A Brief Address On Baltimore And Social Media

When something bad happens in America, a bunch of people will rush to Facebook or Twitter to express their opinions, like this person;

Or this concerned parent:

Or they may write a heartfelt letter, like this gentleman:

Now, we know there are peaceful protests amidst the chaos.  It’s just not good business for the media to focus on it.  I’m not posting these screencaps to  lambaste the general public of my Facebook.  I’m posting to show that a person’s death, a death that people have every reason to question at the moment, has been reduced to ignorant dribble.

As for the posting of Gray’s rap sheet.  Sure, it’s clear that the guy dealt drugs along with other offenses.  But does that mean this man deserved to die because of it?  In this case, does a man deserve to die when he carries a switchblade on his pants?  There are scenarios in the past that deal with neglect to those detained.  Anybody remember that kid who was held in a holding cell for 5 days?  What made our country great was the idea of equal justice and guaranteed rights; rights that seem to be garnished with layers of red tape.

As for the violent rioters riding the coattails of unfortunate events for their own benefit, what made protestors like King or Gandhi great was their inherent knack for empathy.  To defeat your adversary you must love them.  By using an event like this to loot and steal demonstrates, to me, a lack of empathy.

And as for the people on the internet, quick with their fingers to type up a rant.  I think it was Nietzsche who said “There are no facts, only interpretations.”  Subjectivity can be a burden sometimes.

It’s unfortunate when the actions of a few are the actions that some people form their opinions around.  What’s going on in Baltimore is a sorry affair that, at this rate, will further fuel animosity towards minorities in America as well as police officers.  Two factions forever doomed to repeat history.

The Four People You Meet In A Group Text

Trigger Warning: Group texts imply a large group of friends. For that, I apologize in advance to anyone who is triggered by large groups of friends.

If you’re reading this right now, there is a very good chance you have started or been a part of a group text.  Group texts are great.  They can be used to organize plans, keeping up with family, or they could be used for general conversation if you like talking to a lot of people.  Sometimes, a group text reveals certain roles within your group of friends.  Here are the four people you meet in a group text.

Cole

This morning we stuffed my cat, Luca, in a mesh carrier for his first ever trip to the vet.  He loves cozy spaces but on his own terms.  I walked in cradling the carrier with my arms almost as if to hug him by association.  Dramatic, I’m sure.  Luca’s just getting his shots with a side of neutering but his fearful mewing, coupled with that of two antsy dogs out of their element was a grim reminder of my last visit to the vet.

Layout Changes

I decided to change the theme of this blog for readability purposes.  While I enjoyed the previous (Cols) theme, longer posts would divide into cumbersome columns.  Also, videos and widgets looked unappealing.  I’m hoping this theme will look better and feel easier to navigate than the previous one.

Jan’s First Metal Show

We arrived at Bart and Urby’s around nine o’clock.  What I didn’t know is there was a bar and patio that separates the casual bar goer from the actual venue, The Other Side.  The bar itself acts as a kind of decompression chamber, a way to get a buzz on to draw focus away from the inevitable Tinnitus.  Also, who could say no to $2 Yuenglings on tap?  The bar has a mahogany aesthetic with paintings of cats and rabbits done in a Picasso-esque style, divided into separate triangular portions.  Here, fans and band members alike stock up on alcohol and conversation.