It is amazing to me how things have changed in our society. When I was growing up there was no such thing as bottled drinking water. If you were going to purchase something to drink the largest selection was soda. The main decision was to purchase it in a returnable bottle or can. Now the stores are filled with a variety of bottled drinking water in many flavors.

There are many reasons why people started buying bottled drinking water. Some people do not like the taste of treated city water that comes out of their taps. There have also been many studies that caution people that the drinking water supplies in certain areas may be contaminated. People are also more aware that they should drink more water throughout the day. Some studies indicate that you should consume a minimum of eight glasses a day. In the past when you would see someone drinking this amount of water the assumption was made that they were dieting. Most diets included the eight glasses of water in their regiments long before it became popular with the general public. I do think that people are going a bit over board with the bottled drinking water.

Next time you are out in public notice how many people are carrying bottled drinking water with them. It is everywhere. At the work setting most people carry a bottle of water into meetings with them. They also have a bottle of water on their desks and in their cars. Many people in our office refill their water bottle throughout the day from the large bottled drinking water that we have in the company break room. For some people it seems that the bottle of water is a security blanket.

Walking down a side walk or in the mall the majority of people are carrying a water bottle. When I go for walks around the neighborhood I see other walkers toting a water bottle with them. Recently we had a family gathering and my sister-in-law carried bottled drinking water around with her throughout the day. As they were driving out of the driveway she had to run back to our house to retrieve her bottle. She asked if it was safe to refill it from our tap water. I explained that we had safe drinking water so she filled her bottle for the ride home, which is only a fifteen minute drive. I told my husband that I feel that our society is addicted to carrying around water bottles. It makes me wonder how many forms of bacteria are growing in the bottles that people keep refilling.

Some of the best mystery books I have read are those I read when I was a kid.  My first exposure to the genre came by way of the set of Nancy Drew mystery books that Mom got for me through a school driven book buying club.  I couldn’t get enough of the series, “Message in a Haunted Mansion”, “Secret of the Scarlet Hand” and “Danger on Deception Island”.  I would stay up all night, not so much afraid to turn the light out, but concerned the details of the stories would change while I was asleep or that I would miss something I should read before daybreak.

As a teen, I moved from the basic mystery books and started in the mystery horror tales, including the fictional and true crime based works.  These books did keep me awake out of fear or terror and did also keep me reading until I finished.  I needed to get the closure with such enthralling, gut griping, spine curdling stories as those in “The Mephisto Waltz”, “The Amityville Horror” and even “The Exorcist”.

More devoted mystery books readers will swear by the Agatha Christie series or will recommend the more modern Sue Grafton novels.  Similarly, others will speak highly of Mary Higgins Clark’s books or books by Jonathan Kellerman.  I, too, would add that detective series and true crime books are as exciting and incite as much fingernail chewing as the best mystery books.  Especially, for example, those by John Sanderford, the brilliant Stephen King and even a few of the master of “junk” novels, Sydney Sheldon.

And mystery book sellers and aficionados will add the hottest new authors to the list, contemporary mystery writers such as Martin O’Brian, Craig Johnson, and Melissa Swaim, Janet Evanovich, and Martha Grimes.  Who are revered at such sites as MurderbytheBook.com, an independent bookseller who appreciates good literature.

The mystery books genre is wide ranging, so true bibliophiles will allow for suspense, thriller and other evocative works to be put on the mystery books list.  It all depends, of course, on how much you read, what you prefer and how much Mwoohahhah you can tolerate.

Looking at my  Ansel Adams poster, I am reminded of my last trip to the mountains. I’m not a mountain climber, I have a serious muscular illness which prevents me from being able to properly exert my upper body strength. But still, I have always looked to the mountains with a kind of love and longing. I’ve been blown away by their magnificence since I was 13 years old. I was raised in the mid-west, hundreds of miles from the nearest mountain range and never saw them until my parents bought an Ansel Adams poster for our living room.

I was just completely overawed by the spectacular detail of the rocky crags in the  Ansel Adams poster. It was as if he didn’t just capture the image of the mountain, but somehow brought back it’s soul as well. In that Ansel Adams poster was the image of a kinship with nature, the like of which I had never seen before. It was as if the photographer knew the mountain personally and had it pose it’s most splendid pose just for him.

It is that same  Ansel Adams poster which I now look at, as I remember my trip to the rockies. Usually you say that a picture doesn’t do it justice. I don’t think that in this case, that sentiment is exactly true. The  Ansel Adams poster is completely just with it’s subject matter. It is more that it doesn’t give it completeness. It isn’t just the epic scale or fantastic beauty of the mountains, which can be captured by the  Ansel Adams poster. It is what they do to you as an observer. They surround you, they tower over you, they overwhelm you in their multitudes and dizzy you with their scale. You can feel the icy air which has been propelled in frozen currents down their sides cut into your face. You feel giddy in the thin air. Although the  Ansel Adams poster captures the beauty of mountains, it never can capture their power over you.

But maybe Ansel Adams himself could feel this power, could give himself to it and be awed by the mountain. Maybe that is where Ansel Adams posters get their impressive power, not from the familiarity which the photographer had with his subject matter, but rather his awe and humility before it. Perhaps what makes Ansel Adams posters so great is that he never attempts to capture the experience of mountains in their entirety, knowing that that would be beyond anyone.

You can download answering machine audio files on the internet to make funny or entertaining messages on your machine to amuse and entertain your friends. Answering machine audio is important because when people call your answering machine, the message you convey tells about who you are and what you believe in. If you can spice up your messages with neat answering machine audio files by celebrities who tell your friends and colleagues to leave a message at your number, it adds a little more style to your presentation and more fun to their day as well. My friend even had an answering machine which played recordings of bugs bunny saying “what’s up doc!, eh, leave a message”. It was hysterical and everyone who heard it knew him as the Bugs Bunny guy, which added to his popularity.

Many people who have clients or colleagues calling their house want an answering machine audio message that is much more regular and straight forward, more professional sounding than this. They are less concerned with fun than with sounding businesslike. I’ve heard stories about a friend who is a professional photographer, losing a very important client because of his silly answering machine audio message with a tough guy Arnold Schwartzenegger voice telling people “leave a message and I’ll be back,” making reference to Terminator 2. The client thought that this wasn’t very professional and said as much on his answering machine.  He decided to take his business somewhere else. Because of that my photographer friend lost a potentially very lucrative wedding job all in the name of having a little fun.

I’ve actually heard radio stations offering answering machine audio recordings by celebrities as prizes for calling in or appearing on a show. This would be so cool, if your friends listen to the same radio as you do. Personally, I’m a big fan of car talk on NPR and the idea of having Click and Clack telling people to leave a message on my answering machine is pretty funny to me. I’d be a bit of a minor celebrity overnight with my friends. They’d all want to know how I’d managed to do it, to get these two great radio personalities to record a custom message for me. And I wouldn’t have to tell them. They would just have to listen to my answering machine audio message and try to figure it out for themselves.

Not many singers start a professional career at seven years of age but Michael Jackson is no ordinary artist. He wowed his audiences as lead vocalist with the Jackson 5 and went on to forge a solo career as one of the best selling artists of all time. Despite a turbulent personal life, court cases and controversy, Michael Jackson songs fill the airwaves and the dance floors. The glory days may be over but a comeback is expected and he always surprises.

The debut solo album, whilst still a member of the Jacksons, was released on the Tamla Motown label in 1971. The title song was “Got To Be There” and other notable tracks were “Rockin’ Robin” and “Ain’t No Sunshine”. His most iconic albums would be on the Epic label. In 1979, Off The Wall hit the stores and included “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” and “She’s Out of My Life”, reaching number three in the US album chart. Thriller came in 1982 and was a number one hit in the US and Great Britain. Stand out tracks were the singles, “Beat It” and “Billie Jean”. Some of the best Michael Jackson songs are collaborations and this album also featured his duet with Paul McCartney, “The Girl Is Mine”. Another duet with McCartney, “Say Say Say”, appeared on McCartney’s album, Pipes of Peace.

Another number one on either side of the Atlantic occurred in 1987 with the release of Bad, which included the tracks, “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Man In The Mirror”. This success was repeated when the hits compilation, HIStory - Past, Present and Future came out as a double album. The collection included a duet with sister, Janet Jackson, called “Scream” and the theme song from the movie, Free Willy 2, called “Childhood”. An even more ambitious compilation came out in 2004. Titled The Ultimate Collection, it contained four discs and a DVD disc. Other greatest hits albums featuring the best of Michael Jackson songs have appeared over the years.

Jackson has always worked with the best writers and producers, such as Quincy Jones. His songs have been supported by high quality promotional videos. Michael Jackson songs are a mixture of foot tapping dance tracks and moving ballads that display that wonderful voice. He has received thirteen Grammy Awards and scored thirteen number one singles in the US. His inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist.

Many actors can proudly wear the brand of stardom.  Fewer can tote the banner of subtle sensuality, commanding grace and seamless work in every single role they play.  Anthony Quinn is one that did all of the above.  He traversed the boundaries of ethnicity, playing various roles wherein the Mexican-Irish star was a Greek, an Italian, a Filipino, a Mexican, a Native American and many other distinctly defined identities.  Never faltering or falling out of character, so convincing was he in each.

If you didn’t know he had died in June of 2001.  Anthony Quinn is at the top of all our lists of sexiest older male actors.  And not just for his undaunted masculinity and sex appeal but Quinn had a versatility, an ability to cross genres without compromise.  A gift for switching roles and registers that inevitably earned him two Best Supporting Actor Academy Awards and numerous accolades.

Think of “Viva Zapata!”, for which Quinn won his first Oscar.  He played the boozing, carousing romantic Eufemio, a foil to Marlon Brando’s Emiliano Zapata.  Consider his starring role as Paul Gauguin in “Lust for Life”, for which he won his second Oscar.  He plays the balance in the dickering, challenging, competitive friendship with fellow artist Kirk Douglas’s Van Gogh.  There was his passionate rendition of Santiago in the TV adaptation of Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea”, a performance many might say deserved more recognition.  And his endearing Nick Acropolis, attempting to court the uninterested Rose Muldoon, played by Maureen O’Hara.

We could revisit each of the over 160 roles the Chihuahua born (1915) Anthony Quinn played in dramas, comedies, westerns, numerous other genre films and TV series and shows.  We could appreciate the many dedicated sites that speak his praises, but better, we could also rent or buy the films and revisit and confirm how we esteemed the stunningly flexible and fine actor in memoriam.

As every child who has fought a duel with a flashing lightsabre knows, you can’t have more fun than with space toys. TV show and movies offer lots of opportunities to adults too.  We call them models or collectibles! Since George Lucas practically invented the concept of movie tie-in merchandise, it has been just as important to the producers as ticket sales, if not more so. The most successful of the science fiction franchises is Star Wars and Star Trek. Long may they battle.

Both have a range of action figures, space vehicles and trading cards. There are also beautifully made chess sets. Star Wars covers the classic space toys from the original trilogy together with the recent prequels. It’s successfully entertained two generations. Dad and junior can fight it out as Hans Solo and Anakin Skywalker. Original toys from the 1970s in good condition with the box intact may be worth quite a bit of money. As each film comes out, the collection grows. There are figures of Jedi Knights, Chewie, Yoda, Luke Skywalker and a Tusken Raider.  You can own the lightsabre belonging to Darth Vadar or Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Emperor Palpatine’s staff. There are various vehicles such as a Jedi Starfighter, a Snowspeeder and Luke Skywalker’s Imperial Chopper.

Star Trek developed a cult following in the 1960s and fans were heartbroken when the original TV series was cancelled. The franchise was saved when movies and more Trek shows followed. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise have continued creator Gene Roddenbury’s vision. This has given fans a lot of space toys to collect. Various models of the Starship Enterprise have appeared over the years. Another favorite is the Klingon Bird of Prey and the Borg Cube. The captains all appear in action figure form -  the original Captain Pike, Captains Kirk, Picard, Janeway and Archer. Mr. Spock, Worf and Data are also popular. Captain Jean Luc Picard also appears as Locutus from the episode where he morphs into one of the Borg. One of the more bizarre space toys is the little, furry pet known as Tribbles. These animals had their own storyline in an episode from the first Star Trek series, called The Trouble with Tribbles. They caused a lot of trouble indeed, as they would not stop breeding. Hopefully the replicas for sale don’t present the same problem, although it might be safer just to own one of them.

Country music is certainly one of the most popular genres there is. Part of the appeal comes from the true to life lyrics that you often hear in a country song. Although the faces of country music have changed over the years, you can still hear the strong influence of some of the music pioneers within the lyrics. One of those who set the standard for what country music should be is Johnny Cash. One just needs to listen to Johnny Cash music to hear what a gifted and influential trailblazer he was.

In recent years the music of this American legend has once again taken certain stage. Although he has left this world, Johnny Cash music is going strong. Some of that can be attributed to an award winning movie which detailed his rise to fame. The movie is filled with Johnny Cash music, albeit sung by Joaquin Phoenix who takes on the daunting role of the man in the black.  The movie itself spurred a whole new generation to listen to and enjoy the music of this master.

Unlike when he first burst onto the scene, music isn’t sold on cassette or vinyl any longer. It’s now the age of the CD and that is even becoming a distant memory in favor of an MP3 player and an Internet connection. Johnny Cash music can be downloaded from many sites and it’s not uncommon to find a Johnny Cash song within the top ten downloads on any given site.  The songs all have a story to them. They touch so many people because they are incredibly genuine and raw. Johnny Cash faced some difficult times in his life and much of that was captured in his music. The songs are timeless and speak to generation after generation.

Of course you can listen to this music in other ways besides downloading it or running out to buy a CD. There are many DVD’s now available that also feature Johnny Cash music. Many of them come complete with footage of Johnny and his wife June Carter Cash performing. For any fan of their music it’s an extra special treat to watch them singing together. They had a rare chemistry that transcended into their music.  Musicians aren’t out of luck either when it comes to the music of Mr. Cash. Many songbooks have sheet music for the songs of Johnny Cash. Being able to play Johnny Cash music is an inspiration to those who hope to one day follow in his footsteps. Although anyone who was lucky enough to see Johnny Cash in person would tell you that he was definitely one of a kind.

Who doesn’t like kung-fu flicks? I think it’s safe to say that millions of us watched these cheesy films as kids, and maybe even still do on occasion. On this is for sure, they’re not nearly as popular as they were back in the day. Folks now are more interested in CG and things a human body cannot truly do without the assistance of a computer. I suppose this is only natural since we have the technology. The classic martial arts weapons are also becoming a thing of the past. These days it’s all about high-tech firearms and explosives. It’s not realistic for Jet Li to face an opponent in downtown Los Angeles with a Tiger Fork or 8 foot spear. Martial arts are definitely evolving to suit the times.

If you’re into some sort of martial style, then you already know that the martial arts world is changing and evolving. That stuff Bruce Lee was rambling on about is dead on the money. Talk about a fellow that was far ahead of his time. Folks commend him now days, while he caught plenty of grief back then. As fighting styles continue to evolve and intertwine, martial arts weapons are getting less popular. Now let’s ponder this issue for a moment. Traditional martial arts weapons, aside from the knife, are not viable in modern day life. There are literally over 100 of them, and most are too large or obscure to wield in a public setting. Besides, in reality no martial arts weapons can compete with a firearm. We heard Bruce Lee say it back in the early 70’s and it holds true today. That nunchaku scene you saw last week in a kung-fu flick was entertaining and all, but only a fool would brandish those if assaulted in an alley or dark parking level. A knife, tazer, firearm or can of pepper spray would be much more effective.

Don’t get me wrong! When it comes to traditional martial arts weapons and forms, they do have their place. They can be fun to learn and certainly build precision, strength and coordination. Furthermore, you can still purchase any of them you please. However, if you’re doing it for real self-defense, you might want to ask yourself what’s really practical.

It is not possible for humans to go or grow backwards.  We cannot undo what we have done, cannot unsay what we have said.  We are existential, physical and metaphysical victims of entropy and cannot re-live, as far as we know, rethinking value judgments and statements.  A matched burned is spent.  An egg broken is cracked.  So where does Michael Jackson go from here?

Just as do many child stars, Michael Jackson made audiences coo and giggle at how adorable he was and impressed them with his talents.  Which at first were token up-stagings to his brothers also on stage as the Jackson Five.  Sure, he had a dynamic little dance and song that was very good, but what about hunky Jermaine, whose voice was smooth as caramel and who was in this writer’s teen year opinions, the most gorgeous of the group?  Somehow, just as Donny did and then Marie did, taking exile and autonomy from The Osmonds, Michael Jackson went solo and made his group old news in a matter of Pop Chart weeks.

Okay, so Michael Jackson’s a star in his own right.  The Jackson Four, after Jermaine and Jackie each tried the solo route to little acclaim become ordinary Joes, no pun intended. Now Marlon’s a real estate broker, Tito’s turning his own kids out into a fairly good boy band and doing some blues singing on his own.  And Randy is running the official Michael Jackson website.

Michael is the superstar.  He sells out his first albums “Off the Wall”, “Thriller”, and “Bad”.  He starts an innovative choreography craze that includes original moves and vocals imitated the world over.  He starts fashion trends — one glove, black and white and white.  He starts cosmetic alterations.  And he starts commenting on his own greatnesses.  First he is king of pop, then he is a picked on victim, hence his responsive “Bad” single.  Then he is Jesus Christ.  In one magazine the photos show Michael Jackson onstage, hands outstretched in mock crucifixion and reveal his comments as more than implying he is the second coming.

Other opportunities to speak have Michael Jackson leaning a bit high up on the grandeur scale.  “I love E. T. ‘cus it reminds me of me. Someone from another world coming down and you becoming friends with them and this person is, like, 800 years old and he’s filling you with all kinds of wisdom and he can teach you to fly.”  “…But still I must achieve. I must seek truth in all things. I must endure for the power I was sent forth, for the world, for the children. But have mercy for I’ve been bleeding a long time now.”

On one web page, titled “Michael: Who is Like the Lord,”  there are two pictures, two buttons for voting whether you believe in him, yes or no.  And one quote, from Proverbs 3:6: “In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.”  The climb up has been controversial, dangerous and telling.  But now that Michael has lived the public life, the vilified life, the circus freak life and the persecuted life, how does he get any higher?  How does he, conversely, get to a place where he is not the Michael Jackson of Michael Jackson fame?

Some of us make efforts to return to simpler ways and times.  Rather than making recycling our reason for being, we consume less and thereby use less plastic, paper, wood, metal, aluminum, etc.  Rather than get all tendentious about saving the whales and the rainforests and the beasts of human consumption, we avoid man made items, become vegetarian and grow our own foodstuffs.  And instead of fighting this or that pollution, we limit our mileage or ride bikes, we turn down the noise and we take in less consumer targeted TV.  But we know we cannot move backwards, as a collective.  We know we cannot devolve.

So how will Michael Jackson start again, re-inventing himself, masking the masks with more masks, coming down off the cross of that which he himself has said he is on?  How do you go from billionaire martyr to hermit in a nice, simple hut?  Inculcated as a sheik?  Disguised as an Arab woman behind his favorite black chador?