8. Society VI

We already produce as many bags of recycling as we do trash...but I feel a need to do more recycling this New Year. I don't want to leave a mess for lil' Asher. I do not believe in preaching, so this is just for me. I'm just one person. But if I change for the better, then I make a small difference. I also pledge to avoid as many chains and conglomerations as I possibly can this year. My money goes to better choices. Some cannot be avoided, but many can. I don't refer to this as a New Years "resolution", because it has steadily been made into a life change for a while. I am simply pledging to put more effort into the change in order to independently better things.

Here is a list of places that I will not go to this year, some I already do not visit- or have recently begun to avoid:

*McDonald's, Wal-Mart (You get what you pay for...junk), Sbarro Pizza/Mall pizza shops ($3.45 for a cheese slice...are you kidding?), Circuit City ( A previous rant tells you how I feel about this store), Exxon Mobil (Why is gas always more expensive there, and their profits soaring?) , Sears, Blockbuster (See previous rant to know how I feel about this place- and the CONSTANT change of policy and service, late fees/no late fees), Irondequoit Suzuki and the "Huuuge" Hyundai dealership (and too many other sleazy car dealerships to mention), Pier 1 (Strip-mining culture with overpriced knock-offs), Dominos Pizza, Friday's (Crappy restaurant and frozen foods), Abercrombie & Fitch ($60 cargo pants...WTF?), HSBC & Bank Of America (extra charges and poor services), Boxed Lunchables ( a kids food with 50 grams of fat and 70+ grams of sugar...WTF?), I am also dangerously close to adding a moratorium on Major League sports (for lying, cheating, and RIDICULOUS salaries)...

Guilty pleasures: the NFL-MLB-NBA, Starbucks (even though I am anti how expensive they are), Barnes & Noble, FYE, Regal theaters (and most theater chains...$9 movie-no thanks unless I really want to see something in the theater)...

And those that I prefer due to quality goods, cost, recycling programs (lack of waste), or community efforts (but, I don’t claim these to be evil free):

*Target (their line of foods "Archer Farms" is surprisingly good), Wegmans (regional grocery, good food), Local pizza stores, Stereo Shop (local), Amazon.com (or local book stores), Old Navy (even though I hate their commercials, they price their clothes very reasonably), Bud Plant (art books), ESL banks, Time Warner (this may shock some, but they are great here in NY for everything from free HD to cheap and free movies), Red Box (movie terminals), Ashley Furniture...

You wouldn't know it from this...but I have a discriminatory bias against hippies. I grew up surrounded by fakes that reeked of Patchouli and Raid and preached the hippie value to anyone within earshot. They got baked and claimed to be hippies, but did little beyond going to Dead shows and bong hits. In reality they were just like everyone else. Playing out a popular fad, but not really DOING anything to create a meaningful change. It's not that hard to make a difference, and preaching changes nothing...only action can create change. So I am also giving the big middle finger to and banning hippies from my life. There is little difference to me between the MLB ballplayer taking steroids to break records (but creating press releases that he is clean), and the Hippie wearing Abercrombie pants, drinking $4 Starbuck frappuccinos and buying a Grateful Dead CD at Wal-Mart. Go on; get baked and go to a Phish concert ya jerks.

(January 2008) The parallels of fallen dreams in our reality (the Death Of Captain America)

Back story (without getting too specifically nerdy):

This past year an icon of the Marvel Universe of comics, Captain America was killed. My first reaction was similar to when Superman died a decade earlier. Shock, and then the thought of it being a commercial ploy to boost sales. When I read the storyline, I was honestly deeply moved. As I have written before, I grew up with these heroic comic icons. Not in the spandex heroic pose hands on hips way, but as true flawed characters. I also grew up solely in the Marvel universe of characters- with Captain America. He had many similar personality traits as DC’s Superman. He was considered a boy scout, outdated, left behind by the new modern hero. The modern hero was violent, sometimes side-stepped the law- overflowing with a sort of life-scarred teen angst. Captain America did not have that broken element, no matter how many terrible events he witnessed and fought. He was there in World War II fighting the Nazi’s, he was there to see the atrocities of the Holocaust, and he had villain after villain out to destroy him once a month…but still he persevered for the greater good.

In 2007, Marvel embarked on an epic story entitled “Civil War”. In recent years there has been a crossing over from the comic universe to our reality. Heroes have more and more life issues, and stories sometimes take on the point of view of the everyday person. In other words, like every other form of art- comics changed and intellectually grew up. Today, a regular person without superhuman qualities acts as a witness to the battles of the “gods” that rampage through their living spaces. The heroes in “Civil War” make an epic mistake that kills hundreds of everyday people. What follows is a political/social shift that forces (by law) superheroes to register with the government. The government joins forces with what can only be viewed as industry (Tony Stark aka: Iron Man) to enforce the new laws and practices. The split (indicated in the storylines title: Civil War) begins with heroes worrying that their legacy of always hiding their identity in order to maintain some sane private life will be lost, along with their freedom. The division of heroes created the battle of the ages for Marvel, and forever changed the future of Marvel comics. One of those changes was the assassination of Captain America, who fought against the registration. Captain America held a special place for me. He represented my father's era (World War II), and he represented the best of the comic book hero. Always fighting for justice, and always fighting for the good of mankind- without ever being pretentious.

“When a country falls into chaos, Patriotism is born” (Lao-Tzu). This is not a matter of French Fries becoming “Freedom fries”. This is not about patriotism and a loss of the great-american-icon-eagle-flag-9/11 propaganda garbage. This is really about the end of a generation. That end also parallels our modern era in signaling the death of America (patriotism, naïve nationalism, national pride…). The “registration act” parallels our current fear of immigration and terrorism. It echoes the assassination of freedom, of the hero standing against the wave of fear, the government enforcement of unjust laws and practices, the constant underground warfare with those in power, and the constant drum of fear in the form of spies and perceived terror. Misinformation and manipulation are abundant in the story arc, with constant forms of denial in regards to the loss of freedom and the promise of a new world order. I was left saddened not just once for the loss of the fictional iconic hero, but again for the loss of the real ideals trashed in the wake of the past 10 years in our real world. I have written numerous times that in our dark age we need a true hero. Not one to be followed blindly, just one to be trusted, and one to usher the next generation to the higher calling of serving mankind. We do need a real person, but one with the heart of Captain America.

(February 2008) The Jinx (that I don't believe) in smiling smirks and make-up

“Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is it vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished, as the once vital voice of the verisimilitude now venerates what they once vilified. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin van-guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose vis-à-vis an introduction, and so it is my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V” (V is for Vendetta)

First it was the comic based character from the Crow with Brandon Lee. One of my favorite films. Lee was accidently killed during the filming of the Crow when shot with a blank that had another real shell stuck in the chamber. Classic movie…classic performance. Heath Ledger was recently found dead, soon after filming completed on the next Batman installment. Ledger played the Joker. V is for Vendetta breaks the death and comic movie cycle, but I threw it in for good measure as proof that I don’t really believe in the idea of a jinx.

I am a huge comics fan, and a big Batman fan. If I was an actor I would say that parts that involve smirking clown like characters may be jinxed…except as stated- I don’t believe in a jinx. They are both sad stories, and both caught me off guard. As a kid, I thought that Bruce Lee was the coolest-baddest dude on the planet- I rooted for his son (Brandon). I am not a Heath Ledger fan, and was the first to dismiss him as the choice of the Joker...but after seeing bit parts, I was excited to see the movie this summer. I expected neither death, that is most likely why they were so shocking. Chaotic deaths usually unhinge common sense…and are often followed by conspiracy and myth. Cases in point: JFK, Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Natalie Wood, Kurt Cobain, and RFK. The universe may operate on chaos, but human beings need to make sense of the senseless.

Funny...I did not know them- they are celebrities, part of a removed cultural identity...but still I mourn. Maybe more so because my father started me on comic collecting as a toddler, and it was something we did every week into my teen years. I equate comics with times spent with my father. Each comic world related death seems to slightly tweak that part of me deep down inside. Shakespeare has a line that I love: What is Past, is also Prologue.

(February 2008) America the bad, and that elusive change

“We can’t all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” -Will Rodgers

Americans are all wrong…isn’t that the way it seems? Within the last week I have read, or come across stories that say Americans are: Overweight, lazy, poorly educated, falling behind in math and science, world bullies, obsessed with celebrity, shallow, wasteful, obnoxious, not money savvy, in credit trouble, and spiritually weak. All in one single week! How many good stories balanced out the woes of the world having a burden of Americans…ZERO.

At this very moment in time in the United States, I can’t fully disagree. But in generalizing the people, or lumping them into what our government chooses to do as a personality is quite a bias against the masses by the media. Most Americans are intelligent, thoughtful, and tired of how our government represents us to the world. Most Americans give a lot of time and money to help others, even when our government should be doing the same- but fails. One solid truth is that the majority of Americans want change for the better, and are willing to sacrifice some small luxuries (and maybe some big ones) to make that a reality.

What will the next leaders (whoever they will be) bring to the table? I feel safe in saying that our next president WILL be an African-American, or a female. That is change, but is it really? Simply because Obama has more melatonin, or Hillary lacks a penis…does that mean that they will inherently introduce change?

Obama. Some of what people are saying is tied to a visible piece of his personality, and some of it is instinct. The whispers are that he is perceived as aloof. That there is a deadness in his eyes that does not indicate change, or even a passion to lead. Anyone can say the right things, and he does say the right things with an energized oratory skill. But being black in itself, does not guarantee change. In this day and age, the only way to get to where he is in the political machine seems to be if you play ball…jump on board, or glad hand the machine. Radical change is feared, not welcomed.

Clinton. I am more familiar with Clinton as she is part of my state, and I can say without hesitation, that she is as bad as everyone else talking out of both sides of her mouth. She skews the stats to her favor, and presents both sides as if they are one. The Clintons have a way of purporting to tell the whole story, but a veiled version of reality. It's kind of like requiring reading glasses, and sitting down to read. You may make out a word or two, but the rest is hazy guesswork. Words come in and out of focus, as does the truth. In my opinion, that makes her part of the machine. That machine is an exclusive club, and there is no change looming from anyone that deep on the inside.

That being said, they are both charismatic. But charisma does not know good or evil. It is just a personality presentation. I am sure Satan could deliver a good powerpoint, and Jesus must kill on a dry erase board, but that is just presentation. Hitler and Stalin had charisma and oratory skill, so did Gandhi- but charisma in and of itself will create neither a positive or a negative change.

If you set aside the republicans (because they are out anyway), that leaves only two choices...soon to be one. Both will say whatever they can to get elected, that is the age we live in. Taking a stance, and sticking to it no longer carries respect, but did it ever? I LOVED Ralph Nader. I respected his unwavering manner. But he never came close to toppling the machine. We lost the chance for any change with Perot. Not that he was good, or even a stable human in regards to mental health- but his run in 1992 had the chance to make more choices seem realistic. That is gone. All we have left is the mannequin posing for photo-ops. We ALWAYS look back with rose colored glasses on past situations. It happens with Reagan, and it happens with Clinton, it happened with JFK...and it probably happened with Jefferson and Washington as well. It's easier when you are in a state of crisis to say "look how good we had it when...", but it is not always true. It’s a skewed and desperate view of the past. Until the next outside the loop person gets something going, we are resigned to the same old same old. Crossing our fingers, and applauding our past. Our politics are no longer free, they are paid for, and we are no longer asked to the dance- we just are left sitting home crying in an ugly prom dress.

Change. I like to consider what needs to be changed, and how much sacrifice would have to be laid out to make it happen. So here is a short list, with many overlooked areas of importance, but I wanted to keep it to a 6 or 7 sound-byte for now.

Gun Control. Enough of the maniacs who have fallen through the psych ward loopholes that go out and purchase mass weapons. In this month alone, there have been mass shootings at Malls, Colleges, and High Schools- by those who have simply decided to stop taking their psychotropic medications. Everyone does not NEED a gun. Give the guns to law enforcement, and reasonable weapons to hunters. Screw the constitution. If you can’t act humane, then you lose human rights.
Health Care. Universal now. Plain and simple. Doctors bite the bullet and stop charging ridiculous fees,and pharmaceutical companies stop charging ridiculous rates.
American companies in America. Radical idea? Or is it due to watching companies that enjoy American civil and commercial liberties lay-off American workers to go somewhere to pay foreign employees pennies for wages. If you want the tax break, the freedom, the economy, and the capitalism- make it here.
The Middle class. The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. Larger tax breaks, employment incentives, and housing for the group that has kept everything afloat since 1776.
Education. Priority number ONE. We can’t do anything if everyone is dumb. We can’t replace our English language with texting, nor can we dumb down literature to cliff notes to avoid tension with our youth. Our youth needs to be led, not appeased. Instead of a media focus on Brittney’s crotch, let’s focus on interesting science, or literature, or philosophy, or art, or medicine. Instead of 500 billion to Iraq, let’s put 500 billion into upgrading computers and school libraries where we need it most. Think of the great strides that are to be made in medicine and science- it could happen sooner if we focus on our schools.
Environment. Education may save us from the gas pump (one ties to the other). Recycling should not be an option, it should be mandatory.
Who we are as a nation. Have we lost our way as Americans? We fought for our independence from tyranny- but is that not what we have created in ourselves? We live a in a country founded on great ideals. But the reins are supposed to be in our hands, not the hands of the rich. It’s not the money, the size of the home, the celebrity status, the over-the-top opulence that matters. Who we are as a people makes the difference.

I don’t claim the perfect answers, or the end to problems- but we all know that these are a few of the paths that we must embark upon-soon. And that any path that creates true change will have its faults and its sacrifice. In order to make these a reality, those that lead must sit down with people well versed in each area. Not appoint the person who has done the dirty favors. A guy that sells oil and is a CEO of a multi-billion dollar corporation has no clue about helping the middle class, no clue about public education, no clue about struggling with survival based bills, no clue about being lost in a public education system, no clue about who we are as Americans. They may know the "bottom line", but the bottom line rarely deals in ethics and reality. I would instead suggest dumping the political favor agenda from a greased palm, and seeking out appointments that include real Americans. Instead of paying millions of tax dollars for a staff of silver spoon laden mouths, seek out the average honest American. Pay them a decent wage to be included in the solution. In fair governmental representation, we become stronger as a whole; instead of broken shards fighting for the scraps that fall from the table.

(April 2008) Priceless Criminal Intent

I don't like Thomas the train. But, before I get any emails...yes- I do know Thomas is not real , and is a pretty innocent & positive toy.

I like trains, just not Thomas. The toys are wickedly overpriced, and everywhere. My world is saturated with Thomas toys, Thomas videos, Thomas bath towels, hampers, garbage cans, shaped pasta, wrapping paper, and a whole world encompassing industry forged upon Thomas. My mother in law bought a train signal for our wood set, it has two signals, and makes a battery powered "ding-ding!". I would have guessed the price to be $9-10.00. But not in satanic Thomas land...where the cost was a WHOPPING $27! We have asked that no family purchase any more Thomas items...but you can only hold back the storm so long.

Recently at daycare, a friend of Asher's (my son) had a Thomas engine that made music, that inclusion of music was like crack to lil' Asher (he has an affinity for music, I guess that's what happens when he goes to sleep listening to Thelonious Monk for 4 years). So yesterday we went to the mall. While Chris (my wife) tried on clothes, I took Asher to throw pennies in the fountain, get a cookie, and check out the toy store. I like toys as much as he does. Our intention was a "small" toy. After much bargaining to NOT get the $100 radio controlled cars, he spotted the same Thomas/musical engine from daycare...and it was only $12.99. So we got it. Outside the store on the bench, I took it out of the box and let him him have it, explaining that we would put batteries in it when we got home. On the way out of the mall, Chris wanted to throw the box away- which we did. We got home, put the batteries in...and nothing, zip, nada, zero. Just Thomas, smirking at me. Great. We went to the mall on the other side of the city for a broken Thomas.

After naps all around, and Chris going to work, Asher and I went back to the mall with no box, just the receipt. As we strollered up to the KayBee counter, there were 4 girl (and I do mean to use that term) employees who had a total age of maybe 64 (that's 16 each). After a bit of attitude ("Wuuhhll..howZ this work?" my reply "It doesn't, that's why we brought it back."), and the girls summoning a 17 year old manager (ha) who went to get a new Thomas followed, while Asher pawed through all the really cheap toy junk that they have at the counter. So, minutes passed as the "girls" could not figure out what the train actually did, despite me explaining that it was broken. I had batteries and a screwdriver in my pocket which I whipped out because the one girl could not manage the screwdriver for the broken one. As I put the batteries in the new one, I asked the manager (ha) "Does it make music and just go?"...her reply was that you had to use the included whistle to make it go- it was sound activated. Pause for a growing embarrassment in me...see, Asher had told me they "wore out his friends batteries" playing with it at daycare. But in reality, his friend did not bring the whistle- so it never worked at daycare...he just WANTED it to make music. So, as I realized how much of an idiot I was for throwing the box away and not keeping the directions, or reading the box (which I now noticed had a great big "SOUND ACTIVATED" symbol on the side...top...front...bottom...), and BEFORE the gaggle of girls could get the batteries in the old one (and possibly cure cancer) and notice there was nothing wrong with it, I smiled and quickly strollered out the store. I was rolling along when Asher exclaimed "UH-OH!". I looked down, and he is holding one of those cheap toy combo suckers that had a battery powered propeller and digital lights for $3.99. Rather than return in shame, I quickly told him: "Oh, those nice girls gave that to you because we had to come all the way back out here to get a new Thomas."

So to sum up.

Cost of Thomas the train $12.99, sound activated idiot cost of gas $15.00, first true crime of shoplifting (see mugshot), and a failure to use it as a teachable moment...priceless.

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