From the infamous “Bible Code,” to “Testa-mints,” to Christian theme parks, the marketing world’s attempt to create products for a Christian audience runs the gambit from cheesy, to down right, insulting. And the biggest disappointment in the whole thing is that there are Christians willing to support any hair brained venture that appeals to their Christian identity. The most recent product to shamelessly try to profit on the public’s faith is Wholetones.

Wholetones was created by… oops sorry, discovered by Michael S. Tyrell, “renowned musician,” (renowned for what I can’t begin to imagine), “author and speaker,” and young Yanni lookalike. On his site wholetones.com Micheal S. delves deep into history (ahem) in order to illustrate the mood altering power of music. Something he didn’t have to do since anyone who’s had any contact at all with adolescents can already attest to the fact.

Here’s the jig: His Yanni-ness claims that he has discovered musical tones and frequencies that “Promote healing, break negative cycles, and restore sound sleep…” Isn’t that the nearly exact same claim made by the magnetic energy Power Balance Bracelet Company? And here’s the great part; the new age composer has such complete mastery of his newly discovered frequencies that he can actually prescribe particular tunes to treat particular ailments! For instance, according to the “Wholetones Review,” (which was written by the author apparently, making it anything but a real review), song one is “beneficial for Healing and helps support good organ function.” Song two helps with energy and creativity, and so on in that fashion through song seven. By the way, my favorite would actually be song seven which is “meant to be a purely spiritual and celebratory song.” I feel like I’m actually insulting my reader when I point out that all of these supposed benefits are completely unquantifiable through any scientific process!

The same review lists the pros and cons of the… what treatment?… program? The pros are of course effusive even claiming “a host of relationship benefits, such as forgiveness, awareness, and love.” It’s a wonder the Maestro stopped short of promising you’ll find that special someone. Not since “Wild Stallions,” of Bill & Ted’s fame has one musician or band held so much promise! But the cons of Wholetones are telling. “Resistance to the music may make it less beneficial because the mind and body will be resistant to the frequencies.” So if you know the sugar pills you’re taking are just sugar, they may not cure your headache!

If the reader needs anymore reason to doubt the Yanni-licious claims of Wholetones, let’s talk about the ever so attractive religious marketing approach being applied. First off throwing in the occasional scripture verse is not enough to insure a scriptural pedigree. The devil himself can quote scripture. Guru Tyrell thinks… yes thinks, he has discovered the same frequencies that King David, used to calm King Saul. Ok… let that set in for a minute. Read it again if necessary. I have no idea whatever, how he could possibly validate that but then that’s kinda the point isn’t it? “I am convinced that God had given these frequencies to King David…” Ok well so long as YOUR convinced, who’s going to tell you different? He then goes on to recite the story of his mother’s healing through the use of new age cords, all the while incorporating just enough Christianese to appeal to confused evangelical believers.

Don’t be fooled gentle reader. This is just the next trend in new aged feel- goodism, designed to appeal to people of faith. But for those who are either determined to believe in Dalai Tyrell’s Wholetones, or for those who think I’m exaggerating, feel free to visit the following site and get it right from the well… horse’s mouth: https://wholetones.com/opz/2 or http://healthyandfitzone.com/wholetones-review .

America is about to celebrate her 239^th birthday so why would we not show up to the party? There are plenty of places to celebrate in East Texas. If you live in Tyler, you’re probably well aware of the Fireworks Extravaganza at Lindsey Park on Spur 364. The park will open at 4 p.m. and the cost will be $10 per car. The fireworks will shoot off at dark. Spectators are not allowed to bring their own fireworks or alcohol to the park.

For those wanting to celebrate America’s birthday by enjoying America’s Pastime, a drive to the Ballpark in Arlington is well worth the trip. The Texas Rangers will host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California, West Coast United States (OK, I added a tad bit to that, but the name is still ridiculous.) It will mark the first time in a few years that the Rangers have been home and the game is slated for an 8:05 first pitch.

The folks at the Ballpark in Arlington always put on an impressive fireworks display and the fact it will follow the Rangers defeating the Angels (well, we’re hoping that’s the case anyway) is just icing on the cake.

As Bobby Hill would say, “America’s having a birthday, and we’re all invited.”

I read about how planets Venus and Jupiter were going to be so close to each other and walked out of my apartment, and there they were, shining real bright.

The two planets were just a third of a degree apart from the United States and to the naked eye, may resemble a double star. Others say it they resemble the Star of Bethlehem, where in B.C. 3 or 2, there was a very similar deal with two stars guiding those looking for direction.

Despite the fact they look like they’re extremely close together to the naked eye, they’re actually not. Venus is 58 million miles from earth while Jupiter is 565 million miles away. Jupiter is significantly larger but because it’s further away, the two like to be real close in size. In fact, Jupiter actually looks smaller.

The two stars were visible in the western skies and definitely made for am impressive sight. Over the past month, around the beginning of June, the two planets steadily moved closer and closer to one another. Some have speculated that after the first of July, two planets gradually separate but regardless, should provide a nice view in the night sky, starting about an hour or two after sunset.

First of all, what gives the supreme court the right to speak on behalf of all 50 states? Just a thought…

It’ll be interesting to see how Texas responds in the upcoming weeks and months. A lot of people will just use the issue to stir the pot and get attention. It’s like the old cliche, “You’re not happy unless you’re not happy’ and people will raise fuss about it just to get noticed.

I’m guessing before too long, these same people will go to the churches in Tyler and complain when the churches refuse to marry same-sex couples. It’s pretty stupid to do so because if a church doesn’t agree with your lifestyle, why would you insist on marrying them.

The issue with gay marriage is on the forefront more than ever before. In the past, if you stood up for what you believed in, you’d be applauded for it, even if it meant speaking against the issue. Now, you’re only applauded if you approve of what the Bible refers to as a sin, and it’s a double standard. If one person who agrees with homosexuality is applauded, why can’t my belief, which comes from the Bible at least be respected? Instead, people who announce that they are sexually attracted to people of their own sex are looked at as heroes, as if they actually saved someone’s life.

At any rate, it’s obvious that our politically correct, wishy washy culture has thrown values and integrity out the window and is willing to call an act between two men  or two women “Marriage.” In all actuality, our society has tainted marriage with divorce, premarital sex and homosexuality. To see it’s shameful would be an understatement.