Baby It's Cold Outside and Other Controversy's

My God I don't even know where to start with this. So much is going through my head about these things that people have been talking about.

I guess I will start with the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving since it's the shortest. Some people were/are in an uproar that the black kid is sitting all alone on one side of the dinner table while all the white kids are sitting on the other side. To be honest, I don't know the real reason why it was drawn that way and nobody should speculate as to why without finding out the real truth.It was a very long time ago and during that time it was more excepted to show something like that. The cartoon shouldn't be pulled off the air, it's a classic and we should appreciate it for what it is and realize we have come a long way , be proud of that. Bottom line, we just don't know the REAL reason behind it so stop making up something and assuming.

Now for Rudolph. Yes I will admit that this cartoon shows teasing, bullying even from Santa and sexism. But I also see Rudolph refusing to change for others and to except himself for who he is. I see him proving to the others that they need to look beyond his deformity and to except him for who he is. In the end, that reindeer kicked ass and THAT is what we and kids should be taking away from this. To love yourself and show others to look beyond the thing that is "causing" others to be assholes. In order to tell a story about someone over coming something bad and to put out a good message from it, you need to show the bad. I think Rudolph teaches kids the positive things in this story and I think people need to leave this classic story alone.

Now for the bigger one. On the surface, the song 'Baby it's cold outside' does seem to sound like the guy is trying to force the girl to stay with him and coming up with every reason in the book to convince her to stay when she really doesn't want to. I can also see how this can trigger some people especially if they have gone through abuse or rape. I will be talking about the other half that likes to nitpick at things to find something wrong with it. 

If one was to REALLY listen to the song, it is easy to tell that it is far from a rape song. All one has to do is look up the lyrics on line, read it and understand what is really being said. I will break it down starting with the first part of the song:

"I really can't stay (baby it's cold outside)
I gotta go away (baby it's cold outside)
This evening has been (been hoping you'd drop in)
So very nice (I'll hold your hands they're just like ice)
My mother will start to worry (beautiful what's your hurry)
My father will be pacing the floor (listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I'd better scurry (beautiful please don't hurry)
Well maybe just a half a drink more (I'll put some records on will I pour)"

It's clear she is enjoying herself and doesn't want to leave. She just doesn't want her parents to worry. He is simply trying to reassure her everything will be fine and that's it's cold out.

"The neighbors might think (baby it's bad out there)
Say what's in this drink (no cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how (your eyes are like starlight now)
To break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)(why thank you)
I ought to say no, non, no sir (mind if I move in closer)
At least I'm gonna say I tried (what's the sense of hurtin' my pride)
I really can't stay (baby don't hold out)
Baby it's cold outside"

She is now concerned what others will think. The part where she says "what's in this drink" is being takin' way too far. They didn't have date rape drugs back then and I am sure slipping something in a drink wasn't a thing back then either. Having the me too movement on people's brain is making them automatically jumping the gun here. She obviously really likes the guy and wants to stay but feels like she can't for fear what others might think. He is simply trying to let her know she doesn't need to be so concerned about what others think.

"Ah, you're very pushy you know
I like to think of it as opportunistic

I simply must go (baby it's cold outside)
The answer is no (but baby it's cold outside)
The welcome has been (how lucky that you dropped in)
So nice and warm (look out the window at that storm)
My sister will be suspicious (gosh your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (waves upon a tropical shore)
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious (gosh your lips look delicious)
Well maybe just a cigarette more (never such a blizzard before) (and I don't even smoke)"

The first two lines are just them flirting with each other. Now she is concerned what her sister will think, her brother would "kill" her if she was late or didn't show up that night and her aunt would go overboard with her thoughts and probably spread rumors. She really shouldn't stay but she keeps finding reasons to stay. He is just trying to let her know that what others think isn't a big deal and apparently it's really bad outside and possibly too dangerous to drive which says he is also concerned for her safety.

"I've got to get home (baby you'll freeze out there)
Say, lend me your coat (It's up to your knees out there)
You've really been grand (I feel when I touch your hand)
But don't you see (how can you do this thing to me)
There's bound to be talk tomorrow (think of my life long sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (if you caught pneumonia and died)
I really can't stay (get over that old out)
Baby it's cold
Baby it's cold outside
okay fine just another drink then"

It's very obvious that she is very worried about what others would say and think and that is the only reason why she wants to go. Finally she gives in her to her feelings for him and decides to stay. He is obvious concerned for her safety and is really enjoying her company. This song is very innocent and if you think about the time it was written, you can understand the song even better. 

This song has nothing to do with rape or anything close to it. I am so tired of this day and age, people are being so sensitive about things and read too much into things. There are a lot worse songs out there that are all over the radio and yet they get played all the time. We need to use our time and energy towards more important things that are going on in the world instead of worrying about an innocent song and classic cartoons that are not as bad as it seems.

Taking the song off the radio is pure censorship and that is a VERY dangerous road to cross. This is where it starts. What we need to be doing is fighting against these things from happening and demand that this song gets put back on the radio and to leave other classic things alone. Just enjoy the freakin' holidays and give to those who need help instead of being so damn sensitive about every little thing to where it starts fringing on our rights. We don't need other people to tell us what we should and shouldn't listen to or watch.

If one doesn't like the song/cartoons and/or it triggers them, that's fine; songs, cartoons etc are not going to be liked by everyone and that's okay. What is wrong is trying to force opinions down others throats and just because one or a few think a song/cartoon is wrong, it doesn't mean those things should be censored and removed to where no one can enjoy them. It will start with a song, then a cartoon then lord knows what else. Pretty soon what we hear, watch or read will be so heavily watched and will be controlled. We will loose our freedoms. That is a VERY scary thought and we need to make sure that NEVER happens. 

It seems like in some ways our world is improving and in other ways, things are getting worse. I really hope next year is the year that we start to put a stop to all this crazy non-sense sensitive crap. I hope we can truly understand what is being said, done, watched and focus on more important issues at hand. It's scary to think what will happen if this continues and gets worse. Us people obviously have a voice, we use it all the time on the net even when it's being an ass; so we need to use our voices for good and nip this craziness in the butt before it becomes something that we can't control anymore. This is how I'm using mine. 

The me too movement is important but we can't use that as an excuse for everything and to stop innocent things. Racism is also very important and we should be careful how we approach things BUT at the same time, we need to not over due it and claim that everything is racist etc. The net is a powerful tool, let's use it for good and calm down about everything. Please, for the loved of God before we will destroy ourselves and our freedoms.

News Stuff: Mic Grabbed From CNN Reporter - My Thoughts

I normally don't like to talk about politics especially at a time where everyone is so angry towards one another and sometimes violent. I do however need to get my thoughts out sometimes and it's better for a blog instead of several tweets. 

I didn't watch the conference that just happened but I did see it on different news medias. Everyone is always willing to choose sides and argue who is right and who is wrong (in any of these issues) but it seems like nobody is in the middle.

In my opinion, both the CNN reporter Jim Acosta and Trump are wrong. I don't know how many questions he already asked or tried to ask. I do know that if someone asks you to stop talking and enough questions, you stop especially if it's the president. I don't care if one doesn't have respect for the president, you need to stop. He also should have let the white house aid take the mic. She was so uncomfortable and didn't know what else to do. Although, she also should have tried to get the mic from Jim in a nicer way. It was just rude and disrespectful of Jim to behave in this manner. I realize he was trying to do his job but sometimes a reporter will be shut down and at some point you need to leave it alone. Also, where in the hell was security and why didn't they step in to say enough?

As for Trump, he was disrespectful as well. All he does is talk mean and rude to people even if he has a right to shut someone down. The way he does it is so disrespectful and he also needs to handle things differently as the president of our country. Trump does have the right to refuse to answer a question and to tell someone they need to stop but there are better ways to handle it. I've never seen so much circus and playground antics (from both sides) until Trump came into office. It's sad and disgraceful. So much hate from both sides going around.

Nobody is fully right nor wrong. It's how things are being handled that makes BOTH sides wrong but for different reasons. I get so tired of all the drama, blame, playground behavior, the disrespect and bullying that is going around. Everyone is so quick to blame the other side, show their hate and anger towards one another.

As adults, we should be a lot better than this and show our kids how to be respectful human beings even if we hate someone or disagree. Why is it so hard to see this? Why is it so hard to show respect to someone even if there is hate? We want to stop kids from being bullies and yet as adults we are no better by doing the same thing. Bottom line, I think both sides were wrong and everyone just needs to behave better.

A Week In California

Last week I took a trip to California but only for a week. It's been more than 10 years since I have been there but only about 4 since I've seen my parents and sister (that is still too long). I could only stay a week due to having responsibilities here at home. It wasn't long but it was still very nice to see my family.

I spent the first 2 1/2 days with my dad. The day I got there, I visited the mall I grew up going to. It was depressing. There were a lot of empty spaces and they remolded which makes it look more closed in. It's sadly dying. I have so many memories there. We then stopped at Round table pizza. I just HAD to have some. That pizza place is only in California which sucks because it's really good. 

The next day we spent the day in San Francisco. We went to this one place called Twin Peak. It's pretty amazing. It's basically an overlook where you can see the entire city 360*. Definitely worth going if ever in SF. Then we headed over to the Golden Gate Bridge to do all the areas around there. 

I couldn't walk the bridge because I am terrified of heights and bridges especially in SF with earthquakes. I did manage to walk up to the first tower though. After that, we went down to Fort Point which is below the bridge. I love it there especially when the waves hit the rocks. At one point the waves acted like dominoes when crashing on the rocks. There is this section of rocks that curve and the waves would start from one end crashing and work it's way around. It was so cool.

Then we drove across the bridge to Vista Point which is on the other side of the bridge. Then down to Baker Beach. This beach is right next to the bridge and it's pretty cool. The waves are a little bigger than what I have seen growing up going to other beaches. The only slight minus, the closer you get to the bridge, it becomes a nude beach. It doesn't really bother me unless someone is being creepy. I did take photos but they didn't come out like I was hoping. The bridge was often blurry in the background. It was kinda hard to concentrate because I was trying to not get my feet soaked (which didn't work out) and I was focusing on the rocks and water and forgot to look at the bridge to make sure it was in focus. I guess I need to re-visit there whenever I'm able to go back. 

While we were there, my dad and I did get hit with water washing up onto the beach unexpectedly. Our feet were soaked. Then I wanted to go around these boulders to try and get photos, I got hit all the way up to my butt. On the way back, it was scary because the waves wouldn't stop coming and my feet kept sinking. I was afraid the waves were going to drag me right out into it by an under toe or something, luckily I managed to get back around safely. 

After the beach, we went to the 'Full House' house. Unfortunately they were doing work on it so there was stuff in front but I still got a couple of quick shots. Then we headed to fisherman's warf and rode the cable cars. This was my first time. Well my dad said I rode one when I was a baby but I don't remember so it doesn't count. The line we stood in the first time was long and took forever but I still enjoyed it. It was a little freaky though but cool. By the time we rode the cable car back to the warf, we were exhausted and decided to head home. It was around 7pm by the time we headed back. What a long but fun day.

The next day my father and I went to the cemetery, a little shopping, saw one of my aunts and went to Alameda beach. It was a little cold so we didn't go far out into the water. The waves there are usually not too big, the sand is rough and there is a lot of sea weed but being there brought back memories and I had fun walk through knee high in the water.

The next day, my mom picked me up. We went to see her parents at the cemetery and drove by my aunt's old house which looked like they were not keeping it up the great. We then drove 2 hours to her house and pretty much chilled. The next day we were going to check out Folsom lake but I was too exhausted and she was getting over from being sick. We just just did a little shopping, I met some of her friends and put up little Halloween decorations. It was nice to just chill.

Friday I then flew south of CA to my sister's. That night we went to Downtown Disney because I wanted to see it and wanted to stop into a specific store. When I was a kid and went to Disneyland, I had some mouse ears but lost them when I looked over a balcony of our hotel. So I went into a store and bought myself mouse ears. It was pretty busy because it was the weekend and the Disney parks are doing a Halloween thing every night but it wasn't so bad that it was causing frustration. It did rain off and on which was a little annoying.

I also stopped at a kiosk and bought a couple of Disney pins. We went over to what they call the tiki bar but they were pretty busy. I did get to see some cool things in the bar though. Every time someone orders certain drinks, a little scene happens. While walking to the bar, we did pass the hotel that I stayed in when I was a kid and lost my ears. That brought back memories and cool to see the hotel again.

The next day we tried to go to Griffth planetarium but they were pretty busy. We went to this used book store that used to be an old bank and in one area of the store, books are in an old bank vault. The door is still on too. They even made a tunnel from "books" with little lights. It was a pretty cool place.

Then we went to the Grammy awards museum. It was smaller than I expected and thought they would have more stuff. It was very cool and interesting though especially the display case that had some of Michael Jackson's stuff in it including his white glove. See his clothes (and some other clothes of other people) made everything and the people even more real. I mean right there in front of me were clothes and the white glove MJ wore. When I saw the display, I want to break down and cry. It made his death more real. I grew up on his music and Motown so his death was/is very sad for me. I didn't cry though because I would have felt embarrassed.

We were going to go to a Wahlburgers to get but the nearest one was on a collage campus and there was an event going on which made parking $20! We were not about to pay $20 for parking to just go eat so we left. One day I will eat there. Wahlburgers is owned by Paul Wahlbuerg, Donnie and Mark Wahlberg. I also wanted to go to the abandoned zoo in Griffth park but the rain would ahve made it icky. I also wanted to go see Mj's grave but I wouldn't have been able to get in so I passed it up but next time I want to go when I am in that area.

We did go to a cemetery that is for the rich and a lot of famous people are buried at. It also tends to have peacocks walking around but that day they were in a cage. There were however several ferral cats roaming around which was weird and cool. We didn't stay too long simply because it would take a few days just to go through the place but it was still cool to see.

We didn't do much else except for eat out because they were still getting over a cold and felt kinda blah. Sunday, we did go to a couple of breweries and I tried some different beers. The second place, they ordered a couple of testing trays. I got a little buzzed. We also went to an ice cream place where my sister and I split an ice cream that was between two slices of a doughnut. It was really good but sugary. I finally headed to the airport to come home.

I had so much fun but also got worn out. I miss my family and wish I could see them more. Hopefully I can because going 4+ years without seeing them isn't good. I miss CA and the beaches. I wish I could invent the perfect place, the awesome nature of Colorado mixed with the beaches and cool things in California.