Hip Young Things

One of the most difficult things about pain is that it is such an intensely personal experience.  The person suffering hopes that others will understand, and it’s almost impossible to make people understand something that they haven’t experienced.  While everyone has personal encounters with pain in general, the difference between stubbing your toe and suffering chronic pain is enormous.  Today, with new facts about fibromyalgia and more promising treatments always on the horizon, it is becoming a more compassionate world for sufferers.  Likewise, there are also celebrities that take it upon themselves to help get the word out, so that people can educate themselves.

With famous sufferers like Susan Flannery or Sinead O’Connor, there is hope.  Because brave and courageous women like them are willing to speak out about their own experiences, it takes some of the myth and mystery away.  Moving conditions like fibromyalgia, or any chronic pain condition, out of the darkness does pave the way for those who might be suffering unknowingly, or those who know but understand that it’s very misunderstood.  They also help to bring more light to other famous women, people like Frida Kahlo, who very well could have had the condition, but wasn’t living when it was accepted as a condition.

Interestingly, and very tellingly, the legacy of Frida Kahlo’s suffering is one that has haunted her admirers, and lead to a process of reconsideration of pain.  The process is still unfolding and evolving, but it takes the reigns in that historical point when pain, especially chronic pain suffered by women, was relegated to the basements and attics, and placed under labels like “hysteria.”  Today, most art critics would recognize that Kahlo suffered from more than muscle inflammation, but there are still disparaging comments that suggest that we have not quite left that historical dark age.

But there are signs of hope.  Organizations like For Grace are directed toward redefining and addressing the misunderstandings surrounding pain, and working toward making it possible for honest dialogue and reasonable medical practices.  There are also plenty of alternative health arenas where these conditions are treated for what they are, and the patient doesn’t have to feel ostracized or unbalanced.  Just like the search for relief from the pain, this one is an ongoing struggle between dark and light, and on some days it does seem as though the light were starting to win.

Wanting to join the cult of personality is one thing.  Having the capacity for it is quite another.  There are very few who are born with the uncanny ability to understand the power of image, and carry the strength and intelligence to play their own image to its full potential.  It is certainly true that luck plays a large part of it, and perhaps is the most essential part of it.  Being at the right place and at the right time is not something that anyone can plan for, but it is something that young talents have to hope for.  In the meantime, there are ways of giving power to one’s own image.

Being able to manipulate one’s image with any level of savvy can be quite expensive.  When it comes to wanting to be discovered, in terms of money, mutual complaints from aspiring stars revolve around unfair situations.  The best parts always go to the actors that the directors already know, and those who are born into famous families already have a leg up on everybody else.  While this may very well be the case, it’s often wiser to pretend that things are not the way they are.  A little bit of blind optimism can do wonders for motivation, and it can give one just a little more audacity than the rest.  Fortunately, there are no reviews for the performance of everyday life, and that makes the real world a wonderful playing field to test one’s mettle.

If there is one thing that separates the superstars from the usual, everyday stars, it’s that they do seem to have a history of performing themselves in their lives before having their moment in the spotlight.  Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlon Brando all had practice becoming themselves.  It’s a kind of schizophrenia, possibly, to be so acutely aware of the moment that one can enter into it and also simultaneously perform to it.  But it is that very ability to maintain multiple levels of consciousness at the same time.  Being in the moment and outside of it at once is a skill, and it doesn’t necessarily come entirely naturally.

It does, however, seem to come to those who have had extraordinarily lucky or unfortunate circumstances early on.  Somewhere in the early development phase, where the individual starts to separate from the rest, there are traumas or unforgettable positive reinforcements, that make one feel somehow outside of the usual laws of time and space.  Superstars often seem to think of themselves as above the usual laws of physics, and in many cases, that is sort of true.  There is a certain sense of invulnerability that goes with the territory, and it’s very important to keep in mind that this is sometimes a survival tool, and sometimes a radical maladjustment.  Because one thing that is also true of superstardom, it has never been able to beat mortality, and there are too many Hollywood tragedies to prove it.

There are a number of different various tax forms that people may have to fill out each year for the government. Services like good roads and schools do not come free or cheap, which is why it is important that everyone does their part and contributes their piece to the pie in the form of taxes. By doing so, then everyone benefits from the goods and services provided by the government. This is the main purpose of taxation.

Taxes provide the funding for innumerable things that are needed in a society that is efficient and pleasant to live in. Even though tax rates and the way tax dollars are used is an endless topic for debate and criticism, taxation still remains the best form of public funding for many nations. Even if not every person uses or wants every service that the government runs and fulfills, everyone needs to contribute because everyone uses at least some or most of those services. Maybe a person does not want to be involved in a war and does not approve of his or her tax dollars going towards funding a war where the government spends millions or even billions of dollars on things like ammunition, weapons, intelligence gathering and troops deployed to foreign places for long periods of time. But maybe another person does not want to feel as though their country does not appear to be strong or doing all it can for its own citizens and their well being. They may feel as though by not going on the offensive – or they may even consider it the defensive, if they are rebutting a previous attack on the country – then the country will be putting itself at risk. No one will ever agree on everything about what taxes are spent on, but regardless, everyone needs to pay them.

While Ottawa may not be the perfect city for celebrity sightings, it is a fairly fantastic place to be, if you happen to be young and famous.  It’s far enough away from the coasts to attract too many fans, and urbane enough that there are a dizzying array of things to do in the city.  The cultures move in concentric circles, so there is a pleasant familiarity among friends, and still more than enough new people coming to the city every day to make it constantly shifting.  Not everyone looking for ways to spend a night on the town will fall in love with the city and start looking for apartments for rent.  But that’s one of the positives, because it is a place where one can be well-connected, and still immersed in a local neighborhood culture.

If there’s any doubt about the quality of entertainment offerings in the city, a brief look at the Ottawa Film Society‘s listings will show a generous array of national and international films in French and English.  There is a dedication to culture here that is deep set.  It is the heart of the country, after all, with a very impressive record on everything from the environment to education, demonstrating a commitment and a knowledge of the bigger picture.  If film is a way of looking at the world in a mirror, then there are enough mirrors here to provide diverse visions that occasionally fan together, much like the local cultural scene.

Unlike the larger entertainment centers, however, in places like Toronto or Vancouver, the local ottawa apartments are not necessarily housing superstars of music or movies.  But there are those who decide to opt for a life outside of the spotlight, and a very livable city from which they can base their lives and do their work.  It’s been the birthplace, or childhood home of a rather impressive list of famous people.  It’s an interesting assortment, to say the least.  The list is also rather eclectic, with Margaret Atwood, Keshia, Bryan Adams, and Dan Aykroyd among the big names.  These represent entirely different disciplines and art forms, and the people are all entirely accomplished at what they’ve set out to do.  It is an exciting city, and the things that are not visible on the surface are here, but need to be discovered in their own good time.  The charm of the city is always present, however, and provides a generous invitation to keep discovering more.

Going out to the movies can be a fun family activity, but is it really worth the cost? Going out will easily set you back over $40 to take a family of four to see a film. Add a bucket of popcorn and a couple of drinks, not to mention transportation costs, and you’ve spent well over $60. It would be much more cost effective to watch an on-demand movie in the comfort of your own home. In addition to saving money, there are many other reasons to choose watching an on-demand movie through a Cable Provider. Some of the other reasons are: Continue reading “On Demand Movies Save Big Bucks for Families” »

Indiana was admitted to the U.S. as the nineteenth state on December 11th, 1816. It’s situated within the Midwestern U.S. and Great Lakes Region. It’s ranked 38 within land area and includes the smallest state within the continental United States west of the Appalachian Mountains. Indian’s capital and biggest city includes Indianapolis, the 2nd largest of any state capital as well as biggest state capital east of the Mississippi River. There are some very famous celebrities who come from the state of Indiana. Here is a list of the top five musicians to come out of Indiana:

John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp includes an American musician, rock singer-songwriter, occasional actor and painter well-known for his populist, catchy brand of heartland rock which eschews synthesizers and additional artificial sounds that are in favor of acoustic instrumentation. He’s sold more than forty million albums around the world and has amassed twenty-two Top 40 hits within America.

Axl Rose
W. Axl Rose includes an American musician and singer-songwriter. He’s the lead vocalist and sole remaining initial member of the rock band Guns N’ Roses, with which he appreciated great recognition and success within the 1980s and 1990s, prior to vanishing from the public for many years. Rose was named one of the best singers of all time by different media outlets, involving NME and Rolling Stone.

Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson included an American entertainer, recording artist, and businessman. Called a King of Pop, Jackson was recognized as the greatest entertainer of all time by the Guinness Book of World Records. His contribution to dance, music, and fashion, alongside a highly-publicized personal life, made Jackson a global character within popular culture for more than 40 years. His sister, Janet Jackson, is also from Indiana.

David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth includes an American songwriter, rock vocalist, author, actor, and former radio personality. He was ranked 19th by Hit Parade upon their list of 100 Best Heavy Metal Entertainers of All Time. He’s best known as the current and original lead singer of the rock band Van Halen. Following departing Van Halen in the year 1985 he initially appreciated a career as a solo artist.

Henry Lee Summer
Henry Lee Summer recorded many successful albums upon Epic Records within the 1980s-1990s and toured with Richard Marx, 38 Special, Cheap Trick, Robert Palmer, Don Henley, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, Eddie Money, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

There are probably more stories now on the web about Charlie Sheen than there are about Charlemagne, even though most people would recognize that one has a much greater importance, historically speaking.  It’s not that the media blinds people to what’s really important, but that famous people behaving badly is terribly interesting.  Celebrity is something that carries with it a body of myths that are as attractive and evasive as winning the lottery.  For some, misbehaviors are reminders that we are all human and make mistakes.  But for others, it can be a subject of scorn, stemming from insecurities that are disguised as moral superiority.

That is one of the very difficult things about stories of celebrity rehab.  They’re interesting to everyone, but they hold something special for those who are wondering if there is a path for recovery in their future.  It’s a delicate balance.  On the one hand, there are principles of anonymity from 12-step programs that are designed to keep famous names from taking over the public perceptions of the organization.  On the other hand, when famous people get their lives together, it can absolutely inspire others.

It is necessary, then, to look at the 12-step tradition of anonymity.  Members uphold this tradition by maintaining “personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.”  There is some confusion about this, where some might perceive it to be cult-like, in depriving members of individuality.  The core of the tradition, however, is to protect the name of the organization, and to ensure that no one can achieve any kind of special attention because of their affiliation.  It becomes a spiritual principle, then, where one is required to leave their ego at the door.  In principle, there are no celebrities in recovery.

This can be very central in the decision-making process for someone considering looking into drug rehab information.  The rate of relapse is significant among addicts and alcoholics, and celebrities don’t have a better chance than anyone else.  However, if a celebrity does relapse, it is in the public eye, so if they are making any claims to membership to an organization, the organization is held in suspicion.  But perhaps even more importantly, in the lives of these individuals, who happen to be celebrities, the choice to try and get sober is a very intensely personal one.  They have the right as much as anyone else to start living one day at a time.  It is like growing up in public, like Lou Reed sings about, and the rewards fame offers the ego are as powerful as the ego’s defeat when someone relapses under public scrutiny.  They are simply good people trying to get better, like anyone else trudging the road.

It’s part of the charm of a subculture to find so much passion in the details.  The small touches, executed with what is obviously a deep love and care, gives a look and a lifestyle a special coherence.  Boosted with careful attention and a sense of style, small details can make something absolutely pop.  Any hot rod aficionado will find their own way into the realm of complicated choices when they have to find discount vintage tires for the first time.  This is when the search for the authentic needs to meet with the economically feasible, and that’s the point where style can give way to form.  In the best scenarios, however, it’s possible to find a place where they both actually marry, and this can innovate the style for the rest of the subculture.

There are those who have argued that the current crop of celebrities, of which Ashton Kucher is by now almost a grandfather, is not sophisticated enough to capture enough detail to offer any real depth.  However, it’s also pretty clear that the argument against any generation for their lack of substance is a very traditional one.  Aristotle argued that kids today just weren’t as respectful as his generation, and it’s been that way for over 2,400 years since then.

One big distinction between now and then is, of course, the way the methods of transportation have changed.  Although the time that the automobile set its rubber to the road of history is relatively short, it has changed things utterly.  In terms of Aristotle’s thoughts on the youth of today, however, the attitudes of young people probably have not changed all that much.  In car culture, there are those of a generation or two ago who will certainly make a good case that the kids of today don’t know as much as they did, and don’t have the same attention to detail or appreciation for finer points of modification.

It might be true to say that buying wheels at  hotrodhanks.com is not the same thing as scouring the junkyards in other days.  It is much easier.  Even the youngest mechanic will say that it’s different now, and that there are more accessories, and more convenient means of acquiring them.  At the same time, these considerations actually only make more room to focus on details in other areas.  Skimping on tires is never a good idea, and in street racing, new definitely has advantages over vintage.  But this means there’s more room to find the perfect rear view mirror, the right color for pin-striping, or more time to talk to other enthusiasts and share trade secrets.  This means time to share wisdom and experience, passed from one generation to another, a cycle that never goes out of style.

Lindsay Lohan made her legal team aware of a full page ad about ignition interlock devices using her mugshot from her DUI case.  So what are ignition interlock devices?

An ignition interlock device is used to monitor breath alcohol levels on certain drivers who have been convicted of DUI.  The device is installed on a vehicle’s dashboard and drivers must use it before they can start their vehicle.  To do this the driver breathes into the device.  The device measures the breath alcohol amount.  If it is below the programmed amount in the device then the engine will start as normal.  If above these limits the engine will not start.  The limits set are usually in the range of 0.02 to 0.04%

The ignition interlock device will also ask for readings at random periods after the vehicle is started.  This is to prevent another person from starting the vehicle for the convicted driver.  If the random sample is ignored or is indeed above the limit this will be logged by the device and an alarm will be activated using the vehicle’s horn and lights.  This will continue until the engine is turned off or a sample below the limits is provided.

In the US almost all of the states use ignition interlock devices to monitor drivers convicted of DUI.  For example in Massachusetts drivers convicted of a 2^nd DUI  and are eligible for a  license reinstatement are legally instructed to install a ignition interlock device at their own expense. In New Mexico all people convicted of DUI for the first time are required to have a device installed for a year.  The same is true in Arizona.

Reviews of the success of these devices are mixed.  It is suggested that they work for certain offenders in some situations, but not all.  They work in situations where they are installed, not where it is up to the driver to install.  Research also suggests that they do not work well with 1^st time offenders convicted with high levels of blood alcohol.  Interlock devices are often attacked by attorneys on legal and scientific principles.

Article provided by Massachusetts DUI Attorney providing legal aid to drivers around the state.

There is a kind of studied coolness that every generation seems to cultivate. That perfect measure of aloofness with genuine concern for the troubles of the world is one that is somehow enormously off-putting to the boring people in the world, and absolutely mesmerizing to the culture of the super-hip. One of the most prominent qualities of the super-hip, of course, is that hipness itself is a creation and a fiction, and is of relatively no importance in the big scheme of things. Irony is the real master, but too much irony can throw one out of the ring entirely.

It’s probably impossible to know for sure whether or not Bob Dylan was the one who created the codes, or was the perfect chameleon , mastering codes that were already in place before he hit the scene. What is knowable is really limited to some basic street smarts, and a few unusual pieces of wisdom, like the basics of small engine carburetor repair and how to flirt in French. A little wisdom does go a long way, and in the culture of the hip, making more out of a little is the true sign of a rising star.

No one could ride a star faster than the young Bob Dylan , and it’s been a long while since a star has risen quite so quickly. In many respects, he seems like an icon of the old now, the 70-something songwriter with the bad voice, who reminds everyone of their grandfather. There’s little doubt, however, when seeing the footage of the press conferences on his way up, that he had it, and probably still does. He had it in a way that no one has ever been able to really approach ever since. The truly ironic thing about it is that for many young wannabes, he seems to be the guy who got out of everything unscathed.

It might be possible to trace some of his trajectories of thought while riding the side streets, but one thing that the motorcycle books can’t portray is that lost moment when he spun out of control and into the hospital. Something happened in that instant, something remarkably important. The iconic figure who had been shirking the idea of fame, in a way that only made him more famous, saw something in this period that made him decide that he was simultaneously the flame and the moth. Continuing down that particular road would only lead to a burning that was ultimately unimaginably terrifying. The studied coolness did pay off, and in the end, it was also a means toward escaping a particularly untenable route.