DS_Loft's Blogtastic Blogging Blog!

OK, so I know it's not a show on FOX (I work at an affiliate of said network), but there is one show I have to watch this summer...

Being that I served four years of my Air Force enlistment in Japan, I can't wait to see this.  I remember many of the game shows there and wondered if America would ever have the guts (or a willing legal team) to put a show like this on the air. 

Sit back and watch the madness ensue!

It was refreshing to read and watch the news reports on Tyner Academy student Quinesha Garrett concerning her stance over the Pledge of Allegiance. I can understand both sides of the story: why she didn’t want to recite it and why some felt she was in the wrong. First, we’ll look at the latter. Some people see this act as unpatriotic or a type of dissent, so I see why there is a little grumbling over it. But there are two reasons why I respect her decision. First off, she doesn’t pledge allegiance to anything but God, which I agree with. Secondly, she is dissatisfied with the state of the American government and where its politicians are leading it, particular in Iraq. With that I also agree. But what was most baffling about this is that Tyner Academy teachers and administrators chastised her and stated that students are forced to stand for the pledge. Obviously that is not true and against Tennessee state law. Some argued she got in trouble for disobeying a teacher and that’s why she should be punished. But that’s irrelevant. It’s still against the law for the teacher (or school) to force her to recite the pledge. Even in the United States military you can disobey an order if it’s immoral, illegal or goes against your religious beliefs. That’s one of the first things they teach you about following orders when in boot camp. So, good for you Quinesha Garrett. It’s uplifting to see someone of your age taking a stand for what you believe. Godspeed Ms. Garrett.

So Barack Obama is slamming in the primaries lately.  I have to say that I am thrilled to see him doing so well.  He’s finally surpassed Clinton in delegates and hopefully those remaining uncommitted super delegates will go his way.  His shut-out over the weekend (Feb. 9th, 10th) along with his sweep Tues. (Feb 12th), have set him up as a strong possibility for the nomination.  The only thing that worries me is we may soon see the true nature of the Clintons.  Now before I elaborate, I voted for Bill Clinton twice and always respected and admired him.  However, I think I, as well as the rest of the country, is seeing just what the Clintons are really made of.  They see something they want and will virtually stop at nothing to obtain it.  I think I’m not too far off by using the phrase bully-like tactics.  I sense the mud-slinging will ensue very soon from the Clinton camp.  It’s already started somewhat with comments questioning whether or not Obama has the stones to stand up to McCain in November or to run the White House.  

But I do have hope for the Obama campaign.  I think the Democratic voters are ready for something different.  And not just change for the sake of change, but change with a definite direction and plan to better America and its people.  I can say now without any hesitancy that I am throwing my support into the ring for Barack Obama 100 percent.  He’s what we need.  He’s bringing people together from all walks of life: different economic backgrounds, race, gender, age groups and he’s even converting some Republicans (Obamacans as he calls them). 

I‘ve heard this said before: He’s too young.  He’s been in the senate for too short a time.  He doesn’t have enough experience.  Those things are being said about Barack Obama.  But they were also said more than 40 years ago.  John F. Kennedy endured the same criticism.  Is Obama another JFK?  I don’t know, but he definitely seems to have an all-inclusive plan and passion that Kennedy had which spoke to my father’s generation and now my generation is ready for that kind of inspiration and hope.  I believe Barack Obama will serve us well. 

“Change we can believe in.” 

For the past few days I've been watching the news and reading the articles trying to figure out where this tax rebate money is coming from. Being a former federal government employee, they give nothing away for free. They even take forever to give you what they owe you.

Now as far as I can figure, I should be eligible for up to $1500. Even with zero exemptions on my tax form, I don't get a rebate each year that big. So how's this thing going to work? My guess is one of two things: either it will be like when your bank account's a little low so you move some money from a savings account or other funds. My other thought is that it's like floating a check my kid will have to pay for when he grows up. Either way I'm always leery when the government starts to throw around money that they don't have.

Let's wait and see...

Here's a brief list of new music I'm looking forward to.

Vampire Weekend - "Vampire Weekend"
Beck - "Odelay: Deluxe Edition"
The Raveonettes - "Lust Lust Lust"
Los Campesinos! - "Hold On Now, Youngster"
Goldfrapp - "Seventh Tree"
Fishboy - "Albatross: How We Failed to Save the Lone Star State with the Power of Rock and Roll"
Rancid - "B Sides and C Sides"
Joe Jackson - "Rain"
Flogging Molly - "Float"
Michael Jackson - "Thriller: 25th Annv" (Yeah, I put it on the list... no big whoop. Want to fight about it?)

Apparently Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse are neck-and-neck in the race to self destruct first.  No need to go into Brit's problems (we've seen too much of that) but now Amy's downfall is getting even more interesting.  The Sun just posted a video of her smoking crack after snorting ecstasy and taking Valium.  Morbid thought but I wonder who WON'T make it to year's end.

So, I just read an article about Hall & Oates canceling the Florida leg of their tour.  One of the reasons, no joke, is John Oates is "busy working on a new cartoon in development about the superpowers of his formerly famous mustache."

Just thought I'd throw this out. 

Working in TV (or the media in general) overall has been one of the best career fields in which I've worked.  Most days are fun.  One perk is free stuff (occasionally).  I got the opportunity to attend a media event at the TN Aquarium's IMAX Theater to watch a new film.  The film is a rare site at the Chatt IMAX because it's not educational.  U2 3D opens on Jan 19th.  Overall opinion; not bad.  If you're a die-hard U2 fan, you'll love it.  The 3D worked for most of the movie like when you were looking at the stage and it felt as if you were in the first few rows of the stadium.  The unnerving moments had to be when a close shot was taken of the band, so you had a 60-foot tall Bono seemingly 5 inches away from your face.  Eighty minutes long and pretty good.  If you get out to see it, let me know what you think. 

P.S. Rattle and Hum is still just a little better.