Category: Editorials

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Coming Out About Coming Up

For nearly two decades, I’ve been at the forefront of the digital revolution, crafting and launching online platforms. In the early days of the internet, we were pioneers, brimming with anticipation, navigating unchartered waters without a compass. Few of us foresaw how deeply it would permeate every aspect of our existence.

The phrase “World Wide Web” still echoes from my memory. It came to life in the era of 286 computers, during the embryonic stage of web-browsers. This was akin to unveiling a “New World” to me, a term that later birthed my first website: New World Builders. This name was born from my conviction that we stood at the threshold of a virtually unknown world. The subtitle I used? The New World Wide Web.

So impassioned was I by the potential of the internet that I liquidated my assets, sometimes generously donating them, and plunged into the realm of creativity to chase my dream: creating a web platform that encourages users to transcend their horizons and explore this new world. My secondary platform, “Dreamland,” reflected my creative inclinations, housing an array of short stories, introspective prose, and romantic poetry, all reflecting my deepest musings.

Collectively, I’ve created a mosaic of websites and generated thousands of pages of content—original or repurposed—spanning topics from building materials and indoor air quality to literature, art, fashion, home products, dating, high-speed trains, and beyond.

If someone asked “Why?” I’d answer: because the internet has democratized self-expression, creation, discovery, and self-investment, allowing anyone to reach a global audience. Never before has it been so easy to share music, poetry, stories, or any form of art, evident in the millions of blogs and websites currently on the internet. Nowadays, anyone can author a book, compose a song, create a music video, and share it with the world, often for free.

Coming Up Magazine, another project of mine, is an evolution of my earlier works. The term “Coming Up” used to denote coming across a desired object, sometimes obtained by unsavory means. Today, “Coming Up” means “on the rise” or “up next.” It is frequently used in media to announce what’s forthcoming.

This music and entertainment-focused platform stemmed from a conversation with my son about essential life and business practices. I advised him to be more than a writer, photographer, or artist—to become a publisher. Why wait for someone else to promote your work when you can do it yourself?

Another motivation was to help my daughter promote her music as an independent singer and band member. Today, Coming Up Magazine showcases up-and-coming bands and musicians, people, places, and things on the brink of success. It’s also a continuation of my original writings, “Coming Up – A Street Wise Guide Through Life, Learning, and Love”.

For me, “Coming Up” symbolizes the necessary transformation we all must undergo to better ourselves and reach our potential, both individually and globally, for the survival of our species and our planet.

I embarked on this creative journey in my college days, typing away on an old Brother digital typewriter. The process keeps my mind sharp and creative while challenging my perspectives. Editing and publishing reviews and stories for Coming Up Magazine exposes me to music and art I wouldn’t usually encounter, keeping me receptive to younger generations.

I invite you to join me on this journey of growth and “Coming Up”.

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Be Cool

Welcome to my webpage!

Here, I want to make something abundantly clear: I will never judge or criticize you based on your beliefs or affiliations. Whether you identify as an atheist or believe in God, whether you align with the Democrats or Republicans, or whether you identify as Muslim, hippie, witch, black, white, gay, or straight – I am here to support you.

In a world where people often point fingers and hurl hurtful words, I stand firmly by your side, ready to defend you against any form of discrimination or derogatory remarks. I believe in the power of respect and understanding, even when we may disagree on certain topics. We don’t have to see eye to eye on everything to earn my respect, but grace and politeness go a long way.

However, let’s be clear: there is no place here for rude or nasty behavior. I have no tolerance for assholes or people who bring negativity into the space we’re creating. If you can’t be a gentleman or a lady, then it’s best if you go your own way. It’s time for all of us to strive for better, to take responsibility for our actions and words.

We all have one precious life, and it’s essential to live it well and help others along the way. Hard work and contributing to society are vital, and relying solely on the government to take care of us is not the solution. It’s time for each of us to step up and make a positive impact.

So, join me on this journey of respect, understanding, and personal growth. Let’s strive for a world where differences are celebrated, where kindness prevails, and where we can all contribute to making a better future. Together, we can create something truly remarkable.

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Band Paramore

Paramore As Nirvana’s Successor for Flagship Band of Disaffected Youth in the Modern World

 


Nobody may have suspected it, but the young (and not immensely sizable) lead singer and songstress, Hayley Williams, of “Paramore”, currently fills some very big shoes.

The originally Tennessee-based, now LA-based, band has an unparalleled range in repertoire, from elementary ballads, to immense rock-orchestral
compositions spanning the spectrum of all possible intricacy and genius – a band Kurt Cobain would have regarded as possessing that rarest but most sought-after of traits: raw girl power.

Though there is only one feminine element of which to speak, literally, in the group, the raw masculinity of the chord progressions are not encountered by Williams’s breadth and depth of vocal range, from lilting lullaby-esque dreaminess to hardcore, visceral, even Visigoth battle cries, harking back to Cobain’s signature roar which expressed the inexpressible sadness and repression of a youth culture barraged by the pseudo intellects and bureaucratic limitations of the Baby Boomer generation.  Though both Cobain and Williams missed out on speaking for or against any war efforts by a hair’s breadth of timing, their expression of eternal rebelliousness in the face of unjust restraints disguised as stream-of-consciousness poetic renditions remains unmistakable in the wake of such artists as Lennon and Dylan and their decoding reinterpretations for the masses.

Hayley Williams, of "Paramore"

Hayley Williams, of “Paramore”

Take the songs “Ignorance” andMonster”.  There are few pop songs in the modern catalogue which seem to eerily echo sentiments of fury, anguish, and the irrevocable as a battle cry in the face of corporate marketing polish as Cobain’s genius did in deconstructing the pop rock album with the most slithery of punk-anthemic compositions – on a record which sounded like the Beatles had reinvented themselves with a taste for distortion pedals and tympanic reverberation (“Lithium” could well be a latter-day McCartney song, if he were so inclined towards such metallic tastes).

People may quickly class Paramore away as a subcultural and/or “emo” penchant, but they remain ignorant of the relative lack of comparable talent in the deluge that is modern college rock radio.  Few songs can bring one to tears, but take a listen to “All I Wanted”, “Renegade”, or “(One of Those) Crazy Girls” to sense a Rachmaninoff counterpoint emotionally-influencing counterpart to Cobain’s religiosity of reverence for today’s shattered youth.

Not merely that, but it is highly recommended that you add to your CD or vinyl collection their latest self-titled epic, which I give five out of five stars (not merely for its motif of lilting reminiscence for Cobain’s personal fave composition, the watery “Drain You” if you want to hear one of the most mind-blowing anthemic conquests of the radio waves ever launched – and find yourself a new (if not already well-versed) Paramore fan; particularly for the starry ballad “Hate to See Your Heart Break”, among others, which show their evolution from film soundtracks to the soundtrack of our very lives – something that rarely to never happens, already signifying them as a gem among the vast and barren sands.

If you would ever suggest that someone could hold a candle to Lennon, Cobain, or Dylan in today’s age, be prepared to be honest with yourself and those to whom you are eternally obliged – your fellow man (and fan) – and shout that Williams lights an eternal torch in remembrance and steady continuation of the impassioned outcry that was the war song of those countless harnessing the raw untapped power of the genius within us all for recognizing the genius in others; after all, as the great Schopenhauer himself – an ardent music aficionado – once said: “Intellect is invisible to the man who has none.”

I’m glad we can see clearly now – that the rain is gone – here in sunny California.

Paramore on Facebook

Music


About the Author: Nolan Aljaddou is an alumnus of the University of Nebraska Omaha, and has authored a book and several papers on physics.  He started playing guitar at the age of 12 and writes extensively on Psychology, Mathematics, Physics, Philosophy and of course, Music.

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Dangerous Trump

Is this Political Ad from Trump too Dangerous for Prime Time?

Personally, I don’t feel it’s too dangerous, at least no more than any other commercial being aired this campaign cycle. I do think this election is dangerous in general, however. There is so much hostility from both sides that it makes following it tiresome and frustrating, and dangerous in the sense that you can’t walk outside wearing a pro-Hillary shirt or a pro-Trump “Make America Great Again” cap without fear of being punched.

The fighting  among   Facebook “friends”  on Social Media and family members seems downright hostile and brutal.  Hell, I have to admit, I am even guarded in my post for fear of being called a bigot or hater.  What kind of People have we become? I don’t think I am bigot and I have always tried to be fair and balanced in my opinions.

What will be tomorrow’s Politics be like? How can we go back to the way things use to be? Is this the new Politic?

I hope that this is not a sign of things will be be forever. The riots, the protests, the violence the mudslinging and nasty way the media is treating both Democrats and Republicans.

In any event, I have to say I learned a lot this election.  I have learned that anyone is capable of being nasty and hating and thinking their view is the only correct view.  I also learned that the status quo does not like change.

Enough said – what do you think of this ad?

Regardless of your opinion or party, a Democracy requires the voices and thoughts of all of us.

Now Push Play


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Men, We Need to Talk

Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Too many men are ‘toughing it out’, keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling in silence.

When things get tough, we need to talk. Reach out, take action, and look after ourselves and each other.

Today, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day, and we believe it’s important to take a look at videos like these and spread love and awareness when it comes to the heavily stigmatized topic of suicide.

Many who have trichotillomania and dermatillomania don’t see a way out of the disorder. We might see ourselves us broken, unlovable, scarred, defective or any other negative thought that might stew around in our heads, and you know what? It gets to us. It gets to us and sometimes when we’re faced with these disorders that so many professionals don’t know about and no one seems to be able to help us with, we get lost, and our thoughts turn even darker. If you’re among those who might be thinking that suicide is the only escape from this, or any of your problems, it’s not. There is help and there is hope. Reach out to suicide hotlines, online support groups, friends, family, anyone that you trust for love and support, and let them know that you’re struggling. Know that you are not alone, and that you can get better, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now. You can.

o speak with someone immediately, contact National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
If life is in danger, call 911 or go directly to emergency services.

 

JOSHUA LUKE SMITH RELEASES POWERFUL TRACK AND VIDEO FOR WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS OF SAMARITANS

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THE ESSENTIAL KEY TO SUCCESS

The greatest lesson I’ve learned over the years is that the essential key to success is Keeping Your Word.

 THE ESSENTIAL KEY TO SUCCESS

The greatest lesson I’ve learned over the years is that the essential key to success is Keeping Your Word.

At the heart of successful entrepreneurship or artistic pursuit, three values reign supreme: Integrity, Trust, and Respect. How does one cultivate these pillars of success? It begins with honoring your word.

Indeed, it’s as straightforward as it sounds. Be consistent and dependable, even when the tasks seem trivial. They could hold immense importance to others and significantly influence your relationship or project’s trajectory. So, if you’ve promised to email or call someone ‘before Thursday,’ ensure it is done by then. This may sound stern, but maintaining reliability and punctuality forms the foundation of trust—your paramount focus.

So, what often disrupts our good intentions to keep our word? Overcommitment is a likely culprit. If, like me, you’re quick to jump on new ideas and projects, there may come a time when you realize you’ve overextended yourself. Suddenly, your commitment to a project is untenable due to time constraints and competing priorities. This predicament is common—trust me, I’ve been there. That’s why it’s wise to deliberate before agreeing, learn to prioritize, and choose what will serve you and your career best. It’s about respect—both for yourself and your collaborators.

Navigating the music industry, or any competitive field, is tough, but it’s crucial to remember that you can adhere to your ethical standards and still attain your objectives. Embrace the fact that integrity and honesty will always propel you further in life than shortcuts or deceit. This is the path to true and lasting success.

More from the author

Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump

Why it’s time for a Trump revolution




Reprinted from the New York Times

My friends are worried about me. They insist something is not right and suggest prayer, counseling, even rehab. “Take a break,” they urge. “Get away for a few days and clear your head.”

They are wise and kind, and it would be foolish to dismiss their concerns. Truth be told, there are moments when I doubt myself. Am I making a huge mistake? Am I losing my mind?

Perhaps I am. My friends say that’s the only possible explanation for the fact that I might support Donald Trump for president.

The insanity defense is all that’s left now that the smart set has declared that it’s immoral and indecent to even think about voting for Trump. OK, call me immoral and indecent as well as crazy, because I’m thinking about it.

It’s been a long road to get here. When Trump’s name first popped up, I joked about moving to Canada. When he launched his campaign, I cursed him, certain he was going to create a circus just when Republicans finally had a strong field of candidates.

I was intrigued by many of them, starting with Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, John Kasich, Scott Walker and Jeb Bush. Others I admired while believing they wouldn’t get far — Ted Cruz, Bobby Jindal, Ben Carson, Lindsey Graham, George Pataki and Carly Fiorina.

I like those Republicans even though I’m a registered Democrat, just not that kind of Democrat. I voted for President Obama in 2008, believing he meant it when he said no red states, no blue states, only the United States. The barrier he broke added to his appeal.




Six months later, I was off the bus. It was already clear Obama had no intention of building a consensus on anything, although few realized he would be such a radical and partisan polarizer. He may love America, but doesn’t seem to like actual Americans. Other than himself, of course.

With the world on fire thanks to his abdication of global leadership, and with the home front nervous and angry, the 2016 race couldn’t come soon enough. I hoped a Democrat would emerge who realized that Obama had set us on a course that was dangerous and unsustainable, with our ­national debt exceeding $18 trillion.

Clearly, neither Bernie Sanders nor Hillary Clinton is that Dem, though I’ll vote for Sanders in the New York primary just to send her a message.

Following Obama, Clinton’s election would be a calamity. She would be beholden to him, and unable to shift much from his disastrous policies. And who knows what she really believes?

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Besides, if the Clintons are rewarded with the White House again, it would be impossible to demand honesty from any public official in America. She’s thoroughly corrupt and, in the memorable words of the late William Safire, a “congenital liar.” Voting for her is a give up on the future.

So I’m stuck with Republicans, but my favorites were rejected, with only Kasich surviving by a thread. Frankly, I don’t blame voters. They’ve had it with vanilla men who play nice and quietly lose elections. If the nominee is another Mitt Romney, Clinton would win in a landslide.

As noted, I do admire Cruz, but he strikes me as more Barry Goldwater than Ronald Reagan. He’s whip smart, but too rigid ideologically and personally joyless. If I were president, I would nominate him for the Supreme Court in hopes he could fill Antonin Scalia’s shoes as the leading constitutionalist.

Which leaves only Donald J. Trump. He’s weird, erratic and I have no idea what he will say or do next. His nasty put-downs of rivals and journalists, especially Megyn Kelly, diminish him. His policies are as detailed as bumper stickers and his lack of knowledge about complex issues scares me.

If he weren’t the GOP front-runner, the gaps in his game would make it easy to dismiss him. But dismissing him requires dismissing the concerns of the 7.5 million people who have voted for him. That I can’t do.

My gut tells me much of the contempt for Trump reflects contempt for his working-class white support. It is one prejudice gentry liberals and gentry conservatives share.

It is perhaps the last acceptable bigotry, and you can see it expressed on any primetime TV program. The insults don’t all seem good-natured to me. I grew up in central Pennsylvania, surrounded by the kind of people supporting Trump, and I sympathize with their worsening plight.

For generations, they went all in for the American dream. Their families fought the wars, worked in the factories, taught school, coached Little League and built a middle-class culture. Now they are abandoned and know it.

Nobody speaks for them. The left speaks for the unions, the poor and the nonwhite, even shedding tears for illegal immigrants and rioters and looters. The GOP speaks for the Chamber of Commerce, big business and Wall Street.

Trump alone is bringing many of these forgotten Americans into the political system, much as Obama did with millennials and black voters. Trump has done it with full-frontal attacks on lopsided trade deals and a broken immigration system. His message is a potent brew of populism and nationalism that reaches across the partisan divide, and the public response is stirring the country.

In fact, many who despise Trump concede he is right that globalization and the open-border flood of cheap labor, while benefitting many Americans, has hurt many others. But instead of working to fix a broken status quo, many on the left and right echo each other’s venomous attacks against him. One day he is Mussolini, the next he’s Hitler, and he’s routinely accused of hate speech and racism.

What is his great sin? Breaking the taboo about what ails the middle class? Daring to challenge a power system that only pretends to have the consent of the governed?

The shame is that others didn’t beat him to it.

For his chutzpah, tens of millions of dollars are being poured into attack ads against Trump, and the urgent blue-nosed concerns about dark pools of money in politics have vanished. As long as he’s the target, all is fair.

Often, the avalanche of sludge against Trump looks and sounds like a reactionary confederacy fighting to keep its power and privileges. Naturally, the mainstream ­media is slashing away.

A Washington Post editorial claims that stopping Trump is the only way to “defend our democracy.” In other words, those troublesome voters are the problem.

A New York Times columnist raised the prospect of assassination. Sure, it was a joke. Make that joke about Obama or Clinton and see who laughs.

I would be delighted to support a more conventional candidate who has Trump’s courage and appeal, but we don’t always get to pick our revolutionaries. And make no mistake, Donald Trump is leading a political revolution that is long overdue.

 

Articles or opinions expressed by others are not necessarily the opinions or thoughts of this writer.