The Layman's blog: "The Layman's World"

I watched the documentary, “Water Wars,” today.  Watching it will make your body begin to physically reject bottled water.  If it doesn’t change your mind, then I don’t know what will.  I really have only one principled stance in my life, and it is that I will not support the bottled water industry.  Not only will I not buy it, I will not drink it.  I felt this way, before I watched that movie, by the way.  But, the movie wrapped up all of the reasons that bottled water if for suckers into a nice, little package, and wrapped it in a big o'l’ bow.  To sum it up:

1) Bottled water is a million times more expensive than water from the tap.  Yes, “a million” is hyperbole, but the point remains.

2) Tap water is potable and safe.  Yes, there are contaminants and particulate matter that make it into the water supply, but something like 60% of the people on the planet would still kill for your tap water.  If there is a health benefit to drinking bottled water vs. tap, it is negligible.  In fact, if you check the labels on most of the bottles (Aquafina and Dasani, to name two), you’ll find that they come from municipal water sources, anyway.  So, you’re paying all that extra money for filtered tap water.

3) Tap water quality is regulated by the EPA and has an expanse of regulations and standards to ensure its quality.  Bottled water is regulated by the FDA, and has FAR fewer regulations and standards to ensure its quality.  So, not only is bottled water not any better, but it doesn’t even have to be as good.  And did I mention that it’s about a million times more expensive. . ?

4) With bottling, manufacture of bottles, shipping, and all of the other associated costs, bottled water production is a huge contributor to fossil fuel consumption.  And what about all those plastic bottles?  What happens to them?  Drinking bottled water is much worse on the environment than drinking from the tap.

You can add on top of all that the shortages of potable water in many developing nations due to corporate ownership of water rights or corporate use of free local water sources.  Thanks to the Coca Cola Company, a bottle of potable water (Dasani) in Kenya costs a little more than twice as much as a bottle of actual Coca Cola.  They can do that, because safe water is scarce enough in Kenya that the locals are willing to pay that much for it.  Remember that Dasani is made from filtering and treating water from the local supply.  They are sucking up the local water and reselling it with a huge markup.  This is true of Dasani, everywhere. 

Anyway, buy a Brita or Pur water filter.  Put it on your faucet.  Drink that stuff.  Put the rest of the money in a savings account or, if you’re an activist, donate it to a clean-water charity. 

That’s my two cents.

So, there's this woman who I see on the bus, every morning. . . I always thought that she was really pretty, but I never gave her much thought beyond that. I'd just see her, have a seat, and try to enjoy the semi-crowded twenty minute ride to the office. I never saw her on the way home, though. Only on the way in. One evening after work, I stopped off at Borders to browse for something new to read. I picked up this book, Blink, and fretted over it for about forty-five minutes. I carried it around the store, and kept flipping through it. I'd read little excerpts and just try to get my brain around the content. I didn't end up buying it, that night. I guess I just didn't want to part with the sixteen bucks, at the time. I have tons of stuff in the stack to read, after all. The next morning, I board the bus at the normal stop, and there is the woman. . . reading the very book that I was so curious about. I'm not a believer in signs or fate or anything, but I definitely took that as an indicator that we have similar interests. She became a lot more interesting to me, that morning, that's for sure. It took me a couple of weeks, but I finally found a good opportunity to chat with her. We talked about books, mostly. She was obviously very bright, and curious about the way the universe works. It was refreshing to meet someone who was willing to talk about that sort of thing outside of the classroom. I asked her out on Friday. Just an invitation to have a drink, after work. Nothing fancy. She had a failsafe, of course. Previous dinner plans at 8:00, but she agreed to meet me for a little while. Well. . . It was a good time. We talked a lot. Laughed. Some flirtatious touching, but nothing too forward by either of us. It turned out that she is only twenty-four years old, which is probably a little too young for me, but it seemed to be going okay. She notified her "dinner date" that she wouldn't be making it and we ended up staying and having dinner together. We finally left at around 11:30, after about 6 hours or so of enjoying each other's company. And not for nothin', but I paid the bill. 45 bucks, including the tip. Not extraordinary, but still. . . I'm just sayin'. We both took the bus to the restaurant. We rode it home, and went our separate ways. There was no goodnight kiss, and maybe I messed that up by seeming to end the night so abruptly. I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box, sometimes. Anyway, I called her the next afternoon and got a really strange reception. It was kind of cold and not at all welcoming. We talked for about five minutes, and that was that. Later that night, I got a text message that said, "Hey. I did have a nice time last night but I think we should just be friends." Fair enough. I didn't reply to that text, which may have been a mistake, I guess. It just didn't seem to require a response, and I didn't want to seem like a pest. So, this morning. . . I sent a short text message to her. It just said good morning, basically. I let her know that I wouldn't be on the bus today, and just have a good day. Then she took the time to reply: "Did you get this text I sent on Sat - Hey. I did have a nice time last night but I think we should just be friends." I will not sugarcoat my opinion that I found this to be a rather bitchy way for her to reply. It wasn't very friendly, at all. I deleted her number from my phone. Doesn't seem to be any reason to keep it, after all. I can't help but wonder what happened. . . She had the opportunity to leave and spare me any embarrassment or hard feelings, but she chose not to. And I think I'm perceptive enough to recognize that we did genuinely have a good time. Maybe, I'm just too old for her. I imagine that is the case. And the way she handled it really shows that she is way too young for me. I didn't presume that we had done anything except have dinner. I wasn't going to ask her to marry me or anything, but I thought that I might invite her out, again. I'm not too dense to get the hint if she would choose not to accept. Maybe, it was a mistake to send her a text after she said "we should just be friends." I don't think it was out of line, nor was it creepy or stalkerish. I guess I didn't realize that, for twentysomethings, "we should just be friends" is a euphamism for "don't use my phone number, anymore." This is yet another example of the things that have made me stay single. I just don't get it, sometimes. . .

"Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it In you I saw someone that I recognized Had no idea what was in your mind I met your eyes and I was hypnotized I let our lives become entwined Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it I feel so badly Darlin' all the time I have tortured you so long But I am helpless in this pantomime I am aware that I was wrong Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it (Can't do a thing about it) Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it (Can't do a thing about it) Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it (You can't do a thing about it) Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it You can't do a thing about it For though you knew that I was twice your age To make you laugh seemed you enough I thought we'd love and then you'd turn the page I'd have to suffer your rebuff And it was me who had the most to gain Despite the fact that I now have lost The only love that ever caused me pain I feel like a double head was tossed Now and the you see a soul and you fall in love Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love And you can't do a thing about it (You can't do a thing about it) Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it (Can't do a thing about it) Now and then you see a soul and you fall in love You can't do a thing about it" One of my favorite Pete Townshend songs. . . Sure, it's a little creepy. But, I still love it. Heh heh.

Today, I'm just sittin' here and listening to some tunes. . . I decided to do a top ten list. I always refer to my top ten lists as being nebulous, because they will change from time to time, depending on what particular tunes I'm listening to and how they all sort of bounce around and daisy-chain together in my head. I did take some pains to make sure that there was only one album per artist, though. Other than that, the list is pure. So, here it is, in no particular order other than that in which I thought of them. . . My nebulous top ten list of my favorite rock albums of all time. Enjoy and discuss, if you want to. 1. The Who -- Tommy For my money, The Who is probably the best band ever on the planet. They still rock, today, in a past-their-prime sort of way. It was hard to decide on which of their albums would be most representative of them. Who's Next and Who Are You? are also favorites of mine. But this is where it all started for me. Sparks, Amazing Journey, See Me Feel Me. . . and of course Pinball Wizard. I have six different versions of this album in my collection, and each one is a little different. 2. Styx -- The Grand Illusion This is another favorite band of mine. You'll notice that I have an affinity for self-important, pompous arena rock. And this one is probably Styx at their self-importantest and pompousest. But it's hard not to be wrapped up in that opening piano line from Come Sail Away. And Miss America just rocks. And, my personal favorite, Man in the Wilderness, is just a great song that has a poingnance that remains relevant, even 30 years later. They probably did only four really great records. This one is the best, for me. 3. KISS -- Destroyer I know, I know. . . Being a KISS fan is not as easy, these days, as it used to be. How much money do I really want to shell out for the same stuff, over and over and over and over. . ? But, Bob Ezrin got his claws into them on this one and they did something that stands alone in their catalog. Certainly from the music they had done before it. Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, God of Thunder. . . and Beth, of course. Totally different sound, and a totally different way of rocking for this band. If I were in KISS, I would want this one to remain behind to represent me, when I'm gone. 4. Savatage -- Streets: A Rock Opera So. . . In the 80s, there was a band that came out of the Tampa, FL area (I believe), called Savatage. They had a very imported, eurometal sound. Their early stuff reminds me a lot of the stuff that Metallica did on Kill 'Em All and Ride the Lightning. A few years and a few albums later, they got involved with this guy, Paul O'Neil, who was able to emphasize all of the operatic, symphonic elements of their style. . . and voila! A whole different band called Savatage was born. Streets was probably the best realization of their style of operatic rock. And it was the last with the original line-up of the band. It's full of well thought-out arrangements, a vicious guitar tone, and a narrative through-line that is lacking from most albums that claim to be "rock operas." Definitely worth checking out. 5. David Bowie -- Hunky Dory This was another tough one. I love some David Bowie. . . Ziggy is another favorite of mine, of course. It's brilliant. But, this album makes the cut on the strength of one amazing song. Life on Mars? It is so freaking cool! This one also has Changes, and Oh! You Pretty Things, which are both great tracks, as well. But for me, it's all about Life on Mars? Without that song, Ziggy would have made this list. The Bowie fans out there in Fubaria will understand how difficult it was to make this decision, I hope. 6. AC/DC -- Back in Black I'm not gonna' bother writing a big paragraph about this one. There's just something wrong with anyone who doesn't think this is one of the best rock records of all time. 'Nuff said. 7. Dream Theater -- Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence These guys are another big favorite of mine. I love this CD--which is a double CD--because of the title track. . . which is split into segments, but is really one, long 24-minute masterpiece. There's also a track called Misunderstood, which is one of their best. It's one of their more mainstream arrangements, but they never get any airplay, so it didn't really matter. If you haven't ever listened to Dream Theater, and you're interested in their style of progressive rock, then I would suggest starting here. It definitely has a more modern sound than their earlier works, which may make it more palatable to people who favor that NIN or Mansony guitar sound. 8. Alice Cooper -- Billion Dollar Babies I've only been really listening to Alice Cooper since about 2000. I always kinda' knew about him, but he's a little before my time. However. . . I have become a big fan. He can't sing that well, but his lyrics are superlative. The word "brilliant" comes to mind. The title track, Generation Landslide, No More Mr. Nice Guy, Hello Hooray. . . and the really creepy I Love the Dead. . . All of them are classics. Most Coop fans would probably agree with me that this is his best album. For some trivia, it was also produced by Bob Ezrin, who produced KISS' Destroyer album, above. Check this one out if you're only familiar with the early 90s-era Alice. It's way better. 9. Damn Yankees -- Damn Yankees I know, I know. . . But, I'm serious about this one. I defy anyone to say that this album doesn't rock. It's 90% amazing. And the 10% is still pretty good. Some of the best songwriting of the time, and it features what I would say is the best guitar solo of Ted Nugent's career on Come Again. It also has the power balad, High Enough. That was a big hit. I think this is probably the best album that came out in 1990. And to see these guys perform live--I'm a four-time veteran--was one of the most entertaining rock shows you would ever have seen. They really just rock. There's not really anything negative to say about them, except that they should have done more than only two albums. 10. Queensryche -- Empire Lots of 'Ryche fans will disagree with me on this one. Most people tend to think Operation: Mindcrime is the best by these guys. That one is brilliant. But from a standpoint of accessability and hooky, strong songwriting. . ? I have to say that this one tops it. It was a turning point for the band, beginning their era of less high-concept work. I think it captures the best mix of their early sound and their latter sound, though. Plus, Jet City Woman, Empire, and Anybody Listening? are some of the best songs that this band ever did. When I'm listening to Queensryche, the songs from this album are the ones that I am least likely to skip over. And just to maintain my Queensryche street cred. . . My second favorite is Rage for Order. See? I'm not totally off my rocker, after all. That's it. All ten of them. Tomorrow, I'll be able to make another list. For today, though, these are the ones that I'm going with. Feel free to comment. I love looking at the discussion threads. Enjoy! The Layman

"For criminal acts and violence on the stage For being a brat Refusing to act your age For all the decent citizens you've enraged You can go to Hell For gambling and drinking alcohol constantly For making us doubt our parents authority For choosing to be a living obscenity You can go to Hell You're something that never should have happened You even make your Grandma sick You'd poison a blind man's dog and steal his cane You'd gift-wrap a leper And mail him to your Aunt Jane You'd even force-feed a diabetic a candy cane You can go to Hell You're something that never should have happened You even make your Grandma sick For criminal acts and violence on the stage For being a brat Refusing to act your age For all the decent citizens you've enraged You can go to Hell" I love that song. . . Heh heh.

So, last night I rode the bus to go into town for a couple of beers. I ride the bus, a lot. Mostly to work and to go drinking in town (don't drink and drive). Anyway, for about 14 years, I've seen this guy on the bus, periodically. We've never exchanged names, but we sort of chat when we see each other. He's older than me, by prob'ly 20 years or so. Vietnam vet. Lived in San Fran in the 60s. Says he hung out with Jefferson Airplane and partied with the Doors when they were coming up. Pretty interesting guy. Anyway, I've watched this guy as his health has deteriorated. . . He says that he started having seizures and has been on medication for a few years, now. Just been sort of downhill as time has gone on. Last night, I saw him on the bus, like I said. I mentioned that it was later in the evening than I would usually see him. He said that, as of January 1, 2008, the rent in his apartment was raised high enough that his income and his disability benefit would no longer cover it. . . So, as of Jan 1, he is living on the street. He still gets his disability check, I guess, so he has some income, but is on the street until he can get all of his section 8 housing stuff together. I gotta' say. . . This guy is tough, and he has a pretty positive attitude about everything, considering the circumstances. Honestly, it seems like he has everything under control and has the wheels in motion. I didn't get the impression that he felt like he needed any assistance, other than the public assistance that he was pursuing. He got off the bus a while before I did. Truthfully, every time I see this guy, I sort of forget about him until we bump into each other, again. I wonder how things are going to be for him, next time. . .

"Oh candy why did you do it You shouldve called me on the telephone I didnt expect for you call me cause I didnt think that you were alone So alone Oh, candy worked so hard At doin what he thought was right It really really doesnt mean a thing Oh, candy worked so hard At doin what he thought was right It really really doesnt mean a thing Oh candy why did you do it You didnt stick a needle in your vein You just got so damned depressed We all liked you except yourself Oh, candy worked so hard At doin what he thought was right It really really doesnt mean a thing Oh, candy worked so hard At doin what he thought was right It really really doesnt mean a thing You, you wont be comin around no more You, you wont be comin around no more Oh candy why did you do it I didnt think you heard a word that I said" Man. . . I love that song. :-)

I downloaded 45 CDs from the internet, today. . . Actually, it's more than that, I think. . . It's working out to about 3.5G (Maybe closer to 4G) of music. . . It's a lot. ;-) Bad Company, Megadeth, Alice Cooper, Metallica, Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchesta, Dio, and. . . ummmmmm. . . Night Ranger. Yeah, yeah. . . I'm a Night Ranger fan. So, what? Mind your own beezwax. Anyway, it's lot's of new stuff to listen to. My IPod is filled to bursting. That's it, for now. Layman