Unequality: The Result of Equality

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  (Declaration of Independence)  And I believe it is under these beliefs that forced American society to change its beliefs many times in the last century or so.  From the abolishment of slavery of slavery in 1865 to the civil rights movements of the 1950's and 1960's.  From the women's rights movement that lasted many decades from late 1800's to mid-late 1900's, to the gay/lesbian rights movement of the present.  Let me start off by saying that in no way am I stating that any of these are or were wrong.  In fact, I am all for equality BUT is everyone really equal?

When I worked as a courier in the Orlando area, I had the pleasure of discovering all the different types of businesses, and as I waited I also had the opportunity to learn a bit about the company that I was visiting.  One of these companies was run by women and had only women working in the company and they were proud to display this message in their lobby.  Women have fought long and hard to have the same rights as men, but what if men decided to start a company run by men with only male employees.  I doubt that company would last very long.  The Equal Opportunity Act prohibits this.

We all know the history of the suffering that Africans have had to endure throughout centuries.  Forced into slavery by the many civilizations that found their way into the country.  We all know of the many great African Americans that have helped to shape this great country into what it is today.  I know all this and I am not trying to say that the past should be forgotten.  However, in the end, instead of equality black people have auto-segregated themselves by having a special freedom that white people don't have.  First, I would like to bring up BET (BLACK Entertainment Television).  Have you ever seen a WET (White Entertainment Television)?  Second, February is black history month in the USA.  Any guesses for what month is White history month?  The black community and activists like Rev. Al Sharpton would have a field day with this one.

Now, the battleground of equality is being fought by the gay/lesbian community.  Should they have the same rights as heterosexual people.  Of course!  We all share the same air and space in this round home we call Earth.  Should they have their own channel, month, day, year, mascot, or maybe parade?  Let me ask another one, should heterosexuals have any of the above?

But what kind of equality are we fighting for that gives more rights to one gender, one race, one heritage, one religion because it feels it has been wronged.  If one group wants to be considered equal to the other than they should abide by the same rules as the other group.  Why not focus on creating businesses where women and men work together?  Why not create a channel that includes all of humanity and not just one group of people?  Why not create a whole year celebrating the achievements of all, instead of a month that celebrates those of a particular group?  How about a parade where everyone can walk together and celebrate each other, instead of only those that make up a certain group?

If you ask me..in the search for equality we've only managed to become unequal.

Never Eat Shredded Wheat

When I was very young my cousin Vinny (no not the movie) once used the phrase in the title as a reference to remember the directions north, south, east, west.  Great Jon, why do I need to know this?  Well, it turns out that he knew something as a kid that I, and probably you too, only found out today.

I was listening to my favorite radio morning show today, Elvis Duran and Morning Zoo, and Dr. Oz was on talking about many topics, one of which involved Greg T being naked which didn't interest me too much.  But he did bring up something that made me think about it enough that I decided to look into it.  Lucky for you 4 or 5 people that are reading this, I would like to share what I found with you.

Wheat is bad for you in a way that has nothing to do with your gut.  It turns out that wheat may cause problems focusing and memory dysfunction in some people, along with that nice little gut that we spend hours at the gym trying to get rid of.  In people that already have some kind of mental disorder or issue the effects of wheat on the brain are even more severe.  It can cause delusions, panic attacks, behavioral issues and other brain related issues.

Another thing that Dr. Oz said that really caught my attention is that wheat triggers activity in the same area of the brain as crack cocaine does...meaning that it can be addictive.  Before you close the blog and think what is this guy talking about, think about it.  You're at a restaurant and the waiter brings over a basket of warm bread.  You take one put some butter on it and eat it.  Do you stop there???  Probably not, I know I don't.

If you're interested in seeing how wheat effects you, I guess the simplest way would be to eliminate temporarily for like a week or 2 from your diet.  According to Dr. Oz you will feel a difference.  He also said that you should probably check with your doctor, but come on...you're going to get there and he/she is probably going to tell you "well, try going a week without.  It won't hurt."  So let me save you the 100 or so dollars that your going to spend for a consultation and tell you "Just try it."

Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-david-perlmutter-md/gluten-impacts-the-brain_b_785901.html
http://www.wellsphere.com/heart-health-article/wheat-brain/1396843

ORLANDO GETS IT'S FIRST PROFESSIONAL TEAM

Wait!  Doesn't Orlando already have the Orlando Magic?  Aren't they a professional sports team? 

To put it simply.....NO!!!!   The Orlando Magic have always been a second rate team.  This year they are celebrating the 25th year anniversary.  The only celebration they've ever had, really, since they've failed to actually win a championship.

Now that I got that off my chest, last night at the Cheyenne Saloon in downtown Orlando MLS announced its first expansion team.  It was none other than Orlando City SC and it's going to bring a much needed lift to the local community. 

image from Orlando City SC's Twitter page (@OrlandoCitySC) 

In a state where sports franchises in football, basketball, baseball, and hockey are already well established in other cities, Orlando has kind of been the destination for families wanting to enjoy the theme parks.  Now Orlando, has something that no other city in Florida has, an MLS soccer team.

I've followed the efforts that Orlando City SC made on their twitter to rally support for the construction of the stadium and it was more than clear to me that if it was to be accepted into the MLS, Orlando will embrace the team and support it like no other.  If anything the marketing alone has shown that Orlando is ready!!!

The club has all the ingredients for success already but the Brazilian owner, Flavio Augusto da Silva has a secret ingredient that will probably win support from soccer fans all over the world.  In an interview and on Orlando City SC's official twitter page Flavio Augusto da Silva is quoted as saying, "We intend to bring a Brazilian soccer star to Orlando." 

Everyone knows I have my special relationship with Orlando, but this definitely improved its rating with me (but I'll still only wear my Gremio jersey).  All that's left is to wait and see what the new kid on the block has in store for us.

GO ORLANDO CITY SC!!!!!  E DA-LHE GREMIO CARALHO!!!!!

Intro to Me

You know that person that always has a different opinion than the rest, or that can find something wrong in anything.  Well, even though I'm not like that all the time...I do like to be that guy and hey, I'm pretty good at it.  For that reason I decided to call this blog "Do Contra," which in Portuguese, is basically what I described in the opening sentences.

I do have my opinions on just about everything there is, and since the Internet is a place where one can voice their opinions freely, I decided to take my opinion and share it with all.  After all, like every human out there I believe the sun, moon, stars, and heavens revolve around me so of course you'd want to read what I have to write.

SO GET READY FOLKS.  I'll be commenting on anything that comes to mind so check back.  Maybe I'll hit a topic that interests you or that fires you up.  I won't be holding back so emotions will be shown and some elbows might be getting thrown around.  I will try to make it as G-rated as possible, though.

Anyways, for those that have read this...thanks for tuning in.  And for those that are reading this a month a year or 2 years from now (or however long I decide to keep this up) thanks for coming fashionably late to the party.

Do Contra Out!!!!