Does Anyone Want to Chip in on Flowers?

Hello readers,

I'm sorry that there has been much up here lately. However, I refuse to touch the issue of Lebanon and Israel. Too many different things are being said, too many different views, and frankly for some reason I feel I have enough to worry about unless America started sending troops.

So, I've been thinking about another rant for those to read. I've really been thinking a lot about one. A lot has been going on, and things are starting to look up. But that's not much of a rant there, eh?

Well, for my readers who are waiting for a political rant- How is Fidel Castro?! Apparently, the long-reigning leader of 47 years had some major surgery done Monday night and handed his power temporarily to his younger brother, Raul. Leaving the world in suspense of what was occurring, there were many different reactions.

Several countries wished Fidel and the revolution well (which is were I personally sit, but). Some Cuban in Miami already thinks of him as dead and anticipates the announcement. The US is preparing for any effect of this. There is still obvious negativity between the US and Cuba.
American's still want to believe that our "democracy" is so great, that it tempts and brings Cubans to the Florida shore line. Sounds more an evil siren than anything appealing. And most Cubans are in great support of Fidel and Raul Castro. Also, a majority of Cubans feel that the American Government needs to stay out, which I perfectly agree. Lady Liberty can be such a nosey siren...

Cuban have admitted some fear of what's going to happen next. This temporary hand-off of power has never happened. Also, unless Fidel is a vampire, I doubt he'll be around too much longer. The man is almost 80! Our oldest president (Regan) ended his term short of turning 78.
Tuesday, Fidel stated that he is in stable condition and his spirits were well. It is unfortunate that it has not been stated what the surgery was about, due to Fidel's secrecy towards the US. All that has been stated from doctors is that the surgery was to repair a “sharp intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding.”

I wonder if I would get my mail read if I tried to send Fidel a get-well card...

"A Happy Ending is still an Ending"

*Note: Though this is not one of the most political rants, it has been on my mind for sometime now. I would also liek to remind any viewers that they are more than welcome to comment.*

It just hit me earlier today...
As a kid (note I never say when I was little, heh), I was a Disney girl! I always watched "My Little Ponies", "Family Circus", and Disney thing that came out. You know, all sorts of cheeriness that was so sweet, it could give someone diabetes- no offense, Mom.

Yet, I have become nothing of that. To some, I am one of the most dark, misunderstood ladies that you could meet. It's not that I'm always down or angry, or anything. I'm just dark, anti-social, and misunderstood with a view that life is never as good as it is in the movies and that we all live a harsh reality. Pretty much the exact opposite you'd see from a girl that watched "Pocahontas", "The Lion King", and "Beauty and the Beast" over and over until my VCR ruined the tapes. I think that actually happened with "Space Jam", oh well.

So what happened through those years from innocence to adolescence to adulthood? Why such a drastic change & such a harsh view? I think I have come to a conclusion...

Disney causes depression. Yes, I said it. Well, would you expect? Little kids watch these movies like "Cinderella", believing that good will ALWAYS come to attractive, innocent heroes/ heroines. I mean, all the "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty", "Snow White" all make girls think that they will find a Prince that will sweep them off their feet when they turn 16 or 18.

However, one learns the true harshness of the world. It's not all fluffy, furry animals. Most attractive, charming people are not good. Some people are lucky; they find true love at such a young age. But most teen girls fall very fast, thinking that this is their prince. And I only say this because it happened to me in High School. There is so much more out there in the world, but 8th grade girls fall fast, thinking there's nothing else then get knocked up before they even reach High School. Or the world comes crashing down that dreams don't "simply" come true. You gotta earn your goals in this world!

So Disney dream kids have their world crash, they become harsh little punks with teen angst. Or misunderstood Goth kids who write poetry with black crayons about stubbing their toe or God stealing their soul- wickie wickie wickie!

Plus, what's with the whole damsel in distress thing? Yes, Lawson is my Prince Charming, but I'm not just going to sit in my little town in Pontiac, waiting for him. I gotta go out there and work to see him too! Also, women aren't always meant to do just house work, prick their fingers, etc. We can do much more! Look at Joan of Arc, she was a leader! She is purely my idol more than Snow White.

On a side note, I also noticed how unrealistic these childhood stories are. Although I'm sure Walt was not aiming for realistic, one must realize the fantasy we put our children in. Disclaimer- I'm not saying Disney is the main cause for depression, it was mostly just a humerous way of starting a faily tale including Disney bias. I am not trying to sound like a goth, little Southpark kid. However, Disney has to be responsible for their "twist" on fairy tales and their own creations. First big example, their "twist" on "Pocahontas". She was actually the age of 12 when John Smith came to the New Land. There was no love story, but it wouldn't be classice 1990's Disney with out a love story. I blame fairy tales as well too, becasue "Beauty and the Beast" is really the ONLY tale where the hero is ugly... at first. Also think of "Hunchback of Notre Dame". Quasi actually kills himself in Victor Hugo's novel after giving up on life and love, the realistic thing that would happen in that time period of time. But no, there's a sequel of him finding love after all.... awh.

Fairy tale is a fairy tale, end of story. I read once in "Son of a Witch": "A Happy ending is still and ending." Which has a good point that makes me think not only are Disney and their fairy tales bull shit that gives kids a false sense of goodness in the world, but it ends- unless there's a cheap sequel or sitcom made out of it. None the less, it has to end somewhere and normally it's end with happiness when in this world, most people unfortunately do not have happy endings. Some are lucky, but the majority have lonely, painful endings. That's how human life is.

One truely needs to consider of how things influence us. Of course, life itself is the biggest influence that makes us who we are. However, as children, we are so impressionable during our raising. Some parents really raise their kids on the Disney and Fairytale beliefs. Of course, parents want their kids to be happy and lead good lives. And many are very cautious of how what enters their childs life. Becasue everything is so impressionable. You and I were both sheltered kids, and we all know Mom was still trying until I left for college sometimes to control what enters my life. The media does impact kids. Movies, music, games, they all impact. I'm not saying violent games are to blame for kids violence. But you cannot tell me the media does not effect us when my nephew is in the other room quoting commercials.

So there, that's my little rant for the night... Oh- Disclaimer moment, I dont want to hear anything about receiving Belle as a result of a quiz. Belle also rocked, she didnt just stay with 7 old men or spent quality time with little woodland creatures. She read, fought & tamed a beast. Shes a trooper! Plus, Im a sucker about a forbidden love becoming not forbidden- heh.

Gays in the News-

Sorry for the long wait, viewers. I took a short vacation that was extended due to technical difficulties. However, let's get the ball rolling again, shall we?

There has been a lot of discussion about Gay Marriage once again in the news. Both good and bad. First off, we had the Gay Right Parade in Chicago about two weeks ago on June 25th. I was there for other occasions, but saw a few interesting cars and passengers on Lake Shore Drive. Although Illinois is not even close to changing our law banning gay marriage in the state, it's still good to see some of these events going on peacefully. Though there was probably some tension, there were no announcements of any big anti-gay rally to protest or demonstrate.

However, there has been bigger news, New York has announced their ban on gay marriage. I believe this was announced last Wednesday. I can't believe this, I was actually very depressed after reading because since I was running in and out on Wednesday, I thought that New York supported gay marriage. After that shock though, I am becoming more outraged. First off, New York is one oft he most liberal states! It thought it was support same-sex marriage before Massachusetts ever would. Also, Hillary Clinton is really letting me down. I've been supporting her for years, and she has done nothing by disappointing me. After attempts to avoid the topic, she merely states: "Children are better off if they have a mother and a father.'' Ok, I'm sure EVERY couple in the United States is only together to have children. Yikes, if that were the case, we'd be even more over-populated! Children can be a joy in one's family, but that doesn’t mean a couple gets married to only have kids. What about the romance, the companionship, the compatibility, the destiny, the sex?! So after arguing so many times with Dark Wraith and The Colonel, I give up on my support for Hillary Clinton. I guess I'm just going to have to more on to Senator Obama.

I also read today that the Pope had a few things to say on same-sex marriage. He tells reporters, “according to human nature it is man and woman who are made for each other and to give humanity a future." I'm pretty sure that most homosexuals are a lot more peaceful towards humanity than others. I really wasn't expecting anything less from the zombie, but I didn't think heterosexuality was such a strong point of humanity. Yes there is a ying and yang to things, but this can go into a lot more than gender: soul, beliefs, personality, and the willingness to work together. Plus, gays seem really peaceful, heh.

So overall, I have these additions to add of what people and governments should realize:
- Religion should not influence laws, besides the obvious moral parts: no killing, no stealing, etc.
- The couple is going to be sinful either way in the Christian belief- by being a gay, married couple or living together without the bond of matrimony due to the law.
- People can not change their feelings or life styles due to someone else's beliefs. Things happen for a reason. This sexuality should NOT be considered a disease. Yes, God created Adam and Eve and God has created the feeling of love and attraction in our hearts. But God has also obviously created homosexuality otherwise it won't of existed, even in the Church's congregation. The Church should be focusing more on helping people, not condemning them. But that's for another rant.
- There are probably more homosexuals or metrosexuals a given area that one would think.
- Just because someone is gay should not force him or her into a life of solitude. If they choose a lifestyle that will be discriminated by others, at least they can have someone to support them.
- Love is romance. Not sex, age, ethnic, etc...

If it's not obvious yet, I'm a huge supporter of same-sex marriage. And I find it appalling when I see not only these depressing events in the news, but to also see immature comments of this. Such as "that's disgusting!" I'm pretty sure the thought of any couple having sex, unless it’s porn, can appear disgusting. No one want to think about their parents having sex, or old people having sex, or ugly people having sex. Love and sex can be a beautiful thing between a couple. Let them enjoy it, they aren't forcing the imagery in your minds. Also the "God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." Well, I already commented on that above that God has created everything including homosexual attraction. The bible is also against inbreeding, but that didn't stop royalty with keeping the bloodline "pure". It's also against gambling and drinking. Wow, we shoot that one right down. Especially on Saturday poker nights with a few beers. I loved one comment that I read once "I can't believe there are that many supporters, that's nasty!" Yes, there are MANY supporters, and people don't seem to realize that. One of the main reasons New York placed there ban was because the petitions were not complete. I would really like to see a population survey of supporters. But the answers would never be right. Several people will not either answer at all or will lie since it is such a controversial issue and will supposedly lower yourself. Someone mentioned to me the other day that it seems hopeful for liberals because the generations are becoming more open minded. Though not for some cases, I hope this is true. However I know, especially in my area, we believe what Mommy and Daddy believe in. Most teens refuse to look into the issues, and we're a voting minority. Some don't care, some are completely influenced by peers, and some don't know.

Oh, what is the world coming to?

-a depressed Dark Muz

Manipulation-

It's such an evil thing, to me anyways. Some find talent in manipulation; others find the evil within it. What is manipulation? Basically, it is the twisting of words and views to cause someone else to feel a certain emotion, playing people’s emotions. Some mistaken manipulation for when women are being coy. However, that is one thing, what I am speaking of is much worse.

Manipulation, guilt trips, bewitching charm, whatever you want to call it, I do find as one of the worst evils mankind has developed. In our world today, especially in business & marketing- things are never what they seem. One of my main worries about going into my major is that I might actually be going over my head in my attempts to try to change the media and news world, as we know it.

Here’s a chance for you all to see why I do what I do. As I see, especially in the media world, there's a vicious cycle of lies, corruption, and fools. The some news stations give false news given to them by public relation agencies. Others cover up the stories by being biased due to the company’s management or with over exaggerations. There are also stories that only a small community cares about and once one actually gets interested, the clip is over! And don’t get me started on sensationalism. However, let me say that this is only in TV media. Also when it comes to being biased, CNN needs more of it. However, what is to be done about this? Most people go ahead and sell their souls for an audience- good or bad. My question is how do people battle with this without going into this hell to begin with? Our media revolution needs strong members to fight for human decency.

I also have a personal hatred of this evil of manipulation. I've bumped into several people in my life that attempt-manipulating things out of people. Unfortunately, I've been victim of some. It is worse though to see loved ones fall victim of it. I know a woman that actually tried to manipulate her "power" out of men to buy her things or give her attention. Once successful, she rejoices in it. There are other things I could mention, but will not, due to mentioning what's too personal. As a college student, I am very happy to leave the most part of High School, drama. Teenage girls especially like to manipulate others for vengeance or even entertainment. The unfortunately thing is that some have not gotten over this stage in life, even in adult hood.Either way, people need to open their eyes more and truly see what's before them. We need to wake up to what's really going on around us. Hopefully from truly seeing people for who they are we can limit those relationships that would be hurtful. And if we see the corruption for what it truly is, maybe we can change a few things. Things will never change unless we notice that improvement can be made.

… funds towards the Dark Muz for her revolution can help too…

Allergies as a genetic weakness.
The past spring was terrible for my allergies due to the massive amount of tree pollen on my campus. However, I can't help but wonder why we have allergies? Is it some type of genetic weakness that increases after each generation? You don't hear much about allergies until the late 20th century. Could it just be our species, physically, is growing weaker? I know I have mentioned a theory a long time ago, that I will eventually publish, about how kids are beefing up with growth hormones in milk and meats, but I still doubt that our genetics is really strengthening.

Especially with all the vaccinations we have now. Yes, vaccinations do take care of an epidemic, like small pox and it's working out to take out other illnesses. However, we're doomed if these come back. By no means are we even prepared for an epidemic, as prove with SARS or some the bird flues in Asia. We are still recovering of the plague of HIV, but it is still spreading. We have just tested certain medications to prolong death. That can bring other diseases or terrible side effects.

With how much people are popping pills, we're probably extremely prone to diseases. Our bodies are use to antibiotics and other chemicals to defend against bacteria or viruses. Our bodies are no longer naturally defending on their own and become weaker in the process. We have a full history of incest and other activities to corrupt our genetics- sex with animals for instance. Some of the recent sexually transmitted infections were created by having sex with animals.

Plus, even though we're not having anything horrendous like the bubonic plague, in my opinion, we have more diseases today than thousands of years ago. But this could go in a way that mysterious deaths are just better explained by today's medical world. It's more of a question whether cancer just suddenly popped up in the 20th century, or was it a disease that was finally found and named?

So in the long run, I believe we as a species are no longer as strong as our ancestors and our genetics are not as pure or natural as they once were. Our bodies are so clogged up now with medications, pollution, and in my case- tree pollen.

So I guess I have another place to place my "rants". Hopefully, this will have a better turn out of readers and comments. First off, I guess I should explain, that news isn't always a part of these entries. I also like to rant on religion, political views, philosophy, entertainment, and just life & its little events. So I guess We shall begin!

As for News, it's been announced that for the first time, Adolf Hitler's place of death will be publicly marked. As most of us know, Hitler shot his mistress, and recent wife- Eva Braun then shot himself in an underground bunker as the Soviet Union was surrounding Berlin.
It has now been turned into a parking lot and playground area. However, due to the demands of a historical group, the bunker's past location was marked Thursday. Within the news quotes, I personally like this: one of Hitler's own bodyguards ,Sgt. Rochus Misch, stated "History can be good or bad, but even if it's about a devil, people must be informed of history"

There are so many reason I enjoy this quote. So many forget our history, especially the bloody parts. Every moment in our lives has been impacted by events from the past, yet we don't even recognize it. A lot of Americans, for example, have forgotten some of their historical roots that are not as publicized. Yes, we all know about the pilgrims and Thanksgiving.... except for the death and stealing of hundreds of Native Americans. Instead, we dream up some Disney fairy tale of everyone getting a long. Another point, none of us think of the horrendous acts of the first Puritans who came here. Well, there's two points about that.

For one- the Salem witch trials was not a constant death, but court and social in justice. 16 people were hung, but hundreds were jailed, and had to pay their own room and board. The witch burnings that most people think of actually happened in Europe. Salem was too small of a community to have mass murders. Actually, a woman was let off because she was pregnant and the court, although ruthless, did feel it would be murder to kill and innocent, unborn child. So as I said, no one seems to look into these facts anymore. Second, and main was the Puritans injustice to others as well. Most do not know of Puritans murders and torturing of Quakers. These are just examples of how our history has suddenly skipped from Pilgrim's Rock to the Declaration of Independence. And even that is an example of how we're starting to loose touch with our national and world history.

So, I fully believe this guard is right. Either bloody or not, we need to know our history. Because, remember kids... Knowledge is Power! Heh...