As evidenced by the firing of Hank Williams Jr from Monday Night Football and the unmitigated trampling of his First Amendment rights, it has become quite apparent that the NFL has moved dangerously far to the left. In the NFL, just as in our country, one can have his liberties forsaken only because he dares to disagree with the powers that be.
It shouldn’t work. The song should collapse under the weight of earnest lyrics and guitar-hero theatrics. But Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”, doesn’t collapse, it soars – an accidental masterpiece from a mediocre band. The song only reached #9 on the charts during its initial release, but has since become the #1 selling iTunes track of all time, thanks to its use in two of the biggest television events of the past decade.
As the author of my best-selling techno-sea thriller Sea Fury, I am often asked if I’m bothered by others writing in the same genre. My answer is always, “Most certainly not!” In fact I encourage any young writer I meet to try his or hand at writing a techno-sea thriller. Writing a techno-sea thriller can be very valuable, rewarding, and, honestly, quite challenging experience.
First of all, let’s talk about the smell. It’s real, and it’s powerful. As I waited for the light to change, crossing Main Street on First toward City Hall, the smell began to waft over to me. It was a thick mixture of unwashed skin, week old garbage, and the sickly sweet odor of shit. As I entered the park it became overpowering. I wasn’t sure how long I could take it. The smell acts as a guardian at the gates of Occupy L.A., testing the mettle of all intruders.