Theorysmith: Weekly News 8.31.12

Republicans Crackdown on Adult Material and Throw the Election

The Republicans announced today that they wanted anti-obscenity laws  vigorously enforced.  The GOP, citing preservation of “strong christian values” as the current reason for the unrest, have added language to the official platform entitled “We Believe in America” which was released on August 29.  This platform covers everything from abortion, Adult material, to net neutrality as the Republicans identify the future direction of the party.
The widespread availability of adult material has made it harder for a generation of young men to find intimacy with their wives, he said.
“It’s a growing problem for men in their 20s,” Trueman said. “It’s changed the way their brain maps have developed. This is the way they get sexually excited.”
News Flash.. not just men in their 20′s.  I am fairly certain that men in general are not ready to give up their “indiscretions”.  The adult industry is a $10 Billion a year industry and I am fairly certain it is not just “men in their 20′s” who are driving that figure.  In America, hidden behind our “christian values” and “puritan ways” there are a few truths that the Republicans need to embrace if they want to win this election.  1.  Don’t take guns off the streets.  2.  Don’t take illicit material away from congress.  Anyways, full story here.

Introducing Smart Cells – Cyborgs Next

 

Researches from Harvard University, Boston Children’s Hospital and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have grown “self-aware” cells.   The research team placed a network of nano-scale sensors within artifically grown tissues which allow the tissues to chemically and electrically sense what is occuring in the tissue.

Growing the cells in 3d cultures, the team built networks of nanoscale sensores using silicone wires. The networks then measured signals produced by cells deep within the tissue.

This amazes me.  Imagine cells that could measure cell health and report when there is changes.  When they get to the point where they can bio-engineer cells and program them to perform different functions, I can envision the total eradication of disease as we know it.  Imaging a cell that could not only identify bad cells but annihilate cells before they have a chance to harm the body.  The future of medicine will be an amazing place for our children.  Full story here.

Coming Soon to a Road Near You…

I will end this on a funny note.  I really hope the next big thing in biking is not the pedal-less bicycle.  It is bad enough that some bicyclists will take up the road and hog a whole lane, but imagine if the biker was using this.

 

The idea here is that the biker is strapped in and then runs to build up speed.  When the biker achieves maximum speed, he or she then lifts their legs and glides.  Steering and braking are still very traditional of a normal bike, however the locomotion is complete foot powered. The whole contraption looks uncomfortable to me and I know there is an effort to be green, but biking is already green. Whats next?  Pedal Powered Air Planes?  Full story here.

Bait and Switch: Unemployment Debauchery in Colorado

 

So here is a couple of stories I found amusing.  The first, that Colorado overpaid  128 million in unemployment benefits last year.

Colorado Asks Unemployed To Pay Back $128 Million In Jobless Benefits

And now they are seeking a return on their um…  investment.   The unemployed folks who received the money are being held accountable for the clerical errors.

But wait.. there is more.  It’s not bad enough that these people are having a hard time finding a job and the state is not doing them any favors…

Springs Unemployment rate jumps to 9.7 percent in July

So not only can these people not find work, they now have a bill hanging over their head that I am sure is freaking them out.  On top of that, if they are unable to pay the bill, the state will be happy to garnish your wages when you do find employment.
Something stinks about all of this.  Look, I am not saying that these people are entitled to the overpaid benefits.  In fact, IF they received extra checks and knew they were cashing them, then that is damn near stealing.  However, if these people were being paid to much by the state and the oversight was a clerical error in the calculation, then you are simply kicking people when they are down.

The whole Unemployment Insurance assistance is a mess, just like a lot of other government run programs.   Last year, across the United States, we overpaid 5.1 billion in unemployment benefits.  That’s BILLION with a B.   But for Colorado this seems like an alarming trend.  Last year, it recovered $73 million in unemployment benefits it over paid.  So Colorado has an amazing track record on unemployment.
It’s track record on employment is not much better either.  These people who are still unemployed are unable to find work.  Let’s put this in perspective.  Colorado Springs, which is now nearly as large as Denver is unable to employ some of these same citizens that the Unemployment Department is demanding money from.

The area’s unemployment rate was 9.3 percent in July 2011. The July 2012 rate was just 0.2 percentage points below the record 9.9 percent reached in October 2010.

And the forecast is not positive either.  People in the “know” are finally noticing what the unemployed have been trying to say since May, when Colorado unexpectedly  decided that Unemployment was better and cut State Extended benefits.  

The Colorado Springs economy seems to be “toying” with a recession, said Tom Binnings, a senior partner of Summit Economics, a Colorado Springs economic research and consulting firm.

“The local economy is weakening,” Binnings said. “I anticipate continued weakness this year and a significant hit next year” if automatic cuts take effect in January under deficit reduction legislation passed by Congress last year.

We have known this for a while now.  So where does that leave us?  Well, with elections coming in November, just keep this in mind when thinking about where we’re at and where we’re going.  Because I will say this much, where we’re at sucks and it sure doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better.

Left in the Dark: Censorship in America

The once proud beacon of hope is now left in the dark, as Censorship in America threatens the most basic of human values, acceptance. We speak of family values. Core values. Of the Christian way. However, in our efforts to focus on our family and be God Fearing Americans, we constantly take it to far and conventional wisdom takes a back seat to practicality and we find in some ways we are as repressed as some countries in the middle-east.

America was founded on puritan values and our attitudes against nudity is positively medieval. We have such a double standard of what we deem is appropriate that it sends completely the wrong message to our children. We act like keeping our children sequestered in darkness will somehow keep their moral compasses pointed to “wholesome.”

On one hand, we censor everything not considered “art.” We collectively act like Human sexuality and the body is something we should be ashamed of. We act like sex never happens. That nudity is wrong. We lift our noses and pretend we somehow evolved from the most basic of instincts. I say, the human body and sex is art and should be celebrated. We could really borrow a page from Europe and stop acting like the nudity is some how wrong. I am not talking about Pornography or other vulgarities. I agree those pander to the most basest of human emotions and I don’t believe that porn is art. But I do think America needs to go through a renaissance of thought when it comes to nudity.

The human body is really an amazing advancement of evolution and we as a race, let alone a society should not be ashamed of who we are and I refuse to try and sell that to my son.

It is this lack of personal and social acceptance that is really hurting America and as long as we continue this path of intolerance, then we will continue to suffer headlines like this from the Washington Post:

Kansas congressman apologizes for nude plunge in sea where Bible says Jesus walked on water

Really? We are upset about a naked man in the ocean? If “god” created man, did he create him clothed? This is laughable and again aggressively supports my supposition. Maybe the naked congressman could hook up with the woman recently removed from a Southwest plan for her dress being to revealing? Look at the picture… she is a larger woman and yeah, let’s face it, if she was 20 and had an amazing rack, she is not being told to cover up.

Southwest Calls Woman’s Clothing ‘Inappropriate.’ She Disagrees

And that is the problem. We have a set of double standards for everyone in America. You can only show skin if you have a perfect body. You can only be a sexual being after you are married in the eyes of god. It feels like since the Janet Jackson Superbowl nip-slip (which wasn’t even a nipple but a pasty) several years back to the most recent headlines, our views of sexuality and the human body are absurdly shortsighted. In fact, I would hazard a guess that this repression has long term measurable effects on statics like perversion and rape. I think, in this, we are products of our own design. Only in America can we take human nature and make it taboo.

I am not arguing that we should have explicit sex splashed across our TV’s. I am arguing we need to have a longer view. I think we will only ever grow into a society of mature, “equal” adults by first acknowledging that people come in all shapes and sizes. People are sexual beings and that the body should be celebrated, not ridiculed. I find myself increasingly incensed over how hypocritical we are. For a country that is supposed to lead the world and set the example for acceptance and freedom, we certainly do spend a lot of time censoring and moderating the most basic of programmed behavior.

So how do you change 200+ years of pointless puritan values and why should we care?

We need to care because as a country, as a society we should strive for an enlightened and evolved sense of being. We claim to be in the information age then it is time to make informed choices. Technology has made the world an incredibly small place and as a race our next revolution needs to be a fight for acceptance.

We need to accept the difference and individuality of people and end the hypocrisy. End the dual sets of standards and stop selling the lie that people need to be this or that to have acceptance. All you are doing is setting the bar for acceptance that for some is unattainable and failure then leads to depression and self loathing. I believe that morality and acceptance can co-exist. I would be mortified if my son hated someone because of skin color, race, sexual orientation, or even worse, simply because they did not fit into some mold that America has made up. And before you ask, yes, I think we need to accept gay marriage and abortion and all the other stuff that people claim is wrong. I accept it because I don’t argue the question of right or wrong or suffer moral ambiguity.

I argue for the right to choose because that is the right choice.

I take an “enlightened” view figuring that YOUR moral compass will guide YOU and regardless if you choose to be something I would not, YOU should have that choice. All that said, if your moral compass points to the belief that the body is a vile, sinful sex craving flesh sack that should be covered at all times or think that swimming nude is somehow a blight on your soul; Than I would argue that you are no different than then the people who believe that a woman should be covered from head to toe and walk six paces behind the man. I posit that this prejudice is just as harmful and evil as that of race and that your tolerance will continue to hold society at odds with itself. If we continue selling to our children that sex is deviant behavior or looking at the human body somehow makes you perverse, then we will continue to push them to this behavior and keep the fires of their curiosity lit….. but at least we will have a light to keep us company, unfortunately it wont be bright enough to lead us out of this darkness or away from the Censorship in America.

The Perfect Steak!

Grilling Perfection! How to BBQ the perfect Steak!

Choosing a proper steak to BBQ can be a daunting task for some.  For me a steak is a thing of beauty and should be chosen as such.  I never choose the cheapest piece of meat for the sake of saving money.  If I am having steak, it is a reward and something that I want to be more than just a meal, but an experience.  You should always buy your meat from a butcher when you can.  Not only will the butcher be able to direct you to the best cuts, but they will even cut to desired thickness.  For grilling, a steak should always be at least 1 inch thick.  Anything less on the grill and it risks being overcooked and tough.

Know your meat!

The USDA grades beef on a number of factors.  Mostly it comes down to marbling and fat content and overall quality.  USDA Prime is the highest grade achievable with less thank 3% of all beef in the United States being graded as Prime.  The other grades are as follows:

• U.S. Prime – Highest in quality and intramuscular fat, limited supply. Currently, about 2.9% of carcasses grade as Prime.
• U.S. Choice – High quality, widely available in foodservice industry and retail markets. Choice carcasses are 53.7% of the fed cattle total. The difference between Choice and Prime is largely due to the fat content in the beef. Prime typically has a higher fat content (more and well distributed intramuscular “marbling”) than Choice.
• U.S. Select (formerly Good) – lowest grade commonly sold at retail, acceptable quality, but is less juicy and tender due to leanness.
• U.S. Standard – Lower quality, yet economical, lacking marbling.
• U.S. Commercial – Low quality, lacking tenderness, produced from older animals.
• U.S. Utility
• U.S. Cutter
• U.S. Canner

USDA Prime -

This is the grade of beef that contains the greatest degree of marbling. It is generally sold to finer restaurants and to some selected meat markets. It is significantly higher in price because less than 3% of the beef graded is Prime.  Prime grade beef is the ultimate in tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.

USDA Choice

Choice grade beef has less marbling than Prime, but is still of very high quality. This is the most popular grade of beef because it contains sufficient marbling for taste and tenderness, while costing less than Prime. Just over half of the beef graded each your earns a grade of Choice. Choice cuts are still tender and juicy.

USDA Select

This is generally a lower priced grade of beef with less marbling than Choice. Select cuts of beef may vary in tenderness and juiciness. Select has the least amount of marbling, making it leaner than and often not as tender, or juicy and flavorful as the other two top grades. About a third of beef graded falls into this category.
The rest.. well for grilling should be ignored.  Most of your local supermarkets carry USDA Select, however sometimes you stumble across Choice.  To truly enjoy the best steaks, you will want a prime cut of beef.  You will pay for it, however prime beef is amazing and ranks up there with Kobe in my opinion.  Prime cuts have a big, full, buttery taste that is simply amazing.  Get to know your local Butcher.  The butcher is an invaluable tool for finding not only the best bargains, but also they can point you to the best choices of meat for your money.  For grilling I like the 1.25 inch thick cuts though I will grill anything up to 2 inches.
Now, with Steak in hand we are off to grill it.

Steak Heaven:

1.  To Marinade, or Dry Rub?  Honestly, I only marinade if I am using a lower grade of beef.  Marinades can sometimes mask the flavor of the meat.  In most cases I prefer the natural flavor of my steaks.  Your steaks should be at room temperature before grilling.  The best way to season the meat is to brush it down with Olive Oil and crush some fresh garlic onto the tops of each side of the steak.  A generous coating of black pepper and you are good to go.  I typically do this as my BBQ is firing up.
Where is the salt?  Well, I never Salt my meat until serving because Salt draws moisture from the meat.  If you salt it now, all the “goodness” will come to the surface while cooking and leave you with a dry steak.  Nothing is worse than a chewy steak.

2.  My BBQ is pegged out on heat.   You want a really hot fire, remember you are BBQ’ing and not baking.  A hot fire ensures proper sear on the meat.  If the fire is to low, the juices will come out of the meat and you will end up steaming the steak.

3.  When your fire is hot, pour some oil onto a paper towel and lightly drag over your grill to oil it.  Now add the steaks.  You will want to Sear for 2 minutes a side before turning.

4.  After the 4 minute mark, or when you are done searing the second side, you will add the secret spice to push the flavor over the top.  Use a couple whole branches of Rosemary and lay them on the grill.  Turn the steaks over and lay them across the Rosemary, sandwiching the rosemary between the meat and the flame and cook for an additional 3 minutes per side for a nice warm Medium Steak.


5.  Remove from the grill and let your meat rest.  Remember the meat will still cook while resting so you need to account for that.  You should let your meat rest at least 5 minutes, or you can follow the chef’s rule of letting meat rest “half” of the cooking time.  This allows the juices to spread even through your steak.  Before serving, lightly salt and enjoy Grilling Perfection!

 

Cooking Times:

Total cooking times are as follows.  Remember to cut in half to get the “per side” measure.

Thickness	Rare	Medium	Well	Heat
1″	6-8	8-10	10-14	High
1 1/2″	8-10	10-12	12-16	High
2″	12-16	16-20	20-24	Medium

Another way to check for steak temperatures takes some practice but is as follows:
Source: http://www.simplyrecipes.com

The Finger Test to Check the Doneness of Meat

Method:

Open the palm of your hand. Relax the hand. Take the index finger of your other hand and push on the fleshy area between the thumb and the base of the palm. Make sure your hand is relaxed. This is what raw meat feels like. (Check this out the next time you have a raw steak to cook.)

Now gently press the tip of your pinky and your thumb together. Again feel the fleshy area below the thumb. It should feel quite firm. This is what well done meat feels like when you press on it. (Check this out the next time you overcook a piece of meat.)

Press the tip of your ring finger and your thumb together. The flesh beneath the thumb should give a little more. This is what meat cooked to a medium doneness feels like.

Gently press the tip of your middle finger to the tip of your thumb. This is medium rare.

Press the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb. The fleshy area below the thumb should give quite a bit. This is what meat cooked to rare feels like. Open up your palm again and compare raw to rare.

RIP – Music is Dead

Music is Dead

Lately I have been haunted by a soundtrack of the worlds shittiest songs stuck in my head..  It’s as if my mind has somehow latched onto the most craptastic songs it can remember recently and decided that this was going to be my new theme music.  I even wake up in the middle of the night just to hum a few bars of some no-name-song from some one-hit-wonder band who reigns supreme on every station proving that one sort of “blow” or the other still will sway a DJ -  Least that hasn’t changed.
But music as a whole has changed.

I write a lot about the RIAA and online piracy and I really believe that quality of product impacts online piracy and why Apple nailed it with serving a la carte music to the masses.  I don’t want to spend $16 bucks to listen to some asshole wail out-of-tune lyrics about how his girl is a dick-magnet (you really describe your woman like that?) or how this same asshole takes pride in hating his life and spends a whole three minutes bitching about his problems.  I mean come on, its not like Mr. Rockstar is suffering as the record companies throw money, pussy and drugs at this loser to come out and pretend he identifies with the common “joe” who is struggling during this constipated economy.  I have a Theory for this guy…  I posit to you, dear artist that you sound like a string bean being pulled through a chapped ass, and regardless of popular belief, tattoos are not magical and do not grant talent.  Spend some of those buckets of cash on some singing lessons and hire better people to write your  music.  That’s my Theory, and I am sticking to it.

Let me put it this way, when was the last time you bought an album and the whole album, in it’s entirety had more then 3 songs on it you liked?  I am not saying it can’t happen, or it don’t happen, but it is becoming more and more rare.  Think about this, if you were limited to choosing three albums that were released in the last decade, and ONLY three albums to listen to for the rest of your life, could you find three you could live with?

Ever wonder why there were so many more great bands in the ’60′s and do you really think the bands of today will be looked back on with the same fondness?  I suspect that the bands of the 60′s were “closeted” away in hiding because at the time rock & roll was virgin territory and these bad boy rockers were waiting for the chastity belt of the 50′s to unlock and countless years of musical repression to let it’s hair down.  Rock & roll found a collective voice to stand up make statements of change while giving the collective finger “to the man.”  The gauntlet was dropped and these musicians were not afraid to make political statements with their music, regarding war, politics, and current events.  This music helped the people of that generation navigate through the times of war and gave political opposition to the government and effected change.

I mean honestly, with all of the crap we have gone through in the last decade, including two wars, I can’t think of any bands not named Rage Against the Machine, who has made any statements at all.  And that is the problem; and not just with music, but the America that my generation has inherited.  We are a generation of mutes who sit and watch, like sadistic voyeurs, with no collective voice to stand up and demand change.  We see shit happening we don’t necessarily agree with and do nothing but come online and bitch about it while the ship slowly sinks.

We are now left with a depleted talent pool who is just as lost as the rest of us.  One that has no passion and conviction.  I am not saying that making political statements somehow magically gives you talent, I am however pointing out that music used to be an avenue musicians used to voice their passions and beliefs.  Music had a message.  If nothing else, current events were a source of material for them to expound upon.  Whether the message was peace, love, or do more drugs, the musicians then were trying to say something.  Today’s musicians don’t seem to carry that same passion and that message has been lost by their good looks.  I really believe that is what keeps Rap going.  Young, angry kids are making statements that people identify with.

I have a hard time identifying with my chick being a dick magnet.

I think from top to bottom the Industry needs to change.  From how bands are discovered to the outdated business model that the Recording Industry adheres to.  The time when you could pack an albums worth of great music into one record are done.  The well is dried up and the talent is gone.  I am fairly certain the Recording Industry recognizes the depleted talent pool too.  Notice the Industry now spends it’s efforts searching through places like youtube for the next “big thing.”  All of the “So-So-Has Talent” shows supports this theory and the Entertainment Industry spends millions meticulously combing through society searching for the keys to bring music back to it’s glory day.  Until the current cycle of shit music kills itself we are stuck with what we have.

I guess though, at the end of the night what I am hoping for is someone to step up and be a true “bard” of this decade.  Write and sing music that has a message and innovate. The Recording Industry, shame on you for playing it safe and giving these kids free rides to the top.  Stop fabricating music and selling pretty faces when what we desire is talent and people who are passionate about their talent.  Selling me one song for $16 bucks is going to continue to doom your industry and keep these shitty songs stuck in my head.