This is a rare, candid editorial by JV Myka.

Those who know me, know once my mind is made up about something, I seldom change it back. This isn’t stubbornness, but rather confidence enough thought has been put into a decision that I simply have to trust my own judgement. With One World Pool, it was never a “knee jerk” reaction to switch from one server to another. It wasn’t like WordPress jumped out at me like some trend and I got swept away. I’m simply not that gullible. But for some reason, Blog.com has resurfaced and it looks like they might actually have their site functioning as a paying customer would expect. But to be honest, I remain weary.

Anyway, so I think I will try to return to this forum (and format) because this site has always had more readers all over the world. I tried to transfer them to WordPress, but it was truly starting all over. Therefore, I feel it is in the best interest of the movement and organization of One World Pool that we exist simultaneously -like evil twin sisters or something. Ok, so that settles that.

Some people have asked me about the reason so much is dedicated to the Baltimore music scene and bands in particular. That’s easy: music is a creative and powerful way to convey truths about life and the world we live in, and certainly live bands can have a vibe that can only be experienced in person. Fortunately, there are many local bands I can write about and know in my heart they deserve all the recognition they can get. Some bands are really trying hard and could always use a boost. And the general public at large are mostly oblivious to what is happening in music, who are the bands they should go see, and really the whole scene itself needs media to keep it alive and to grow. Of course, there is plenty of crappy music and seriously arrogant players around town and they can… well, you know.

I have been asked about my political views. Some articles posted seem very conservative and others very liberal. I believe every voice is relevant. Every opinion has a place. Not everyone agrees with the majority -ever. That will always be the case in the political system currently in place. Honestly, I believe American politics on every level is corrupt and people (the masses) are being lead to the slaughterhouse by the nose like asses. Complacency is our greatest weakness as a people, for way too many are lax and refuse to face the realities of our nation, refuse to acknowledge their complacency is part of the problem and refuse to take action to stop any of it if it doesn’t affect them directly. I find it very sad so many of us believe so strongly in pushing for selfish (social) changes completely unconcerned with its consequences. Our education system is chaotic at best, but its falter is blamed on everything but its true source of decay: our society. If people felt as strongly about fixing our schools, there would be a major political push to do so, but instead we remove ourselves as a society as the cause and instead point the finger at the government, who are merely doing what any parasite does: suck the life out of its host. Our government is more parasitic than a governing body. They have control over so much of our lives, watch everything we do, monitor everything we say and not enough of us are pissed off about it. It’s complacency. If people believe it doesn’t affect them they won’t budge. Ah, but that is proof of the government’s supremacy, their mastery of deception. What they do does affect everyone and you don’t even realize the extent of it.

Back to One World Pool. I believe it can exist as evil twin sisters. It’s going to have to now. I really cannot explain why it is so, nor will I ponder it much more. It is what it is, as the cliche goes. There will always be different points of view, and I certainly encourage everyone to voice theirs. If not on this forum then anywhere they feel comfortable. In truth, movements have to start somewhere and they have to have a reason. Make the reason count.

I invite all of you to write something to me. If you want to be anonymous, I respect that. Just don’t remain silent anymore.

• 

by Michelle Rebecc

Why MTV’s Still Booming

While the complaint that there’s no music on MTV anymore is valid, no one seems to question why the channel still exists. Jersey Shore had more than a few hardcore fans, but that’s not nearly enough to garner the ongoing success of the network. Call it a guilty pleasure, an anomaly or simply the luck of the draw, MTV clearly isn’t going anywhere. In fact, as a station, it’s rather smarter than it looks.

Obviously, MTV has kept up with the trends and simply delivers what people want to see. There are numerous studies, parental complains and a general acceptance that the younger generations have a penchant for recording everything. They don’t want music gods to look up to, at least not all the time. They want to watch themselves — or people just like themselves — doing things that they really do. Some things never change and “old people” still just don’t get it.

Define Reality

Catfish, Teen Mom, Ridiculousness and a host of other MTV shows all have one thing in common: they’re about as real as reality TV gets. They also feature people who are, oftentimes, just like the audience. There might be a little added drama, such as on Teen Mom, but for the most part you can flip on MTV and see very realistic-looking young adults. That’s what the audience is looking for.

Most of the time, shows on MTV look like someone grabbed a camcorder or smartphone and just started filming. The cameras are shaky, the clips are sometimes blurry or grainy, and it moves at lightning speed. In true MTV fashion, there’s often a soundtrack that mimics the constant stimulation (via iPods or otherwise) that youth depend on. These MTV “stars” could be anyone, they’re rarely more attractive than the average teen and there’s something about them that’s either likable, unlikable or just train wreck enough to hold someone’s attention for a few minutes.

False Intimacy

Reality TV, whether on MTV or not, is so popular because it builds a false sense of intimacy between star and audience. People connect with these real people and either see themselves in them or create a sense of empathy. It’s quite similar to online dating and, even though there’s a screen between star and viewer, the audience doesn’t see it as a barrier. These people are available 24/7 to provide company and comfort.

There’s nothing wrong with getting hooked on a TV show for the most part. MTV dishes up exactly what people want: small, digestible snippets of entertainment. I’m certain if their target market still demanded non-stop music videos, that’s what would be aired. However, both supply and demand have changed.

Is It Just Trash?

Well, what’s the definition of trash? I doubt many people would argue that The Real Housewives of New York, The Bachelor, or any other non-MTV reality show offer much more depth than Buckwild. In fact, MTV is actually more on the right track than many other networks, excepting a few choices like My Super Sweet Sixteen. At least MTV is featuring people who aren’t dripping in wealth or living in fantastical surroundings.

How the times have changed. Just a few years ago, parents complained that teens were being set up for broken dreams and unrealistic futures because of the excess featured in music videos and perhaps that has some merit. The same youth that binged on MTV’s excess in the past are now the parents, focusing on more important things like colonoscopies and finding the right commercial septic services, or whatever else it is that adults do these days.

In It for the Long Haul

The simple fact is that MTV’s not going anywhere because there still is — and likely always will be — a demand for it. It’s offering up new seasons and shows, and it’s the perfect mindless entertainment. However, the thing is, it’s not really mindless. It’s simply reflecting what the target demographic relates to, which makes it a smarter network than many others.

Just like politics, sex (and yes, music), there will always be an abyss between MTV’s target demographic and everyone else. Is it solely trash TV that provides nothing of substance to the viewers? Well, that depends on who you ask, how old they are at the time and where they are in life.

In my opinion, there are much trashier options out there. Maybe MTV should stop being the kid that’s picked on as the scapegoat du jour.

Michelle is an aspiring writer and blogger with a passion for the Internet, specifically social media and blogging. She loves how social media connects people across the globe, and appreciates that blogging gives her the opportunity to voice her thoughts and share advice with an unlimited audience.

• 

by Doug Bevins

Gun control has cropped up AGAIN (seriously when is enough enough).  Within the last two weeks, I came across an article about a five year old who was given a gun when (at four, mind you) and accidently shooting and killing his two year old sister when their parents were not in the room. Oh yeah, the gun was purchased from a company (won’t mention the company, but if you search the internet you’ll figure it out very quickly) that markets guns to children. First off, what sane person would allow a child of any age under ten to own a gun? Kids don’t have maturity at that age and, if this article is any indicator, some companies and parents do not either. Secondly, what parent in their right mind would leave a gun laying around when there are young children in the house? Children are not, unless supervised safely, able to understand that a gun, knife, etc is dangerous. As a result of what that parent choses to do (willfully or due to ignorance), that child now has to live with the knowledge that he killed his sister. Come on people! Guns need to be controlled period. How many more Newtowns, Columbines, or Auroras must we face as a nation before someone pulls their head out of their nether regions and actually does something to improve gun control!   After reading that article the other week, I now do not see any other fix to this issue except stricter gun control measures and I ask you how many more lives (children or otherwise) need to be taken by violence which could have been prevented with stricter gun control laws and systems? It is our children’s future, after all, so now is the time to act before an entire generation (victims or aggressors) is lost to the seemingly unending tide of violence.

• 

by Rayanna Christian

I recently went to Triad Anime Con and while I expected it to be fun, I had no idea what to expect. What met me once the elevator doors opened and I entered the con I was met with a sweet 12 year old lesbian couple, 2 people conversing about their gender fluid identities, a woman dressed as Rarity from My little Pony who drew “clop” and “plot” pictures (the equivalent of porn for My Little Pony) and a host of people with gray skin and orange horns who accept tentacles as genitalia for their characters. The cast of characters was beyond diverse, but it was the most accepting environment I have ever experienced. Many people were from small towns where referring to people as Kawai would receive looks of confusion and confessing you like ponies, webcomics and anime would get you labeled as a freak and a pervert. I happen to come from one of these towns and while I may not have related to everyone at the con, we shared the common bond of not fitting in. Everyone was so used to being rejected and misunderstood that they overcompensated in love and acceptance for everyone. I hugged so many people whose names I didn’t ever learn simply because they were dressed as a character I loved or they were happy to meet a virgin con-goer. I danced with entire strangers and challenged a chubby 20 something year old boy dressed as Kirby to a fight. The friendships I made that weekend may have been fleeting but they have touched me in a way no other friendships could. I can’t wait until the next time I get into a tiny crowded convention center  where they have large signs saying they do no promote pedophilia.

• 

When Jay Long set out to launch his radio program, SupaFi64, his intentions were to center a majority of its content on fiction books and some music reviews. It seemed to be the absolute best approach, since his passion lays with literary works and comes from a musical background. However, the other angle he included in this plan had to do with promoting independent music. Long was contacted by artists/musicians from around the country interested in participating in his program. The frenzy only made him rethink the configuration of his radio show, which eventually lead to split content: 50% fiction, 50% music oriented. A ying-yang in his radio program took shape and the stage was set for an expansion (to set a balance). And thus, a necessary evolution materialized.

Jay Long credits his years singing in his high school choir for this revelation of the show’s focus. In the early stages of SupaFi64, Jay was approached by a band who wanted to play the Warped Tour and needed help getting the votes to be considered. This was a turning point, and Long felt he should create a show around promoting this band and encouraging listeners to go on their website and get the votes they needed to get into Warped Tour. It evidently worked. It became clear music needed a more profound role in the show’s programming. Long admits there is no science to the selection process when choosing artists to feature on the show. Instead, he prefers to sift through submissions one by one and goes with the best ones. Though the show is dedicated to supporting and promoting musicians everywhere, Jay Long and his co-hosts Brandon, Joe and Andrew prefer to keep the shows clean and free of vulgarity. Integrity and quality are essentially what makes this radio show worth checking out anytime.

It’s been more than a year that SupaFi64 has been online and it continues to grow as a promotional engine for the literary works they feature, as well as the musical groups, artists, movie reviews, and various other categories. One terrific aspect of the show’s home, Blogtalk Radio, is it archives all of their shows, so listeners can go back to the very first show and play back guests featured up to the present time. SupaFi64 exists because there is a need to promote for a vast array of independent artists, authors and works deserving of some conversation on a radio program. The public is largely given highlights and commercially promoted works, which may be worthy of acknowledgement and acclaim, but so many other lesser known works and releases merit some discussion as well -which is why Long’s radio show is so appealing. We live in the age of the Internet, and information flows freely everywhere 24 hours a day. Programs like SupaFi64 are sustained because people appreciate a variety in their choices. People with particular interests in books with offbeat twists, science-fiction stories that push the bounds of human imagination, game reviews, and even enthusiasm of the film industry will find something that peeks their curiosity on SupaFi64. It is relatively easy to find. Long says, “We want to be able to come to everyone [via] Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Tumblr, iTunes, and You Tube. Go to your corner of the Internet and type in Supafi64, and we will most likely be there.”

• 

by Doug Bevins

This world has caught a bad case being stuck. It is not moving upward or forward and it is barely maintaining level ground. This world is missing creativity, courage, and kindness and there is no evidence, at least for now, that there is change in the making. So, how can we change this world in these areas? First, have the courage to say a kind word to someone who is sitting by themselves in the school lunchroom. Take time to volunteer at an outreach for the homeless, etc. It seems creativity has become taboo, but there are ways to change it. Use movies, television, or video games as a means to connect with someone who does not seem, to you, to be very social (it might work and might not, but its the effort that counts).  Lastly, kindness is something that seems to be sorely lacking in society today. To bring kindness back, if someone is really stressed out in a store where you’re working, take extra time to help them find what they are looking for. Go out of the way to be calm if someone gets in your face (THAT is easier said than done, but possible). It is understood anything good or right is never easy.

So, why should we seek to change the world? The main reason is the world is stuck and is sorely in need of new, fresh approaches to accomplishing tasks and coming up with new ideas/plans. The old ways have stopped working so its time to come up with new ways to accomplish key tasks of society. After all, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Instead of banging your head against the wall over and over, take a breath and rethink your approach. If you are a loner in school or work, reach out to someone else whom you have observed to be a loner type too (you might be surprised). Have courage to go against the grain and the results may surprise you.

• 

“JV, I am very frustrated. Infuriated and disappointed in the whole bet thing with Tina. It’s like I am in a court battle with big time lawyers or something.”

“What do you mean?” I asked with general interest only because enough time had passed, it wasn’t very important to me.

“Well, you remember the bet? Tina had been stalling, saying she agreed to my bet, but did not say when she would actually go through with the week-long ‘enslavement,’ as she puts it.”

“Wait a minute. She hasn’t held up her end of the deal yet? What’s the hold up?”

“She said it was not stipulated when she would have to go through with it, so she is ‘waiting for the right time’ and it is killing me.”

I thought about this for a moment. Tina was welshing on this bet. My friend was in trouble! “Mike, it may be time to resort to drastic measures. Let’s suppose you go away for a week: to New Orleans or somewhere seedy. Maybe even Las Vegas.” Mike mumbled something underneath his voice, like a child squirming when they are in the principal’s office. “I really think you should get away from Baltimore for a while. Maybe a week, maybe longer. But go far away without Tina and have a good time.”

“So you are saying I should just forget about the bet. I shouldn’t be bitching, right JV? I should just run away like a punk, right? Or…maybe you’re on to something. Since you’re my best friend in the whole-wide-world, I could really use your support in this crazy mess called my life.”

It was obvious Mike was terribly upset by all this, and for once I actually agreed with him. He is owed that week and it is within his right to make his girlfriend his slave for 7 whole days to do all his biddings. She’s the dumb one for making the bet in the first place. “Mike, how can I help?”

It seemed this ordeal was about to take a nonsensical turn and somehow envelop me for a ride into Wonderland. “Well JV, perhaps you are on to something. There is something you can do for me. I can tell Tina all this stuff about welshing on the bet and pretend to be going on a two week trip to an undisclosed location. You know, to drive her batty. But what I will really do is hide out at your house in Essex. No one will ever think I could possibly be still in town, much less in Essex.”

“Mike, be careful. This is a dangerous game you want to play with a woman that is very unpredictable and insane. Normally, I’d say go ahead and play it, but you want to bring it to my house. Where I live and chill. Where my wife is. Where my kids come to play. If that woman finds out what you are doing, there is no telling where this will lead. And besides, you really think my wife is going to be ok with this? She’ll think it’s the stupidest thing ever!”

“Well, JV, maybe you’re right. Maybe your wife won’t like this idea. But I guess that’s your problem to make her understand and set things up for me because if you don’t help me now, then you are not my friend and you are the biggest liar and crappiest friend EVER!”

I took in a deep breath. Could this really mean I would be rid of Mike? I smile at the prospect. Man, my wife is NOT going to like this…

• 

by Doug Bevins

This movie is not about a plane crash or the subsequent investigation that follows, but rather about addiction in all its unpleasantness. I believe there is a lot of questionable material. The scene in the hotel room at the beginning of the movie is a bit much (read the other review and you’ll know why). But sex and drugs are not what this movie focuses on. This movie centers around someone who had it all, but ultimately has nothing because they live drink to drink and high to the next high. The movie also shows people who live like Denzel Washington’s character (Whip Whitaker) will lose most of the relevant things in their lives. Whip had a family, great career, and a decent life. But, as the movie progresses, it seems he’s lost most, if not all, of the “stable things” that kept him grounded because of his drinking problem. The plane crash is just the final nail in the coffin, so to speak. The investigation that follows leads to a heavy conviction, and even though he’s been fighting every accusation against him, he has a change of heart and confesses his problem to a room full of people at a hearing for his alleged crimes at the moment of the plane crash. At the end, a great line sums up the entire premise of the movie: “Though I’m in prison, I’m truly free. I’m not sure if that’s the exact wording, but the point is there.” Great way to start a conversation with teens (be sensible with use). Addiction is a growing problem in this country and, at least if this is any example, Hollywood may be starting to see that.

Would I recommend this movie? Yes with a condition. This movie is not appropriate for anybody under the age of fifteen. Parents should use caution when deciding to let their kids see this movie without them present because there are alot of adult topics and images. That being said, Flight is a great tool for parents to use in the discussion regarding drug use and abuse.

• 

There is a new form of currency in the world today: Bitcoin. It is merely in the experimental stage, but already it is causing a stir and people are jumping on the Bitcoin bandwagon while it is still in its infancy. The truth of the matter is that currencies around the world fluctuate in its market value all the time. We know from various sources that Centralized banks lend money to governments at an interest rate that essentially creates perpetual, mounting debts which can never fully be repaid. Taxes continue to increase, while the value of the dollar continues to decrease. The money game is a high stakes gamble and one that puts people at the mercy of the Federal Reserve and big banks globally. Enter Bitcoin.

The wonderful idea surrounding Bitcoin is it enables instant payment to anyone anywhere in the world. It is digital currency or crypto-currency with no central authority and can be absolutely anonymous. Drug dealers around the world are just giddy about this concept. But perhaps there are far too many skeptics out there at the moment for this to be a threat to how the traditional monetary system works. Certainly it is worth pondering. After all, if so much of what we do is based on our debts (nationally and personally), why not explore the possibilities of using a currency that does not falter at the whims of banks that manipulate world markets? It has long been argued by economists that governments everywhere are forever in debt to the banks that lend them money. We, in turn, are forever in debt to various creditors and the value of our dollars fluctuate, restricting our wealth. So, is there a future for Bitcoin? School of Business Professor at Columbia University, Brett Gordon, thinks the world may look very different with Bitcoin curreny. “I think a significant contribution of the bitcoin market is that it serves as a proof-of-concept for a decentralized crypto-currency. Two benefits are that bitcoins are inherently deflationary and transactions are anonymous. Given the recent slew of fiscal crises and increasing concerns about online privacy, these are two strong points in bitcoin’s favor—or whatever future crypto-currency arises” (Tech Crunch, 2013).

It may be a little premature to say Bitcoin will replace the dollar or any other tangible currency. But looking around, people are using physical money less and less these days. More purchases are made online, debit and credit cards are more common than using paper money it seems. Even Welfare and Food Stamp recipients have “debit” cards to make purchases. The digital money age is already here. The question right now is: how long will Bitcoin be around? People have said such things about a lot of things over the years that literally changed the world. This may be just the beginning of crypto-currencies changing the world.

• 

by Rayanna Christian

For a long period of the previous year, I was an active member of Tumblr. It was a heaven for depressed teens and liberals and others who felt outcast by society. I thought it was perfect until I realized that Tumblr is the most toxic place for anyone struggling to find themselves.

For one, popular on Tumblr are ‘depression understanding’ posts. Text and pictures speaking about how no one loves them, they will die alone, that they are worthless and prompting the reader to agree with the sentiment, usually starting with “Do you ever feel like…” While the aim of these posts are a genuine outreach for understanding and offering to others, these posts truly do nothing but agitate the existing toxic mindsets of depressed people and foster them in people at risk. Each time another post reminds you of how bad you feel, it does nothing but make you feel worse and this sort of negativity makes up most of Tumblr.

However, the aim of these posts is genuine and lacks malicious intent and that was not the reason I left Tumblr. I left because those who feel ostracized or judged for their opinions compensate by ostracizing, judging, alienating and attacking people for their opinions. Basically, if you do not support gay marriage, believe in any sort of modesty, believe in the differences between gender, ages or any other groups or have anything negative to say about anyone who does and you express this openly, expect to be repeatedly attacked and called every form of a bigot for, quite ironically, being intolerant of others opinions. This lack of logic and insight are the harsh reality that faced me. While people preach acceptance with a group mentality, these social justice bloggers due nothing but build their own superiority complex and hurt anyone they come in contact with.

Until the nature of the site changes, I urge anyone thinking of jumping on the bandwagon to run for the hills and don’t log onto Tumblr!

•