Heartbreak

Imagine coming home to something that is no longer there. That is happening to over 2,000 families in the southern California area right now, the wildfire victims. They are now forced to grieve, deal with the idiots at FEMA and insurance companies, and rebuild their lives and homes. Not an easy thing to do at all.

Some people, like moronic commentation Glenn Beck, believe that these people are facing this loss since they have "anti-Christian" or "liberal" beliefs. There is no logical reasoning behind this.

Tragedies occur at will. I don't think God plans them or that people deserve them. They just happen. It's our responsibility to support our fellow Californians.

iPod Essentials #36: "Every Day Is Like Halloween"--Ministry

Before they turned Industrial and angry in the early 90's, Ministry was a great mid 80's New Wave dance band. "Halloween" does maintain an air of anti-establishment and pro-individuality; however, it is so danceable. You have to move your feet and your bodies. A great thing to do on this Halloween week!

iPod Essentials #35: "Lowdown"--Boz Scaggs

An oldie, but a killer song from a killer pop album. I love the blue in Scagg's voice, regardless of whether or not he's singing a dance tune, like "Lowdown" or a ballad. He's lived, and it shows in his music. Scaggs also has range. He can easily reach high notes. Nice, tight song.

Fall From Gold

As a alumus of Thousand Oaks High School, I am dismayed about the truth from Marion Jones, who was a star athlete. What compelled her to use steroids? (I don't buy the typical athlete's excuse that he or she was taking flaxseed oil from a trainer. Athletes prize their bodies, so they know everything they put into them.) Didn't she believe enough in her talent?

When her first husband, shotputter C.J. Hunter, was banned from the 2000 Sydney games for testing positive for a banned substance, I was suspicious of her accomplishments, especially when she would cross finish lines far ahead of everyone else on the track. I wanted to believe that she trained hard, and her victories were because of this reason.

I shouldn't be so naive anymore. We live in a society of cheats and liars. I feel sorry for young kids. Between doping athletes and drug-addicted, no-talented celebrities, who can they believe in? I guess Mom and Dad. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad.