So, what pivoted Channel Awesome to where it is today? In other words, how could the website go from awesome to wretched? Well, I think there was a change every year after the anniversary specials that increasingly would show flaws and concerns about how its business and relationship with content producers was fraying. Incidentally, every anniversary special began to be more elaborate than the one before.
2009: The One-Year Anniversary Brawl. In this one, Doug Walker and James Rolfe end their feud once and for all at a Chicago conference center. This turns in to a free for all with Channel Awesome critics against Channel Awesome gamers. In the end, Ask That Guy presents to these people words denouncing senseless violence and ushers in the era of collaborations. And darn if it is not one of the funniest works Walker did. I and many others were completely surprised when this showed up without much warning one late May day.
Now perhaps the family atmosphere had not yet taken shape. After all, many of these web stars were meeting each other for the first time that weekend of filming. None the less, a rather good time was had by all. As I mentioned, this ended the Angry Video Game Nerd vs. Nostalgia Critic feud. And it did provide a transition to have people new to the website look at many of their contributors. Yet, changes started to come. Not drastically, or even with a tinge of sadness.
For one thing, there was one reviewer, Dan Rizzo (The Aussie Gamer) that many felt a pain in the rear end for numerous reasons valid and otherwise. Rizzo was let go, or left depending on how one views it. Also, a few of the brawl participants were mainly podcast people, such as Cat Thompson and Billy "Gonzo" Smith of Nerd to the Third. Their contentment was to do their writings and podcasts in the future. Also, there were many Channel Awesome people that could not make it to the filming; but were there in subsequent anniversaries. So overall, nothing problematic on a overall level.
2010: Kickassia. A more lengthy movie like structure in which Doug Walker and others make attempts to overthrow the micro republic of Molassia. It is located in Nevada, and is basically the living quarters of its President, Kevin Baugh and his family and his alter egos. Without surprise, Walker turns into Raul Julia as M. Bison in Street Fighter and effectively loses the republic.
This allowed quite a few Channel Awesome producers to show their alter egos, or some of them at least. For instance, Noah Antwiler's Dr. Insano, Linkara's Ensign Munroe, Lindsay Ellis' exaggerated Gov. Sarah Palin, etc. Also, the filmmaking improved and seemed more professional like. Yet, many changes came afoot that started to affect the relationship of several producers and the Channel Awesome leadership.
The most immediate impact was when Lee Davidge of Lee and Dena aka Still Gaming became three dimensional. I should explain. Lee would do his reviews and public appearances as if he were a still photograph able to move and speak. That was an important part of his trademark. It would change after Kickassia, of course. Interestingly, Lee would have to deal with health problems and later life changes. While his girlfriend Dena Natali has done numerous web series for Channel Awesome since then; Lee Davidge has postponed Still Gaming indefinitely.
Another change occurred with some producers not making it to Nevada for the shoot. In one case, Sean Fausz had health problems. In another, Kristina Diggs (That Chick With the Goggles) had her computer crashed; subsequently leading to a reevaluation of her web series work. And then, although she appeared in one scene beginning Kickassia; this would be the last Channel Awesome project Lindsey Briggs would get involved with. Soon afterwards, Briggs ended the Little Miss Gamer series and PBC Productions to focus on working in different entertainment fields with firms like The Jim Henson Company. For a fair deal of people that were early viewers of the site, this was a huge blow. There still has not been any program on the website that was quite like LMG.
Then came the first noted executive departure. That would be when Mike Ellis left Channel Awesome. It would also be the first departure to not be explained by anyone. I would think some rumblings came into form regarding financial matters within the company, and with whom was getting what in finances.
2011: Suburban Knights. In this movie, William DuFresne (Suede) returned after two years of missionary work. Plot wise, Doug Walker led many Channel Awesome producers doing cosplay work to search for a MacGuffin. In the process, they fight the Harry Dresden inspired Malacite (Orlando Belisle Jr.) and eventually save the world. In the process though, in plot and in filming, a mythos was created that would later be an albatross on the Walker Brothers.
You see, Doug and Rob looked at Kickassia as we look at Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Rather good, including its restored director's cut, yet with flaws. Not surprisingly, they looked at Suburban Knights like we look at Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan. A game changer in the universe and perhaps its best film. In this case, the Walkers effectively made their own Wrath of Khan.
In the movie, Ma-Ti destroys Malacite with the power of Heart (as in the Captain Planet ring). Ma-Ti was killed in the process, leading to a complete Wrath of Khan recreation. And yes, a hint at the end for Ma-Ti's return.
So in effect, Doug and Rob Walker painted themselves into a corner with Suburban Knights. By basically lifting from Star Trek II, the next anniversary would need to lift from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. Eventually, that is what would happen. Several events would alter the original plans.
First, a noted personality from the website, Jason Mulara (LordKat) left Channel Awesome around the time Suburban Knights was filming. Partly as a result of tiring from doing Until We Win, and yet also due to differences afoot with the Channel Awesome leadership (including the Walkers) in artistic and commercial expression, Mulara left not in the best of terms with the website. Afterwards, Benzaie would limit his involvement with Channel Awesome while doing other films and projects. His role in the next anniversary was filmed in France and was essentially a cameo role.
Another person to stop by that time was Game Heroes creator and producer Thomas Hanley. Handsome Tom as he is called went from having an effective lead role in the Brawl to a smaller role in Kickassia to an even smaller role in Suburban Knights. In that film, Hanley mostly only said "I'm Wiilow". He would appear for perhaps 10 seconds in the next anniversary film reading in his office.
And then a departure took place that I believed changed everything for Channel Awesome. Early in 2012, Bhargav Dronamaju left his leadership role at the website and with that ended his Coffee with Bhargav web series and his Ma-Ti character. To this day, No One from Channel Awesome past or present will mention why he left, or for that matter really anything to do with Dronamaju. I at the time found it to be of a most disturbing trend of departures that would create problems with trust and legacy within the company.
2012: To Boldly Flee. The result of these events led to an interesting film that in and of itself altered Channel Awesome considerably. In short, Doug Walker as the Nostalgia Critic gets messages from a manifestation of Ma-Ti (this time Rob Walker, who is also an expy of Palpatine from Star Wars) regarding matters of death, destiny and plot holes. I am still not certain what it all means. I do however know of the ending.
In the end, Nostalgia Critic enters a universe where he is a character created and effectively destroyed by Doug Walker writing an end for To Boldly Flee. Helped out by Mathew Buck, Bennet White (Bennet the Sage), Brian Heinz (The Last Angry Geek) and James Rolfe, Walker says goodbye to Ma-Ti, enhances the plot hole (whatever that might be), and in short dies in sacrificing the Nostalgia Critic.
Now, at the time, a great deal of us thought this was a way to obscure and lessen the blow of another departure. Sometime after filming To Boldly Flee, Noah Antwiler ended his association with Channel Awesome, while keeping his website The Spoony Experiment. Whether he was let go, wanted to leave, had personal problems that only leaving Channel Awesome and relocating to Chicago would solve, or had gotten deteriorating relationships with other producers is a matter to discuss for another time. Suffice to say, relations between Spoony and others in the TGWTG universe have improved. Noah recently was interviewed for Doug Walker's web discussion series, Shut Up and Talk.
In actuality, Doug Walker, Rob Walker and Mike Michaud had planned this for a quite some time. Doug had wanted to end Nostalgia Critic in order to devote more time to other Channel Awesome series filmed or planned. In particular, A series he planned on was Demo Reel; long in planning and now with the funds to do it.
\The results were not pleasing. You know that episode of Rocko's Modern Life when Ralph Bighead becomes the successful producer of Wacky Deli and does whatever possible to end the show? That in a way was what I and others felt with the Nostalgia Critic ending and Demo Reel beginning. Demo Reel was not that bad; it could have used some improvement. Yet, actions that the Walker Brothers, Mike Michaud, and other leaders at Channel Awesome would take these last three years would prove an irreparable damage would occur.
I only thought this would go two posts. Yet, this may need to go for three. The post-To Boldly Flee and post Justin Carmical era of Channel Awesome has altered the website with unforeseen consequences. I will get to mention what I think has occurred during that time. Feel free to comment on what your thoughts are for Channel Awesome; or even what I write here.
Thank you again for letting me be able to post these opinions. There will surely be more to come. Remember to get a Google+ account in order to comment.
Talk to you again later,
Robert
PS. Junior Seau (1969-2012), Jerome Bettis, Will Shields, Charles Haley, Tim Brown, Ron Wolf, Bill Polian and Mick Tingelhoff are now Pro Football Hall of Famers. I was right on 5 of the 8 inductees. Kurt Warner should go in next year, along with Brett Favre.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Channel Awesome forgetting to be awesome (part 1)
As many of you know, I am rather new to this blogging and web/social media apparatus. None the less, I and many others have begun to use these tools to make our opinions known. Also, for a select few, money could be made off of these ventures. Indeed, I can remember a time when web media was just starting; and everything seemed new and exciting.
Some 9 nine years ago, I and perhaps many of you first encountered Youtube. Initially, it was a way for me to watch a higher quality print of the seminal BBC 2004 documentary series "The Power of Nightmares". Afterwards, it proved to be a fine resource for seeing as many Jim Henson/Muppets related works. Seeing these shows after a long time not being able to see them was in one word magical. It was around that time that I encountered one of the first important web series. That would be James Rolfe and his alter ego, The Angry Video Game Nerd. This was before Cinemassacre.com began hosting Rolfe's videos on their own.
With that in mind, it was seeing installments of AVGN that propelled me to look at another website of media reviewers. This occurred when Rolfe took on a dare to review "The Worst Movie of All Time". For James Rolfe, it was Ricky 1. Never heard of it? Good for you; it is amongst the worst of anything of any sort of any field. The review of this "movie" did prompt me to look at the guy daring James Rolfe. It was Doug Walker; the business was named Channel Awesome; and the website was That Guy With the Glasses.
Any person on the web that would come across Walker and his numerous characters (The Nostalgia Critic, Ask That Guy, Chester A. Bum, Lori Prince, Dominic, a fake Tommy Wiseau) would agree this was a actor, writer, editor and web personality that was doing things not seen before in original web content. Channel Awesome, centered in Chicago, Illinois, appeared to have a number of leaders that seemed intent on bringing an approach to original content that would give the internet as much an influence as other media.
Rob Walker: CFO, older brother of Doug, and a noted character actor in his own right. It is Rob that portrayed Santa Christ, for instance.
Holly Christine Brown: the web developer, team mother, and perhaps the most hands on leader. Holly likely expanded Channel Awesome to heights beyond expectations.
Mike Ellis: involved with branding and marketing approaches, particularly early on when the website was fledgling.
Bhargav Dronamaju: a leading producer, editor, and perhaps the most interesting Channel Awesome leader. His Ma-Ti became a story arc into and of itself.
Mike Michaud: CEO, headmaster, and the one person to come up with the idea while an employee in the waning days of Circuit City. Michaud still runs the website to this day.
What I think really made Channel Awesome shine in those days from 2008-2012 were the innumerable producers of original content that would become personalities in their own right. Some of the more remembered include:
Lindsay Ellis: a more sardonic and analytical reviewer with an interesting approach on media and an East Coast sensibility to matters. Also highly eclectic at whatever ideas she has chosen.
Mathew Buck: a younger impressionable movie goer nicknamed Film Brain with a unique approach to how movies are seen, both current and amongst the bad . Buck also has the best theme song, "Ready To Roll".
Benjamin Daniel (Benzaie): one of the more entertaining and offbeat reviewers. He has to be seen to be understood.
Allison Pregler (Obscurus Lupa): an enthusiast of horror, cheaply made action films, and some of the more oddest movies and television shows out there. Also a very forthright and honest person with a great fanbase.
Todd Nathanson (Todd In The Shadows): you never see his face in full. Yet, a piano-playing music enthusiast and sometimes movie reviewer that has possibly helped viewers better understand the current music industry climate.
Lewis Lovhaug (Linkara); a breakout reviewer, writer and actor that has garnered such a mythos and intricate story with Atop The Fourth Wall. There are times when the story is more interesting than the comic book being reviewed.
Brad Jones: a reviewer and filmmaker of interesting ideas and some odd ones as well. Also very knowledgeable in current trends in movies.
Noah Antwiler (Spoony): equally adept at reviewing games and movies, obscure and mainstream. Also encompassing an intricate storyline; and some of the most important video rants to have been posted.
Kaylyn Dicksion (MarzGurl): highly knowledgeable in Anime and Japanese related pop culture. And a reviewer willing to try new things.
Hope Chapman (JesuOtaku): the breakout of the Desu Des Brigade with an adept analytical mind when it comes to Anime, Manga, and movies. Pretty honest and forthright in her opinions.
Kyle Kallgren: the reviewer of artier films and culture with some interesting ways in presenting these reviews. Great repeat viewing value.
Lindsey Briggs (Little Miss Gamer): an early reviewer on the site that not only had a review of a game; but also did things very different and unique to what others were doing at the time. Some of the better moments in Briggs' videos were her answering e-mail at the end.
Mat Williams (Welshy): a thoughtful person with a keen interest in filmmaking. Also helped to create some of the most bizarre web series to date.
Julian Diaz (Sad Panda): the yin to Welshy's yang. To explain in a short post would not do him justice.
Phelan Porteous (Phelous): one of the more interesting reviewers of various different genres and ideas. And a unique personality to add for good measure.
Joe Vargas (Angry Joe): a very interesting gamer and movie reviewer that is either truly enthusiastic on something or outright hates something. Some of the best blue screen usage online too.
Justin Carmical (JewWario): the host of You Can Play This. Also the oldest of the producers and perhaps the nicest one.
There are of course others current and present that have been involved with Channel Awesome; those I will get to at a later time. I ended my list with Justin Carmical because of a rather sad fact. You see, for those not in the know, last year Carmical killed himself before turning 43 after battling with crippling depression. Suffice to say, JewWario's death, and prior to that his late 2012 departure from Channel Awesome, have changed the website and its impact or lack thereof immeasurably.
A lot has changed, and not for the better I should say. Now, just to let it be known: James Rolfe, Mike Mattei, Kyle Justin and the others at Cinemassacre.com have not been official producers of Channel Awesome; so this does not affect their endeavors. All the same, what in the heck happened that turned Channel Awesome from being hip and trendy; to now being one a bit out of the times and with a shoddy business record to boot.
To mention what I think happened in this one post might prove a lot to digest. I do think changes came afoot every time an anniversary special was completed. Thus, in order to explain what I think is Channel Awesome's downgrading value, and its shoddy business practices; I should give you all an idea of what transpired in these anniversaries. Each one of them more consequential in real life than the prior one. My next weblog entry will go through my ideas on the decline of Channel Awesome. As well, my opinions on what the future holds for web reviewing and we series will come into print.
Do bare with me as I attempt to figure out how to properly present these weblog posts. These may also turn to videos and/or audio podcasts. More on that will be forthcoming.
Thank you all again for the feedback and I hope to talk to you again shortly,
Robert
PS. This album, in response to Greece in the late 1960s and early 1970s, is relevant and strange today as it was then. In memory of Demis Roussos (1946-2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcAnMTHuNNk
Some 9 nine years ago, I and perhaps many of you first encountered Youtube. Initially, it was a way for me to watch a higher quality print of the seminal BBC 2004 documentary series "The Power of Nightmares". Afterwards, it proved to be a fine resource for seeing as many Jim Henson/Muppets related works. Seeing these shows after a long time not being able to see them was in one word magical. It was around that time that I encountered one of the first important web series. That would be James Rolfe and his alter ego, The Angry Video Game Nerd. This was before Cinemassacre.com began hosting Rolfe's videos on their own.
With that in mind, it was seeing installments of AVGN that propelled me to look at another website of media reviewers. This occurred when Rolfe took on a dare to review "The Worst Movie of All Time". For James Rolfe, it was Ricky 1. Never heard of it? Good for you; it is amongst the worst of anything of any sort of any field. The review of this "movie" did prompt me to look at the guy daring James Rolfe. It was Doug Walker; the business was named Channel Awesome; and the website was That Guy With the Glasses.
Any person on the web that would come across Walker and his numerous characters (The Nostalgia Critic, Ask That Guy, Chester A. Bum, Lori Prince, Dominic, a fake Tommy Wiseau) would agree this was a actor, writer, editor and web personality that was doing things not seen before in original web content. Channel Awesome, centered in Chicago, Illinois, appeared to have a number of leaders that seemed intent on bringing an approach to original content that would give the internet as much an influence as other media.
Rob Walker: CFO, older brother of Doug, and a noted character actor in his own right. It is Rob that portrayed Santa Christ, for instance.
Holly Christine Brown: the web developer, team mother, and perhaps the most hands on leader. Holly likely expanded Channel Awesome to heights beyond expectations.
Mike Ellis: involved with branding and marketing approaches, particularly early on when the website was fledgling.
Bhargav Dronamaju: a leading producer, editor, and perhaps the most interesting Channel Awesome leader. His Ma-Ti became a story arc into and of itself.
Mike Michaud: CEO, headmaster, and the one person to come up with the idea while an employee in the waning days of Circuit City. Michaud still runs the website to this day.
What I think really made Channel Awesome shine in those days from 2008-2012 were the innumerable producers of original content that would become personalities in their own right. Some of the more remembered include:
Lindsay Ellis: a more sardonic and analytical reviewer with an interesting approach on media and an East Coast sensibility to matters. Also highly eclectic at whatever ideas she has chosen.
Mathew Buck: a younger impressionable movie goer nicknamed Film Brain with a unique approach to how movies are seen, both current and amongst the bad . Buck also has the best theme song, "Ready To Roll".
Benjamin Daniel (Benzaie): one of the more entertaining and offbeat reviewers. He has to be seen to be understood.
Allison Pregler (Obscurus Lupa): an enthusiast of horror, cheaply made action films, and some of the more oddest movies and television shows out there. Also a very forthright and honest person with a great fanbase.
Todd Nathanson (Todd In The Shadows): you never see his face in full. Yet, a piano-playing music enthusiast and sometimes movie reviewer that has possibly helped viewers better understand the current music industry climate.
Lewis Lovhaug (Linkara); a breakout reviewer, writer and actor that has garnered such a mythos and intricate story with Atop The Fourth Wall. There are times when the story is more interesting than the comic book being reviewed.
Brad Jones: a reviewer and filmmaker of interesting ideas and some odd ones as well. Also very knowledgeable in current trends in movies.
Noah Antwiler (Spoony): equally adept at reviewing games and movies, obscure and mainstream. Also encompassing an intricate storyline; and some of the most important video rants to have been posted.
Kaylyn Dicksion (MarzGurl): highly knowledgeable in Anime and Japanese related pop culture. And a reviewer willing to try new things.
Hope Chapman (JesuOtaku): the breakout of the Desu Des Brigade with an adept analytical mind when it comes to Anime, Manga, and movies. Pretty honest and forthright in her opinions.
Kyle Kallgren: the reviewer of artier films and culture with some interesting ways in presenting these reviews. Great repeat viewing value.
Lindsey Briggs (Little Miss Gamer): an early reviewer on the site that not only had a review of a game; but also did things very different and unique to what others were doing at the time. Some of the better moments in Briggs' videos were her answering e-mail at the end.
Mat Williams (Welshy): a thoughtful person with a keen interest in filmmaking. Also helped to create some of the most bizarre web series to date.
Julian Diaz (Sad Panda): the yin to Welshy's yang. To explain in a short post would not do him justice.
Phelan Porteous (Phelous): one of the more interesting reviewers of various different genres and ideas. And a unique personality to add for good measure.
Joe Vargas (Angry Joe): a very interesting gamer and movie reviewer that is either truly enthusiastic on something or outright hates something. Some of the best blue screen usage online too.
Justin Carmical (JewWario): the host of You Can Play This. Also the oldest of the producers and perhaps the nicest one.
There are of course others current and present that have been involved with Channel Awesome; those I will get to at a later time. I ended my list with Justin Carmical because of a rather sad fact. You see, for those not in the know, last year Carmical killed himself before turning 43 after battling with crippling depression. Suffice to say, JewWario's death, and prior to that his late 2012 departure from Channel Awesome, have changed the website and its impact or lack thereof immeasurably.
A lot has changed, and not for the better I should say. Now, just to let it be known: James Rolfe, Mike Mattei, Kyle Justin and the others at Cinemassacre.com have not been official producers of Channel Awesome; so this does not affect their endeavors. All the same, what in the heck happened that turned Channel Awesome from being hip and trendy; to now being one a bit out of the times and with a shoddy business record to boot.
To mention what I think happened in this one post might prove a lot to digest. I do think changes came afoot every time an anniversary special was completed. Thus, in order to explain what I think is Channel Awesome's downgrading value, and its shoddy business practices; I should give you all an idea of what transpired in these anniversaries. Each one of them more consequential in real life than the prior one. My next weblog entry will go through my ideas on the decline of Channel Awesome. As well, my opinions on what the future holds for web reviewing and we series will come into print.
Do bare with me as I attempt to figure out how to properly present these weblog posts. These may also turn to videos and/or audio podcasts. More on that will be forthcoming.
Thank you all again for the feedback and I hope to talk to you again shortly,
Robert
PS. This album, in response to Greece in the late 1960s and early 1970s, is relevant and strange today as it was then. In memory of Demis Roussos (1946-2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcAnMTHuNNk
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
An Honest Assesment on American Sniper
Many that know me outside of this blog know that I have an interest in movies and the performing arts. Indeed, for the past 14 years, I have been seeing at least one newer movie at the nearest multiplexes. A lot of the time, the films I have seen have been quite good; a select few cases outside of restored prints of older films have been seeing amongst the best movies to have been made. There are some times where the movie is not that great.
Fortunately, what I went to see last Friday, the Clint Eastwood movie American Sniper, was well made. Clint Eastwood is a filmmaker and actor that I tend to follow whenever a newer movie of his has completed. Eastwood has not really made any clunkers; although his two previous films were not amongst the best in his portfolio. I never got into Trouble With The Curve; and I felt Jersey Boys was an awkward misstep. American Sniper, however, was a welcome return to form. I tend to agree with a remark Richard Roeper once made on Clint Eastwood's filmography: even if he never acted in a movie, Eastwood would be considered one of the best filmmakers of his era.
Currently, American Sniper has been the talk of the town in the entertainment industry. The last two weeks, it was no. 1 at the box office. This movie also has garnered seven Oscar nominations, including Best Editing (Joel Cox and Gary Roach), Best Actor (Bradley Cooper) and Best Picture of the Year (produced by Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Robert Lorenz and others). Knowing Eastwood's reputation for being one of the few Republicans in Hollywood, conservative organizations are lapping this movie up as a success of what they consider "real" filmmaking or such.
American Sniper is not without its problematic real life story, which I would say is one that I do not consider heroic. In short, Chris Kyle (1974-2013) was an individual that went into the military ostensibly to serve his country. In truth, Kyle also served in the Armed Forces to bring a better life for himself; the same went for his brother. For a period of about five years or so (2003-2008), Chris Kyle served four tours of duty in Iraq; killing a record number of Iraqi and Middle East soldiers and snipers. Honestly, such actions would be considered abhorrent outside of the military. I will say, though, as is shown in the movie: Kyle after his fourth tour of duty did begin to have reservations about staying in Iraq for months at a time. Indeed, he would suffer from PTSD shortly after coming home.
A bit afterwards, Chris Kyle would later get better by starting charitable organizations, helping out other veterans, becoming more involved in his family and writing his memoirs. A key visual aid to note is when you see Bradley Cooper towards the end sporting a goatee, and not a full beard. Chris Kyle was killed in 2013 while trying to help a war veteran with a severe case of PTSD.
Now, I do appreciate what Eastwood, Cooper, Cox, Lorenz, Sienna Miller who plays Kyle's wife, and others involved with the movie have done in not making this movie to be a revival of pro-war, prejudiced propaganda. I do not think it could be considered an anti-war movie; but at the same time, it shows the effects of long term military involvement. Only by coming home and living a life as normal as can be does a veteran find peace, I think. Granted, Kyle would still consider those the military fought against the "enemy". Yet that feeling was tempered significantly as the years went on.
Also to note is that American Sniper does not delve into the tall tales about Kyle that he mentioned in his memoir and in interviews; such tales that at best seem exaggerated. To put this movie in a more realistic approach, there are only two music pieces I heard. One is a customary Clint Eastwood composition, and the other is near the end which is an Ennio Morricone piece. So fortunately, none of the rah-rah fanfares are heard or even implied. As well, the scenes of killing and maiming do not, I think, make viewers want to root for the good guys and rally against the bad guys. The people in the audience I saw this with were rather shocked at some of the killings depicted; in particular, one killing of a young boy picking up a weapon.
So, while Chris Kyle's story is not one I or others would emulate, and this movie appears more to the liking of political conservatives; American Sniper is none the less a well made and good movie. For myself, it could have been made worse. It could have been one of those low budgeted 1980s movies where veterans still think they are fighting in Vietnam. It also could have been one of those fake movies mentioned in the Grand Theft Auto series come to life. And in the hands of a lesser filmmaker, this movie would be utter horse hockey. Clint Eastwood has not been one of the lesser sorts.
Getting to another matter, there are many that think the recent success of American Sniper will prompt it to garner many Oscars. I do not think that will be the case, especially for Best Picture. For one thing, it was not nominated for Best Director. Clint Eastwood has though won Best Director and Best Picture honors for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, so this is not a snub in my opinion. All the same, I can think of at least 12 movies I saw in 2014 that were better than American Sniper. Indeed, quite a few of these have garnered Oscar nods, and will potentially win Oscars.
Boyhood
Selma
Interstellar
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Whiplash
Inherent Vice
The Drop
A Most Wanted Man
Birdman
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Foxcatcher
Life Itself
I may even add a 13th in Under The Skin, which I think you can still find on Youtube without charge. For those to know; I think Boyhood will win Best Director (Richard Linklater) and Best Picture. In the days to come, I will give my ideas on who might be winning an Oscar, along with showing what my hypothetical ballot for winners would be. I will say that the potential for Bradley Cooper to snag an Oscar in this movie is indeed in the cards. I shall explain more in a later time.
Well, I must apologize for not posting anything yesterday. As of now, the snow has dissipated, though the wind is still around. Thankfully, no electricity was lost. Yet I was snowed in. My thoughts and concerns and indeed prayers go out to those severely affected by Winter Storm Juno.
I should have another post either tonight or tomorrow. Thank you all again for taking the time to read and comment on this weblog. I should have done this a while ago.
Good Night and Stay Safe,
Robert
PS. An Instagram and Twitter presence is forthcoming. We just have to be patient and do this a bit at a time.
Fortunately, what I went to see last Friday, the Clint Eastwood movie American Sniper, was well made. Clint Eastwood is a filmmaker and actor that I tend to follow whenever a newer movie of his has completed. Eastwood has not really made any clunkers; although his two previous films were not amongst the best in his portfolio. I never got into Trouble With The Curve; and I felt Jersey Boys was an awkward misstep. American Sniper, however, was a welcome return to form. I tend to agree with a remark Richard Roeper once made on Clint Eastwood's filmography: even if he never acted in a movie, Eastwood would be considered one of the best filmmakers of his era.
Currently, American Sniper has been the talk of the town in the entertainment industry. The last two weeks, it was no. 1 at the box office. This movie also has garnered seven Oscar nominations, including Best Editing (Joel Cox and Gary Roach), Best Actor (Bradley Cooper) and Best Picture of the Year (produced by Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Robert Lorenz and others). Knowing Eastwood's reputation for being one of the few Republicans in Hollywood, conservative organizations are lapping this movie up as a success of what they consider "real" filmmaking or such.
American Sniper is not without its problematic real life story, which I would say is one that I do not consider heroic. In short, Chris Kyle (1974-2013) was an individual that went into the military ostensibly to serve his country. In truth, Kyle also served in the Armed Forces to bring a better life for himself; the same went for his brother. For a period of about five years or so (2003-2008), Chris Kyle served four tours of duty in Iraq; killing a record number of Iraqi and Middle East soldiers and snipers. Honestly, such actions would be considered abhorrent outside of the military. I will say, though, as is shown in the movie: Kyle after his fourth tour of duty did begin to have reservations about staying in Iraq for months at a time. Indeed, he would suffer from PTSD shortly after coming home.
A bit afterwards, Chris Kyle would later get better by starting charitable organizations, helping out other veterans, becoming more involved in his family and writing his memoirs. A key visual aid to note is when you see Bradley Cooper towards the end sporting a goatee, and not a full beard. Chris Kyle was killed in 2013 while trying to help a war veteran with a severe case of PTSD.
Now, I do appreciate what Eastwood, Cooper, Cox, Lorenz, Sienna Miller who plays Kyle's wife, and others involved with the movie have done in not making this movie to be a revival of pro-war, prejudiced propaganda. I do not think it could be considered an anti-war movie; but at the same time, it shows the effects of long term military involvement. Only by coming home and living a life as normal as can be does a veteran find peace, I think. Granted, Kyle would still consider those the military fought against the "enemy". Yet that feeling was tempered significantly as the years went on.
Also to note is that American Sniper does not delve into the tall tales about Kyle that he mentioned in his memoir and in interviews; such tales that at best seem exaggerated. To put this movie in a more realistic approach, there are only two music pieces I heard. One is a customary Clint Eastwood composition, and the other is near the end which is an Ennio Morricone piece. So fortunately, none of the rah-rah fanfares are heard or even implied. As well, the scenes of killing and maiming do not, I think, make viewers want to root for the good guys and rally against the bad guys. The people in the audience I saw this with were rather shocked at some of the killings depicted; in particular, one killing of a young boy picking up a weapon.
So, while Chris Kyle's story is not one I or others would emulate, and this movie appears more to the liking of political conservatives; American Sniper is none the less a well made and good movie. For myself, it could have been made worse. It could have been one of those low budgeted 1980s movies where veterans still think they are fighting in Vietnam. It also could have been one of those fake movies mentioned in the Grand Theft Auto series come to life. And in the hands of a lesser filmmaker, this movie would be utter horse hockey. Clint Eastwood has not been one of the lesser sorts.
Getting to another matter, there are many that think the recent success of American Sniper will prompt it to garner many Oscars. I do not think that will be the case, especially for Best Picture. For one thing, it was not nominated for Best Director. Clint Eastwood has though won Best Director and Best Picture honors for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, so this is not a snub in my opinion. All the same, I can think of at least 12 movies I saw in 2014 that were better than American Sniper. Indeed, quite a few of these have garnered Oscar nods, and will potentially win Oscars.
Boyhood
Selma
Interstellar
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Whiplash
Inherent Vice
The Drop
A Most Wanted Man
Birdman
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Foxcatcher
Life Itself
I may even add a 13th in Under The Skin, which I think you can still find on Youtube without charge. For those to know; I think Boyhood will win Best Director (Richard Linklater) and Best Picture. In the days to come, I will give my ideas on who might be winning an Oscar, along with showing what my hypothetical ballot for winners would be. I will say that the potential for Bradley Cooper to snag an Oscar in this movie is indeed in the cards. I shall explain more in a later time.
Well, I must apologize for not posting anything yesterday. As of now, the snow has dissipated, though the wind is still around. Thankfully, no electricity was lost. Yet I was snowed in. My thoughts and concerns and indeed prayers go out to those severely affected by Winter Storm Juno.
I should have another post either tonight or tomorrow. Thank you all again for taking the time to read and comment on this weblog. I should have done this a while ago.
Good Night and Stay Safe,
Robert
PS. An Instagram and Twitter presence is forthcoming. We just have to be patient and do this a bit at a time.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
I heard this song before when it was a different name
2014 was, I am sad to say, Not a great year for the music industry. A lot of music reviewers, both online and in print, have gone to call 2014 the worst in a long while. Now why is that? Well, I am not a critic. I am not even a web reviewer like, say, James Rolfe. Here though are some trends that I am noticing in pop music today.
There truly is no pop song out there that speaks on issues outside of either dating, clubbing, or flaunting the singer's fame. Sadly, the protest song and the song with a message is considered not feasible to market for an impressionable audience. I can remember a time when a politically charged statement was not only encouraged to be a hit; it was rather innovative in mentioning important issues in a rather universal matter. Nearly 30 years ago, a band such as Genesis could have a hit song on righting the wrongs of the world with Land Of Confusion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pkVLqSaahk
Nowadays, it seems a band's biggest issue is needing to marry a girlfriend right this very minute. This is exemplified in a song which got real old, really fast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIh2xe4jnpk
There has also been a diversification of genres, and subgenres within genres. The only way I can find variety on a radio station is on college radio. I particularly like WFUV, affiliated with Fordham University. Now, commercial radio stations need to fit trends as if it was decided by a polling group. I am noticing this even more so when one subgenre overtakes a full genre which makes things worse for the genre in full. In one case, though I am not a fan of most recent country music; I really hate the bro-country trend. For those not aware, a bro-country song is basically mad libs using the following:
wild night
pickup truck
woman in tight jeans
drinking
referencing hip-hop/r&b
male bonding
That is Every damn country hit by a male singer in the last couple years. I lived through hair metal, boy bands, and the like. This tops them all in its vapid approach.
There is also the trend of novelty songs becoming viral and without substance. Just two years ago this month, a "song" by Baauer became a number one hit. I use the term song very loosely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk1_DbbzSdY
It is, pardon my language, complete shit. Since then, the novelty subgenre has gotten more obnoxious; albeit there have not been number one hits. None the less, it has become less music and more noise.
Perhaps for me the biggest issue is when I hear a song or see its music video or live performance, and then I realize I heard this song before. It was from a different artist, the chords were different, and yet it was much better. Several of the bigger 2014 hits are practically re-written tunes that pretty much shows the lack of genius on the part of songwriters.
I am sure you all have heard this number one hit by Taylor Swift since late August.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
After hearing this a couple times, I and other people noticed something. Shake It Off is no different than Hey Ya! Here is the Outkast hit from a decade ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWgvGjAhvIw
Indeed, one could mash up the two songs into one piece, mainly focusing on Outkast. Indeed, mash-ups have been made of this.
Now one of the more interesting artists to emerge last year was Sam Smith. I suppose you have heard Stay With Me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA
If you really listen to it, what with the chord progressions and structure; it sounds uncannily like the Tom Petty standard I Won't Back Down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvlTJrNJ5lA
At some point, you might expect a version of I Won't Back Down that sounds like Stay With Me, and the other way around.
One Republic have had a recent hit that many think are amongst their best. That would be Counting Stars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT_nvWreIhg
Suffice to say, each time I hear this song; I think back to when I was in High School, and being amongst a small group of classmates that were worried we would be reprimanded because we were mentioning The Bloodhound Gang. In particular, The Bad Touch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xat1GVnl8-k
Honestly, The Bad Touch is more memorable and will last longer in our memories. Those songs I named and linked have rather obvious similarities. There are of course others that many are not aware of. One of which is the recent Jessie J/Ariana Grande/Nicki Minaj collaboration Bang Bang.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDdjwpPM3Y
For many, this song seems unique enough. However, for myself; when I first heard Bang Bang, the song was not over before I said to myself if not to others "this is a rewritten and raunchier Serpentine Fire." I suppose a music enthusiast that has listened to a lot of Earth, Wind & Fire would have also encountered this linkage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoI1XPqXQ90
So what I am getting at is, originality has begun to be thrown out the window in the recording industry today. This does not even include the numerous dance pop/hip-hop songs that seem lift from original web songs. That would garner a larger list of examples. If any of you fellow readers have other examples and stories to tell, do feel free to comment below. You may need a Google+ account to post. Stay tuned for more thoughts coming to my mind in whatever field of interest I like to discuss. I end with some soothing electronic music from the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGByDwiiECw
In memory of Edgar Froese (1944-2015). Unique today as it was back then.
Talk more with you all soon,
Robert
PS. Embedding of videos will be forthcoming in future posts.
PPS. Could anyone explain to me the meaning of this Todd Rundgren video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZSJ5np4JuU
There truly is no pop song out there that speaks on issues outside of either dating, clubbing, or flaunting the singer's fame. Sadly, the protest song and the song with a message is considered not feasible to market for an impressionable audience. I can remember a time when a politically charged statement was not only encouraged to be a hit; it was rather innovative in mentioning important issues in a rather universal matter. Nearly 30 years ago, a band such as Genesis could have a hit song on righting the wrongs of the world with Land Of Confusion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pkVLqSaahk
Nowadays, it seems a band's biggest issue is needing to marry a girlfriend right this very minute. This is exemplified in a song which got real old, really fast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIh2xe4jnpk
There has also been a diversification of genres, and subgenres within genres. The only way I can find variety on a radio station is on college radio. I particularly like WFUV, affiliated with Fordham University. Now, commercial radio stations need to fit trends as if it was decided by a polling group. I am noticing this even more so when one subgenre overtakes a full genre which makes things worse for the genre in full. In one case, though I am not a fan of most recent country music; I really hate the bro-country trend. For those not aware, a bro-country song is basically mad libs using the following:
wild night
pickup truck
woman in tight jeans
drinking
referencing hip-hop/r&b
male bonding
That is Every damn country hit by a male singer in the last couple years. I lived through hair metal, boy bands, and the like. This tops them all in its vapid approach.
There is also the trend of novelty songs becoming viral and without substance. Just two years ago this month, a "song" by Baauer became a number one hit. I use the term song very loosely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk1_DbbzSdY
It is, pardon my language, complete shit. Since then, the novelty subgenre has gotten more obnoxious; albeit there have not been number one hits. None the less, it has become less music and more noise.
Perhaps for me the biggest issue is when I hear a song or see its music video or live performance, and then I realize I heard this song before. It was from a different artist, the chords were different, and yet it was much better. Several of the bigger 2014 hits are practically re-written tunes that pretty much shows the lack of genius on the part of songwriters.
I am sure you all have heard this number one hit by Taylor Swift since late August.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
After hearing this a couple times, I and other people noticed something. Shake It Off is no different than Hey Ya! Here is the Outkast hit from a decade ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWgvGjAhvIw
Indeed, one could mash up the two songs into one piece, mainly focusing on Outkast. Indeed, mash-ups have been made of this.
Now one of the more interesting artists to emerge last year was Sam Smith. I suppose you have heard Stay With Me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA
If you really listen to it, what with the chord progressions and structure; it sounds uncannily like the Tom Petty standard I Won't Back Down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvlTJrNJ5lA
At some point, you might expect a version of I Won't Back Down that sounds like Stay With Me, and the other way around.
One Republic have had a recent hit that many think are amongst their best. That would be Counting Stars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT_nvWreIhg
Suffice to say, each time I hear this song; I think back to when I was in High School, and being amongst a small group of classmates that were worried we would be reprimanded because we were mentioning The Bloodhound Gang. In particular, The Bad Touch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xat1GVnl8-k
Honestly, The Bad Touch is more memorable and will last longer in our memories. Those songs I named and linked have rather obvious similarities. There are of course others that many are not aware of. One of which is the recent Jessie J/Ariana Grande/Nicki Minaj collaboration Bang Bang.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDdjwpPM3Y
For many, this song seems unique enough. However, for myself; when I first heard Bang Bang, the song was not over before I said to myself if not to others "this is a rewritten and raunchier Serpentine Fire." I suppose a music enthusiast that has listened to a lot of Earth, Wind & Fire would have also encountered this linkage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoI1XPqXQ90
So what I am getting at is, originality has begun to be thrown out the window in the recording industry today. This does not even include the numerous dance pop/hip-hop songs that seem lift from original web songs. That would garner a larger list of examples. If any of you fellow readers have other examples and stories to tell, do feel free to comment below. You may need a Google+ account to post. Stay tuned for more thoughts coming to my mind in whatever field of interest I like to discuss. I end with some soothing electronic music from the 1970s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGByDwiiECw
In memory of Edgar Froese (1944-2015). Unique today as it was back then.
Talk more with you all soon,
Robert
PS. Embedding of videos will be forthcoming in future posts.
PPS. Could anyone explain to me the meaning of this Todd Rundgren video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZSJ5np4JuU
Saturday, January 24, 2015
The second part of my suggestions on ending bullying
Last post, I talked about how newer parents have brought an increase in tolerance, however obliquely, of child bullying. As I mentioned before, the concern for me is the school kids themselves. I, to be honest, have never been one to just consider children to be innocent of all doings.
This is especially true now given our overall access to social media. None the less, social media can and is used responsibly. Here is what I think could be done to alter these problems with these issues.
First and foremost, the schools need to begin educating students on how to properly use social networking at the schools and outside the schools. I remember when it was customary for public service assemblies and/or films to be shown to address social issues. This provided at least a temporary sense of community when all of us needed to be together for something to learn about our lives.
Secondly, there was once a time when schools were allowed to use a "Scared Straight" sort of event that showed students the consequences of bad actions. Although it is not akin to physical criminality yet; perhaps as part of potential settlements yet to come, students that were accused of bullying others need to be publically called out and be needed to answer for their actions. I of course would not want to take this idea too far; that is to say, have the bullies be bullied. Yet, I would think a public outing would suffice.
One other idea to be considered involves parents. Since the school districts only are responsible for the well being of children to a certain point; the parents and extended family need to be involved in looking after their children in what they will doing any matter related to fellow students and people their age. Of course, the level of degree to which these oversights on children will be needed depends on the child's behavior. I think the more likely the kid becomes a bully; the more intense the monitoring of the child needs to be.
It is difficult, admittedly, to have the answers be given that will please everyone. In truth, it would be much simpler if many of these school kids would behave correctly at all times. None the less, preventative measures must be taken in nearly all means to be certain bullying ends; and as well, to put an end to needing to settle accounts by means of law. Feel free to comment on these ideas. I will certainly respond.
Best wishes to all,
Robert
PS. I plan on blogging at least one post a day. What is on my mind, may well be on this page.
This is especially true now given our overall access to social media. None the less, social media can and is used responsibly. Here is what I think could be done to alter these problems with these issues.
First and foremost, the schools need to begin educating students on how to properly use social networking at the schools and outside the schools. I remember when it was customary for public service assemblies and/or films to be shown to address social issues. This provided at least a temporary sense of community when all of us needed to be together for something to learn about our lives.
Secondly, there was once a time when schools were allowed to use a "Scared Straight" sort of event that showed students the consequences of bad actions. Although it is not akin to physical criminality yet; perhaps as part of potential settlements yet to come, students that were accused of bullying others need to be publically called out and be needed to answer for their actions. I of course would not want to take this idea too far; that is to say, have the bullies be bullied. Yet, I would think a public outing would suffice.
One other idea to be considered involves parents. Since the school districts only are responsible for the well being of children to a certain point; the parents and extended family need to be involved in looking after their children in what they will doing any matter related to fellow students and people their age. Of course, the level of degree to which these oversights on children will be needed depends on the child's behavior. I think the more likely the kid becomes a bully; the more intense the monitoring of the child needs to be.
It is difficult, admittedly, to have the answers be given that will please everyone. In truth, it would be much simpler if many of these school kids would behave correctly at all times. None the less, preventative measures must be taken in nearly all means to be certain bullying ends; and as well, to put an end to needing to settle accounts by means of law. Feel free to comment on these ideas. I will certainly respond.
Best wishes to all,
Robert
PS. I plan on blogging at least one post a day. What is on my mind, may well be on this page.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Preventing the next bullying lawsuit (Part 1)
Hello to all who read this blog and hopefully comment.
Last night, I mentioned what I think needs to be done in order to stop this rather growing trend of online and school bullying that has been a far more saddening problem in the 14 years since I graduated high school. I know the title mainly refers to not having this go through another lawsuit. Yet I think this goes beyond the courts and schools. Eventually, we need to notice the differences of children and parents from a not too past era; and those of today.
First, let me mention that this is not to claim that a past era of schooling like my 12 years in the Farmingdale School District (1989-2001) were halcyon days. Clearly, they were not that rosy; and they were not "good old days". Yet, I have often mentioned an interesting fact. My High School Senior class was the last to graduate before 9/11/2001. Thus, we seemingly were the last to be a bit more free around the premises. On the flip side, I know Farmingdale did not increase its rate of successful graduates going off to prestigious universities (such as Hofstra for myself) until well recently.
None the less, a lot has changed. Initially I thought a lot of this was for security reasons. I cannot, for instance, go into any of the schools to meet up with former educators; lest I or someone else become a real life Wooderson. Little did we know there are issues to be addressed with the parents and students of today.
Many parents of grade school, middle school and high school students are from a post boomer generation. It stretches from the latter 1960s up through people my age. Now, most people are as individually different as can be. Yet, many (and I include myself) are expecting gratification and what we want, but not really need, now. With that in mind, we get upset should things not go our way. Sadly, with that sort of selfishness comes selfish behavior. And yes, this reflects on the younger impressionable minds of school students.
I'll give an example. A fellow 2001 graduate that I keep in touch with on Facebook related a story from the past Christmas holidays. Being a music teacher, he led about 600 school kids across Long Island for a NYSMMA concert. The children were okay; yet some of the parents were not on their best behavior. The night of the performance at Tillies Center, two parents got into a fist fight with each other! One other parent yelled at his/her child for almost fainting. Now again, I was not there. Yet, I am not surprised that some behave this way.
Now, one way to alter this behavior would be to have prospective parents of school children required before every school year to be taught behavioral issues and study obedience to others. And to further the idea, have these parents pass an exam on what they learned from these courses. This may seem a bit much; yet I would be willing to do it myself once the time comes. Perhaps some visual aids on what not to do would be a welcoming idea.
That of course is regarding parents. It is though the behavior of the younger children that concerns me more. I say this because while the parents are aware of the day to day activities of their children; it seems more and more as being a mere observer at times. This though requires me to write another post as this might be too long!
So, I will have more tomorrow for this conversation on ending the bullying epidemic. Consider these posts a trilogy of sorts. It has been a bit of a long night.
Talk to you later,
Robert.
PS. Any comments on how to spruce up the website and blog are more than welcome.
Last night, I mentioned what I think needs to be done in order to stop this rather growing trend of online and school bullying that has been a far more saddening problem in the 14 years since I graduated high school. I know the title mainly refers to not having this go through another lawsuit. Yet I think this goes beyond the courts and schools. Eventually, we need to notice the differences of children and parents from a not too past era; and those of today.
First, let me mention that this is not to claim that a past era of schooling like my 12 years in the Farmingdale School District (1989-2001) were halcyon days. Clearly, they were not that rosy; and they were not "good old days". Yet, I have often mentioned an interesting fact. My High School Senior class was the last to graduate before 9/11/2001. Thus, we seemingly were the last to be a bit more free around the premises. On the flip side, I know Farmingdale did not increase its rate of successful graduates going off to prestigious universities (such as Hofstra for myself) until well recently.
None the less, a lot has changed. Initially I thought a lot of this was for security reasons. I cannot, for instance, go into any of the schools to meet up with former educators; lest I or someone else become a real life Wooderson. Little did we know there are issues to be addressed with the parents and students of today.
Many parents of grade school, middle school and high school students are from a post boomer generation. It stretches from the latter 1960s up through people my age. Now, most people are as individually different as can be. Yet, many (and I include myself) are expecting gratification and what we want, but not really need, now. With that in mind, we get upset should things not go our way. Sadly, with that sort of selfishness comes selfish behavior. And yes, this reflects on the younger impressionable minds of school students.
I'll give an example. A fellow 2001 graduate that I keep in touch with on Facebook related a story from the past Christmas holidays. Being a music teacher, he led about 600 school kids across Long Island for a NYSMMA concert. The children were okay; yet some of the parents were not on their best behavior. The night of the performance at Tillies Center, two parents got into a fist fight with each other! One other parent yelled at his/her child for almost fainting. Now again, I was not there. Yet, I am not surprised that some behave this way.
Now, one way to alter this behavior would be to have prospective parents of school children required before every school year to be taught behavioral issues and study obedience to others. And to further the idea, have these parents pass an exam on what they learned from these courses. This may seem a bit much; yet I would be willing to do it myself once the time comes. Perhaps some visual aids on what not to do would be a welcoming idea.
That of course is regarding parents. It is though the behavior of the younger children that concerns me more. I say this because while the parents are aware of the day to day activities of their children; it seems more and more as being a mere observer at times. This though requires me to write another post as this might be too long!
So, I will have more tomorrow for this conversation on ending the bullying epidemic. Consider these posts a trilogy of sorts. It has been a bit of a long night.
Talk to you later,
Robert.
PS. Any comments on how to spruce up the website and blog are more than welcome.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Hello Everyone.
I am Robert Kelly. And welcome to another blog! Yes, any one can post a blog these days; but perhaps you will find something interesting. And just maybe, it will matter to many that read it.
I had wondered were I could start. Well yesterday, I found a story on WABC Channel 7 in New York that I felt rather attached to. You see, I am an alumni of the Farmingdale School District. When I graduated High School in 2001, a lot of issues were different for us Dalers. I can remember when the worst incident that occurred was a week before graduation when some seniors paint bombed then Principal Robert E. Lewis' office. It as cleaned the next day, as if it never happened!
Now, how times have changed. Last year, 4 students were killed in a drag race down on Conklin Street. Just yesterday, something I think more shocking has occurred.
A high school student had been mercilessly bullied for numerous reasons. It had gotten so bad that he even attempted to kill himself. Gratefully, he is alive today. Yet, this young man and his family are now suing the Farmingdale School District. Perhaps the video and report in the link below will explain more on this very troubling issue.
http://7online.com/education/bullied-teen-wins-settlement-against-farmingdale-school-district/485018/
My thoughts on this are rather sobering. Like Austin, I had been accustomed throughout grade school, middle school (Weldon E. Howitt) and high school with getting picked on and chewed up by numerous other pupils. They were mostly annoying people that at the time did not take their education seriously. Of course at the ten year reunion we had at Mulcahy's after Thanksgiving 2011, Everyone acted nicer and more mature.
It is completely different today. Perhaps it is due to a greater social media presence, and the ability to become more vicarious and short sighted has been enhanced greatly. The problem then also lies with a school system that might not be willing to address these issues until it is too late.
For Farmingdale Schools to have reached a settlement on these matters does, I think, admit culpability on their part. Bullying should not be tolerated, from this point forward. In later posts, I will mention what I think needs to happen to end this rather vicious cycle of bullying and its consequences. Fortunately, I am not a puritan by any means, so do not think it involves attacking the outside world of pop culture.
Also, I plan on discussing other topics, such as movies, politics, my life, and whatever else crosses my mind. Feel free to comment and add some suggestions. Also, I am thinking of doing some form of video or audio programs. Do any of you think it would be a good idea?
Talk to you soon,
Robert
PS. I should get better at linking and uploading files. More to come in the days ahead!
I am Robert Kelly. And welcome to another blog! Yes, any one can post a blog these days; but perhaps you will find something interesting. And just maybe, it will matter to many that read it.
I had wondered were I could start. Well yesterday, I found a story on WABC Channel 7 in New York that I felt rather attached to. You see, I am an alumni of the Farmingdale School District. When I graduated High School in 2001, a lot of issues were different for us Dalers. I can remember when the worst incident that occurred was a week before graduation when some seniors paint bombed then Principal Robert E. Lewis' office. It as cleaned the next day, as if it never happened!
Now, how times have changed. Last year, 4 students were killed in a drag race down on Conklin Street. Just yesterday, something I think more shocking has occurred.
A high school student had been mercilessly bullied for numerous reasons. It had gotten so bad that he even attempted to kill himself. Gratefully, he is alive today. Yet, this young man and his family are now suing the Farmingdale School District. Perhaps the video and report in the link below will explain more on this very troubling issue.
http://7online.com/education/bullied-teen-wins-settlement-against-farmingdale-school-district/485018/
My thoughts on this are rather sobering. Like Austin, I had been accustomed throughout grade school, middle school (Weldon E. Howitt) and high school with getting picked on and chewed up by numerous other pupils. They were mostly annoying people that at the time did not take their education seriously. Of course at the ten year reunion we had at Mulcahy's after Thanksgiving 2011, Everyone acted nicer and more mature.
It is completely different today. Perhaps it is due to a greater social media presence, and the ability to become more vicarious and short sighted has been enhanced greatly. The problem then also lies with a school system that might not be willing to address these issues until it is too late.
For Farmingdale Schools to have reached a settlement on these matters does, I think, admit culpability on their part. Bullying should not be tolerated, from this point forward. In later posts, I will mention what I think needs to happen to end this rather vicious cycle of bullying and its consequences. Fortunately, I am not a puritan by any means, so do not think it involves attacking the outside world of pop culture.
Also, I plan on discussing other topics, such as movies, politics, my life, and whatever else crosses my mind. Feel free to comment and add some suggestions. Also, I am thinking of doing some form of video or audio programs. Do any of you think it would be a good idea?
Talk to you soon,
Robert
PS. I should get better at linking and uploading files. More to come in the days ahead!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)