Top 5- JMC406

Were finally here. The Greatest Songs Of all Time Top 5. Here they are!

• Michael Jackson- Thriller January 1984
• Train- Drops Of Jupiter 2001
• Usher, Lil John,- Lovers and Friends 2004
• Notorious BIG- Big Poppa 1994
• Boys II Men- End Of The Road 1992

The 20 Greatest Songs of All Time

 It’s a debate that will never end. An issue which yearns to be addressed. What are the greatest songs of all time! As a self-proclaimed music/pop-culture expert. I will give you my version of the 20 Greatest Songs of All Time. First, in this post you will find songs 20-6. And finally for my JMC 406 class, I will unveil the final five songs as my video commentary blog! Enjoy!

• 20. Hall & Oates- Kiss is on my List (1981)
• 19. Lou Bega- Mambo No.5 (1999)
• 18. Macarena- Los del Rio (1992)
• 17. Lets Get It On- Marvin Gaye (1973)
• 16. Stand By Me- Ben E. King (1961)
• 15. Love in This Club- Usher, Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne (2008)
• 14. Terrin’ Up My Heart- N’Sync (1998)
• 13. Incubus- Drive (2001)
• 12. Pink Flyod- Wish You Were Here (1975)
• 11. House Of Pain- Jump Around (1992)
• 10. The Beatles- Hey Jude (1968)
• 9. Led Zeplin- Stairway to Heaven (1971)
• 8. Eminem- Lose Yourself (2002)
• 7. Eve 6- Here’s to the Night (2000)
• 6. Journey- Don’t Stop Belevin’ (1981)

Honnorable Mentions: (1) Stayin Alive, The Beegees (2) Otis Day and the Knights, Sittin on the Dock of the Bay (3) The Eagles, Hotel California (4) Nirvana, Smells Like Team Spirit.

Greg Mortenson Living A Lie

Some people have a lot of nerve. Some people are ok with doing, saying what ever it is they want, to whomever it is they want.

 Lying, or misleading millions of people would certainly faze me. I would have trouble keeping it together knowing I have been so deceitful.  But that’s not the case with two-timeNew Yorkbest selling author Greg Mortenson.

 A story done by CBS uncovered evidence that the inspirational story, which is the fuel being Mortenson’s charitable works, is a completely fabricated lie. Mortenson claims that after failing to summit thepeakofK2, he wondered into a small Pakistani village where he was welcomed and nurtured back to health.  

 Mortenson has told his dramatic story to millions as a sought-out inspirational speaker, but he inst there for free. CBS reports that Mortenson is making 30,000 per engagement, none of which is directed back toward the charitable fund. However, the travel expenses and promotional fees are paid in full by the charity. Did I mention Mortenson also uses the speaking engagements as a venue to sell his book, the books profit go directly back to him?

 Ralph Hanson posted a piece by 60 minuets which found that more money was spent on travel, advertising and promos, than was actual used for charity.

 Let me get back on track. I just don’t understand how someone can take a lie so far. It would be one thing to publish a misleading memoir, but to build an empire-style charity based completely on a lie, that’s another.

 I don’t want to jump the gun on sending Mortenson to jail forever. The man has done some very good things. I think he has always wanted to make a difference and has always had good intentions. This just adds to the mystery. Why would such a philanthropic man live such a big lie?

Final Column

Senator Brenda Council says she is alarmed at the growing number of sexually transmitted diseases amongst the youth of Nebraska. As a result, she serves as the sponsor of LB 192, a bill which would mandate sex education in Nebraska schools.

Council’s bill would affect school like Kearney High, my alma mater.

From what I remember, my high schools sexual education curriculum was slightly less than how educational. We were not taught the dangers of unprotected sex, and we certainly not given the knowledge of how to have safe sex. If LB 192 is passed, the state would regulate how and what is taught in sexual education courses.

 It’s about time this issue was dealt with on a state level. Obviously some school districts are not capable or are too stubborn to provide student with accurate and informative information pertaining to sex education. As it stand right now, how and what is taught during sex education classes is completely up to the district. Council’s bill would require that all schools provide “age-appropriate,” medically accurate information on sexual health to students.

I hope I’m not alone in realizing that we’re at a point where we can no longer teach abstinence. Now, I say that understanding that at home parent may choose to tell their kids that abstinence is the only option, but in the public school system we have a responsibility to educate kids and let them make informed decisions.

The average age for kids engaging in their first sexual experience continues to get lower. The number of unmarried teens having sex is continually rising. This goes to show that no matter what we do, kids are going to be sexually active. It would be beneficial to have kids educated on the activities their engaging in. This isn’t the 1920’s. Most people don’t wait till there married ot have sex. Parents and teachers need to face the facts, sex in prevalent amongst high school kids.

My girlfriend, who went to ultra-conservative Doniphan-Trumbull High Schools, says she can’t even recall any formal sex education. Her comment to me was, “We might have touched on some STD’s but never really got into anything too serious.” This is ridiculous. It’s time to get serious about this. It’s not something that can be swept under the rug.

 Schools claim they are limited on what they can and cannot teach based upon the community they live in. It’s a legit argument. I know from experiences that schools in communities, which tend to be more conservative, want to teach abstinence more than the alternative. Schools that don’t have the pressure of such a conservative community are more willing to properly educate student on sexual health.

 LB 192 would make sex education curriculums universal. Schools would no longer be at odds with ultra-conservative parents who think abstinence is the only way. The regulated sex education classes will get local superintendents off the hook from having to make that call themselves.

For Kinzie and I, we can’t go back and get truly educated on sexual health. But we can make this a serious issue so that all of your kids and my kids are properly educated. Support LB 192. Thanks Senator Council.

Sex Ed. In Schools

Senator Brenda Council says she is alarmed at the growing number of sexually transmitted diseases amongst the youth ofNebraska. As a result, she serves as the sponsor of LB 192, a bill which would mandate sex education inNebraskaschools.

 It’s about time this issue was dealt with on a state level. Obviously some school districts are not capable or are to stubborn to provide student with accurate and informative information pertaining to sex education. As it stand right now, how and what is taught during sex education classes is completely up to the district. Council’s bill would require that all schools provide age-appropriate, medically accurate information on sexual health to students.

 I hope I’m not alone in realizing that were at a point where we can no longer teach abstinence. Now, I say that understanding that at home parent may choose to tell their kids that abstinence is the only option, but in the public school system we have a responsibility to educate kids and let them make informed decisions.

 Studies will show that the more kids are pushed and pushed to remain abstinent, the more likely they are to have their first sexual experience before the age of 18. Along with that studies have also shown that kids admit to having their first sexually experience before the age of 18. This goes to show that no matter what we do, kids are going to be sexually active. It would be beneficial to have kids educated on the activities their engaging in.

 Schools claim they are limited on what they can and can not teach based upon the community they live in. It’s a legit argument. I know from experiences that schools in communities, which tend to be more conservative, want to teach abstinence more than the alternative. Schools that don’t have the pressure of such a conservative community are more willing to properly educate student on sexual health.

 LB 192 would make sex education curriculums universal. Schools would no longer be at odds with ultra-conservative parents who think abstinence is the only way. The regulated sex education classes will get local superintendents off the hook from having to make that call themselves.

Taxi-Cab Hot-Boxer Gets By With $100 Fine

A Ravenna, Nebraska man is facing a whopping 100 dollar fine for allegedly attempting to smoke marijuana in the back of a Kearney Cab. Aside from sparking a serious interest, ill take this time to let this, less-than-heinous crime, spark a conversation. Notice I have used “sparking” twice already in this post, not by accident.

 The news article said the man will face maximum fine of 100 dollars. To me this seems like a bit of a joke. A minor caught with alcohol will spend up to three days in jail, but a man trying to toke up in the back of a cab will only face a 100 dollar fine. Silly, isn’t it? Not to mention, alcohol is widely accepted and legal substance.

 I don’t want to make this blog about if pot should be legalized or not, but rather why has our courts made the penalty for possession so lenient.

 If there was any law in need of leniency it’s the M.I.P. law. Again it’s crazy to think a minor could serve jail time for having a beer underage. I have always stood by the idea; If your old enough to take a bullet for your country your old enough to drink a beer, or whatever alcohol you prefer.

 If the FDA has not outlawed alcohol, but has publically spoken against the legalization of weed, than I think that’s proof enough to say one is more hurtful than the other. Consequently there is no reason someone in possession of a more harmful drug shouldn’t suffer harsher consequences.

 I guess if there is anything we can say for the hot-boxing taxicab bandit  it’s that he made the decision not to drive. Responsible choice.

Column #3

On March, 19, 2011 I celebrated my 21^st birthday. Four days before that I celebrated my daughters 6 month birthday. I have to admit, I have reached the point where my birthday isnt the most important.

 I don’t think many people see me as a dad. Coming from the guy who blogs about boozing on his birthday I suppose I don’t fit the fatherly mold. But as surprised as you may be, I am the father of the worlds only perfect 6 month old. Sorry if this blog runs into a bragging session.

 In my short time as a father I have learned a few basic, but important things. Put diapers on tight, loose diapers tend leak. The doctor recommended ratio for formula is 1 scoop for every one ounce of water. Never, ever wake a sleeping baby. Small house dogs will attack dirty diapers. Double travel and packing times. Never get caught without a binky. Extra clothing always comes in handy.

 All of the above-mentioned things might make life a bit more convenient, but I have also learned some more intangible lessons.

 Friday and Saturday nights at home have become more important than tipping back cold ones with friends. I’m not the most important person in the world anymore. Being a good role model actually means something now. And I’m not as tough as I thought I was, little girls will do that to you.

 Being a dad has opened my eyes so many things. Things most people won’t understand unless they have had the privilege of being a dad. In an instant your perception is completely alerted, your priorities are totally realigned. I read in a baby book that when you have your first child, you head into the hospital with two people and leave with three completely new people. It couldn’t be truer.

I have found that so many things are again fun and exciting to me. Things such as heading out to dinner or to the store to grab some last minute groceries become another great new adventure.  It never gets old hearing people tell you that you have a beautiful daughter.

I look forward to family vacations and holidays. I remember as a kid it used to be all about getting the newest video game of a new baseball mitt. Now, for me, it’s all about watching my little girl toil with a piece of wrapping paper. It’s not about waiting to unwrap that toy you have so long been waiting for, It’s about watching my little girl be passed around from uncle to uncle to grandma to grandpa and then finally back to dad.

It feels good embracing this new lifestyle and this new outlook on life. Like I mentioned earlier it’s something that the even the greatest of writers could not describe to you. But to all of you who will someday become a dad or mom, you’ll know where this column is coming from.

Harper Rae Sloan

You’ll get all the feelings I was trying to explain. You’ll have a brand new outlook and perspective, and you’re going to love it.

Getting Personal- My Lil Girl

Harper Rae Sloan

On March, 19, 2011 I celebrated my 21^st birthday. Four days before that I celebrated my daughters 6 month birthday.

 I don’t think many people see me as a dad. Coming from the guy who blogs about boozing on his birthday I suppose I don’t fit the fatherly mold. But as surprised as you may be, I am the father of the world’s only perfect 6 month old. Sorry if this blog runs into a bragging session.

 In my short time as a father I have learned a few basic, but important things. Put diapers on tight, loose diapers tend leak. The doctor recommended ratio for formula is 1 scoop for every one ounce of water. Never, ever wake a sleeping baby. Small house dogs will attack dirty diapers. Double travel and packing times. Never get caught without a binky. Extra clothing always comes in handy.

 All of the above-mentioned things might make life a bit more convenient, but I have also learned some more intangible lessons.

 Friday and Saturday nights at home have become more important than tipping back cold ones with friends. I’m not the most important person in the world anymore. Being a good role model actually means something now. And I’m not as tough as I hought I was, little girls will do that to you.

 Being a dad has opened my eyes so many things. Things most people won’t understand unless they have had the privilege of being a dad. In an instant your perception is completely alerted, your priorities are totally realigned. I read in a baby book that when you have your first child, you head into the hospital with two people and leave with three completely new people. It couldn’t be truer.

West Bank Story

They say great things come in small packages. The same stands true for short films. Great films come in 20 minuet masterpieces.

 At the corner of West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet there is a hidden, Oscar winning gem. West Bank Story, a politically based musical which sheds light on the unrest in the West Bank, is worth every bit of praise its received.

 The short film uses two eating establishments pitted against each other in the West Bank. The Hummus  Hut and the Kosher King., The Hummus Hut serves the area’s Muslims and of course the Kosher King feeding the Jews. Sticking with the real-life struggle between the two religious groups, the short film shows a young Jewish man and young Muslim women entering into a forbidden relationship.

 This should sound familiar. Director and writer Ari Sandel uses this well known tale of a forbidden love to show the current struggle in the West Bank. This out-of-the-box idea brings both entertainment and political commentary. The message is important and easy to understand and, yet it’s not a bore to sit and watch.

 The 2005 Oscar winning short works exceptionally well because it’s a short production. The message is short and to the point. This politically charged production could have drug and lost it’s effectiveness but Sandel did nothing  of that sort.

 I look forward to this crew bringing us more 20 minuet masterpieces.

Bale, Wahlberg Deliver Realalistic Perfomance in The Fighter

They called him the pride of Lowell, Mass. Dickey Ward, an Irish boxer know mostly for his 70’s boxing career and knock down of boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. His brother Mickey, Dickeys protégé, know for his 80’s welter weight world title.

 Dickeys straggle with drugs and the law and Mickey’s fight to keep his focus while engaging in a new and exciting love affair makes for a well acted film, worthy of praise.

 The Fighter portrays the streets of Lowell as a city devastated by the economy filled with hard knocks and alcoholic. The Ward brothers are the products of a hard upbringing, every experience crafting their skill with hardened knuckles and a relentless work ethic.

 The two road workers are Lowell celebrities, untouchable city idols. But there is a darker side to the fame. Dickey ahs fallen into a life of drugs where he’ll do anything to fuel his addiction. A HBO camera crew follows dickey where ever he goes, originally it’s thought the crew id filming a documentary on Ward for his previous knock down of Sugar ray Leonard.  But we find out the camera crew has a much different idea.

 Christian Bale, who plays Dickey, delivers a nearly flawless performance as he takes on the role of a retired boxer turn crack addict. It’s impressive to see someone who could have no prior exposure to the world of hard drugs pull off such a realistic portrayal.

 The same can be said for Mark Wahlberg, playing Mickey. I can’t say I was every around the streets of Lowell Mass. In the 1980’s but I completely believe that I would have encountered the same attitude from the people as the attitude portrayed by Wahlberg. It was so much more than an acting performance from Wahlberg. He really took on the character and played it perfectly.

 The story line is as impressive as the actors who carried it out. Based of the true story of the Ward family, the story shows us the struggle between families and drugs. It was interesting to see how far down Dickey had fallen and Mickey’s attempt to take a different path. It’s believable that Mickey could have really experienced a deep inner struggle between bettering his boxing career while still being a loyal brother. It’s a struggle I think many people experience.

  The Fighter exposes audiences to the cutthroat lifestyles lived by the Ward brothers. Wahlberg and Bale gives us a five star performance allowing us to really see how things were on the streets of Lowell in the 1980’s.