Saturday, March 26, 2016

Why Some People Find It Hard To Tell What's Real

Good Day World!

I can't blame some people for being confused about what's real, and what's not these days.

For example, take so-called Reality Shows:

5 Fake Reality Shows Exposed

Reality TV's Worst Hoaxes and Lies

As Robert Ripley once said, "Believe it or Not." Some people actually believe that reality shows are... real. They're very dissapointed when they find out that their show is scripted. 

Then we have ex-reality star Donald Trump running for the president of the United States. Almost Twilight Zone stuff. It's too much to process for many Americans.

One day they're watching The Donald on The Apprentice, eagerly firing people looking for jobs, and the next they see him claiming to Make America Great Again (if you elect him president) by creating more jobs.

I sure don't mean to be rude - a Trump staple - but when people blindly follow him (ignoring scary facts) you can see why he says he loves un-educated voters.

Then there's belief vs reality.

It's important to remember that beliefs are not based upon reality, so they can be different, and this can be, and is, used to cause conflict.

Beliefs prevent people from seeing the truth.They look for an enemy to blame all their unhappiness on when things aren't going their way.

The sad truth is reality is not always that apparent to many people. For whatever reasons. Mental health leading the way of course, but the other factors I mentioned also play into denying reality.

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Friday, March 25, 2016

Future Shock: The Day Dictator Trump Turns On The World

Good Day World!

In a dystopian future we see what happens after Trump is elected president:

It started out quickly.

The first week:
Trump gives Congress several ultimatums after forming a special bodyguard unit (The Trumpateers who have pledged to be loyal to him, not America). He disolves the Secret Service. 

The first 100 days:
After bullying Congress into submission through various dark ways, the new laws came fast and hard. Trump manages to strip Americans of most of their constitutional rights before they even knew what was happening. 

Trump becomes a dictator after eliminating all resistence. 

Torture, during all interrogations becomes so commonplace it's instituted into law enforcement agencies across the land. Debtor's prisons spring up like deadly mushrooms.

The first year:
All Muslims are banned from entering the country under any circumstances. 
The same goes for Hindu's, Sikhs, Buddists, Mexicans, anyone from Central America, anyone from a country that doesn't recognize Trump's dictatorship, and anyone who even looks suspicious from any country.

The Second Year:

NATO declares the United States a "rogue state" after Trump violates every international law possible. Trump doubles the size of the US military goes after countries that have sanctioned him.

When Russia's Vladimir Putin says that Trump's SMALL HANDS are an extension of his small penis Trump comes unglued.

World War III.

It all starts here: 
Trump urges waterboarding and more after Brussels attacks


GOP Foreign Policy Experts Warn A Trump Presidency Would Endanger America

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Thursday, March 24, 2016

He Personified the 'Beat Generation': Happy 97th Birthday, Lawerence Ferlinghetti!


                                    Good Day World!

Join me, if you will, in celebrating American poet, painter, and Liberal activist, Lawernce Ferlinghetti's birthday (March 24, 1919) today. He's 97-years young.

Sixty-one years ago, Ferlinghetti was the principal publisher of an iconoclastic band of writers and poets known as the Beat Generation.

Today, he's still co-owner of City Lights, one of the most celebrated independent book stores in America. 

Next to Edgar Allan Poe, he is my favorite all-time poet. I still remember reading Christ Climbed Down with a sense of awe. His style is stunning and profane. I was hooked from then on.

Ferlinghetti was a featured presenter at the Gathering of the Tribes "Human Be-In" which drew tens of thousands of people and launched San Francisco's "Summer of Love."

Happy Birthday, Lawerence!

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Strange News and Trending Views Via a Junkyard Dog

Good Day World!

Like a dog, I like to dig. 

I even refer to myself as a junkyard dog looking for news and controversial views in the world's wastelands.

These are strange days my friend. None of us knows when they will end.

Judge Judy, and Judge Joe Brown, will have to share the judicial TV limelight with Sarah Palin if the pilot she's starring in gets picked up.

Imagine Palin as a judge. That's pretty strange having a political extremist star as a dispenser of justice. (Editor's note: A Political extremist refers to a person or group that holds a set of beliefs that diverge from society's norm to a great degree.)

I knew it! Check this out:

Mystical Experiences Open a 'Door of Perception' in the Brain

Now 3 views for your consideration:

American's View of the GOP


The Pew Research Center published a survey last November that showed less than 32% of Americans had a good opinion of the Republican Party.

American's Views on Immigrants

According to a Pew Research Center report, when it comes to how Americans view the impact on U.S. society and life, there's a big partisan gap - a gap once again reflected in the nation's politics, particularly in the Republican presidential campaign.

American's Views on Gun Control

Last December Gallup conducted a poll and reported that 26% of registered voters said they would only vote for a candidate who shared their views on gun control. The percentage was considerablly higher than when Gallup polled the subject in 1999, and 2000. 

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Clearing Up The Difference Between 'Love Fests' And Trump Rallies

Good Day World!

Republican presidential frontrunner, Donald Trump, recently told the press that there was no violence during his rallies.

(Photo-Trump version of a Love Fest - via Google Commons)

 He even doubled down on that stupid statement and called his rallies Love Fests!

The facts show a different reality for the ex-reality star. His version of a Love Fest;

Violence erupts at Donald Trump rally in Tuscon

Black Protestor Sucker Punched in Latest Violent incident at Trump event.

From White Power to Nazu Salutes: How Toxic Can Trump Rallies get? 

The Psychology Behind The Violence At Trump Rallies

Here's the difference between what you see above and real Love Fests:

One Love Festival 2016

Must Love Festivals

The Love Parade

Woodstock

That should clear up the difference between real Love Fests and Trump's rallies. 

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Monday, March 21, 2016

Do You Believe In Magic?

Good Day World!

Since prehistoric times men/women have believed in magic.

People still believe in it in the 21st century. People like Texas Congressman, Pete Sessions.
He doesn't believe in the science of Global Warming, but show him a good magic trick and he gets downright bubbly!

I'll bet you didn't know that the Society of American Magicians has been pushing Congress to recognize magic since the 1960's.

The society has found their boy in Sessions. He introduced a House resolution last week that would officially recognize magic as a "rare and valuable art form and national treasure."

No. Really. He's tried to pull this rabbit out of the hat in the past with no luck. 

Here's the resolution he introduced;
"Whereas magic is an art form with the unique power and potential to impact the lives of all people; Whereas magic enables people to experience the impossible; Whereas magic is used to inspire and bring wonder and happiness to others; Whereas magic has had a significant impact on other art forms."

Rebuilding America's crumbling infrastructure, for example, would be more along the lines of what we should expect from Congress.

Of all the thing Congress needs to be doing, celebrating magic doesn't strike me as a top priority. 

That is, unless some kind of magic can make both parties compromise and actually pass bipartisan bills. In that case sign me up as a believer!

Do you believe in magic? 

Time for me to walk on down the road...

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Overheard: Two Englishman Talk About Trump and American Politics

Good Day World!

Two middle aged Englishmen having a spot of tea were recently overheard talking about American politics: 

“I say Thomas, did you watch the tellie this morning?”

“Aye. Good theatre Edward. It was more entertaining than the last Royal Wedding was, I‘d say.”

 “Indeed. That rich real estate chap, Donald Trump, is fragmenting the Republican Party!”

“Simply smashing! Those Americans are getting crazier every day. Trump’s rallies have been turning into riots and anti-Trump protesters are getting beat up.”

“Someone should make the chap show a bit of civility eh what?”

“Did you know that Mr. Trump had his own reality show on the tellie Edward?”

“Perfect platform for a political office in America I‘d say.”

“I’m not sure the Republican Party can survive such a scandalous nominee.” 

“He could always start his own political party. The chap is filthy rich.”

“Quite so. He could call it the “Pompous and Wealthy Party,” or the PAW Party!”

“Vote for Trump, leader of the PAW Party which digs up dirt about minorities!”

“Oh good one! You almost made me spill my tea!” 

“It’s times like this Thomas, when I’m glad to be an Englishman.”

“Don’t get too puffed up now mate, you know what they say about mad dogs and crazy Englishmen.”

“Well, a new thought is in order then. How about bat shit crazy extreme Americans are in love with Mr. Trump?”

“Jolly well said! I’m really looking forward to the presidential debates in November. They’re sure to be more entertaining than a play on Shaftesbury Avenue, or the Haymarket.”

“What’s your favorite part of the process?”

“That’s easy enough. The mud slinging. This election is shaping up to be a classic for spreading lies like seeds in manure and hoping votes will grow from them. I‘m also following the racial angle, as Mr. Trump has supporters like the KKK actively campaigning for him.”

“Did you notice, American Civil War buff that you are, that most of the states that Mr. Trump has been winning in the primaries are southern?

“I did, and I’m not surprised. I have a cousin who lives in Alabama and he says there’s a Neo-Confederacy Movement there and it’s no secret.” 

“Nasty stuff that. It still divides those stupid Americans. When are they going to quit fighting that bloody war?”

“No telling who will be the Republican nominee if they have a contested convention."

“I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’ll be Mr. Trump.”  

“Another cup of tea?”

“Why thank you!”

Stay tuned for a future column when Thomas and Edward discuss American cuisine from the Gulf coast six years after the BP oil spill in 2011. Cheerio! 

Time for me to walk on down the road...

It's Time to Pay Up Donnie!

It's looks like there will be some prime real estate going on the market soon in New York City. Convicted rapist and former president ...