Filibusters Are Stupid: Politics, Ted Cruz, Wasting Time

The other day I logged onto Facebook and, lo and behold, people were talking politics. Not surprising since social media gives everyone a license to be experts on everything and anything. Subject of the day was Obamacare and Ted Cruz, R-Texas.At a dinner the other week a friend of mine, who heads human resources for a county, explained in detail the Affordable Care Act (which almost everyone refers to as Obamacare) because she had to become an expert on the comprehensive healthcare reform. So, I wouldn't say I'm an expert, like her, but I probably know a lot more than most of America because I became informed instead of watching the latest episode of "Honey Boo Boo."
So, back to Ted Cruz. He is being described as a "folk hero" for rightwingers since he took it upon himself to deliver a 21-hour talkathon, discussing everything from his love for White Castle hamburgers to "Star Wars." Cruz wanted to prevent Senators from opening debate on a House-passed bill to keep the government open past Monday and to strip out a provision in that bill that would defund Obamacare.
It's not likely this will happen yet he is still being praised, especially by the Tea Party. It's interesting he targeted Republicans as much as the Democrats in his 21-hour babblethon.
You know, I could go on about Republicans, the Tea Party, Democrats, Obamacare or Ted Cruz. Especially Cruz's politics as he is anti-gay, pro-life and pro-gun because he isn't just pro-gun, he's a gun fanatic. This past March, an announcement was made by Cruz and U.S. Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee threatening to filibuster any legislation that entails gun control. Filibuster.
Why on earth are filibusters allowed? Twenty-one hour talkathons? Being lauded for babbling on about your love for tiny burgers? How pathetic. America the beautiful is in shambles. We are out of money, yet still trying to solve world problems. There are so many concerns in America today yet the people we elect can't play nice so they waste time and can't compromise? How pathetic. How can anything be solved? Did we elect children or adults?

Jaden Smith: Open Mouth, Insert Foot

As an adult, I typically look to actors and actresses to please me as they are monkeys for my enjoyment. Perform well in your TV show or movie, make me forget about life for a while and, for actresses, show me some fashion. Aside from that, I don't think of them as real people. As for the teenage/young adult actors/actresses, they don't hit my radar -- twerking, yolo, swag ... I have no idea what any of this means.
Now, I didn't always feel this way. As an impressionable teenager and young adult, I definitely looked to celebrities for more. However, especially in today's age, with Beliebers and all sorts of morons, it's a slippery slope. There's Twitter, Instagram and Facebook where celebrities can connect with their young fans, which is dangerous if said celebrity is a moron -- all technology I was without when growing up.
This is why I was disappointed with Jaden Smith's recent wisdom on education (because we all want to know what he thinks about education in America ... ) -- although, I'm not surprised. Jaden tweeted to his more than 4.5 million followers, “School Is The Tool To Brainwash The Youth” and “If Newborn Babies Could Speak They Would Be The Most Intelligent Beings On Planet Earth.” Earlier, he Tweeted, "If Everybody In The World Dropped Out Of School We Would Have A Much More Intelligent Society."
Hmm ... this is stupid, especially since he and his look-a-like sister, Willow, are home-schooled after leaving a school funded by their parents (it closed in June because of lack of funding) that used a teaching method developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
Cue the Twilight Zone music.
Is anyone surprised he's a good friend of super-baby Justin Bieber and is dating a Jenner/Kardashian? Also his movie career is a little ... well ... pathetic. He made his debut in "The Pursuit of Happyness" (produced by, narrated by and featuring his dad, Will Smith), followed by a remake of "The Day The Earth Stood Still," remake of "The Karate Kid" (produced by his father), "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," and "After Earth" (produced by his parents, story by his dad and featuring his dad). He was also in a sitcom, "All Of Us" (created by his parents) and an episode of "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." He's also danced on a couple music videos (including his sister's "I Whip My Hair Back and Forth" aka Yuck) and put out some singles because he's apparently a rapper. He's best known as being Will and Jada's kid.
Can you say silver spoon?
What would happen if the reality TV wannabes flooding the teenage population of the U.S. listened to this moron and dropped out of school? Would their millionaire celebrity parents swoop in and save the day, putting them in a movie and paying for them to put out a crap rap album? Oh wait ... the majority of these kids aren't rich. Their parents aren't celebrities. If they drop out of school, they will hardly have any job opportunities.
Hmm, Jaden. What would your god L. Ron Hubbard think of that? Way to go Jada and Will Smith, you've raised someone who contributes nothing to society.
You could argue he's 15 and no one cares what a 15-year-old says but, with a audience of 4.5 million people, we should be afraid for the future of society.
You could argue he's lashing out against government funded schools. Well, guess what folks! The majority of American youth have to attend these schools because their parents can't afford to send them to private school or, in the Smith case, fund a school just for them. Does Jaden have a concept of what it's like to be a normal human being? He's never been to a normal school. His life is a fairytale.
Also, he and his family are Scientologists so ... yeah ...

50 Shades of Grey: Charlie Hunnam, Dakota Johnson, An Unlikely Story - Is This What Women Fantasize About?

After the media flurry over Charlie Hunnam being cast as Christian Grey in the film adaption of E. L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey," I figured I'd give the book a go -- yes, I know it came out in 2011. Better late than never.
At 269 pages (halfway there), I can see why "Fifty Shades" lovers are upset. I don't see Hunnam as complicated billionaire Christian Grey. Perhaps it's because I've only seen him in "Sons of Anarchy" and "Pacific Rim," but he seems more tough guy than control freak, dominant sex fiend. I don't know who I envision other than a young Christian Bale (his character is reminiscent of Bale's in "American Psycho") but I'll be interested to see if Hunnam can pull it off because he's a cutie.
With that out of the way, why is this book so popular? Is it because it's directed towards women and it includes taboo items our pretty little heads aren't supposed to think about -- like talk of whips, butt plugs, bondage, vaginal fisting, anal sex? We aren't supposed to even know what that stuff is, right? If we read this then we are living on the edge! I ask this because the premise is far from likely, reminding me of a Penthouse letter detailing scenarios which obviously never occurred.
A young woman, Anastasia Steele, is about to graduate college and has never had sex, never masturbated and never gotten drunk -- she's more interested in English literature and drinking like an adult. She is clumsy and unsure of herself, not popular with guys, yet she's beautiful and attracts the attention of a drop-dead gorgeous late-20s billionaire who borders on obsessed. He is a master pianist, can fly a helicopter, uses his money to help combat world hunger, and enjoys good wine and classical music. He's never had a normal relationship with a woman, including what he describes as vanilla sex and the layman describes as sex. He's never even slept next to a woman yet he lets his borders down for her because isn't that what always happens in women's literature -- we have an unattainable man we are able to change. We'll be the one to make him settle down, we'll be the one he opens up to about his difficult childhood. Oh, did I mention he's into S&M? Like really into S&M. Like the old Ludacris song, "Whips, chains, handcuffs ... smack a little booty with my belt." Of course he's gorgeous, has a generous penis and makes her reach orgasm constantly, like rub her nipples and she's shooting off like a rocket to Pleasure Land, like she has her first wet dream because he's unleashed her sexuality. She becomes obsessed with him and is turned on by a glance from her lover.
I find it hard to believe a virgin, so virginal she doesn't masturbate, agrees to become a submissive in an S&M scheme with a man she hardly knows. Oh wait, they have an electric connection and blah blah blah. I find this book to be a predictable romance spiced with S&M taboo-ness. Also, could this be more of a "Twilight" rip off -- young, demure girl who is awkward yet doesn't know she's beautiful and becomes a desirous object to an unattainable, eccentric man. Maybe I should relax and enjoy the ride -- some of the sex scenes have been decent (I don't know how much will make the movie) -- but I can't help but feel E. L. James is laughing at me and women everywhere.

Christopher Lane, Delbert Belton murdered: Race - Why Does America Only Care About Trayvon Martin

Christopher Lane. Have you heard this name? No? What about Delbert "Shorty" Belton? No bells ringing in your head? Nothing on the news?
Christopher Lane, 23, was gunned down by three teens (two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old) in Duncan, Okla. while he was out jogging last week. They shot Lane in the back from a moving vehicle because ... well, as the police chief described it, the teens decided to kill somebody at random. One of the teens said, "We were bored and didn't have anything to do, so we decided to kill somebody." Some media outlets are mentioning a gang initiation but this is only a theory.
It was a "thrill kill" by two black teens and one white teen. One of the black teens Tweeted "With my niggas when it's time to start taken life's" before the murder. He also Tweeted back in April, "90% of white ppl are nasty. #HATE THEM." Their names are James Edwards Jr. (the Tweeter), Chancey Luna and Michael Jones. Have you heard these names? No?
Christopher Lane was a promising baseball player from Australia who was here on a college scholarship. After his murder, former Australian deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer called on Australians to boycott the United States because of our lax gun laws and violence.
But let's not forget about Delbert "Shorty" Belton (too bad you probably don't know who he is in the first place), the 88-year-old World War II veteran who was wounded at Okinawa. He was recently beaten to death outside the Eagles Lodge in Spokane, Wash. -- he had serious injuries to his head. It was a random attack by two black youths between the ages of 16 and 19, according to video surveillance. Belton was waiting outside for a friend because he did not want her to walk home alone.
Knock, knock, anybody home? After Trayvon Martin was killed, you couldn't turn on the TV without hearing about it but now? Where's the outrage? Where's the #justiceforchristopher or #justicefordelbert on Twitter? Anybody? Do we not care because the victims were white and the majority of the perpetrators were black? Would we care if it was black-on-black crime? Would we only care if it was white-on-black crime? Do we not care because the media hasn't told us to care?
It's interesting the Rev. Al Sharpton and President Barack Obama, who were so vocal during the Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman case, are silent. Don't white people matter?

George Zimmerman, Paula Deen, Big Brother: Racism is alive and well in America

Do you watch the George Zimmerman trial live on TV or your computer? Do you follow every update and news article relating to the case? Do you discuss it with your friends and family?
Why?
The Facebook statuses and Tweets from people who, pretending they have magical law degrees from Juris Superstar Happy-Time University, have it all figured out make me want to cry for America. A majority of these people are only concerned about this case because Trayvon Martin is black and so are they or they're not black but want everyone to know how color-blind they are when it comes to race. Trayvon is black, Zimmerman is not, so you care. There. I said it. The elephant in the room. If this young man was any other race or if this was a crime between people of the same race the concern would plummet. If people like Nancy Grace and the opportunists of the world didn't suck this trial for all it's worth, the concern would plummet. It's disgusting.
Do I know if George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin because of his race or some other ignorant reason? No and neither do you America. That's why we have a court system. We don't know what happened because we were not there. All we know is Geraldo Rivera and his big mustache told us, "You can't rehabilitate the hoodie," Trayvon was carrying a pack of Skittles which is supposed to make him an innocent lamb, NBC played an edited clip of Zimmerman on the Today Show that was taken out of sequence, Zimmerman was some sort of neighborhood vigilante wannabe (maybe), and Florida has a Stand Your Ground Law.
What's also sad is if George Zimmerman is found not guilty by a jury of his peers (this is the same state that let Casey Anthony go free), black people across America will riot. How is this not racist? How is only caring about a trial because the victim is black not racist? OJ Simpson ring a bell? The media is eating this up like chocolate cake, egging on the ignorant across the nation to rise up and get angry over hypothetical, fear-mongering nonsense. They discuss the trial more and more because they know we will listen and salivate. We want justice for Trayvon even though we don't know him and never will. We hate George Zimmerman even though we don't know him and never will. Are the laws in Florida a little kooky? Maybe. That's why I don't live in Florida and am not in political office.
We are quick to listen to what the media tells us and make a decision, which is ignorant. Paula Deen is awful. Why? Well because we heard she said this or that or something else from saying the n-word to wanting slaves at a party. What actually happened? Lisa Jackson, a former employee of restaurants owned by Deen and her brother, Earl "Bubba" Hiers, filed a lawsuit alleging racial and sexual discrimination. Lisa Jackson. Do you know her? No. Should we believe her? I don't know. Deen admitted she's used the n-word, which is awful. However, what about the numerous black people, including rappers, who use the n-word liberally? I'm not saying Deen's use of the n-word is OK because it's not, just as I'm not defending George Zimmerman. It's 2013 for goodness sakes, wake up Paula. However, how come the n-word is OK sometimes and not other times? There's a racist on "Big Brother" apparently (my better half and I were surprised people actually still watch this show but whatever) but that's taken a back seat to the Save Trayvon Crusade.
When is America going to wake up? When are people going to choose what they support and care about not based on race but on injustice? What about the three women found after being held captive for 10 years? Do people even care about them anymore? What about letting our children listen to people like Justin Bieber, who urinate into restaurant mop buckets and curse out former presidents because they're spoiled jerks? Is he a role model? I think not. Are our children going to grow up to be reality television crazed morons who listen to everything the media tells them? Let's hope not.

Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Jeffries Only Wants The Beautiful People: Duh

Maybe you've heard, maybe not since in the scope of world affairs it isn't important or shocking, but Abercrombie & Fitch is in the middle of a media firestorm.
Abercrombie & Fitch refuses to sell clothing larger than a size 10/L (as they have done forever) because CEO Mike Jeffries (who looks like a scarier Bruce Jenner - yes, scarier) only wants "good looking people" to wear his brand -- coming from a 2006 interview with Salon. You may be thinking what I was thinking when I heard this news - how is this anything new? They've been doing this for years! He said this years ago!
Well a Philadelphia-based writer recently penned a letter about how she was bullied in high school by kids who wore Abercrombie & Fitch - um, bitch please, weren't we all? Anyway, here's the abridged version:

A Note to Michael Jeffries, CEO, Abercrombie & Fitch.

Mike,

I write to you in response to the recent media outburst surrounding your unfortunate decision to further declare the exclusions that exist in your soft-core porn clothing store, Abercrombie & Fitch. I read your statements, your comments, your beliefs and I’ve let them sink in for a few weeks. In fact, I initially decided not to respond at all since I have always chosen to not shop at your store anyway. The fact that your store doesn’t make or sell clothing higher than a size 10 or a “L” is actually news to me. I think your store, quite literally, stinks.

Now, I worked at Guest Services inside of my local mall and I had to deal with the customers who complained about the abundance of musky stench that infects the sinuses of each passer-by, but I did not write you then. I heard that you were targeting girls as young as eight years old in your campaigns over the years, sending them your pornographic catalogs and full-knowingly attempting to engage them into becoming sexual, “cool” teens who would shop at your store, but I did not write you then. But when you specifically called out my plus size ass in your latest statements, Mike, I’m ready to write.

You see, I told you, I’m polite to the point where it makes me uncomfortable to just call you “Mike” (but I’m over it). I know I’m polite because I’ve met impolite people (this is you). I think back to high school, where I attended a “well-off” private, Catholic, college preparatory school. I think of the kids who, when they weren’t wearing a uniform, sported your clothing. I regret to inform you that “cool” doesn’t exactly come to mind, but “expulsion”, “bully”, “pretzel thrown at me at lunch”, and “harassment” actually do. They were ALL on the football team and I bet you, Mike, find them to be cool.

You see, it was the kids wearing your clothing who thought they were so unstoppably “cool” (because you told them they are) that they could therefore harass girls all throughout our class-- girls of all different shapes and sizes. They thought they could write derogatory comments across one girl’s driveway at home, and they were expelled. They thought that they could call the girls at home at night, plaguing them with hurtful words and hysterical laughter, and they were suspended.

I’m 27 years old, Mike, and I received a social media message from one of these bullies just last year, with a wink face… that’s it, just a wink face. It was a cruel reminder, a hurtful flashback.. a wink is all it takes to tell me, almost TEN YEARS after high-school graduation and the last time we saw each other, that he still is teasing me, he is still mean, he is still a bully, he is still SO COOL, and he wanted me to know.

When I re-visited your outrageous commentary today, I discovered the long list of rules that you require that your private jet flight attendants fulfill.

I can’t say I won’t buy your products because, as I’ve said, I never did and, secondly, you’ve excluded me from being able to do so anyway. I know there is currently a young all-American man who is clothing the homeless by donating his A&F clothes because your claims sicken him too, Mike. I know there are a bunch of moms, fully disregarding the former money spent on your clothing, rallying up mounds of their kids’ clothes that display your A&F tags, and ridding of them.

And I’ve got news for you, Mike… in the world, girls with huge hooters are INCREDIBLY cool, and they may require an “XL”.

Get with it,

Colleen Radano

Obviously this woman didn't write this letter so Mike could "get with it." She wrote it for attention because Mike will never "get with it." Why should he? People buy his clothing and he's rich enough to buy plastic surgery until his face falls off and then he's rich enough to buy a new face. (I'm picturing a skin mask a la Buffalo Bill but ... that's just me). In conclusion, he has no reason to "get with it."
Anyway, this woman needs to stop obsessing over high school bullies. I got bullied in high school - as a 6' tall woman, it was likely to happen. A lot of people got bullied in high school and are still getting bullied in high school. My children will probably meet a bully or two along their grade school career. That's life. I used to get pissed about it from time to time but realized (years ago) it's not worth it to obsess over the past.
Yes, I think it's stupid a company can profit off alienating customers but Mike Jeffries has been doing this for years and it seems to be working! Perhaps many of the customers simply like the clothing, perhaps not and it's more of a label thing. He's found the niche - the popular, thin, rich people who are obsessed with image. Too bad it's not against the law and probably won't end.
Yes, I couldn't wear Abercrombie & Fitch. First off, it's expensive. Second off, the only clothing of theirs I fit into was a mens Medium. A generous family member bought me a couple items when I was young (in mens sizes) so I could wear the label but that's about where my relationship with A&F starts and ends. I wear a size 12 shoe and a lot of well-known companies don't carry that size. Maybe they don't want Big Foot (aka me) wearing their shoes, maybe not. I don't care. I shop at the stores that carry my size.
Yes, the canine cologne stench coming out of Hollister and A&F nauseates me but I don't go to the mall enough to fall victim to this absurdness because the mall sucks. Too many people, too much hassle.
Yes, their clothing targets young girls and urges them to sexualize themselves, which is disgusting. Pornographic? Possibly, although I think this chick's idea of porn and mine are quite different. Parents need to have honest and open conversations about this type of thing when it's brought up because it's going to happen whether A&F sells slutty clothing or not.
Yes, I'm not what Mike would define as one of his "good looking people" to wear his brand. I'm too old and I'm too curvy. Cest la vie.
Abercrombie & Fitch only wants the beautiful people but think about this ... when have you seen a clothing ad with an ugly model? Maybe they all aren't supermodels but they're attractive and thin. Interesting ...
The real issue with this whole drama is teaching our children to be happy with who they are on the INSIDE. Promoting self-esteem and self-confidence. Promoting the idea you don't need an Abercrombie & Fitch wardrobe and if someone thinks you do to be cool then that someone isn't worth your time. Promote healthy choices, from nutrition to exercise to peer pressure and sexuality. Don't be who someone expects you to be, whether it's this bitter chick or Michael Jeffries, be who you want to be because that's what makes YOU happy.
Frankly, if you aren't happy with a company, then boycott them. I think it's bizarre that Chic-fi-la spends money to promote anti-abortion and anti-homosexuality causes so I don't buy their food (it's not that good anyway). That's my decision.
I can't wear A&F - the age and size factors. There's a lot of things I can't do. What can I do? Be happy with who I am and live my life. Mike Jeffries is a dickhead but face it, he's always been a dickhead and will always be a dickhead. How pathetic.

Ariel Castro pleads not guilty: Cleveland kidnapping, why pleading innocent makes sense

I was surfing Twitter and what to my wondering eyes did appear: "ALERT: Ariel Castro's lawyer reveals kidnapping suspect's plea." Along with most Americans, I follow this shocking case. I figured he'd plead guilty, given the circumstances, and was shocked to find he's done just the opposite.
According to an article in the New York Daily News, who nicknamed him the Cleveland Creep, Castro's attorneys had this to say:
"I can tell you that Mr. Castro is extremely committed to the well being and positive future for his daughter, who he loves dearly ... And if people find that to be a disconnect from what he's alleged to have done, then the people will just have to deal with it. We just know how he feels about his little girl."
"The initial portrayal by the media has been one of a 'monster' and that's not the impression that I got when I talked to him for three hours ... I know that family members who have been interviewed by the media have expressed that as well."
Apparently we the people want to demonize this man but we don't "know the whole story," which will be "disclosed as the case progresses." What could be his excuse for the house of horrors (also compared to conditions endured by prisoners of war) police found and what about the three young women and one child (who he fathered) who pointed their fingers at him? Are we supposed to believe these women are lying? Did they want to be chained and held captive (there were chains fixed to the walls and dog leads hanging from the ceiling)? If he was so nice why did the women suffer injuries such as bed sores, malnutrition, hearing loss, joint and muscle damage? The upstairs bedrooms were furnished with only a mattress on the floor and padlocks on the outside ...
As for the 6-year-old, this reminds me of wilding Craster from "Games of Thrones" who marries his daughters, has children with them but feeds the male offspring to the mysterious White Walkers and keeps the female offspring so he can marry them later on. In a nutshell, gross. Was he planning to rape her as well? He loved her so much he had her mother birth her in a plastic kiddie pool? If that's not love, I don't know what is ...
When I first read his attorneys' remarks, I was upset. It's unfortunate all this time and money will be spent trying someone we all know is guilty but doesn't have the stones to admit his wrong-doing -- he had the stones to kidnap, repeatedly rape and enslave those young women in a populated area (allegedly). I understand everyone is innocent before proven guilty (although this New York Daily News article has Castro signed, sealed and delivered on a one-way ticket to hell by way of lethal injection and I'm pretty close to this conclusion as well) and everyone has the right to legal counsel, but you'd think this man would make it easier on everyone and plead guilty considering the evidence.
However, I soon realized his not guilty plea makes sense.
This isn't me or you or someone sane-ish. This is a mentally sick man. He is intelligent but lacks a moral compass. Of course his attorneys couldn't tell he's mentally sick even though they spoke with him for three hours. He lived a lie for 10 years, what's three hours with two attorneys? The truth only came out because one young woman was courageous enough to attempt an escape! How much longer would those women be held if she didn't try to escape and her neighbor didn't help? Castro kidnapped three young women and probably lays the blame on them because they were the ones who got into his car -- similar to serial killers who murder/rape prostitutes because, to them, they aren't human beings. Allegedly, Castro repeatedly raped these women, held them captive with chains and leashes, abused them physically and mentally (especially the one he starved and punched in the stomach when she became pregnant with his child - apparently five times. She is being referred to as his "main punching bag"). Who knows what else he did because 10 years is a long time. Of course pleading not guilty makes sense for him because he doesn't believe he did anything wrong. He's crazy!
All I can hope for these young women is justice and the ability to salvage a future because the American public will forget about them quickly!

Door-to-door search violation of Fourth Amendment? Boston Marathon bombing, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, freedom

Haven't written a post in a while ... maybe that means there's no reason to bitch. Signs point to me being lazy because there's always something to bitch about!
The Boston Marathon Bombing Aftermath - what's the deal with people complaining about government involvement, i.e. Watertown on lock down while they tracked down the terrorists, door-to-door searches. People have been bitching and moaning about freedom and rights. Don't tread on me, give me liberty or give me death, Obama's turning the country into a Nazi state (are Jews and the "unwanted" being murdered and enslaved?) blah blah blah.
People who bitch about freedom and rights are typically cowards who have never needed to use their precious guns to defend themselves and have never been in a town where two terrorists were running around using explosives as weapons - in a standoff with police they set off bombs! Bombs! The whizzing sound of bullets, pop pop pop, the boom of shrapnel filled explosives. Is this Watertown, Mass. or Afghanistan?
People have their panties in a twist, more specifically, because the door-to-door search of the bombing suspects was (to them) a violation of the fourth amendment. The Fourth Amendment protects against search and seizure of private property without a warrant but there is an exception under critical circumstances. Terrorists critical enough for you?
Armored vehicles, tanks, heavily armored law enforcement -- what is this, "1984" or a police state?
The ACLU reported they received complaints but none from people whose homes were ACTUALLY searched. You know what? If there is a crazed terrorist running through my town - please, be my guest. Search my home because I have nothing to hide and maybe Dzhokhar Tsarnaev found his way into my home through a window or something ... who knows! I could help find him! Don't people want to help law enforcement? Don't people want to do whatever is in their power to find this man?
Luckily the brave men and women killed Tamerlan Tsarnaev and found (with the help of one Watertown resident) Dzhokhar, risking their lives while we sat at home, glued to our TVs and radios, bitching and moaning about freedom because it's so easy. It's so easy to log on Twitter or Facebook and complain and rant about liberty. How dare they lock down Watertown! How can they do that? What is this? This is the beginning of the end!
These people don't want the government and police telling them what to do, what to think, how to live but when a serial killer or terrorist is on the loose in their neighborhood -- let's see what happens then!

I'm dying, even the dog senses it: Death, dying, afterlife, Heaven, Hell, asteroids - even outerspace is trying to kill us

Another week is coming to a close. Tell me baby, what's on your mind? The weekend, sweet hot Valentine's Day lovin, happy hour, a Whitman's sampler with a map, hours of uninterrupted sleep, life, the universe and everything? How about death?
Yeah. Death.
I have an odd view on death. Maybe it's because I grew up with a family member who passive aggressively wanted to die her entire life: "I'm dying, even the dog senses it." Who says that? What kind of person replies to a Merry Christmas greeting with "I wish I were dead?" Decades later, she's still alive with the same false wish.
Maybe it's because I think too much and can't base my life around someones take on an old, frequently edited and often interpreted collection of tales - i.e. The Bible.
Maybe because my father told me constantly to question everything.
Maybe because a 150-foot wide asteroid will buzz our swiftly turning planet Friday (today) while everyone is busy surfing the net at work and wondering if Honey Boo Boo's mom is going to join "Dancing With The Stars" or if hottie-hot-hot-stuff Hugh "Wolverine" Jackman is gay (he sings, he dances ... have you seen his scary wife - is she his beard?). People are too busy uploading photos of Valentine's Day roses and chocolates and sharing romantic plans and Tweeting and Facebooking their sweethearts sweet nothings so everyone knows they aren't a loser loner on the Day of Hearts or perhaps, passive aggressively or not so passively, loudly hating the annual holiday because they are a loner Dottie, a rebel. This all reminds me of the beginning to "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy."
According to NASA (you know, that important agency politicians don't want to fund), this is the closest documented encounter of an asteroid this large - not counting the ones that made impact with Earth in the past (comforting). The asteroids that buzzed closer were smaller and burned up in the atmosphere, which the rubes of the world love like fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Look Brandi and LeAnn, it's magic in the sky!
Did you know a smaller asteroid passed within 140,000 miles of Earth in December or were you too busy Christmas shopping and pretending to believe in God by going to church for the first, and only, time all year?
The big bad asteroid - DA14 - will come within 17,500 miles of Earth - the moon is 238,900 miles away for all you big brains out there. It's capable of blasting a crater equivalent to hundreds of Hiroshima atomic bombs. What's scarier is scientists believe there are tens to hundreds of thousands similar but undiscovered objects - most with dimensions in the hundreds of feet - hurtling through space right this very second.
NASA is confident DA14 will not hit Earth but ... is anyone out there scared? Mr. Herman, paging Mr. Herman, Mr. Herman, you have a telephone call at the front desk. I have read so many complaints and so much praise for President Barack Obama's speech, Speaker of the House John Boehner's dry mouth, Pope Benedict XVI's exit, Kim Kardashian and Kayne West's demon child, Kate Middleton's baby bump controversy, guns guns guns ... what about the asteroid? Bueller? Bueller? Anything other than shtick referencing the movie "Armageddon" ... ?
Oh wait, no one wants to talk about that because it's scary so let's just pretend all is well like Kevin Bacon did in "Animal House."
The asteroid reminds me of death. Not in the obvious way (asteroid hits Earth = we could die) but in its unpredictability, especially with the recent news of a large meteor blowing up as it entered the Earth's atmosphere over Mother Russia - a shockwave shattered windows, rocked buildings and injured hundreds. I could die today. There, I wrote the words and now the thought is real. I can't wrap my head around that, which is probably why I can't wrap my head around all aspects of religion except to love God and your neighbor. Couple this fear of death with the fact something from outer space could hurtle to Earth and kill us all and there's nothing we or Bruce Willis (cue "Armageddon" shtick) can do and I'm feeling a bit uneasy.
So, as I struggle to figure out what happens after death, should I follow the path of many heathens and stop thinking about it because, obviously, it's a given and no one has documented evidence what takes place so philosophizing is pointless. There's nothing I can do to stop an asteroid or a crazed murderer or old age and I can't Highlander-ize myself so I should fuggedaboutit.
Or, is this wonder, this pursuit of knowledge the one thing separating us from other animals. We think, we scrutinize, we wonder, we question - isn't this the meaning of being human? If we stopped wondering, would life lose meaning? Would we become savages? Is there a Heaven free from pain, a hellfire blazing with cruelty and suffering or are we reincarnated like the cycle of the seasons? Or, the option which scares me the most, is there nothing? Lights off, game over, nothing ...

Christopher Dorner: LAPD, murders, disgruntled cop, psycho, who knows? Why is he a folk hero?

As I cruised Facebook and Twitter last night looking to be entertained, I came to a cynical conclusion. A majority of people on social networking sites have it all figured out. They're loud, they're proud and they're gonna tell you all about it and then some!
Have a conundrum? Need advice? Screw Dear Abby, she's don't know nothing! Ditch your head-shrinker, friends and family. Head over to Facebook and Twitter where hundreds of rubes are happy to share knowledge like they're ancient philosophers. You shouldn't philosophize with hashtags and slang friendos.
Case in point: Christopher Dorner. The manhunt for the crazed ex-cop has been all the rage, especially with his recent, mysterious fiery death. With a revenge plot targeting the LAPD, the west coast of the United States was on edge as Dorner was M.I.A. Where oh where could he be?
In his lengthy manifesto, he blamed racism and corruption in the LAPD and vowed to wage "unconventional and asymmetrical warfare" against officers and their families. This revenge was a last resort for clearing his name (he was booted off the force for filing a false complaint. He challenged the dismissal and lost in court).
As hundreds of officers searched high and low, Dorner was charged with murder for killing a Riverside police officer, which is accompanied by two special circumstances: killing a police officer on duty and firing a weapon from a vehicle. He was also charged with the attempted murder of three other police officers and opening fire on two officers. He's accused of killing three people, some reports say four, including the daughter of a retired LAPD officer and her fiance. The officer represented Dorner during his hearing.
Was Dorner's body found in a burned-out cabin? Hopefully, as this news will bring much relief to the LAPD, their families and friends, and the west coast. This feeling makes sense, right? Relief. Comfort. Safety. Not so much for the thousands of people who rallied for Christopher Dorner, declaring him a crusader against police corruption. They don't care he's accused of killing four people. Facebook fan sites were created, posts and Tweets were shared with the world: "The spirit of Chris #Dorner will live on forever in our hearts, as an eternal flame - symbolic of the will to stand up in an attempt to eradicate those who would seek to oppress us, by any means necessary, when no one else would."
How do they know? Were they there? Obviously they read his manifesto and believed he was dismissed after trying to report police brutality - an LAPD officer allegedly harming a mentally ill individual. He was dubbed a hero, compared in poster form to President Barack Obama and referred to as Dark Knight, insinuating the popular Batman movie. References to the iconic book "1984" were made, a White House petition was started ... even hacker group Anonymous got involved, not condoning his violent acts but only his struggle. His fans even developed conspiracy theories, including ones dealing with gun control and drone attacks.
Am I missing something? Why are people so stupid? Why do people believe everything they hear and read? Christopher Dorner isn't Sylvester Stallone, this isn't "Bullet to the Head" (which is also good because that movie sucked) or "Rambo" (which didn't suck). I don't know who Christopher Dorner was because I've never met him. I've never lived or visited L.A., don't know any LAPD officers ... what I know came from information gathered from news reports. How do people know his lengthy manifesto isn't filled with lies?
Although the LAPD isn't helping with their unbelievable shoot-to-kill vibe as they've shot up people twice who they mistook for Dorner.
I can't help but wonder why people think they have it all figured out? Last night on Facebook, there were countless links to articles making this situation an LAPD vs. a black man thing or a corruption vs. a hero thing. How do they know? Last night on Facebook, there were countless posts about President Barack Obama's state of the union speech - over the top in favor or opposed. How do they know? How have we become experts on everything? We are all critics, ready to share our opinion but what's it worth?

The Superbowl: Football, Ravens vs. 49ers - Why Are Professional Athletes Demi-Gods

I didn't watch the Superbowl.
Yes, I'm American. No, I'm not an uppity intellectual who views football as barbaric and beneath me. My father is apathetic when it comes to professional sports. There was no chips-beer-TV-Sunday ritual, no swearing at the screen as if Joe Gibbs could hear him, no "come on boys get it together!" pleads or a lucky football jersey. It's not that he doesn't like sports ... it's more it never comes up in conversation.
The apathy was genetic and I'm not a huge sports fan aside from wanting certain teams to win so my other half is happy - although some may argue the Superbowl is more major event than mere game. Whatever the case, this year the big sports fan in my life didn't have a dog in the fight so he suggested we take in a motion picture. Deep down he knows I'm only interested in the food, beer, overindulgent side of the annual event. So, I eagerly accepted and saved myself 3,500 calories and a hangover. Instead of being two of 100 million who watched the Superbowl, we were one of three couples who saw "Django."
Now, in the aftermath, it's high school all over again and I'm an outcast. I missed the 45-minute blackout, the Baltimore Ravens' beatdown on the San Francisco 49ers (I may not be a huge sports fan but do have a clue), Beyonce's gyrations, and, of course, commercials. The Internet and acquaintances have somewhat filled me in. The Best of the Superbowl We Still Can't Believe You Missed -- the Go Daddy commercial was gross, the farmers commercial was touching, Beyonce was spectacular (also heard she was a poor choice), the Ravens were almost unstoppable, Jim Nance wore a stupid tie, the 49ers got screwed with a bad call, blah blah blah ...
I understand the Superbowl is an annual excuse to party hardy on a Sunday night (especially with the current White House petition for Barry O to make the Monday after the Superbowl a national holiday - How lazy and irresponsible can we get? What are they gonna call it - National Hangover Day? Please, Barry, stop with the gun regulation and help us. How about the NFL move the Superbowl to Saturday?). Anyway, I get it. Maybe it's because my male figure growing up was more British programming, astronomy and reading than touchdowns, interceptions and two-minute warnings. Maybe it's because (gasp) I am woman, hear me roar about womanly things instead of pretending I like fooseball so men like me. Whatever the case ... I don't get the big deal.
Don't get me wrong, I understand there are millions who base their lives around their team and speak as if they are on the team - "we really killed them today" ~ what you mean we white man? The NFL wouldn't be huge without fans. Seasons are emotional roller coasters of terrible losses, stellar wins and heartbreaking injuries. There are stats to consider, drafts to watch, fantasy teams to form, playoffs to yearn for ... if that's your thing than more power to you! I know I'm the odd woman out and that's OK because it's not the NFL I don't understand, it's more America's view of professional athletes as demi-gods who are without sin.
The Ravens were paraded through Baltimore as people from near and far pushed and shoved to get closer to the action - there was a triple-stabbing because, hey, world champions or not, Baltimore is still disgusting. In this mob was Ray Lewis on a Humvee - the beloved Ray Ray. He's amazing. Don't believe me? Just ask him, he'll tell you. His talent on the field is legendary but I'm more interested in his character. I'm more interested in seeing children wearing his jersey - which makes me cringe. He's extremely loud, he's extremely proud and he may have murdered someone.
Lewis was indicted on murder and aggravated assault charges after the stabbing death of two people (does anyone know their names or care? We always remember the bad guy, never the victim ... ) at a Superbowl party in 2000 - although he was acquitted, many still believe he's guilty: victim's blood found in his limo, he ratted out two others, the white suit he was wearing was never found. OJ Simpson was acquitted but labeled a monster. Casey Anthony was acquitted but labeled a monster. Lewis' sins have been absolved. Lewis, 37, also has six children by four women.
Yes, he's an amazing player and was acquitted by a jury of his peers but is this the type of person who should be raised to heights of demi-god? People, chiefly Ravens fans, hem and haw about forgiveness, Ray Ray finding God (where was he hiding?) and showing America people with troubled pasts can change but would they care if he wasn't an amazing football player? Also, for someone with such a checkered past, you'd think he would turn down the flash and be humble.
What about Ahmad Brooks of the 49ers who, in 2008, allegedly punched a woman in the face, giving her a black eye and causing her to black out? That wasn't enough to keep him from playing in the NFL.
What about Michael Vick, who served 21 months in prison and two months of home confinement - we all know why. Whether he learned his lesson or not, whether he found God in prison or not, he should not have been allowed back into the NFL. Lewis was acquitted but Vick was found guilty. If any common Joe plead guilty to these charges and went to jail ... do you think they would be able to re-join society so easily? A criminal past on a resume means nothing to the NFL when dollar signs are involved. Shouldn't incarceration be a guaranteed removal from the NFL?
These men are playing a game for millions of dollars a year. They are celebrities, praised and applauded and showered with money and luxuries because they are good at playing a sport. Me play sport good, grunt grunt. They are shoved in our faces and play the part of mentor for our children and their dreams whether we like it or not. As for the girls out there ... either become a cheerleader or study up on football and become a fan.
What is it about the American public and the obsession with praising meaningless talent? Doctors and surgeons save lives, policeman and firemen save lives, teachers mold lives ... professional athletes, actors and actresses provide entertainment yet we remember their names and hoist them up as if they would be able to save us if (when) the apocalypse comes. The youth of America (and adults) worship these frauds, these actors and actresses who pretend to be someone else, these men who are talented on the field but, with some of them, don't lead respectable lives.
In August, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Union Leader DeMaurice Smith about the rise in DUIs and domestic violence among NFL players. His plan - strengthen existing policies, i.e. fines and suspensions. I don't understand the logic. I understand maybe you made a mistake and drank one more beer than you should have, drove home and the po-po got your ass ... but beating your wife? That's not a mistake. You can beat the crap out of your wife and are fined and miss some games? That's it? Where's the morality? What do you have to do to get kicked out of the league? Beat her five times? Kill someone and not be acquitted? Playing a game for millions should be a privilege, even if you are an amazing athlete. What message is this sending the youth of America?
Don't do bad things unless you are talented? If you are rich enough and famous enough you can get away with anything? People only care about those who are extraordinary?
Do we worship them because their lives look so easy - lots of money, fame and luxury for something that, honestly, looks fun? Do we worship them because everyone, deep down, wants to be worshipped and loved? Is this the new American dream - do as little as possible to make as much as possible?

The great gun debate smeared across social media: Magazines, guns, weapons, mass murder, NRA, second amendment, bullheaded nays and yays

Do you fancy yourself a gun enthusiast?  Are you the proud owner of a handgun, rifle, shotgun or, possibly, an arsenal including several magazines. Do you hunt or target shoot? Maybe you are staunchly anti-gun or don't see the need for magazines and assault weapons outside of the military. I don't care if you are John Rambo or Gandhi, whatever the case, stop talking about it on Facebook and Twitter as if you are an expert on the Second Amendment and life, the universe and everything. You aren't commenting about being a gun enthusiast or an anti-gun liberal. It's past the gun debate, it's past mass shootings and safety. You want attention and have no interest in starting a healthy conversation as you, most likely, claim because, other than a healthy debate, what's the point?
I don't care about your opinion if it's set in stone. I don't care about an obscure gun fact you copied and pasted from an article you read online. What's the goal behind John Q. Public Tweeting: "Goodbye free America, socialism here we come! Hold on to your guns people, they will be as valuable as gold very soon!" 
These rants come from a lack of education and ignorance. The more Americans devalue education and the more ignorance is celebrated, the more these types of things will happen -- could I sound like more of an old fart? Ignorance is celebrated, it's rewarded. People are paid millions of dollars to be idiots. What message does that send? Hey, I can rant online and suffer no consequence! People will pay attention to me like I'm a reality star! I'm never going to change my mind on anything, anytime, anywhere - people wear this gem like a badge of honor.
Morons go on social media and make ignorant comments because their moron friends applaud them. It's one thing to think something but quite another to share it with hundreds of people as if then, and only then, your opinions will matter. It's not polite in public but it sure as hell seems polite on ye ole Internet. Sure, people with differing views may comment but it's meaningless. No harm, no foul as responses are typed from keyboards or smartphones, a safe distance from face-to-face contact. Parents aren't willing to educate their kids and this is what you get - they didn't grow up in the Technology Age so they aren't sure what's happening. When I was a teenager, the most advanced technology were beepers and flip phones that, gasp, only made phone calls.
We are a nation of idiots who celebrate and idolize ignorance. The media doesn't celebrate Joe who finds common ground with others or Sally who is nice to everyone she meets - they celebrate John who is loud, proud and full of cheap flamboyance oozing from his pores.
I have views. I can compromise and respect other perspectives, to a point. Politics is supposed to be about bringing together differing ideologies to, eventually, compromise. Politicians should reach across the aisle. I'm here, you're there, let's meet over there. Each side feels like they gave something up but, in the end, they both end up better for having compromised.
The gun debate doesn't have to be everything or nothing. No one is coming to your home to take your guns, especially not the leader of the free world or a member of Congress. Similarly, no one is handing out assault weapons and magazines at the grocery store. It doesn't have to be everything or nothing -- like a fad diet, it will fail.
There are plenty of intelligent people who are responsible gun owners just as there are intelligent people who aren't gun owners. However, when talking about weapons designed to kill people, we should understand with great power comes great responsibility. The Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms. There are other freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution the courts regulate: freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Courts consistently say the Constitution is not absolute and not unlimited - that's why it can be amended.
So, there needs to be a discussion. Personally I don't see the need for assault weapons and magazines outside of the military but I'm just some jerk writing a blog. The powers that be need to discuss and examine guns in America, including gun violence. As for the common man, stop trying to pretend you want a healthy discussion on Facebook or Twitter. We all know you're lying. It ain't all about you princess.

Reluctance: Trust your gut or use your head?

Ever notice reluctance time travels? Reluctance: you're not filled to the brim with dread over something or someone but you, as children often whine, don't wanna! You huff and you puff, hem and haw, do a Napoleon Dynamite-worthy sigh, create semi-valid but wimpy excuses and rain checks in your mind ... it's borderline agony. Then you decide to throw your b.s. out the window and, as Larry the Cable Guy (Daniel Lawrence Whitney ... such a high brow name) loves to say, get 'er done. Oh, sorry. Larry spells it git-r-done - also the title of his book ... yes, he's written a book. He's so successful at getting it done he wrote a book about getting it done so we can all get it done like he does. What exactly is he getting done? Buying another camouflage hat or flannel button-down to de-sleeve? Perfecting his fake hillbilly accent? Creating a sequel to "Delta Farce?" Bankrolling the dumbing of America and Budweiser?
Anyway, before you know what's what, the source of your reluctance (exercise, making healthy choices, laundry, dishes, homework, spending time with someone who sucks) is in the past and you think ... what was the big deal? As Cousin Eddie's wife said in "Vacation" - "Oh, it's not so bad. Eddie says after the baby comes, I can quit one of my night jobs."
The worst part is agonizing over your reluctance.
I have a love, hate relationship with exercise, as do most people. I love it because it helps me to feel mentally and physically well - fitter, healthier and more productive. Endorphins, baby, shot straight through my heart like Bon Jovi's screams. En route to the gym, and throughout my workday, I craft excuses: I'll go tomorrow and even, gasp, on the weekend. I worked hard today makin dat dollar so deserve a night off. I'm an adult and it's OK to skip one night. I'm tired and I'm pretty sure I read a study exercising when tired is a big no-no - it was published last month in Dream On Lardass Magazine. Last, but certainly not least, I don't wanna - wah, sad face emoticon.
Who will win the battle of reluctance? One mind, two thoughts. I'm not picturing an angel and devil specifically but the two beings taking up residence in my dome are opposites who, unlike the saying, don't attract.
There's productive, healthy, intelligent, motivated me who is filled with life, love and vigor like a Hallmark card or a 365 inspirational quotes calendar - like looking at that shit once a day is going to make me less bitter. This persona believes the Almighty Glass is half full and cheats on their diet with one naughty meal a week and, sadly, its measurement on the Naughty Scale is lame-o. They workout often, don't make excuses, and fill the world with smiles, politeness and a good work ethic. They contribute to society and are grateful for the gift of life, family and friends.
Then there's the other me: still intelligent but unmotivated. They crave procrastination, alcohol and trans fat. This persona believes the glass is, and always will be, half empty and is known to make excuses. They fill the world with road rage, guilt and a PMS-attitude, and contemplate taking up smoking again as a weight loss supplement. They contribute to society but with the least amount of effort needed because, obviously, the world owes them a favor. Life's a bitch and then you die.
Sometimes my excuses trick me because I can almost craft them into being logical, like Spock worthy logic. I find it better not to go down Excuse Road because no good will come. It's like when you are in bed and can't fall asleep. You start doing the math: if I go to bed right now I can still get six hours, that's not bad. Did I lock the door - you go and check and find yourself checking every window and door in your home (I did this last night but only because I watched that new Kevin Bacon show "The Following" - creepy). This is when your inner philosopher is unleashed and your thoughts cover every aspect of life in full-on panic mode. Don't go down this road because it's filled with potholes, trolls asking for toll money, and creepy things that go bump in the night like excuses.
There's also the problem of: am I making an excuse or is my gut telling me something? Trust your gut ... how do I know when I'm trusting my gut or when I'm being a reluctant jerk or when I have heartburn from eating a burrito, taco, chips and salsa, and a 48 oz. margarita?
I read trash rags. I never claimed to be a literary mind. Anyway, I always chuckle at, among other things, comments made by celebrities. They act so high and mighty, like they aren't getting paid way too much money to recite lines and pretend for a few hours.
"I like to live life to the fullest and take chances."
Yeah, if Daniel Day Lewis said this, I would listen because he's amazing. If Megan Fox says this ... well, she's not a good actress but she's hot. Pretty easy to take a chance when you're famous and have lots of zeros looking back at you when checking your account balance. I wouldn't be reluctant to workout out either if I knew a fat paycheck relied on my body. So, what about the Common Man who finds themselves reluctant to skip a day of work for a trip or skip a night at the gym or quit their job or write-off a family member? Should we trust our gut?

Video game violence: Newton, Conn. shooting, California high school shooting, mass murders, guns, culture of violence

My husband plays video games. No, this isn't a prelude to a hennish rant pleading for attention - love me, want me, need me. I don't want him to relinquish his PS3 controller for my womanly pursuits: dark chocolate, wine, trash rags and "Sex and the City."
I like that he plays video games. He works hard and deserves to relax - his way of unwinding is cleansing Raccoon City of Umbrella's abominations and saving the galaxy from the Reapers. Whatever floats his boat.
Yes, most of the video games he plays can be classified as violent. Violence has found its way into our homes and lives - on television, in movies, in the newspaper, in books and magazines. It's everywhere - we can't hide our children from violence but we can offer protection.
This violence in the media debate - the theory violent imagery in video games contributed to a culture of violence - reminds me of the attack on sexuality in America. The abstinence squad, the anti-birth control mafia, the anti-abortion crew - none of this works. Teens are going to have sex because biologically (as many conservatives love to use as their reasoning for anti-homosexuality remarks) humans explore their sexuality at the pre-teen age. We hit middle school and boys aren't so gross anymore, boobies are exciting, we have urges and feelings we don't quite understand. Instead of shaming pre-teens and teens into believing there is something wrong, we need conversation. Parents need to parent, teachers need to teach. I'm not saying we should mold our children into sexual beings but we need to help them understand their feelings and urges are OK.
The same goes for violence. You can shield your children as best you can from harmful images and suffering, but they don't live in a plastic bubble.
It's not the video game creators' fault - it's the parents who let their children spend hours filling their impressionable minds with first-person shooters and women portrayed as 36-24-36, spandex-clad sex pots or the latest Grand Theft Auto installment. These parents are also the ones who let their children watch the latest "Saw" film or booby and blood filled horror motion picture - "Mama" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D." What do you expect? Stop using the television and computer as your nanny so you can pretend you're childless for a few hours at a time. Obviously my husband isn't a pre-teen/teen (or I'd be writing this post from Cell Block D). He is a well-adjusted contributor to society who deserves to enjoy violent video games in the comfort of his living room.
Violence - what was risque 10 years ago? Twenty? Thirty? Fifty? One hundred? There was a time, not too long ago, where it was risque for a couple living together out of wedlock to be featured on a television show or for a woman to be employed as anything other than a nurse or teacher. Risque was Jim Morrison singing "Girl we couldn't get much higher" on live television or Elvis' gyrating hips or an interracial couple. Think about what's allowed on TV and in movies today and what's considered extreme in society. At what point have we gone too far? We can't turn back time but we can try to do the best with what we have.
You want to regulate video games? Go ahead. Regulate them like you should weapons, regulate them like you have alcohol and cigarettes. Make it difficult for the underage to purchase violent media.
If the goal of society is to protect children from things that are bad for them - what other purpose is there? - make it difficult. You could say, it's different from alcohol and cigarettes because they can get violent media on the Internet. Make it so they need to show an ID to buy a game, same thing at the movies (don't let parents allow their children into R rated films), same thing on the Internet - parents need to block inappropriate Internet sites and television networks. Exercise responsibility, it shouldn't be a big debate. It's simple. No, it's not perfect but nothing is perfect. It's the best answer to this problem - regulation. Yeah, underage kids can still buy alcohol and cigarettes but not as many if no one checked IDs. Yeah, you can buy a gun but it may take a while.
Movie theaters and establishments selling entertainment need policies and procedures in place that are enforced and subject to penalties and fines. If a liquor store doesn't card, they can get fined and/or lose their license. Why isn't this applied to places of business selling violent media?
The government is looking for quick answers so society feels safer in elementary and high schools, movie theaters and public places across the country (also some politicians are looking to make you temporarily forget about the gun debate by introducing the violent video game debate). We need another war like the failed war on drugs. It's video games, it's lax gun laws, it's the mental health stigma and lack of affordable care, it's heavy metal music, it's our Godless society, it's drugs, it's homosexuals, it's illegal immigrants, it's this, it's that - you're never going to rid the United States of guns, violent media or mentally sick individuals. You need to do the best with what you're given. Although, I don't trust Congress to make intelligent choices since they got a pay raise and I got a tax increase.

Steubenville, Ohio: Rape, Facebook, twitter, camera phones, Anonymous - living recklessly in the Technology Age

Two former high school football players from Steubenville, Ohio are accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a series of end-of-summer parties (August 11, 2012). Both are charged with rape; one is charged with "illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material."
As the story goes, a young girl traveled out-of-town to attend these parties and drank so much she blacked out -- mumbled speech, vomiting, unconsciousness. Allegedly, the two young men violated her sexually while dragging/carrying her to various parties - it was suggested on social networking sites she was urinated on by a person/people. Onlookers Tweeted and Facebooked about the girl, took videos and snapped photos (11 cell phones and a couple iPads were seized in the investigation) - including the now infamous photograph of two young men holding up the girl's limp body by her limbs like a dead deer. There may even be a video of the alleged sexual attack.
According to reports, the victim learned about the evening through social media - Twitter and Facebook - the next morning.
It's the age old Bystander effect - many people present with no one coming to the rescue. Blame it on the alcohol, blame it on being young and naive, blame it on whatever you want - no one helped this young girl.
Why am I just blogging about this now? I didn't know about the case until Anonymous, the activist hacker group, released information, including a 12-minute video of a young man, who has not been charged, joking about the incident to the amusement of several teenage boys. He was questioned by police - his excuse: he was drunk.
Is it really rape because you don't know if she wanted to or not. She might have wanted to. That might have been her final wish.
Anonymous is upset no one is coming forward with information about the evening in question and also because Steubenville has, as they described, an all-star football team consisting of demi-gods to the small, high school football obsessed, down-on-its-luck town. They plan to release more information unless people come forward with information.
To further complicate matters, another victim came forward with allegations she was raped in April -- possibly by the same group of football all-stars.
I could rant about the small town condoning these actions because the boys in question are demi-gods or about local kids and familial/friend connections. However, I'm more interested in the role of social media.
Have we come to the point where people are so stupid they confess on Twitter and Facebook about such horrifying scenarios as rape? (I.e. Jacob Cox-Brown of Oregon who Facebooked: "Drivin drunk ... classsic ;) but to whoever's vehicle i hit i am sorry. :P" - He was arrested). I don't care how drunk you are, that's illegal, that's criminal, that's immoral. At what point does rape or drunk driving seem funny or cool? Stupid is not the word. Help me understand the mentality - the boy who murdered children and adults in Newtown, Mass. is being described as mentally sick, perhaps a product of his end-of-the-world obsessed mother. What about these boys, who would do such a thing? What about these boys, who laugh about rape? What about the girls and boys who watched as a girl was sexually violated and humiliated and did nothing yet found the time to sarcastically Tweet, text and Facebook about it with a detached, sick mentality? Are we that far removed from reality where rape is funny?
What is it about teenagers/young adults and an obsession with blacking out, being wasted - this has been the status quo for decades. It's like a medal of honor. I'm not a nun, I've partied. However, I've never laughed about a young, unconscious girl being raped or joked about driving drunk. Do people not realize Facebook isn't anonymous or are they too obsessed with everyone knowing everything about them every second of every day?

New year, new you: Diets, exercise, change, new beginnings, no excuses

It's 2013. Weird, right? We aren't traveling in flying cars on elevated highways but we also didn't fly off the fiscal cliff. We aren't colonizing Mars or vacationing on the moon but we also didn't die in the Mayan Doomsday Apocalypse and John Cusack didn't have to save us from global warming with a battered RV. Save me John Cusack, save me with your snark. Instead of the final frontier, we have Facebook, genetic testing, GPS, Blueray, Smartphones, Twitter, Google, laparoscopic surgery, CGI, mini iPads, Wal-Mart, iPods, 3D, planes, trains and automobiles. Beam me up Scotty, there's no sign of intelligent life here.
We're here, we're queer, get used to it.
Life rages on and we're expected to create resolutions: make lists, take notes, make plans. This is the year! The time is now! A lot can happen in a year! Motivate yourself to change your life! Go to Bed, Bath & Beyond and get yourself a Gandhi poster: Be the change you want to see in the world! Frame it and put it in your living room next to your Live, laugh, love poster. You're surrounded by motivation! Turn on the boob tube so advertisers can tell you what to think. You're fat, so get skinny - we'll show you how! Your marriage sucks - get divorced! Your job sucks - get a new one! The calendar changed so act accordingly.
The cynic in me wants to rant about the stupidity behind resolutions considering most are too ambitious and abandoned within three weeks. Also, can a human truly change? This skeptical force figures the Kardashian-Kayne spawn will be the anti-Christ and cause the end of days ... so what's a few extra pounds and a dead-end job matter?
Satan is his father, not Guy (aka Kayne). He came up from hell and begat a son of mortal woman. Satan is his father and his name is Adrian. He shall overthrow the mighty and lay waste their temples. He shall redeem the despised and wreak vengeance in the name of the burned and the tortured. Hail, Adrian! Hail, Satan! Hail, Satan! (Sidenote: the theme song to "Rosemary's Baby" is beyond creepy ... la la la). Hail Kayne!
As I read the other day, scientists predict the baby of Kardashian-Kayne (Kimye?) will have an ego so dense it collapses on itself creating a blackhole. So, there's that.
The other side of me, the I-want-to-trick-everyone-into-believing-I'm-a-nice-person-in-2013-side (which is related to the eating-healthy-and-working-out-makes-me-feel-better knowledge I trapped inside an empty box of Nilla Wafers), sees the positive in resolutions and the new year. A time to reflect on the past 365 days, consider your successes and failures, and move on to a cleanish slate (like taking a shower when you're hungover). It's a built-in timeline for life similar to age - I'm 40, what have I done with my life or it's 2013, what did I accomplish in 2012?
That's so 2012 - the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen Mum (snoozefest), Curiosity landed on Mars, "The Innocence of Muslims" caused terrorist attacks and outrage, Felix Baumgartner broke the sound barrier, Hurricane Sandy wrecked havoc on the east coast, President Barack Obama was reelected in a close race, mass shootings caused public outrage on gun control laws ...
There's always the coveted death reel of the ones we lost (loved ones as well as those we knew but didn't know - celebrities): Mike Wallace, Davy Jones, Dick Clark, Vidal Sassoon, Donna Summer, Ray Bradbury, Rodney King, Andy Griffith, Sally Ride, Maeve Binchy, Neil Armstrong, Michael Clarke Duncan ... those sweet, innocent children in Newtown.
Reflection is positive - as my seventh grade social studies teacher told us everyday: those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. In case you need a visual, she looked like Sam the Eagle from the Muppets with a righteous bowl cut and drove a white 1985ish Mustang.
There's more to life than current events and dead celebrities. We should reflect on our past year. What happened. Did you lose a loved one? Start a new job? Have a baby? Get married? Get divorced? Gain a shit ton of weight? Form new friendships or rid your life of toxic frenemies? Maybe you got a dog or bought a car or got a raise or chased a dream ... whatever it was, these events formed your 2012.
Do you know what time it is? No, not time for a Kool Moe Dee song about girlies. It's time to devise a flight plan for 2013 since we're going this non-cynical route.
What do we want? I don't know! When do we want it? Now!
Dear Diary, day three of the new year. So far, I'm back to eating healthy and exercising regularly, more to do with the poundage I acquired during the holidays than some lofty, life changing goal. Biggest Loser this is not. I cleaned up my Facebook friends list today, so there's something. Goals: declutter, defriend, less frivolous spending more saving, more books less social networking, more outside less TV ... less cynical? Perhaps it's better to keep my goals attainable because any day of the year can be your "new year."