Conservatives in Hollywood

I just read this about an underground conservative movement in HollyWood.  Check it out here. After reading it please comment.

Jesus, the Libertarian

Whether America is a Christian nation is the question. The answer may decide your politics. Quotes and conjectures about the view of the Founding Fathers abound, usually used to bolster the image of America as a Christian nation.

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Original article: http://www.clarionreview.org/main/article.php?article_id=31

Abercrombie & Fitch: A poem

If this were a poem about Abercrombie & Fitch,
it would be in their catalog, shrink-wrapped.
It would be skinnier, blonder, and riding naked
on the back of an elephant with three boys
who look starved or recently molested.

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Original article: http://www.clarionreview.org/main/article.php?article_id=9

TOP 10 - Turn off your TV

I came across this article which is an appropriate follow up to my last entry. Please check out the Top 10 reasons to turn off your TV.

My favorite is #4:

Many people have whole conversations that are recaps of TV programs, sporting events and sitcoms. When asked about their real lives, there is little or nothing to report and no stories to tell (except the TV shows they have watched).

Life is too interesting and wonderful to spend your time either watching TV or recapping television to your friends. Find something interesting to do: volunteer, read, paint — anything but watch more TV.

Any thoughts?

Bob Dylan

I have heard Bob Dylan’s songs for about 10 years, but I have only been listening for the last year. Dylan is not a musician; he’s an artist. He creates songs and ideas that are truly original. They are not only songs that make you say, “Yeah, I always thought that, but could never put it into words, like he just did,” but rather he makes us think of ideas, people, and life as we have never thought of them before. I don’t think Dylan’s influence could ever be quantified, and many of us have been introduced to his music and ideas through alternate avenues and not even known it, but you can’t just put Dyaln in your music rotation, you have to actively listen. Sometimes you have to reference the lyrics too, because one misheard word can change what he’s saying, so listen carefully and we’ll all be better for it.

I am interested to hear your thoughts on Bob Dylan. What are your favorite songs? What makes that song interesting to you? I am also interested in your favorite Dylan line?

One of my favorite lines is in Dylan’s TV Talkin’ Song. Singing about a TV, he says:

“It will lead you into some strange pursuits,
Lead you to the land of forbidden fruits.
It will scramble up your head and drag your brain about,
Sometimes you gotta do like Elvis did and shoot the damn thing out.”

I look forward to your thoughts.

What are your currently reading and why?

I am always fascinated at what people do in their free time. Reading, writing, and conversing are my favorite pastimes. Generally, I procrastinate for a good two hours before I open a book, but once I do, it’s hard for me to put a good book down. Recently, I have been reading philosophy, theology and political writings but I am ready for a change.

I would love to hear what you all are reading and if you’re enjoying a certain book or author, please respond to this post and let me know what is on your nightstand.

 

On the Advantages of Dying Young

As a good citizen in a free society, I try to read at least one article per day to keep my mind active. Today I stumbled across an article entitled “On the Advantages of Dying Young.” It’s a concise piece that attempts to question the current culture in America and Europe that will do anything to preserve life even if that life is not worth living.

Cities in America have done everything from banning smoking to banning trans fat all in the name of health. Unfortunately, this legislation passed in the name of health rarely makes news in America. The only reason I see for a lack of serious debate on issues like the smoking ban is that a large majority of Americans are fine with the government stepping in and having absolute power when it comes to their health.

I live in Virginia and when the state tried to pass a smoking ban in restaurants and public places, my brother and I, and I am sure many others, called our representatives and expressed our concern over the constitutionality of the smoking ban. The bill passed, but it only requires business’ to post a sign outside that informs patrons that people may be smoking inside.

When I hear about movements like the smoking ban, I always think of the people that started these movements. I think of the hours they spent on the phone, writing letters to the editor and to politicians, and the angry conversations with friends and colleagues - I start to think that for all the time these people put into these causes - are they stopping to enjoy the smoking ban themselves? Are they able to sit in a restaurant that has banned smoking and just enjoy some trans fatty fries and a burger in smoke-free heaven?

Perhaps following causes is like following bands. When the Grateful Dead lost its leader, the Deadheads immediately found Phish’s trail. And once smoking is outlawed everywhere, will the Causeheads be content? Or will their health obsessed witch-hunt turn to closing their local Chili’s or T.G.I. Fridays? When the air is clean and their minds are operating more smoothly, they may discover that the burgers and fries they eat are killing them faster than second-hand smoke ever could.

Article referenced