To Be Continued... Next Week.
I thought I'd drop a shout to y'all about updates on the blog. They've been getting really sparse, and that's crap on my part. So, I thought I'd let you know a few things.1. I'm coming to the end of my high school career. I get out Monday (well, technically Wednesday, but... Long story.) So, after that, I will have time to get blogging again.
2. I'm grabbing a domain name soon, which might end up in a sweet transition for the blog... More on that later.
3. If you are disappointed with the direction this blog has been heading in, blame Family Force 5. They've got me addicted to their contests, and it's all I do online anymore. So, yeah. Not my fault.
BOOM! End of post. I'll kick back up next week, hopefully daily again!
'Til then,
Keep it Crunk
I'm Bored... Give Me Suggestions!
Well, I've been at a loss recently to find non-FF5 related material for my blogs, so I'm asking YOU to help me out!Thanks to the band mentioned above, my audience has grown a bit! I'm pretty stoked about this, by the way. So THANKS TO ALL MY NEW READERS! YOU'RE AWESOME!!! (Yeah, you in the blue shirt!)
So, if you have anything you'd like my comments on, feel free to email me!
Have questions about my life in general? (Warning, I'm a boring dude.) Email me!
Want to know the answer to life, the universe, and everything? Email me!
I'd really like some messages, my inbox has been feeling pretty lonely lately. So drop me a shout!
powblogs@gmail.com!!! Put it in the "TO:" section! WOO!
Let's Compile a Relationship!
Yep, another Family Force 5 blog. I'm sorry, I'm obsessed. Get over it.So, I was sitting around last night, creating the ULTIMATE DANCE OR DIE MIX. Basically, I was going to take my favorite version of each song, and make a Dance Or Die album tailored to my tastes. However, that turned into something completely different.
I sort of turned it into a concept compilation, based on the life of a relationship, with heavy emphasis on the beginning and end, and less focus on the actual relationship, though it's in there.
So, I'll give you the track list and throw down my reasoning!!!
The First Time (Original)
A long time after the break up, the guy (Let's call him.... Conan!) thinks about what he had. He takes all of the memories in his mind, and begins to replay them. The rest of the songs take place in Conan's memory.
Earthquake
The first time Conan met... Vanessa (haha) was at a club! Cafe Disco, I believe it was called. He was scratchin' it up with his friend Andy at the head of the club. He sees a girl... Dang.
Ghostride the Whip
A personal favorite of Conan's, he played this song to get the girl's attention, and to see how she'd react on the dance floor.
Lose Urself
He steps away from the DJ post, and gets on the floor, hoping to get Vanessa away from her group of friends...
Fever (Toxic Avenger Remix)
Andy throws down a Daft Punk tune, and the party begins. Conan and Vanessa start to dance, and they find out they like each other! Who knew?
How In The World (Suave Suarez Remix)
Conan falls for Vanessa. Hard. This song represents the transition between that night and life outside. They start dating, and everything is bliss, man.
I Love You To Death
Conan is ecstatic, you know? He's got this beautiful, amazing girl, and he's just got to tell the world about it. So, when he finds himself at the top of his building in the city, he can't keep it in. He starts screaming his feelings for this girl at the top of his lungs.
Rip It Up (The Pragmatic Remix)
Months after they met, they find themselves back at the discothèque. He is really diggin' her groove because she is SHREDDING the floor like nothin' else. But, later that night, Vanessa seems... removed. They exchange words. Conan is hurt. Badly. He jumps out of the club, needing some space. Then Andy (DJ Dr. Disco!) decides to confront Vanessa. He's gonna stand up for Conan if our protagonist won't do it for himself.
Dance Or Die (Original)
Andy confronts Vanessa, but he can't get a word in over the music and her not stopping to listen. He decides to enjoy himself while he can and dance out the rest of the song, then go after her.
Party Foul (Original)
Conan returns, with forgiveness in his heart... to find Andy and Vanessa gettin' down. Apparently, Andy and Vanessa's conversation hadn't gone according to plan, and now they looked to be something of an item. Conan then confronts Andy, telling him that he just made his last mistake.
X-Girlfriend
Conan, seeing how his best friend is now hittin' on his girlfriend, breaks it off. He can't take it. This is the break up, fo sho.
Drama Queen
In the weeks to come, Vanessa and Andy both will be talkin' smack around Conan's friend, angering him beyond belief. After this episode, one would never believe he would miss her. And yet...
Share It With Me (Original)
A year later (but a couple years before The First Time), we find Conan sitting in his home, filled with depression. It's Vanessa. Why would Conan still feel this way after a year, especially with her actions post break up?
We find out what happened that night at the discothèque. Conan had proposed. Vanessa, too drawn to Andy at this point (though DJ Dr. Disco had no idea at the time) refused, with dread in her heart.
Conan, over the years, will learn to love the good moments they shared. Hence, The First Time.
Hope you liked it. Sorry if it was childish or lame, listening to the songs while thinking about the story makes it LOADS better. I promise.
Rippin' It Up, Drama-Style!!!
This little dramatic reading is brought to you by The Pragmatic via Dance or Die with a Vengeance. It's at the end of track 3, Rip It Up. CHECK IT!!!DR. DISCO: Nurse, I will need advanced cardiac life support. He's gone into cardiac arrest.
NURSE: What's the cause?
DR. DISCO: It happened at the Discotec. His heart failed after dancing with... Vanessa.
NURSE: Oh no, not her again! That's the third time this week!
MALE NURSE: But doctor, will he make it?
DR. DISCO: I'm not sure. But I'm not going to just sit here and lose him like we did the others.
Keep him monitored. I'll be back.
NURSE: Where are you going?
DR. DISCO: To get my shoes.
MALE NURSE: But, why?
DR. DISCO: There is only one way to fix his condition.
NURSE: Fresh air?
DR. DISCO: No. I'm going to the Discotec. Vanessa knows what is happening to these men. She won't help unless I prove myself to her.
NURSE: Dr. Disco, how are you going to do that?
DR. DISCO: Hmm... I'll have to keep up with her on the dance floor.
DANCE OR DIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!!!!! (Again.)
May 19: Family Force 5 releases an complete remix album of their latest full-length, Dance or Die.
May 18: Jack gets it. And Dances. A LOT.
I thought I'd throw down a track by track of what I like, and wouldn't mind saying bye to. There's not much of the latter, I'm afraid. So, if you don't want the album ruined in any way, check back tomorrow. But for the rest of you...
Dance Or Die (The Secret Handshake)
This track is very true to the style of the original, though making it more club-appropriate. The highlight of this number is the vocal strings TSH has added to certain parts of the song. They fit perfectly, and have me grooving.
Get Your Back Off The Wall (3OH!3)
I'll go ahead and say it. This isn't 3OH!3's best work. HOWEVER, it is the only song that has consistently made me JUMP out of my seat (literally) and start dancing every time I hear it. I guess that's saying something about the dudes from Boulder, huh?
Rip It Up (The Pragmatic)
Oh, man. This is one of my favorite tracks of the album. From explosions to very catchy synth beats, this song has it all. Though, my favorite bit HAS to be the very cheesy sci-fi sketch near the end of the track. I won't ruin it for you, but it's some of my favorite writing/acting of all time. Seriously.
How In The World (Alex Suarez - Cobra Starship)
This takes one of the greatest electric ballads of all time, adds some funk and a little bit of sass to make a great remix. The only thing that I have to get used to is the key. It's really different, and it makes for an interesting listen.
Fever (The Toxic Avenger)
I mentioned to Nadaddy on the bus that the beginning had some Daft Punk inspiration, and I'll say that for the whole song. Filled with a great house sound, it sounds like the French duo redid this for the boys. But, The Toxic Avenger does it just as well.
Party Foul (Ultraviolet Sound)
My favorite of the remixes I heard before the album launched, I still enjoy this song immensely. It's the one you would hear pounding out of a club, with the heavy bass accenting the groove all the way home. It's also got a sweet little keys part that's pretty catchy.
D-I-E 4 Y-O-U (Andre Allen Anjos)
Woah. Definitely my favorite remix so far. This song is lead, and reigns, with the bass line. Those low notes just seem to drive the song. It's fast paced, and action. Out of all of the remixes not done by FF5, it's the one I would argue must be. Anjos really caught their sound and made it awesome.
Share It With Me (Smile Future)
This is the closest I've ever heard to electronica ska. I'm going to call it electroniska. The entire song revolves around the offbeat, making for an energetic tune my cuz from THE BENEFIT (remember them?) really got into. The "oh" bits (you'll know what I'm talking about when you hear it) will get stuck in your head all day, I promise.
The First Time (Matt Thiessen - Relient K)
I will admit, this is my least favorite remix. I really wish Matt would have done something more upbeat, but I respect what he did. This is the only song that really slows down an old tune, but it has it's moments. Matt's little vocal addition is pretty tight, but it has some of us wondering... JFH says it's thugging. Oh, well.
Wake The Dead (Lalipop - Lauren Olds)
Man, Soli's wife can make a tune! With a background VERY similar to Aerodynamic Beats from Daft Punk's latest Alive, this song is powered by the sixteenth. The hip-hop drum bits also add a lot to the spunky action of the track.
Radiator (Jasen Rauch - Red)
This one flew out of nowhere! But it's all I can expect from a member of Red. The least clubbish of the entire album, this is a solid rock remix. The guitar riffs make for some great additions, and the beat in the background really gets me headbanging. I love it. So, if you want to dance to this, you'd better pull out your Hulkfists and start moshing.
GHOSTRIDE THE WHIP!!!!!! (Family Force 5)
This song is simply amazing. I told the guys that this was my blare song, driving down the streets of UC, and that won't change for a while. This single song brings Weezy, T-Pain, Kanye, Family Force 5, and a little bit of 3OH!3 together to make one of the tightest hip-hop songs I've heard in a long while. This could definitely stand alone on the rap charts.
Rip It Up alt. ATL Take (Croul-Glo-Activation Version 2.009)
This song is COMPLETELY redone. With vocals switched from Soli to Crouts, this song takes a turn for the awesome. (To be fair, I like all of the versions of this song equally now. Neither one is greater than the other.) Get ready for a totally different version of the song, plus a RAP BY SOUL GLOW!!! (Are we returning to this for the next album? Fingers crossed, cuz you know I love me some crunk.)
How In The World (David Crowder*Band)
This is probably one of the most straightforward tracks on the disc, with the vox virtually unchanged. Though, the beat is solid, and very alien-like squeals make this a very danceable track.
Out of loads of remix albums I've heard, this stands to be the best. These artists know FF5, and they know how to work electronic instruments.
Sorry I ran long, hope you enjoyed it!
L-O-V-E!
Love is the utmost respect.It's the care you would give your child,
The support you'd give a friend.
Love is making someone family.
It's telling someone they're wrong,
Admitting your mistakes.
Love is the connection.
Thar Be A Treasure Hunt!!!
Hey, everyone! For those of you that may be reading this for the first time, this is my blog! (Me being Jack, the crazy one you all know and love. Well, hopefully love. XD)Welcome! Make yourself at home, and check out the archive. There's some great stuff in there.
Now, to the reason you're probably checking the site: UC Treasure Hunt. It's an idea I had based on some of the things music tours are doing with Twitter. Basically, they're hiding things such as backstage passes, gift cards, etc. somewhere on-venue, with Twitter clues, pics, and such to help fans find where they are.
I thought it would be really fun if we could do this around Union City.
Here's the plan: I will hide a prize somewhere in Union City. Keep in mind that it may not be in an easy-to-see location, or it may be moving... (snigger) The location will be slowly discovered through the use of Twitter. Let's say I hid a McD's gift card taped under a table at the park. I would then give clues to the location, such as "Boy, I'm thinking about grabbing a sandwich and eating out at the park!" or "Hmm... the playground looks awfully tempting from over here..." Now, I'll post more than one clue per prize, each clue getting more obvious. But, if I have to be crazy open with the clues, that prize will be held on to for next time.
Now, I've set up a Twitter account, @uctreasure, to run this thing. I know Twitter may not seem to be the best way to do this, but trust me. It is. For those of you who may not know how to use it, I'll be doing a program on KISS next week to show the public what it is, how to use it, etc. So, just watch that, and you'll be fine.
Next, I'll be setting up a secret website for... Stuff. Every winner will be given the link to this site, and there will be a couple of times where I will drop a card with the link on it somewhere around town. This link is EXTREMELY important, as it will be the location where you'll find the hints and clues for the final prize, something I hope to be pretty darn good.
NOW, PAY ATTENTION FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT!
I've really only come across one problem with this plan: funding. I want to be able to do this, but I might have trouble coming up with prizes. So, I've thought of a solution. I'll need some sort of helper for a few of my ideas. So, if someone brings me a prize to use, I'm going to let them have a little fun with me hiding and executing the plan... Hehe. Now, these prizes aren't supposed to be huge. I'm thinking an average of $5 for the "donated" ones. There will be bigger ones, but I'm not asking for that.
So, if you can help, I would GREATLY appreciate it.
I think this could be a really fun activity for kids around UC. And who knows, we might actually make it bigger as time goes on...
If you have any questions, mark 'em up in the comment box below, and I'll get around to them.
A to the P, Y'all!
Well, since I meant to have this up Sunday I guess I should get around to it... This one's still about Friday night, but I'll cover more of the concert aspect this time around.So, Tofu, a friend of ours, and I left Friday immediately after school to head toward Columbus and the AP Tour. It was a pretty standard trip, nothing really exciting. The only strange thing we did was wave to a group of girls in a car next to us. (They slowed down to get away from us. Hehe)
We finally got to the area surrounding the venue, and kept getting lost. We ran into I don't know how many dead ends looking for a parking spot. It was insane, man! There were no spots to be found!
At one point, we were right next to the venue, pulling into a street behind it. To our surprise, the boys from The Maine were outside, hanging with fans! We drove by, not expecting to see anyone more important, when out of nowhere comes FAMILY FORCE 5. So, Tyler and I were flipping out. We were waving, and I gave Soul Glow a Hulkfist bump through the window. Awesome.
(Little did we know that would be a pretty insignificant meeting by the end of the night... :D)
So, we found a parking garage, and headed in the direction of the line, only to find one of my friends (Roch091, a member of this blog) who was going to be there. So, we got in line with her, and then... the line moved, and we were off.
Immediately before entering the venue, Chapstique posted the backstage pass clue, so that was our main goal when we got in. But, you know that story.
Now, on to the concert.
Hit The Lights
These guys threw an awesome party, they have so much energy on stage. I was stoked to see them, and now I'm even more excited to see them at Warped.
The Maine
Probably not my favorite band ever, but they're good nonetheless. They finished their set with Everything I Ask For, which is the only song I know. That was cool.
3OH!3
Now, these guys know how to throw a party. They have the greatest stage presence ever, and the whole place started rocking when they started throwing down licks.
Family Force 5
I'm not even going to say anything, because you know how much I enjoy these dudes live.
I must talk about one last thing before I close this. The pit. At first, we had decided not to go in, because we were about 20 ft. away and had already hung out w/ FF5. It really wasn't worth it, we told ourselves. However, when 3OH!3 was about to come on, I knew I would be mad if we didn't go. So, Tofu and I jumped in the insanely huge crowd.
Now, picture this. At the beginning of the 3OH!3 show, we were in the middle of the left side of the horseshoe-shaped pit. By the time they were done, we had swung all the way to the left side, and back to the middle, stopping within 3 rows of the stage for FF5's show.
It was the best crowd manipulation I had ever been a part of.
It was also the best concert I've ever attended.
Tomorrow I'll lay off the music talk and get back to regular blogging. Yeah.
Family Force 5's Tour Bus? Been There, Done That.
Last, night, I got the experience of a lifetime. Now, you all know how obsessed I am with Family Force 5 and their crunk beats, right? Let's just say the love for that band grew about 5-fold last night.
So, throughout the AP Tour, FF5 has been having these contests at every venue. The contests serve as a way to get fans backstage passes to hang with the band. Here's how it works: the band tweets a clue, saying you have to find a certain band member and either say a password, or do something else kind of random.
Last night, the clue was this.
ChapStique: Ok Columbus-you need 2 ppl. Find Crouton. 1 person must sing Dance or Die chorus twice, & the other must dance. Yell DANCE OR DIE after!Obviously, I had been waiting to try for this for months. So, Tofu, a friend of ours, and I started running around the "club" (it wasn't a real club, but it sure felt like it, so I'm going to call it that from now on.) looking for Crouton (the drummer). When we found him, things looked bleak. Some girls were already there singing and dancing. But when we got there, he said that they weren't getting it, so we had a shot.
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
I started singing, and Tofu started dancing. WE WON. We were both flipping out, I was actually shaking at one point.
So, at the prescribed time, we met Qwygon (their manager), and followed him out a back entrance, where we got on the bus. We introduced ourselves, sat down, and started talking. Since I was wearing my Hulkfists, Soul Glow (lead singer) was chatting with me about that. I now know how to paint them right, and stuff.
Then, he flipped out his Mac and showed us the UNRELEASED Dance or Die video. It was amazing. I'm not going to say anything about it, because I don't want to spoil the surprise, but it was quite possibly the greatest thing FF5's ever put out. It's so great.
After the vid, we were treated to some of the remixes from the new album, Dance or Die with a Vengeance. They were all incredible. Also, during that time we listened to Ghostride the Whip. Thanks to Shiny Dirt, I've already had the song for quite a while. It's actually the song I roll down the windows to in town and blare. When I told Nadaddy (synth, drum machine) that, he was pretty blown away, it seemed like.
Then, we got a chance to just talk. I got to ask about the Fortune 5 Club, which was pretty good in my book. It kind of went downhill, and I wanted to know where it went. We chatted for a bit, and... yeah.
I also got to give Soul Glow my Dance or Die wristband that says "I declare a DANCE WAR!" That was awesome.
The last thing we did was take the picture up top, and then we bid them adieu. It was the greatest of so many things that made the day the greatest day of my Senior year.
I'll put up a post about the actual concert sometime, because it was the greatest show I've ever been to.
Family Force 5, you made this punk very happy. Thanks.
From The Past...
This is an automated message.The author of this blog is currently dancing (not dieing) to the beats of Family Force 5/3OH!3.
The automation system in place cannot figure the data to tell you how he is, or who is currently playing. However, the computations have shown he is having a good time.
So, from this PC to yours, have a good one.
The League of Eco-Heroes
I'm really enjoying the work I'm doing in school recently. Weird.This is a project I did tonight for English. Basically, we're doing a semester long book report. It's in different parts, and is really stretching my creativity.
For this part, we were supposed to design a community service project around the book we chose. I chose Watchmen. Heh, heh. Yeah. So... Here it is!
The Eco-Hero Initiative
Overview
- The Eco-Hero Initiative is a community service project based on pollution awareness and anonymity. A group of costumed "Heroes" will attend to the side of a high-traffic road, cleaning the waste along the ditch. Organization is web based, and funding is not needed.
Groups Benefited
- This project shall benefit the community at large. Not only will it clean up the streets and subtly educate the public about pollution, it will also inspire others to follow in the footsteps of the Heroes.
Location
- This project is primarily suited for a highway or other high-traffic thoroughfare. The goal is to reach as many people as possible by locating the road with the highest population density.
Participant Numbers
- This project is suited for a number greater than five, but is not limited by this fact. One person will create an impact as well. However, the optimal choice is to have a large number of Heroes engaged.
Execution Window
- The given time of the deed will be considered on a location to location basis. The League will act at the moment of highest traffic, or "rush hour." This will maximize the effect of the project.
Project Process
- Using a website much like those used to organize flash mobs, a given location and time will be issued. From that point, it is the participant's duty to be there promptly. The project itself is very simple. The League (of Heroes, obviously) will clean the side of the streets in costume. The costumes will draw attention to The League's cause and will inspire others to act alongside it. This process shall continue until the organization sees fit to disband the operation.
Funding
- Funding is participant based. Heroes are responsible for costuming, transportation, and pollution receptacles (trash bags). If it is necessary, pooling of resources such as automobiles can be organized through the Eco-Hero website.
Expected Reaction
- Public reaction will not come immediately. After a time, some party will wish to investigate (odds are, media) and our name and purpose will be uncovered. However, The League is prepared to take action should this not happen. For recruiting purposes, pamphlets, cards, and flyers are being printed with the Eco-Hero website listed. These shall be distributed to the press if the cause is not discovered soon.
Origins
- The Eco-Hero Initiative was initiated by Jack Cummings, a student at a small public school in Indiana. He was inspired after reading Watchmen by Alan Moore, a tale of ordinary men and women who donned a mask and decided to contribute to society by becoming vigilantes and protecting justice. This lead to Cummings' inspiration. He decided that while he could not fight crime, he could assume an alternate identity, such as the heroes in the graphic novel had, and contribute in a different way. This lead to the Eco-Hero Initiative. Both tales contribute to society through anonymous, faceless individuals. Though the public doesn't know the Heroes yet, they soon will.
Gir... What?
I've added something new to the site! Yes, we now have an official mascot for the POW Blogs. He's right over there, on the right side, under the search bar.His name is _________. No, I haven't named him yet. So, it's up to you!
I'm taking suggestions via Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, powblogs@gmail.com, or comment. I'll pick after I get 10 different entries.
Up and at 'em, folks!
The Bee's Knees, Man!
Bees. They're pretty fly, right? (Heh. Flying pun. Heh.)I thought I'd write a bit about bees today. So, let's start with a description. Bees are small, black/yellow, and guard the honey. Apparently they're pretty dangerous, because they've got these stinger things on the end. I wouldn't know.
I'm invincible.
Bees follow the restrictive slave/master relationship, following their Queen. Now, I've got this to say. Bees are the most famous creatures to follow a queen, much like the humans' British. So, I would like to know.
Do bees honor tea time?
Bees also throw crazy rad dance parties. Think about it, you've got these crazy colored lads and lasses flying around this room of gold, to this crazy awesome bass hum. It's insane, man.
Saturday Night Beever. Just sayin'.
So, yeah. Bees rule. They're better than you, get over it.
4 Hours. 240 Minutes. TORTURE.
So, I took a standardized test this morning. It was the AP exam for Calculus, and it was crazy difficult. Not only did we have to attempt problems we didn't know how to solve, we also had to do it for 4 hours. It was like the SAT on steroids, man.Now, I signed a paper saying I wouldn't talk about the questions, so I won't.
However, I will write a bit about the test security. The people that write this thing have to be the most uptight people in the world.
Here's a rundown of security:
-All cell phones had to be turned in pre-test.
-The test is in two parts: therefore, two packets. The first packet HAD to be handed in pre-break.
-Every time we finished a section, we had to put seals over the booklet to ensure we wouldn't go back.
-We signed 3 TIMES saying we wouldn't divulge the test answers.
Idiotic, and insane.
Now, let's put government money to REAL work, and protect those who actually need protecting, shall we?
CONCERT ALERT!
Oh, yeah. That's right, this Friday me and some dudes are hitting up Columbus, OH for what could possibly be the greatest concert (excluding Warped, which is a festival) of the year. I've been waiting for this show for months, and have had a ticket just as long.What is this spectacular event, you ask?
AP TOUR!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
That's right, I will be heading out to see the craziest crunk fools I know, Family Force 5. This will be the third time I've seen them live. Except this time, I'm ready. I've got a pair of Hulkfists, a glow collar, and ALL of their songs memorized (which is awesome, because the last two times I saw them they had new songs.) They're the reason I'm going, and just to see them will make the whole night worth it.
Another noteworthy group on the tour is 3OH!3. Yeah, reppin' Boulder, CO up in here! You might remember my parody, GreenW*tch from a while back? They did the original. I've been taking this week to memorize a few of their songs so I can scream with the 3O3 (original zip code). I'll be seeing them for the second time, but the first doesn't really count... I attended a techno rave/club bit at Warped last year that they DJ'd. It was tight.
Did I mention Hit The Lights are going to be there as well? Yeeeah!
I'm pretty stoked, and have taken the utmost care to make this the best concert experience ever. As well as learning the lyrics to a few 3OH!3 and The Maine songs, I've done a bit more. First, I researched the setlist of FF5 and 3OH!3, and now have a really good idea of what they will be playing Friday. I've also secured a set of glow collars, which will turn our experience rave-like. Sweet. Finally, I'm pretty sure I've got a good chance of winning the VIP passes from FF5. It's my biggest goal, and I've been watching their antics to make sure I'm ready for anything.
Well, I'm uber stoked, and I'll let y'all know how it turns out! (Maybe even that night... Bwahaha)
Cricket-Like Poem
So, we did a unit studying e. e. cummings. As an addition to having the coolest last name ever, his work is pretty rad. This is a sample of his genius, my favorite poem of the unit. Enjoy!r-p-o-p-h-e-s-s-a-g-r
who
a)s w(e loo)k
upnowgath
PPEGORHRASS
eringint(o-
aThe):l
eA
!p:
S a
(r
rIvInG .gRrEaPsPhOs)
to
rea(be)rran(com)gi(e)ngly
,grasshopper;
Sick, Him! A-ha-ha! Sick, Him!
So, I've been under the weather the last couple of days. I woke up Saturday to find a VERY dry throat, to the point that it was irritating to swallow things. This got worse by Sunday, and I didn't go to church. Then today, I could hardly speak when I woke up, decided not to go to school, and scheduled a doctor's appointment.The doc's office is a cool place, as far as I'm concerned. There's always children's television programs playing, there are toys, and magazines, all suitable for my distraction. Today was no different. The TV was tuned in to Sesame Street, which is awesome on an average day. Today, however, was amazing. They were doing a parody of Law & Order, so that sweet L&O sound kept breaking through the words of puppets. Extreme, man. Extreme.
So, I got in the exam room, where I was told I probably had strep throat or mono. He wasn't sure which, so I had to get tested for both. The strep test was basically an extra long q-tip getting shoved down my throat. When that came back negative, they tested me for mono. That test is more or less a magnified version of a blood sugar test. The nurse put as much pressure on my finger as she possibly could, just to keep extracting blood. Uck. She had no good intentions whatsoever, man.
So, after those GRUELING tests (heh), the doc tells me I don't have either, and I basically just have a swollen throat. Yeah.
So, that's all good. I'll be able to rock Friday just like I planned.
Wait, you don't know what I'm talking about> *Snigger* Stay Tuned!
Homework? Nah, Media Rant!
So, I had this assignment in Anatomy/Physiology where I was supposed to give my two cents on what I thought about the Swine Flu. Er... excuse me. H1N1. Sorry. Well, my paper turned into a media rant, twice as long as everyone else's. I really liked what I wrote, so I thought I'd drop it here. Sorry for the length. Also, note that several major things have changed since then. These are my initial thoughts, when the media seemed to know less about the disease.Media. It's what drives the nation, sells products, and informs the population. Comprised of TV networks, newspapers, web organizations, etc., the media is quite possibly the strongest force in America. Recently, the one topic favored by the media above all else has been the "swine flu." They have created a chaos not seen since the terrorist hating days post-911. Everyone has been affected by the scare, and the media's all to blame.
The flu itself is much different than the flu being reported. For starters, the news keeps calling it "swine flu." This is pure presumption, for no links to this strain of flu have been found in swine yet. The treal title of this strain is something like the "North American Human Flu," often referred to as H1N1. This is a huge factor in public impact. As history has shown, names are everything. This situation is no different. The media has caused the public to place doubt in pork consumption, though the Center for Disease Control (CDC) says a person cannot contrive this virus by eating pork. This could mean a huge setback for the hog industry. The media's coverage of this situation has caused too much stress in this field (and more) already.
Another effect of the media coverage is exaggerated reaction, which occurs after almost any news report. People from all over America have been driven into a state of panic, chaos, and suspicion, though they may not be remotely close to the situation. So far, there are only a handful of states with known cases of this disease. From those states, the ratio of contaminated/noncontaminated might as wee be zero. In many areas, citizens are taking unnecessary precautions through the closest confirmed case of H1N1 may be hundreds, or even thousands of miles away. Because the media has presented a horrible example to them, the public has no qualms about changing their lifestyle though they are in no immediate danger. Caution should be exercised, but not to this degree.
As with any illness, one should promote safety. In the recent events that have unfolded, the media has refused to promote safety, focusing solely on statistics, cases and death. What should be brought to light are minor changes an average individual can make to dramatically lower their chances of contracting this disease. Practices such as proper hand-washing should be at the forefront of the news reports at this stage, not "UPDATE! One More Person Has a Minor Chance of Getting Swine Flu!" The media should assume responsibility for its actions, and publish stories that promote the public's well being, not throw it into chaos.
"With great power comes great responsibility." -Ben Parker
This Spiderman reference is quite possibly the most applicable quote to real life in any fictional piece. It represents the weight powers have in society, and speaks to the honor that such powers hold. The media has taken this responsibility, and trashed it. The media of recent years has destroyed the glory broadcasters of the past have created, for seemingly no reason.
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