Posted in B's World Blog

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Thoughts on an Interesting Article Regarding White Viewers’ Racial Imagination

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The following thoughts are in response to the Huffington Post article directly below, which was posted by a friend of mine on Facebook.  Thanks Dan.  It made me think.  And I couldn’t help but to write a few words [um, yeah, a few…. 🙂 ] in response to it.  This is stuff I actually find myself observing and thinking about often.  So, this was a perfect opportunity to finally get a few thoughts out.  Read the Huffington Post article first, then my thoughts, and let me know what you think.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/olivia-cole/catching-fire-beetee-race_b_4334585.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=3619638b=facebook

Interesting how much white guilt some peeps have.  Articles like this, although they do strike valid points, mass group peoples too much.  Not every white person thinks like this.  Just as not every black person, or brown person or whatever person thinks a certain way, etc., etc., etc.  However, the author does bring up a certain topic that is truly affecting a lot of the white population nowadays, and that’s the white guilt I mentioned above.  There is a lot of that embedded into the minds of the X and Y generations’ white populace.

White guilt tends to cause the “trying too hard” factor, which I find is when whites go out of their way to be overly nice or overly polite or overly sensitive when around people of a darker skin color than theirs.  It can be funny at times, especially because the peeps that are having it happen to them can obviously tell what is going on.  And it’s not to say that it isn’t a good thing that many whites are more conscious of racism and prejudice.  Of course, that’s great.  However comical it can be at times, who’s to say it’s not needed.  It often takes extremes to embed to be natural.

Nevertheless, this white guilt thing still doesn’t negate the prejudice and racism that is still quite embedded into our society, and around the world, for that matter.  The same white dudes that try to act all cool around black dudes tend to be the same white dudes who, when not around black dudes, use the “N” word and say racist ass remarks.  “Closet racism” when around only other members of one’s race seems to be very prevalent.  I know this first hand, as many of my friends throughout my life have been this way…despite my lack of approval and often vocal fights against it.

But there is no white guilt around when this type of behavior occurs in these more private atmospheres.  It’s so ridiculous and such bigotry.  And this isn’t to say this just exists in white society.  I’m fully confident in saying that it exists in all cultures, races and societies.  Until we rid ourselves from racism and prejudice in all aspects of our lives, no matter in public settings or in private social settings, these dark nuisances will continue to exist.

How can we act one way at home or around certain friends and then act another around other groups and say we aren’t prejudice or racist?  It’s a double standard we have to move past.  …..Easier said than done.  But here’s to moving forward.

 

– B

 

 

Posted in B's World Blog

IOC Vanquishes Wrestling from the 2020 Olympics

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It goes without saying the loss of wrestling as an Olympic sport, although it is possible to still retain it via voting and campaigning, is a travesty of what the Olympic games stands for.  IOC, some things aren’t all about your statistics.  Statistics might, and I stress might, not lie.  But if you’re going to use statistics to get rid of the originator, then I say we use statistics to solidify its place back on the podium.

1. How many people can actually do what it takes to be an Olympic level wrestler?  I’m not taking anything away from any other sport, as I believe in the merit of each.  And I fully realize the difficulty of getting to the Olympic level of any given sport.  But let’s be honest here.  Wrestling is a test of might and endurance, technique and tenacity, intellect and slyness.  Few sports rival its overall commitment level and athletic demands.  Furthermore, few sports rival its real world application towards self defense, body conditioning and mental strength.  Where is this stat in the mix?

2. Is wrestling not one of the original, if not THE original Olympic sport?  I keep reading about all this needing to “retain the original games heritage”.  Ummm?  Am I missing something here?

3.  The new Olympic committee wants to look to the future of the games.  Is MMA not one of the fastest growing sports in the world?  What is MMA’s first and foremost base?  Wrestling.  MMA likely won’t be an Olympic sport any time soon.  But even so, if you’re thinking of the future, you don’t get rid of what is the base for the future, as well as the past’s key stone.

4. How many other sports are as cheap as wrestling to fund?

5.  How many people, in North America, at least, would watch wrestling if it was actually on…and I don’t mean at 3 in the morning on one of the affiliate channels.

6.  You’re telling me people would rather watch walking over wrestling?  Really?  I mean, really?  Let’s get some stats going on popular vote, if they haven’t already done so.  And I mean really truthful stats, not stats via Mr. or Ms. politician who has never had the ability or desire to take on something as physically demanding as wrestling and, so, does power walking or badminton on the weekends.  Wrestling should be respected for what it is, revered for its nature.  It should be honored, not thrown away.  Are the Olympics not about challenge of sport and good will?

The wrestling community is small, but of the highest caliber in terms of sportsmanship and appreciation towards one’s opponent.  Even if not a very successful wrestler, there is always a certain camaraderie amongst those who have stepped on the mat, a certain respect.  It is because not everyone can do it.  In my experience, even the most decorated and influential wrestlers have the ability to put their competitive nature aside for the sake of good will towards their opponents.  Is this not what the Olympics stand for?

Respect of difficulty and physical ability.  Honor of athletic prowess and mental strength.  Admiration of devotion and spirit.  Love of competition and performance.  Teaching and practice of sportsmanship and good will.  Wrestling contains these attributes.  Truly, to be a wrestler sets one apart from the rest of the world, but in the most positively influential of ways.  The IOC seems to agree with the separation part of this statement, separating wrestling from its home of the Olympic games, and putting it in a false light.

Over the next 7 years, let us fight to reestablish wrestling and solidify its place one again as a base Olympic sport.  Olympic spirit isn’t about money or even popularity, although it is a sad fact these factors are to blame for much of the world’s athletic prosperity, as well as wrestling’s current departure.  But the Olympics are suppose to be different.  They aren’t suppose to be a representation of business and this web generation’s non-present/non-accountable TRL-style voting.  They are suppose to be about the essence of sport.

Olympic spirit is about the challenge and drive.  Let us keep it this way.  May this be only another stepping stone for one of the world’s most respectable, yet often most misunderstood and unappreciated, sports and martial arts.

 

–  B

 

PS: Barack Obama has nothing to do with wrestling getting cut people.  Geez.

 

Posted in B's World Blog

Health Care Debate….on Facebook

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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.

 

 

Posted in B's Poetic Justice

Touching the Sky

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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

 

 

Posted in B's World Blog

Obama’s Speech – 9.6.2012

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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

Posted in B's Updates

DisHonorable Judge Penis Wrinkle

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You should know: I respect the law and don’t claim to know ish about much of our due process system.  I try to do my best and read up on what I can, follow the rules, you know, not be stupid and cause myself more problems and cost myself more doe.  But I realize I am unaware of mucho.  Nevertheless, I also believe in showing mutual respect.  Some law officials seem to have a stick up their butt and sometimes abuse their power.  But most are coo if you’re coo to them.  It’s all about respect.  Don’t be an ass to them and they won’t be an ass to you.  With this known, read ahead.

Word of advice….even if you go about things in the proper way, getting documents, being respectful, talking to other officers for advice, all in an attempt to learn about our judicial system and current police speed monitoring equipment better, if a judge is a grumpy piece of turd, you’ll get the worst fine he can give you.  He’ll call you out on the slightest of misunderstandings by you, which is his job, obviously.  But he’ll do so in a very snide fashion without any discourse to help further your understanding of where you went wrong as a newb to this kind of stuff.

He’ll also not give you the respect of looking at you while you or he speaks.  Oh, and don’t think your squeaky clean driving record means anything.  All it means is he has the power to diminish it and will do so without any sound reasoning.  Bitter.  Bitter.  Bitter Pepper.

Thanks a lot Judge A. Hole from #YoloCountySuperiorCourt Traffic Division.  Understand the decision with the fine, as I expected the worst there, even if it was cooooold bloooded.  I figured I could get punished through increased fees for trying to get my ticket lowered by providing facts about lidar systems and human error possibilities.  Forgive me for being curious and attempting to use our court system for what it’s there for.  But not allowing me traffic school?  Wow.  That’s just funkin’ uncalled for and, well, just plain ole’ mean.

There goes my clean driving record of 10 years.  And there goes my insurance rates…up, up and away.  If the dishonorable Judege A. Hole was trying to teach me a lesson I did learn something.  I learned that he is a total butthole who doesn’t even acknowledge when a citizen is only trying to go about things in a legit fashion to learn and utilize the freedoms we have as Americans.  I mean, the guy didn’t even look at my evidence.  He just pretty much ignored everything I had to say because he already made up his mind.

The bottom line is there is room for human error with the device in question.  But did he hear that??  Hell nah!!!  He literally told me this is the price I pay for trying to represent myself.  Wow.  Sure, I get that it’s not the most effective method and my argument was probably filled with “ums” and holes.  But it’s a traffic ticket.  Forgive me for not hiring Johnny Cochran’s ghost.  Geez.  Just ridonkeylips.

You know, I get that judges have to put up with a lot of bull.  They have to hear the same crap people try to pull over and over and over.  I can see how irritating it must be.  I also comprehend how much more they know about this stuff than the average Joe, aka muah.  There’s no way I’m going to prove him wrong.  But you know what?  Gimme some respect for going about things in an honorable way.  Don’t take out your bad day on me.  It’s not my fault you’re job is lame.

You’re getting paid by us, the people, to give us a fair shake.  So stop being little baby pissy pants because you didn’t make it to the Supreme Court.  There is no reason I shouldn’t have been allowed traffic school.  That was his call to make since I waived my right to it entering his court room, which I respected.  But I figured there would be some level of mutual respect and understanding as long as my argument was valid, had some sort of evidence and went about things legitimately.  How wrong I was.

Me attempting to do what I did should not be looked at so negatively.  Even the cops there said he was in a bad mood and it was cold he denied me traffic school.  I gave him and the law proper respect and received none by him in return.  No respect.  Straight Dangerfield’ed me.

People are people.  We all have our days.  But leave that shiz at tha door….And now my bitching stops.  🙂  Have a good day everyone.  Just pay the ticket.  It’s not worth it.

 

– B

 

 

Posted in B's Updates

Focusing on the Positive…Helps when You Luck Out

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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