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Respect is deserved by those who are right, but also, to a degree, by those who are \u003Ci\u003Econsistent\u003C\/i\u003E (being the least one could do). The fact that, in the main, politicians are not is a testament to how rotten politics has become.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EThe highwayman does not proclaim that he is moral. The highwayman does not hide his gun. The highwayman is very clear when he threatens to pull the trigger if you do not acquiesce. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EThe politician? The politician tries to convince you that he’s helping you. The politician is not merely treasonous, but equally duplicitous. The thug who embraces his nature at least has honesty; the liar has nothing.\u0026nbsp; \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EMasking tyranny in the cloth of democracy serves two dual purposes: firstly, those who seek power will be able to get it, and, secondly, anyone who might object is labeled as “anti-democratic”, “anarchistic”, or “fascist” (I do not need to point out the absurdity inherent in a belief being both totalitarian and anarchistic simultaneously).\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EIt is the ability for this kind of slander to take place that is the system’s biggest advantage. In the place of an argument, one can substitute a label. When asked what, exactly, it is about being anti-Establishment that relates the position to any of the slurs used, one does not need a response beyond simple reiteration. Spouting bromides becomes the method all are expected to use in political discourse, valued instead of - and, in many cases, over - thinking.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EThomas Jefferson laid this charge against the King: “He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.” Now, in our age, the tyrant is not a king; rather, it is the system which raises kings to power. It is the \u003Ci\u003Eprocess\u003C\/i\u003E of choosing representation that must be protected to preserve the \u003Ci\u003Evox populi\u003C\/i\u003E, and it is this process the Establishment’s existence poisons. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EWhat has happened in Colorado is a prime example of this truth. A democratic system which operates with no votes from the populace is a contradiction in terms. It is nothing more than a cheap swindle. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003ELook, too, at “superdelegates” - unpledged delegates, free to vote however they choose, beholden to none, and especially not to voters. Is it a surprise that they rally against Bernie Sanders, a genuine outsider? Is it a surprise that, in both of these examples, those who would \u003Ci\u003Echange the rules of the system\u003C\/i\u003E are \u003Ci\u003Epunished by the system\u003C\/i\u003E? It shouldn’t be.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EIgnore, for a moment, which candidate you support. Forget about your religion, forget about your allegiances, forget about your ideology, forget about your party. If you believe, not in “government” in some undefined sense, but in government strictly meant to represent the people and protect them from harm, then you must call the Establishment what it is: a gang of criminals. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EThe “Republican Establishment” is not the issue, nor is the “Democratic Establishment”. The issue is the Establishment without adjectives, without arbitrary delineations, and without obfuscation - the issue is the oligarchy, and the oligarchy is finally \u003Ci\u003Ebeing challenged\u003C\/i\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EThe system falls apart the moment citizens recognise it for what it is: anti-reason on every level. A vision of the future can be found in the past - when the Enlightenment came, America was liberated - not by divine writ or an impenetrable resistance to change, but by an embrace of the principles of freedom \u003Ci\u003Eby the people\u003C\/i\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EA message to the Establishment: your existence lasts only as long as the citizens allow. The game is up, the curtain has been lifted, and the catastrophe of your being is no secret any longer. You are nothing without the consent of the governed. That consent is being revoked, and your attempts to fight the will of the people only serve to energize your enemies. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EBecause that \u003Ci\u003Eis\u003C\/i\u003E what this is. The people \u003Ci\u003Eare\u003C\/i\u003E your enemies. You have made that clear.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EThe people feel the same way about you.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia, serif;\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4810708998439031028\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/we-people-against-establishment_24.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/4810708998439031028"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/4810708998439031028"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/we-people-against-establishment_24.html","title":"We the People: Against the Establishment"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8XPbzY2scSU\/Vx2afaq3ggI\/AAAAAAAAADI\/1DrTFloFuxMEltyipXzOfqBd3e4jIPutACK4B\/s72-c\/Consti2.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-7357559193841975350"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:12:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:30:50.815-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"literature"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"summer"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Three Underrated Novels You Should Read This Summer"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kEfbrSj5OdA\/Vx2Y2DjkevI\/AAAAAAAAACs\/j6IfsDEG2U8xdwtmV-TI8Y9jhTH7Y3YhgCK4B\/s1600\/Summerbook.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"212\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kEfbrSj5OdA\/Vx2Y2DjkevI\/AAAAAAAAACs\/j6IfsDEG2U8xdwtmV-TI8Y9jhTH7Y3YhgCK4B\/s320\/Summerbook.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EBy Shea Duncan\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EIt’s almost the end of the semester, and that means two things: one, you’re about to have much more free time on your hands, and two, with this time, you will finally have the chance to read something you’re actually interested in, rather than some work by Shakespeare or Kierkegaard that your professor is requiring for credit.\u0026nbsp; \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003ESo, if you’re like me, you head to Barnes \u0026amp; Nobles, ready to obtain some paperbacks that you can bring to the beach with you on that first glorious day of summer. But as you walk in and the blast of coffee-scented air mixed with the new-book smell washes over you, you pause in your tracks as you realize something disturbing- you don’t know where to go next. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EThe “New Here” section is entirely composed of political biographies, you’ve already read all the popular novels that are soon to be movies, and none of your friends have had any time to read anything other than Shakespeare or Kierkegaard either, so they haven’t suggested anything on Facebook or Goodreads lately. You don’t have \u003Ci\u003Ethat\u003C\/i\u003E much time to browse (after all, the code of ethics paper is due tomorrow and you haven’t even selected a profession.) There are over 1,000 books in the building with you, just waiting to be devoured. You are practically drooling over the idea of soon having your toes in the hot sand, a lemonade in your hand, and a good book on your lap. You are fascinated by the possibilities but paralyzed by the sheer amount of choices available.\u0026nbsp; \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EWhat are you supposed to do?!\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EWell, you’re one step closer to that perfect beach day because you’re reading this article. Unbeknownst to you, I have already solved your dilemma. I knew exactly what you’re looking for before you did- something different. You don’t want what everybody else at the beach is reading. Your book, like your bathing suit, should be unique and yet enticing. Below I have taken the liberty of suggesting four of the best lesser-known novels I have ever come across. You may have heard of them, but you probably haven’t read them yet. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003ESo pick one. Or two. Or even all three. Drive to your favorite sandy spot. Set up that umbrella, breathe deeply, and inhale the smell of sunscreen, summer, and pages undiscovered. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EJodi Picoult’s \u003Ci\u003EHandle With Care\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EYou’ve heard of the highly acclaimed novel \u003Ci\u003EMy Sister’s Keeper \u003C\/i\u003Eby the same author (also turned into a movie), but this obscure work is, in my opinion, slightly better. The characters are just more developed enough to make a difference, there are more of them for you to fall in love and cry with, and the subplots, like the main story, are the most heart-wrenchingly poignant that Picoult has crafted. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EHandle With Care \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003Eis the story of Charlotte and Sean O’ Keefe, who, after years of struggling to conceive, finally get pregnant with a baby girl, only to discover that she has brittle bone disease and will never have a normal life. For years, they deal with the realities of her condition and the stress it puts on them as a family, both emotionally and financially. Sean is a police officer who does not make enough to give their special-needs daughter, Willow, everything that she should have. Charlotte quit her job and calling as a baker to take care of her. Amelia, their teenage daughter, feels less important than Willow and is conflicted with the shame of feeling that way. Then, one suggestion from a lawyer changes everything; the O’Keefe’s are given a chance to give Willow an increased quality of life. But this is a catch-22; it will come at the expense of friendship, truth, and family as they know it. Is risking the deepest bonds- those between a mother and child, those between best friends, and those between mother and daughter- worth the chance of a better life? Or will the family, like Willow’s bones, break apart? \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EEvery character must face tough questions about life and about themselves throughout the story, and Picoult will subtly pose questions that you will also have to answer: about morality, relationships, and perhaps most importantly, about what constitutes a valuable life.\u0026nbsp; It is among the few novels written in second person, so you, the reader, feel as if you are uniquely part of the story, and each character gives you a look into their heart and mind. This book is, by her own admission, the most tragic one she has written, so be warned before you read- bring tissues in your beach bag. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EDave Eggers’s \u003Ci\u003EThe Circle\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003ERemember reading 1984 in high school? (Let me jog your memory- “Big Brother is watching you”? Ring a bell?) Maybe you liked it, maybe you didn’t, maybe you’re one of those people that didn’t pay much attention to it- but you’ll pay attention to this one. \u003Ci\u003EThe Circle \u003C\/i\u003Eis its modern, shockingly relevant equivalent. Though it is a dystopian novel (think, Hunger Games, the Giver, or for those of us that actually paid attention in high school, Brave New World or Farenheight 451), reading it sounds eerily similar to how our society is becoming. The novel follows the journey of Mae Holland, a recent graduate eager to start her career with her best friend Annie at the world’s most significant company (think, Google or Apple-but even bigger).\u0026nbsp; Behind all the latest technological innovations, they have integrated all of the world’s social media into one identity, and everyone must participate. All the time. Privacy is slowly being eradicated with the invention of SeeChange cameras and “transparency” (the practice of personal live streaming all day). Initially, this unnerves Mae, along with her ex-boyfriend Mercer and her parents, but as she rises further and further up in the company’s ranks, she gradually loses her sense of self and ignores their concerns. However, a mysterious relationship with an individual known only as Kalden begins, and soon she is forced to decide whether holding on to the last strains of privacy is worth giving up her powerful position. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C!--[endif]--\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EIt’s a page turner, fast-paced, engaging, as the author drives towards the revealing of Kalden’s true identity and Mae’s descent into the corporate chasm, and is also extremely chilling, as much of the problems seen in Eggers society are becoming more and more evident in our own. If changes are not made, our world could look identical to the one Mae Holland inhabits, and this itself makes the book worth the read. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EStephanie Meyer’s \u003Ci\u003EThe Host\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003ENow, don’t flip the page just yet, I know what half of you are thinking- “Ew Twilight. I’ll pass”. While we can sit here and argue for days about the merits or lack thereof of the infamous series, this is an editorial, so I’m going to tell it to you how I see it; they weren’t completely awful,\u0026nbsp; I actually enjoyed them (to an extent), but they were obviously juvenile, and much too mushy gushy for my personal taste. So when I saw this one in the bookstore, I would never have picked it up if not for the mesmerizing cover (a close-up of a face with silver eyes on a black background). \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EBut guys- this is not Twilight! This is good stuff! I was just as surprised as anyone else, but this book actually made my top ten list of the best books ever, and the criteria to be on that list is highly prestigious. \u003Ci\u003EThe Host \u003C\/i\u003Etakes place in a future where an alien race has all but invaded Earth, but not in the green man sense. These aliens are “souls”- and they invade successfully by actually taking control of individual people (hence, the title). Wanderer, a soul new to the planet, is placed in the body of Melanie, one of the last rebel humans. Yet Melanie refuses to give over complete control, and her love for her younger brother Jaime and romantic interest, Jared, drives Wanderer to risk everything the souls have worked for to find them. Filled with adventure, romance, and action, Wanderer and Melanie’s journey defines what truly makes humanity special. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EThe characters are wonderfully and deeply developed, and the plot keeps rolling without being too quick. It is a thick book, but that means it lasts longer, and trust me- this is one you won’t want to end. (I’m still waiting on a sequel, myself.) And P.S.- the movie is not as good.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: times new roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7357559193841975350\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/three-underrated-novels-you-should-read.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/7357559193841975350"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/7357559193841975350"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/three-underrated-novels-you-should-read.html","title":"Three Underrated Novels You Should Read This Summer"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kEfbrSj5OdA\/Vx2Y2DjkevI\/AAAAAAAAACs\/j6IfsDEG2U8xdwtmV-TI8Y9jhTH7Y3YhgCK4B\/s72-c\/Summerbook.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-5374770060303496090"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:07:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:31:00.253-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"jim harrison"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"literature"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Jim Harrison - Fallen Legend"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-o457GG5AOt0\/Vx2X6QAhyrI\/AAAAAAAAACc\/McoQnrv-xuce6ke-dUjrl4cbnzOAHX7hACK4B\/s1600\/Harrison.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"204\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-o457GG5AOt0\/Vx2X6QAhyrI\/AAAAAAAAACc\/McoQnrv-xuce6ke-dUjrl4cbnzOAHX7hACK4B\/s320\/Harrison.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003EBy Robert Markoe\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EJim Harrison has been compared to Hemingway and Faulkner, and won a Guggenheim Fellowship for his poetry in 1969. Harrison died at his home in Patagonia, Arizona, at the age of seventy-eight. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harrison was a prolific writer, having written 21 volumes of fiction, including “Legends of the Fall” in 1979, which became a major movie starring Brad Pitt. He also wrote 14 books on poetry, two books of essays, his memoirs, and children’s books.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EHarrison’s writings are said to contain some of the most evocative and brutally graphic passages of his time, often taking place in the mysterious rural U.S. The author was varied in what he wrote about; for example, he wrote essays on food alongside his fiction. His writings on different cuisines started in Europe in 2001 with a book called “The Raw and the Cooked”. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EHis life had a rustic appeal to it due to its Bohemian affectations and the frequent setting of the trout streams of Upper Michigan, which added to the sense of his abandonment of everyday life. Harrison had a high regard for guns; he could often be seen shooting the rattlesnakes that infested his yard, and was decidedly an outdoors-type, living in the West for much of his life. Harrison once faced 144 oysters on a plate and\u0026nbsp; consumed all of them; he wasn’t shy about consuming large amounts of wine, either, testing 38 varieties of Cotes du Rhone.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harrison hung out with the hippest of the hip, spending time with people like Jack Nicholson, Bill Murray, and Jimmy Buffet. He had a prodigious appreciation of cultural icons such as Freud, Kierkegaard, and Stravinsky, and had an interest in Zen Buddhism. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EHarrison’s life was not without its hardships. He recounted that, when he was seven years old, a neighborhood girl ended a quarrel by thrusting a broken bottle in his left eye, blinding him. When Harrison was twenty, his father and nineteen-year-old sister were killed on a hunting trip when their car was struck by a drunk driver. Harrison searched for peace and solace in the woods from a sometimes unforgiving world.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EWith the publication of Harrison’s fourth volume of fiction, “Legends of the Fall”, in 1979, he said this: “Being able to paint and write as I please is a rare privilege. I enjoy an uninhibited way of life with personal satisfaction that could never be found in the business sector. Making my living with brush and pen is a dream come true, and I long for the day when I am shed of all other interference and responsibilities.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EBeing able to be compared to Hemingway is no easy task for any conventional writer, but this writer was no way conventional.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EHarrison was also an avid sign painter, painting over a hundred similar signs, Harrison credited his mother with providing the encouragement for him to develop his artistic interests beyond sign painting. In the early 1970s, he published his first print, and he entered into a licensed relationship with Coca-Cola in 1995.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/null\" name=\"h.alr0ryh3ogjr\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EAs Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said of his writings, ”In Jim Harrison's work we see the true spirit of rural America.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/null\" name=\"h.gjdgxs\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EIf you want to find a speaker who typifies America, a person who captures the subject of art and its role in American history, and one who literally entertains the audience indefinitely, then look for none other than Harrison.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5374770060303496090\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/jim-harrison-fallen-legend.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/5374770060303496090"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/5374770060303496090"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/jim-harrison-fallen-legend.html","title":"Jim Harrison - Fallen Legend"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-o457GG5AOt0\/Vx2X6QAhyrI\/AAAAAAAAACc\/McoQnrv-xuce6ke-dUjrl4cbnzOAHX7hACK4B\/s72-c\/Harrison.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-7870190024506666179"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:05:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:31:08.656-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"beach"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"summer"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vacation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"5 Hot Summer Destinations"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-EONQ0hnbkns\/Vx2XQRYGECI\/AAAAAAAAACU\/FhIyqhQNLAMZTy2ZD-vDGVy1UvlzPJHpwCK4B\/s1600\/Summer%2BSpots.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"160\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-EONQ0hnbkns\/Vx2XQRYGECI\/AAAAAAAAACU\/FhIyqhQNLAMZTy2ZD-vDGVy1UvlzPJHpwCK4B\/s320\/Summer%2BSpots.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003EBy Liz Nolan\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EWe’re all counting down the days until summer! So why not make this summer break the best yet? Here we have listed the 5 best destinations to visit. Don’t forget the sunscreen! \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E5. \u003Cb\u003EMyrtle Beach, South Carolina\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EMyrtle Beach is one of the top rated beaches in the U.S. It’s full of family-friendly things to do and has become a top destination on anyone’s list. With nearly 60 miles of beaches, there’s no worry for overcrowding here, making it easy to find a quiet spot for you and your group. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EThe ocean front boardwalk also provides dozen of restaurants, shops, and arcades. While you’re here visiting this amazing beach, don’t forget to visit America’s largest Ferris wheel, The Skywheel!\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWhere to grab a cocktail\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E: Ocean Annie’s \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E4\u003Cb\u003E. Camps Bay Beach, South Africa\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EIf you have your eyes set on a place that may be a little more chic, with a happening night life, Campus Bay Beach in South Africa is where you’ll want to go. This beach is filled with buffed and bronzed locals and tourists alike, who are quick to show off their volleyball skills.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Across the street from this palm lined beach, you’ll find the attractive suburb of Camp Bay. Here, you’ll be able to visit trendy restaurants and pubs, and lots of “bucket and spade shops” (Don’t be fooled by the name, they’re just trinket shops.). \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003ESo, grab a spot and watch the sunset and keep your eyes peeled for celebrities that are known to vacation here. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWhere to grab a bite\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E: Tides restaurant at The Bay Hotel\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E3. \u003Cb\u003EClearwater Beach, Florida\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EWho can resist this pearly white pristine beach?! Clearwater Beach Is a vacationers dream. This beach stretches on for miles and miles. There are plenty of waterfront bars and restaurants to satisfy any foodie. Or, take a break from the sun and cool off in one of the various beach shops on the main strip. There is plenty to do for kids and adults alike. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EAt night, the boardwalk turns into a bustling outdoor market, full of paintings and jewelry, get the kids face painted, or listen to live music. There are plenty of well-known bars and restaurants that provide an active nightlife for adults, full of exciting drinks and music. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EYou can’t go wrong with visiting Clearwater.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBest place to bust a move:\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E Sheppard’s Beach Resort. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E2. \u003Cb\u003ESunset Beach, HI\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003ELooking for a little more adventure? Sunset Beach in Oahu, Hi is well known for big wave surfing. Be sure you are a master at the sport though, when they say big wave surfing, they truly mean BIG! 40 to 50 foot waves have been reported at this beach. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EIf that seems a little intimidating, you’re not the only one. Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, which is part of the World Cup of Surfing, is now held on Sunset Beach.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;If you’re looking for a little more serenity, this may not be the beach for you. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBest place to swim\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E: Safe swimming spots change along the beach. (If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay out of the water.)\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E1. \u003Cb\u003EBora Bora, French Polynesia\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003ENow for our number one spot! Many consider Bora Bora one of the most beautiful places on earth. That beauty is also going to cost you. Known for its luxury bungalows perched on stilts above the water, from every direction it’s nothing but turquoise seas. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EBora Bora features a lagoon protected by a coral reef, making it a popular spot for scuba diving. The allure of this destination is unlike any other. Perfect for romantic getaways, Bora Bora is one of the most acclaimed honeymoon destinations. \u0026nbsp;\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EJust the place for summer romance!\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBest place to stay\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E: Le Meridien Bora Bora\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7870190024506666179\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/5-hot-summer-destinations.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/7870190024506666179"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/7870190024506666179"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/5-hot-summer-destinations.html","title":"5 Hot Summer Destinations"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-EONQ0hnbkns\/Vx2XQRYGECI\/AAAAAAAAACU\/FhIyqhQNLAMZTy2ZD-vDGVy1UvlzPJHpwCK4B\/s72-c\/Summer%2BSpots.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-5947661448497693028"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T20:54:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:31:16.996-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"freedom"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"religion"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"scientology"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Ransom Religion"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WK9tghN_9r8\/Vx2WJeNpaHI\/AAAAAAAAACI\/9xizJdpb5LY3-E7e1e6KOdh45EUGOBbaACK4B\/s1600\/miscaviage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"213\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WK9tghN_9r8\/Vx2WJeNpaHI\/AAAAAAAAACI\/9xizJdpb5LY3-E7e1e6KOdh45EUGOBbaACK4B\/s320\/miscaviage.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EBy Ian Kolbinskie\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;The level of moral turpitude concerning blackmail can only be matched by the level of effectiveness it holds. An individual will go to great lengths to make sure their skeletons stay safely in the closet.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; But what if we remove the needs for the skeletons to exist at all? What if the \u003Ci\u003Epromise\u003C\/i\u003E of the skeletons existing were enough to turn virtually \u003Ci\u003Eall\u003C\/i\u003E of your friends and family against you? The organization capable of fabricating said skeletons would, for lack of better terms, own you.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; And that is just the relationship Scientology has with its members. Ownership. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; It owns them through the use of what Scientologists refer to as “SP Policy.” SP stands for suppressive person, Scientology’s term for those who harm the Church. This policy was previously known as “Fair Game Policy,” due to the fact that enemies of Scientology are to be considered fair game, subject to any means of harassment the Church deems fitting.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; So, what does it take to be given the title of SP? Less than you’d think. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003ECaught in a photograph with another SP? You’re an SP. Take a search online for any information – outside of the official church website – on Scientology? You’re an SP. Watch ex-Scientologist Leah Remini on \u003Ci\u003EDancing with the Stars\u003C\/i\u003E? You’re an SP. Hold the bacon on your BLT? You’re an SP\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003ESandwich jokes aside, Scientology can declare anyone they want to be an SP. They can do it for any reason or no reason at all. Worst of all, when current Scientologists are told that someone is declared an SP, they are not told why. They are only told to cease \u003Ci\u003Eall\u003C\/i\u003E communications with the SP, and ignore their existence \u003Ci\u003Ecompletely\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EScientology is great at convincing its members that it is in their best interest to associate primarily with other Scientologists. Consequently, most Scientologists associate exclusively, or almost exclusively, with other Scientologists. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E“\u003Cspan style=\"background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;\"\u003EHow do you sit there so calmly and destroy someone’s life? How do you do it?” Sylvia DeWall asked, during her meeting in which she was informed that she had been declared an SP for so-called crimes against the church.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E“You need to take a look at your actions” was the smug response she received from the Church official tasked with dropping this social guillotine.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EDeWall’s husband Tom was a Scientologist. In his own words, he was “Mr. Church.” Her three children were Scientologists. Her friends, not to mention her client base, were Scientologists.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EThe Church knew exactly what they were doing when they chose to declare DeWall. That conversation effectively revoked her citizenship from Clearwater, FL. It divorced her from her husband. It made her children deem her worthy of hatred. It took every aspect of her day to day life and \u003Ci\u003Edestroyed \u003C\/i\u003Eit.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EOr at least… that’s what they thought it would do. DeWall’s story has a happy ending. Her family left the Church entirely, and relocated to Arizona. Tom and Sylvia have opened a new business, reestablishing themselves. The children are enjoying a school and network of friends not tied to Scientology.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EWas the DeWall family victorious over Scientology? They held together, but it wasn’t Scientology that had to relocate.\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5947661448497693028\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/ransom-religion.html#comment-form","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/5947661448497693028"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/5947661448497693028"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/ransom-religion.html","title":"Ransom Religion"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WK9tghN_9r8\/Vx2WJeNpaHI\/AAAAAAAAACI\/9xizJdpb5LY3-E7e1e6KOdh45EUGOBbaACK4B\/s72-c\/miscaviage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-6142676122542559003"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T20:50:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:31:26.168-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"japan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Culture Shock"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dz6zgZYPkVQ\/Vx2T6KOm3QI\/AAAAAAAAABw\/yDr3CBdvHtscQKvgVkPAFcCMpwFySFDlQCK4B\/s1600\/Culture%2BShock.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"173\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dz6zgZYPkVQ\/Vx2T6KOm3QI\/AAAAAAAAABw\/yDr3CBdvHtscQKvgVkPAFcCMpwFySFDlQCK4B\/s320\/Culture%2BShock.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003EBy Liz Nolan\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003EEveryone has heard the term “culture shock”. It’s a term that can have different meanings for every individual. Between food, language, transportation and ways of dressing, the “shock” can hit you at any moment, or maybe not at all. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003EI had my first healthy dose of this so-called “culture shock” the summer before I started high school. I had the opportunity to visit Japan as an ambassador for Sister Cities of Clearwater, FL. Clearwater’s sister city is Nagano, Japan. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003ESo here I am, blond haired, blue eyed in a totally different world compared to home. Spending a week with the other students in my group, we visited Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and what seemed like a million other places. Visiting temples and local markets, it’s like my head was on a swivel, trying to soak in every bit of these moments. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003EWhen we visited Hiroshima though, things were different here. We were told by our group leader that it would be best if we stayed quiet during our tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, as some people may not appreciate us being here. It’s a somber experience anyway. Seeing the imprints on sidewalks where people were sitting when the bomb went off, the models of the town before and after the explosion, learning about the defects that children are still born with today because of past generation’s radiation exposure. There really isn’t anything to say, you just listen and take it all in. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003ENot that every place was like that. Everybody was so friendly everywhere. For many it was the first time they had seen an American person. We were stared at and stopped to take pictures with on the street. It was our “15 minutes of fame.” \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003EThe second week we were there we went to live with a host family and went to school with their sons and daughters. (This is where the culture shock really kicked in.) I had the nicest family, but the language barrier was most definitely a hurdle. They spoke very little English and I spoke exactly zero Japanese. So, I spent most of my time communicating with my family through an English to Japanese dictionary. Talk about uncomfortable. (My first night there my host “father” asked if I wanted to take a bus. A bus to where? I realized he was asking if I wanted to take a bath.) \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003EThis is where the food shock came into play as well. When I was out and about with my group I could choose what I had for dinner. I couldn’t do that in someone else’s home. I swallowed down more mushroom soups and interesting looking fish than I care to remember. I fine tuned my chopstick skills and learned to slurp with the best of them. ( I hated mushrooms and wasn’t the biggest fish eater at the time.) I can say now that I am no longer a picky eater, and I have a feeling this experience helped me to overcome that. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003ENow, while I was here I also went to school. In Japan, school is incredibly different than school in America. The students in Japan, and a lot of other Asian countries, go to school for more than 10 hours a day! They are responsible for cleaning the school at the end of the day, and after this many students are involved in sports or other extracurricular activities. I could barely stay awake for an 8 hour day of school at home, now I had to spend a week at a school where I would be spending more than 12 hours a day. It makes you appreciate what we have here in America, but I guess you can see why the Japanese are known to be so smart. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003EI had so many uncomfortable and embarrassing moments while I was there. Culture shock is very real and everyone experiences it in different ways. This was my first taste of it, and now I think it takes a lot to make me uncomfortable in certain situations. I have yet to feel like such a fish out of water as I did while I was in Japan. I would experience it ten times over though. \u0026nbsp;Culture shock opens your eyes and makes you aware that the world is so much bigger than your backyard. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003EAs a famous man once said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” So, be uncomfortable! Embrace the shock. Eat the weird foods and talk to strangers, life isn’t fun without a little adventure.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6142676122542559003\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/culture-shock.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/6142676122542559003"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/6142676122542559003"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/culture-shock.html","title":"Culture Shock"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dz6zgZYPkVQ\/Vx2T6KOm3QI\/AAAAAAAAABw\/yDr3CBdvHtscQKvgVkPAFcCMpwFySFDlQCK4B\/s72-c\/Culture%2BShock.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-7844643420873764989"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T20:35:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:31:34.300-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"bowie"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"music"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Bowie - The Thin White Duke"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ec_9hTvMDJk\/Vx2QfmObmFI\/AAAAAAAAABk\/TAjXl5XBHqExbLhTHXOnN3XCrAF21oMJQCK4B\/s1600\/Bowie.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ec_9hTvMDJk\/Vx2QfmObmFI\/AAAAAAAAABk\/TAjXl5XBHqExbLhTHXOnN3XCrAF21oMJQCK4B\/s320\/Bowie.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EBy Robert Markoe\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.4); color: #7b7b7b; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.28px; line-height: 25.2px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EBorn – David Robert Jones, Jan.-1947. In London, England, Dies-March 10\u003Csup\u003Eth\u003C\/sup\u003E-2016., in N.Y. City.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Bowie’s second wife was the Super Model, Iman. Was a band member of the, Tin Machine, Band Aid, The Hype, The Arnold Corns, The Riot Squad, David Jones and the King Bee’s, The Buzz.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Bowie was known as being the Blond Rock Icon, within the pop music culture. Bowie changed his name in the 1960’s, so not to be confused with the Monkeey’s, band member, Davey Jones. Bowie struggled in the 1960’s, until his breakthrough, with Space Oddity, in 1969, after trying various kinds of music. In 1972 he had a comeback of sorts with, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, and the Spiders from Mars, a (concept album).\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I first listened to Bowie in 1972, and was very taken by his music; also at the time I was listening to, Mott the Hoople, which features a song, titled, Sweet Jane, written by , Bowie. The albums best song, maybe.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; By the mid, 1970’s, Bowie had become a major cocaine, and heroin user. In 1975, he releases, Young Americans, which produced his first number one hit. He also appears in the film, The Man Who Fell to Earth, resembling, an alien with his skeletal frame.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Bowie decides to settle in Berlin, in the late 1970’s, after signs of insanity surface in his personality; Bowie ends drug use, and acts in the Broadway Show, The Elephant Man. In 1983, releases the very large song, Let’s Dance, and loses interest in acting. In 1992, he changes direction again, and marries super model (Iman).\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; In June of 2004, Bowie suffers a heart attack, during his reality Tour. In 2008 he releases the album (The Next Day), after a 10 year absence from the music business. Bowie has changed the course of popular music, more than one time. His video’s in the 70’s and 80’s, are thought to be ground breaking, and when he performed live, he was considered to be one of the most theatrical musicians, within the pop realm, of all time.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; In1968 Bowie wrote some lyrics to a French song (Asusual), which was reworked by pop singer, Paul Anka. This song became a major hit for, Frank Sinatra, who gave the song the title (My Way). Bowie was not reserved about being seen as a gay person, and it did not detract from his fame.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Bowie was inducted into the Rock \u0026amp; Roll Hall Of Fame in 1996, and American Song Writers Hall Of Fame In 2006. Bowie was listed as one of the richest British Pop Stars, earning more than 30 million in 2001, more than, Sir Paul McCartney, of The Beatles.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Bowie cited American Rock Star, Little Richard, as a major musical influence, in an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine in 1983, and also stated in the article that his gay sexuality was a falsehood.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EAt the age of 59, Bowie gave up cigarettes, (smoked 50 per day) but admitted before his untimely death, along with the dead, Beatle, lead guitarist, that cigarette smoking, played a major role, in their untimely, and sad deaths.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Bowie could play 14 different musical instruments. He lived N.Y.City, and died there. Another interesting fact about Bowie, was that The Beatles, Record Label, Apple, rejected him, early in his carrier.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Bowie was the musician that discovered, the late great virtuoso Blues Guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughn, where Bowie utilized Vaughn as the guitar player on the song (Lets Dance). Bowie, once asked John Lennon, what he thought of his act, and Lennon replied “it’s great, but it’s just rock \u0026amp; roll with lip-stick on”.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Bowie, released in his career 26 albums, and went on world tours 5 times; one thing he wished he had never done was drugs.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; In my collection of more than 800 albums, I have six albums by him; The Album, Aladdin Sane, to me was the best, but they were all good; possibly I might have listened to his music more often, but he was a little out there, the expression that” there is a fine line between a genius, and a madman”, fits here.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7844643420873764989\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/bowie-thin-white-duke.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/7844643420873764989"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/7844643420873764989"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/bowie-thin-white-duke.html","title":"Bowie - The Thin White Duke"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ec_9hTvMDJk\/Vx2QfmObmFI\/AAAAAAAAABk\/TAjXl5XBHqExbLhTHXOnN3XCrAF21oMJQCK4B\/s72-c\/Bowie.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-2872676503462318365"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T20:29:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:31:46.344-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"economics"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"government"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tax"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The A Priori Case Against Tariffs"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;georgia\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 16px;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-aku9BOetH-k\/Vx2cpy4UccI\/AAAAAAAAEak\/2EYjSrptYYwjYk2hbJ_f8DaqnCNDFSTBACLcB\/s1600\/taxes.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-aku9BOetH-k\/Vx2cpy4UccI\/AAAAAAAAEak\/2EYjSrptYYwjYk2hbJ_f8DaqnCNDFSTBACLcB\/s320\/taxes.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EBy Gabriel Deen\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EEconomics, as a science, is not primary. It is a subset of \u003Ci\u003Epraxeology\u003C\/i\u003E - the study of \u003Ci\u003Ehuman action\u003C\/i\u003E. More specifically, praxeology is the study of \u003Ci\u003Epurposeful\u003C\/i\u003E action. As Murray Rothbard, perhaps the greatest Austrian economist since Ludwig von Mises, puts it, “Praxeology rests on the fundamental axiom that individual human beings act, that is, on the primordial fact that individuals engage in conscious actions toward chosen goals.“ Keep this in mind when considering the issue of tariffs (taxes on imports).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Tariffs fundamentally disrupt the natural workings of the economy by imposing degrees of coercion. Normally, in markets, prices are determined strictly by the wants of the consumers - they will only trade when the goods they buy are worth more than both anything else they could get for their money at that time, and future potential purchases. If the utility of buying the goods does not outweigh these two alternatives, the consumer will either buy something else or save their money. To determine the market's preferences, one must look at what prices consumers are willing to accept, and, likewise, what prices businesses offer, as well as the demand for certain types of products.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A consumer will always accept a deal to buy a good that comes at a lower cost and has faster fulfilment (the latter due to “time preference” - the less time needed to get the full utility from a good, the better), all other things being equal. At a certain price, they will refuse the good (or, in the case of necessities such as food and water, be physically incapable of paying). Therefore, businesses have an incentive to improve in these areas and undercut all competition, starting the race with the highest price possible and ending at the most viable price for \u003Ci\u003Eboth\u003C\/i\u003E the businesses and consumers, since, when a business offers a product at price x, price x becomes the de facto price ceiling for the product (\u003Ci\u003Eceteris paribus\u003C\/i\u003E).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; These facts, taken together, are the basis for looking at prices as signalling mechanisms. Consumer actions reflect what people \u003Ci\u003Ewant \u003C\/i\u003E- the most important information for producers - and businesses are able to react and adjust to this information accordingly. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The problem with tariffs is that they are wholly market-external factors. There are no market forces that produce them, and, therefore, they are not the result of any interaction between producers and consumers. The obvious issue is that, if observing trade in a free market is the best way to determine the proper pricing of goods, then imposing fees and costs on businesses trying to sell at that price level disincentivises such selling. This has the effect of essentially destroying the ability of foreign businesses to compete, as they must incur costs just for participating in the market.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; This is not a bad thing for the person who claims that only American businesses should be supported. It does entail that they be free from competition. However, this also means both that, A), there is less reason for American businesses to improve, due to the elimination of foreign threats which could steal their consumers, and, B), the ability for consumers to choose is restricted, as the pool of options is reduced.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The second of these is perhaps the biggest harm. Consider the meaning of having to impose tariffs for American businesses to compete. For this to be an issue at all, consumers \u003Ci\u003Emust have a reason\u003C\/i\u003E to buy from foreign countries - if not, foreign businesses would not be a threat in the first place. What is hidden is that tariffs serve to deny the choices of consumers to dissuade businesses from offering that which consumers desire \u003Ci\u003Ejust because they are not American\u003C\/i\u003E. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The only reason to use such protectionist policies is to prop up businesses which would otherwise fail precisely because the market - the people - would \u003Ci\u003Elet them fail\u003C\/i\u003E. Anyone in favor of “American interests” cannot also be against American consumers without prevaricating. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EThe proper course of action when people do not want something is not to degrade the alternatives; charity has no place where freedom is compromised.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2872676503462318365\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/the-priori-case-against-tariffs.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/2872676503462318365"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/2872676503462318365"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/the-priori-case-against-tariffs.html","title":"The A Priori Case Against Tariffs"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-aku9BOetH-k\/Vx2cpy4UccI\/AAAAAAAAEak\/2EYjSrptYYwjYk2hbJ_f8DaqnCNDFSTBACLcB\/s72-c\/taxes.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-4043641255363230189"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T19:54:00.004-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:33:01.611-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"hip hop"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"kanye"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"music"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Yeezus Wept"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zJc7Ep_LzDc\/Vx2checpNlI\/AAAAAAAAEag\/8JliKiSBMk44nPQVAJIi6mSETto29g9jgCLcB\/s1600\/Yeezus.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zJc7Ep_LzDc\/Vx2checpNlI\/AAAAAAAAEag\/8JliKiSBMk44nPQVAJIi6mSETto29g9jgCLcB\/s320\/Yeezus.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003EBy Ian Kolbinskie\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-indent: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;\"\u003E“Oh\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;I love all kinds of music, except for rap.” A common utterance by the self-proclaimed musically diverse individual, when asked about their preferences.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; While I ferociously disagree with dismissing any variety of music, especially one with as much hidden beauty as hip hop, based solely on the genre, I do admit that hip hop’s bad rap (pun intended) can be somewhat justifiable.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Yes, many of the songs one hears on the radio talk about guns, violence, promiscuity, and a whole host of other illegal activities. Yes, those things \u003Ci\u003Ecan\u003C\/i\u003E influence the youth of today to emulate a dangerous lifestyle which is probably only rewarding in the short term, if that. And finally, yes, \u003Ci\u003Eall\u003C\/i\u003E of these same arguments can be made against shows like \u003Ci\u003EBreaking Bad\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; “Wait, Ian, are you saying that I can’t simply live out my meth making fantasies in the event that my life goes belly up?! Are you saying we have to separate the art from reality?!” Yes, naïve imaginary reader, that is exactly what I’m saying. That is exactly the point which listeners fail to realize when exploring music with edgy lyrics, hip hop especially.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Now that I’ve (hopefully) convinced you that the presence of hip hop isn’t a societal net negative, allow me to open your mind to the idea of it being a catalyst for creation. Observe the following lyrics. If you really want to humor me, say them out loud with emphasis on the bold parts.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; “I’m ‘bout to come in and \u003Cb\u003EDesaturate\u003C\/b\u003E the \u003Cb\u003Echic rap today\u003C\/b\u003E and \u003Cb\u003Eevaporate\u003C\/b\u003E the \u003Cb\u003Efeedback I hate\u003C\/b\u003E. I’ll \u003Cb\u003Eelaborate\u003C\/b\u003E…” \u003Ci\u003E–\u003C\/i\u003E Lil Dicky’, \u003Ci\u003ERussell Westbrook on a Farm\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; That was a multisyllabic rhyme. Modern day hip hop gives large praise to artists who can come up with rhyme combinations like this, as it is much more difficult than rhyming single syllables (fun, done, gun, run, shun). Multisyllabic rhymes are a droplet in a sea of techniques an artist has at their disposal to create incredible lyrics.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; See, it’s not really about how many guns you have. It’s not really about how many \u003Cs\u003Ebitches\u003C\/s\u003E willing sexual participants are in your harem. It’s about the creativity, vocabulary, and alacrity with which you can express these ideas, or any others. Speaking of vocabulary, here’s another example of everything that’s right with modern hip hop.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; “Flash that buttery gold. Jittery zeitgeist. Whither by the watering hole. Border patrol. What are we to Heart Huckabee? Art fuckery, suddenly?” – Aesop Rock, \u003Ci\u003ENone Shall Pass\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; In this opening line, Aesop addresses his own gripes with modern hip hop bling culture, American immigration laws, and the government’s view on hip hop. Even more than it perpetuates violence, hip hop perpetuates self-expression\u0026nbsp;and nonconformity.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; This brings us back to the idea of hip hop being a catalyst for creation. Any art is inspirational, but hip hop is unique in its simplicity. Learning how to play the piano is a feat, a journey, an undertaking. One knows at the beginning that it will be months, maybe years\u0026nbsp;until they’re playing something that sounds good.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; With hip hop, you can start \u003Ci\u003Eright now\u003C\/i\u003E. All you need is your voice\u0026nbsp;and comprehension of at least one language. One improves by just practicing, and trying to rhyme bigger words. There are no rigid rules, no scales to practice, and no wrong way to rap.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Do I \u003Ci\u003Ethink\u003C\/i\u003E the world would be a better place if everyone were an amateur rapper? Yes, though that’s a lofty goal for an amateur journalist. On the other hand, I \u003Ci\u003Eknow\u003C\/i\u003E the world would be a better place if we could all appreciate more forms of art. Be the change.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4043641255363230189\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/yeezus-wept-by-ian-kolbinskie-oh-i-love.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/4043641255363230189"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/4043641255363230189"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/yeezus-wept-by-ian-kolbinskie-oh-i-love.html","title":"Yeezus Wept"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zJc7Ep_LzDc\/Vx2checpNlI\/AAAAAAAAEag\/8JliKiSBMk44nPQVAJIi6mSETto29g9jgCLcB\/s72-c\/Yeezus.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974496180872517616.post-8025033739198559477"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T19:50:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-24T21:32:10.687-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"opinion"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"random"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"spc"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"survey"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Random Question Survey"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-p0gq0O81R88\/Vx2FwqKdAeI\/AAAAAAAAAA8\/Pqdo0URABWcbPTyIVoMF57nOwvq4MNHxACKgB\/s1600\/qm.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-p0gq0O81R88\/Vx2FwqKdAeI\/AAAAAAAAAA8\/Pqdo0URABWcbPTyIVoMF57nOwvq4MNHxACKgB\/s320\/qm.jpg\" width=\"213\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EBy Shea Duncan\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EOne of the most intriguing things I own is a thin paperback called \u003Ci\u003EThe Book of Questions. \u003C\/i\u003EIt contains about 270 questions of both superficial and deep nature, questions designed (said the author) to be thought-provoking and perhaps start conversations; questions whose answers might just reveal a little more about either yourself or the person to whom the inquiry is posed. I was curious to see what answers SPC students and staff might have to these queries, so I picked four from the book that stood out to me and set out around campus to find what they had to say. As you read your classmates’ responses, think: how would \u003Ci\u003Eyou\u003C\/i\u003E answer?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EQuestion 1:\u0026nbsp; \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“For an all-expense-paid, one week vacation anywhere in the world, would you be willing to kill a beautiful butterfly by pulling off its wings? What about stepping on a cockroach? If yes to both questions, why one and not the other?”\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"No. Yeah. Cockroaches are the spawn of Satan.”-Nicole Miele, age 18\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\"No, and yes, because I think butterflies are representative of the spirit.” -Ashley Gillum \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"Just one? Yeah. Yeah.\" -John Macaspac, age 26\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"Because stepping on it's quick, pulling its wings is just mean. Plus cockroaches like are filthy and carry diseases.\" -Katie Gisonni, age 21\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“Yes. Yes. Cause it’s an insect and I’m going anywhere I want to go.” –Mike Crews, 33\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;“No, it’s bad luck, bad karma.” “Hell yeah!” “Because one actually, like the caterpillars and stuff, like help the flowers and stuff, but cockroaches are just filthy…they bring disease.” –James Farley, age 48.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \"Yes! (laughs) It's one butterfly!\" -Meghan Bentley, age 17\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"Yes, are you kidding me?\" -Nick Grosseibl, age 19\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EQuestion 2: \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“For what in your life do you feel most grateful?”\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"Family.\"-Sarah Henriksen, age 17\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“I think the ability to communicate…like, to form relationships and express emotions, especially love, you know? How hard would it be if you couldn’t do that? So probably that.” –Aaliyah Anderson, age 19\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"Family and friends\" –Lindsay Nobles, age 17\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"People that like to hang out with me.\" –Tyler Dodson, age 17\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“I guess that my wife survived cancer. That’s a tough question, there’s a lot of things to be grateful for.” – Mike Crews, age 46\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\"Community.\" John Macaspac, age 26\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"God.\" -Katie Gisonni, age 21\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“Friends and family.” Ryan Curry, age 19\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EQuestion 3:\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“You are driving late at night in a safe but deserted neighborhood when a dog suddenly darts in front of your car. Though you slam on the brakes, you hit the animal. Would you stop to see how injured the animal was? If you did so and found that the dog was dead but had a name tag, would you contact the owner?”\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;“Yes, and yes. Cause I have two dogs and if somebody killed my dog I’d want to know instead of them just throwing it in a ditch and me never knowing what happened to it. ” – Mike Crews, 33\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“Anonymously. Just call and say I found a dead dog on the side of the road…shouldn’t have been out at two o’clock in the morning.” –James Farley, age 48\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003EQuestion 4:\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“If you had the choice of one intimate soul mate and no other close friends, or of no such soul mate and many friends and acquaintances, which would you choose?”\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"Soulmate.\"-Sarah Henriksen, age 17 \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\"The second one.\" –John Mascapac, age 26\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E“Soulmate. There’s a lot of people that will be close to you but will never get you, and I would trade 100 million people that knew me for one person that understood me.” –Mike Crews, age 46\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;“Probably friends….because in terms of relationships, you can have a lot of different bonds on different levels. Having a soulmate is always nice, but if you can connect with a wide variety of people and make those relationships, it’s equally, if not more, beautiful.” –Aaliyah Anderson, age 19\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\"I'd pick the one, but it wouldn't be easy.\" -Nick Grosseibl, age 19\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\"I mean right now, I don't have a soulmate or significant other, and I'm okay- but would I want \u0026nbsp;that forever? I don't know.\" -Meghan Bentley, age 17\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot; , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8025033739198559477\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/therandom-question-survey-answers-may.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/8025033739198559477"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2974496180872517616\/posts\/default\/8025033739198559477"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/max-variety.blogspot.com\/2016\/04\/therandom-question-survey-answers-may.html","title":"The Random Question Survey"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"MaxVariety Staff"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12111146343630611854"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"31","src":"\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B8xe0ctqnTE\/Vx1-a1AdFdI\/AAAAAAAAAAQ\/WTDXGsr0IVMTqRwS9bHm1E1b-YNy1eWTgCK4B\/s220\/MV_NewLogo001_o.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-p0gq0O81R88\/Vx2FwqKdAeI\/AAAAAAAAAA8\/Pqdo0URABWcbPTyIVoMF57nOwvq4MNHxACKgB\/s72-c\/qm.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});