I opened the paper today (ok its website),

and after a quick glance, my eyes were literally rejecting the page and I found myself grasping for the back button.

Luckily I’m no stranger to the interwebs, and saved myself a day’s worth of depression by clicking here.

Why the repulsion, you ask? Beware. You were warned.

-19 year old man’s life over before it begins as he’s found guilty of trying to blow up his high school in Virginia Beach. He claims insanity; jury doesn’t buy it. Maybe not in the legal sense, but there was obviously something insane going on if you want to blow up your high school.

-25 year-old man’s life down the tubes because he carjacked a van with a toddler in it, creating Amber Alerts and general panic in Hampton Roads (this is after running from the cops on drug charges).

-Two 19-year old men’s lives up in the air as they’re now busted for the 2007 Mount Trashmore Skate Park Arson. They were 16 at the time of the crime and, if tried as juveniles, will still face prison time and restitution towards the $400,000 in damages caused by the fire.

-26 year-old man’s life gone-gone–because of stupid war. ODU graduate William Middleton died in Afghanistan this week. He was handsome and liked soccer. I thank him for his service and wish wish wish this kind of thing didn’t have to happen.

-But it does. North Korea blows up four people in South Korea and wounds others as tensions escalate to new highs between the split nation.

Let's do this. | pic: kqed

Cheerful, ain’t it?

Now before anyone gets all twisted that I lumped some criminals in with some heroes, let me emphatically state that I know the difference. This is why William Middleton is mentioned by name. I would have named the South Korean victims (at least two of which were Marines) had their names been released to the press at this point.

I am older than every person mentioned above. What it means to be “older” never really enters my brain. I’m very Aaliyah in that sense. But reading all that madness from those above stories makes one step back and evaluate how we can better serve our youth and our world, and hopefully a few years down the road open the paper full of Thanksgiving plans and see something uplifting.

Since that’s not happening locally today, I’m pulling fun and interesting stuff from a few other places. It’ll make the rest of my day (and hopefully yours) go better.

Star Wars Geeks Rejoice

Per George Lucas himself, there will be never before released deleted scenes in next year’s Star Wars Blu-Ray. Rumor has it up to 40% more footage exists.

Military Creates Its Own Youtube

Called MiiTube, this website will function similarly to Youtube, except it meets DOD security requirements. Now parody videos like this are safe y’all!

Bike Norfolk Had A Cool Float But Can They Do This?

ET in the Bike Norfolk Float. | pic: Kelley Walker

Maybe not, as they seem to prefer riding their bikes to making furniture/art out of them. However, I know there are some enterprising folks around this town, so if any of you have an old bike but no coatrack, this might be the project for you.

Good To Know

If you plan on partying this holiday weekend, here’s a handy-dandy chart to help you figure out what might happen.

Local Music Plug

Just wanted to shout out to Aaditya (aka Dr. Music) for an awesome Groove Advisory this week. Local music is a vital part of any community worth living in. We have some kickass players around here, especially playing out and about this week. If you can, you should check one out. They work hard. They don’t get paid very much. They bring joy and culture to us all.

Speaking of local musicians, I also want to say SPIN (Street Performing in Norfolk): you ROCK!! We got to talk busking with the City this week. It’s looking good. Kudos to all who come out and play the streets. You’re the jewelry of our town.

Speaking (again) of local musicians. The Rise Up! is next weekend. Thanks to everyone who’s helping with this amazing effort.

Showcasing talent in local venues, taking to the streets for a night of busking, blogging about local shows–all this stuff may seem obvious alternative newspaper kind of stuff. It’s way more. It’s how creativity maintains. Our local culture needs attention and nourishment in the same way a plant or a pet does. Everyone who works to ensure this happens: kudos from the bottom of my rock-n-roll heart.

Happy Turkey Day!

If you’re traveling, be safe. If you’re not, be welcoming. Enjoy your turkey or tofurkey or chana masala. Be full. Fill someone else up too. Most of all, be thankful. I am for all of you.