Health Care Debate….on Facebook

Today I caught a discussion between a friend of mine on Facebook and a friend of his on Facebook.  They were debating the current health care system debacle and how much government should play a part, one saying he believes government should intervene, more or less, and the other saying the government’s intervention would just take away more of our freedoms and be more expensive, more or less.  My bud quickly made a point of saying the current health care system is, hellooo, already expensive as #$*@!!! and is currently not run by the government; it is broken.   His amigo quickly replied with some hoopla about President Roosevelt attempting to intervene in 1912 and the government having played a role, not being a good one, in health care since.    He is also firm on his stance of health care not being a “luxury” that everyone is entitled to, it not being a God-given right…nothing is for free.

Yes, the political talks are at the forefront with the presidential election just around the corner, hot off the heels of last evening’s first presidential debate.

I had a few thoughts I wanted to contribute to the conversation.  But my “few” thoughts turned into a longer rant.  Soooo, I decided to post on here instead!  The main point I’m trying to make….well, you tell me if you get what I’m saying….

Nothing is for free, true.  But we’re already paying for it…quite a bit.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have affordable health care?  You might be paying for it with taxes.  But you wouldn’t have to worry when an inevitable comes…at least not as much as now.  Who wants to have to choose a life-saving operation over their home?

Not saying the plan is laid out perfectly.  But change is hard fought, especially when it’s never truly given a chance to be effective.  How can we say something won’t work if it’s not even properly attempted?  Too much bickering for self-preservation going on in the government.  Big business scared to lose its place.  Wealthy might not be so wealthy anymore.  Yada yada yada.  Boo hoo.  How about thinking about the overall effect of a nation health care system instead of simply how to stop it from coming into fruition?

Yes, our society takes pride in its freedoms.  However, without government action things would get, well, a bit out of control.  But who is suppose to run the government???  US!  Government is our freedom.  Hence, we are making the decisions through our votes.  It’s our choice to make things happen the way we want them to.  If the “government” is too controlling doesn’t this mean we’re too controlling?  Doesn’t make sense, right?

The problem is there are too many appointed officials in our government that think too much for themselves and not the people they are suppose to represent.  We appoint these officials with the hope and trust they will make decisions worthy of our wants and needs.  So, why shouldn’t these officials, OUR government reps,  intervene at some point with health care?  Aren’t they looking out for us, in essence?  Sadly, that’s not always the case, right?

But there has to be invention at some point.  Guidance and restrictions versus all out rule though, of course.  What’s to stop price increases otherwise?  It should be on more of a local government level for the most part, with the feds implementing certain nationally recognized measures.  It’s a tough thing though, no doubt.  After all, it’s our government representatives that run or have stake in so many of our current health care system providers, which adds yet another layer to the sweet dump cake that is this health care situation.

Why do you think so many politicians are so opposed to the system’s change?  CHA CHING bye bye.  MORE OBSTACLES, hello.  So, they are convincing the people, and themselves, for the most respectable and selfless reasons I’m sure, not to make change (I do hope you get my sarcasm there).

But even if there is change they’ll still have a say in some way or another since, hello, they are within our chosen government.  There will just be more restrictions since they can’t do it in the cooperate fashion any longer, where they can hide this and that, use that loop-hole and this tax cut.  Now they’ll have to make their moves for cashzilla by tip-toeing around government procedures, which they don’t want to have to deal with since it will limit them.

Lord knows a whole slew of new “laws” will be presented out of nowhere to ensure certain aspects of business are “preserved for the people”, aka will keep the doe flowing in the pockets of those that control the big business.  If ever we’re able to push through a new health care administration, just watch how fast bills will be presented to become “laws”.  Just watch.

It just cracks me up how black and white so many Americans think these kinds of issues are.  There are so many levels to take into consideration.  So many details behind the scenes.  Politicians say what you want to hear.  Very few of them actually give a shit about you or your dying mom that you can’t afford to take care of.

So, I laugh, I chuckle, I holler, I sigh at those persons that hold what is said on the outside so close on the inside.  Politicians play on emotions, our emotions.  Set in motion a planted idea and watch the field of battling amongst ourselves unfold.  That’s the plan.  It’s like a fine game of Risk, strategy at it’s best.

These guys make it look so easy though.  You don’t even realize what’s going on.  Instead, everyone is too busy debating what he said here or what he said there.  Listen to what isn’t being said.  Then you’ll have your answer(s).

Our government needs reform, but so does the mindset of its people.  Think of the future, not the present; your children’s children, not yourselves.

 

– B

Believe It.  Do It.

 

***As always, Bryan Bachar doesn’t hold himself accountable for any factual or grammatical mistakes.  T’is what it t’is.  Haters don’t die.  They multiply.  Have a nice day.

 

 

HitRECord.org & Turntable.FM….COO!!!

So, I heard about a couple cool sites today…I know, I know…SOOO yesterday.  What evs!  #JosephGordonLevitt’s collaborative production company site called HitRECord.org allows you to upload and share original material with other users on the site.  Once you upload a submission it becomes a “record”, permitting every user the right to use it or remix it in any fashion they like, as long as it’s for another record they are posting back on HitRECord.

If Mr. Gordon-Levitt and his team decides a record is worth the effort and pushes to turn it into a “production”, all of the contributing users have the chance to make a profit off of the work.  HitRECord splits its productions’ proficts 50/50 with its contributors, as it is a pro-profit organization.  They use a non-exclusive license structure.  So, you maintain the rights to your original works.

Cool concept.  I plan on trying it out myself and have already signed up!  For more info, go to www.hitrecord.org.

The other site I heard about today and have already taken the liberty of peepin’ out is Turntable.FM.  Basically, it allows you listen to blast playlists from anywhere around the world that are being produced by DJs or everyday Schmos like yourself.  In essence, you are the DJ for someone else’s get down moments.

This takes online music streaming to a whole new level.  Because, now, you are actually listening to music being put together by someone else using the music you like to hear….with flare!   Rather than simply allowing a program to put music together for you, you’re being interactive.  In fact, another awesome feature is you can actually rate the music the DJ is playing, forcing him to eventually change the song, or, giving her mad props yo!

This site is great for hearing new tunes or your beloved classics.  It’s also a perfect stage for aspiring disc jockeys to get their feet wet and feel out crowds.  Just be ready for the haters, because you know people are WAAAAY more brave sitting behind their firewalls!  And remember, your listeners have the power to change your picks in the end.

All in all, Turntable.FM is a really fun and creative site.  So much for hiring in-house DJs! …..well, I wouldn’t go that far.  😉   Go to www.turntable.fm for mas info.

Never ceases to amaze me the creative thinking going on out there on the web.  Hard to keep up with it all!  Impossible really.  But it’s fun to try.  Hay ohhhhh!!!!

Late.

– B

Believe it.  Do it.

 

***As always, Bryan doesn’t take resp0nsibility for any misspelled words or Names, or, inaccurate facts.  He does his best and, frankly my dears, doesn’t give a damn.  Haters!  🙂  Much love.

 

 

Touching the Sky

Peaking,

Above the horizons we all know,

Above the formations of mist and glow,

Striding amongst nuclear aura and forgotten souls,

It is in the end we cannot loll.

But is not the end when we can rest,

To put aside pain and stress,

Wishing not for more of these days,

Instead of unending space,

Our new sun the light of cosmic rays?

Tears will come.

And they will dry.

But always laid in time the spirit will shine.

All are connected within matter’s rhyme.

To let go….

The ultimate test of one’s might.

To trust….

The belief far beyond one’s sight.

To forgive….

The final key,

Glory conceived,

Riddles solved.

Now to love….

Above it all.

Above it all.

Kind drops of easy water tap at your door.

They reflect all.

But you can see through them,

As the rain continues to pour.

If left too long they will reside.

If left too long the dust abides.

Will you let them in?

Will you make akin,

All that you fear for the sake of all that you may win?

It is there,

And long has it been.

But much longer than the memories of men.

 

– B

Original X:  Bach

 

 

Obama’s Speech – 9.6.2012

Watched #Obama’s speech.  Good stuff.  No matter your opinion or views, the man was dealt a tough deck of cards.  And I do agree change will never happen without struggle, especially if we quit.  We’ll see if he can continue progress….that is if he wins another term.

So far, from what I’m hearing and seeing in the midst of all the political mumbo jumbo, he’s got my vote….again.  All in all, I just hope #America can come together and push.  Nothing is won without hard work and determination, or else we’d all be rich playboys and playgirls who are ex-professional athletes that graduated from the best universities with honors on our way to a Nobel Prize for something and starring in our own movie with a Grammy-winning soundtrack provided by none other than us.

Think with your mind peeps, not with the other guy’s.  Believe it.  Do it.

 

– B

#BryanBachar

AMC’s Breaking Bad

“Say my name….You’re damn right…”  “Shut the F#$@ up and let me die in peace.”   Man, last night’s #BreakingBad was excellent.  The writers just do such a great job.  It’s not just the dialogue either.  The camera work, the directing of the actors’ actions in line with the dialogue, everything, it’s always just so on point and original.  You think they’re going one direction with things, even coming off a little cliche.  But then they switch it up on you and blast something in your face, or just make it so subtle, so realistic.

The character development is in a class of it’s own.  The way they slowly take the time to make you feel for these people is just the way it should be done.  Mike wasn’t a good guy.  He was a bad guy who’s done very bad things in his life.  But, in the end, I felt bad for the guy.  He was genuinely trying just to get out.  He didn’t want any bull from Walt.  But Walt’s obsession with being the big dog wouldn’t let him leave on the terms Mike tried to leave on.  Mike’s words were his demise.  Again, he wasn’t a good guy, few are in this show.  But the writing, etc. developed Mike’s character so very well, with so many levels, as we all realistically have, that it made you want to like him….at least this is how it was for me.

Damn good show.  Sure, it has it’s small flaws, but they’re just that, small.  And I’d be pressed to find them, and don’t want to take the time to do so since it will mean missing out on all the quality awesomeness going on while I’m being a hater.  If you haven’t tried it for yourself, well, my recommendation is you should.  You might not dig it like so many others are.  But it’s mos def worth a shot.

 

– B

 

 

A Few Flicks B Picked – August 2012

I’ve spent some time watching a few films recently that I had been holding off seeing for a long while.  Below are my thoughts on them….

Watched the flick #Warrior last night with #TomHardy and #JoelEdgerton.  I had heard it was a decent film.  But I really enjoyed it.  Good story line and the actors’ performances were well done.  Tom was a bit brooding, but I saw nothing wrong with that.  Overall, I felt director #GavinOconner captured the relationships of the Father-Sons and Brother-Brother in a natural way, considering the subject matter and obstacles at hand in the film’s storyline.  It had a lot going on in terms of different story arcs, and did a fine job illustrating them without taking focus off the main subject of the film, which was the relationship between the 2 brothers.  Some might argue the main subject was the fight tournament they enter.  But I think that was more of a capsule to bring the brothers’ relationship to the forefront.  The father’s (Nick Nolte) relationship with his sons was a close second, always overlooking them throughout the film.  Bottom line, if you like fight films you’ll enjoy this movie.  If you like drama and are open-minded to a little action and bruising, you’ll like it also.  Good stuff.  It’s on #Netflicks if you got it and are interested….and haven’t already seen it, of course.

Another film I watched recently was the film #TheThing.  Now, I believed this to be a remake of the 1980’s flick of the same name starring the awesome #KurtRussell, or #JackBurton as I like to call him.  Others may prefer #Snake.  🙂    Anyway, spoiler alert, turns out this film is actually a prequel, with a similar, but different storyline than the original.  The Thing wasn’t anything mind-blowing.  But it was what I expected and all I could really hope for, in terms of action, suspense and horror.  The characters were believable, although, I can’t say you really get to know them very well, even the main female role.  But, alas, when do you ever really get to know horror films’ characters all that well?  If you’re in the mood for a fun movie you can chill and have a couple (or more) beers to, I’d say it’s worth popping in your device of preference.  If you can’t stand horror, aliens or Norwegians, then look elsewhere.

The final movie I’ll talk briefly about is #LucBesson’s #LockOut, starring #GuyPearce.  Yes, I’m a bit of a sci-fi nerd, and have always loved Besson’s #TheFifthElement.  So, I wanted to give this film, although not directed by Besson, a punching and kicking chance.  In the beginning, I must say I had my doubts.  The film came off a bit cheesy and I was in a mode of “what was I thinking”.  But I sat through the first 20-30 minutes and things began to pick up once they transitioned into space….and the female lead, played by #MaggieGrace, was more in the swing of things.  There are two Scottish brother characters in the film that really helped to keep it interesting also.  One brother’s psychotic rants I found to be amusing.  Anywho, this film might be better off untested if you are in the mood for a really good movie.  But if you are bored, why not.

As always, I take no responsibility for any spelling, grammatical, factual or other noticeable errors found in this post.  So rant on something else busters!   🙂

Later.

 

– B

#BryanBachar

Focusing on the Positive…Helps when You Luck Out

Okay, negativity kills.  My car was broken into last night in #SanFrancisco.  I fell asleep and left 2 important items in my car by accident.  My bad.  I know better.  My window was shattered.  The items were yanked.  I was pissed.

The main reasons I was pissed were:

1.  I had just shot an event earlier that day.  One of the tapes with the event footage was in one of the 2 cases stolen.   Not only was I now not going to get paid, but all the memories for the persons in the event were going to be lost.  I also would never get the gig again, which I’ve done for 3 years now.  Ultimately, this would just cost me money and rep.  But it would mean so much more lost to the event participants.  I just felt horrible about it.  You can’t replace memories.

2.  A piece of equipment I had borrowed from a colleague  was in one of the 2 cases stolen as well.  This meant I would have to explain what happened to him.  It also meant he would never likely trust me again.  Furthermore, I’d lose even more money on what was suppose to make me money because I’d feel absolutely obligated to pay him back.

3.  I left the stuff in my car in the first place, evoking the incident.  Yes, it shouldn’t happen regardless.  But you have to be street smart.

Obviously, other items were stolen that were within the cases.  But the above reasons are really why I was so angry.  I mean, overall, none of the items were worth much to the low life individual who stole them.  And they likely knew this.  They don’t care though.  If they can get $20 for their next hit then it’s a success.

But to me, to the people at the event, to my colleague, the items meant a great deal.  This is what frustrates me beyond words, truly.  The broken window sucks major.  But my car can be fixed through my insurance.  Hell, I might have even been able to get reimbursed for some of the items.  But the reimbursement would never replace those memories, trust and future possible work lost.

As strange clouds passed overhead, after having lashed out in anger to the wind and then doing a grid search, after I spoke with some nearby homeless gentlemen and having filed my police report, as I parked to enter my girlfriend’s apartment to pack up my stuff and leave the city I now was in disagreement with, there they were.  Sitting in front of my gf’s apartment complex were my cases….just chillin’.   I was dumbfounded.

Whatever the reason for the thief’s abandonment of my important items, whether too heavy, not worthy enough of a quick sale, whatever, I’ll never know.  And I don’t care.  All I do know is I am beyond fortunate.  I am beyond relieved.

Everything was intact.  Nothing was even scattered….well, except for my mind.

So thankful.  So thankful nothing else was stolen (a lot more could have been).  So thankful to not have to worry.  So thankful to not have to explain.  So thankful for the positive overcoming the negative.

Just damn thankful.

Shizzy

 

– B

Believe it.  Do it.  ™

 

Original X: Bach