Blind, Ke$ha

Typically the topics in my mind's Rolodex are pop culture or music based, but this week I have done deeper thinking than I usually do:

• I really am grateful to those that believe in protecting and serving our country. I don't think that I mentally, physically and emotionally could handle it. It really takes a special kind of person to do this. Because of my feelings, I think "don't ask, don't tell," should be repealed. Simply broken down, if a person desires to be in the military, they should be allowed to.
  

• The oil spill sponsored by BP is one hot mess. I have always enjoyed nature and the protection of it. As a corporation with a product that massively endangers the environment, you had better come up with a plan quickly. I fully support the government sending an invoice to BP. They have created a huge problem and it sometimes appears that they are somewhat lax in getting a resolution put in place. For example, believing that putting golf balls and old tires down the pipe will stop an oil leak? This isn't the "making time for those things that are important" object lesson. Two sources of info that helped me with knowing how gigantic a problem are: CNN's summary of the oil spill from day one here. Also check out this site that compares how big the spill is to your state.
  

• Everyday I try to catch a little bit of talk radio into my radio schedule. The other day I heard an advertisement from a political commentator speak about how kids need to get into homeschooling. I brought this hot topic up in my office and we had a good discussion on it. In short, I think that many people can't handle the time, discipline, and the mess that homeschooling requires. I also think that it stunts one's social growth drastically. If you are to homeschool it is better to do it in the 2nd to 4th grade of elementary school than K-12.

• I can't leave a pop culture topic out can I? A good friend and I were discussing Mariah Carey's alleged pregnancy rumor, which brought us onto the topic of celebrity kids. We both commented that the kids of Hollywood icons are becoming another type of celebrity monsters and only have their vain parents to thank. Take Will and Jada Smith. Several of their children have engaged in movie or singing roles. I realize that because their parents are famous helps them break into the business, but as a parent I wonder if I would subject my kids to the paparazzi, critic's tireless rants, and the dangerous paparazzi. Yes I don't know the full story on the kids but I have to think that exposing your kids for publicity can't be good for their well being. I am also curious to see what the lil celebrities, eventually do in life. Will J-Lo's twins become fashion designers and rappers? Will Suri Cruise become an Academy Award winner? Only time will tell...

So that's my rant. You may agree/disagree with what I said, and I would love to hear why. What hot topics are on your mind?

You Rock My World, Michael Jackson

The news of Michael Jackson's passing came today as I sat at work, and a music-lover co-worker (Thanks!) called to notify our office. I felt my heart stop and hoped it was not true, but sadly it was. I instantly felt sad and here is why:

Michael has had some issues and media frenzied-controversies the past few years. It seemed that lately anything he did was deemed as "crazy" or questionable. I can see both sides of the story, but as we all know, one cannot know the whole truth until you have walked in their shoes. Anywho it seems that Michael had gotten the resources necessary for his huge comeback, his UK concerts. I was excited that he was going to once again show the world of his talent and innovations, but sadly he will never get to show that. This then leaves his name tied to recent events and he was never given the opportunity to prove otherwise. For now he will entertain the masses in heaven and finally receive some peace.

As I got in my car to go home tonight, one of the saddest Broadway songs started playing on my satellite radio. I shed a tear or two as I reminisced of his impressive songs, dancing, and memories;

• In the 4th grade going to the local roller rink and skating to Black to White with my cousins. It was the highlight of the night since I hated roller skating
  
• Dreams of hosting a game show with a taped opening of "Wanna Be Starting Something"
• Saving my money so that I could go buy his most recent album... on cassette tape.
• On family vacations, my cousins and I would imagine Michael and Lisa Presley's conversations.
• Spending a summer night in junior high to watch The Wiz, just because Michael was in it. Even though some parts were super long, I told myself I could not fast-forward it because of his influence on it.
  
• Spend many moments having dance parties, and when his songs came on instant bursts of energy filled my soul, no matter how tired I was.
  

I will miss you Michael! Thanks for good times, tunes, and memories. May you and your family be comforted at this difficult time.

Lights, Camera, Action, New Kids On the Block

This weekend was very exciting and very unique. Some friends and I had decided to venture out to the New Kids On the Block Reunion tour, with Natasha Bedingfield and Lady Gaga opening. I have to say it was quite the event....

1) Lady Gaga was the opener for the opener... and you might have realized my love for her here or here.... One thing bothered me though, No one really understood or seemed to like Lady Gaga, but I thought she was perhaps the greatest performer there, since she sang live, dance, and pretended that she died... but was brought back to life by us screaming. (weird I know... ) She believes in Pop Art, which is a combination of Pop Music, Video Displays with Videos, Singing, and Acting. I thought it was hilarious and really innovative. I would have loved to see a full concert by her, but the 15 minutes were still memorable!

2) I love Natasha Bedingfield's music, and was hoping to hear more of the better songs on her albums, because the singles released thus far are not the greatest... Anywho Natasha Bedingfield is a good singer, but her songs are too slow to dance to. Also she needs backup dancers because the backup singers were trying to do both, and it was ridiculous!

2) NKOTB: They have quite the energy! They sang (some of the time) and danced the whole night. The concert consisted of, what I determined, several acts:

I: The Boys are Back
II: We Like To Think That We Can Make New Music
II: Remember These Slow Songs:
III: Let's Run Into the Audience and Perform on A Hidden Stage
IIII: Some of us had Solo Careers, so We Better Show Off
IIIII: Thanks for Being a FAN FOREVER
IIIIII: SCREAMS FOR AN ENCORE

One thing I liked about NKOTB is that they were able to entertain for someone who knew almost zero of their old material. Also it was fun to see all the women scream... It was like being at the Miley Cyrus Concert times 10... all with the energy supplied with 30 year old women.

Overall I had fun being with my friends as we laughed, danced, and perhaps some of us cried.