgotten by true fans of the genre.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Lottery ruining your life...
So someone in Scotland won the lottery and is now suing the lottery because it's ruined her life. No, I don't have much sympathy for her either. Your life isn't that bad when all your bills are paid and you don't need to worry about paying your rent and feeding your family. She's also complaining about not being able to get plastered every night. Poor baby.
Let's try to put it all that aside for a minute.
People who play the lottery are usually poorer than people who do not. Sorry, it's the truth and just because you know a doctor who plays the lottery doesn't change statistics. Logically, people who win the lottery will probably be people who aren't very well off. Winning all that money will instantly place them in a different social circle than all their friends and relatives. While it might feel good at first, there is a chance their daily life afterwards might be very difficult. Obviously everyone will be asking them for money-and people do not like to hear the word no.
Playing the lottery is a bad idea, and perhaps winning it is too.
Let's try to put it all that aside for a minute.
People who play the lottery are usually poorer than people who do not. Sorry, it's the truth and just because you know a doctor who plays the lottery doesn't change statistics. Logically, people who win the lottery will probably be people who aren't very well off. Winning all that money will instantly place them in a different social circle than all their friends and relatives. While it might feel good at first, there is a chance their daily life afterwards might be very difficult. Obviously everyone will be asking them for money-and people do not like to hear the word no.
Playing the lottery is a bad idea, and perhaps winning it is too.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Tattoo Girls
Have you seen that new show on TLC?
It's a great show on TLC about a tattoo parlor that only employs women-I have no problem with that, several of my tattoos have been done by women. So no, that's not what this is about.
It is a reality show and yes, it's a guilty pleasure. I know it's not real. A real tattoo parlor must have fairly mundane clients pass though. Tribals, Pintrest tattoos, cursive lettering-basic things that seen every day by artists with a few years experience. Rarely does someone come in and want a full face tattoo or something really distinct and out there. Real life can be sort of mundane and ordinary, so can a tattoo shop.
Like wrestling, people who don't like reality shows love to tell us how fake they are. It's like sometime telling you, "Dude, the Ramones? Ever heard of them? Great band!" Gee, no kidding. We get it, it's fake. The producers manipulate the show. We know this, and most of us are willing to suspend the disbelief for an hour or so to enjoy the show.
It's a great show on TLC about a tattoo parlor that only employs women-I have no problem with that, several of my tattoos have been done by women. So no, that's not what this is about.
It is a reality show and yes, it's a guilty pleasure. I know it's not real. A real tattoo parlor must have fairly mundane clients pass though. Tribals, Pintrest tattoos, cursive lettering-basic things that seen every day by artists with a few years experience. Rarely does someone come in and want a full face tattoo or something really distinct and out there. Real life can be sort of mundane and ordinary, so can a tattoo shop.
Like wrestling, people who don't like reality shows love to tell us how fake they are. It's like sometime telling you, "Dude, the Ramones? Ever heard of them? Great band!" Gee, no kidding. We get it, it's fake. The producers manipulate the show. We know this, and most of us are willing to suspend the disbelief for an hour or so to enjoy the show.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
The end of Milo
Milo (you know you've succeeded when you can go by your first name) was invited to CPAC to speak recently. Like I mentioned in my previous blog about him (click here) I think he is the male version of Ann Coulter without the hate or inability to laugh at themselves. CPAC didn't agree with me and they invited him to speak. It turned out that he made some very controversial comments in the past about minor children. Upon hearing that, CPAC disinvited him.
No one is in favor of the comments that he made. They were sick and perverted and no, you can't talk your way out them. But let's take a deep breath for a minute.
He has not been accused of personally doing such acts-so it's unfair to label him. We also need to apply the same level of scrutiny to someone who we agreed with politically. Ask yourself-if someone I agreed with did this, how would I feel? I'm not saying that I'm perfect or totally objective. My first response over this was to defend Milo, whom I like and agree with on many issues. Then again,I have to admit that if someone I disagreed with made these comments, I'd probably jump on them right away.
Will his career end over this? I'm not sure. It's obviously not going to help. We'll see where it goes.
Update-as of 3:00 today, Milo is out at Breitbart news.
No one is in favor of the comments that he made. They were sick and perverted and no, you can't talk your way out them. But let's take a deep breath for a minute.
He has not been accused of personally doing such acts-so it's unfair to label him. We also need to apply the same level of scrutiny to someone who we agreed with politically. Ask yourself-if someone I agreed with did this, how would I feel? I'm not saying that I'm perfect or totally objective. My first response over this was to defend Milo, whom I like and agree with on many issues. Then again,I have to admit that if someone I disagreed with made these comments, I'd probably jump on them right away.
Will his career end over this? I'm not sure. It's obviously not going to help. We'll see where it goes.
Update-as of 3:00 today, Milo is out at Breitbart news.
Monday, February 20, 2017
The Station Nightclub Fire
The singer from Great White recently talked about the Station Nightclub fire, the famous fire that took place in February of 2003. This link provides a synopsis of the interview.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard about the fire. Although I do have some Great White albums I've never been a big fan and I did not know about the concert at the time it was happening. Hearing about it on the news was still shocking and upsetting to me-I said to myself "I could have been there." I could have been there because if there was another band from that genre and that era playing, there was a good chance I would have gone. I'm not from Rhode Island but I did go to concerts in the Massachusetts-Rhode Island area. The girl I was dating at the time was from Worcester.
I was over twenty at the time and of course, as an adult, lived through 9/11. 9/11 was different. I knew someone in New York City at the time but he wasn't even close to Manhattan, had no connection with Manhattan, and I didn't really talk to him much. So while I obviously had my heart broken that day I didn't have a personal connection to it. While it's true I didn't have a personal connection to the fire (again, I knew no one who went) I felt like I did because of the shared interests.
My heart still breaks for the people who died, and of course, the people who lived. It's obvious that my pain will never come close to the pain felt by those who lost loved ones there, and I would never claim that it does. Like the lead singer of Great White says, "The pain never goes away, nor should it." A lot of us feel that way, no matter what are connection to the event was.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard about the fire. Although I do have some Great White albums I've never been a big fan and I did not know about the concert at the time it was happening. Hearing about it on the news was still shocking and upsetting to me-I said to myself "I could have been there." I could have been there because if there was another band from that genre and that era playing, there was a good chance I would have gone. I'm not from Rhode Island but I did go to concerts in the Massachusetts-Rhode Island area. The girl I was dating at the time was from Worcester.
I was over twenty at the time and of course, as an adult, lived through 9/11. 9/11 was different. I knew someone in New York City at the time but he wasn't even close to Manhattan, had no connection with Manhattan, and I didn't really talk to him much. So while I obviously had my heart broken that day I didn't have a personal connection to it. While it's true I didn't have a personal connection to the fire (again, I knew no one who went) I felt like I did because of the shared interests.
My heart still breaks for the people who died, and of course, the people who lived. It's obvious that my pain will never come close to the pain felt by those who lost loved ones there, and I would never claim that it does. Like the lead singer of Great White says, "The pain never goes away, nor should it." A lot of us feel that way, no matter what are connection to the event was.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Scripture Sunday Mosiah 18:21
Ahh, romance. This passage is one of the most romantic scripture verses in the entire book of Mormon. Sure, no one reads the Book of Mormon for romance, but it's still a very sweet passage. Personally, I think the famous "love is not jealous, etc" that everyone reads on their wedding day is cliched and false. Real love is jealous. Think of your beloved in the arms of another man/woman and than ask yourself if real love is "jealous" or not.
This is one of the most clear and beautiful passages on what love should be in the entire book of Mormon and in scripture period. Totally beautiful.
This is one of the most clear and beautiful passages on what love should be in the entire book of Mormon and in scripture period. Totally beautiful.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Genealogy
I'm sure you've heard people say that "If you go far enough back, we are all related in some way." While it might be true from a genealogists standpoint and it makes us all feel warm in cuddly inside, in reality it's total garbage. Once you get to be my eight cousin four times removed, we aren't related. Sorry, but it's the truth. Actually the truth is that I barely know (or care to know) my first cousins much less my second, third etc.
I don't like genealogy. in fact, it bores me to tears. I've experienced two things in the LDS church when I say this. One is (surprisingly) relief. I've had one or two people say they also don't like genealogy and feel sort of alone thinking that way. The other thing I've experienced is people being insulted by it. Just because someone doesn't like the same hobby-it's not a personal insult to those who enjoy the hobby. You'd think people over nine years old would figure with this out, but they don't. It's not a genealogy thing, it's a human thing I guess. we need to fight our natures.
I don't like genealogy. in fact, it bores me to tears. I've experienced two things in the LDS church when I say this. One is (surprisingly) relief. I've had one or two people say they also don't like genealogy and feel sort of alone thinking that way. The other thing I've experienced is people being insulted by it. Just because someone doesn't like the same hobby-it's not a personal insult to those who enjoy the hobby. You'd think people over nine years old would figure with this out, but they don't. It's not a genealogy thing, it's a human thing I guess. we need to fight our natures.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Album of the weekend
In This Moment-The Dream
Sure, I have many favorite songs. All music junkies do. The song "Forever" is right up there. I think it should be used as a wedding song-which is the biggest choice any couple will ever make in their lives. When I see couples pick bad songs it makes me cringe. What's the entire album like?
Fantastic.
Maria Brink has found her calling life, and it's to be the front woman of a metal band. She has the perfect balance between high pitched screams and a absolutely beautiful singing. I've never seen them live but I've heard rumors that the live show doesn't translate as well. Shame, because the entire album is incredibly good. For people who think there are no good metal bands out there today. they need to try this.
Sure, I have many favorite songs. All music junkies do. The song "Forever" is right up there. I think it should be used as a wedding song-which is the biggest choice any couple will ever make in their lives. When I see couples pick bad songs it makes me cringe. What's the entire album like?
Fantastic.
Maria Brink has found her calling life, and it's to be the front woman of a metal band. She has the perfect balance between high pitched screams and a absolutely beautiful singing. I've never seen them live but I've heard rumors that the live show doesn't translate as well. Shame, because the entire album is incredibly good. For people who think there are no good metal bands out there today. they need to try this.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
The process of governing
Trump and Trumpers are realizing that the actual process of governing is a lot harder than they thought it was. Even with a republican majority in both the house and senate and a republican president, actually getting nominees approved, much less bills passed-it's not like the business world, is it?
Like many of us have said many times, the business world and the political world are completely different. In the business world a CEO can order you to do something. The president can order you to do something to a degree-he or she can't force their nominees though senate and they actually have limited power with executive orders. The drama going on with the current Trump executive orders shows how limited presidential power really is.
The American people complain all the time about "gridlock" and "how nothing gets done" in politics. It's a good thing in reality-when nothing gets done that generally means nothing bad gets done. He who governs least governs best, after all.
Like many of us have said many times, the business world and the political world are completely different. In the business world a CEO can order you to do something. The president can order you to do something to a degree-he or she can't force their nominees though senate and they actually have limited power with executive orders. The drama going on with the current Trump executive orders shows how limited presidential power really is.
The American people complain all the time about "gridlock" and "how nothing gets done" in politics. It's a good thing in reality-when nothing gets done that generally means nothing bad gets done. He who governs least governs best, after all.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Experience vs your day to day life
I get what this is saying, and I generally agree. However there is a different perspective that it just as important.
Eventually your vacation to Europe, Mexico, California or whatever will end and you'll have to come home. If your day to day life at home is terrible, running from it won't make it better. Vacations-no matter how good they are-always come to an end. I'm not saying that an AppleWatch (I don't have one) or an iPhone 6s (I do have one) will make your life better. In fact, they probably won't. However if you find something to make your day to day life better (an enriching new hobby maybe) it'll probably help you more in the long run than just having "experience".
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Valentine's Day!
My three favorite love songs:
1. We're In This Together Now-Nine Inch Nails
2. Oh Oh I Love Her So-The Ramones
3. She's Automatic-Rancid
If you are single-stay busy, and here is a giant hug from me to you. Don't wallow in self pity or anger, it's only one day. Don't ruin Valentine's Day for everyone and don't complain about people who are in relationships. Stay upbeat and strong and eventually you'll find someone to share your life with.
If you are in a relationship-don't complain about Valentine's Day being "just another day"! And whatever you do, don't buy some D-list stuffed animal from Walgreens! Think outside the box and surprise your partner. Don't gloat too much about being in a relationship either. You never know what the future holds.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
1. We're In This Together Now-Nine Inch Nails
2. Oh Oh I Love Her So-The Ramones
3. She's Automatic-Rancid
If you are single-stay busy, and here is a giant hug from me to you. Don't wallow in self pity or anger, it's only one day. Don't ruin Valentine's Day for everyone and don't complain about people who are in relationships. Stay upbeat and strong and eventually you'll find someone to share your life with.
If you are in a relationship-don't complain about Valentine's Day being "just another day"! And whatever you do, don't buy some D-list stuffed animal from Walgreens! Think outside the box and surprise your partner. Don't gloat too much about being in a relationship either. You never know what the future holds.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Monday, February 13, 2017
Cursive writing
I am a controversial guy. On this blog and on my Facebook page I talk about politics, music, religion, social issues, and most controversially-my belief that cursive writing is rather antiquated and perhaps doesn't need to be taught in schools. For the record, I can read and write in cursive but no, I don't think it's an art form and frankly, it's not a skill that is in great need in 2017.
Oh boy, did this kick up a hornets nest. I was stunned, stunned that people cared so much about this issue. Saying that I think cursive is sort of useless was the moral equivalent of talking about someones mother and saying their religion is false. To end the argument/discussion I said "Out of everything I post about on Facebook THIS is the most controversial? Let's get back to talking about abortion and gun rights."
Some people complain that high school graduates aren't ready for college, much less the real world. They can't read and write a complete sentence and worse, they only communicate using texting language and emoticons. This is a problem, though I think the older generations are too tough on younger ones. The majority of high school graduates can probably communicate in complete sentences. Just because they have a typo here or there doesn't mean much. Interestingly enough though, many people who complain about the skill set of high schoolers want them to learn cursive instead of balancing a checkbook or learning basic business skills like negotiating or how to take orders from a boss. In the real world, if your boss asks you to stay late guess what-it's best to stay late. Some high schoolers don't know that.
Cursive writing won't help them. Important documents that at one time were written in cursive are available in different languages, not to mention different fonts. Not being able to read cursive does not mean you won't be able to read the Constitution-but people won't read that anyway-curisve or not.
Oh boy, did this kick up a hornets nest. I was stunned, stunned that people cared so much about this issue. Saying that I think cursive is sort of useless was the moral equivalent of talking about someones mother and saying their religion is false. To end the argument/discussion I said "Out of everything I post about on Facebook THIS is the most controversial? Let's get back to talking about abortion and gun rights."
Some people complain that high school graduates aren't ready for college, much less the real world. They can't read and write a complete sentence and worse, they only communicate using texting language and emoticons. This is a problem, though I think the older generations are too tough on younger ones. The majority of high school graduates can probably communicate in complete sentences. Just because they have a typo here or there doesn't mean much. Interestingly enough though, many people who complain about the skill set of high schoolers want them to learn cursive instead of balancing a checkbook or learning basic business skills like negotiating or how to take orders from a boss. In the real world, if your boss asks you to stay late guess what-it's best to stay late. Some high schoolers don't know that.
Cursive writing won't help them. Important documents that at one time were written in cursive are available in different languages, not to mention different fonts. Not being able to read cursive does not mean you won't be able to read the Constitution-but people won't read that anyway-curisve or not.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Scripture Sunday 2 Nephi 2:25
This might be one of the most famous passages in the Book of Mormon. While it's true, it could be read to be many things in my view it's a reminder to be happy and have joy in our hearts. So often religious people are severe, serious and sometimes even cruel. That's a horrific way to live your life, and it's a terrible way to show others how religious people live. Ask yourself-would you join a church where the members are all grumpy or sad?
I can still see why this passage is confusing. The fall of Adam led to eternal sin for mankind, but the coming of Christ led to eternal joy. Happiness is the farthest thing from being "shallow" or "naive" in fact, it a world that often seems dark and cruel-it takes a great effort not to succumb to the misery that can surround you. This little passage is a wonderful reminder that all of us should have joy in our hearts.
I can still see why this passage is confusing. The fall of Adam led to eternal sin for mankind, but the coming of Christ led to eternal joy. Happiness is the farthest thing from being "shallow" or "naive" in fact, it a world that often seems dark and cruel-it takes a great effort not to succumb to the misery that can surround you. This little passage is a wonderful reminder that all of us should have joy in our hearts.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Athletes skipping the White House visit
As a big sports fan (it's who I am, sorry not sorry as the cool kids say) and political junkie I've always been interested when sports and politics collide. It happens more than what people realize. Colin Kapernick and Curt Schilling (two vastly different belief systems there) are the most recent examples but I'm sure it's been happening for years now. Pre-Muhammad Ali, though it's obvious he brought it to the forefront.
Like everything else in politics, how you feel about this issue will probably depend on what side of the fence you are on. Coli Kapernick stands up for freedom, justice, liberty and the American way when he kneels down during the national anthem. If a conservative athlete did it to protest abortion, than he's unpatriotic and a threat to all that makes America good. If you don't think like that-(if you support both athletes or dislike both athletes in my hypothetical situation) than you give me hope for the future.
Part of the White House visit is a team bonding experience. This doesn't happen to everyone every day-a visit to the White House surely is a rarity in life. Why not share it with your teammate as the final victory lap in what you accomplished? I thought this way when Bruins goalie Tim Thomas sat out meeting Obama and I think that way now when Patriots players don't go.
Like everything else in politics, how you feel about this issue will probably depend on what side of the fence you are on. Coli Kapernick stands up for freedom, justice, liberty and the American way when he kneels down during the national anthem. If a conservative athlete did it to protest abortion, than he's unpatriotic and a threat to all that makes America good. If you don't think like that-(if you support both athletes or dislike both athletes in my hypothetical situation) than you give me hope for the future.
Part of the White House visit is a team bonding experience. This doesn't happen to everyone every day-a visit to the White House surely is a rarity in life. Why not share it with your teammate as the final victory lap in what you accomplished? I thought this way when Bruins goalie Tim Thomas sat out meeting Obama and I think that way now when Patriots players don't go.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Album of the weekend
Ozzy Osbourne-Blizzard of Ozz
This is the best solo album from a former lead singer who decided to go solo. Ozzy Osbourne is like Lemmy from Motorhead-though not as badass or dedicated to metal. I can't imagine Lemmy having a reality show like Ozzy did. That's not to say Ozzy isn't amazing. It's more like in a battle between the two rock Gods-Lemmy is 1, Ozzy is 1A.
The best song on the album is also the most controversial-"Suicide Solution". Sadly, a young man killed himself after listening to this song over and over again. Suicide is a horrific tragedy and I feel so sorry for the family and for the kid of course. The first amendment and artistic expression triumph over the suicide of one person. Politics aside, it's a great song. So are "Crazy Train", "Mr. Crowley" and "Steal Away the Night".
This is the best solo album from a former lead singer who decided to go solo. Ozzy Osbourne is like Lemmy from Motorhead-though not as badass or dedicated to metal. I can't imagine Lemmy having a reality show like Ozzy did. That's not to say Ozzy isn't amazing. It's more like in a battle between the two rock Gods-Lemmy is 1, Ozzy is 1A.
The best song on the album is also the most controversial-"Suicide Solution". Sadly, a young man killed himself after listening to this song over and over again. Suicide is a horrific tragedy and I feel so sorry for the family and for the kid of course. The first amendment and artistic expression triumph over the suicide of one person. Politics aside, it's a great song. So are "Crazy Train", "Mr. Crowley" and "Steal Away the Night".
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Legalizing Marijuana
I'm in favor of legalizing marijuana, but I understand why people are generally against it. Is it the gateway drug? For some people, yes it is. The blunt truth is that no one starts doing drugs by using crystal meth and cocaine. I'm also wise enough to know that yes, some people smoke weed and only smoke weed. Not all pot smokers use crystal meth but I wouldn't be surprised to know that all crystal meth users started smoking pot.
I'm not torn on this-again, marijuana should be legalized for recreational purposes. I just have common sense on the issue.
Medicinal marijuana is more black and white. I have rule-if someone is dying of a terminal disease you let them do pretty much anything they want. in fact, I think it's monstrous (and yes, gravely evil) of a government or individual barring a person in the final stages of terminal cancer relief from their pain. Will medicinal marijuana be abused? Of course it will be. Your 21 year old nephew who suffers from "depression" will use this law to get high, and that is sad-but that doesn't take away from your terminally ill grandmother who uses it to keep the last few months of her life bearable.
I'm not torn on this-again, marijuana should be legalized for recreational purposes. I just have common sense on the issue.
Medicinal marijuana is more black and white. I have rule-if someone is dying of a terminal disease you let them do pretty much anything they want. in fact, I think it's monstrous (and yes, gravely evil) of a government or individual barring a person in the final stages of terminal cancer relief from their pain. Will medicinal marijuana be abused? Of course it will be. Your 21 year old nephew who suffers from "depression" will use this law to get high, and that is sad-but that doesn't take away from your terminally ill grandmother who uses it to keep the last few months of her life bearable.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Dennis Prager
If you want to listen to a reasonable, sensible conservative voice listen to the Dennis Prager radio show. On from12PM-3PM in the east and obviously few people have the time to listen to him for all three hours. For those of us who work from home or work on the road, listening to him is like listening to your wise old uncle who everyone goes to for advice.
No, I don't agree with him on everything. I agree with him on a lot though and I love his style. In a world where few people actually think things through anymore, Prager stands basically alone in his ability to explain the complicated and his rational views on politics. He is the furthest thing from a bomb thrower. In fact, Dennis Prager has shown many of us how to be passionate, intelligent and partisan and also be objective and fair.
He's got a complicated personal life. He's been married multiple times yet his advice on marriage and relationships is always spot on. He talks about everything under the sun. From hockey and making honey (his producer apparently makes his own honey ) to sexual nature and foreign policy. Unlike many other commentators or celebrities when he talks about sex he doesn't come across as dirty minded or vulgar. In fact, he comes across as polite, mannerly and gentlemanly all the time.
Prayer talks the most about happiness and in my subjective personal view, it's what he is best at. He has mentioned before many times that "Happiness is a serious problem" and he is one hundred percent correct. He dedicates an hour on his show each week to discussing happiness and it's a can't miss. I listen to the podcast frequently. Correctly, Prager states that happy people make the world better. Does that seem shallow? It's nothing of the sort. Happy people don't rob banks, assault women and generate evil. Unhappy people generally do.
Like any person who leans to the right (and Prager does, no doubt) he'll be accused of "racism, sexism and a variety of "isms". He's nothing of the sort of course. You don't have to agree with him on every single issue to enjoy the program.
Prager is the crown jewel of conservative talk radio.
No, I don't agree with him on everything. I agree with him on a lot though and I love his style. In a world where few people actually think things through anymore, Prager stands basically alone in his ability to explain the complicated and his rational views on politics. He is the furthest thing from a bomb thrower. In fact, Dennis Prager has shown many of us how to be passionate, intelligent and partisan and also be objective and fair.
He's got a complicated personal life. He's been married multiple times yet his advice on marriage and relationships is always spot on. He talks about everything under the sun. From hockey and making honey (his producer apparently makes his own honey ) to sexual nature and foreign policy. Unlike many other commentators or celebrities when he talks about sex he doesn't come across as dirty minded or vulgar. In fact, he comes across as polite, mannerly and gentlemanly all the time.
Prayer talks the most about happiness and in my subjective personal view, it's what he is best at. He has mentioned before many times that "Happiness is a serious problem" and he is one hundred percent correct. He dedicates an hour on his show each week to discussing happiness and it's a can't miss. I listen to the podcast frequently. Correctly, Prager states that happy people make the world better. Does that seem shallow? It's nothing of the sort. Happy people don't rob banks, assault women and generate evil. Unhappy people generally do.
Like any person who leans to the right (and Prager does, no doubt) he'll be accused of "racism, sexism and a variety of "isms". He's nothing of the sort of course. You don't have to agree with him on every single issue to enjoy the program.
Prager is the crown jewel of conservative talk radio.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Vigilante justice
Several people I know on Facebook posted a pic that purports to be of a man who allegedly beat up a child. The four year old with the bruise is also in the picture. It's disturbing, for sure. I will not post it here because I don't want to spread hysteria.
I get it, we all want to be part of a lynch mob that turns in the bad guys. Since we are afraid of the judicial system, we are quick to want to take matters into our own hands. After all, if we don't do it, who will? We forget one little thing:
What happens if the guy in the picture didn't do anything? Then, you've accused an innocent man of a heinous crime and worse, you might have blood on your hands. If you share this picture and an innocent man gets his ass kicked or worse-than yes, you are at least partially responsible. It's part of the overall fake news epidemic and I really do wish there were real consequences for those who post fake news.
I get it, we all want to be part of a lynch mob that turns in the bad guys. Since we are afraid of the judicial system, we are quick to want to take matters into our own hands. After all, if we don't do it, who will? We forget one little thing:
What happens if the guy in the picture didn't do anything? Then, you've accused an innocent man of a heinous crime and worse, you might have blood on your hands. If you share this picture and an innocent man gets his ass kicked or worse-than yes, you are at least partially responsible. It's part of the overall fake news epidemic and I really do wish there were real consequences for those who post fake news.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Wedding costs
I have a lot of concerns when LDS kids get married too young. The church really emphasizes marriage and that part is wonderful, but of course there are some things about marriage that only maturity and perspective can bring you. In the non LDS world the rule of thumb is the younger you are when you get married, the higher the likelihood of divorce. Might be true in the church too, I don't know the statistics.
Anyway, I was reading an article that said the average wedding cost is now up to $35,000. If having a big wedding like that is your thing, than go for it. There is nothing morally wrong with that. I'd like to see if there is a correlation on this-does wedding cost have anything to do with if the marriage itself is successful or not? While I know that the of family of the bride usually pays for the wedding, sometimes couples have to pay out of pocket. If they go into debt to give themselves an incredibly expensive wedding, what happens when the bills come up six months later? Wouldn't it be better to put a down payment on a house?
Again, this isn't an insult to people who have spent a lot on a expensive wedding day. I like nice things too.
Anyway, I was reading an article that said the average wedding cost is now up to $35,000. If having a big wedding like that is your thing, than go for it. There is nothing morally wrong with that. I'd like to see if there is a correlation on this-does wedding cost have anything to do with if the marriage itself is successful or not? While I know that the of family of the bride usually pays for the wedding, sometimes couples have to pay out of pocket. If they go into debt to give themselves an incredibly expensive wedding, what happens when the bills come up six months later? Wouldn't it be better to put a down payment on a house?
Again, this isn't an insult to people who have spent a lot on a expensive wedding day. I like nice things too.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Scripture Sunday Alma 47:29
With all the talk about refugees going on, it's important to bring up a few things. One-people use scripture for their own political advancement. That's partially why the left quotes scripture like this but ignores or decries scripture that preaches about adultery, abortion, gay marriage or other things they don't like. In other words, it's rare to find people who follow scripture 100%.
This passage is often used as a justification to bring in refugees and forget about everything that divides us. Do I see it that way? Partially, but there are differences. When you bring in people who are desperate for freedom, that's one thing. When you bring in people who want to blow up buildings and kill innocent people, that's completely different. Don't let scripture blind you.
This passage is often used as a justification to bring in refugees and forget about everything that divides us. Do I see it that way? Partially, but there are differences. When you bring in people who are desperate for freedom, that's one thing. When you bring in people who want to blow up buildings and kill innocent people, that's completely different. Don't let scripture blind you.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Horror movie remakes
Most remakes of good movies...are terrible. The rule of thumb is take a bad thing and make it better instead of a good thing and make it worse. The best example of this is Psycho. The original Psycho is one of the greatest movies of all time. It's a horror classic where you can feel the tension in every single scene. The way Anthony Perkins plays Norman Bates is disturbing. Perkins Bates seems to have serious mental issues that he can't control. The acting is just one of the things that makes the movie great. The 1998 remake staring Anne Heche and Vince Vaughn is terrible. There is no tension, the acting fails and the entire movie just seems awkward.
Halloween is the same thing. The original is correctly thought of as the first modern slasher movie. Like most great horror movies, you feel the movie while watching it. When Jamie Lee Curtis is about to get slashed you find yourself yelling at the screen begging her to find a way out. The remakes simply lack the tension and atmosphere that the originals have. Some people complain that they only like movies/music from the era in which they grew up-but that's garbage. Good movies and music are timeless.
The remake of Nightmare on Elm Street is not as good as the first, but it's still very good. It has the same Freudian tendencies of parental issues, dreams and how your subconscious has a greater effect on your actions than you think it does. The remake even adds a special twist about blame and guilt. My biggest complaint with the remake is that it loses the feminist influence that the first had. Heather Langenkamp portrayed a much stronger Nancy than Rooney Mara does.
I'll never understand why people get excited for remakes. The original is always better.
Halloween is the same thing. The original is correctly thought of as the first modern slasher movie. Like most great horror movies, you feel the movie while watching it. When Jamie Lee Curtis is about to get slashed you find yourself yelling at the screen begging her to find a way out. The remakes simply lack the tension and atmosphere that the originals have. Some people complain that they only like movies/music from the era in which they grew up-but that's garbage. Good movies and music are timeless.
The remake of Nightmare on Elm Street is not as good as the first, but it's still very good. It has the same Freudian tendencies of parental issues, dreams and how your subconscious has a greater effect on your actions than you think it does. The remake even adds a special twist about blame and guilt. My biggest complaint with the remake is that it loses the feminist influence that the first had. Heather Langenkamp portrayed a much stronger Nancy than Rooney Mara does.
I'll never understand why people get excited for remakes. The original is always better.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Album of the Weekend
Kiss - Psycho Circus
After a brief grunge period that didn't work out too well for anyone involved (though the album really isn't all bad) the "original four" reunited, put the make up back on and released "Psycho Circus" which is hardly a masterpiece and an album that would be totally forgotten about if it wasn't for the story of the "original four" reuniting. I use "original four" in quotation because in reality only one or two songs had all four bandmates participating.
I don't know how the rest of the Kiss army feels about Psycho Circus but it was never a favorite of mine. I didn't like it 1998 and I don't like it now. "Raise Your Glasses" is my "favorite" song on the album and that's out of default. The title track is more annoying than good. It gets into my head and I find myself looking for any other song to take it out of there. Never a good sign.
While I don't particularly love the album the band seems to share my opinion. Not many of the tracks off it are played live. If you like Kiss and have an OCD about owning every CD in their catalog-go out and get it. Otherwise, leave this one alone.
After a brief grunge period that didn't work out too well for anyone involved (though the album really isn't all bad) the "original four" reunited, put the make up back on and released "Psycho Circus" which is hardly a masterpiece and an album that would be totally forgotten about if it wasn't for the story of the "original four" reuniting. I use "original four" in quotation because in reality only one or two songs had all four bandmates participating.
I don't know how the rest of the Kiss army feels about Psycho Circus but it was never a favorite of mine. I didn't like it 1998 and I don't like it now. "Raise Your Glasses" is my "favorite" song on the album and that's out of default. The title track is more annoying than good. It gets into my head and I find myself looking for any other song to take it out of there. Never a good sign.
While I don't particularly love the album the band seems to share my opinion. Not many of the tracks off it are played live. If you like Kiss and have an OCD about owning every CD in their catalog-go out and get it. Otherwise, leave this one alone.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Barron Trump
Barron Trump should be off limits, but celebrity attacks on him-if they continue, show many things.
The first thing is that celebrities who preach tolerance are (surprise!) quite cruel and intolerant if they are speaking of someone who doesn't agree with their political views. Even if that person is a ten year old. Anyone who spoke that way of the Obama girls might have had their career ruined before they finished the sentence. These celebrities don't care because the majority of people in their line of work agree with them. So no, it's not brave of them. Is abnormally cruel.
And it's self defeating. The only thing it does is push NeverTrumper republican/libertarians/conservatives into the Trump camp-the enemy of my enemy is generally a friend. If that surprises you, welcome to the real world. That's how it works.
The first thing is that celebrities who preach tolerance are (surprise!) quite cruel and intolerant if they are speaking of someone who doesn't agree with their political views. Even if that person is a ten year old. Anyone who spoke that way of the Obama girls might have had their career ruined before they finished the sentence. These celebrities don't care because the majority of people in their line of work agree with them. So no, it's not brave of them. Is abnormally cruel.
And it's self defeating. The only thing it does is push NeverTrumper republican/libertarians/conservatives into the Trump camp-the enemy of my enemy is generally a friend. If that surprises you, welcome to the real world. That's how it works.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Muslim ban?
I've never seen so much misinformation about a news event in my life, but I shouldn't have been surprised. After all, in the age of the internet it's very easy to ignore what we don't want to hear and blindly accept what fits our preconceived bias.
No, it's not a ban on Muslim immigration. It's a ninety day moratorium on immigration from seven countries that even President Obama was concerned about. It's a temporary freeze on all people from those countries, no matter what their religion is. India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Egypt (all counties with strong Muslim populations) are not affected by this ban. Am I saying I am in favor of his (Trump) latest move? No, but but what I am concerned about is that no one seems to be listening to what the actual executive order does.
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