Ok folks. . . .Michael Jackson has died. Yes it true. The one gloved, (alleged) kid touching, ferris wheel owning, talented musician/artist/dancer, moonwalking freak show has moved on.
What does this mean? Not too much. But apparently according to everything I surround myself with it means a lot. My technology news sites are running articles about Michael, major news outlets are flooded with Michael news, tributes on TV are coming up on prime time, and just about everything on twitter and facebook was MJ related for hours upon end. Why? Why does this mans life mean SO much? Does society really care or are we a bunch of sheep repeating (retweeting) the same things because that's what other before us have done.
I go to sites like Mashable to read technology news. News about new startups, web 2.0, and as their site proclaims "Social Media News and Web Tips." I don't care to read "Perez Hilton’s Despicable Michael Jackson Coverage Creates Backlash" Come on . . . Really? This is not a technology / Hollywood gossip blog. I don't care to read why some douche bags comments are hurting social media. Really? With the number of blogs out there anymore and the number of hurtful, despicable, hate groups formed everyday we are going to say that Perez Hilton is hurting the blog revolution. Focus people. Stick to what you do best . . . . Here's a hint . . .That isn't social commentary. Perez Hilton will be still be followed on twitter and his blog frequented by ravenous people that can only live vicariously through others.
Looking at another one of my daily reads TechCrunch I come across a grossly exaggerated title of The Web Collapses Under The Weight Of Michael Jackson’s Death WAIT!!! WHAT??? How and when did the web collapse. The tubes going into my house seemed to work fine all night. I was able to watch an MLB.com gamecast of the Pirates outing one out against the Indians (haha your bullpen is worse than ours), shop for a scooba, do a little work over my wireless tubes. Funny . . I didn't see the "Web collapse." Maybe I'm special though.
My point? I'm not sure. Maybe it is the fact that no one thinks for themselves anymore. Everyone wants to fit in. No one wants to have that Purple Cow that will stand out and get noticed. I know its hard, and risky to go out there and find a new story amongst all the gimmes that surround us everyday, but damn . . .give it a shot.
Folks on twitter, facebook, myspace, friendfeed, everywhere . . .why did Michael mean so much to you? Why did his life as an entertainer that hasn't done anything in years except for prove what a freak he is effect you so damned deeply? How many times over the past few years have we seen this man make a fool of himself, put his kids lives at risk, put himself in situations that a grown man should not be in (sleeping with children), and being a general weirdo? Too many in my opinion. He had become a joke. We have all made jokes about him (Where did he go to high school . . . Dubois . . .Where did he go to college "Bringem' Young" - yes I know its Brigham). And I'm betting that should he have tried to move into your neighborhood you would not have wanted this man anywhere near your kids, your family, or your friends.
Does my opinion of all this change the fact that he was talented? Not in the slightest. I will never take away from him what he deserves. He was talented, he was fun, entertaining (sometimes like a train wreck is entertaining), but he was only a "man." (that debate come later) It has been said by many people before me and will be said by many after me. But lets put this life in perspective with those of a local football coach that teaches hard work, or a soldier that gives us freedom, or a teacher that gives direction and knowledge are forgotten and overridden by this man.
Maybe our world, and his children's lives are, will be slightly better without him around. (Yeah that was calous . . .so what) They will have the money, but not the freak show disaster of a father.
Don't misunderstand . . .Any death is tragic. A man leaving behind a family, 3 kids, a ton of money, and a ferris wheel is no joke. There is no doubt pain in the Jackson family today. Many MJ acquaintances, friends, business associates are hurt, and sad by the loss. As well they should be. Compare his life to an American soldier, a local firefighter, a youth football coach, a teacher. Who is really important in our society? Who gives the most and gets the most out of people. Michael may have brought us smiles, and relief with his entertaining, but he also brought us fabricated Hollywood bullshit drama. YAY for that right? Michael entertained many people, for many years, in many ways. Dancing, singing, strange plastic surgery, catching on fire, dangling kids, moonwalking, wearing masks, wasting time in court, strange interviews, spending money like it grows on trees, and being completely strange.
Snickers removes nuts
What you didn't hear? From now on the great candy bar will no longer contain nuts. This decision comes from the top of the company. They feel since their upper level excutives don't have any nuts then their bars should no longer have any either.
This all comes on the heals of the company pulling its super bowl advertisement where two "manly" men so consumed by desire for the delectible little chocalate end up in an awkward lady and the tramp type kiss. To remedy this they have to do something manyl so they rip out chest hair. It appears that this offended some of the more radical fagvocasy groups out there? In a Moe Sczylak type moment I have to ask myself "Wha . . . wha . . what?"
As I said in an earlier post why point out differences when trying to gain acceptance. I'm am by no means saying hide who you are, what you think, or how you feel. If you want to complain, feel free to do so on an individual basis but for a group to stand up and say this offends US as a collective group without checking with those that you represent.
The other bad part of this is that the folks that make the yummy, really satisfying, candy bar didn't have the balls to stand up and keep the commercial on TV. They gave into the presssure. removed the ad, but did not offer an appology. If they originally felt that this commercial was not offensive then stand behind that. Why bail when some people complain. If you really are sorry then you should offer an appology rather than just skating around the issue by pulling the ad.
I know I may seem like a homophobe myself, but I am not. I am just against people bitching about stupid things and pussifying our society.
read more digg story
This all comes on the heals of the company pulling its super bowl advertisement where two "manly" men so consumed by desire for the delectible little chocalate end up in an awkward lady and the tramp type kiss. To remedy this they have to do something manyl so they rip out chest hair. It appears that this offended some of the more radical fagvocasy groups out there? In a Moe Sczylak type moment I have to ask myself "Wha . . . wha . . what?"
The complaints claim that the faces atheletes made while seeing the commercial. The quote is: "This type of jeering from professional sports figures at the sight of two men kissing fuels the kind of anti-gay bullying that haunts countless gay and lesbian school children on playgrounds all across the country" Bull shit. These men reacted as they felt fit. If it made them uncomfortable that is their right to feel that way. Maybe if more of these commercials aired we would become more acustomed to this and the behaviour would not be so damn shocking. Why not comment on the acceptance of millions of folks that over looked the "homosexual" nature of this video and thought the video itself was funny.
Deep breath . . .
So let me get this straight . . . Two straight men can not be appalled by doing something that they do not normally do. Would hunters be up in arms, if a commercial aired where someone accidentally killed a deer and was upset because that is not something that they normally do? Maybe. Who knows? Do they have a right to be pissed? Of course. But it is ridiculous. I dont think that these groups represent the people that claim to. Do they honestly feel that the homosexual community should be upset by this.
As I said in an earlier post why point out differences when trying to gain acceptance. I'm am by no means saying hide who you are, what you think, or how you feel. If you want to complain, feel free to do so on an individual basis but for a group to stand up and say this offends US as a collective group without checking with those that you represent.
The other bad part of this is that the folks that make the yummy, really satisfying, candy bar didn't have the balls to stand up and keep the commercial on TV. They gave into the presssure. removed the ad, but did not offer an appology. If they originally felt that this commercial was not offensive then stand behind that. Why bail when some people complain. If you really are sorry then you should offer an appology rather than just skating around the issue by pulling the ad.
I know I may seem like a homophobe myself, but I am not. I am just against people bitching about stupid things and pussifying our society.
read more digg story
hats, songs, respect, sports
What an eclectic group of items. Is this a word association, a random word generator, a spastic man with torrets spewing out four words that are unrelated. Of course not. How much fun would that be? Some folks can maybe see where I am going with this pretty easilly I bet, but others will stop reading shortly., if I dont get to the damn point already.
Let me start by offering the definition of hat as listed by websters: a shaped covering for the head, usually with a crown and brim, esp. for wear outdoors. Easy enough and seems clear cut, but . . . . I pose the question to y'all is are doo-rags and bandanas hats? I would say they both of these things loosely fit the definition above since they are shaped coverings for the head. The stipulation about the crown and brim are optional as I read it.
This leads into the real rant. If these items fit the definition of a hat why not take the off during the nation anthem. The contextof this rant comes on the heels of the superbowl. While listening Billy Joel sing the national anthem I noticed countless players wearing 'hats'. Are you so worried about your hair that you dont want to remove the little black piece of fabric sitting on your head, or perhaps these are not hats in your mind. None the less - they are and should be removed.
Moving past those atheletes, we ahve the fans. The people that can't be quiet, or sing along, for 2:34 of repesct for our country and everything we represent. Why would you talk. Is something that pressing? STFU and listen to the words that represent our country!
Let me start by offering the definition of hat as listed by websters: a shaped covering for the head, usually with a crown and brim, esp. for wear outdoors. Easy enough and seems clear cut, but . . . . I pose the question to y'all is are doo-rags and bandanas hats? I would say they both of these things loosely fit the definition above since they are shaped coverings for the head. The stipulation about the crown and brim are optional as I read it.
This leads into the real rant. If these items fit the definition of a hat why not take the off during the nation anthem. The contextof this rant comes on the heels of the superbowl. While listening Billy Joel sing the national anthem I noticed countless players wearing 'hats'. Are you so worried about your hair that you dont want to remove the little black piece of fabric sitting on your head, or perhaps these are not hats in your mind. None the less - they are and should be removed.
Moving past those atheletes, we ahve the fans. The people that can't be quiet, or sing along, for 2:34 of repesct for our country and everything we represent. Why would you talk. Is something that pressing? STFU and listen to the words that represent our country!
A letter to those that use toilets
Hey you! Yeah you, Mr sanitary. Yes the one that uses the handly little toilet seat covers when squatting in a public restroom. I am glad that you feel that you ass is so damn clean that you dont want it to touch other ass cooties that may have rested in the same spot only minutes before. Nothing wrong with that at all. But why . . Look at me when I'm talking to you ass face! . . Why do you not know how to flush that same this piece of see-through paper. Why when I hustle into the tiny 4 foot wide stall do I have to see this cover still sitting there so I have to find some awkward way of flushing the damn thing. My choices are limited. Should I use a shoe and kick it in, use TP to give it a nice shove? That is it, all of the avenues I can take, nothing else that is adequate. Oh wait there is one more. I can drag your nice clean heiny back into this stall and force your pencil neck down there to shove it into the bowl with your teeth. Maybe that will make you learn to turn around before exiting and see that the ass-wrap has hit the water.
There is one worse scenario. Non-flushies!! Oh we have all walked into that stall. The one with kids sitting in the water like they are hanging on thanks to life jackets. Push the little fucking handle that is behind your back before walking out of the stall. I would hate to walk into your house. How many months do you go before getting rid of that stuff. How hard is it!! Argh! I hateyou people!
There is one worse scenario. Non-flushies!! Oh we have all walked into that stall. The one with kids sitting in the water like they are hanging on thanks to life jackets. Push the little fucking handle that is behind your back before walking out of the stall. I would hate to walk into your house. How many months do you go before getting rid of that stuff. How hard is it!! Argh! I hateyou people!
Get a haircut . .
. . . and get a real job
This may be the most cynical, most un-PC, perhaps the rudest post I have had yet. But someone needs to say it. Michael Moore wont say it because it wont go against the president, the TV news rarely talk about anything this deep, and you wont read about it in any newspaper because it may offend those that use the paper for a pillow.
The issue is the homeless, bums, moochers, leeches, and general scabs on society. Why is it so hard to get a job? Why do I have to get flooded with requests for change when I'm walking down the street? Why do I have to go out of my way to avoid folks, or lie to those that I can't manage to avoid. Don't get me wrong I will occasionally help a person out, but it depends on my mood and their delivery. Isn't this behaviour the same as a telemarketer without the phone??? See you are qualified for something, now get your ass off the street.
There are different levels of bums in my mind. Street performers are not bums as they are providing entertainment. The next are the windshield washing bums, who are at least trying to provide a service. Then you have your bums that walk up and down the street, at least these have to motivation to move. One rung down from them are the ones that hang out on the sidewalk. Just sort of sit there and talk to folks as the pass. The worst type of bum is the intersection, sign holder. Your sign proves you are at least semi-literate, and you choice location shows you understand marketing. So get your ass out there and get a job.
This rant is inspired by a great cab ride I had today from a nice Russian guy. I got to pick his mind for 25 minutes or so as he picked me up from the cycle shop and took me home. He admitted he hated his job, but the language barrier is keeping him from doing what he was trained to do. Never did get around to finding out what that was. I also don't think his English was bad at all, very good conversationalist and had some deep thoughts that were fun to discuss. His comment that really got me was "If I wanted to be a bum I could do that in Russia. There are opportunities here." WOW Why cant the folks living on the street here see the opportunities that this guy sees. Even thousands of miles away from his family he keeps his held high and nose to the grindstone in order to make a better life for himself.
Opportunities are everywhere, if you want to find them. I know grown men and women don't like to work fast food but isn't that better than begging? I may be missing the entire appeal of the homeless, or I'm not open minded enough to understand all of the circumstances behind these peoples situation. If someone can explain it I am more than willing to listen.
This may be the most cynical, most un-PC, perhaps the rudest post I have had yet. But someone needs to say it. Michael Moore wont say it because it wont go against the president, the TV news rarely talk about anything this deep, and you wont read about it in any newspaper because it may offend those that use the paper for a pillow.
The issue is the homeless, bums, moochers, leeches, and general scabs on society. Why is it so hard to get a job? Why do I have to get flooded with requests for change when I'm walking down the street? Why do I have to go out of my way to avoid folks, or lie to those that I can't manage to avoid. Don't get me wrong I will occasionally help a person out, but it depends on my mood and their delivery. Isn't this behaviour the same as a telemarketer without the phone??? See you are qualified for something, now get your ass off the street.
There are different levels of bums in my mind. Street performers are not bums as they are providing entertainment. The next are the windshield washing bums, who are at least trying to provide a service. Then you have your bums that walk up and down the street, at least these have to motivation to move. One rung down from them are the ones that hang out on the sidewalk. Just sort of sit there and talk to folks as the pass. The worst type of bum is the intersection, sign holder. Your sign proves you are at least semi-literate, and you choice location shows you understand marketing. So get your ass out there and get a job.
This rant is inspired by a great cab ride I had today from a nice Russian guy. I got to pick his mind for 25 minutes or so as he picked me up from the cycle shop and took me home. He admitted he hated his job, but the language barrier is keeping him from doing what he was trained to do. Never did get around to finding out what that was. I also don't think his English was bad at all, very good conversationalist and had some deep thoughts that were fun to discuss. His comment that really got me was "If I wanted to be a bum I could do that in Russia. There are opportunities here." WOW Why cant the folks living on the street here see the opportunities that this guy sees. Even thousands of miles away from his family he keeps his held high and nose to the grindstone in order to make a better life for himself.
Opportunities are everywhere, if you want to find them. I know grown men and women don't like to work fast food but isn't that better than begging? I may be missing the entire appeal of the homeless, or I'm not open minded enough to understand all of the circumstances behind these peoples situation. If someone can explain it I am more than willing to listen.
Tonsil hockey is not a sport
From past posts you can tell I'm a huge sports fan. Football, baseball, hockey, curling . . wait I take that back. I watch live events, highlights, read articles and make up some of my own games in my head sometimes. From "experts" predictions, post game analysis, how folks have overcome hardships to get where they are all make great story lines.
What doesn't make a good story line in a sports section is "The BradyBundch." Yeah - haven't you heard? Like Oh my God. That hottie Tom Brady is with the victories Secret super model. Man she is soooo lucky. He is like totally hot. Yeah and like famous too. (my imitation of what a "sports writer" must be thinking when that write this crap) Between hearing about folks like Brady, Leinart, Tony Homo the stories don't stop. Hearing about dating is not the only thing that we have to listen to that doesn't deal with sports. We have to hear about divorces too.
What I am not sure of is where I want the line to be drawn. I like to read about arrests, injuries, and maybe even hobbies. I am not sure why the relationship gossip is something that I don't think belongs in this group, other than I don't want it there and we all know the world should conform to my wants.
What doesn't make a good story line in a sports section is "The BradyBundch." Yeah - haven't you heard? Like Oh my God. That hottie Tom Brady is with the victories Secret super model. Man she is soooo lucky. He is like totally hot. Yeah and like famous too. (my imitation of what a "sports writer" must be thinking when that write this crap) Between hearing about folks like Brady, Leinart, Tony Homo the stories don't stop. Hearing about dating is not the only thing that we have to listen to that doesn't deal with sports. We have to hear about divorces too.
What I am not sure of is where I want the line to be drawn. I like to read about arrests, injuries, and maybe even hobbies. I am not sure why the relationship gossip is something that I don't think belongs in this group, other than I don't want it there and we all know the world should conform to my wants.
American Idol
I hate American Idol!! It feels like I may be one of the few in America that have the courage to say it though. But maybe I'm the only one that dislikes the show. I don't have any animosity for people watching it just not a fan of the show itself. I don't watch American Idol because it doesn't interest me, I couldn't care less, it is boring, hackneyed, unoriginal (now), and just plain stupid. Ok, hate may be a tad to strong of a word, but what is life without a few hyperbole's to get an idea across?
What inspired this rant you ask?? It is the fact that I can not avoid hearing the full episode everywhere I turn. I don't mind the water cooler talk amongst coworkers at all. I also don't mind people asking me if I saw it, and what I thought of Bob Singerson. That is all fine and dandy. What sickens me is that every radio station I listen to replays it. Yes I listen to the good ol' fashioned radio, not XM or Sirius. I am very aware that I can change the channel as I am a huge proponent of the "If you don't like it - do not watch to it" mentality. Sadly every radio station ends up replaying the auditions. I have to hear these people that I purposely avoided. Why is it that these DJ's cant talk, play a professional singer, or just leave me to some dead air, instead of making me want to find the nearest long object that is about and 1/8th of an inch in diameter so that I can dig my eardrums out to avoid listening to this squirrel being gutted any longer. Why can't American Idol have some kind of disclaimer much like an NFL game with all of the "Any accounts of this game . ." blah blah "express written consent of the national football league" or whatever that crap is they spew at us during every telecast. That may keep these radio stations playing this. Although maybe these folks do have the appropriate consent.
Another reason this show grates on me is the fact that our society gets off on watching others fail. Oh hell who am I kidding, so do I. Why is it that these horrible singers have no friends to stop them from making a fool of themselves. There are plenty of folks that try out that have average, and maybe slightly above voices, but these folks don't get shown because that is not what people want to see. Do parents have no pride in their family name? I know it must be hard to tell your kid that they are not good at something but consider the consequences. Either you tell them that they sing like Helen Keller when they should only be singing like Anne Frank (complete whisper) or you let a weaselly Brit tell them the same thing but even more harsh. Speaking of the British prick, is it me or does he always have a black t-shirt on. Granted this observation is only made by a few cursory glances while passing by.
What it comes down to . . . . don't let your friends embarrass themselves without alcohol.
Not my best rant but I needed to vent.
What inspired this rant you ask?? It is the fact that I can not avoid hearing the full episode everywhere I turn. I don't mind the water cooler talk amongst coworkers at all. I also don't mind people asking me if I saw it, and what I thought of Bob Singerson. That is all fine and dandy. What sickens me is that every radio station I listen to replays it. Yes I listen to the good ol' fashioned radio, not XM or Sirius. I am very aware that I can change the channel as I am a huge proponent of the "If you don't like it - do not watch to it" mentality. Sadly every radio station ends up replaying the auditions. I have to hear these people that I purposely avoided. Why is it that these DJ's cant talk, play a professional singer, or just leave me to some dead air, instead of making me want to find the nearest long object that is about and 1/8th of an inch in diameter so that I can dig my eardrums out to avoid listening to this squirrel being gutted any longer. Why can't American Idol have some kind of disclaimer much like an NFL game with all of the "Any accounts of this game . ." blah blah "express written consent of the national football league" or whatever that crap is they spew at us during every telecast. That may keep these radio stations playing this. Although maybe these folks do have the appropriate consent.
Another reason this show grates on me is the fact that our society gets off on watching others fail. Oh hell who am I kidding, so do I. Why is it that these horrible singers have no friends to stop them from making a fool of themselves. There are plenty of folks that try out that have average, and maybe slightly above voices, but these folks don't get shown because that is not what people want to see. Do parents have no pride in their family name? I know it must be hard to tell your kid that they are not good at something but consider the consequences. Either you tell them that they sing like Helen Keller when they should only be singing like Anne Frank (complete whisper) or you let a weaselly Brit tell them the same thing but even more harsh. Speaking of the British prick, is it me or does he always have a black t-shirt on. Granted this observation is only made by a few cursory glances while passing by.
What it comes down to . . . . don't let your friends embarrass themselves without alcohol.
Not my best rant but I needed to vent.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)