Best Albums of 2009
1) The Avett Brothers- I and Love and You
2) Volcano Choir- unmap
3) Kings Convenience- Declaration of Independence
4) The Low Anthem- Oh my God, Charlie Darwin
5) Andrew Bird- Noble Beast
6) Bowerbirds- Upper Air
7) Megafaun- Gather, Form, Fly
8) Regina Spektor- Far
9) Monsters of Folk- MOF
10) Animal Collective- Meriweather Post Pavilion
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
State of Panic
The News Media is at it again. They are perpetually trying to create a story or series of stories that would put the world in panic mode. In the past we have feared the Asian Bird Flu, Killer Bees, Shark Bites, West Nile Virus, and so on. Instead of reporting the news, the media at large puts a negative spin on everything in an attempt to boost ratings. It's an irresponsible and despicable use of the public airway but if it were all wine and roses, would you tune in?
It is quickly becoming a trend to have each new summer bring with it a wave of new urgent stories to stir up public attention. The newest reason to panic is the Swine Flu. The swine flu, just like the horrific shark attacks and the killer bees that never made it to the US, is not as bad as reported. According to the LA times, “Scientists see this flu strain as relatively mild.” http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-swine-reality30-2009apr30,0,3606923.storyNow
The Swine Flu could become horrible, God forbid. However, it’s simply not that bad right now. What is worse is the panic everyone is in over the possibility of a mass pandemic.
It’s not enough to just report the negative or tragic but the media comes up with horrifying slogans and inappropriate logos to sell the story. Tag lines read before every commercial indicate we are all going to die; we just need to tune in to see how.
I believe we have created a culture of fear perpetuated by the media and government.
It is quickly becoming a trend to have each new summer bring with it a wave of new urgent stories to stir up public attention. The newest reason to panic is the Swine Flu. The swine flu, just like the horrific shark attacks and the killer bees that never made it to the US, is not as bad as reported. According to the LA times, “Scientists see this flu strain as relatively mild.” http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-swine-reality30-2009apr30,0,3606923.storyNow
The Swine Flu could become horrible, God forbid. However, it’s simply not that bad right now. What is worse is the panic everyone is in over the possibility of a mass pandemic.
It’s not enough to just report the negative or tragic but the media comes up with horrifying slogans and inappropriate logos to sell the story. Tag lines read before every commercial indicate we are all going to die; we just need to tune in to see how.
I believe we have created a culture of fear perpetuated by the media and government.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sexting
Sexting has become an issue. It is sad but we all saw this coming. With new technology come new problems which bring new laws which bring division among lawmakers.
For those unaware of the term, “Sexting “is basically text messaging racy or nude images and or content to another person. It is illegal and teenagers are facing some serious charges. One Ohio seventeen year old who sent nude pictures to her ex-boyfriend may be convicted of child-pornography charges. If convicted she would be a registered sex offender for the next 20 years.
Some blame the parents, some blame technology. How is the state of Vermont handling this? They simply want to make, “sexting” legal. Either way, it is a big issue that is getting attention.
The simple solution is to limit cell phone and internet use to teens but this puts the responsibility on potentially irresponsible parents. Cell phone companies could refuse to sell multimedia packages to teenagers but then they would lose business. Plus this would punish all teenagers when the problem thus far is isolated to about 20%.
Once again the world is screaming for parents to step up and be parents. Thirteen year old kids do not need unlimited access to the internet via a mobile devise. It has been proven that most teenagers, when left to do whatever they want with no accountability or parenting, will get into trouble.
It is a tragedy that sexting has to even become an option.
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” Albert Einstein
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/states/vermont/2009-04-12-2912877058_x.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2009-03-11-sexting_N.htm
For those unaware of the term, “Sexting “is basically text messaging racy or nude images and or content to another person. It is illegal and teenagers are facing some serious charges. One Ohio seventeen year old who sent nude pictures to her ex-boyfriend may be convicted of child-pornography charges. If convicted she would be a registered sex offender for the next 20 years.
Some blame the parents, some blame technology. How is the state of Vermont handling this? They simply want to make, “sexting” legal. Either way, it is a big issue that is getting attention.
The simple solution is to limit cell phone and internet use to teens but this puts the responsibility on potentially irresponsible parents. Cell phone companies could refuse to sell multimedia packages to teenagers but then they would lose business. Plus this would punish all teenagers when the problem thus far is isolated to about 20%.
Once again the world is screaming for parents to step up and be parents. Thirteen year old kids do not need unlimited access to the internet via a mobile devise. It has been proven that most teenagers, when left to do whatever they want with no accountability or parenting, will get into trouble.
It is a tragedy that sexting has to even become an option.
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” Albert Einstein
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/states/vermont/2009-04-12-2912877058_x.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2009-03-11-sexting_N.htm
Monday, March 16, 2009
You broke my heart Kentucky Wildcat
1948 1949 1951 1958 1978 1996 and 1998 were all good years to be a Kentucky Wildcat Basketball fan. 2009… not so much.
For the first time since 1979, the year in which I was born, the Wildcats will play in the 72nd National Invitation Tournament. Kentucky has only been passed by the NCAA Tournament one other time in 1991 when they were on probation.
Sad but the Wildcats 20-13 season put them as a number 4 seed in the NIT. No offense to the NIT but it is embarrassing. Other than little league T-Ball we really don’t have tournaments for losers.
Things are so bad that UK will not even be playing on the men’s court at Rupp but will have to play at Memorial Coliseum, AKA the women’s court. Why? Because there is a Kentucky State Boy’s Tournament scheduled at Rupp. Everyone figured UK would make it to the NCAA tourney. They all figured wrong.
Sure, you can buy tickets to the “big” game for a mere $33 but why would you?
This is not the year to be a UK fan but it will come back around, we just have to wait.
For the first time since 1979, the year in which I was born, the Wildcats will play in the 72nd National Invitation Tournament. Kentucky has only been passed by the NCAA Tournament one other time in 1991 when they were on probation.
Sad but the Wildcats 20-13 season put them as a number 4 seed in the NIT. No offense to the NIT but it is embarrassing. Other than little league T-Ball we really don’t have tournaments for losers.
Things are so bad that UK will not even be playing on the men’s court at Rupp but will have to play at Memorial Coliseum, AKA the women’s court. Why? Because there is a Kentucky State Boy’s Tournament scheduled at Rupp. Everyone figured UK would make it to the NCAA tourney. They all figured wrong.
Sure, you can buy tickets to the “big” game for a mere $33 but why would you?
This is not the year to be a UK fan but it will come back around, we just have to wait.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Alien Life?
Could it be that there are intelligent life forms on planets other than earth? NASA thinks there are about 100 billion earth like planets in the milky way.
So my questions is, what would happen if we found another planet just like earth that has been in existence for millions of years? This goes beyond the Star trek, X-Files geeky science stuff. Guys have devoted their entire lives to seeking out life forms beyond earth. People really believe that it is possible that we will find... Aliens.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/02/25/galaxy.planets.kepler/index.html
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Basketball Game
Monday night Roman and I went to the Station Camp/Gallatin Basketball game. Roman was mortified when he realized it wasn't a football game we were attending. He said, I miss Football Dad. Me too son.
While at the game he quickly noticed the people around us had popcorn so he asked, in a very shy and sweet way, if he could have some popcorn as well. After he downed the popcorn he began to dance every time music came on. Even though the place was packed full of people, he danced as if he were the only one in the building.
Though our guys at Station Camp lost, Roman had a great time.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Daddy Roman Day
I always enjoy my day off at home with Roman. We have a set routine that we carry out each and every week. It starts with a trip to Target then my allergy Dr. where I get shots and Roman gets a sucker. He always reminds me that I am the one getting the shots, two in one arm and one in the other, and he is the one getting the sucker just in case the shot nurse gets things confused. We end our routine by getting some lunch together.
If you spend a lot of time with a 2 year old you appreciate their innocence. The way a 2 year old sees the world is unlike any other age group. The sad reality is that we are raising them in a world that is simply waiting to destroy their uncritical eyes. We train them to see people based on their color, social and economic status, age, and gender.
As adults we are to caught up in being on top, making the most money, getting the most notoriety and credit. We always want credit for what we do. The problem is, it is all earthly gain. Matthew 16 says it best, “What good is it if a man gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Michael Scott once said, "If a baby were president, there would be no taxes, there would be no war. There would be no government, and things could get terrible. It actually, probably - it would be a better screenplay idea than a serious suggestion."
If you spend a lot of time with a 2 year old you appreciate their innocence. The way a 2 year old sees the world is unlike any other age group. The sad reality is that we are raising them in a world that is simply waiting to destroy their uncritical eyes. We train them to see people based on their color, social and economic status, age, and gender.
As adults we are to caught up in being on top, making the most money, getting the most notoriety and credit. We always want credit for what we do. The problem is, it is all earthly gain. Matthew 16 says it best, “What good is it if a man gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Michael Scott once said, "If a baby were president, there would be no taxes, there would be no war. There would be no government, and things could get terrible. It actually, probably - it would be a better screenplay idea than a serious suggestion."
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