Pirate Radio
To all our listeners, this is what I have to say - God bless you all. And as for you bastards in charge, don't dream it's over. Years will come, years will go, and politicians will do fuck all to make the world a better place. But all over the world, young men and young women will always dream dreams and put those dreams into song. -The Count

Yes, dear children, this evening I had the pleasure of seeing Pirate Radio. And let me tell you, it was one of the most entertaining films I've seen recently. Funny yet powerful, a great storyline paired with a killer soundtrack. It was an incredible film, and I do believe it did the era of '60s pirate radio justice.

Though, it did make me a bit sad that I missed out on the '60s.



Christmas: How Soon Is Too Soon?
Ah, the Christmas season. A time for family, reflecting upon the past twelve months - and an onslaught of sales and commercials. The abundance of Christmas ads and toy sales begins soon after Halloween, sometimes even earlier. While it is common knowledge that getting holiday purchases out of the way earlier saves one from much brain damage, how soon is too soon for Christmas?

Usually, the first Christmas sales and commercials emerge near the middle or end of October - sometimes earlier, sometimes later. While this may seem totally absurd, it does get the company's message and product out there sooner; it's a marketing strategy akin to organizing shelves in an aesthetically-pleasing manner, or enticing your potential customers with any number of campaigns and offers. Retailers sense the sudden influx of customers, the sudden need to BUY BUY BUY SPEND SPEND SPEND, and they jump all over it.

But is the need to BUY BUY BUY SPEND SPEND SPEND quickly replacing the "peace on Earth, good feelings toward one another" spirit of the holiday season? Is Christmas becoming more about receiving than giving?

I am in no way authorized or prepared to give a one-hundred-percent correct, true-fact-research--supported answer to the above questions, but I am able to offer my personal opinion on the matter.
Christmas does, indeed, involve the giving and receiving of presents; it's been tradition for quite some time. There's no need to feel bad about the exchange of presents. However, when the spirit of the holiday turns sour, when the receiving becomes the main objective and the giving is forgotten in all of the hype, then it's time to feel a bit bad.

These Christmas ads, though it is their job to do so, put a large emphasis on the BUY BUY BUY SPEND SPEND SPEND initiative, and not nearly enough emphasis on the HAPPINESS PEACE GIVING etc. initiative. I think that, during the holidays, it's important to factor others into the holiday equation, not just ourselves. It's important to think about being thankful for what we do have, not just thinking about how much we want what's on our Christmas lists.

What's your opinion on the holidays? What does all of it mean to you, if it means anything to you at all? And what of the holiday industry? Is Christmas really becoming more commercial-geared, or is it just that Christmas advertising is more flashy and noticeable than usual? Bah, humbug?

<sub><sup>DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying I hate the holidays; sure, it's not my absolute favorite time of the year (due to the stress of shopping and tons of family gatherings, etc.), but that doesn't mean I despise it.
I'm not a caroler-kicker, I just think that the emphasis on material possessions is just a wee bit high.

Please let me know if this sounds like total babble to you.</sup></sub>