As you’ve probably heard from friends’ Facebook statuses and the constant media coverage, Michael Jackson has passed away. His death nearly killed the internet too.
Michael’s impact is undeniable. His musical career is one that is unparalleled - thirteen #1 US hits as a solo artist, the biggest sell album in the world with Thriller, and selling a total of 750 million albums worldwide (and counting). With the moonwalk, the white glove and unforgettable videos, Michael has created iconic dance moves and set the standard for all music video. Musicians have sung their praise for Michael’s brilliance and credit his groundbreaking music career as inspiring theirs.
That said, Michael’s private life was controversial. There were questions about alterations to his image - from plastic surgeries to his change skin color. He was accused of child molestation in 1993 and then again in 2005, in which Michael was tried and acquitted. There was also the baby dangling incident. And, since the late-1990’s, Michael was reportedly broke and living off the charity of his rich friends. Now as questions arise about how he died, there are claims that he was addicted to drugs.
While no one can deny Michael’s legacy in the music world is unparalleled, his life seemed complicated.
When we remember those that pass away, how should we remember them? Only the good? Or do certain bad actions discount the positive aspect of one’s life?
Thanks to Hulu.com I have found a new show to watch – Kings. I’ve only seen the first episode of the NBC drama so far, but its strong storytelling makes it a compelling watch.
Set in a fictional world, Kings follows the inner turmoil of the absolute monarchy in the country of Gilboa. The first episode starts with the country at war. Modest farm-boy turned soldier David Shepherd emerges as a national hero after rescuing captured soldiers, including Prince Jack Benjamin, from enemy lines.
As David is celebrated as Gilboa’s golden boy by both the country and King Silas, Jack is jealous and feels resentment towards his father. The playboy prince confronts Silas, wanting to know why his father does not give him the respect he deserves as a soldier and as his son. Startling revelations are revealed in their heated conversation. Watch:
This scene immediately made me think about the national debate on the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, in which gay military personnel are discharged if their sexual orientation is revealed.
Originally enacted during the 1990’s, President Clinton hoped to find a compromised solution that would allow the LGBT community to serve in the military. Before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the military did not allow any gay people to join the military. Once enacted, the law allows gay people to serve if they hide their orientation. If not, they’re kicked out.
Proponents of the policy argue that openly accepting gay military members hurts military morale and cohesion. Some argue that many recruits have conservative beliefs and would not feel comfortable being around openly gay people. They argue that this tension would hinder military performance. So just like Silas, they essentially argue that LGBT servicemen should “wrestle it to the ground.”
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is criticized by opponents as a policy that is degrading, unfair and hurts military power. They argue the notion that heterosexuals can’t serve with openly homosexual soldiers insults the professionalism of our straight men and women in uniform. Other countries allow for LGBT people to serve openly without a decrease in cohesiveness or morale. Moreover, opponents say that the policy is degrading as it forces gay people to hide who they are. And, finally, they argue that discharging needed military men and women, especially in time of war, is dangerous. Arabic translators are in high demand in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars; however, more than 50 Arabic translators have been discharged because of “Don’t Tell, Don’t Ask” since the policy’s inception.
A number of people have called for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” including President Clinton’s wife (Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) and a number of military higher-ups. President Obama has also stated he would like to see the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” His actions on this issue, however, have been… well… minimal at best. And congressional leaders, at least in the Senate, seem hesitant to put this issue up to a vote.
As politicians struggle with the future of this policy, what do you think? Should we take a King Silas approach and ask our gay men and women to hide who they are? Or would that mentality underestimate the professionalism of our straight servicemen and be an insult to the LGBT community? And what do you think is the best strategic military option?
I am without a TV this summer. Torture. Thank goodness for Hulu.com. It has gotten me through the summer with episodes of Doogie Howser, M.D. And, now I can write a post (plus it happens to coincide with Neil Patrick Harris’ 36th birthday).
Anyway, in the episode "Educating Janine," Janine has decided to drop out of college and instead work at a clothing store in the mall. She has not told her parents yet… Watch the drama unfold on:
Janine is not alone. About a quarter of Americans over the age of 25 actually have a college degree. That means 75% of Americans do not.
Now Janine couldn’t name very many of those non-college graduates. If she were more educated on the issue, she would be able to name some Americans who became rich and successful without earning a college degree. These standouts include: Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, Michael Dell of Dell computers and Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson. They didn’t need a college degree, so why should she?
However, her parents could point to the cold-hard statistics. College graduates on average earn almost twice as much as high school graduates over a lifetime. That’ about a $1,000,000.00 more.
What do you think? Should everyone go to college? Or are there legitimate reasons why people should not go or drop out?
And do you really need a college degree to do well in the business world? Is it just a credential? Or do college students develop skills they otherwise would not gain in the real world or at a trade school?
Alright, I didn’t randomly find this internet video. The host, Andres “Andy” Schabelman, was a roommate of mine in the past and practically forced me to watch it. And, if Andres comes off as a tool, well, that’s because he is. Haha… I kid.
Anyway, in one of the segments, Andres goes into an underground, after-hours bar (a.k.a. a speakeasy). Apparently, anything goes at this speakeasy. Smoking laws be damned. The club allows its patrons to smoke cigarettes and… other things… despite state laws that ban such activity inside a building.
This raises the question: Should bars and clubs be forced to prohibit smoking inside their venue?
Anti-smoking groups argue that the negative health effects inflicted on non-smokers via second-hand and third-hand smoke justify the ban. Plus, cigarette smoke makes you and your clothes stinky…
Smokers and the tobacco industry claim that the health effects of cigarette smoke are exaggerated. Plus, they claim that smokers have a “right to smoke” and that a ban hinders their ability to exercise said right.
So what do you think? Are smoking bans in bars and clubs a good thing? Or is it too restrictive? Sound off.
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