You’ve seen the movies, read the books…. American’s don’t leave our soldiers behind!

Well, that’s a nice thought, unfortunately it’s an untrue statement. Probably the most publicized war which our boys haven’t come home from was Vietnam. Because many of that war’s veterans still live and work today in America we just can’t put that war behind us. Thank God!

There are stats out here detailing the number of American solders who didn’t come home, and CN isn’t the place to get into those in-depth, but I would like to put up a reminder. The least thing we can do is remember them, the individuals, and their families. In this twisted up world where politics really does kill and mame our brothers, sons and fathers didn’t all come home. Don’t forget that next time you want to exercise your freedom of speech, religion or life.

The costs are high… and real! Never Forget

Seams like everyone is raving (or complaining) about the new commercial for Carl’s Jr. the hamburger chain. The spot airing in major markets right now and soon to go nationwide for Hardees (Carl’s big brother) features the once again scantily clad Paris Hilton.

I heard the name a few weeks ago, I friend was asking why this girl was even famous to begin with and I realized where I had seen that name before, on the net. Listen, I live on the internet, as a web designer I literally have seen it all and then some. The fifth and debasement of humanity is more than apparent now (more so now because of the Internet) and among the sites of ill-report upon which I’ve been so unfortunate to stumble upon was the name of Paris Hilton. It struck me strangely to hear that name now a part of regular conversation, a household name.

So what does this soft-core (is there such a thing) porn star have to do with Carl’s Jr./Hardees you are wondering. Well, until this commercial came out, nothing. Now that franchise is forever linked with Paris’ body bending into all sorts of alluring positions while washing a black Bentley (car). Of course, as all great works of porn, more water and suds end up on Hilton than the car. Among the porn elite this must be a triumph. It won’t be much longer, maybe a few more years and “Girls Gone Wild” will no longer be exiled to late night TV but will take it’s rightful place as a commercial spot beside American Idol.

Since May 19, the ad has run during sports programs, on ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” finale Sunday and on the season-ending episodes of Fox’s “The O.C.” and NBC’s “The Apprentice.”
Carl’s Jr.’s message to the PTC (Parents Television Council): The group needs to “get a life,” said Andy Puzder, CEO of Carl’s Jr., a subsidiary of CKE Restaurants . “This isn’t Janet Jackson — there is no nipple in this. There is no nudity, there is no sex acts — it’s a beautiful model in a swimsuit washing a car.”
CNN Money

Puzder goes on in that article to say he showed the spot to his own children ages 12, 9 and 7 and that they showed no sign of corruption. Really Mr. Puzder, and you expected what response from your kids, “oh they didn’t go shack up with someone that night so they must not have been affected”, is that what you are saying?

Seriously, the problem is the more consistently people see such acts (whether in film or real life) the more immune they become to the shock. Once there is no shock effect from the viewer then the advertising moguls have to up-the-anti and show more shocking events and so the chain continues until you have teenage girls having children and their fathers are barely old enough to drive.

How badly do you need to sell that burger? Are you willing to sell your societies soul to make a buck? Sad.

Wow, I just found Virgin Radio while perusing the internet radio list in Winamp. Based out of London, this station certainly features the best DJ’s I’ve heard in a long time not to mention some of the best music out there. Not only has that, but everyone you hear has that crazy British accent.

Just to cool. Take a listen.

I went to see the movie last week … Defiantly a cinematic event like no other with beautiful photography, writing and directing.

The film really was a political tool and toward the end of the film this became very apparent. For those of you who know me, this may come as a shock…. I agreed completely with Hollywood on this one. The underlying voice of the movie resonates throughout the notion of a kingdom of heaven becoming the political and oppressive tool of tyrants though out the world.

I certainly don’t wish to ruin the show for those of you who have not seen this yet, but there are some underlying concepts that need to be understood.

1. The utopian vision of this Kingdom can not be achieved. As long as man is in the picture there will be no competent decision about who God is and His wishes.
2. One can not say that all religions point to the same God. Hinduism, Christianity and Islam certainly do not view the basic idea of God the same.
3. As our hero finds in the movie, it is each individual’s right and duty to determine what is right before God and then do that. We can’t let the Kingdom of Heaven become our God.

Well, I’m determined to add my own thoughts to the new emerging jungle of blogs that proliferate on the net. You never know, someone out there may actually read this and see what a logical person I am and return for more.

I will be posting about Web Site Development most often I’m sure. Founding and now running The Rust Works, a development firm, has caused the wired world to be my greatest focus. Of course the political and religious realms will gain my attention as well.

Hmm, hope you enjoy. Till a later time….

Ryan