Don't Have a Cow Man

Everybody knows that Tom Cruise is a Scientologist, right? As Big Dave documented last month, there are plenty of reasons to not like Tome Cruise, not entirely because of his beliefs, but that he comes across as a nut-job because of them. Sure, people can believe what they want, that's the beauty of living in America.

I really don't want to get into the details of the Church of Scientology, if you want the truth about the whole thing, visit this website. From what I have learned/heard though, is that the whole thing is just absurd. But my beliefs are not exactly in line with Christians or Jews or any other religion, so who am I to criticize the Church of Scientology anyway?

(I have to get this religion post out of the way before the next big thing happens. More on that later, I suppose?)

I got thinking about the Church of Scientology, and more specifically celebrity Scientologists this morning because I found out that Charles Crandall Finster is a Scientologist. So is Bartholomew Jojo Simpson. Two celebrities that I would not have guessed followed the beliefs. Those celebrity names not ringing a bell? Well, those are the names of cartoon characters better known as Chuckie from Rugrats and Bart Simpson. Those animated kids are voiced by Nancy Cartwright. Nancy Cartwright is a Scientologist, and has been since the late 1980's, and therefore, these cartoon kids are also. Whenever I find out that someone is a Scientologist, I immediately wonder what they're thinking about. What crazy thoughts are they thinking about? It blows me away how someone can be religious, subscribing to any religion, and also live a "normal" life. This is probably true because I am not religious. But I understand Christians, and what they believe (generally) and I don't have to wonder what they're thinking about because I've grown up in a world where Christian beliefs are the norm. But Scientology? Ive researched it a bit in the past on one of those midnight shifts at the old job where I spent a good 3 hours studying what Scientologist believe, and what they put people through, and what they expect from the believers to "advance." If I'm not mistaken, if you donate enough money, you can gain higher rank. So you buy you're way to the top? That just seems absurd. For example, Bart Simpson donated $10 million to the church in 2007, which is twice his (her) annual salary. You must really love that place to do that. So I guess I can't knock something I don't fully understand, but on the surface, to me, it just seems like a ridiculous waste of time and money. I don't know how much the people that go to church benefit from going there. Spirituality is important, and that should not be ridiculed by some Agnostic like me on a Saturday morning.

I say have fun, Scientologists, enjoy it. You obviously found something to believe in, even if it's probably a farce. Just don't go on TV and look like a moron. Jason Lee is a Scientologist, but he "doesn't want to be a spokesperson for anything." I like that. Just keep it to yourself. Enjoy what you do. After all, this is America, and you can do whatever you like.

Conan is still funny and celebrating a special holiday

I believe I have talked about Twitter before, but damn it, I'll do it again. If you hadn't noticed, Conan O'Brien decided to join Twitter. This is cool because Conan is everybody's hero. He's funny and we all miss him on TV. I don't remember a time when Conan wasn't on TV, because of my age. So anyhoo, last Friday, Conan decided to randomly follow someone who was following him. The person he randomly chose was Sarah Killen, from some po-dunk town in Michigan (shout-out) and said he would "change her life." It seems to have done exactly that. All of a sudden, she's on morning radio shows, CNN, Good Morning America, and I'm sure a number of other programs. Someone bought her a computer, and have helped her out with her coming wedding. This is amazing to me. I mean, people win stuff everyday, like the lottery, reverse flying V guitars, and other killer things, but this one is different if only because it was all made possible by the human touches of Twitter. The people that Tweet are real, and you can potentially have contact with the famous.

There are some people out there that feel that this is something that is not really that important and you have your own life to live or whatever. But to me, having a sort of connection with someone famous is pretty cool. I recall one criticism of Twitter that some people have brought up is the argument of "who cares?" Well you know what? I care. I want to know what Ashton ate for breakfast (even though i stopped following Ashton because he is useless on Twitter). I want to know what Jessica Alba is reading, or what Chad Ochocinco is doing this weekend. I care because these people are just people, who happen to be in the public spotlight. I'm a person, you're a person (presumably) and I care about what you are doing. I know it's hard for some people to understand, but I care about that. Even if it's just a temporary escape from everyday normal life. You can't just go through life bashing what other people enjoy. What a miserable person you would be. I'm guilty of this sometimes, but not nearly as much as some other people.

On a side note, today is 311 day. This is a national holiday for all fans of the band 311. Every other year, they put on a special concert to celebrate 311 day. Usually it involves them playing for approximately 4 hours, covering most of their catalogue, which dates all the way back some 20 years. It's really an impressive thing to see, that one band can give back to their fans with a concert that is so awesome. I am in envy of those that are privileged to attend. This year, they are offering a webcast of the concert on their website for a small fee. I doubt I will take advantage of it because I have to work tonight, but I would love nothing more than to watch that. Oh well...maybe in 2012?

So happy 311 day everyone, and always try to remain positive!

(ed. The 311 day concert is an entire 5 hours, not 4. even better)