The Importance Of Knowing Before Voting

        As the 2024 election approaches, it’s important for everyone to take part in the democratic process by casting their vote. However, voting is not just about showing up on Election Day—it’s about understanding what you are voting for. Every vote holds power, and to use that power responsibly, voters must be informed about the issues, candidates, and measures on the ballot. Casting an uninformed vote can have consequences not only for you but for your community and future generations.  No matter which side of the aisle you find yourself on understanding what, and who, you are voting for is more important know than ever before.  

        When voting to elect representatives for your state, it’s crucial to do your homework. Take the time to learn what each candidate says they stand for, but also look into their track record. What have they supported in the past? What have they voted for, and how do their decisions align with your values? Understanding a candidate’s past actions can be just as important, if not more, than the promises they make during a campaign. This ensures you are electing someone who not only speaks for your interests but acts on them.  I have seen countless election add this year of candidates telling their votes what they are going to do if they are elected, but my first thought is always, “Why haven’t you already done that as you are in office, or were in office?”

        Equally important are the propositions, or “Props,” on the ballot. These measures can have a direct impact on you, your family, and even future generations. Whether they relate to taxes, public services, or environmental protections, each Prop has the potential to shape the future of your state. It’s critical to take the time to understand what each measure truly means, not just based on surface-level impressions or party endorsements. Voting down the party line without fully understanding these issues can lead to extreme results on either side of the political spectrum—results that may not reflect your best interests or values.

        At first glance, you may support a new proposition because it sounds good on the surface, but after digging deeper, you might find it goes too far or has unintended consequences.  If you find that something your party supports goes against your values and morals then should you be voting for it? On the flip side, you might initially oppose a measure but realize after reading more about it that it’s actually a positive step forward.  The people campaigning for or against these props are only going to tell you the one thing that sounds good, or the one thing that is horrible for your state. Which is why being informed allows you to approach each Prop with a clear mind, free from the influence of knee-jerk reactions or party loyalty.

        In conclusion, being informed is the key to responsible voting. It’s not enough to simply vote—you need to know what you are voting for. Not every measure or candidate endorsed by your party is necessarily the right choice for you or your state. By taking the time to research both candidates and propositions, you ensure your vote truly represents your values and the future you want to see.

Till Next Time Friends,

Words by Ali

Ranking the Alien Movies.

        The original Alien movie appeared on screens back in 1978, and launched the decades spanning career of Sigourney Weaver. Over the past 4 1/2 decades the franchise has spawned a total of 9 movies, and an upcoming tv show, that includes the 2 AVP crossover movies. Like any long lived movie francise it has of course had its ups and downs. Some movies have been markedly better than others while others have fallen flat, and in my opinion some have been more entertaining then the mass give them credit for.

        Today I will be giving you a run down of my personal thoughts and opinions on the different movies. I have recently come off of an Alien movie marathon. As every single one of them can be found currently on the same streaming platform. Well, all except the newest movie, Alien: Romulus. I have seen it, but as of writing this it has yet to come to streaming.  I will be talking about them in order of when they came out, and giving them a score out of 10.

        These are of course all my own opinion, and you may disagree with my ranking or the reasons behind my ranking. Of course that’s fine everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you’d like you can give me your own rankings down below in the comments. I’d be happy to hear what you think. All I ask is you be respectful of others opinions if they differ from your own. Let’s go ahead and dive right in.



Alien

8/10

        I would rank the original Alien solidly in 2nd place. It is a masterpiece of a first movie, and it’s clear how it was able to spawn such a long running franchise. Alien mastered science fiction horror, combining atmospheric tension, groundbreaking visual design, and an unforgettable antagonist. The film’s minimalist storytelling allows for a slow build of dread, which pays off in terrifying fashion as the Xenomorph hunts the crew of the Nostromo. Scott masterfully utilizes the claustrophobic setting of the spaceship, turning it into a haunted house in space. The iconic creature design also adds to the film’s sense of unease, creating an alien being that is both terrifying and beautiful in its grotesqueness. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ellen Ripley, a strong and resourceful heroine, further cemented Alien as a milestone of the horror genre.         However, the film’s slow pace and sparse character development hold it back slightly from a perfect score. The supporting characters, while serviceable, often feel underwritten, serving as fodder for the Xenomorph rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Additionally, the film’s suspense can feel almost too drawn out at times, potentially losing viewers who prefer faster-paced action. It’s an 8/10 for its bold vision, technical brilliance, and the way it expertly blends sci-fi and horror into a truly unsettling experience.

Aliens

9/10

        I am firmly in the camp that the Aliens sequel is by far the more superior of the Alien movies. James Cameron’s Aliens (1986) takes the foundation laid by its predecessor and builds an even more intense and action-packed experience, solidifying it as one of the greatest sequels ever made. While Alien was a slow-burn horror, Aliens shifts into a high-octane war movie, with Ripley returning to battle not just one Xenomorph, but an entire hive. The film expertly balances tension with explosive action sequences, creating an exhilarating ride that elevates the franchise. Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is even more developed, transforming into a fearless warrior and maternal figure. Cameron’s ability to blend character-driven storytelling with spectacular action set pieces makes Aliens a relentless yet emotional experience.         While Alien relied on atmosphere and minimalism, Aliens succeeds by expanding the universe and giving the audience more to latch onto, including the fascinating dynamics between Ripley, the Colonial Marines, and the Xenomorphs. The pacing is tight, and the character development is more robust, with memorable figures like Hicks, Hudson, and Bishop adding layers to the story. Cameron also deepens the mythos of the Xenomorphs, particularly with the introduction of the terrifying Alien Queen. Though some might miss the haunting, isolated horror of the original, Aliens is superior in its ability to evolve the series while delivering thrills and memorable moments. It’s a near-perfect blend of science fiction, action, and horror, earning it a solid 9/10 for its ambitious scope and masterful execution.

Alien 3

3/10

        Alien 3 directed by David Fincher in his feature film debut, is widely regarded as the low point of the Alien franchise, and for good reason. The decision to kill off Newt and Hicks off-screen before the film even begins was not only a cruel blow to fans but also undermined the emotional core built in Aliens. This choice felt disrespectful to the characters and their arcs, setting a bleak and disappointing tone right from the start. The film’s setting, a grimy and featureless prison planet, feels claustrophobic in the worst way, and the plot meanders without the tight focus or pacing of its predecessors. The Xenomorph itself, rendered in poor early CGI, lacks the menace it once had, making the horror elements feel uninspired and repetitive.         Ripley’s tragic end, throwing herself into a furnace to prevent the birth of the Alien Queen, feels almost symbolic of the franchise’s near-demise. While Sigourney Weaver gives her all in another strong performance, the movie’s somber tone, lack of compelling new characters, and muddled execution overshadow her efforts. The studio interference and production troubles are well-documented, and the film ultimately feels like a rushed and incoherent entry in a franchise that deserved much better. With its bleak atmosphere and frustrating narrative choices, Alien 3 earns a 3/10, as it nearly derailed a beloved series and failed to live up to the legacy of its iconic predecessors.

Alien Resurrection

6/10

        Alien: Resurrection is often criticized as a low point in the franchise, but I would argue it deserves more credit for embracing its chaotic, almost absurd tone. Unlike the bleak seriousness of its predecessors, Resurrection feels more like a darkly comedic, B-movie-style romp, with director Jean-Pierre Jeunet bringing a quirky, surreal flair to the film. The cloning of Ripley and the strange blend of human and alien DNA might stretch credibility, but if you approach the film as a campy, over-the-top sci-fi adventure, it becomes surprisingly entertaining. The action sequences are wild, the Xenomorphs are more grotesque than ever, and the film’s bizarre set pieces, such as the underwater chase, make for a fun, visually engaging experience.

        One of the most controversial elements of Alien: Resurrection is the introduction of the alien-human hybrid, often referred to as the “alien baby.” This creature, a result of Ripley’s altered DNA, is widely seen as a low point in the film, with its design coming off as more grotesque and unintentionally comedic than terrifying. The emotional moment where it perceives Ripley as its mother before being brutally killed feels bizarre and out of place in the franchise. Many fans found this creature to be a major misstep, symbolizing the film’s departure from the fearsome horror of the original Xenomorphs and contributing to its overall negative reception.        

        The supporting cast is one of the film’s highlights, with memorable performances from Wynona Ryder as the mysterious android Call and Ron Perlman as the gruff, larger-than-life Johner. Their dynamic adds a much-needed sense of fun and unpredictability to the story, balancing out the more ridiculous elements. While it’s certainly not in the same league as Alien or Aliens, Alien: Resurrection has its own charm as a cheesy, chaotic mess that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s an underrated entry in the series for those willing to embrace its absurdity, and I’d score it a 6/10 for being a wild, flawed, but ultimately enjoyable ride.

Alien vs Predator

6/10

        Alien vs. Predator may not have delivered the epic clash fans had hoped for, but it’s far from the disaster some make it out to be. While expectations were high for a grand showdown between the two iconic creatures, what the movie delivered was a fun, serviceable action-horror film that leaned more into spectacle than deep storytelling. The concept of an ancient Predator hunting ground beneath the ice, with humans caught in the middle of the Xenomorphs vs. Predators battle, was a creative setup. However, it left many feeling like it didn’t fully capitalize on the potential for an epic, universe-expanding story. Fans expected something more mythic, but the film’s brisk runtime and limited character development kept it from achieving greatness.         That being said, Alien vs. Predator still has its moments of excitement, with some well-crafted fight scenes and iconic imagery, like the Predator wielding a Xenomorph tail spear. If the film had been longer, it could have expanded more on the intriguing lore it hints at—the ancient rivalry between the two species, the Predators’ role in seeding Xenomorphs for sport, and the human connection to all of this. While it doesn’t live up to its legendary crossover potential, the movie is better than its reputation suggests. For fans who approach it with the right mindset—as a fun action-horror flick rather than a high-concept sci-fi epic—it earns a respectable 6/10 for delivering entertaining, if flawed, monster mayhem.

Alien vs Predator: Requiem

7/10

        Alien vs. Predator: Requiem steps up the AVP mythos by shifting the focus to human characters, giving the audience a more grounded and emotional entry in the crossover franchise. This sequel delivers a darker, grittier tone as a Predator hunts down the deadly Predalien and other Xenomorphs in a small town, bringing the battle to Earth in a more immediate, personal way. By placing more emphasis on the human survivors trying to escape the chaos, the film builds tension and allows for moments of real fear and desperation. This focus on human characters, rather than just the spectacle of the alien battle, adds a layer of emotional depth that makes the stakes feel more urgent and relatable.         However, Requiem also misses the mark in some key areas. While the human focus is an improvement, the film doesn’t take full advantage of its monster mash premise, with limited epic fight scenes between the Predator and Xenomorphs. Fans of the franchise were left wanting more of the intense, action-packed showdowns that make the series exciting, and the film’s dim lighting often obscures what could have been standout moments of creature combat. Despite these flaws, Alien vs. Predator: Requiem earns a 7/10 for expanding on the human side of the story and offering a darker, more grounded take on the AVP mythos, even if it still falls short of its full potential.

Prometheus

5/10

        Prometheus promised to reveal the origin of the Xenomorph, but for many fans, it fell flat by delivering a story that focused more on the Engineers than the iconic alien creatures. The film’s marketing led audiences to expect a deep dive into the creation of the Xenomorph species, but instead, Prometheus took a more philosophical route, exploring the Engineers who supposedly created humanity and their mysterious motivations. While the film introduced intriguing ideas about creation, god-like beings, and the search for humanity’s origins, it largely sidestepped the very creature that made the Alien franchise famous. The absence of any true Xenomorphs until the final moments left fans disappointed, feeling as though the film had misled them about its central premise.

        One of the standout elements of Prometheus is Noomi Rapace’s portrayal of Dr. Elizabeth Shaw, which adds depth and emotional weight to the film. Shaw, a scientist with a strong sense of faith and curiosity, becomes the emotional anchor of the story as she grapples with questions about creation and existence. Rapace’s performance brings vulnerability, determination, and strength to the role, particularly in the film’s intense surgery scene, where Shaw must perform a gruesome procedure on herself. Her character’s resolve and drive to uncover the truth, even when faced with overwhelming horror, makes her one of the more compelling aspects of the film. Shaw’s journey of survival and discovery mirrors Ripley’s toughness, offering a new kind of heroine to the franchise.         Despite the film’s broader issues, Rapace’s portrayal of Shaw is a highlight that helps elevate Prometheus. Her character’s quest for answers about humanity’s origins gives the film its emotional core, even when the plot itself feels scattered. Shaw’s resilience in the face of unimaginable terror provides a human touch that grounds the story, making her arc one of the more memorable parts of the film. Alongside Michael Fassbender’s David, Rapace’s performance helps save Prometheus from completely falling apart, giving the movie a much-needed anchor amid its sprawling, philosophical themes. Ultimately, Prometheus earns a middling 5/10 for its missed opportunities and failure to deliver on the Xenomorph origin story that fans were eagerly awaiting.

Alien: Covenant

6/10

        Alien: Covenant improves on its predecessor, Prometheus, but still struggles to fully hit the mark for fans of the Alien franchise. One of the most disappointing aspects of the film is the decision to kill off Dr. Elizabeth Shaw before the movie even begins, mirroring the same mistake made in Alien 3 with Newt and Hicks. Shaw was a standout character from Prometheus, and her death feels like a missed opportunity to continue developing her arc. This choice left fans frustrated, as they were once again deprived of seeing a strong female lead evolve within the series. However, Covenant does attempt to course-correct by featuring the titular Xenomorph, which helps restore some of the horror and tension that was missing in the previous prequel. The appearance of the classic creature provides a nostalgic and thrilling element that benefits the film, even if it doesn’t fully make up for the missteps in the story.         One of the film’s highlights is the character of Tennessee, played by Danny McBride, who brings a grounded, likable presence to the crew. His sense of humor and vulnerability offer a nice balance to the darker elements of the story, and he becomes one of the more memorable human characters. Additionally, Covenant benefits from a double dose of Michael Fassbender, who delivers captivating performances as both the sinister David and the more benevolent Walter. Fassbender’s portrayal of these two androids, and their philosophical conversations about creation and destruction, adds complexity to the film, even if the plot doesn’t always hold together. Overall, Alien: Covenant earns a 6/10 for its return to the franchise’s horror roots and the standout performances, but it falls short in terms of character development and plot decisions, leaving fans divided once again.

Alien: Romulus

7/10

        Alien: Romulus brings the franchise back to its horror roots, successfully recapturing the tension and dread that made the original Alien films iconic. With a respectable 7/10, it satisfies long-time fans by focusing on claustrophobic suspense, terrifying encounters with the Xenomorphs, and an isolated setting that evokes the eerie atmosphere of Ridley Scott’s original. The film excels at building tension, slowly unraveling its horror elements with intense, pulse-pounding sequences that remind viewers why they fell in love with the franchise in the first place. The balance between action, horror, and suspense is well-crafted, making Romulus a solid entry that stands out in a franchise often plagued by divisive sequels and prequels.         One of the highlights of the movie is the character of the android Andy, who brought a refreshing take on the franchise’s usual portrayal of androids. Andy starts out with an innocent, almost childlike demeanor, creating a sympathetic and endearing presence that contrasts sharply with the cold, calculating androids like Ash and David from previous films. However, when his programming is altered and he turns into a “villain,” it feels like a betrayal of the character’s potential. While the twist might have been meant to add complexity or surprise, it ultimately left me feeling disconnected from the character and less invested in the story. His initial sweetness and naiveté offered something new and compelling for the series, but the abrupt change felt forced and undermined the emotional connection that had been built with him.

        It was both fun and nostalgic to see Ash’s character make a return in Alien: Romulus, serving as a nod to the franchise’s rich history and connecting it back to the original film. However, the worst part of the movie was the poor CGI used to recreate the late Ian Holm’s performance, which felt disingenuous and did him a disservice. The attempts to digitally resurrect Holm’s likeness lacked the nuance and authenticity of his original portrayal, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than the admiration that his character deserved.         The film’s ending, with the introduction of the alien baby, was another controversial element. While many fans appreciated the new take, feeling it was handled better than in Alien: Resurrection, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the same flawed concept that plagued that earlier film. Although Romulus executed the idea with more finesse, giving the creature more relevance to the story, the inclusion of the alien baby still felt like a questionable creative choice. It risked repeating past mistakes by diverting attention from the Xenomorphs themselves and introducing unnecessary plot complications. Overall, while Alien: Romulus has its flaws, it remains a strong return to form for the series, earning its 7/10 for successfully reigniting the franchise’s horror roots, even if certain narrative choices left some fans divided.

        Thank you for taking the time to read through my thoughts and opinions on the different high and low points of each of the different movies in the long running Alien Franchise. If you have differing opinions on any of these movies I would love to hear your own thoughts. Comment them down below, and let me know what you think.

        Do you want me to review any other movie franchises? I’d be happy to talk through other different franchises that you’re interested in. That’s all for today.

Till Next Time Friends,

Words by Ali

Brainwashed by Tom MacDonald

Once again it's Tom MacDonald Friday.  This week we finally have a new music video.  We will be taking a look at the newest song by Tom MacDonald "Brainwashed".  Click below to watch the music video before getting into my thoughts and opinions of the lyrics themselves.  As always Tom and Nova are killing it with these phenomenal videos.  Nova is a music video making queen.  

Brainwashed Music Video

Alright, did you watch?  Yes, good.  Now we can get started.

Half the country fell asleep but they scream "woke"

We're distracted by vaccines and TV shows

Politics, celebrity gossip, popular neat quotes

Black lives, white lives, which lives mean most?

We only dedicate one day to remember our fallen soldiers

The men and women who died young

But if you come out the closet as Caitlyn Jenner

You're a hero and you get a whole pride month

There are two parts to look at in the first verse.  Lets begin with the first part.  Here we see Tom equating being woke with being asleep.  He says that people are so distracted by what is on their TV, and what they are being told that they are missing what is going on right in front of them.  And this is so true.  All people want to do is yell about mandate this, mandate that, you have to do this, and if you don't do that.  They don't care about people having the right to choose for themselves, and make their own decisions.  It's only my body my choice if it's part of the left's agenda.  If it's in regards to the freedoms of someone who doesn't agree with them than it's no longer a choice, it's just doing the right thing.  That's not how freedom works.  Either you have it for everything, or nothing.

The second part we see Tom talking about the hypocrisy today of what is considered brave and courageous.  I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with being a part of the LGBTQ community, or that it's not brave to stand up for who you are when others want to tear you down, because it is.  I also don't think that's what Tom is saying either.  The point here is that as a society we no longer celebrate the heroism of the people who have fought and died to protect this country, our freedoms, and our choice to live the lives we want, in the same way that we celebrate Pride month.  Nothing wrong with Pride month, but we wouldn't be able to celebrate it if it weren't for the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform.  Why do we celebrate, and remember them less?  They are the true heroes of our country, because they are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for it.

The most dangеrous pandemic's propaganda from these clowns

Only mask that's gonna savе us is duct tape on they mouths

Don't speak, we don't need to defund police

Need to defund the media who lies through they teeth, like

Big pharma doesn't cure you, dog

'Cause every patient that gets cured is a customer lost

And big oil runs the world, the only wars that get fought

Are with the countries who have natural resources they want

"The most dangerous pandemic's propaganda from these clowns."  This is true on the next level.  The media is the real problem in this country.  It's no longer news, it's literally all opinion.  When did we get to the point were the new doesn't tell both sides of the story and let the view make up their own minds?  Because that's what the news should be.  It should only be a vehicle for us to know what is happening in the world.  Not for them to tell us what they want you to think.  When I see these 10 or 15 second clips of police violence my first thought is, "Ok, can we see the minutes leading up to this confrontation."  Without context anything can be construed to look like anything you want.  For a little more an this read my Cancel Cancel Culture Post.  The point is we need to duct tape the mouths of all the media personalities and just listen to all the facts.  Because facts don't care about your feelings.

Heard 'em claiming if a white man braids his hair

And likes rap, he's appropriatin' culture

But if a white man acts too white he's white trash

He's a racist, he's a bigot, he's a monster

Let's just have the conversation

Not every liberal is dumb, not all Republicans are racist

The government wants everybody fighting with their neighbors

'Cause they know that if we get along, we'll probably go against 'em

They can't stop us 'cause we're ready to fight

Try to brainwash but we won't let freedom die

The whole world's brainwashed

(Everybody pick a team, start a riot in the streets)

The whole world's brainwashed

(It's us against them, it ain't you against me)

This section leading up to the chorus is so true it's painful.  Society tells people that they can't do one thing because you are stealing someone else's culture, so you do the opposite and now you're a racist and a bigot.  It's gotten so that no matter what you do you are wrong.  Unless you do exactly what Cancel Culture, and the Woke Mob, tell you to you are wrong.  It doesn't matter what you have to say, or what the facts show, they are right which means you have to be wrong.

We now hold everyone to one extreme or the other, and the majority of people on both sides are just normal human beings living in the middle.  Society says if you are liberal you are "Dumb" and if you're conservative you are "racist."  Yes, there are people on both sides that are these extremes, but most people aren't.  It's hard to live in the world right now and have an opinion.  Why?  Because you will automatically be labeled one of these two things just by what you have to say, and that can't be further from the truth.  We need to decide for ourselves what we think and believe and stop letting everyone else tell you what to think despite proof of the opposite.

How did monkeys become people and people turned into sheep?

They put fluoride in the water that's keeping us all asleep

Claim they want what's best for us, I find that hard to believe

'Cause they been selling us cigarettes since we was eighteen

Fake news, fake woke, distract, and divide

You're either right or you're left or you're black or you're white

Big tech don't need a microchip to hack in your life

'Cause the phone inside your pocket is a trackin' device

A lot of people will look at this section and think out that's nothing but a bunch of conspiracy theories, but I think there is a lot of truth underneath the outlandish imagery of it.   There are groups of animal activists out there who think that animals should have the same rights as human beings, and we should all go vegan.  So, monkeys being people is this idea here, and of course sheep is a metaphor for being a blind follower of the herd and not thinking for yourself.  Big Tech wanting to hack your life?  Well your phone is a tracking device.  Just think about it.  You can literally login to the internet and pinpoint your phone to the exact room that it is in if you lose it.  To think that there isn't say a hacker out there who can track you like this using your phone is naive.  Even like 6 or 7 years ago this technology was amazing.  I lost my phone, and I was able to track it to literally the table it was under where I accidently left it after dinner out.  Almost a decade later, or course technology will have advanced.  Have you ever looked at an item online and suddenly Facebook or Instagram is now showing you adds with those items?

And I don't know what I'm more sick of, rappers or Joe Biden

Looking like he ate a hundred Xanax for dinner

'Cause censorin' the president and kicking him off Twitter

Is a bigger threat to freedom than foreign ballistic missiles

You don't trust the police or the government but you want

People giving up their right to own a firearm

Why would you be comfortable if police and the government

The only people on the planet with the right to buy a gun

White privilege getting amplified to reinforce the vision

It convinces white people that they're favored by their skin

And black people getting angry 'cause they're told they're treated different

So the conflict is between us and never with the system

There is a lot going on in this verse.  We won't even touch on the subject of Biden.  But the fact that Big Tech, the media, and the government all seem to think that mean Tweets from former President Trump are a bigger issue than literally anything else going on in the world is ridiculous.  Just the fact that Trump was banned from Twitter, and Facebook, and yet there are Democrats saying the literal same things (and even worse, actual hate speech) but not only haven't been banned but their posts are still up is just disgusting.  The hypocrisy of this double standard is just too much to even wrap my mind around.

Now let's get into the part about guns, but first before anyone says anything about how he must be a gun rights activist who just thinks everyone should own a gun.  Blah, blah, blah.  Stop it.  Tom is able to see and talk about all sides of an argument.  Don't believe me?  I'll link two music videos of Tom's talking about gun violence.  Give those a listen, watch, and come back.

American Dreamz Music Video

How the West Was Won Music Video

Back, good let's talk.  Right now everyone is talking about defunding the police because as the song says, "You don't trust the police or government," but than people want to take guns away from the normal citizen.   You don't trust the police but you want them to be the only people that have guns?  That makes so little sense.  If those in authority are so bad why wouldn't you want to be able to defend yourself?  it's common sense.  But as Tom says in Clown World, "Common sense ain't that common."  And that's a fact.

Let's just have the conversation

Not every liberal is dumb, not all Republicans are racist

The government wants everybody fighting with their neighbors

'Cause they know that if we get along, we'll probably go against 'em

They can't stop us 'cause we're ready to fight

Try to brainwash but we won't let freedom die

The whole world's brainwashed

(Everybody pick a team, start a riot in the streets)

The whole world's brainwashed

(It's us against them, it ain't you against me)

We've already discussed the chorus, so I won't do it again.  But I will say that there are going to be lots of people out there that will hear this song and think well obviously you are the brainwashed ones.  You of course can't convince them of anything.  But I will say this, if you can look at both sides of a story and choose the one that makes the most sense because of the facts, and not just refuse to listen to the other side, than you aren't brainwashed.  You can think for yourself.

Step one, train the people only to consume

Step two, infiltrate adults with the news

Step three, indoctrinate the children through the schools

And the music and the apps on the phones that they use

Step four, separate the right from the left

Step five, separate the white from the black

Step six, separate the rich from the poor

Use religion and equality to separate 'em more

Step seven, fabricate a problem made of lies

Step eight, put it on the news every night

Step nine, when people start to fight and divide

Take control, this is called situational design

What we see here is the recipe for brainwashing the masses, step by step.  These are all ways that people in power, in the media, try to stop people from thinking for themselves.  You only tell people one side of everything, making them think that what they see is the whole truth and not just part of it.  That would be the media.  Making sure it's not just adults, but children, who hear about the one side narrative.  Schools, and social media.  Than we just divide everyone into their own tiny little subset of a group, so that it's everyone against everyone else.  There is so much division in the country right now that even two people who think 99% the same are on seperate sides simply for that little old 1%.  It truly is sad to see, because we could accomplish so much as a nation if we just stopped looking at everyone for their difference and saw what we have in common.

They can't stop us 'cause we're ready to fight

Try to brainwash but we won't let freedom die

The whole world's brainwashed

(Everybody pick a team, start a riot in the streets)

The whole world's brainwashed

(It's us against them, it ain't you against me)

I think that the key phrase in this song is, "Let's just start the conversation."  That is what Tom does in songs like this.  He wants to get people talking about the things going on in the world that society doesn't necessarily want to have talked about.  Those are the topics that we need to be having conversations about most.

That's it for this post.  I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts and opinions on this song.  Let me know what you thought down in the comment section below.  If you want to check out some of the other songs I've looked at, by Tom, I have linked those posts just below.

Other Tom MacDonald Song Breakdowns

Clown World

Politically Incorrect

Withdrawals

Don't Look Down

Dear Slim

Till Next Time Friends,
Words by Ali 

Cancel Watch: The Mark Kaye Show

 Let me preface this piece with the fact that that the talk show hosted by Mark Kaye hasn't been cancelled in the sense that it won't be on the on any more.  It is still on, and if you don't know what it is let me tell you.  The Mark Kaye Show is a radio talk show that airs Monday thru Friday.  It than comes out wherever you find podcasts after it is aired live.  This is how I listen to it, after the fact.

So, while the show is airing live it is also Live Streamed on just about every social media platform there is.  Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and I'm pretty sure there's more but I can't remember.  Let me know below what I might have missed.  So, on last Friday's episode Mark shared that Facebook demonetized his official channel, where all of his show's videos are uploaded.  

You might be thinking, if his channel is still there then what does it matter if it is unable to be monetized.  It matters because for someone who uses social media as a business if the channel is not monetized it doesn't reach people.  It is not recommended to people like it is when it is making the platform money.  Mark Kaye is a conservative talk show host, and he talks about Politics, the news, and he lets you know that he doesn't like what the Liberal Left is saying.

So, is that why Facebook demonetized his channel, because it is right leaning?  Nope.  It was because of the most ridiculous reason.  The reason was, according to Facebook, because he wasn't showing original content.  I heard that and I thought to myself, "What the hell does that even mean?"  According to Facebook his videos was showing clips from other news shows, or networks, and there wasn't a substantial amount of either commentary or original work with the clip.  Umm?  What?

For anyone who has listened to the Mark Kaye show, that couldn't be further from the truth.  For every say minute long clip he gives you about five minutes of commentary, actually it's probably more like ten minutes of commentary.   Plus every day he plays a different game with his listeners for prizes.  Such as Fake News Friday, America's in Jeopardy, What the Bleep, and more.  He takes calls, and questions from listeners.  So, I'm not sure how all of that can be considered not original content.  Freaking Facebook man, just looking for any excuse.

If you have never listened to, or even heard of Mark Kaye, you should go check him out.  I listen to the Podcast through the Apple Store everyday, but you can get it everywhere there are podcasts.  Or you can watch the live streams, just be warned the livestreams are 3 hours, because it encompasses the radios commercials, which is why I do the Podcast it just has the show.

Alright, that's for this issue of Cancel Watch.  I'll see you back here for the next one.  It's not like there is ever a shortage of things being cancelled for arbitrary BS.  Let me know you thoughts and opinions in the comment section down below. 

Till Next Time Friends

Words by Ali 

What's Happening: A Rose By Any Other Name, Or Maybe Not?

What's the easiest and quickest way to get your point across to someone else?  By using words that have developed an established meaning over years, decades, and centuries.  We as a society have agreed upon what words are and what they mean.  But we have reached a point in society where a small, select, group of people have decided that we need to change what words mean.  Not just that the meaning but, without really caring what the majority of people around them think, have decided that we need to also change how we use these words as well.  You might be asking why would someone what to do this?  Isn't obvious, because a minority of people don't want to be offended.  Back to that are we?  Yes, because it never seems to end.

Honestly, it feels like sometimes that we need to just create a new language to be used alongside the one we already have.  I've spent my entire life learning the English language and now a small, but very loud, few have decided for everyone else that it's not good enough for them and needs to be changed.  

I mean since when did the words man and woman become offensive?  That is literally one of the most ridiculous things I've heard lately.  People getting literally offended because they use either man or woman to describe a person.  It's gotten to a point where the minority of society says we can't just use the word woman.  We have to describe exactly what we mean by woman.  Were they born a woman? (mention that) Where they born a man, but identify as a woman? (mention that) Do they have breasts? (mention that) Do they menstrate? (mention that) Do they breastfeed? (mention that).

This is literally what we've come to.  Let me just say that I don't have any issue with anyone you identifies with a different gender.  I'm all for people being who they are.  Of course I'm going to assume based on appearance, but if you tell me otherwise I will respect that.   That being said there has to be a line.  If we as people are unable to talk to each other using words that are already established and understandable than how are we supposed to have  a meaningful conversation?  I am a woman, and I that's it.  I refuse to have to explain to anyone else the "type" of woman I am.  

Alright, that's it for today.  Let me know your thoughts and opinions down in the comment section below.  

Till Next Time Friends, 

Words by Ali