News is defined as "newly received and noteworthy information." In the past, it was the responsibility of the news media to deliver that "noteworthy information" as honestly, fairly, and reliably as possible. Sadly, the advent of 24-Hour news channels (like CNN or Fox News) credibility has taken a backseat to ratings.
Take for example the crapstorm KTVU in San Francisco has gotten themselves into. While covering the recent crash of an Asiana Airlines plane KTVU asked someone from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for the names of the pilots. Obviously without verifying any of the names, they reported the pilots names were:
Sum Ting Wong
Wi Tu Lo
Bang Ding Ow
Ho Lee Fuk
If you don't understand the problem, say those names out loud. Go ahead... I'll wait. Yea, somebody who calls themselves a reporter actually believed those were real names! The even sadder part is that they obviously did NOT fact check themselves and put them on the air. Asiana Airlines is now SUING the station for slander and said they insulted not only the company but Asians in general.
I blame the race for ratings. News stations do whatever it takes nowadays to be the FIRST to get the story out, not the BEST. The past 3 presidential elections have been "called" prematurely by news stations which were WRONG, during the Boston Marathon bombings 3 different INNOCENT PEOPLE were blasted on national news and accused as suspects with no evidence other than speculation, hell the whole nation gasped when the news took a Twitter post about an attack on the White House too seriously.
I've said it quite frequently lately but don't believe everything you hear on "the news" anymore. Don't blindly believe what they report until they start proving they have some credibility again. Stay informed and remember what Rage Against The Machine told us in the 90s, "If ignorance is bliss, then wipe the smile off my face."
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Brilliant and Unusual Punishment
I could write novels bitching about all the problems with our justice system but one of the biggest I see is sentencing. Our Constitution bans "Cruel and unusual punishment" but I think that's been interpreted to mean "every crime gets the same punishment". I don't understand why someone who shoplifts gets the same punishment as someone who assaulted another person. It's either prison time, a fine, or probation for the most part but every once in a while a judge does something brilliant...
In Halifax County recently, Toni King was charged with assaulting a government official, larceny and possession of stolen goods, and being intoxicated and disruptive. She pleaded guilty to resisting a public officer and intoxicated and disruptive with an interesting sentence from the judge: probation, counseling, and A HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT! Toni has to write a 2 page essay titled "How a Lady Should Behave in Public"!
To some that may seem trivial or a waste of time but think about it, she'll have to sit down, think hard about what she did, then write an essay basically describing how she was acting like an idiot and what she should do in the future. It might not change a thing but it could be the insight she needs to turn her life around.
I think if more judges would hand out sentences appropriate to the crime instead of what's on the books as "the standard" we might have more reformed criminals and less repeat offenders.
In Halifax County recently, Toni King was charged with assaulting a government official, larceny and possession of stolen goods, and being intoxicated and disruptive. She pleaded guilty to resisting a public officer and intoxicated and disruptive with an interesting sentence from the judge: probation, counseling, and A HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT! Toni has to write a 2 page essay titled "How a Lady Should Behave in Public"!
To some that may seem trivial or a waste of time but think about it, she'll have to sit down, think hard about what she did, then write an essay basically describing how she was acting like an idiot and what she should do in the future. It might not change a thing but it could be the insight she needs to turn her life around.
I think if more judges would hand out sentences appropriate to the crime instead of what's on the books as "the standard" we might have more reformed criminals and less repeat offenders.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Attack Of The Killer Laundry Detergent
Hide your kids! There's a new monster in our homes killing our children!!
Scary huh? For those who don't know, those are detergent capsules. Little plastic bubbles full of laundry detergent that you throw into the load instead of measuring it out yourself. Well, apparently they are murdering children.
I'm being very over dramatic because I think this whole "problem" is idiotic. Yes, laundry detergent can be deadly if swallowed or inhaled and can cause permanent damage or even death in children. The story according to the media is that the companies that make them haven't taken proper precautions to make them look unappetizing so kids don't try to eat them.
Personally, I think this goes right back to the lack of parenting in this country. If parents actually paid attention to their children, they wouldn't have time to eat detergent. "But you can't watch them every minute" said the excuse-maker. Well, the 2nd part of it is that if you have kids or kids are in your house KEEP THE DAMN CLEANING PRODUCTS LOCKED UP OR OUT OF REACH!
It really scares me that we're heading toward an America where everybody has to wear bubble wrap body suits. Take some damn personal accountability when your kids do something dumb or bad and try learning from your and your children's mistakes instead of looking for a company to blame.
I'm being very over dramatic because I think this whole "problem" is idiotic. Yes, laundry detergent can be deadly if swallowed or inhaled and can cause permanent damage or even death in children. The story according to the media is that the companies that make them haven't taken proper precautions to make them look unappetizing so kids don't try to eat them.
Personally, I think this goes right back to the lack of parenting in this country. If parents actually paid attention to their children, they wouldn't have time to eat detergent. "But you can't watch them every minute" said the excuse-maker. Well, the 2nd part of it is that if you have kids or kids are in your house KEEP THE DAMN CLEANING PRODUCTS LOCKED UP OR OUT OF REACH!
It really scares me that we're heading toward an America where everybody has to wear bubble wrap body suits. Take some damn personal accountability when your kids do something dumb or bad and try learning from your and your children's mistakes instead of looking for a company to blame.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Cool Parents vs. Crappy Parents
I heard a local news story recently that got me thinking about the difference between "Cool Parents" and "Crappy Parents".
The story was about a couple in Bridgeton who were arrested and charged with aiding and abetting someone under age for allowing their teen daughter and her friends to drink at their house.
When I first heard the story I immediately assumed "party pooper". I thought either someone who wasn't invited or possibly a neighbor called the cops on the party and got everybody in trouble. Then I heard the details...
"Officers found fifteen teens between the ages of 12 and 15 drinking."
WHAT??? 75% of the people drinking were UNDER FIFTEEN YEARS OLD!! These 2 idiots deserve to have the book thrown at them because that's just stupidity. Either they were trying to be cool in the eyes of a bunch of kids (which is sad) or they didn't see where this could go badly (which is even sadder).
If this had been a group of 18 & 19 year old teens I'd have no problem with what happened and would even commend them for allowing their kids to party responsibly if they choose instead of sneaking around and risking getting in trouble or worse. However, if you're hosting keggers for kids who aren't even old enough to DRIVE, you really need to re-evaluate your situation.
The story was about a couple in Bridgeton who were arrested and charged with aiding and abetting someone under age for allowing their teen daughter and her friends to drink at their house.
When I first heard the story I immediately assumed "party pooper". I thought either someone who wasn't invited or possibly a neighbor called the cops on the party and got everybody in trouble. Then I heard the details...
"Officers found fifteen teens between the ages of 12 and 15 drinking."
WHAT??? 75% of the people drinking were UNDER FIFTEEN YEARS OLD!! These 2 idiots deserve to have the book thrown at them because that's just stupidity. Either they were trying to be cool in the eyes of a bunch of kids (which is sad) or they didn't see where this could go badly (which is even sadder).
If this had been a group of 18 & 19 year old teens I'd have no problem with what happened and would even commend them for allowing their kids to party responsibly if they choose instead of sneaking around and risking getting in trouble or worse. However, if you're hosting keggers for kids who aren't even old enough to DRIVE, you really need to re-evaluate your situation.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sunset Sessions Rock! 2013 Recap
Earlier this month I made my 3rd annual excursion to southern California for Sunset Sessions Rock! Sunset Sessions at its core is a music conference. Record labels, management, and individual artists and bands come out to perform for an audience of radio professionals, music supervisors (the people who make movie, tv, video game, and other soundtracks), and other music industry professionals. We spend 4 days talking music, discovering new bands, and building a network within the industry.
This year's started on sketchy terms when I woke up 2 days before my flight out with a sinus infection. An overdose of zinc, Vitamin C, and cold meds got me cleared up enough by the time I arrived that I was fine so the weekend was underway. The first day started with the "Passion Panel" which is kinda like speed dating but much cooler. We rotate between tables and get to know each other and introduce ourselves. Afterwards we headed off to Belly Up, the venue for the nightly performances, to see the first night's bands. Cameron Rafati, The Unlikely Candidates, Faulkner (3rd great SSR show), Semi Precious Weapons (AWOLNATION-esque), and Monster Truck (denim wearing, Canadian classic rock style) were the first round of artists and all were great. Feral Vinca and Big B both returned as alumni to perform on the Late Night stage. After hours we headed back to the resort for an acoustic jam with various artists jumping into the mix.
Day 2 kicked off with Oleander acoustic by the pool and a discussion panel and an encore acoustic set by Bib B. Then we talked about social media and how to make the most of our social networks then more acoustic by the pool. Next we got to sit in on an interview with the legendary Sammy Hagar! Great discussion, debut of 4 new songs, and some of his Beach Bar Rum. After that we snuck off for a while to try a West Coast staple: In 'n Out Burger! It was amazing!! Back to the resort and off to the main stage we went. Night 2 saw Cheating Daylight (very talented teen "family" band), Leogun (dirty Brit rock), Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Michelle Delamor, 7Lions, Redlight King (friends of The X and always a great show), Heaven's Basement (mind blowing Brit rockers) and Ed Hale & The Transcendence. The highlight of the night for me was Heaven's Basement who I had heard their album but after seeing them live, I was a full blown fan. Forgot to mention that our boys Skratch 'n Sniff were mixing between bands both nights. Great seeing them as always!
Day 3 started with Bloody Marys and a greasy breakfast to calm the head and stomach. Then a few panels and a really cool keynote discussion with Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman that blew my mind at how far Warped Tour has come over the years as a festival. Before the main stage we also saw a poolside performace by The Negotiators, a band of NINE YEAR OLDS who KILLED IT! The final Main Stage rocked with Strange Native, The Boxer Rebellion, Eve To Adam, Acidic (a band I played on Local 99 in the past who kicked some serious ass), Dig The Kid, Brand New Machine, and D-Strutters.
Sunday it was all good-byes and packing as we all headed back home. I had a late flight so I spent the day puttering around San Diego and sightseeing. I did make a trip to the ocean (which was right across the street from our resort) on Saturday and walked in the sand and took some cool pics. Once again I met some amazing people, saw some great friends, discovered some great new bands, and had a freaking blast doing it!
Counting the days till next time...
This year's started on sketchy terms when I woke up 2 days before my flight out with a sinus infection. An overdose of zinc, Vitamin C, and cold meds got me cleared up enough by the time I arrived that I was fine so the weekend was underway. The first day started with the "Passion Panel" which is kinda like speed dating but much cooler. We rotate between tables and get to know each other and introduce ourselves. Afterwards we headed off to Belly Up, the venue for the nightly performances, to see the first night's bands. Cameron Rafati, The Unlikely Candidates, Faulkner (3rd great SSR show), Semi Precious Weapons (AWOLNATION-esque), and Monster Truck (denim wearing, Canadian classic rock style) were the first round of artists and all were great. Feral Vinca and Big B both returned as alumni to perform on the Late Night stage. After hours we headed back to the resort for an acoustic jam with various artists jumping into the mix.
Day 2 kicked off with Oleander acoustic by the pool and a discussion panel and an encore acoustic set by Bib B. Then we talked about social media and how to make the most of our social networks then more acoustic by the pool. Next we got to sit in on an interview with the legendary Sammy Hagar! Great discussion, debut of 4 new songs, and some of his Beach Bar Rum. After that we snuck off for a while to try a West Coast staple: In 'n Out Burger! It was amazing!! Back to the resort and off to the main stage we went. Night 2 saw Cheating Daylight (very talented teen "family" band), Leogun (dirty Brit rock), Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Michelle Delamor, 7Lions, Redlight King (friends of The X and always a great show), Heaven's Basement (mind blowing Brit rockers) and Ed Hale & The Transcendence. The highlight of the night for me was Heaven's Basement who I had heard their album but after seeing them live, I was a full blown fan. Forgot to mention that our boys Skratch 'n Sniff were mixing between bands both nights. Great seeing them as always!
Day 3 started with Bloody Marys and a greasy breakfast to calm the head and stomach. Then a few panels and a really cool keynote discussion with Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman that blew my mind at how far Warped Tour has come over the years as a festival. Before the main stage we also saw a poolside performace by The Negotiators, a band of NINE YEAR OLDS who KILLED IT! The final Main Stage rocked with Strange Native, The Boxer Rebellion, Eve To Adam, Acidic (a band I played on Local 99 in the past who kicked some serious ass), Dig The Kid, Brand New Machine, and D-Strutters.
Sunday it was all good-byes and packing as we all headed back home. I had a late flight so I spent the day puttering around San Diego and sightseeing. I did make a trip to the ocean (which was right across the street from our resort) on Saturday and walked in the sand and took some cool pics. Once again I met some amazing people, saw some great friends, discovered some great new bands, and had a freaking blast doing it!
Counting the days till next time...
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Making Dreams Come True
Everybody has dreams. Some have big dreams like a career goal or being a celebrity. Others have smaller dreams like a new car or more time with their families. Well, what would you do if you had the chance to make someone else's dream come true?
A guy eating out on Sunday had that chance and ran with it. A waitress was chatting with one of her tables and told them about her family in Italy. She went on to tell them about how she'd never been to Italy to visit, even though she's had 8 years of art education and Florence, Italy (where her family is located) is one of the art capitals of the world! The bill was brought and after the table left, she found this:
The guy left a $999.58 tip so the woman could make the trip to Italy! Of course, this story is from the internet and there's no way to verify (the story only lists the restaurant as being in a "small town") but it's still a great story about a type of person we should all strive to be.
A guy eating out on Sunday had that chance and ran with it. A waitress was chatting with one of her tables and told them about her family in Italy. She went on to tell them about how she'd never been to Italy to visit, even though she's had 8 years of art education and Florence, Italy (where her family is located) is one of the art capitals of the world! The bill was brought and after the table left, she found this:
The guy left a $999.58 tip so the woman could make the trip to Italy! Of course, this story is from the internet and there's no way to verify (the story only lists the restaurant as being in a "small town") but it's still a great story about a type of person we should all strive to be.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Carolina Rebellion 2013 Recap
This year marked the 3rd year in a row that Carolina Rebellion was not only the biggest show around... but also got BIGGER! It started as a one day show, then they added a Friday Night Pre-Show, and this year they expanded it out to a full weekend!
Due to work I wasn't able to make it Friday night but I hear Eye Empire and Beware of Darkness kicked some major ass.
Saturday started off chilly and breezy as hell but that didn't stop the bands from bringing the ROCK! Young Guns kicked off the day with a dose of Brit rock that was like a sonic cup of coffee to start the day. I didn't get the chance to see many of the bands but I could hear plenty from where we were and Sick Puppies did a badass Foo Fighters cover, In This Moment blew minds with their stage setup and sonic assault, Aranda showed us how they made a name for themselves with a killer set, Matt showed the world he was the perfect replacement at the front of Three Days Grace, and even Limp Bizkit hit the stage and sounded PERFECT! Honestly, there wasn't a bad show the whole day.
Sunday we were expecting some rain but I don't think anybody knew exactly what we were going to get hit with. It rained a ton, it was cold as hell, and the wind blew it's ass off. Several bands had to cancel their sets due to weather and the show was called off later in the day but bands like All That Remains, Sevendust, Pop Evil, and Hollywood Undead trudged thru and brought the rock to the fans. Steel Panther even gave us some face shredding comedic relief. Even with the cancellations the day still rocked.
All in all it was a freaking blast yet again. Had a great time meeting rockers, chatting with old friends, and rocking the eff out!
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