The Mad Scientist!!

I want everyone to think back to High School for a moment. Do you remember those science classes where we got to play with bunsen burners, test tubes and all kinds of bright colored chemicals? Pretty cool wasn't it? We got to do something a little different. We were left to be responsible and make decisions, come up with a hypothesis, analyze data and wore cool lab coats allowing us to be mad scientists for an hour or so!!

Decision-making is something we deal with every second of our lives. My science classes offered me with an opportunity to make decisions in the form of a responsible adult. This was serious stuff!!! There I was, sitting by an open flame, with all kinds of distractions and thoughts going through my head. Should I explore science or follow the rules in a safe and adult fashion?
The reason why I am harping on about science is because one day in class a friend of mine (who will not be named-but he hailed from Scotland) decided to drink the contents of one of the test tubes. I cannot remember what it was but it certainly wasnt a good thing. He was ok by the way but I think had a bit of a belly ache!!

I refused the temptations of science and pretty much followed the rules!! This got me thinking about the decisons that I now make in my life regarding the temptations of science. Chemicals are all around us. They are in everything!! Especially our food!! Foods are riddled with all kinds of chemicals these days so everytime we eat certain food we are in theory drinking a little bit of the contents of the test tube

We are now faced with a choice. Do we all drink the test tube of unknown chemicals like my Scotish friend or do we take a step back, analyze what we are dealing with and then make a scientific and adult decison? I go with the later part of this comment!!

Adjectives to describe the majority of today's food: Modified, mass produced, unhealthy, fattening.........life threatening

We know that there are dangers to many things that we consume on a daily basis. Take smoking for instance. If you smoke you are polluting your body with chemicals that will ultimately kill you. Fact. Food is now right up there with smoking!! You are probably thinking 'what a ridiculous thing to say"!!! I say "not really". Food is killing us. Fast food=Fast life. Unhealthy food=unhealthy life

Food companies will get rich from producing food products that are the evil twin of the real thing. The wolves in sheeps clothing. The devils on our shoulders!! The food money men just like the cigarette money men will stop at nothing to promote their product. They want to sell their product and will say anything to do so. But who is really to blame?? Again, we can choose not to drink the chemicals!!

Its time to be High school students again!! Its time to put the lab coats back on and come to a scientific conclusion. If we are putting this rubbish into our bodies what good can come of that? I conclude that we need to get back to basics. Buy organic food that is free of chemicals. Support your local farmers by buying fresh produce. Read the labels on food before you buy it. Be scientists!!!Your health and your children's health should be your number one priority. Take a few minutes to learn more about healthy eating.

Stay safe, eat well
Thank you for reading this weeks post on the Glass Onion
Take care
Jonny

Music makes the World Go Round

Music can change everything!! There you go!! There's my statement. Whether you believe me or not I am absolutley convinced that music can and does in fact make the world go round!!

Music alter's our moods, and is all around us like a constant celebration of life. It reminds us of a time when things were perfect and allows us to suspend all disbelief. We are all rock stars when we feel like it. Performers on our own secret stage. Our bathroom mirrors are often our greatest critic but are also our number one fan!!

Whether soothing, or aggressive, music allows us to appreciate an experience that is quite often unparralelled by anything else on God's green earth. Too much? Did I take my thoughts of music too far? Not really. Music sways us from the norm. It sometimes moulds our fashion sense, haircuts, language, and outlook on life. Am I a hippie you might ask? No, just open minded. The diversity of music is a direct representation of the human exsitence and it certainly is a common language.

Ever heard of a fella called Elvis Prestley? I thought you might. How about James Brown? Have you ever sang along to Tom Petty's "FreeFalling' with extra umph? Danced arm in arm with someone to 'Unchained Melody'? What about a little air guitar behind closed doors? Don't be ashamed!! It's ok!! If you have ever indulged in something along those lines then you have been officially touched by the power of music! Music is in us all. It is intertwined within the fabric of every life on this planet. It comforts us, cheers us up, and heck if I actually was a hippie (which I might be) I would take this time to say something really out there and spacey. I might get carried away in some kind of 'Woodstock-esque' Haze'. But I will refrain!! No I won't...yes I will

Music is permanent and never leaves us. Even when the music stops we can still hear it in our heads and in our hearts. Its a memory of yesterday and a vision of a day to come. It helps us find our voice, and gather our thoughts. It brings people together, it motivates us and in turn brings us back down to earth. Music is present when we make mix tapes for those that we love to express our feelings. Music is present to celebrate a life,or to say goodbye. It is ever present when uniting two people who want to spend the rest of their lives together. Sound the violins, bang the drums, strum the mighty guitar, keep listening to, and embracing all the beautiful music. It will make a difference in some way you just don't realize it yet.


John Lennon's 'Imagine' brought the world together!! It signifies an image of peace, unity, and love. Alternatively the power of music has also divided people. National Anthems have separated good people and strengthened barriers such as the Berlin Wall. Music however, even helped bring down that very wall and for this point I must include a disclaimer


While I am mentioning the Berlin Wall and we are of course talking about music, I would like to take this opportunity to mention that even though David Hasselhoff was asked to perform as the wall was ripped down, his music seems to be ONLY enjoyed in Germany. Elsewhere his drinking skills or lack there of carry his fame!! There's a fine line between great music and short term entertainment. As mere mortals we usually cannot differentiate this until we get a little older and wiser!!! One thing that is undeniable though is the fact that music was playing when this incredible event took place.Anyway I digress.

That's music for you!! It comes in all forms and after all it is a matter of taste but I guess it all counts!!!

Is anyone convinced yet? We are all composers in our own right. A simple song can start or end something just as quickly. We take music with us where ever we go. Songs carry specific importance from political awareness, stories of peace, to pop songs sung by young girls that end up shaving their heads in public because it was all so much fun. Men who should clearly have stook to driving talking cars and walking around a beach wearing red swimming shorts getting in on the act. There's an audience for everyone but most importantly of all we are all our own audience and music is always on show.