Depleting natural resources

Since I require two consecutive science classes in order to graduate, I've been taking one this Winter. One of the questions that has been discussed in this class recently is about the consumption of our resources and how it needs to be handled for people to use less energy and continue to use the resources they have. I've been a little surprised by the number of students that seem to feel as if it is the President's job to limit the fuel used, the number of televisions in each household, the number of cell phones a person can have, etc.

I think it is absolutely ridiculous to assume that it is our President's job to regulate the way each individual lives their life. And, for the record, the President cannot simply make a law. It has to go through Congress and be approved by them. A Congress that can't seem to agree on anything. If our government can't agree on a way to handle the fiscal cliff, how are they ever going to pass a law that tells a family how many miles they are allowed to drive and how many television they can have or how often they can get a new television and what kind of car people have to drive?

Does that really seem like a viable solution to this culture that prides itself on always having the latest and greatest gadget? Can anyone see Congress actually getting together and banning all cars that are non-hybrid and limiting the number of electronics a person can have? No one would ever give up their individual right to determine how much light they want in their living room and how many relaxing bubble baths they want to take.

Maybe we should instead look at taxing things at a higher rate. Alcohol and cigarettes are taxed at a higher "luxury" tax because they are unhealthy and bad for individuals as well as the environment. Maybe fuel should be taxed at a higher rate? When gas prices went up in recent years, people have learned to do less driving. Maybe there needs to be more regulations about the fuel efficiency of cars that are allowed in the US (there might be, I don't really keep up with what goes on in vehicle regulations). Maybe there should be a tax that is added in when people file their taxes if they choose to have an older car that is worse for the environment. But that wont change the fact that people will always want the newest television, blue-ray player, video game system, and cell phone. How could we fix this problem that is quickly depleting so many of our natural resources?

For this, I say we need to take a look at this society that says it is okay to line up every year for a new cell phone. If you have people lined up for days ever year to get a brand new model of a cell phone, this is a problem. Cell phones and televisions and cameras and all electronics require an awful lot of resources that are quickly being used. Society as a whole needs to get over this idea that they have to have a new, shiny device every six months. People also need to focus more on recycling their "old" devices. There are many programs out there to recycle old electronics that few people take advantage of. Many people get a new television and just throw out their old one. they stuff an old cell phone into a drawer and forget about it.

People need to be able to change. We need to stop expecting the government to tell us how to live our lives. Especially if we're going to get mad if they attempt to do just that. So recycle your old wrapping paper, remember to recycle your electronics if you got a new one for Christmas, donate clothes when you get new ones, and turn off your lights when you're not in the room. This isn't rocket science people. Be responsible for yourself and your own home.

Worst dentist appointment EVER

So I went to the dentist yesterday and it was terrible. Just awful. And I feel like I'm dying.

My thoughts go out to those in Newtown

This morning, our company lost all connection to email, our network and the internet. And since we don't really have great service in the office (I think because they want people to stay off social media... oops), I had absolutely no idea what had happened in Newtown this morning. And when I found out about this tragic shooting around 1:00 this afternoon, my heart absolutely broke.

This is just a awful, horrific tragedy. Sadly, the reporting of this shooting has also been terrible. The reports were originally stating that Ryan Lanza was the shooter, then they claimed it was his brother. The counts of those involved ranges anywhere from 18-27. And the thing that bothers me the most about all of this is the fact that every major news station is trying to interview the children at the school. At most school shootings, they do try to talk with the students. But most school shootings seem to happen at a high school or college level. Not at an elementary school. Reading and watching these reporters trying to interview children that have just been through such a terrifying and traumatic experience is disgusting.

When something like this happens, reporters and news stations should not be interviewing people for shock value in order to bolster their ratings. Just the same that people should not try to say what the cause of this event was. Not the police. Not the reporters. And most of all, not the rest of us that are watching this unfold. Who are we as the "internet people" to take the news and report on it? Who are we to find a random person on twitter named "Ryan Lanza" and start harassing him for this only to realize this guy just happens to have the same name? Who are we to start telling people they aren't mourning "the right way"? Who are we to try and find the single cause of all of this?

Yes, it seems that this shooter was mentally unstable and needed treatment. No, this is not the time to push your agenda of the failed healthcare system in the US. Yes, it is obvious this man should never have been able to purchase a gun. No, this is not the time for you to say we need to rid the country of all guns. Yes, politicians are the ones that decide which laws are put into place. No, it is not their fault that this man killed so many innocent, young children. People are trying to blame healthcare, gun control, video games, the NRA, politicians and lobbyists. But no, there isn't one single cause for this.

Its natural that we want someone to answer for the loss of life. We can't put the shooter on trial since he was killed during this massacre (at this time it is not clear whether this was suicide or not). We as a country are outraged that this could happen in what should be one of the safest places for children. Children and parents should never have to worry about the safety of a school, an elementary school at the very least. We're all looking for someone to blame for this and there isn't anyone. And this is not the only time this happens. We all know that shootings are a fairly frequent thing and school shootings are also not unheard of here.

Maybe instead of blaming everyone, we lend our support to those in Newtown? Whatever needs to be done for those parents and families should be a priority right now. Maybe we should start questioning how we let 20 innocent children get murdered in cold blood and then turn this into a political issue. Maybe we should look at the fact that within a matter of hours stations were looking to increase ratings by interviewing the fucking children that just witnessed a shooting. Maybe we should talk about what we can do to help the parents and families that were affected and not try to push our own agenda. Maybe we should try to step back and evaluate the facts before reporting on every little snippet of information before reporting it as news to a country that is devastated and looking for answers. Maybe we should question how we as a society know that this is not the first school shooting that we've had.

Or maybe we should all just get together and cry. Because, honestly, that's what I want to do. I want to cry and check on the few kids that are in my life. I want to make sure these kids know they're loved.

My thoughts are with everyone in Newtown.

A journalist's responsibility

Journalists are meant to be the people that report on the world around us, without bias, with all of the facts available. A major newspaper such as the New York Post should have the ability to determine whether an article or a picture should be used. When a tragedy such happens, journalists have the obligation to report on it and newspapers have the obligation to present the information to their readers. When an incident such as the man who was pushed in front of a subway is killed occurs, there is no question about whether this should be reported. But should the photograph of the man in his last moments of life be published?

The story of the man that was pushed in front of the train definitely needed to be covered by news agencies. This was a tragic story of an innocent man that was pushed in front of a train and then killed. Even worse? The man that committed this act was not apprehended on the scene and was still roaming the streets of New York. Journalists were publishing photographs of the man that committed the act and spreading the story in order to make people aware of this event and to find the man. New Yorkers needed to know about this story. Newspapers and websites everywhere were reporting on this event. The actual reporting done is not what is questionable. What is questionable is whether the New York Post should have published the photograph of the man just moments before his death.

Photojournalists have long held the belief that they should only photograph and not interfere with the subject that they are photographing. It is not uncommon for photojournalists to feel that it is their job to only report on a story and if they interfere and help out, they are changing the story. By changing a story, there is a conflict about whether the journalist even has the right to report on a story. It has long been a challenge in photojournalism when reporters are in war zones and third world countries and are forced to only report on the terrible things they see. When natural disasters hit and people are struggling in the aftermath, a journalist may want to help but they must realize that they are helping more by simply raising awareness of the situation. As a caring human being, a reporter or journalist may want to help everyone they see, but they simply don’t have the resources to do so. They also want to present the scene they are seeing in the most unbiased way possible.  

Does this philosophy still apply to a situation such as the photojournalist who saw the train coming for the man who had been pushed? Should he have acted differently? Should he have helped the man? Should he have put his camera down? Should anyone else that was close to the man have tried to help? According to the journalist’s story, he was trying to help. Umar Abbasi says that he was not trying to take a picture of Ki Suk Han. He was only using his flash on his camera in order to get the train conductor’s attention and to try and alert him that something was wrong. Abbasi claims he was trying to help in the only way he could because he was simply too far away to lend a hand himself. Even the New York Post has stated that Abbasi did not have the strength to lift him even if he was close enough to help.

While the general consensus is that this photograph should never have been taken, there is little question about the inaction of the people around. Why did none of the other people waiting for the train try to help? Abbasi has made it clear that he was simply too far away to physically help the man; he was firing off shots with his flash to alert the conductor. He also has stated that there were many other people around that also did not help Ki Suk Han. Where is the public outcry about the inaction of all of those that stood by and watched this happen? Where is the outcry about the man who did get away? It seems this is just another instance of people waiting for someone else to do the right thing.

So where does this leave the photograph of Ki Suk Han’s last moments on earth? Did the New York Post have an obligation to post this photograph? Or were they simply trying to use this photograph to generate sales? The public outcry about this photograph is loud and most people seem to feel that this should not have been taken let alone published. The New York Post seems to have forgotten about the family of this man. Instead of remembering him as he left for work, his family will now forever have the lasting image of their father and husband just moments before his death. There is no thought about the lasting effects this will have on his family and friends. The Post should have known better than to run such a graphic image across their paper only the day after his death. The Post never once thought about the fact that this image is not something the public needed to see. Why was there instead not a picture of the man who pushed Ki Suk Han? Why was there simply not a recent picture of the man with a small article about his life and speaking of what a tragedy this is?

If this was a widespread problem that happened several times a day and there were hundreds of people pushing others in front of subways, this might have been appropriate to run. If this was not an isolated incident with one mentally ill man, this might have been appropriate to run. Since this was a single attack, this should picture should never have been published. This does not depict a tragedy that all New Yorkers should be wary of; this is one sick man that did a terrible thing. There is no reason any print or broadcasting agency should have ever shown such a graphic and terrifying picture of this man’s final moments.

Photographers and photojournalists often have to struggle with the proper way to deal with a situation they are in. Everyday citizens are also forced to deal with this question. The New York Post also has to deal with the question of how to handle pictures and stories that are insensitive and grotesque. The only person it seems that made any move to help was the photographer. And he will forever have to live with the fact that he was the one who that the last moments of a man’s life. People reading the story can all claim how they would or would not have handled the situation if they were on that platform.  The truth is, no one will ever know until they are faced with that situation. 

It Snowed!

This morning, I woke up to find out that Dallas had received its first snowfall of the season. And by "snowfall" I mean a very light dusting of powder that barely covered the ground. It was nice to be able to wake up and have it actually feel like its Christmas time with the snow and not the 70's that we've had for the past couple of weeks.

I could understand Sam's confusion about this cold white stuff that covered his lawn, he was absolutely baffled by it. Since this is the first winter he's been through, snow was obviously a new and different experience. Sam kept trying to play in it then he would bark at it. Like I said, he was baffled by the snow. I'm curious to see how he would react if there was a real snowfall in Dallas... I'm sure that would be fun for both him and me both.

Sadly, my amusement with this light dusting of snow ended there simply for the fact that people in Dallas forget how to drive when you even throw around the"s" word. Even though there wasn't snow on the roads and there was no fear about ice on the streets, people feel the need to try and drive 10-15 MPH below the speed limit. Why?? Do people here just not realize that just because its cold outside they are allowed to drive the speed limit? I'm all for being a cautious driver, but it is just ridiculous trying to get anywhere. My usual 15 minute morning commute took a whole 25 minutes!

I know, I should be used to dealing with these drivers since I have been in Texas for a little over four years. But I'm not. It still drives me up the wall. I hate slow drivers on a good day so when there's anything but sunshine and Dallas forgets how to drive, it really makes me question how these people get anywhere on time. I'm also baffled by the reaction to the snow because I lived in DC and New York for several years. A dusting of snow there is barely even thought about. You would get several inches of snow and still have to go to work and school. A friend of mine from Buffalo is equally annoyed by the Texas reaction to the cold. He made the comment this morning that if you don't need a shovel, it doesn't count as snow. And I'm inclined to agree. So unless you're a dog that has never experienced snow before, in which case you wouldn't be driving anyways, learn that you can go the speed limit if there's a light dusting of powder.

Enjoy the cold weather, I'm sure Dallas will be back to the 70's and 80's in no time!!

Meet Sam!

We've been looking for a dog since we bought a house. When we started fostering Sheba, we thought we might have found the dog for us until we realized that Sheba just wasn't going to get along with our cats.  Sheba was adopted by a young couple a little over a month ago and Austin and I have been looking for a dog (and one that would get along with our cats).

On Sunday, we went to the Dallas Animal Services to see if we could find a dog that would fit in out home. This little guy is Sam (Samwise, really) and he's a seven month old Norwegian Elkhound. Although, I'm really not seeing that in him at all... Last night he came to realize that he absolutely loves jumping from the ottoman to the couch to the ottoman to the chair. Since he is still a puppy, I think he'll be pretty easy to train. We will have to work around the fact that I don't think he's had to deal with being in a kennel all day. Sam does seem to be a very smart dog, so he shouldn't be too difficult to train.

There will be many more (better quality) pictures of little Sam posted along with all of his status updates on how he's adjusting to living in a home.

Also, I wanted to make note that the Dallas Animal Services is one of the nicest shelters I've seen. The dogs are all in fairly large rooms and kennels. The staff do a pretty good job of keeping everything clean (as clean as possible when you have that many dogs to take care of) and the dogs are taken care of. I was also amazed at how many of their dogs are listed as "Very Special Pets" and the already low adoption fee is waived. So, if you're looking for a pet in the DFW area, I would highly suggest taking a look there. Maybe you could end up saving a dog or cat's life.

HCR and PPACA

In May, I left my previous job as an Executive Assistant for a property management company and started a job as Marketing Assistant at a corporate benefits consulting firm. This job, while extremely challenging and difficult has really been a great opportunity. Not only because its a great job and all that, but I now actually understand medical. dental, vision, life, disability, LTC, and pretty much any other benefit that a company would like to offer for their company. Also, I also have the ability to actually understand what the hell is happening with Health Care Reform and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

You know, that thing that most people have just stuck to calling "Obamacare." 

Honestly, I'm absolutely sick of hearing people trying to talk about it like they actually know what is happening. This morning we spent just under three hours with one of our lawyers and he went pretty in detail about what to expect the next two years and what the regulations actually are and what really is going to happen. It was one of the most exhausting meetings I've been in just for the sheer volume of information. Even though I still have a bit of a headache from everything that's going to happen, I'm really glad we had that meeting. 

There is a large number of people that like to write articles about what you should expect in 2013 and 2014 with healthcare reform and I would say (at a rough estimate) 90% of these people are talking out of their ass. These people like to regurgitate the exact same non-information that has been presented over and over before. Very few of them have actually read PPACA or any of the announcements and rulings that have been made about it. We (meaning me and the company I work for) can't have such a luxury. We have to read this. We have to know exactly what is happening. We have to be able to advise our clients. And knowing as much as I do about the coming six years in healthcare really has me worried about the amount of misinformation out there about it. I'm really more concerned with the sheer amount of outright lies being told to the US public about what the ramifications will be. I'm concerned about the fact that people blindly read and watch these major news networks and accept their word as gospel when they don't have the slightest clue what is happening.

I'm not going to tell you all the caveats about HCR and PPACA for two simple reasons: 

1. Did I mention we were in a three hour meeting today discussing it and my head still hurts? Its complicated stuff.
2. I like my job

But I can tell you all this: Don't blindly accept that everyone's insurance rates are going to be rising exponentially and companies are going to start getting rid of benefits. That's not going to happen. Health care  will increase, but mostly due to the fact that there are going to be a lot of people that don't have insurance that now will and a lot of previous limits are no longer there. So there is a big risk that underwriters (the people that determine your rates) can't account for. 

If you would like more information about what's actually happening, I would suggest reading the actual bills. Anyone that says that this program is going to cripple the country or bankrupt the country obviously doesn't know anything about PPACA. I'd be more than happy to explain what is really happening with anyone that has questions, just obviously not in a blog post where you might be able to take it as legal counsel. If you're a business owner, I would suggest hiring someone in this business (a corporate benefits consulting firm) to help you navigate the next few years. Don't try to do it on your own.

(I do know of a great company that could help you all out...)

Success is the best revenge

Today, I'm going to be filling out all of my paperwork to graduate in May to receive my Associate's degree. I know that getting an Associate's degree isn't a huge deal to most people, but this is a huge accomplishment for me.

When I started taking classes last fall, I had already been out of school for three years. I can't even begin to tell you how many people told me that it was a waste of my time and my money to be going back to school when I had a full-time "real" job in an office. A lot of people told me that I wasn't going to actually get my degree. A lot of people said I wouldn't want to finish once I realized how much work it is. The few people that actually thought I would graduate all told me it would take me at least four years in order to get this degree that is supposed to be a two-year plan. All of these people were adamant that I already had a decent job so I shouldn't worry about going back to school. Why should I put myself through the stress of school when I don't need it and I won't finish it?

After checking and double checking and emailing advisers, I know that I will be graduating after working for two years. Knowing how I've proved everyone wrong and I will be graduating and I will have done this in two years and I haven't given up is probably more satisfying than actually getting this degree. Maybe not more satisfying, but at least equally satisfying. I love knowing that I have proved all of these people wrong. I love the fact that many of the people that tried to discourage me from going back to school are some of the same people that tried to belittle me throughout my time at my previous job. These were the same people that wanted to make me feel like I didn't mater and that I was going nowhere in life. I love that I'm proving all of these people wrong and I am doing something with my life.

In the fall I plan on transferring to UTD in order to start working on my Bachelor's degree. I'm fairly certain that even though I technically only have two years left until I get that degree, it will probably take me longer than two in order to graduate with that degree. I know that transferring from a two-year program at a community college to a four-year program at a university like UTD will be a major change. I know the classes I will take will be more intense and I probably wont be able to take as many classes as I have been. Getting my Bachelor's will by no means be an easy feat.

I'm perfectly okay with this. I've already proven so many people that doubted me wrong. And now I'm surrounded by friends and coworkers that actually have faith that I can and I will succeed. I know that although it will be a long process, I have the support I need.

I love seeing how things have changed in the past two years. I can finally see an end in sight to this endless school work.

Lucero - Goodbye Again

I know its been quite a while since my last "Music Monday" type post, so here's another song that is sure to be a nothing less than a way to make it through your Monday. Like most of the people that work Monday - Friday, I'm not a fan of Mondays. Since this is a short week and I'm really looking forward to the weeknd, I needed something to help me through today. So I've fallen back on one of my favorite bands, Lucero. With a mix of Lucero, Ryan Adams, Wilco, and American Aquarium, I think I might make it through this short week.

Revisiting PETA

In a post a little over a year ago, I wrote about how I dislike PETA I talked about how I dislike PETA and why. Now, I've been tasked with writing an essay over the objectification of women for my Mass Communications class and I really think that there is no single better way to prove that objectifying women does nothing good for your cause.

Yes, women (and men) are objectified throughout society. It happens in commercials for hair products, liquor, cars and beauty products. Women are shown as nothing more than a pretty face to endorse a product. I feel like the way PETA hides behind this facade that they're trying to raise awareness (and force everyone to live in the same lifestyle as they are) it is even more despicable. The more research I do in order to prove this point, the more disgusted I am with the entire organization.

As someone that was a vegetarian for a little over ten years and only recently started eating chicken because I was advised to do so by my doctor due to the lack of protein I was getting, I hate the fact that such a well known organization tries to force any lifestyle on people. The fact that PETA tries to guilt people into veganism is a terrible thing for society. The way they target young kids and teenagers with PETA2 is even more abhorrent. Even today, I feel like people should be able to eat what they like and live the life they want.

When I was a vegetarian I would always try to make sure that my personal choice did not affect those around me. PETA seems dead set on forcing their eating choice on everyone. Then trying to guilt you for doing something that they don't agree with. You know what I don't agree with? Objectifying women and sexualizing this matter of animal rights and marketing this to people everywhere and creating a separate part of your corporation that targets young people.

Celebrity Affairs

It seems everywhere I turn, I can't help but encounter news about a certain CIA Director's affair turned scandal. And you know what? I couldn't possibly care less about it.

Why are we so bombarded with "news" about the fact that this many, and any other powerful figure, has an affair? What does this matter? From the little bit that I've gathered about the man, he seems to be a hard working, dedicated man that did a great job while serving as a General and as the director of the CIA. You know what this story proves about him? He had the opportunity to have an affair with a woman that was writing a biography about him.

I'm going to guess if she's writing a book about him, they're going to spend a lot of time together. These two probably corresponded a lot. These two probably spent a long time talking and getting to know each other. What started out as a respect probably was easily turned into a school-girl-type crush. There was opportunity. So they started to have an affair. And now it seems this man's career is over? For having a consensual relationship with a woman? Really? This is news? The woman wasn't trying to extract military secrets out of him. They were just sleeping together.

Yes, if this affair happened while the Petraeus was in the military it would be a violation of the military code of conduct. But is having an affair illegal? No. Is this a terrible thing for his wife to be caught up in? Of course. But is this news? No. What happens in this man's personal life is not, by any standard, news.

And for that matter, I don't care about any actor, musician, politician, teacher, or street performer that has an affair with a consenting adult. Because that isn't news. News stations are so oblivious to real tragedies happening in the world but they can't miss a story about someone even remotely well known that was unfaithful. There are still thousands of people suffering from Hurricane Sandy yet they are almost nonexistent in the news. That news is so last week. There are millions suffering from violence, starvation, poor healthcare, lack of freedom and this is what is plastered all over every major news organization? There is a looming fiscal cliff, a war that might be ending soon, Guantanamo Bay still open, and a Congress that refuses to work together in our own country and this is what people want to focus on?

Maybe it isn't just politics that need to be revamped, maybe the priorities of Americans need to be changed if we want to see change within our country.

Home?

The holiday season is quickly approaching and it seems everyone in the office here is finalizing their plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since this will be my first holiday season with this company, there have been a lot of people asking if I plan on going home this holiday season. Everyone seems a bit confused about the fact that I spend Thanksgiving with Austin's dad's side of the family and Christmas with his mom's side. 

Most people just seem a bit confused but don't really question why I don't go to see my parents seeing as I've only been here six months, but people do seem all so concerned with the fact that I'm not going "home" for the holidays. Everyone I meet also seems intent on asking me one of many standard questions, one being "Where are you from?" I grew up as a military child and never really lived anywhere long enough to put down roots. So what do I consider home? Is it the place I was born but don't remember home? Is home any of the various houses or military bases I lived on while growing up? I can't think of any place I lived while growing up that I felt at home. So I usually resort to just explaining that I grew up moving from place to place and I'm from all over, really. 

And maybe this is part of the reason that the entire concept of "home" seems alien to me, I never had one. It was a completely normal thing for me to pack up and leave after living in a place for only a few years. That's just what people do, right? I've moved so many times that I'm more efficient at packing and moving than most professional movers. I have a system. I have lists. I have spreadsheets. I can pack up a house (well, an apartment) in a matter of a few days. I can unpack and get everything hung up in about five or six hours. 

So even while I've been out of the situation that I never had a choice about moving, it still feel natural. I've lived in Texas for four years and when I moved in August it was the fourth time moving. It isn't necessarily that I disliked the places I was living, but it feels normal to move. And signing that mortgage promising to stay somewhere for 30 years? That was terrifying. I haven't even been alive that long and here I am promising to stay in one place for 30 years? It seems insane. 

But now that I own a house, does this make this city my home? Does this mean that I have really set down root? Does this mean I can answer that this is my home? I know that a house doesn't necessarily make a home, but does a having a mortgage make Dallas my home? If I move in five years to another city or state or country, does that mean I can answer that I'm from Dallas? I've never been able to give people a straight answer when they ask where I'm from, do I now have the answer? 

I had never realized how much of my identity was ingrained in the fact that I don't put down roots. Now that I am a homeowner, it seems like that part of who I am is a bit confused. Is Dallas my home? When people ask where I'm from, do I now have an answer? When people ask if I'll be going home for the holidays, do I just say that this is home? 

Who knew buying a house would cause such an identity crisis. 

The Big Day is Finally Here!!

I'm sure everyone is just as excited as I am that today is election day! No more of the constant political ads. No more of the continuous coverage of people in Ohio that still are undecided. No more talking about polls. It's done! It's over!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am so glad that after tonight this will all be over. And as happy as I am that the election is finally here, I'm sure residents of any swing state are even more excited to have the 24/7 constant stream of political ads have finally come to an end. Tomorrow, for the first time in a very long time, residents of Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, Wisconsin, Florida, Virginia and North Carolina will finally be able to watch television without the constant barrage of how such-and-such candidate is evil. Those people are such troopers to put up with such madness.

Before this is all said and done, go vote. Don't give me the same bullshit about how both candidates are evil and neither one is doing any good, make up your mind and vote. There is an independent on the ballot if you out-right refuse to make a real decision. Thousands of people have fought and died (and paid millions) for you to get out there and vote. There is no reason whatsoever to not cast your vote. You might live in a Republican state and be a Democrat and be thinking Why should I vote? My one vote doesn't matter? But your vote does matter. If everyone out there that said their vote didn't matter actually stood up and did something, things might actually change. A red state might turn blue. A blue state might turn red. No one will know because thousands of people don't vote because they don't feel like they matter.

If I can get in line at 7:00 in the morning surrounded by far too many brats running around an elementary school without coffee, you can make it to your polling station. If pregnant women are willing to stand in line for hours on end while also keeping watch on their toddler, you can vote. If a woman can stand in line for two hours with a four year old and a ten month old, you can vote. There are no excuses. This is one of the most basic responsibilities we have as an American. So go vote.

And then celebrate because its all finally over!!

Until the next election season, that is.

Weekend Wrap Up

As much as I'm sure you all loved to read my mid-terms, I think I'm done posting school essays. At least until finals, that is. It may seem a bit silly to some people, but I've realized that I really put more effort into things I know people are going to read. If I only feel like on professor is going to read a paper, I have a hard time spending five or six hours working on a paper. If I feel like several hundred people are going to read something because I put it on my blog, I feel like I really need to make sure its a decent paper. So, I appreciate you all putting up with the past week or so when I've been posting parts of my various midterms here. You may not actually read them and you may not really care, but knowing that they are here and they can be read by many people makes me work harder on them.

Anyways... As I said, no more midterm talk!

This past weekend, Austin and I went to the ballet with Danimal and Mel. The last time Austin and I went to the ballet was in February when Ben Stevenson's Dracula which was absolutely amazing. Friday we saw another of Ben Stevenson's productions, this time it was Peer Gynt. For those unaware of what Peer Gynt is, it is the story of a boy that leads a life switching from on woman to another, never settling down and always letting his hormones take control. He eventually is robbed, beaten and left for dead when a man finds him places him in an institution where he stays for many years. He eventually is released from the institution when he is very old and seemingly on death's door. He remembers all of the women he has wronged over his life and how he has hurt them all, and at the end he realizes that he still loves one woman and chooses to spend the remainder of his life with her. It's really a very beautiful and moving story. And, since it is a Ben Stevenson production, the ballet is something that both Austin and Danimal were able to enjoy (and if not enjoy, they at least sat through it).

Saturday was a very sad day. Sheba, our foster dog, went to her forever home. Austin and I thought it might happen since we took her to meet the couple last weekend, but it was still sad to see her go. She left Saturday morning, so Saturday evening and all day Sunday I just felt like our house was far too quiet. As much as I miss her, I know she's gone to a home that will be perfect for her and she will be loved. Not to mention she wont have to put up with any cats. Having Sheba was a great experience and Austin and I are very proud of the progress she made. We're really looking forward to the next dog we get, and hoping that it wont be too long before we get another dog.

Not only was having Sheba a great experience and we knew we were helping out a great cause, but we also realized that we really like having a dog in the house. Yes, a dog is a lot of work. It really is not something to get into without giving it a lot of thought, but there is something great about having a dog in the house again. Since we both grew up with dogs yet we haven't had one together, we've wanted to get a dog for a while. The thing stopping us for the longest time was whether we actually had the time to offer to a dog. We've seen we do and we're ready for one of our own. We're ready for our own dog to love for the next 10-15 years.

The Death of Journalistic Integrity

Continuing in the theme of many of my recent mid-term related posts, this is a very slimmed down version of my paper for Mass Communications. After doing the research for this paper, it was quite easy to see why journalistic integrity is all but non existent. 

In the same way that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 opened up the ability for cross ownership, it also opened up the ability for vertical integration. Vertical integration is the way a single owner owns several companies in an attempt to streamline the costs. Just as Andrew Carnegie used monopolies and vertical integration to dominate the steel industry, the broadcasting industry is being streamlined today with the use of vertical integration.

Prior to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, a company was not allowed to own more than one “full-power broadcast station that serviced the same community.” After this act was instated, many small television, radio and newspaper station were bought out. This has resulted in the consolidation of numerous networks and channels to be consolidated into the “Big Six,” NBCUniversal/Comcast/GE, the Walt Disney Company, News Corporation, Time Warner, Viacom and the CBS Corporation. These six companies  own many of the most popular television station and news outlets. NBC owns the rights to stations such as Universal Pictures, MSNBC, the Weather Channel and Syfy. The Walt Disney Company owns networks such as the ABC Television Network, Pixar Animation Studios and ESPN. News Corporation owns networks like Fox Broadcasting Company, the Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch.com.  Time Warner is possibly the largest of the Big Six own CNN, Warner Brothers and Time. Viacom owns Comedy Central, Global Broadcasting News and Paramount Home Entertainment. CBS owns stations such as CBS Television Network, Showtime and Simon & Schuster.

Vertical integration has caused a decrease in the unbiased nature of the news industry and a lower quality of journalism and television shows. When a person hears the name “GE” the immediate thought is of electronics and home appliances, like the new GE washer and dryer. One does not generally think of the television stations, radio stations, cable and telecommunications systems that are also under the GE umbrella of ownership. If a company can convince the general public that they are solely a magazine publication or a single television station, it is easy for the public to never notice that they also have several news organizations and several newspapers that are all under the same company. When the Walt Disney Company owns not only ABC Television, Walt Disney Pictures and various book publishing companies, the types of stories pushed through each of these ventures, while they may vary greatly, they will have the same company pushing the same message.What does this mean for the general populace? Most of the news and information that a person will come across in any given day will most likely come from one of these six corporations. The merging of these companies has caused a high concentration of ownership and an increased political and economic influence. With so few players in this media game, there is less diversity and competition, which can lead to a lesser quality of journalism. Just as monopolies were a disservice in the in the steel era with Andrew Carnegie, monopolies are a disservice to the American people today. 

 While companies may be making insane profits from these multiple ventures, it is the American people that are the ones to suffer. Gone are the days of unbiased news organizations because every news company on television in the United States reports to the owners of one of the big six companies. The general public can no longer rely on the television and newspapers to bring them reliable, quality journalism,  so they are beginning to head to the online sphere to find quality readings. 

Examining the Roman Sarcophagus with Battle Scene

The final piece I wrote about for my midterm. Its very, very different from the two paintings and the most recent post about Shiva Nataraja. 

While ancient, there is a beauty in the ancient Roman and Greek sculptures that is not seen today. The Roman Sarcophagus with Battle Scene that was carved into marble is one such example of the lasting beauty of the Roman carvings.  While today the dead are buried and hidden, it is interesting to see the way death was just another transition and not to be feared. Marble carvings are some of the most easily recognizable depictions of ancient Roman art that are still left with us today.

This sarcophagus was completed as any other traditional Roman relief carving. It depicts a great battle with the Romans and some foe; the Romans are winning the battle. The Romans are heavily armored and riding on horses while the people they are fighting are either naked or wearing a simple toga. The Dallas Museum of Art states that this was most likely created to portray the “wars Rome fought with the Germanic tribesmen along the Danube frontier in what are now Hungary and Romania.” While same sarcophagi may depict culture, religion, and the changing seasons, that is not the case with this example. This sarcophagus is showing off the great triumphs of a general as a war hero throughout his life. Death is not something that is solely mourned, it is also a celebration of life and the accomplishments that a person has been able to do through their life. The battle scene depicted here was created because the man “probably wished to identify his life and career with well-known Greek scenes of military triumph” (DMA).  

In Greek, a sarcophagus translates to “flesh-eater” (Awan). Most of the sarcophaguses that were made for the Romans were made out of stone, lead or wood. Because this sarcophagus was made out of marble, it is easy to know that it was made for a person of power.  This was most likely made for a general to depict his victories in battle. A sarcophagi was not meant purely used for funerary purposes, they were also used to decorate homes and public spaces. With this knowledge, the entire meaning behind the sarcophagus changes completely. It is not just to hold the dead; it is also a celebration of life. A sarcophagus was not solely for the dead to be stored in; it was created throughout a lifetime and seen as art work (as it still is today). The elaborate sarcophagi of the Greeks and Romans are more than another way to honor the dead. This is a way to make the barrier between life and death smaller. The sarcophagus is a way to instill in people the need to leave behind something important that they have been able to accomplish in their lifetime.

This sarcophagus is an example of the way people use art to examine the here and now. By creating a piece of art that celebrates the life lived, death is not scary. By putting meaningful scenes from a person’s life on the sarcophagus, it is sending the underlying message that a person should work throughout their life to create something or to do something meaningful enough to have on the sarcophagus forever. By instilling in the need for people to be productive, it is trying to make people be the best they can. Who would want their sarcophagus to be scenes of them watching television or sitting online? Who wants a sarcophagus that just depicts a life of going to school and home or going to work and going home? There is a level of trying to get people to reach a higher level of themselves.

Just as the Egyptians used the pyramids to hold their respected dead and to prepare them for the afterlife, so too did the Romans and Greeks use the sarcophagi. The Romans were able to create a last resting place for themselves and also to create a final story depicting their lives. By leaving behind this final tale, it opens the eyes of today’s society in that we must not be so focused on the here and now, we must look at life in the long run. Life is, by nature, the longest thing any of us will ever experience. This is a simple reminder to make good use of our time while here.

College

As this is midterm season and students are prepping for finals, I wanted to give a bit of advice to students that may be feeling a bit burnt out and are contemplating taking time off from school.

Examining Shiva Nataraja

The third piece I examined for my midterm was a very iconic piece from the Hindu religion. 

While there is no artist listed for Shiva Nataraja, there is a very large history behind it. This is one of the most recognized depictions of Shiva, even to people that know nothing about the beliefs that led to its creation. Created in the 11^th century and cast in bronze, Shiva Nataraja is one of the chief Hindu gods. He is the master of life, death, rebirth, and a fertility deity. But what exactly is this sculpture trying to show us? What is the story behind this iconic depiction of Shiva Nataraja?

Shiva stands on a pedestal, standing on a person. Without the knowledge of what is being depicted, a casual viewer may think that this is an act of cruelty. Instead, this is a symbol of Shiva’s victory over ignorance as well as the passage of spirits from the divine into material. The upper right hand is holding a small drum, symbolizing the origins of creation, as Shiva is dancing the dance in which the universe was created, maintained, and destroyed. The upper left hand is holding fire, symbolizing destruction as Shiva is also the god of death. Shiva’s lower right hand is poised in the symbol protecting from evil and ignorance. The final hand is pointing at Shiva’s raised foot, signifying liberation. The flames that surround Shiva as he dances are symbolic of the universe.  The snake winding around his waist is a symbol of the divine force within all of us.

Shiva is “the most important authority in the religious, political, and cultural world” (Ambegaonkar). He is known as the destroyer as well as the creator; this casting symbolizes both aspects of Shiva. This piece shows how Shiva is said to be “periodically destroying the universe so that it can be remade again” (Patel). The power and authority that Shiva has is a beautiful balancing act, expressing the harmony and rhythm of life. The dance Shiva is performing symbolizes the cycles of creation and destruction, meant to portray the way inner tranquility and outside activity can unite.

Shiva is important to the Hindu religion because he is more than a simple god, he is the answer for two of life’s biggest questions that religion tries to answer: How were we made? and How will we die? Shiva Nataraja takes what would otherwise be a terrifying topic and turns it into a beautiful dance, a simple balancing act. As every other religion has tried before, this is a way to try and answer the unanswerable questions that all cultures have. This is a simple reflection toward the sacred realm. Since humans have been able to create art, they have been creating pieces that would comfort them about the realm of the unknown. Just like every Christian or Muslim painting has done before (and still continues to do), Shiva Nataraja is a way for people to receive comfort from the emptiness on either side of life.

Prior to examining this piece, I had only looked at depictions of Shiva as a beautiful, sacred piece of art. After learning the history that is behind him, it is more than just a pretty statue. This is a piece with history and time behind it. So often do people look at art as nothing more than a pretty piece of something to take up space, but Shiva Nataraja is one of the few pieces that pushes a viewer to look past the initial impression and dig deeper into the real meaning and purpose behind it.  

Examining Claude Monet's "Valle Buona near Bordghera"

This is the second artwork I examined for my midterm. While my first painting was looking at Jackson Pollock's (an American painter) Portrait and a Dream, this is examining one of my favorite European artists. 

When I saw Claude Monet’s Valle Buona, Near Bordighera that he painted in 1884, I knew I wanted to write about this piece. Monet is one of my favorite, second only to Van Gough, so I knew that it would be a joy to write about one of his paintings. Even though I had seen Van Gough’s Banks of the Seine with the Pont de Clichy in the Spring, I opted to write about Monet’s piece instead, mostly because I knew I wanted to write about Pollock’s Portrait and a Dream, another man with a tragic background that left this world far too soon.

Monet created Valle Buona, Near Borgdihera with the use of vibrant colors. As an impressionist painter, Monet uses visible brush strokes and emphasizes on the colors and the feelings evoked, not necessarily the lines and contours that dominated the painting world at this time. As the name suggests, this is an impression of the scene, not an exact replica. By gazing at the painting, the viewer can feel the same sense of peace that Monet surely felt as he was looking at this landscape.  The beautiful blue of the mountains is set into contrast by the foreground, the vibrant greens and yellows of the brush. The sunlight filters through the blue sky, adding light and shadows to the scenery.

Valle Buona, Near Bordigherg is a peaceful and serene painting of a beautiful landscape. Monet was one of the founders of the Impressionist movement, this painting is painted in this style. While not nearly as famous as his paintings from his garden at Giverny and his paintings of the water lilies, this is a painting that certainly can hold its own.  While Monet’s most well-known paintings are from his garden in Giverny, he also has several paintings that were inspired by his many travels. Like his other paintings, Valle Buona, Near Borgdihera was created using Monet’s preferred medium: oil based paint.

Many of Monet’s paintings are simply looking at the natural world around us. Especially in a time when we are surrounded by so much technology and life can be superficial at best, seeing a painting that takes the time to focus on the natural beauty of the world around us is like a breath of fresh air. Even though this was painted more than 100 years ago, the same theme is quite apparent: the world around us is beautiful. While it may not have had such an important subject when Monet painted it, seeing the world in its natural glory is not something many people today take the time to see. The peacefulness that is evoked is a simple message to how peaceful and relaxing the world around us can be.

 Claude Monet is undoubtedly one of the leaders in the Impressionist movement. After examining Valle Buone, Near Borgdihera, I have a new respect for the way Monet was able to convey emotions with what, at first glance, is a simple scenery painting. As someone that has always admired Monet’s use of colors and the way he evokes emotions in the simplest painting, I have been amazed at how looking further into the history of the man and the painting have increased my respect for him.

Examining Jackson Pollock's "Painting and a Dream"

In my Art Appreciation course, the midterm assignment is to visit a local art museum and pick out four paintings, one from an American artist, one from a European artist, and two from other cultures, and write an analysis of these pieces of art. The next four posts will be my analysis of the art I have chosen. So enjoy reading my midterm split into four pieces! 

Jackson Pollock’s Portrait and a Dream is a beautiful oil painting Pollock completed in 1953. Portrait and a Dream was finished just three years prior to Pollock’s death in 1956. I was struck by the way this painting is not only simple, but after looking, the meaning of this painting and its purpose becomes increasingly sad and complex. While the abstract self-portrait is at first hard to understand, after looking at the black lines on the left and the black and red and orange mass on the right, it is possible to come to see the meaning in the chaos.

Pollock once described the painting on the left hand side was a portrait of himself, the portrait on the right was a portrait of himself “when I’m not sober.” While the left side is simple black and white, the right is a mess of colors and motion. The haphazard lines in both paintings show the way Pollock knew he was spiraling out of control, turning into a violent and uncontrolled mess. The right portrait is attacked with the colors he used, irrefutably alive even through the mess and chaos. The border separating the two speaks of his discomfort in much the same way that Van Gough used color to try to communicate the way he saw the world.

Portrait and a Dream was created during a time in Pollock’s life when he fell prey to his alcoholism and most of his paintings were the abstract images that were but a cry for help. While this was created in the downward spiral of Pollock’s life, he “believed the mess inside of him was somehow communicable and beautiful” (Jones). Only three years after this painting was completed, Pollock died in a car crash while drunk. While this painting was made at the height of his painting career and was even called “the greatest living painter in America” this was also during the time when his alcoholism and temperament had worsened (O’Neill).

Pollock’s Portrait and a Dream is looking inward, towards the human experience. Because Pollock has told us that this is a self-portrait, this is the way he sees himself, the audience knows that the main theme of this piece. At first glance, it may be difficult to see the beauty in the chaos of Pollock’s mind, after taking the time to look at the painting and understand what he is evoking, it is easy to see the complex way that Pollock views himself. He knows he is a mess. He knows he is falling apart. But he also can see the beauty that can come from chaos.

After looking into this piece more thoroughly, I’ve realized that there is more than just chaos on the canvas. I can see how Pollock was struggling to make it through his life. It is tragic that such a brilliant man died so soon, we can only wonder about what he would have been able to accomplish. After learning more about Pollock and this particular painting, I feel as if this is an even more powerful piece and I admire his talent even more for putting such an exposed, private part of himself out into the public eye.

Perks of Being a Wallflower

For my Mass Comm. class I've been assigned to write a movie review. Since it has been quite a while since I posted one here, I figured I would share it with all of you. 

One of my favorite books is Perks of Being a Wallflower. I've read this book more times than I can count and I've highlighted and written all over it. While it may be hard for anyone else to read, this book holds a special place in my heart. I've had this book through some of the toughest times in my life, and reading my commentary is like looking into the past. 

So, when I heard that Perks was being turned into a movie, I was thrilled, yet also hesitant. Would this movie be able to live up to my expectations? Would the actors be able to portray the characters as I have known them? Would the actors even look like I have always seen them? Would the writers and directors and producers cut out some of my favorite parts? Could this movie possibly be everything I wanted it to be? 

Maybe it wasn't everything I wanted it to be, but it certainly came close. As with all books, there were certain scenes and chapters that were taken out. But, since Stephen Chbosky is not only the author of the book, but he also wrote the screen play and was the director, I felt like these were all allowable changes. Yes, I loved the scene in the book when Charlie describes MASH ending and I loved reading about the relationship Charlie had with his sister and how he took her to get an abortion and I loved reading about how Charlie's relationship grew with his brother and sister. But, having all of those aspects taken out really does increase the focus on Charlie and his journey through his first year of high school. 

Logan Lerman was the perfect Charlie. He was quite and awkward and sweet. Lerman was really a shoe-in for the part. And after seeing him in a few other things (anyone remember his awkward, sweet, confused Percy Jackson?), I knew that he would make for a great Charlie. Emma watson as Sam... Well, she didn't do as bad as I thought she would. I know she was a perfect Hermione, but she's been in many an interview when she's been asked to do an American accent and it has been nothing short of painful. So when she was announced to play the beloved (and very American) Sam, I wasn't expecting much. After the first few scenes she was in, her accent improved and I was able to enjoy her portrayal as Sam. She was sweet, tough, loving, and theatrical. Emma was a great Sam, just try to hold out past her first few scenes). Ezra Miller as Patrick was just... Perfect. He was able to sarcastic and funny without once ever being a complete ass. He was sweet and sad and charming. Miller really did embrace Patrick.

This movie wasn't trying (and it really couldn't 'have) to focus on very aspect of Charlie's life and how he grew. This was a movie about growing as an individual. This was a movie about coming out of your shell. This is a movie about learning who you are. This is a movie about accepting all of the things that have happened to you. 

Fun. "Be Calm"

This week has been just crazy busy and I really don't feel like there are near enough hours in the day. Really, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed with work, school, dance, and fostering lately. This song really seems to help. And I love Fun. and thought you should all enjoy one of their older, less well known songs.

Birthdays and growing up

Well, today is my birthday. And I've realized that I've left the part of my life when birthdays are fun and exciting.

Not to say that I wont be doing anything or that from here on out I'll dread having a birthday, but there are no more "fun" birthdays. I guess after 21, they really aren't that exciting anymore. Sure, you have your 30's, your 40's, and so on, but there really aren't anymore years that you're really looking forward to. As a child, your birthday is always a lot of fun and very exciting. When you're a teenage, you have the year you turn 13, the year you turn 16, and the year you turn 18. Then comes the year your turn 21 and that's always fun. But after that, there's really not a lot to look forward to.

Unless you're looking forward to Medicare or something like that. Then I guess you do still have another "exciting" birthday.

Its just a strange thought that I'm out of that stage of exciting birthdays and I'm growing up and being an adult. A year ago, I went to Austin for the weekend. This year, I'm in a house I own. Last year, I was working a job I hated and I never had enough work to keep me busy, this year I love my job and I'm busy all day. Last year I had hockey, this year I don't... But that's not a good thing. Anyways, its a crazy thought how much things can change in a year. And to see how much I've grown in a year.

I guess I really am growing up and becoming an adult.

Pointe Shoes

It's been quite a while since I last posted a vlog (sorry! Life has been insanely busy) so I thought it was time for me to make another one. A few youtubers have asked me to do a few ballet vlogs, so here's one! It's pointe work! 

Ben Folds Five

Ben Folds Five has been one of the bands that I've loved for a very long time and I've always wished I could see live but I knew that I never could due to the fact that they broke apart ten years ago. In January/February when I heard that they were recording a new album, I thought that I might finally get the chance. In June, when they announced they were going to be touring and they were, in fact, going to be in Dallas, I knew that I was going. I didn't care how much the tickets were, where the show was going to be, I knew that I was going to go.

And I'm really glad I did.

There was a part of me that was a bit worried that I was expecting too much out of this show. I mean, they haven't played together in ten years, what if that chemistry that you hear on their old records just isn't there? What if I saw them live and it just wasn't everything I had been thinking it would be and it should be and I just left disappointed and disillusioned? There was a small part of my brain that was telling me that this group I've wished I had had a chance to see for over ten years would not be able to measure up to everything I was expecting. It's a good thing I very rarely listen to that part of my brain. Because they still have it.

Not only does Ben Folds have an insane amount of talent (and maybe a touch of ADD) so he can hear a comment in the crowd and then create an improv song that's ten times better than most of the generic crap on the radio, but Robert Sledge and Darren Jessee are able to keep pace with him (because they, too, are insanely talented musicians). Even though you're in a venue with a thousand other people, you get the feeling that they are just having fun and they enjoy being back together. Or they can't stand each other so Ben really just made up a song when Robert had to run off stage to go to the bathroom out of spite... No, I'm going with they enjoy it and each other. Ben takes the time to talk to the crowd in a way that isn't forced and most definitely isn't a rehearsed speech he does at every concert. And hearing songs like "Brick" and "Draw a Crowd" and "Army" and "Alice Childress" and "Battle of Who Could Care Less" and "Kate" and "Jackson Cannery" and "Erase Me" was just amazing. The little kid inside me last night was absolutely thrilled. And so was the adult me.

I've seen Ben Folds on his solo tour, I've seen Ben Folds with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, but none of that compares to seeing Ben Folds Five back together again

Meet Sheba!

Austin and I have been volunteering with Paws in the City a lot lately. For those that don't know much about PITC, they're an organization that works with kill-shelters to save dogs that are getting ready to be euthanized. They've only been around for 7 years, but they've been able to do a lot of work. Unlike a lot of pet rescue organizations, they don't have a "home" shelter. They work with boarding facilities in the DFW area until one of the volunteers lets them know they have room for a dog in their life. PITC relies heavily on fosters because the longer a pet is in a boarding facility, the more likely they are to pick up bad habits and become less adoptable. Not to mention funds going to boarding facilities could easily be going to pay for vet bills and saving more animals. When a pet is out of the boarding facility, they (generally) open up due to not being surrounded by other animals and getting more individual love and attention. Basically, fostering is much better for the pet.

One of the first things I wanted to do after buying a house was to start fostering a dog. Sunday, I got my first foster pup, Sheba. Sheba is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever known, even if she is a pit-mix. Spending time with her the past few days has really opened up my eyes as to how mis-labeled pits are. I'll be honest and say that I really didn't want to get a pit to foster due to their reputation, but this girl really knows how to change your mind. In the three days we've had her, she's not once so much as barked, let alone shown any aggression (something I was very worried about since we do already have two cats). Knowing the 9 times out of 10 a pit and a cat wont mix, I've expected a little bit of aggression, even from this docile dog. I think she just might be that 1 in 10 dog that doesn't mind cats, though.

The kitties really aren't pleased with having a new member of the family, even if it is temporary. But cats don't like change at all so I'm taking it with a grain of salt. They've been staying in the master bedroom when we have Sheba out, so in the evenings until she goes to her crate to sleep around 10:00. Next week we're going to try leaving them out in the evenings when we have Sheba out, so that's when I'm thinking the real work with her is going to come. Until then, Austin and I are just going to have such a sweet, docile animal.

I feel fairly certain that if she isn't adopted by someone soon, Austin may want to keep her. I never would have thought I would say this, but I love this little pit and I wouldn't mind if she did become a permanent member of the family.

I am beyond fed up with the NHL and the NHLPA

The NHL is facing its second lockout in ten years. This is going to be absolutely detrimental for the sport. Yes, people will still like hockey, but this is really going to destroy the momentum that has been built up. What frustrates me more than the fact that there is going to be a lockout (anyone who says otherwise is delusional) is the reaction of the owners, the players, and the fans in this situation.

I understand that owners want to retain the majority of their profits. Why should players be able to get 57% of profits? This number is astronomical! When you see some of the deals that were made when players were traded (10-year deals to Minnesota, anyone?) you can see that there needs to be a stop to this. What company allows their employees to have more than 50% of the companies profits? This is just greed from the players. I understand that the players are the ones out there on the ice game after game, but the owners are the ones that fund the teams, create publicity, make players the face of a team. The owners are the ones that put in all the work behind the scenes. There needs to be serious concessions from the players.

Another thing that is really bothering me about the negotiations is the fact that owners cannot, by law, talk about what is happening. But you know who isn't? Players. And oh are they ever so vocal right now. Some players have even made statements that they don't think owners are as well informed. No, maybe you've taken a few too many hits... They aren't allowed to talk about what is happening so the public doesn't get each person's opinion. The fact that players are now extremely vocal about everything means that fans everywhere are losing sight of the fact that this could have all been avoided months ago when the realignment and new CBA was proposed months ago (before playoffs even started). The NHLPA shut it down and it is due to them that we're looking at another lockout.

And, really, fans? How you be so blind? Just because you love the sport doesn't mean you need to back the players 100% or the owners 100%. Both sides are being ridiculous and need to really sit down and come up with a deal. Maybe its time for a lock-in, lock-in everyone in a room and don't let anyone out for any reason until they come to a compromise. And for the love of all that is hockey stop calling for boycotts. This is just insane. If there is a lockout, yes, I'll be pissed because everyone involved is too big-headed and greedy to back down a little but I'm not going to stop watching hockey. I've made a promise to myself I wont be buying hockey tickets for the next year, but that is my own personal protest (and I just bought a house so that cuts into my hockey budget). I'm still going to watch as many games as I can. If I'm given tickets I'll gladly go, but I'm not buying tickets. If you love hockey, a lockout isn't going to get you to stop watching it. It might make you reevaluate how much money you're willing to give them for a while.

Lastly, I really wish sports in general would think about other people involved. Last year when the NBA was locked out, I know that there were several bars right by the AAC that really struggled due to the loss of revenue from people going down for the games. Sports teams everywhere need to take into account that a lockout and a strike is going to affect the people that work in restaurants and bars surrounding the stadium, the people that work in the stadium, the cops that work those events, the list goes on! When I think about the fact that franchises are willing to jeopardize these people's lives just to save themselves a few million dollars, that probably pisses me off more than anything. Not everyone affected by lockouts is a millionaire. There are more everyday people affected than there are millionaires.

I want fans and players and owners to realize that the approach they're taking now is obviously not working and it is leading everyone to be furious over the situation. They're screwing over each other and themselves. No one wins in a lockout and the fans and employees in the arena and surrounding bars are the ones that really suffer.

Music Mondays: Never Shout Never "Coffee and Cigarettes"

Happy Monday! Here's something a little mellow and calm to start your week off right. Have a great week!

I hate concerts but love music

So, I was reading this post on Books of Adam the other day and I really understand where he's coming from about the whole concert thing.

I would suggest giving it a read because its hilarious. If you don't feel like doing that, the first part is pretty much how he doesn't like going to concerts and why. And you know what, save for a few bands and specific venues, I completely agree. Some people might realize that a lot of the reasons they don't like doing something are for the same reason he doesn't really see the point of a concert. It's why I don't like most sporting events. But concerts, I dislike concerts for a different reason. I'm claustrophobic and I have to deal with social anxiety.

If I'm going to be going to a concert, I have to spend a few hours mentally preparing myself for the fact that I'm going to be interacting with strangers for the night. Or I drink to avoid a panic attack. Usually I spend a few hours mentally preparing myself, feel a panic attack starting to creep in on me while at a show so I drink. A lot. And this really isn't a healthy thing to do because 1). It's bad to drink heavily and 2). It doesn't really solve the problem and has sometimes (read that as 'a lot of the times') backfired. That's why I try to stick to outdoor shows and venues (here in Dallas two of my favorite venues are Gexa and LaGrange). Even at a sold out show you don't ever feel like it's sold out because it's so open. In these places, I don't have to worry too much about interacting with other people or getting claustrophobic. I wish all venues were like them...

I went to a concert a couple weeks ago at a venue I love and I've never had problems with before. The venue itself is great and open and had great sound and I've seen some great bands play there. This concert though, I almost had a panic attack and I ended up leaving halfway through the headlining act, something that has never happened to me at this venue. I've been to a few sold-out shows at this venue and never had a problem, but this show was different. Maybe it was due to the fact that at other shows people generally crowded the stage. Maybe it was because this was a much older crowd than usual. I don't know honestly. I just know it was insanely loud from people talking to each other and yelling to each other over the music and extremely packed. And halfway through the headlining set I started to have a panic attack. It really sucked.

I'm planning on going to another show to this venue in a little less than a month. If it were anyone else I wouldn't go, just because it was a really fucking terrible experience. But I love this band. And I love the ten people that I always see at their shows. I couldn't imagine missing them because I've never missed them when they've come to Dallas and I don't plan to start now. But now I'm really kind of dreading going just because I freaked out and had a panic attack. I know, logically, that just because it happened one time does not mean it will happen another time I go. I know, logically, that I've been fine every other show I've been to there and will probably be fine this next time. Somehow this doesn't matter and every time I think about this, I start to freak out again. It really, really sucks.

Its really a very frustrating thing since I really love music. There are a lot of concerts that I've gone to that I had a great time and really enjoyed myself. Sadly, that isn't the case most of the time. There's something really great about going to a show and singing along with a band while they play songs you love while you and 500 other people sing along. There's something great about going to a concert and being around people that you otherwise have nothing in common with, just that you love this music. I've met a few people at a couple shows that are great people that I would never have met otherwise. It's beautiful how something as simple as a song can bring so many people together, even if for only a few hours.

I love music, but why do I constantly feel the need to try and go to concerts when there's a 50/50 chance I'll be miserable and/or freak out? Does anyone else put themselves into situations they hate just for something they love? Or am I the only one that puts myself through this kind of thing?

Are books dead? Or is reading?

Many organizations try to say that people are reading less today than in years past because they don't want to have the hassle of carrying around a book. Some people feel that with the rise of e-readers like the Kindle and the Nook that book sales have declined because people are embracing technology. These same people say that print books are dead. There are also people that say that e-readers are part of the technology that is pushing people away from reading; technology fosters shorter attention spans that discourage people from spending time to read a book. There is the constant thought that reading is decreasing and that people don't want to read because they have more entertaining things like the internet in life. 

But what form of reading is "better"? Is reading decreasing? Are we devolving into an illiterate society?

I love books. I have a room in my house where three out of four walls have floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, each shelf filled with books. I have an office with two walls with the same floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. There is a joy that comes with reading a physical book and turning the pages. There's a satisfying feeling that comes with turning the final page of a book and feeling all of the emotions wash over you. When you have certain books that you turn to during tough times in your life, it is comforting to return to them and see the cracked spine and the well-worn pages that hold certain passages that mean something special to you. You can't get these feelings from an e-reader. Books can be signed by an author and held on display, they can have lines underlined, they can have thoughts written into the margins. They can have messages written in before you give it to a friend to read, pointing out your favorite parts of the book so friends can feel you reading along with them. Books are personable. 

Can an e-reader ever replace the feeling emitted from a solid book in your hand? No. They can be convenient and allow a person to carry a library with them anywhere. They make trips to the doctor's office a bit less cumbersome. Instead of having to try and fit a 600+ novel into my bag, I can slip my tiny, almost weightless Kindle into my purse and have access to any book written. I know many people that buy an e-reader with the intention of getting back into reading only to use it for games, internet browsing, social networking and the like. When you have that internet connection, it does make the draw of reading a bit less. Why read a book when you can check facebook, read the news, and look up recipes for dinner? In a way, an e-reader just gives another outlet for people to be distracted and detach themselves from the world. With an e-reader, you can't get as immersed in a book. If you're in public reading on your e-reader, it's easy to turn it off after a few pages and get back to life. There really isn't the sense of "losing yourself" when you're so easily 

And while reports keep saying that reading has decreased, it is important to remember that only a hundred years ago only a small percentage of the population even had the ability to read. Only a few hundred years ago, only the elite had the ability to read. And only the elite could afford books. Now, it is available to everyone. When reading is taught to children as soon as they enter school, we take for-granted that this is not the way life has always been. The fact that most people can read is a very recent development. Reading is a gift that has evolved greatly in the last hundred years. It has gone from something available to only a few to something taught to everyone to something everyone can afford to do to available online and now it is available on the go. 

While e-readers are a great way to try and encourage reading, I don't think anything can beat curling up with a book in hand and reading. E-readers make reading a hobby you can take anywhere and do take the strain out of holding a book the size of a refrigerator a la Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, they can't bring the personality and memories and fulfillment that a book does. It is also important that even the reading that you are doing now is a new thought. Taking the time to go to a blog or check the news is still reading. Being such a relatively new form of media, many people disregard the reading that is done online. 

Maybe it's just time to reevaluate what we consider to be the best form of reading. While I prefer books to e-readers and the internet, it is an arrogant thought to disregard them as a "valid" form of reading.