Disney Channel's hit television show, "Andi Mack," hit the airwaves on April 7th, 2017, with a bang. With its well put-together cast, thoughtfully written storylines- on subjects that make parents nervous (like Family Face Issues, Teen Pregnancy, Romantic Partner choices/preferences, growing up, et cetera), and it's non-corny, natural-feeling wit, the show doesn't insult intelligence- unlike a lot of other TV shows out there. The show has lots of controversy around it- especially with the Season 2 Opener, which aired as a One-Hour Special, on October 27th, of this year. If anything, while Disney Channel has essentially "dumped" every single plotline for the show's second season- in a vignette-esque way, and called it a "Season Opener," it did give a way for parents to have a dialogue with their kids, about what happens every day across the world: Tweens/Young Teens, finding out someone is "Different" on the Subject of Romantic Norms. It also gave us insight into what is to come. So just a few days out from "Mack-uary," let's take this time to reflect on what we have been given, from the first half of the season.
The subject of "Romantic Norms," is a touchy subject that practically NO Human-Being is equipped and/or ready to talk about, if they have offspring of their own. From my own experiences, I've seen all sorts of romantic relationships exist from Middle School, onward to today. (Middle School was only 10 years ago, this past September- for me, but was the harbinger of modern-day Teen Life.). I applaud the Mouse's TV arm, for making some forum to open discussion (If a Person can ask the question- regardless of age, they can take the answer. Just be honest, just, and fair.). If no one starts, how can people be equipped to handle such things? Having witness the beginning of this modern age, I saw people who didn't fit the norms of society, and as I reflect, I can only think of how much easier it would be to have such a resource, ten years ago. To Parents who read this, use it as a tool to discuss and teach your children (rather than have education and life, knock your kids around like rag dolls.); do so, if not for your children and yourself, for society's sake!
(Source:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cyD7E7y5X2M/hqdefault.jpg)
The next thing I want to touch on, is Bex and Bowie. Even if they don't "Get Together," they're no less a Family for Andi, than if they were. Yes, Andi was born "out of wedlock," but get over it. So are so many children today. While there is a stigma, there no less valuable as people, than any other child. Sometimes, people are meant to be together, and sometimes they're not. It's okay. If Bex and Bowie get together down the road, that's great too. I honestly believe that the growth and maturity between them- personally and mutually, is going to grow stronger, with time, and we'll see more of that as the season unfolds.
CeCe and Ham's moving, and the loss of "Andi Shack" will prove problematic for Andi. One Solution, would be to just turn it into a "Mobile Shack," and mount it on a Trailer, like many Micro-Homes are. Bowie can tow it wherever Andi needs it. However, the Writers are most likely NOT going to take that Pragmatic and Modern Approach. They'll most likely do something like a send-off for the Shack, and muddle it all up.
The Reconciliation of Bex and CeCe's stories about why Bex left, was brilliantly written. Bex leaving because Andi called CeCe, "Mama," was in the long-term, a benefit. Would Andi have had a positive upbringing to the age of 13, if both CeCe and Bex were present? Or would things have degraded to toxic proportions? Bex felt the later, and left Andi in Good Hands. CeCe understood finally, and both reconciled over that issue- very well. I can only imagine- how many parents and grandparents have been in similar situations. It would be interesting to see families who are like the Macks, when watching this episode; imagine the emotions stirred within them.
So, with all this, where does "Andi Mack" go? Where does Amber fit in? Do we see Andi spend Easter with Jonah Beck and his family? Do we see more of Andi's Pompous and Rude Aunt? Do we see "Pops" Ham get a bigger role (Which He TOTALLY Deserves!)? We'll soon find out in the New Year. Until then, hold tight, "Andi Mack" will be returning on January 12th.
NOTICE: This Would have been Posted Sooner, but I've had Internet Connection Issues, and have had a Busy Couple of Weeks. Pardon the Tardiness.
Why am I discussing a Disney Channel movie, for my first post in Months? Simple, because a Corporate Fake News Plot is aloof! Why does Cable News Network (CNN), feel it necessary to berate a family movie, about the kids of Disney's Greatest Heroes and Villains, directed by a man, who was responsible for some of Michael Jackson's greatest dance moves, and juggernaut "High School Musical," and cast with some amazingly talented people- most a tad younger than me? Simple (and please bare with me), its a Biased, Vested Corporate Interest, to take down a Corporate Rival! In essence, they're the only adults, throwing barbs in a kids fight that not even the kids are fighting! Still confused? Allow me to elaborate.
VS
On Behalf of Corporate Sister...
For those who don't have kids, or don't know cable corporate family trees, Disney Channel, is Disney's primary cable channel. Their latest "made-for-tv" film, premiered on July 21st, 2017 A.D. to over 13 Million People, across 6 different different platforms/channels, including the American Broadcasting Corporation (a Rare Occasion, as Disney Channel films haven't been seen on ABC, in Over a Decade!). Such an event, but why did this "Descendants 2" warrant such a LARGE Premier Event? Simple, the first Descendants movie, was Brilliant. We have "Once Upon a Time," but it's a little too mature for family viewing, so they created "Descendants" from this one idea "What would the Kids of Disney's Greatest Heroes and Villains, be like in a modern-esque High School setting?" Then they changed the dynamic, by telling it from the "Villain Kids" ("VKs") perspective, rather than the Hero Kids (Auradon Kids) POV. It goes from there, making a very compelling, entertaining, and captivating Television Movie in 2015. For the Second Installment (of what EVERYONE who's drawn-in wants- a Trilogy!), of the Descendants series (which includes Tie-In Novels, an CGI animated Shorts series, a collectible doll/action-figure line, other misc. merchandise, and now a TokyoPop/Disney collaborative Manga-style Comic Book retelling- minus the musical number, which REALLY captures the cast/characters likeness in Japanese animation style), it's six months later, and while everybody else adjusting well, one character, Mal, the daughter of Maleficent (portrayed by the highly-talented Dove Cameron), is cracking under pressure of being the future Queen of Auradon, along side her love, King Ben (played by Mitchell Hope), the son of Belle and Prince Adam- the Beast, as in "Beauty and the Beast" (note, the name "Prince Adam" is a story in itself, and I will be referring to Belle's beau as "King Beast" as per the Descendants series.). Back on the "Isle of the Lost" (a Penal Colony chucked full of Disney's Worst Villains are held), trouble brews as Uma, daughter of Ursula (the fiery, villain-role extraordinaire, China Anne McClain), plots her revenge on her rival, Mal (It's a Batman-Joker dynamic, as Dove Cameron had said on the ABC "Descendants 2: After-Party" TV special, that aired after ABC's broadcast.). That's as far as I'll go into details concerning the Plot; I'm going to shift gears at the moment.
So, on the Day of the Premier, CNN made a Meat-Less, Pointless Barb-Throw at the Film. For the Following Link, I have expressly inserted the Title of the Article, for use as the Hyperlink: 'Descendants 2' hits flat note in Disney sequel. Does the title of the article suit the review? No, the plot isn't drawn out, because there's a lot of new material that's relevant to this film, and its over-arcing storyline, that picks up 6 Months, after King Ben's "grand experiment" of integrating Villain Kids into Auradon Society began, because (and I quote from King Beast's son himself) "Dad, their children are innocent. Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life?" - Prince Ben to his Father, Scene 1, Descendants (2015). The Material-in-Question, is that we're seeing more of this Penal Colony, that looks straight out of a mash-up of Steampunk, Tenement Housing, Shuddered Industrial Wastelands, all with a touch of Punk Rock, and a dash of Fairy Tale Dystopia. It shows us just exactly how hard things were for the four VK's that the first film revolved around, and shows how hard life is in this place, befitting the name "Isle of the Lost." The Primary VK's (Mal, Evie- daughter of Evil Queen from "Sleeping Beauty," Jay- son of Jafar from "Aladdin," and Carlos- son of Cruella de Vil from "101 Dalmatians" ), faced their fears of facing their past, but step-up as their own sort-of sibling/family, to confront it. That's not "drawing out," that's character building, that's diving in, and learning what makes the lead characters, the lead characters. CNN, is being operated by impatient, click-bait, social media buzz-concerned Yuppies, who have NO Patients for Anything that doesn't include Raunchy Sex, Fiery Explosions, and Everybody Lookin' like they belong in "Magic Mike" "Twilight" or "50 Shades of Grey" (three films I NEVER Intend to See, AT ALL). They don't get, that Kids are More Intelligent, than we give them Credit-at-Large for. The only person I've ever seen recognizing that, is Fred Rogers (God Rest his Soul). Kids, Teens, and Young Adults, really, REALLY appreciate the details that go into these films, and the Mainstream Media, has NO clue, what-so-ever, because they didn't learn how to do "proper objectivism," and "how to see the Forest for the Trees," and take it for what it is. And just what is "Descendants 2" as a film? It's Reconciling Your Past, Doing what's Just, and Facing the Consequences, with those you trust, come Hades or High Water! "Descendants 2," is the Sweet Walla-Walla Onion, you peel the layers back of, to understand these characters you are captivated by, seeing their human side, their struggles, their strengths, their triumphs, tragedies, pride and peril (and there's a HUGE lot of Peril in this film!). "Descendants 2," is a more serious, dramatic film, than the first one, which set the groundwork, strongly captivating the fans of the franchise yet again, and bringing in new fans, through it's huge, 13+ Million viewer, 5 Cable Channel and 1 Broadcast (Terrestrial) Channel Premier.
I wish I could leave this blog article at that, but I cannot, because there is something more Sinister-at-Work here, remember that "Biased, Vested Corporate Interest" line? Well, pardon me if this sounds a tad "Tin-Foil Hat," but hear me out. CNN is owned by Turner Broadcasting. What else does Turner own? Disney Channel's Biggest Rival, "Cartoon Network." So, who stands to lose a huge amount of viewership on the night "Descendants 2" premiers across 6 different outlets in the United States of America? Turner Broadcasting's "Cartoon Network." Now, how could Turner put a dent into Disney's biggest Television Event of 2017? Simple, put an article on CNN, that berates the film-at-large, so that Parents read the review, ahead of the film, and frantically try to get their kids not to watch decent, real live Human Actors and Actresses, perform a dramatic piece, that takes the kids further into this Successful Franchise, to head-off the (perceived and fake) disappointment, and have them watch the frankly MINDLESS content on Turner's kids channel; they've gone REALLY far downhill, since the DC Nation fiascos, and the cannon-merging of "Teen Titans Go" and the reboot of "Ben 10," not to mention, the "Safe-Space" stuff like "Steven Universe," "The Amazing World of Gumball," "Clarence," and "Adventure Time," that's aimed at the Millennials, who put too much stock in Play-Dough and Pink Hats, because of the "Social Awareness," that these shows are supposed to have (and don't get me started on "Rick and Morty," over on "Adult Swim."). If I've offended anybody, consider this: I was a kid, Cartoon Network had "Codename: Kids Next Door," the original "Ben 10," DCAU "Justice League," the original "Teen Titans," "Juniper Lee," "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends," "Totally Spies," and of course, to premier all the new episodes, they had the Friday-evening "Fridays" block, hosted by Real, Live Human Beings! There was also "Out of Jimmy's Head," which was really a campy-yet-innovative idea. Now, it's a "safe space," instead of being "Avant-Gard." It's nothing new; remember all the Bugs Bunny shots they skipped! They're a hot mess; Cartoon Network- has lost its fire.
"Cartoon Network"... Not very impressive today, than in days past.
Disney on the other hand (after years of being lost in Double-Life Pop-Stars, Wizards owning Sandwich Shops, and plenty of hits and misses with cartoon series), stepped-up its game and came back swinging with Live-Action shows, that are "Par for the Course" as they say. It's to the point, where Disney Channel shows, have the humor, the drama, and the actors and actresses with great acting chops, that they can safely be put on par with Family Sitcoms and Dramas, of as little as 30 years ago. An example of this, is "Andi Mack," a great show I highly recommend, that could be put on par with "The Wonder Years," or "Boy Meets World." "Liv and Maddy," is a Modern Day "Patty Duke Show," and they actually had Patty Duke, as Dove Cameron's twin-sister characters' Grandma, AND Great Aunt! "Jessie" was produced by Pamela Ellis O'Connel, who worked on "Charles in Charge," and "The Nanny." "Dog with a Blog," can be put evenly with "Mr. Ed" (though Mr. Ed gets extra points for being Studebaker's "Spokshores," which is funny, considering Studebaker started out making horse-drawn wagons!). Disney's got good writing, and it's in the vein of Television, that a whole family can sit down and watch, like when Television Viewing, 50, or even 30 years ago, was still a family affair. Oh, did I mention, that there was Fencing/Sword Fighting Scenes? Yes Parents, welcome to your kids new After School Activity!:
On top of everything, they all learned to Fence!
So, why did CNN find it necessary to dig into a movie that wasn't on their channels? Simple, because they wanted to shift focus on them, on Cartoon Network, et cetera, and hurt "Descendants 2" and it's great group of Young Actors and Actresses, who really are talented. I understand a bit, what it takes to put on a production. I did Theater in Middle School (only stopping in High School, because of "Type Casting," and being offered the role of the old man in "The Lottery," but that's a story for another time!). It's tough to put on a show, any show. You have a lot to learn, and with this movie, in addition to learning Choreography for Musical Numbers, Practicing Songs, and Learning Lines and Conveying those Lines with the Emotions Called for, the Cast all had to learn how to Sword Fight (on the evening of the 22nd- the day after the Broadcast, I was at the local WINCO Foods, and two friends or brothers, who were adults, were playing with foam swords in the aisle where the toys and magazines were. As I passed them, I muttered snidely at them, "I saw better sword fighting on KOMO 4, last night," referring to the ABC broadcast of the film. However, what I didn't mention, was that they were Disney Channel kids, and when I realized that, I practically kicked myself. That would have put them to shame!). Does "Cable News Network," feel big, picking on some decent young actors and actresses? Does CNN feel "big" because they took a jab at their Corporate Sister Channel's Biggest Rival? Are they Proud of Themselves? They're Petty. The Kids did a Brilliant Job, and we can Only Pray now, that There's a Third Film, and It's even better than the first two (a VERY TALL order, but Very Doable).
PBS "Odd Squad" star Anna Cathcart, as Dizzy Termaine. One of the funniest characters in the film!
If you haven't seen it? Go and watch the first film, then the second, and you'll see what I mean. And in Closing, to sum everything up: CNN, once again, just like how Russia gets you ratings- despite it all being "Nothing-Burgers," You're Fake News. To Actresses Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, China Anne McClain, and Anna Cathcart, Dianne Doan, and Actors Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, Mitchell Hope, and to all the other Actors and Actresses in "Descendants 2," you accomplished the mission of the 2nd Film, and you made your fans very happy. Many, many Reviews, are praising the Film, and for good reason. Don't take my word, or CNN's word for ANYTHING. Check out the links to These Reviews, and see what I mean:
There's more of where these reviews came from; too many to list! Now, go grab some snacks, and go watch both films, and have some fun! These kids- These Young Actors and Actresses, Work Harder than 9/10ths of Hollywood (regardless of if that 9/10ths is Bashing on the Residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, District of Columbia, OR NOT!). They learned how to Sword Fight for Creation's Sake; how can you NOT appreciate that fact? Their work made a Gritty, Honest, Real Dramatic tale, with enough comic-relief (Dude the Dog eating a "Truth Gummy" and starts talking, Dizzy Termaine, Carlos and Jane- Fairy Godmother's Daughter, Chad- Prince Charming's son, and Doug- Dopey the Dwarf's son, Gil- Gaston's son, to name a few!), to keep it an accessible film for family viewing... What are You Waiting For? GO!
That's my Two-Cent Soap-Box. I leave you now with Sofia Carson and her hit song,
"Chillin' Like a Villain":
(A Real Revival of 70's/80's Pop/Funk- that "The Prince of Pop," would be proud of!
First, I'd like to thank anybody reading this. You're all too kind.
This time of year, is a time of reflection. I want to reflect on the subject of Respect and Tolerance, if nobody objects. I always was taught that you give respect out of out of courtesy, to a person's right to live as they see fit, even if they don't agree with your life or you don't agree with their's. Lately though, that has seemed to have gone out the window with the baby's bath water, as this year- 2016, draws to a close. Now I won't go on with names or blames, but I will tell a story.
A Christian-faithed (note I don't say "Religion"), young Gentleman, of Filipino and Caucasian descent, keeps company of a Wiccan, for a Best Friend, and fell for an Atheist, whom he loved. Which one do you think showed more "Tolerance" for the young man's beliefs? The answer's obvious here... The Wiccan BFF. The Atheist soon found her escape from a chap who was nothing but empathetic and honest with her. The Young Man doesn't regret but one thing though, and that's that she revealed too much at the end, causing the Young Man to lose the last of his old respect for her.
Too many times does "Tolerance" comes with "Conditions" in this day and age. Isn't the point of "Tolerance" to Respect the Rights of Others and Other's Right to Live as they see fit for themselves and have it returned in kind- not as condition but courtesy? I find this hard- that in order for "Tolerance" to be real, to say a person won't bake a cake on principal is okay for one chap, but not for another, That's not "Tolerance," that's "Hypocrisy!" Instead of being reasonable and finding another bakery, people whine, cry, and file lawsuits. That's like a Spoiled-Rotten Child crying, when they don't get their way... No, that's exactly what it is! Instead of Maturity and Respect of an Individual Person's Rights, People go out and actually do this. It's plain boar wild Crazy!
Longing to tie this all up, resentment at all ways of believing or not believing as like yourself is astounding and dumbfounding. An Atheist can go on for days on how "Religion" and "Superstition" is the inciter of Violence. They can bring up the Crusades, Pol Pot, and Adolf Hitler. Quickly do they forget Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. Not to mention, Fidel Castro (a lot of praise, for healthcare and education, but have we forgotten about the REAL Criminals- Rapists, Murderers, et cetera, released to our southern shores of Florida, during the Mariel Boat Lift?). You can't say "Religion" and "Superstition," incites "Violence," when you have Atheists with so much blood on their hands. I knew an Atheist, who'd fight every religious group who comes to the college's campus, and even go out of their way to perform lewd acts in front of places of Worship. Good Grief! Find me an Atheist who doesn't go out of their way to argue about beliefs, and respects each person's right to live as each see's fit, and I'll buy you AND the Atheist, a slice of Pizza and a Bowl of Gelato!
I guess a lot of people, expect either something in return for their something, or something for nothing. Instead, do what ever act you do, especially "Respect" and "Tolerance," with an attitude of "Hey, I'll do it not for anything but my own self." If you don't and can't "Respect" and "Tolerate" your own self, then how can you do it to Others? How can you "Respect" and "Tolerate" other people, if you can't "Respect" and "Tolerate" your own personal self? You couldn't to save your life. Find your self-respect, find your self-tolerance, and the rest is easy as pie. Find ten (10) good things about yourself, that are tolerable and respectable. You'd be surprised at how much it can change your whole outlook on your life. Even if you can't find ten, how many ever you were able to find, is certainly better than none at all. You've got to start looking on the "Bright Side of Life" Millennials, Gen X, and All People really!
In closing, I'd like to wish you all a Happy Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, and a Merry New Year in 2017. The year 2016 was a "Hot Mess" for lack of better terms. Let us heal and hope for the best. Life, Liberty, Civil Rights and Progress, will ALL Continue, regardless of who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 20500. So everybody calm down, and don't worry... Be Happy!
I'm Pissed-Off to the Hilt! While I just came away with a nice haul of model trains, books, and buildings from the Boeing Model Train Show, it sure ain't no consolation to how I feel about my generation. I'm disgusted at my generation's attitude over Donald J. Trump, being the United States of America's 45th President! You burn your New Ballance shoes- a good chunk of which are made by Your Fellow Countrymen and Countrywomen, you destroy Downtown Portland, and you ALL declare that "It's the end of My Country." NEWSFLASH, it's not just "Your Country," it's ALL of Our Country! Are you ALL Self-Centered and BLEEDING BATSHIT CRAZY?!
(Source: AdWeek)
This is RIDICULOUS, but then again, it's Portland, Oregon, and anybody from Washington State, knows Oregon has a lot of crazies (the Mahareshi comes to mind!).
(Source: NBC News)
I'm Autistic, I've blogged about being on the spectrum before, but just last Wednesday, I heard my fellow Autistic Classmates, declaring they'll flee to Ireland, England, et cetera. True, I was considering Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, but my Grandfather talked me out of it, instead sticking around, and Helping- For Better, or For Worse. I'll call all- who declared they'll flee, as a bunch of yellow-bellied, snake-sniped, pride-less, complaining disgraces, to the land that fostered such great legends as Nikola Tesla, Howard Hughes, Alexander Graham Bell, Susan B. Anthony, Charles M. Schultz, Ray Bradbury, Henry J. Kaiser, William E. Boeing, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Westinghouse, Albert Einstein Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Jessie Owens, Temple Grandon, James Ward Packard, Ransom Eli Olds, Babe Ruth, Jackie Robbinson, Jim Thorpe William Francis Gibbs, Francis Scott Key, Scott Joplin, Janis Joplin, John Wayne, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Norman Rockwell, Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Page, George Washington Carver, Bruce Lee, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Betty Davis, F. Nelson Blount Betsy Coleman, Amelia Earhart, Amy Tan, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, Gordon Varney, Irv Athearn, Joshua Lionel Cohen, Neil Young, The Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Will Rogers, and many, many more greats! Take some pride in your country, make the change you want to see, and don't go destroying the world around you! Ask not what Your Country can Do for you, but Ask, what You can Do for Your Country, because the Only Thing We have to Fear, is FEAR ITSELF! Life will go on, and your destructive behavior, will only hurt your own future!
Oh how I want to tie up the Hog-Wild, Crazy Nutters right now...
Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451," had a "Hobo Camp of Intellectuals" and they were all living books. Montag became "The Book of Ecclesiastes." I'm sort of a living testament, of legendary ideas, common sense, and valuing not only old ways, things, et cetera, but the wisdom of the past, and the people I've met, throughout my short life. So I'll be staying behind, if and/or when people flee, but on the other hand, Crow will become a Necessary and Staple Dish, for those humbled, if things don't turn out as bad as they think.
I DON'T like this election any better than ANYONE else- regardless of Political Affiliation. I'm DAMN HAPPY it's OVER. I'm PO-ed at the Millennial Generation that's Playing right into the hands of Soros' Plot, destroying and throwing the BIGGEST DAMN temper tantrum, in the HISTORY of the USA! This isn't how Bernie Sanders would WANT Things! I'm so pissed, that the next ONE-HUNDRED and Sixty-Seven Days, I hope will be the DAMN best One-Hundred and Sixty-Seven Days, ANY BLOODY HELL-FIRED President EVER HAD! Thank you Tori, for this wonderful post. Now, Millennials, GET OVER IT, and actually make the changes, you want to see in your country, NOT ACTUALLY DESTROY IT- you're being more destructive, than DRUMPF could EVER BE, to your Own DAMN Futures!!! God bless you, and God Bless America!
In conclusion, I'm ashamed to be classified as a "Millennial" and I REFUSE the DAMN Title. It's shameful, because of the few who have given the masses a rotted, reviled, sour and grotesque name. If anyone calls me a "Millennial," they're asking for a whirlwind crossfire hurricane, of a cross between a Barbed Wire Fence, Loose Cannons, a Steamroller Going Down a Hill, and a Battleship full of Wit and Fire! It all depends though, on how much mercy I have, and the circumstances behind why I was called such a derogotory term...
Recently, a friend of mine and I, just had lunch, and afterword, I walked away with a sad view of the state of things. If anything, I couldn't believe how messed up things were; I couldn't believe, that so many things could blow up, fall through, be misread, et cetera. The age we live in, lacks so much horse sense, I seriously keep coming back to the idea of living in a little hamlet in the sticks, to gain peace and sanity, upon the completion of my education. Then again, I better check what kind of internet connections they have, before deciding on the matter.
Let's start with something easy, "Misread Signals." The Friend I just had lunch, separated from a friend he had a complicated relationship with. He originally had one of these "No Strings Attached" relationships (NSA), with her. But about Six or so months back, he told her that he Loved her. In hindsight, he realized that the girl was very, very bad at reading subtexts in situations (she mistook an offer of sharing some Wonka "Nerds" candy, as an insult, calling her a "Nerd." He was just offering some candy to share.). She told him she wasn't ready for "love," but she didn't really realize, that he was saying "I'm done with this NSA stuff, I want a serious relationship with you." And things degraded over the next six months, with the awkward arrangement continuing, until an incident happened, and she used it as a parting of the ways, even though what he did, was not anywhere meriting a comparison to the Two to Three Years of Psychological Abuse, she was put through, by her last "boyfriend." She wasn't innocent in the situation either, but in retrospect, my friend said that "...It was just one in a long line of abuse she's faced in her life, ranging from unethical doctors and treatments, to poor treatment by pious folk, to physical violation, to psychological violation by boyfriends and parents. She's embittered from her experiences, and she has every right to decide how to handle it, in spite of the fact that she's more than able to change the paradigm and rise above it all, she still continues to wallow in it." He gave her the most understanding face he could, when she stated that "It would take a long time for her to build trust in him again," and that she wanted to explore more, try and lure one of two guys she liked in her physics classes at their community college, make female friends, et cetera. However, he realizes that he was more of a doormat to lay her problems on, in the whole relationship. He gave her support, usable tools of advice, and the proverbial and literal "shoulder to cry on," all with civility, calm, and stregnth. He rarely, if ever, put sever personal burdens at her feet, but at the end of the day, he was a doormat. He doesn't want anything to do with her anymore, not because of guilt, but because he doesn't want to be on egg shells, being brought down, or any other mess, associated with her. He's now free to "...be as political, faithful, civil, uncivil, blunt, high-brow, and most of all, his true and horse-sense, common-sense self, as he wants to be!" At one point, a week or so ago, he was at an early Halloween Dance. He was hoping that she would be there, and somehow, they would make up. She didn't show. He hoped for something, in the vein of... Give a hand, for the music Eddie Money:
That didn't happen, and worse over, the DJ didn't play "Thriller." He played plenty of Michael Jackson, but NO "Thriller!" What kind of Halloween Dance (since the 1980's), doesn't have "Thriller" played during the course of the event? He had plenty of Michael Jackson, a bit of Bruno Mars, Eurythmics, even some "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." from Aretha, but NO "Thriller"? What kind of DJ is he? Especially since he, according to my friend, had played it in past dances! He snapped himself back into a re-assertive self, and brushed off the dashed hopes, then went to Denny's, dressed as a Greaser- none-the-less!
Back to the main topic though, applauding the surface, I'm more than delighted in the fact that he told her what she wanted to hear, to rest her conscience, then does an about-face, and has now cut her entirely from everything. He doesn't even say "hello" in passing. He's dropped her like a stone, and what does it feel like to him...? Ladies and Gentlemen, the incomparable, the soulful, the powerful... Adele:
My friend also said that "...He's with me, not voting for any of the Presidential Candidates, rather focusing up to Congerss. He also told me that he wouldn't be voting for either of the gubernatorial candidates either." Both are in favor of "Bus Rapid Transit," instead of a North-South Rail Line, paralleling 4/5th's of King County's "I-405," and instead, the King County Council, and their Mercedes-Benz driving, Eco-Fascist Hypocrites, backed by "Big Tech," is making essentially a "Heroine Highway" trail system from Milton, Washington, all the way to Mount Vernon, while Transportation, Social, and Economical policies, favor "Big Tech," and we the common man, have no seats at the Sound Transit Table, and Sound Transit is becoming more and more a "Rich Man's Toy." Now we're being asked to pay for the Rich Man's new "Train Set," that will take a Quarter Century to Build, and Go NOWHERE useful, while the common man, gets "Bus Rapid Transit," the Heroin Problem gets worse, the Homeless Issue is about to go Critical Mass, Race Relations are Souring and they're all just twiddling their thumbs, with their heads in the sands of their Private Beaches around the more affluenzic shores of Lake Washington! Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for Barry McGuire:
My Advice, to my Friends, vote by conscience, vote up to Congress, to make true change, to beans with the Presidential Election- The Electoral College will do as it will, unless you're Kevin Costner, screw the Gubernatorial Candidates in Washington State, vote NO on Prop. 1/Sound Transit's ST3 budget, Vote Yes on 1464- to find out who's really paying for Political Ads, and pray for a miracle on November 8th!
In closing, that was a good lunch between me and my friend. We saw eye-to-eye on a lot, and thank goodness for it. We later saw and joined a flash-mob dance party, jamming to some sweet tunes. I close this musical with some Up-Beat fun. And now, put your hands together, for Mark Ronson, and Bruno Mars!:
That's my Soap Box for the week. Thanks for Reading.
A word of the wise in this day and age: if you ever consider an NSA (No Strings Attached) Relationship, they're not worth it. If you find someone you really fancy, and you resort to that, as a relationship starts, you're making a damned fool of yourself. I see it too often. It may last for a while, but in the end, you end up just a mess, and many a time, you lose a person worth fighting for. Once, a guy I know tried to stop the NSA he had with a girl, so he could give her a proper relationship, by getting up the nerve to tell her he loved her. She wasn't ready for those words, that meant so much to him (her last relationship had ended badly), so he continued unwillingly with the NSA- the informal relationship they had started with. He wanted to be serious, but unwillingly, he accepted reality. A few months later, they had a falling out. She told him, that she wanted him around, as a friend, not closing the door on a future relationship. (She's now trying to woo two boys in her physics classes into being interested!) He told her what she wanted to hear, but he told me, as far as he's concerned, the door be as well closed.
The fallout was bad enough, that he can't trust himself in any sort of relationship with her again, friend, lover, or otherwise; he tried, gave himself, but it wasn't enough. He's accepted it, and is moving on to take care of himself more. I told him that's a good thing. He did so much for her, and her as well, but as I told him- "...You made the right call to go ghost mate. You need to take care of yourself. She was descent to be honest, in spite of you trying to be honest with her months back. Just remember tough: Seek out and explore life. Take care of your relationships. Keep growing, all life long. Your own self, is the only one you have, so you need to take care of you."
People need to be more socially self-sufficient, in their life. So it's NOT "...So Whatever..." Instead of whining about how none of your friends want to "go to museums," "play laser tag," "hike a foothills trail," et cetera, go do it yourself. Go out and meet people, as you travel through the day. Take a cooking class. Ride a Ferris Wheel, go to a Festival, heck- go ride a bus from one end of its route to the other, or even just go to a park, and stroll around- maybe even pet a dog (with their owner's permission, of course!). Life is out there, you just need to buck-up and seek it. And in the process, you'll make new friends along the way, who want to do this stuff!
It's seeking life, that is the biggest part of Personal Growth. Growth should last your whole life, for, if you don't change, what point is your life. Life isn't static, life is flowing, ebbing, flourishing, floundering, and so, so beautiful and brutal. I'm not the same person I was five years ago, or ten, or even a day ago. I'm learning, creating, growing; we all are really, but we need to keep moving, keep living, and keep being curious about the world around us, to truly thrive with Personal Growth. And with personal growth, you should always strive to be the best you can be, as one Author, responsible for "Bull Running's Popularity" put it:
In short, Personal Growth is necessary; it won't be easy, but it's necessary. Anything worth the time will be difficult, but in the end, it makes you better, because you put in the time, because you are worth the effort to do so. You're worth it.
( Source: memegenerator.com )
With all of that growth, you've got to keep it in check. That's why you take care of your self. That goes beyond looks folks. It's mental maintenance as well. You need to really be careful what you think, what goes into your mind, and how you handle all of it. Thinking before you speak, thinking before you act, deciding your mindset, all are underrated-yet-crucial skills, you need to handle your mental care. If people put half as much effort into their mental self, as they do the physical self, the world would be a lot better off. Imagine, a world of people who look descent, and were actually half descent to each other, every single day. "Do unto others, as you would have done unto you," would actually be the rule, rather than the exception. A world where the Mental Self, is thought of as much as the Physical Self, could solve a mighty lot of problems.
(Source: memegenerator.net)
So, once you start seeking life, growing yourself, and taking care of yourself, Relationships of all kinds, are a piece of cake- a cake walk, right? NOT! You still need to work on those too, as healthy relationships are a two-way street. It goes back to that "Do unto others, as you would have done unto you" business; you've got to treat others, as you'd want to. Treat rotten, you get rot. Treat kindly, you get kindness back. See, two way street. Healthy Relationships- of any kind, involve Respect, Interest, and Clear Communication channels. Respect who you're friends/lovers/family with, and they'll do so as well. Always take an interest in the other's thoughts, daily lives, et cetera (listen carefully, you may actually learn something), even if it isn't interesting, as a sign of respect and understanding. Keep your communication as clear as possible, because mixed signals, un-understood implied things, even misreading body language, can scramble the lines, and muck everything up. Communication is key, to growing healthy relationships. I can't emphasize enough, that Respect, Interest, and Clear Communication, go hand-in-hand-in-hand, toward making Healthy Relationships- of any kind, possible realities.
In Closing, the summary's clear: Life should be sought. Relationships should be cared for. Growth should be Life-Long. And Self, should be taken care of, first. I can't say it simpler enough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got assignments and fiction writing to do. I'm going to cruse on down the highway now...
WARNING: If you're staunchly entrenched in National Political Parties, this isn't the Post for you. This is encouragement to speak-up to effect your local issues, your hometown's well-being, and make your voices count, where it matters the most. Voting at the local level, and pride in community, is the heart of Patriotism, in it's most pure, uniting Non-Partisan form.
"O God and Heavenly Father,
Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."
- The Serenity Prayer
Vote at the local level. Vote for your Governor, your Mayor, your City Council, Sheriff, Judges, ballot measures that can make or break the future. Vote a Dog for Mayor, vote for your hamlet's "Village Idiot." Vote by Your Conscience, Brush-Up on the Issues Facing your Area, Brush-Up on your Candidates' stances and Make a Difference around your neck-of-the-woods. Patriotism's heart, lies in non-partisan ideals, that your vote, your voice, influences the world around you and your home. Take pride in your community, vote, and keep the home fires burning. Some may say, that it's irresponsible to let (any one) of these nuts, into the White House. It's EVEN MORE irresponsible, to not vote on the Local Level, and to a good close second, the State Level.
Now, Me and a few of my friends (from Young Bucks, to Grandfathers) have come to the conclusion, that not a soul of sound mind and constitution, can reasonably choose between an Egotistical and Thin-Skinned Blowhard, a Flip-Flopping and Pathological Liar, a Discrediting Idiot, and a Hippy Eco-Facist. Therefore, we are ABSTAINING from voting for the highest office in the land. If You choose between the lesser of evils, you still choose E-V-I-L, Period. Our votes don't count a dime exactly for the Presidency. Unless you're Jeff Bridges, the Electoral College will do as it sees fit for themselves first, and the country... Well... Somewhere down the list. If you believe you need to vote for the next residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20500, then go right ahead and do so (it's all about the bluest blood to the First President anyway). You do you, and I'll do me; agree to disagree, and respect each other's decisions.
The District of Columbia, doesn't mean a dime, and frankly, Will Rogers' words matter more now, than ever before:
"You can't beat an Administration by attacking it. You have to show some plan of improving on it." "But I must get back from these political parties and get back to civilization, for there's nothing in common between politics and civilization." "Talk about our civilization! Why, if they ever took a sanity test at a political convention, 98 per cent would be removed to an asylum." "On account of us being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does. "Imagine a man in public office that everybody knew where he stood. We wouldn't call him a statesman, we would call him a curiosity." "In this country, people don't vote for; they vote against." "A statesman is a man that can do what the politician would like to do but can't, because he is afraid of not being elected." "If 'pro' is the opposite of 'con,' what is the opposite of Congress?" No wonder there's a statue of him in Congress! These days, Horse and Common Sense, are far and lacking. If you made it this far, just let us be. This is why I love Dogs... They Do NOTHING for Political Reasons, even when they're the Mayor of a town:
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