Carnage-Evil, Detached, Loners-Glorified Acts Of Violence

When are people going to wake up to the fact that we need to stop allowing instances of evil and violence to be glorified on television, movies, books and in our music?  Isn’t it obvious that the world has been turning this garbage into “entertainment” and that it is having a terrible influence on our society?  Today there was two distinctive situations that destroyed lives that is shockingly cruel in the fact that the victims of violence were totally innocent.

A nursing home in Carthage, North Carolina has 8 dead people , 7 residents and a nurse, because a young man came into the nursing home and started shooting at people.  The reason is unclear at this point.  It is alleged that his estranged wife works at this nursing home although that is not confirmed.   An unprovoked attack on innocent people that would have been much worse had it not been for the heroic actions of a 25 year old police officer who was able to stop the shooter.   While the news media covers these terrible bursts of violence…we must learn to carefully balance how these things are addressed in the media; so that they do not become gloried examples for those with similar thoughts.

Another equally upsetting situation; an ex-con attacks his sisters and kills two of them…one a five year old child on her birthday.  He kills his 17 year old sister by brutally stabbing her…then, he goes after the five year old and decapitates her as the police come in.  She is found near her birthday cake.     The nine year old sister had called the officers…some how she was stabbed as well; she is in the hospital with injuries.  Not only has she been injured, she lost members of her family and she has to live with the images of death and violence.  This brother was clearly a person out of control; it was alleged that he had some kind of a run-in with a neighbor the evening before as well.

We have people who dont know how to resolve their personal problems…committing violence and killing innocent people.  We have loners, and mentally ill people who do not get treatment.   Our economy is so tight that those who desperately need mental health treatment do not get it because of cost.  We need to seriously consider spending more money for preventative well-care programs for people at risk for such behaviors.

I would really like to see people stop supporting slasher/shoot them up shows and movies with their dollars.  These type of entertainments only serve to encourage those who are bent on venting their anger and revenge or for those who are mentally unstable on taking out their rage on innocent people.  How do you protect yourself and your loved ones from random violence?  It is impossible.   Is anyone else sick and tired of these things  happening in schools, shopping malls, nursing homes and colleges, etc?

I have moved to a new Url: WriteWhereYouAre if you are interested in reading more of my blog posts!

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Boy George-15 For 1

      Boy George was sentenced today for 15 months in jail for falsely imprisoning a male escort; Boy George (George O’Dowd) denies the charges, however he was convicted last month of just that.  The escort claimed that Boy George chained him up for one hour and beat him with a metal chain.  Boy George will get 15 months for that 1 hour.

        Boy George has led a checkered past.  He has had number 1 hits on the music charts and he has had to do community service in he past.  He has had run ins with the law and with drug addictions.  Here is hoping that he can turn it all around and get his life back on track.

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Yes, Britney Is Talented…But…

        Yes, Britney Spears is talented…but, after the roller coaster year she has had and the struggle to pull her life together…i guess I expected a bit more of her.  She is beautiful, she is talented and she has the drive to become anything she wants to be.  That is why i was disappointed by her appearance on Good Morning America this morning for her 27th birthday celebration.  I know that all of this media attention is merely publicity for her upcoming tour and album release; but, I was hoping for something a little more.  After all, she has revamped her body, her legal standing, and she has regained some control of her well-being over the troubling last year.

        She is twenty seven years old…and she “recreated” her past image.  I really thought that she would re-invent her image by pulling it together instead of trying to hyper-sex her image.  Who of us wouldn’t have responded positively to a more grown up version of the Britney Spears entertainer?   Come on…for heaven’s sake…she has the pipes; she doesn’t need to strip down to expose herself by wearing outfits that leave little to the imagination.  (For the record, i have the same problem with other talented people like Beyonce who recently introduced her audience to her alter ego, Sasha Fierce).  There are audiences who will eat this stuff up; but do they care about the entertainer as a person outside of what is given them on the stage?  The performer doesn’t have to live with the audience; they only have to live with themselves when they leave the spotlight.   Is the public adulation enough for you?  Does the fame help you to live a fuller, happier life when not performing?

        It’s bad enough that the music/television business pushes the hyper-sexed robots that sell shows/concerts to the public…but, why in the world do the celebrities exploit their own images?  They already have the industry contacts, they have the skill set, they have supportive fans…why do they feel the need to sell their images this way?

        I really take issue with Britney’s performance on Good Morning America; as her very young sons and mother were in the audience.  Is this necessary to expose your young children to the visual of their mother strutting around on stage in the barest essentials, singing about things like serial womanizing? 

         Where is the inside soul of Britney?  Is she gone?  Sometimes when you look at her eyes in photographs …you see such emptiness, vulnerability and sadness.  Does she think that this version of her talent is ALL that she has to offer us?   I can’t help but think back to the young girl who was beginning her career; the girl who had such a genuine look in her eyes and talked about positive traditional values…she has been missing for a long time.  Britney genuinely seemed more like a happier person at that time, more then she does today.  Today she has children, she has more material things, she has more money and fame than she did back then.  So what’s missing? 

        I figured when Britney exploded back into the public eye, professionally, we would see a more mature version of her; one that combined who Britney was before she turned into such a hot commodity; and, the person who battled her way through the fire this past year.  I know she has it in her to be using her talent in a way that is in alignment with her formerly acknowledged Christian values.  Maybe Britney needs reminded that she is a young woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister and an aunt…someone who has a responsibility to represent herself as a positive influence to those around her.

          Remember Britney when you talked about keeping yourself pure?  Obviously you have had children and adult relationships…but, in that maturing process it appears as if anything goes in public now.  How do you want your children to conduct themselves in the next 7-10 years?   Are we going to see your children performing as Chippendale-like dancers before an audience of screaming female fans; stripping down to G strings, when they are in their teens?  Will you be ok with that?  Because that is the example you are putting before the eyes of our young sisters-brothers, and sons-daughters. 

         And Britney, you are making it appear irresistible…you are rich, you are famous, you are beautiful and, you have the career that many would be thrilled to have.   If only you would channel your career into something that is more acceptable in the way of traditional family values; in a world that is craving positive, musical role models.  I don’t think that you realize the impact that you have on your young fans. 

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Britney Spears Turns 27-on Good Morning America

       After the very public year that Britney Spears has had, she has decided to celebrate her 27th birthday in the same vein…in public.  Britney will be celebrating her birthday and her celebrity rebirth on Good Morning American on December 2.  Tune in to see what’s in store for Brit and the coming year; music, family, concerts, publicity, and her private life (that never seems very private).  As Britney turns the page…let’s see what this particular chapter of her life looks like; hopefully it is full of positives.

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Julianne Gone For Good?

      Julianne Hough left dancing with the stars this week and she won’t be back…at least not next season.  She is going to be concentrating on her music.  So…what does that mean for the competition next season…Julianne is one of the favorite professional dancers to the viewers.  Julianne has two talents…singing and dancing; but singing is her passion.

       She’s talented as both a singer and as a dancer; and, no one wants to see her go…but, at the same time, no one wants to hold her back with her singing career.  Dancers careers are sometimes short-lived due to injury; as we have seen this season alone, there have been many injuries to the couples on the dance floor this season.

        Is Dereck Hough the next to leave for greener pastures?  He also is involved in music and has a band.  Dancing with the stars might be the very catalyst that launches the next generation of entertainers.  Best wishes to all those who strive to do their best in their areas of talent.  We will miss you Julianne!

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It’s Time For Dancing With The Stars!

        In less than an hour, Dancing With The Stars will premiere this years season opener.  It will be a three night premiere.  I can’t wait to see who starts out the season making a sparkling entrance and who will clearly make a splash.  All of this year’s participants are interesting and talented in their own field…so it will be another season of fun…watching them grow and learn. The celebrities are skilled in athletics, acting, comedy and so on…so it will be cool to see them using teamwork with their professional dance instructors to perform each week.  This first week, two yes i said two couple will leave the competition.

        Watch it with me and feel the tension and competition mount as relationships are formed and the competitors become a fraternity with one another.  It seems that each season has it’s own little close knit group. They have fun and challenge themselves and support other couples who they form friendships with.   I wonder if they ever have reunions together?  I think Mel B will be back on this season making cameo appearances.  It is fun to see things through the former competitor’s eyes!  Who are you rooting for and why?

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Breaking Musical News-Plane Crash…Travis Barker & DJAM

        Breaking news today of a plane crash last night about midnight that took the lives of four people in South Carolina.  Of those killed, two were crew on the plane, pilot- Sarah Lemmon 31 & co-pilot James Bland 52; and two were passengers, Chris Baker 29 & Charles Still 25.  We wish to give condolences to their friends and family.   Also involved in the plane crash is the famous DJ Adam Goldstein, known as DJAM; and, the ex-drummer of Blink-182 Travis Barker.  They had performed at an event on Friday night and were taking off from the airport when the crash occured.

         Travis Barker is a well known drummer who also was married to Shanna Moakler a former Miss USA and former contestant on Dancing With The Stars. He was known by his tattoos as well as his drumming skills.   He was involved in a rumored relationship with Paris Hilton, at one time, during his marriage which resulted in tabloid reports of cat fights involving his wife and Paris Hilton.  Shanna and Travis have had a rocky on again off again marriage and divorce.  They have two children together…Shanna had a child previously with Oscar De La Hoya.

          DJAM is an owner of the popular club LAX.  He has performed on musical albums for many artists and is well known as a disc jockey.  He was at one time engaged to Paris Hilton’s former best friend, Nicole Richie.  He has been romantically involved with other famous females such as Mandy Moore and Jessica Stam.

           Both Travis and Adam have been transported to a burn center in Augusta, Georgia where they are both listed in critical condition.  They are going to need alot of prayer and support to get through the healing process. 

         Update:  The executive director at the burn center in Augusta, Georgia said that he expects both young men to make a full recovery.  The injuries that Travis Barker incurred were restricted to burns on his torso and his lower body; while, Adam Goldstein was burned on his arm and on his head.  Investigators are still investigating however, the voice recorder from the aircraft was recovered and there was a sound on the tape consistent with a tire blowing.  That evidence, along with pieces of the tire tread near the take off point seems to point to a tire blowout just before take off, which could have caused the crash.

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Pure Jonas Brothers

       Ok, i am going to defend someone here that i don’t know.  It is the Jonas Brothers.  You might not know who they are; but trust me…anyone under the age of 18 does.  The Jonas Brothers are entertainers who are very hot right now.  If you dont know who they are …you just may want to find out.  They started out simply as a pop-rock band and have moved into acting as well.  You might recognize the title of the movie Camp Rock…they were in that.  They have toured and been musical role models since the beginning.

           They were homeschooled by their mother and their father is a former pastor.  They wear purity rings to symbolize their commitment to avoid having sexual relations until they are married.  They are respected for their Christian commitment and beliefs.  Until last night anyway.

            Last night on the Video Music Awards, or VMA program…the host Russell Brand joked about the purity rings that the Jonas Brothers wear on their fingers.  He alluded to the idea that they should be taking advantage of their popularity with the female population.  The comments were met with mixed reactions…many do not find that funny. 

            The Jonas Brothers are role models who are committed to staying virgin and should not be mocked for that.  It is their personal beliefs and values.  I was encouraged to hear that Jordin Sparks the American Idol winner who also has been very vocal about her virgin status by choice defended them and their decision to wear purity rings and to be public about why they wear them.  Go Jordin, for defending the right of anyone to make a stand for their religious views on the subject; and, for publically supporting them in front of millions of people.

              I am personally glad to hear of the new wave of role models that are in the forefront of the celebrity pack.   I am proud of the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Jordin Sparks and quite a few others who are not out drugging, drinking and setting a bad example for the young people out there who badly need role models who are not set upon self destruction.  I fail to see how making a positive impact with a commitment to purity is a laughing matter!

               What do you think about making fun of people who publically commit themselves to their Christian beliefs?

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How To Save A Life A Minute…Stand Up 2 Cancer

       Tonight there is going to be a historic program on television called Stand Up 2 Cancer on the major television networks, ABC<NBC<CBS.  They are working together in an unprecedented event to raise awareness and funds to fight the fight against cancer.  It is an amazing effort, which was planned to be the beginning of the end, of the horrible plaque on the earth called cancer.

      The statistics are horrendous…we lose one person per minute or 1,500 people a day to cancer…that is unacceptable.  Join the program tonight starting at 8pm on the major networks…will be journalists, music, celebrities and stories that will amaze you.  Please stop what you are doing and make a commitment to be a part of history and join the effort to bring an end to cancer.  Dig deep and pledge money, pledge awareness, pledge your time, skills, talents; and, more importantly pledge to care!   We have lost too much… lost too many people to allow this disease to continue to rob us of those lives.  Each of those who were lost has family, friends, communities who feel cheated.  It could be you or one of your friends or family members next…please get involved in the fight to stand up 2 cancer!

      I love this song…how to save a life…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cqJJ-u0nog&NR=1  You can help save lives by watching and committing to the battle to stand up to cancer tonight at 8 pm on the three major television networks.  Be there if you dare to make an impact!  Update:  StandUp2Cancer raised over $100 million dollars for research and development of experimental therapy for cancer patients!  Just amazing what can happen when people join together for the good of mankind. 

     

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Mixed Signals Allow For Conflicted Perceptions…Is It Rape or Intimacy?

       There was a recent news story that did much to anger those who work with women who have been “date raped”.   Helen Mirren, a British actress, who won awards last year for her portrayal of the Queen, did an interview with GQ in which she claimed to have been raped several times, many years ago, when she was a student.  Helen is 63 years old now. 

         The reason some people have been upset with Helen, over that interview, is that she seemed to down play the experiences.  She said there was no extreme violence, she was not hit…but rather, was locked in a room and made to have sex.  She did not file charges in those incidents.  She also said that if a man and a woman were about to get intimate and the woman changed her mind, and the man continued; that was indeed rape.  However, in that circumstance; she didn’t feel that a woman could then turn around and take that man to court for it.  Those are highly controversial remarks when taken individually or out of context.  To some people…those comments smack of judgementalism…that those situations aren’t worthy of prosecution of a person who sexually assaults another.  Those comments appear inflammatory to many folks.

         Most people are clear that if a stranger attacks another person and forces sexual relations…then that is rape.  It is true enough…it is.  But there are other forms of rape as well that aren’t as clearly defined for some people.

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