When you decide to live radically for Christ there will be people who will be upset, no doubt.
In the Book of Acts, Chapter 16, a story is told of a young girl possessed with an evil spirit. A spirit which evidently helped her to see the future (a psychic of sorts). Older men were taking advantage of this and using her to make themselves very wealthy by marketing her and her painful affliction for gain within the community. So the disciple Paul casts the demon out of her. The reaction of her (let's just call them "pimps" for the sake of the closest modern day comparison) pimps is ugly as you can see:
Act 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,
Act 16:20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
Act 16:21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
Act 16:22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them].
Act 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast [them] into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
So they beat the tar out of Paul and Silas for helping the poor girl and jail them. Every good deed won't go unpunished as they say. Have you ever encountered unfair treatment for your faith? I have. Many times. It is not unusual at all. You are swimming upstream in a world that wants to pound you into conformity with it's desires. Never lose heart in doing good. Remember Jesus's words:
Mar 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Picasso...
I'm pretty fond of most of Picasso's work. But I think what I love most are some of his quotes, which can be pretty amusing at times...
God is really only another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant, and the cat. He has no real style. He just keeps on trying other things.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.
My mother said to me, "If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope." Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.
Never permit a dichotomy to rule your life, a dichotomy in which you hate what you do so you can have pleasure in your spare time. Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time.
Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.
Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun.
Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility.
The people who make art their business are mostly imposters.
The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.
The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?
Bad artists copy. Good artists steal.
Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
God is really only another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant, and the cat. He has no real style. He just keeps on trying other things.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.
My mother said to me, "If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope." Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.
Never permit a dichotomy to rule your life, a dichotomy in which you hate what you do so you can have pleasure in your spare time. Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time.
Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.
Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun.
Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility.
The people who make art their business are mostly imposters.
The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.
The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?
Bad artists copy. Good artists steal.
Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
More Great Quotes...
I know these are not all Christian sources but there is great wisdom in these quotations nonetheless:
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
-- Abraham Lincoln
Every saint has a past and every sinner a future.
-- Oscar Wilde
Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882)
The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, poet (1807-1882)
The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.
-- Japanese proverb
I believe that the first test of a truly great man is his humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his own powers. But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.
-- John Ruskin, author, art critic, and social reformer (1819-1900)
It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.
-- Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)
The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.
-- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, philosopher (1844-1900)
We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.
-- Kahlil Gibran, mystic, poet, and artist (1883-1931)
The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
-- Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)
If you believe the doctors, nothing is wholesome; if you believe the theologians, nothing is innocent; if you believe the military, nothing is safe.
-- Lord Salisbury, British prime minister(1830-1903)
When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.
-- Leonardo da Vinci
There is no one, no matter how wise he is, who has not in his youth said things or done things that are so unpleasant to recall in later life that he would expunge them entirely from his memory if that were possible.
-- Marcel Proust, novelist (1871-1922)
The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves.
-- Plato, philosopher (427-347 BCE)
Talent is formed in solitude, character in the bustle of the world.
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.
-- Louis Nizer, lawyer (1902-1994)
It is always the secure who are humble.
-- G.K. Chesterton, essayist and novelist (1874-1936)
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
-- Aldous Huxley, novelist (1894-1963)
A person usually has two reasons for doing something: a good reason and the real reason.
-- Thomas Carlyle, historian and essayist (1795-1881)
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
-- George Santayana, philosopher (1863-1952)
Once upon a time a man whose ax was missing suspected his neighbor's son. The boy walked like a thief, looked like a thief, and spoke like a thief. But the man found his ax while digging in the valley, and the next time he saw his neighbor's son, the boy walked, looked and spoke like any other child.
-- Lao-tzu, philosopher (6th century BCE)
You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.
-- Anne Lamott, writer (1954- )
To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men.
-- Abraham Lincoln, 16th US president (1809-1865)
It does not require many words to speak the truth.
-- Chief Joseph, native American leader (1840-1904)
Lying is done with words and also with silence.
-- Adrienne Rich, writer and teacher (1929- )
I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.
-- Pietro Aretino, satirist and dramatist (1492-1556)
When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.
-- Abraham Joshua Heschel, theology professor (1907-1972)
Beauty, unaccompanied by virtue, is as a flower without perfume.
-- French proverb
A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect.
-- Chinese proverb
True religion is the life we lead, not the creed we profess.
-- Louis Nizer, lawyer (1902-1994)
Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.
-- Japanese proverb
Men of genius are often dull and inert in society, as a blazing meteor when it descends to earth, is only a stone.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be crazy. How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that's never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels? We make tools for these kinds of people. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
-- Carl Sagan, astronomer and author (1934-1996)
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
-- Abraham Lincoln
Every saint has a past and every sinner a future.
-- Oscar Wilde
Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher (1803-1882)
The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, poet (1807-1882)
The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.
-- Japanese proverb
I believe that the first test of a truly great man is his humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his own powers. But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.
-- John Ruskin, author, art critic, and social reformer (1819-1900)
It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.
-- Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)
The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.
-- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, philosopher (1844-1900)
We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.
-- Kahlil Gibran, mystic, poet, and artist (1883-1931)
The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
-- Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)
If you believe the doctors, nothing is wholesome; if you believe the theologians, nothing is innocent; if you believe the military, nothing is safe.
-- Lord Salisbury, British prime minister(1830-1903)
When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.
-- Leonardo da Vinci
There is no one, no matter how wise he is, who has not in his youth said things or done things that are so unpleasant to recall in later life that he would expunge them entirely from his memory if that were possible.
-- Marcel Proust, novelist (1871-1922)
The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves.
-- Plato, philosopher (427-347 BCE)
Talent is formed in solitude, character in the bustle of the world.
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.
-- Louis Nizer, lawyer (1902-1994)
It is always the secure who are humble.
-- G.K. Chesterton, essayist and novelist (1874-1936)
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
-- Aldous Huxley, novelist (1894-1963)
A person usually has two reasons for doing something: a good reason and the real reason.
-- Thomas Carlyle, historian and essayist (1795-1881)
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
-- George Santayana, philosopher (1863-1952)
Once upon a time a man whose ax was missing suspected his neighbor's son. The boy walked like a thief, looked like a thief, and spoke like a thief. But the man found his ax while digging in the valley, and the next time he saw his neighbor's son, the boy walked, looked and spoke like any other child.
-- Lao-tzu, philosopher (6th century BCE)
You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.
-- Anne Lamott, writer (1954- )
To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men.
-- Abraham Lincoln, 16th US president (1809-1865)
It does not require many words to speak the truth.
-- Chief Joseph, native American leader (1840-1904)
Lying is done with words and also with silence.
-- Adrienne Rich, writer and teacher (1929- )
I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.
-- Pietro Aretino, satirist and dramatist (1492-1556)
When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.
-- Abraham Joshua Heschel, theology professor (1907-1972)
Beauty, unaccompanied by virtue, is as a flower without perfume.
-- French proverb
A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect.
-- Chinese proverb
True religion is the life we lead, not the creed we profess.
-- Louis Nizer, lawyer (1902-1994)
Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.
-- Japanese proverb
Men of genius are often dull and inert in society, as a blazing meteor when it descends to earth, is only a stone.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be crazy. How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that's never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels? We make tools for these kinds of people. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
-- Carl Sagan, astronomer and author (1934-1996)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Crazy Gas Prices - Energy Plans for the Future
We all know that gas prices are insane. Our dependence on foreign oil is a nightmare that we need to work our way out of. To give you some food for thought here's a great website from a Texas Billionaire and former oil man with some ideas on how we can get the job done.
http://www.pickensplan.com
See what you think.
http://www.pickensplan.com
See what you think.
Attitude - My Favorite Quote
I think Chuck Swindoll had what is probably my favorite quote of all time.
Attitude
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes. - Chuck Swindoll
Attitude
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes. - Chuck Swindoll
How Clever...
One of my favorite quotes...and something just way too true...
"There's such a thin line between clever and stupid isn't there?" - Nigel Tufnel
"There's such a thin line between clever and stupid isn't there?" - Nigel Tufnel
Monday, July 14, 2008
Christian Tough Guys
I was looking through this Christian Music magazine that I get sent in the mail sometimes. A pretty cool magazine (I'll leave it nameless for the sake of this post). But anyways it's usually filled with these Christian metal bands. And I don't know why it just struck me as funny that you see all of these pictures of these guys trying to look so dang tough. It's like I was trying to imagine them having Jesus pose for the magazine cover and Him saying to them, "Hey guys, make sure I look like a badass!". Yeah right. Somehow I think he'd pass on that photoshoot...
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Responsibility of Our Giftings
I know that many of the fans of the music I write are also musicians themselves. And as such I think one of the most important things that we can do for each other is to encourage each other with our own unique visions. This is so essential. There is probably no more difficult path you could choose in life than to put in all the hard work essential to developing your artistic vision, which is largely done at your own expense of time and money, and then all the work of promoting it, paying your dues, etc. And even at the end of all of this there is no guarantee that anyone will appreciate or embrace your vision, regardless of how groundbreaking, unique, truthful, or powerful it may be. But that's a topic for another time...
My point here hinges around a comment that someone made to me today. As my new exterminator showed up at my house to help me wage war against the pests in my neighborhood, his first comment when he walked in the door upon noticing the paintings on the walls and an easel in my foyer, was "Are these your paintings? I wish I had a talent like that. The only talent I have is to kill bugs." It's a comment that I get often from visitors (not the killing bugs part), but my point here is not to point out my painting ability. Artists out there please pay attention. Here is a man showing up to do a job, completely unrelated to any artistic works that he may encounter. But he notices them. Why does he notice them? Why would he even be looking for them?
Before I make my point let me tell you about two other conversations I remember having. One was with a friend of mine in construction. He knows that I am a musician and have a band, etc. etc. I remember talking with him one time about his brother. A guitar player. How his brother has always kept his music as a passion in his life. How he always took jobs that allowed him time to practice and improve at his instrument and to play in bands, etc. As we wrapped the conversation up he mentioned how he would have loved to have the talent that his brother has.
Ok, here's the other story. In producing my last CD I had many wonderful conversations with our fantastic engineer. A performer and bandleader himself, we had some great conversations that I think we both really connected on. And he said something to me that really sticks with me. He said "You know most people would give ANYTHING just to be able to be up on stage. To play a song in front of people. To have people enjoy it." Isn't he right? To quote Jeff Tweedy quoting someone else (forgive me I can't remember who) he said that "People go to a concert to see someone believe in themself".
And as artists we can get so numb to it sometimes. Because we are always looking down the road. Anticipating what our next fully developed vision will look like. So when we play that song that we've played a million times before even WE get tired of it. And that's when the magic of music stops.
So I go back to my original question...Did he show up looking for artwork to take in? Did he anticipate anything speaking to him? No. But it happens because of the power of art. That's where the magic lies. There is no perfect formula for it. You cannot anticipate how a human being will interact with it. It just happens or it doesn't. It's magic.
One of the things that tyrannical regimes do when they take control of a country is make sure that they destroy literature, musical instruments and other tools of expression. Because they know that when the hearts of men and women are moved by them powerful things can happen. Remember David's guitar playing soothing Saul? The guy that was out to get him! Art can even impact your enemies.
So for all you artists that are out there reading this. Be encouraged. Your talent DOES speak to people. More than you probably know. And the next time you paint that picture, strum that guitar, dance across the stage, pen that poem or complete that novel, remember that you have been gifted and blessed. And that there are people out there wishing they had maybe just a portion of your gifting. Knowing full well that if they did, and what it is really worth, they would make the most of it. Whole-heartedly.
My point here hinges around a comment that someone made to me today. As my new exterminator showed up at my house to help me wage war against the pests in my neighborhood, his first comment when he walked in the door upon noticing the paintings on the walls and an easel in my foyer, was "Are these your paintings? I wish I had a talent like that. The only talent I have is to kill bugs." It's a comment that I get often from visitors (not the killing bugs part), but my point here is not to point out my painting ability. Artists out there please pay attention. Here is a man showing up to do a job, completely unrelated to any artistic works that he may encounter. But he notices them. Why does he notice them? Why would he even be looking for them?
Before I make my point let me tell you about two other conversations I remember having. One was with a friend of mine in construction. He knows that I am a musician and have a band, etc. etc. I remember talking with him one time about his brother. A guitar player. How his brother has always kept his music as a passion in his life. How he always took jobs that allowed him time to practice and improve at his instrument and to play in bands, etc. As we wrapped the conversation up he mentioned how he would have loved to have the talent that his brother has.
Ok, here's the other story. In producing my last CD I had many wonderful conversations with our fantastic engineer. A performer and bandleader himself, we had some great conversations that I think we both really connected on. And he said something to me that really sticks with me. He said "You know most people would give ANYTHING just to be able to be up on stage. To play a song in front of people. To have people enjoy it." Isn't he right? To quote Jeff Tweedy quoting someone else (forgive me I can't remember who) he said that "People go to a concert to see someone believe in themself".
And as artists we can get so numb to it sometimes. Because we are always looking down the road. Anticipating what our next fully developed vision will look like. So when we play that song that we've played a million times before even WE get tired of it. And that's when the magic of music stops.
So I go back to my original question...Did he show up looking for artwork to take in? Did he anticipate anything speaking to him? No. But it happens because of the power of art. That's where the magic lies. There is no perfect formula for it. You cannot anticipate how a human being will interact with it. It just happens or it doesn't. It's magic.
One of the things that tyrannical regimes do when they take control of a country is make sure that they destroy literature, musical instruments and other tools of expression. Because they know that when the hearts of men and women are moved by them powerful things can happen. Remember David's guitar playing soothing Saul? The guy that was out to get him! Art can even impact your enemies.
So for all you artists that are out there reading this. Be encouraged. Your talent DOES speak to people. More than you probably know. And the next time you paint that picture, strum that guitar, dance across the stage, pen that poem or complete that novel, remember that you have been gifted and blessed. And that there are people out there wishing they had maybe just a portion of your gifting. Knowing full well that if they did, and what it is really worth, they would make the most of it. Whole-heartedly.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hands Free....
Ok, first off let me say that this is the start of my first "real" blog. I'm known to rant through the band newsletters, but from now on I'll try to limit the REAL madness to this place....
So I live in California. As you know, most ideas. good and bad usually originate from the West Coast and migrate East. So you have us to thank and blame for quite alot. Our newest stroke of genius is the "Hands Free" cell phone ban for drivers which recently kicked into effect. The concept sounds good, get cell phones out of the hands of distracted drivers, thereby improving highway safety, saving lives of countless citizens and bringing praise and honor to our glorious leaders that we have elected (or picked as the worst of all evils since you know we never have too much to choose from) and who are saving us from ourselves with their infinite wisdom. The problem is once again they seem to have just enough intelligence to be dangerous. Can you believe that the braniacs instituted a law in which you are banned from talking on your cell phone unless you have a hands-free bluetooth device, yet you can still legally TEXT MESSAGE! There is NOTHING more dangerous than text messaging while driving! And this is further confused by the fact that the studies that were done showed clearly that drivers were more dangerous not because they had a cell phone in their hand, but because they were distracted in conversation period. Therefore blue tooth devices are no safer than hand held setups. So we have politicians passing more ridiculous laws, unsupported by the studies that were done, and imposed on a public that they seem to have less interest in educating (remember this is the state that has now removed driver training from high schools, and also wants to give drivers licenses to illegal aliens).
I would like to know how much lobbying was done by the manufacturers of cell phone and bluetooth equipment to pull this one off. I smell a rat, and I figure it's lining the pockets of these fat cats in Sacramento.
I heard recently of a comedian that posted a clip on the internet of him driving "hands free". Evidently doing all sorts of things that were dangerous to prove the ridiculous point of this law. I haven't seen it but I love the concept. Since this law came into affect I was thinking of some other distracting and dangerous elements that we should initiate legislation for. So enjoy my list and let's get a petition going....
Children - these are VERY distracting. I have some myself. Always talking to you, asking questions, dropping things, needing to stop and go to the bathroom. I think they need to be banned from vehicles. Not sure how they will get around, but I'm sure that the legislature will figure that if they are forced to walk it will also help cut down on the childhood obesity epidemic and kill 2 birds with one stone.
Pets - that cute little ball of fur in your lap is more of a hinderance than an asset on the road. I don't care if it does fit in your purse. People thinking you two look cute together shopping at the mall is not worth the death machine you both create on the interstate. Let's leave the little fleabag in the kennel and go it solo by making them illegal.
Food - Sure. Breakfast bars sound great. A dinner on the run. But wait until you stuffing your face with this thing makes you take out a family of five on Route 66. Let's leave food where it belongs. Off our streets.
Makeup, shaving devices, and other assorted grooming materials - The only thing you are doing here is saving the mortician the work of prettying you up after the 12 car pile-up. Ban it!
Girlfriends, Boyfriends, Spouses, "Life-Partners", friends, relatives and significant others - Again, much yapping and danger going on here. The cars of the future should seat no more than one person at a time. C'mon automakers, maybe you can improve our gas mileage if we get out of the car! Let's hear it for no more passengers!
Radios - isn't this obvious? Maybe it's time they go the way of the dinosaur. Bring on the silence for safety's sake!
Air conditioning and heating - you can't tell me that fiddling with those temperatures and vents is a good idea in rush-hour traffic. Let's ban these distractions and instead encourage people to dress appropriately for the climate conditions. Ban it!
I could go on and on, but I'm not going to do the work for you. So get out there. Organize! Let's work together to see a safer tomorrow!
So I live in California. As you know, most ideas. good and bad usually originate from the West Coast and migrate East. So you have us to thank and blame for quite alot. Our newest stroke of genius is the "Hands Free" cell phone ban for drivers which recently kicked into effect. The concept sounds good, get cell phones out of the hands of distracted drivers, thereby improving highway safety, saving lives of countless citizens and bringing praise and honor to our glorious leaders that we have elected (or picked as the worst of all evils since you know we never have too much to choose from) and who are saving us from ourselves with their infinite wisdom. The problem is once again they seem to have just enough intelligence to be dangerous. Can you believe that the braniacs instituted a law in which you are banned from talking on your cell phone unless you have a hands-free bluetooth device, yet you can still legally TEXT MESSAGE! There is NOTHING more dangerous than text messaging while driving! And this is further confused by the fact that the studies that were done showed clearly that drivers were more dangerous not because they had a cell phone in their hand, but because they were distracted in conversation period. Therefore blue tooth devices are no safer than hand held setups. So we have politicians passing more ridiculous laws, unsupported by the studies that were done, and imposed on a public that they seem to have less interest in educating (remember this is the state that has now removed driver training from high schools, and also wants to give drivers licenses to illegal aliens).
I would like to know how much lobbying was done by the manufacturers of cell phone and bluetooth equipment to pull this one off. I smell a rat, and I figure it's lining the pockets of these fat cats in Sacramento.
I heard recently of a comedian that posted a clip on the internet of him driving "hands free". Evidently doing all sorts of things that were dangerous to prove the ridiculous point of this law. I haven't seen it but I love the concept. Since this law came into affect I was thinking of some other distracting and dangerous elements that we should initiate legislation for. So enjoy my list and let's get a petition going....
Children - these are VERY distracting. I have some myself. Always talking to you, asking questions, dropping things, needing to stop and go to the bathroom. I think they need to be banned from vehicles. Not sure how they will get around, but I'm sure that the legislature will figure that if they are forced to walk it will also help cut down on the childhood obesity epidemic and kill 2 birds with one stone.
Pets - that cute little ball of fur in your lap is more of a hinderance than an asset on the road. I don't care if it does fit in your purse. People thinking you two look cute together shopping at the mall is not worth the death machine you both create on the interstate. Let's leave the little fleabag in the kennel and go it solo by making them illegal.
Food - Sure. Breakfast bars sound great. A dinner on the run. But wait until you stuffing your face with this thing makes you take out a family of five on Route 66. Let's leave food where it belongs. Off our streets.
Makeup, shaving devices, and other assorted grooming materials - The only thing you are doing here is saving the mortician the work of prettying you up after the 12 car pile-up. Ban it!
Girlfriends, Boyfriends, Spouses, "Life-Partners", friends, relatives and significant others - Again, much yapping and danger going on here. The cars of the future should seat no more than one person at a time. C'mon automakers, maybe you can improve our gas mileage if we get out of the car! Let's hear it for no more passengers!
Radios - isn't this obvious? Maybe it's time they go the way of the dinosaur. Bring on the silence for safety's sake!
Air conditioning and heating - you can't tell me that fiddling with those temperatures and vents is a good idea in rush-hour traffic. Let's ban these distractions and instead encourage people to dress appropriately for the climate conditions. Ban it!
I could go on and on, but I'm not going to do the work for you. So get out there. Organize! Let's work together to see a safer tomorrow!
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