You Might As Well Do It Alone

          To get my thoughts going I ate a few buffalo wing flavored chips, a snack pack pudding, and a few goldfish. I think I am ready. Media; something we all enjoy. We watch movies, listen to music, and read books. Another type of media is the one that tells stories about our favorite stars, we get the news, and there is media that covers up.
          I have never thought myself as an activist. I still don’t think I am an activist at all. But there are things in this world that really irritate me. Miss T wrote about the TV show Jersey Shore and dumb it is. Here is the thing that gets me about this; why are we polluting our minds with trash like that? I guess it can be fun to watch just so you can see how dumb people are. But let me tell you what I really find enjoyable to watch; Life, the show about different animals in the world. Or Planet Earth, now I don’t get all the way into things where I watch documentaries about animals on KBYU every night. But I think life is a lot more interesting when we know about what goes on around us.
          Recently I have been thinking about documentaries, mostly because the best comedies on TV right now are mock-umentaries. I have been considering watching many different documentaries; my only problem is where to start. I wracked my brain trying to think about any that I have heard of, when I thought of one I heard about while living in California. I did not know the name, all I knew is that it earned lots of awards, and it got you thinking. I didn’t even know where to start looking for it. So I kind of put it off to the side. Then a few months ago my friend Allysann told me about a movie she saw called The Cove, she was disturbed. It all sounded familiar; I looked it up and it was the one I was looking for.

          Here is the difference between me watching documentaries and Allysann watching them. I think about them, I research details if I need more questions answered, and I feel educated. Allysann is the activist type where if it the movie really gets to her she will promote it and do everything in her power to change what is wrong. Luckily she is not crazy enough to hurt anyone, she might march but only if it all follows the laws. One of the many reasons I love her.
          I ordered The Cove off amazon; I got it this week and finally had time to watch it today. It was a different kind of movie I had ever seen. Not only did it make me want to change, but it made me want to make sure everyone around me changes too. Hence the reason I am writing this post. As I sit here casually snacking on fish shaped cheddar crackers, there are hundreds of dolphins being slayed in Japan. I have thought about what I can do here in the United States, and I expect there is not much for me to do. Luckily there is the internet.

          I recommend everyone to watch The Cove so they can see for themselves how killing dolphins for their meat is not only toxic to us and the environment, but it is a massacre. These animals have been proven to show intelligence that could surpass ours. While we spend billions of dollars exploring life outside this planet, we could just study life here. I know we each can recall a story we have heard about a dolphin saving a person’s life. From what I have studied there are ancient civilizations that protected dolphins because of this. If a person was to harm a dolphin they were sentenced to death. What other animal on the planet could you rely on if in trouble? Let me rephrase that, what other WILD animal on the planet could you rely on if in trouble?
          I understand that animals are killed for food. I understand that animals are even killed to make sure they do not over-populate. But the way things are done in this movie shows that not all animals are to be killed for food, or even to thin out the population. These are killed because of an easy and cheap way to feed a nation.
          Everyone needs to see this documentary. Then they need to do their part; www.takepart.com/thecove

Dr.K

(Song: Can’t Take It, Artist: All American Rejects)

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

          Just before thanksgiving my dad needed me to get a prescription for him at this health food pharmacy. I was standing in line when the girl in front of me turns around and says, “Hey!” I just look at her… she looks familiar but I can’t place where I have seen her. Then she says, “You don’t remember me?” and I say awkwardly, “You look really familiar…” and she says, “I am Kelsi and Tasha’s aunt.” And then it hit me, I knew who she was, her name suddenly came to mind and I felt like a total idiot that I didn’t recognize her. We chatted for a few minutes before we each got our prescriptions and left. Later that night I told my mom I saw her and because she is so concerned about me getting married she said, “Why don’t you date her?” Uh, say what? My aunt Tiffany’s younger sister, Tasha and Kelsi’s aunt. That is not going to happen for the following reasons:

          The reason for dating is to find a significant other, someone you would want to spend Eternity with. She and I could date but then for Kelsi and Tasha I would be their cousin AND their Uncle. When we have kids not only would my kids and Tasha’s kids be second cousins, they would be first cousins too. This would make an interesting story I am sure.
          Although I won’t take the opportunity to date Kelsi and Tasha’s aunt because of the reasons stated, I think that guys who pass up the chance to get to know her are fools. She is attractive, intelligent, and active within her religion. She is an overall friendly person and has a well-rounded personality. I don’t know what sane guy would give up an opportunity to have a great woman like her. Unfortunately she has had a very poor relationship with an individual in the past; I do not know details, just a basic idea of what happened. She deserves a guy who will make her smile. It makes me really mad when I hear stories about men belittling women. Whether it is their spouse, co-worker, or just a random woman; I do not think women are treated anywhere near the way they should be (for the most part). Nothing bothers me more than when a man treats women like an object. The reason I picked the song What doesn’t Kill you (Stronger) by Kelly Clarkson is because I think it totally says a lot to a lot of people. “You tried to break me, but you see, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller… What doesn’t kill you makes you a fighter, footsteps even lighter.” Bad things happen because of the choices of others. But it is also the choices of others that can help stop the bad things.

          Sorry Tasha and Kelsi, I cannot be double related to you. As much fun as that would have been, it is just a little too different for me. Tiffany, sorry I couldn’t be your nephew and brother-in-law, it is just too different and sorry to Annika for being the main focus of this post and I am sorry for playing out the scenario of us getting married. I just wanted to let you know that I do know who you are, and that I would ask you out if it was not really strange for all the relatives (The only person it would not be strange for would be my mom, she would love having you as a daughter-in-law)… and it is probably weird for you too.

Dr.K

(Song: What doesn’t Kill You (Stronger); Artist: Kelly Clarkson)

You’re Only Gonna Let Me Down

          I have recently started a new position at my job. I was made a manger over the receiving dock in the department store. Luckily my employees do not have to worry about sales or customers. I work with some of the best people I have ever met. They are all very helpful and hard working. The only problem is that I cannot communicate with most of them. Four of them speak English, even then it is broken English for two of them. With the other two it is unique because one is a 50 year old Autistic guy and the other is older and he is kind of off because of a past head injury. Needless to say it is hard for me to express my appreciation when it is hard to communicate with them.
          Before I became the manager of the house-keepers and the handymen I was just a lowly sales associate. Something we had a little fun doing was bashing on the cleaning ladies. I am sorry to admit it but we did complain a lot about the dust. Still to this day I am a little bugged about how dusty it is; that is only something I have to fix myself. This is relevant to the point, I promise.
          Once I have become their manager I see how hard they work. I also see how poorly they have been treated by other managers in the past. The reaction from the majority of them when I was put in this position was kind of funny to me. They would say to me, “Finally a manager who will work” whether it was in their broken English or mumblings. Now I can see how the position I am filling has been neglected and treated as a royalty position in a way. The last manager would assign his people to work and then go chat it up with other managers and leave the hard work to his employees while he abandoned them for social gatherings. When going into this spot I knew I needed to be an equal with my employees (on a working level) I know I will have to show seniority over them eventually. I have had to do that a bit already.  But I think respect is needed for them because of all the work they have to do.
          Today we had a shipment of clothes and other things for the store, so we had to unload the freight. This is not an easy task, and we had to get it all done and put away today because tomorrow we have another tuck that will bring the same amount of stuff and possibly more. We got everything arranged and on the floor for the associates to put away. As I was on my way out the door for the day I was stopped by a lady, whom I really like, and she starts degrading my employees; calling them dumb, incompetent and lazy. She expected them to know exactly what merchandise she had in her area. “The Wool-Rich clothes don’t go over here!” and “I had to walk a lot of Juniors clothes to their area!” I was surprised to see her talking to me like this. The comment that really got to me was, “If I did my job as poorly as they do theirs I wouldn’t have a job.” She let me down at that point. I was really sad to see her talking about these awesome people so poorly. I tried to defend them, but she talked down each positive remark I said. My blood was boiling, I had to bite my tongue and just suffer through her complaining.
          On my drive home I thought about all of this; letting the entire day process through my mind. I realized I was one of those complainers only last week (I have only been in this position three days). The lady that talked with me let me down, but the thing that really got to me the most was I let myself down. I can see the both sides of the argument; the house-keepers have a lot they are expected to do. With two employees less than I am supposed to have, it is hard to accomplish everything. I have two older guys who do things their own way. I don’t care because the things I ask them to do get done. I have three Hispanic ladies; one of them has breast cancer and was in surgery two weeks ago. They all get the things done I ask them to do. All I can say is I am ashamed that I had not looked at their entire situation. I get it all now; I just wish they could all see it before they degrade the great people.

Dr.K

(Song: Let Me Down; Artist: Kelly Clarkson)

You Make Me Want to Listen to Music Again

          I have been writing an essay for school for the past 2 hours and I needed a break. What did I do with that break? I looked up my blog to see if anyone commented on what I posted yesterday and I got a friend of mine wanting me to talk about the things I like about me and others. The things I like about myself will probably come at a later post when I am in a conceded mood. But what I like about others is all in the post The Reason Why I Smile.            

        Music has always been a favorite thing of mine. It is my refuge when I have had a bad day. It tantalizes my senses when I am thinking about my crushes. It sets the mood for a good movie; I dance in my car and sing at the top of my lungs listening to the right songs, and my favorite thing to do is have it playing in the background as I study or work. People who know me personally know that I do love music. A lot of them come to me when they want a particular song because chances are, I will have it.
          One day as I was singing along with Kelly Clarkson in my car I had a great idea; I would pair up my favorite artists or songs! This is the list I have come up with:
          Kelly Clarkson and P!nk. They both have unique voices, but together they would accent each other. Kelly is singing about failed relationships and P!nk is just an angry singer. So together they would have a perfect song singing/yelling at an ex-boyfriend. Does that not sound like a good idea? Two other singers I would pair up for an awesome duet would be Adam Lambert and Lady GaGa. Their music styles are similar, but with the diversity of Lady GaGa and the modern 80’s style of voice Adam has would probably be an ambrosial sound. I would LOVE to hear them do a duet. I am not a big fan of country music but I think Faith Hill and Taylor Swift would make a good fun song together. Another duet I wanted to do was Josh Groban with someone, this was hard to think about for a little bit. But after a free download on iTunes and a new love for a rising artist I decided that Elizavita will be perfect for the part. Their voices will totally accent each other. A nearly perfect duet in my opinion.

          I have many songs that I like, and pairing them up with other songs that I like would not be a bad idea. Let me explain this a little bit because it is kind of confusing. When I say I would pair up the songs, I mean the two artists coming together to write a song with a combination of the two mentioned. It will be easier to get as I go along. First I would put the song Unwinding Cable Car by Anberlin and the song You’re Not Alone by Saosin together. Not in a remix form, but I would love to have the two bands get together and write a duet with the musical accents of the two songs into one glorious mouthwatering display of musical instruments. Second is Something in the Water by Brooke Fraser and Sunrise by Norah Jones. Each has a nice playful sound and together I think the two artists could make something quite amazing! Third is Smile by Avril Lavigne and Give Your Heart a Break by Demi Lovato. I can’t explain why these two songs would have a great brain child but I think it would be worth listening to. Another would be Animal by Ke$ha and Hummingbird Heartbeat by Katy Perry. Each has elements that put me in a trance and I think those two together would not only bring out a great song, but it might push the boundaries of what is possible to see on a musical stage. Putting Katy Perry and Ke$ha together on stage is worse than Britney Spears and Madonna. But don’t think about that, it is the song I am lusting after. Now, together Kristina Maria’s song Play and Simon Curtis’ song Flesh would be an amazing artwork. Now keep in mind both of these songs have a lot of risqué lyrics, but it is the beat that I am talking about. I don’t get how I find the dirty songs, but somehow I find them, like them and about a month later I realize what the song is talking about. By then I am hooked. But that song would be one I would sing to in my car.

           Ok I think I have taken the idea of “song children” a little too far, but I LOVE music and I had to vocalize this a bit. I had to talk about it though because I do this a lot; these were just a few favorites that I have come up with!

Dr.K

(Song: Music Again, Artist: Adam Lambert)

If You Strip Me, Strip It All Away

         I have an image problem. I know I have mentioned things before. Mostly hints of things that I don’t like about myself, but I am going to verbalize many of them. Let’s start with my personality; I like to think that I get along with almost all people. But I have a confession, I don’t. I have issues with a group of people that is found in every society. I cannot stand arrogant personalities. I know I am not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but most of the time I can pick out really conceited people. I have actually caught myself putting these people down to mortalize them in my mind. Whether I am tearing them down on how they walk, or their imperfections; I catch myself putting them down. I have a friend who is one of these people. No offenses to all the wrestlers out there but all of them have an attitude like this. My friend walks with a strut, he knows everything about everything and everyone is in love with him. The bad thing about this is you should never tell an arrogant person you like them, because their head will soon look like the queen of hearts. When I notice someone with a large head I subconsciously start tearing them down to their face. It will all be done in a joking manor but I am serious with what I say. The best part about all of this is that they stay around me; maybe it is a good thing to do to help people stay grounded. This is not a quality I like too much about myself but it does exist.

         Spirituality is something I feel like is a weird issue, but it is something that I think about. I tear apart spiritual experiences. I am probably going to be back-handed by the Good Man by doing this. Sometimes I feel bad about doing it but when it comes to the LDS church I have to dissect and process things because theory becomes doctrine too quickly in some meetings. Here is an example: I was sitting in church last week and there was a guy who was giving a talk, and the way he said the prayer got under my skin a little bit. He had dramatic pauses and he had what I like to call The Spiritual Voice. This is when the individual lowers his voice to a lower tune, and quiets his speech. He pauses often to add an effect of “holiness” to what he is talking about. He talked about personal experiences from his mission, and he was a little farcical about them. I am possibly a little too laid back, but I have an issue with people who like to dramatize spiritual experiences to make them look special in some way. I have never had a huge awakening moment to know that God is real; it is by small and simple testimony builders that have solidified my belief in God. So when I sit in church and listen to an over-dramatic story telling of a spiritual experience I vomit a little bit in my mouth. I am not saying this to talk down a spiritual experience, but I feel like the people who express intimate spiritual experiences in this way are diminishing the importance of the experience. Or I dare say they are almost making a mockery of it all.

          Now to the most annoying things I think about myself. They are my physical features. I am really tall so I have bad blood circulation in my body, my hands and feet are always cold. That is one of the many reasons I prefer a warmer climate. When the circulation actually gets moving properly through my hands or feet I feel weird; my hands or feet will feel swollen and tight. Another thing I hate about myself is my round face, no explanation there because it is not a desired trait. Along with my round face I have an oddly shaped nose and a sharp chin with a flat head. I am thin and gangly, my eyes are not as green as I would like them and I cannot gain weight to save my life; I wish I could follow Kellan Lutz around for a week or a month and see what that guy eats in a day. Then I would imitate it and become an Abercrombie model. That would be totally awesome.

                That’s me in a nut-shell.  

 Dr.K

(Song: Strip Me, Artist: Natasha Bedingfield)

There’s Nothing Wrong with Loving Who You Are

                I had to laugh to myself when I found out there is a day totally set aside for gay’s to “come out.” But alas, today (October 11^th) is that day. When I realized this it got me thinking. I am not going to make this a very long post because I have talked about this before. I just have been really bothered with people lately; the crude things they say about each other. Racism has gotten a lot better, but people are still really racist, sometimes we even say things jokingly. Sadly I am guilty of this so I can’t say I am perfect. What is wrong with us? How does making fun of someone’s skin color make us cool? Or how does talking down to women make men superior? Or how does making fun of someone’s sexual preferences make your own problems better? Who says white is the better race? Or men are better than women?                  I think the core of our problem is in each group. I like the line in Mean Girls when Tina Fey says, “You all have got to stop calling yourselves whores and b***hes, because it only makes it ok for guys to call you whores and b***hes.” It is so true!

                We are advised to be who we are, or to be ourselves. If I see anyone being the butt end of a joke I feel like I need to stand up for the under-dog. I guess my personality of this comes from elementary school; I was teased and made fun of because I did not play any sports. I would hang out with the girls, and I still would rather hang out with girls. But I want everyone to know, I would not be the person I am today without those friends. The teasing was irritating at the time, and it still is when I think about it now. But I was just being me. There is nothing wrong with me. I was just not following the crowd by playing sports or doing idiotic things with other idiotic boys. I was not following tradition.

                After recently starting Twitter I have started following a certain musical star that is vocal about bullying. I did not know how vocal he was until now. I did not realize how bullying is still a large part of our society. But he said something today that I agree with. He said, “Parents are setting examples of discrimination and inequality. Starts with the grown-ups.” I guess that is where I learned to treat others the way you would like to be treated. We need to remember this:

 Someone is watching and that’s a fact,

Someone will copy the way you act.

So make this your motto and put it to use,

Be someone’s example and not their excuse.

Kids are watching everything we do. They imitate the things we do, in word and action. If someone uses this day to “come out” in anything, not just in the way gay’s mean it. We need to act, not react. Whatever it may be, treat each person as the individual they are. A child of God.

 Dr.K

(Song: Born This Way; Artist: Lady GaGa)

Eyes Wide Shut

            I have been thinking about a few different things to write about. Most of my current ideas are pretty raw right now so I think I will go back onto an idea that I see every day. There are many examples of this idea or concept. Have you ever been put onto a situation where something bad has happened, you are a witness but you did not say anything? Let me give an example:               One day I was working when a lady told me to keep an eye on someone she was helping because he may have stolen something. Because work was so boring this was exciting, let’s catch someone doing something they shouldn’t. To make a long story short, they guy did steal a pair of shorts. The store security ended up catching the guy so I had to write a statement, so did the lady who first noticed the guy. When I told her she needed to write a statement she complained and said, “Next time I am not telling anyone anything.” So just because it was a hassle to write a statement she is going to let the next person steal. Now, I doubt she will actually do that but it is the concept that is important.

               I have heard people complaining too many times about how the world is getting worse. Well here is the reason why. Because no one wants to be a tattle-tale, but the damage you are doing when you do not turn someone in for something they have done wrong is worse than telling on them.
              Let us look at the issue that planted the seed for this idea. There is a man in power, governmental power, who runs his county any way he wants. He is doing so many bad things to innocent people. Now when I say “bad” I mean firing people from their job or getting their educational certificates taken away just because they don’t agree with the way he runs things. When the issues are brought up to government officials over him, they just look the other way. They are allowing wrong things to happen. It is just a frustration to me when people do not stop wrong things before they get too far.

Dr.K

(Song: Sleepwalker, Artist: Adam Lambert)

I posted this last night, but something happened today that really emphasizes my point. I will again make a long story short; my mother and I (my Mom works in Hell, I mean, the store with me) and she sits in the camera room and catches people stealing. Well today she caught someone, but because there was no security officer in the store she had to call a manager. Do you think this idiot did anything? I personally watched this kid tear tags off a shirt, roll it up, and stuff it in his jacket. I mean, he could not have been more obvious what he was doing. Nothing happened. I want to say, Jared you are an idiot. Not only did you allow merchandise from your store to leave without being paid for, you are allowing this kid to get away with what he is doing, so he thinks it is fine. Next time he is going to take it a little further, maybe he will break into a car, or someone’s house. It always starts as the little things. Then gets worse and worse, then people complain that there are so many bad things happening in our society. In my opinion, if you see it happening and don’t do anything about it you are an advocate. Thanks for listening to my ranting and raving.